Itachi Makes Up His Mind

As a ninja village, subordinates carried out their superiors' orders with remarkable speed.

Before long, orders issued from the Hokage's Office had spread throughout the village, and all relevant departments had begun making the necessary adjustments.

For a time, the entire village was abuzz with discussion.

"Are we really going to live alongside the Uchiha Clan? I heard they were behind the Demon Fox's rampage back then." Someone voiced their concern.

"Though I don't like those arrogant people either, they definitely didn't do this. They work diligently in the Police Force every day, yet you're badmouthing them behind their backs." Someone retorted.

"Exactly. Without them, the village's public safety wouldn't be this good."

"You people should stop worrying about it."

The ninja delivering the orders said, "Think about it. If the Uchiha Clan had really done something like that, would the Third Hokage have allowed them to remain in the village?"

"We should trust Lord Hokage. Every decision he makes is for the village's better development."

"I think this young fellow is right!" An old farmer who had just returned immediately joined the discussion when he saw everyone talking.

"When I was young, the Uchiha Clan got along very well with everyone, just like the other great clans. It was only after they were isolated by everyone in recent years that they became what they are now."

"Ah, so that's how it is. Then I can rest easy."

"Mm-hmm. The next time I see someone from the Uchiha Clan, I'll greet him."

Uchiha Clan Grounds.

A middle-aged man paced about anxiously before Fugaku Uchiha. "Clan Head, we can't hesitate any longer. We need to act quickly!"

Fugaku Uchiha remained silent. Ever since the Hokage's orders had been issued today, he had been considering the impact they would bring.

"Clan Head, what time do you think this is?"

"If you keep hesitating, we'll lose many clansmen who support us!"

Fugaku Uchiha lifted his gaze from the notice and looked at the man before him.

"Yao, our original intention was to let our clansmen live without discrimination. Isn't this exactly what you and I wanted?"

If there were any other path, if they could coexist peacefully with the village, Fugaku Uchiha would never consider taking the road of rebellion.

Yao Uchiha said bitterly, "Clan Head, you're confused! The Third Hokage clearly fears that we are too powerful when gathered together. He's trying to divide us with these petty benefits!"

"Once he confirms that we have no ability to resist, what awaits the Uchiha Clan will surely be the butcher's blade in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand!"

Fugaku Uchiha shook his head. He was not quite so pessimistic. After all, he understood the Third Hokage; he was an elder who saw the bigger picture.

"But you saw it at today's clan meeting. Many clansmen are already showing signs of backing down. They yearn to be accepted, and they also want to move back to our original grounds." Fugaku Uchiha said.

"Once the Uchiha Clan takes control of the village, they will be accepted all the same, and they can return to the original grounds all the same." Yao Uchiha still insisted on his view.

"By then, Clan Head, you will be the new Hokage. Who would dare show our Uchiha Clan any disrespect?"

"Let's wait and see a little longer, Yao." Fugaku Uchiha still shook his head.

"Clan Head, delays breed change. If you keep dragging this out, the Uchiha Clan will die by your hand."

Seeing that Fugaku Uchiha remained unmoved, Yao Uchiha said resentfully, "Chen Uchiha, Tu Uchiha, and I have already discussed it. If you cannot make up your mind, then we will act."

"By then, no one in the Uchiha Clan will be able to stay out of it. No one will be able to preserve himself!"

After saying that, Yao Uchiha left without giving Fugaku Uchiha a chance to speak.

Fugaku Uchiha's expression changed. Yao and the others were trying to force his hand!

Hokage's Office. Kakashi and Itachi knelt on one knee before the Third Hokage.

Because Shisui had been forced into social death and could not show his face in public, the burden of resolving the Uchiha Clan issue fell upon Kakashi and Itachi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the desk and looked at the two before him.

"Itachi, how has the Uchiha Clan reacted recently?"

Itachi Uchiha respectfully replied, "Some clansmen have doubts about your orders, but most of them are looking forward to the changes Konoha has made."

"That's good. Has Fugaku Uchiha made any moves?" Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.

After thinking for a moment, Itachi said, "Father seems to have abandoned the idea of rebellion, but several highly respected clansmen led by Yao Uchiha still refuse to give up. They want to continue persuading Father to launch a rebellion."

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into thought. Fugaku Uchiha had always longed for peace. It seemed that the village had let him down over the years.

However, it appeared that Fugaku was now in a difficult position.

After pondering for a moment, the Third Hokage knew that the village had only just begun trying to rebuild trust with the Uchiha Clan. If Yao of the Uchiha Clan and the others were mishandled at such a crucial moment, everything they had done before might go to waste.

What method should he use?

The Third Hokage quickly made his decision. No, he could not personally intervene in this matter!

The Third Hokage looked at Itachi again. "I have already given the Uchiha Clan an opportunity. If you cannot seize it yourselves, then there is nothing I can do."

Itachi Uchiha's expression remained calm. "Rest assured, Lord Third Hokage. I will resolve this matter."

"Then go and prepare properly. Whether the Uchiha Clan's glory can be preserved will depend on you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand. "Kakashi, you may provide Itachi with some help when appropriate, but you cannot intervene in the village's name."

"Yes!"

Kakashi and Itachi rose to their feet and left the Hokage's Office.

Sitting in his seat, the Third Hokage gave a bitter smile. "It seems Kakashi is somewhat dissatisfied with me. He even omitted my honorific."

After leaving the Hokage's Office, Kakashi felt the night wind brush against him and experienced a strange sense of unreality.

In the end, were they still going to return to the old path?

The Third Hokage cherished his reputation and was unwilling to step into the Uchiha Clan quagmire, so he could only hint that Itachi should resolve it.

To preserve the Uchiha Clan's glory, Itachi could only choose to kill the disobedient clansmen, bear all the infamy himself, leave the village, and become someone despised by all.

"Itachi, how do you plan to resolve this?" Kakashi asked.

Itachi looked at Kakashi with icy eyes. "You have already guessed, haven't you?"

After a moment of silence, Kakashi nodded. "Without some bloodshed, this truly cannot be resolved."

"This matter requires careful consideration. First, let me ask you a question, Itachi."

Kakashi's expression turned solemn. "Have you ever met someone who called himself Madara of the Uchiha Clan?"