Hokage's visit(Fixed)

[Ajamu POV]

It was evening when I woke up, refreshed and fully rested. My fatigue had returned to zero, leaving me feeling rejuvenated. As I opened my eyes, I noticed Miko standing beside my bed like a dutiful maid awaiting her master's awakening—but a moment later, I realized it was merely a shadow clone.

Miko: "Ajamu-sama, good evening. Dinner is ready downstairs for you."

Stretching my arms, I replied warmly: "Good evening to you too, Miko. Did anything important happen while I was asleep?"

Miko: "All tasks assigned to us have been completed, my lord, except for the spy network, which is still in progress. Additionally, Danzo has informed us that he arranged a meeting with all the clan heads and the council to announce that the Uchiha clan wasn't responsible for the Kyuubi attack, as per your orders. We've also received a summons from the Hokage himself this morning. My son and husband met with him and explained the situation. Also, Sasuke has been settling in, though he's upset about being placed under genjutsu—or so he believes regarding what transpired."

[Flashback – Third Hokage's POV]

I had spent the entire night waiting anxiously for Itachi to report back on his mission. 'This decision will haunt me forever,' I thought bitterly. 'But Danzo and the civilian council left me no choice.' Yet, despite my vigilance, Itachi never returned. By dawn, I assumed the worst—that he had failed—and decided to investigate personally, accompanied by trusted ninja.

However, just as I prepared to leave, I received an unexpected message from Danzo. He claimed the mission had been canceled due to newly revealed information proving the Uchiha clan's innocence in the Kyuubi attack—a fact I'd insisted upon countless times before. Furthermore, Danzo stated that the Uchiha clan had dealt with the faction planning the coup themselves, and a funeral would be held later that day prior to a peace meeting.

Even more astonishingly, Danzo mentioned speaking directly to the new Uchiha clan head—someone I didn't recognize—and expressed intentions to resolve matters peacefully. At that moment, I felt as though the world had turned upside down. Danzo advocating for peace? It was like witnessing humans sprout wings. I reread the message five times but still couldn't believe it. Nevertheless, I resolved to visit the Uchiha compound to confirm things with Fugaku and Itachi myself.

Accompanied by Shikaku Nara and Kakashi Hatake, I approached cautiously. Despite seeing only two guards at the gate, my instincts screamed danger. The closer we got, the stronger the sense of impending doom grew. These weren't ordinary guards; they exuded discipline and focus, blending seamlessly into their surroundings until nearly invisible. Normally, guards were lower-ranked shinobi who often appeared bored or fatigued after long shifts. But these two stood rigidly alert, radiating professionalism and lethal intent. Their demeanor conveyed one clear message: tread carefully, or die.

Still, I am the Hokage, and I came with purpose. As we neared the gate, Shikaku and Kakashi voiced their concerns.

Shikaku: "Hokage-sama, something feels off here. Are you sure about this? Shouldn't we retreat and wait for the official meeting instead?"

Kakashi: "I agree, sir."

[To clarify: Neither Shikaku nor Kakashi knew about Itachi's mission. They were aware only of the rumored coup and the supposed civil war within the Uchiha clan.]

Hokage: "I must verify what happened, Shikaku. You saw Danzo's letter."

Shikaku (reluctantly): "Then proceed cautiously, and be ready to escape if needed. Kakashi and I will buy you enough time if necessary."

Upon reaching the gate, the guards signaled us to halt. One spoke formally: "Lord Hokage, we've been expecting you. Lord Gaku and Itachi are waiting inside. Please follow us."

[Nara's POV]

The guards' manner of speech struck me as unusually formal. They didn't bow or show deference to the Hokage, addressing him as though he were a foreign dignitary visiting their territory. And who was this "Gaku"? Could they mean Fugaku?

Stepping through the gates, I immediately sensed something amiss. Two additional guards emerged silently to replace those escorting us. None of us—not even Kakashi—had detected their presence beforehand.

'What happened here?' I wondered. The guards moved with precision and discipline, yet without fear or hesitation. Everyone we encountered along the way seemed calm and composed, showing no signs of distress despite the recent conflict. The area was clean, devoid of corpses, though traces of battle lingered—bloodstains and scorch marks marred the ground.

