Itachi looked at Fugaku, his eyes clear but unusually cold.
"We'll run this money through the Konoha Military Police Force's accounts, officially as an advance payment for new ninja tools."
"We just need to make the books balance."
"Chikage said he could get us legitimate receipts."
Beside him, Chikage grinned and made a gesture.
"No problem. I know the black market boss in Hot Water Town. He'll write whatever invoices we want."
Fugaku's eyelid twitched uncontrollably. He had to brace himself against the edge of the desk to steady his nerves.
His eight-year-old son was teaching him how to embezzle public funds and bribe nobles.
And how to fabricate evidence to frame the Hokage Advisor.
Had the world gone mad?
Itachi paused briefly, giving Fugaku some time to digest it.
Then he delivered the final, decisive blow.
"As long as the Daimyo's delegation comes to Konoha..."
"The Higher-Ups won't dare move against us openly."
"And if that Masked Man dares cause trouble in front of the delegation..."
"We'll immediately pin the blame on Danzo."
"We'll say Danzo's test subject went out of control and tried to assassinate the Daimyo."
"Then we won't even have to act. The Daimyo's guards and the Third Hokage will tear Root apart."
Having finished, Itachi stood quietly in place.
He picked up a glass of warm water from the nearby table and moistened his throat.
A long, deathly silence settled over the study.
Fugaku stared blankly at Itachi.
He raised a trembling finger, pointed at Itachi, then at Chikage beside him.
"This... all this..."
"You came up with all of this?"
Fugaku's voice was dry and hoarse, thick with disbelief.
Itachi put down his glass and nodded with complete honesty.
"Yes. I worked out this plan myself, combining the principles of rules and interests that