Chapter 59

Just how fearsome a man Uchiha Madara truly is, even Itachi, who never lived in that era, has some inkling.

As the son of the clan leader, Itachi has had access to resources from a young age that others might never acquire in their lifetimes.

And the amount of information he can access and review is incalculable. Even at a young age, he has been able to come into contact with some secret techniques.

For example, Izanami, the counter to Izanagi!

Perhaps this is a privilege of being the clan leader's son, though it cannot be denied that Itachi indeed possesses such talent and qualifications.

In such an environment, he knows a lot more than others, which includes some information about Uchiha Madara!

The appearance of Uchiha Madara truly caught Itachi off guard. Anyone would feel fear in the face of such a terrifying individual.

According to his age, Uchiha Madara should be near his grave by now.

But the man boldly appeared before his eyes, forcing him to stay on guard. Even though Madara claimed he had no interest in Konoha, Itachi simply didn't believe him.

"Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha clan, and Konoha..."

At this moment, Itachi felt an unparalleled pressure. As so many things converged, he felt a sense of breathlessness.

However, he knew that the more he found himself in such a situation, the more he needed to stay calm. Now, he could only rely on himself to save Konoha, to save everything!

"What should I do? What should I do?"

Itachi kept asking himself, his gaze lowering to the cliff by his side, seemingly deep as an abyss, and for a moment, he froze.

Then he slowly closed his eyes, his hands clenched into fists, his body seemingly trembling.

Finally, after a prolonged struggle, all movement in his body quietly ceased.

Opening his eyes, he once again fixed his gaze on the towering cliff, and at that moment, his aura became incredibly cold.

He seemed like a demon emerging from hell, like ice that will not melt for ten thousand years!

...

The next morning, in the Hokage's office,

Sarutobi Hiruzen, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane were sitting in a row, and beneath them was Uchiha Itachi, dressed in the outfit of Anbu, kneeling on one knee.

"According to your statement, has the Uchiha clan already come to this point?"

The first to speak was Koharu. Now over sixty, she had truly become an old woman, no longer retaining her youthful beauty, and her expression was exceptionally serious.

"And also, what's the deal with this Akatsuki organization you mentioned?"

Itachi lowered his head, his voice incredibly cold and grave. However, after some consideration, he decided not to mention the name of Uchiha Madara.

Madara was too distinctive, and the man in the mask was too mysterious. He planned to gather more information before sharing anything.

"I can't be certain about the clan's attitude, but they forbade me from attending the clan meeting last night.

Shisui also told me that we can't show weakness to Konoha anymore and we need to resist, so I believe it's very likely.

As for Akatsuki, I don't know much, but I can sense that they're extremely dangerous, and they seem to harbor some ill intentions towards Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently lit his pipe, took a deep breath, and then said, "I really didn't expect things to come to this point again."

Having said this, Sarutobi fell silent for a long moment, then shook his head.

"Itachi, now that we're aware of these matters, we'll find a way to handle them. Don't stress yourself too much in this period. You should get some rest."

As he reached this point, Sarutobi paused, he looked at Itachi with a deep and meaningful gaze, before slowly continuing.

"By the way, I believe there are some things you should inform Danzo about.

Even though you are not a member of Root, your subordinates are, and it's only right that you inform him since he is not here."

"I understand." Itachi nodded gently, saying softly, "Rest assured, Lord Hokage, I know what needs to be done."

Uchiha Itachi rose to his feet, respectfully bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, then activated the Body Flicker Technique, his figure abruptly fading into a shadow and disappearing.

The Third Hokage watched the spot where Itachi had vanished. After a long moment, he shook his head, then placed his pipe heavily on the table before speaking in a low voice.

"Now that there are no outsiders, I hope everyone can speak their minds openly. We need to make decisions, given the way things have progressed.

Also, Danzo, you've been listening for so long, it's about time you came out."

With the fall of his words, from the shadows in the room, Danzo Shimura quietly stepped out. Clearly, he had been there all along!

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't pay much attention to Danzo Shimura. His expression was completely different from when he was facing Itachi Uchiha.

"What are your thoughts on the Uchiha Clan, and that Akatsuki organization?"

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances, and in the end, it was Homura Mitokado who spoke.

"I've never heard of the Akatsuki organization, but the current upheaval within the Uchiha clan is too troublesome. No one knows what they truly intend to do.

However, the impression that little Uchiha Itachi gives me is that the Uchiha clan has already reached the most dangerous point."

"Problems need to be gradually resolved, so we should first deal with the pressing issue of the Uchiha clan. That is the most important.

Although we don't know what the Uchihas intend to do, haven't there been reports of their clan meetings expressing some unique thoughts?

I believe that striking first is the best choice!"

At this moment, Danzo Shimura also spoke up, but there was a hint of mockery on his face as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Moreover, haven't you already made a decision and given that youngster a direction?"

Hearing Danzo Shimura's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi gently shook his head. In the end, he lifted his gaze to look at Danzo, speaking in an extremely solemn tone.

"Striking first is indeed beneficial, but I will not issue an order to annihilate the Uchiha clan. The shinobi of Konoha cannot do such a thing. I believe you understand my point."

"Hmph."

With a cold snort, the walking stick lightly tapped the floor, and Danzo spoke coldly.

"Your hypocritical facade is nauseating. After serving as Hokage for so many years, Sarutobi, you've really degraded.

As Hokage, the boldness you once possessed has completely vanished. But rest assured, I know what must be done!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. He paid no attention to Danzo Shimura's mockery, nor did he offer him any explanations.

Because this is not about boldness, nor is it about hypocrisy. It's a necessity!

Regardless of how others perceive this matter, a Hokage absolutely cannot issue an order to annihilate a major clan in the village.

Unless the Uchiha clan takes action first, even the shinobi of Konoha absolutely cannot get involved!

Otherwise, the village will no longer be their village.

In the subsequent meeting, the four continued to discuss potential details that might emerge.

For instance, the Uchiha clan is likely to be on high alert right now, so reckless action should be avoided.

For instance, Uchiha Itachi should prepare well, and they should decide who would be the best support when the time comes.

Two hours later, the four finally departed in succession.

However, the future of the Uchiha clan had already been decided by them in that short two-hour span...

//

If you want to support me and get early chapters, consider joining my P atreon at:

Pa treon.com/SoftCrow

Vote with your Power Stones ⬇️