Yet, the eyes of every Uchiha we passed betrayed no trauma or sorrow. Instead, they regarded us indifferently, almost dismissively, as though we were mere passersby. Whatever occurred here went far beyond a simple civil war.

[Hokage's POV]

We were led to a house—but not the traditional Uchiha clan head's residence. This blatant disregard for protocol infuriated me internally, though outwardly, I maintained composure. After all, answers awaited inside.

Fugaku—or rather, Gaku, as he now introduced himself—and Itachi greeted me calmly.

Gaku: "Lord Hokage, welcome. Please come inside. Your escorts may wait outside until our discussion concludes." His tone brooked no argument.

Knowing that neither Shikaku nor Kakashi understood the gravity of Itachi's mission, I complied. "Very well, Fugaku... or should I say Gaku? Wait here," I instructed my companions firmly, silencing their protests with a stern glare.

Inside, Gaku gestured for me to sit. Tea was offered, though neither Gaku nor Itachi drank. Breaking the silence, I asked pointedly:

Hokage: "Fugaku, what happened here?"

Gaku: "I go by the name Gaku now, Hokage-san. It was bestowed upon me by Ajamu-sama, the current clan head. Regarding the mission given to my son yesterday—the one issued by you and the council—it would have resulted in the extinction of our clan and branded Itachi a traitor to both the village and the Uchiha name. Thanks to Ajamu-sama's intervention, we were spared. Those who sought to revolt were dealt with accordingly, but they remain members of the Uchiha clan. A funeral will be held today, and you are invited to attend."

Sweat trickled down my spine as I processed his words. Mention of the mission unsettled me deeply. Who was this Ajamu? Why did Gaku speak of him with such reverence? Worse still, Gaku referred to the matter as settled, as though it no longer mattered—a chilling prospect indeed.

Standing abruptly, I bowed my head humbly. "I am deeply sorry, Fugaku—Gaku-san. Please forgive the village. I will shoulder full responsibility for this grave error. Do not hold the villagers accountable."

Gaku (calmly): "I serve Ajamu-sama now, Hiruzen-san. The village and its actions no longer concern me or my clan. The sole reason we remain here is because His Lordship chooses to stay. The future of this clan and this village rests solely in his hands."

'Who is this man?' I wondered. 'How has he earned such unwavering loyalty?' Even Itachi remained eerily calm, offering no resistance to his father's words.

Desperate to assert authority, I pressed further: "Then I wish to meet him. I will apologize personally and make amends."

Gaku: "I'm afraid Ajamu-sama is resting and cannot be disturbed."

Hokage: "Gaku-san, I understand the severity of my actions, but I am still the Hokage. My request to meet him constitutes a summons—one he must honor."

The temperature in the room plummeted instantly. Gaku's eyes blazed with barely contained fury. His voice dripped with icy disdain:

Gaku: "The only authority recognized here is that of Ajamu-sama. The Uchiha clan of Konoha died yesterday. This clan acknowledges no village, no leader, save the one Ajamu-sama deems worthy. You have overstepped your bounds, Hokage. Leave now. Your request to meet him will be relayed once he awakens."

Fear gripped me—a primal, instinctual terror unlike anything I'd ever experienced. Gaku's words carried absolute conviction, and Itachi's stoic acceptance confirmed their truth.

Attempting to salvage some semblance of control, I snapped: "FUGAKU! YOU DARE FORGET WHO YOU SPEAK TO?! I AM THE HOKAGE, AND THIS IS MY VILLAGE! DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DEFY ME AND—"

Before I could finish, Shikaku and Kakashi collapsed, bound tightly, and a blade pressed against my throat. Gaku leaned close, his whisper laced with lethal intent:

Gaku: "Hokage-san, I warned you: Ajamu-sama is resting. Do you truly wish to disturb him? Lower your voice—or I will cut your throat. Nod if you understand."

Trembling, I nodded involuntarily.

Gaku: "Good. Our conversation ends here. Ajamu-sama will be informed of your request. Take your escorts and leave."

Utterly powerless, I obeyed, escorted out by two silent figures. As the gates closed behind me, I stared back in disbelief.