A bridge of communication

"Uchiha Itachi, although you must have seen me many times already, let me introduce myself anyway. My name is Hiruzen Sarutobi, and I am Konoha's Third Hokage. Our last meeting must have been when you enrolled in the Ninja Academy. You've grown a great deal in these two years."

After bringing Uchiha Itachi before the Third Kage, Kazuhiko Sarutobi withdrew without being told, leaving the Hokage and Itachi to speak alone.

The elderly Third Hokage greeted Madara Uchiha with a smile. He exuded a calm, kindly air, and when he smiled, he truly seemed warm and approachable.

"My respects, Lord Hokage. May I ask what instructions you have for me?"

No matter how warm and kindly the Third Hokage appeared, Madara Uchiha knew that if he showed any hint of disloyalty toward Konoha, the old man smiling at him would become a man-eating tiger and devour him alive. Thus, despite the Third Hokage's kindly manner, Madara Uchiha wisely remained respectful.

After all, he was not a trusted insider like Orochimaru, who shared a bond with the Third Hokage as his student. If Madara Uchiha made a mistake, his death would be certain.

"Itachi, are you aware of the Uchiha Clan's situation in Konoha? I wonder whether your father has told you anything about the state of affairs within your clan."

Seeing how sensible Madara Uchiha was, the Third Hokage dispensed with the preliminaries and spoke frankly. How Madara Uchiha viewed the relationship between the village and his clan was the focus of the Hokage's conversation with him that day.

"I know a little. Because the Uchiha Clan oversees the police force, the village's other clans generally look upon us unfavorably. Meanwhile, some of our clansmen belong to the Hardliners. They resent the unfair treatment the Uchiha Clan receives in the