Chapter 14: Plan   

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''Ryuchi Cave'' 

With a loud "bang," the giant snake known as Manda appeared out of thin air. Orochimaru crawled out of Manda's mouth, his entire body drenched. Manda hissed in a ghostly voice, "Why did you summon me?!"

Orochimaru chuckled softly. "Hehe, Manda, I will remember your request for a hundred sacrifices."

Years ago, when Manda was just a small snake, he had witnessed a colossal battle between a blue Susanoo and a massive wooden golem from a distance. That encounter had left a lasting impression, filling him with dread for such monstrous entities.

Ignoring Manda's words, Orochimaru began to walk deeper into the Ryuchi Cave. "Orochimaru, you know you can't go any further!" Manda called out, but Orochimaru simply smirked. "Hehe, it's not my first time."

Three hours later, Orochimaru emerged from the depths of the cave, looking somewhat disheveled. He had once again failed to master Sage Mode.

''Meanwhile, on the other side of the village...''

Under the blood-red moon, Fugaku Uchiha addressed Itachi and Sasuke with a grim expression. "Itachi, Sasuke, Shisui has informed me that Danzo is colluding with Orochimaru. Danzo plans to kill Shisui and is still coveting his eyes!"

Fugaku continued, "I will report this to the Third Hokage. Orochimaru is a known traitor. If the Third Hokage learns of this collusion, he may suppress Danzo."

Sasuke, however, was not convinced. "Father, your plan is too naive. The Third Hokage won't act on just our words. He'll dismiss it as a rumor. Besides, how much does the Third Hokage trust the Uchiha?"

Fugaku frowned. "Then what should we do?"

Sasuke's eyes darkened with determination. "We need to eliminate Danzo once and for all. The Third Hokage has supporters: the Anbu, Root, the Hyuga clan, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the Inuzuka clan, the Aburame clan, and others."

He continued, "Our Uchiha Police Force can handle the Anbu and Root, but if the other clans and the Third Hokage unite, we won't stand a chance, especially against the Hyuga clan, whose strength is unknown and deeply rooted."

Itachi nodded, agreeing with Sasuke. "If we can create a rift between the Third Hokage and the Hyuga clan, he won't have the courage to keep persecuting us."

Although Itachi had always been torn about the Uchiha clan's actions, his love for his parents and brother started to sway him toward their side.

Itachi longed for a delicate balance between the Uchiha clan and the village—where neither side would oppress the other, and both would live peacefully.

However, a significant obstacle remained: who could kill Danzo quietly?

Fugaku and Itachi were capable of killing Danzo, but the real challenge was doing so without drawing attention.

Itachi proposed the idea. Sasuke's eyes lit up. "I have someone in mind who can do it, but they're not here yet. We need time!"

"And it's simple to create tension between the Hyuga clan and the Third Hokage," Sasuke added, "Our Uchiha clan can form an alliance through marriage with the Hyuga clan."

Fugaku nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Marriage is the most direct way to forge a connection between two families. But... who should be the one to marry?"

Sasuke immediately volunteered. "Father, I will! You should propose a marriage between me and Hinata Hyuga!"

Itachi didn't object and instead supported Sasuke's suggestion. "Father, Sasuke's idea is solid. Sasuke and Hinata are of similar age; an engagement would be beneficial."

Fugaku finally agreed. "Very well, I'll prepare the betrothal gifts in a few days. Mikoto and I will visit the Hyuga clan and propose the marriage to Hiashi."

''Two days later...''

''At the Hyuga Clan Compound'' 

Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga were sitting together, sipping tea. Hizashi looked concerned. "Brother, what do you think Uchiha Fugaku wants from us?"

Hiashi remained calm. "I'm not sure."

"But," Hizashi pressed, "at such a sensitive time, with the Uchiha clan being suppressed by Konoha's leadership, should we even meet with Fugaku?"

Although they were brothers, Hiashi was the head of the main branch, giving him absolute authority in the Hyuga clan. He replied, "Why not? Don't forget who helped build Konoha. It was the Senju and Uchiha clans. The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and Uchiha Madara, our ancestor, brought peace to the ninja world. The Senju clan has declined, but the Uchiha clan remains strong. We should not make enemies of them."

Hiashi continued, "The Hyuga clan does not wish to provoke the Uchiha. In fact, we should consider forming an alliance. However, the Uchiha's position in the village is precarious."

A moment later, Uchiha Fugaku arrived with Mikoto and Sasuke. Fugaku had left Itachi behind to guard their clan, given the delicate situation.

Sasuke stood quietly beside his father. Fugaku gave Sasuke a subtle nod, signaling him to speak.

Sasuke stepped forward confidently. "Hyuga clan leader, you must be aware that our Uchiha clan is being suppressed by Konoha's leadership. We seek the support of your Hyuga clan."

Hiashi was surprised by Sasuke's directness, especially coming from a five-year-old. He was even more taken aback by how openly Sasuke addressed the conflict with the village.

However, Hiashi remained cautious. "And why should we help your Uchiha clan?"

Sasuke responded sharply, "It's simple. The Third Hokage craves absolute power. He sees our Uchiha clan as a threat to his authority, so he's begun to suppress us. Right now, the Third Hokage relies on the support of your Hyuga clan. But once he's done with us, have you considered that your Hyuga clan might be next? The Hyuga clan may not intend to rebel, but with your strength, the village could easily label you as a threat."

Sasuke's tone softened as he made his final point. "However, if our clans stand together, the village leadership won't dare move against us."

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