Chapter 5. Countermeasures (Part 2)

Under Natsuki's cold gaze, the Third Hokage swiftly dispatched a medical ninja to remove the Sharingan from Danzo's eyes.

Fugaku gestured to have someone take Shisui's right eye and place it in Izumi's hands next to Shisui. He wanted her to confirm whether those were indeed his eyes.

Meanwhile, Itachi silently stepped out of the crowd and stood beside Shisui. He had been present since the beginning of the family gathering but had chosen not to reveal himself earlier. He observed his father's actions closely, wondering if his family was truly planning a rebellion that night. However, the unfolding events took an unexpected turn.

Contrary to Itachi's expectations, his father played a supporting role, allowing Natsuki to take charge of the situation. Now, it appeared that his father's decision was correct, and the elder handled the matter adeptly.

Natsuki glanced at Itachi before turning his attention back to Danzo, demanding, "Where is Shisui's left eye?"

Itachi, standing nearby, subtly moved his mouth but refrained from speaking. He even restrained Shisui, who seemed eager to talk. Danzo, angered, retorted, "Natsuki, don't go too far! I only acquired Shisui's right eye! I have no knowledge of the whereabouts of his left eye!"

Both Fugaku and Natsuki directed their gaze toward the Third Hokage, indicating that the resolution of this matter rested in his hands.

The Third Hokage sighed and said, "Danzo, hand over Shisui's left eye."

"I..." Danzo seethed with anger, his entire body trembling. Caught in a compromising situation, he faced the harsh reality that he had to admit his actions.

Claiming that Shisui's left eye wasn't in his possession would be met with skepticism. In this dire circumstance, Danzo had little choice but to reluctantly confess, "The left eye is not on my body."

Uchiha Natsuki was well aware that Shisui's left eye was in Itachi's possession. Originally, he orchestrated this situation to secure advantages for the Uchiha clan.

Upon sensing the chakra and confirming it was his right eye, Shisui decided to transplant the eye back. Shisui had endured numerous battles, feigning the possession of his eyes, and following the operation, he fell into a deep slumber.

Beside him, Uchiha Itachi remained silent. Shisui, who had consistently strived for the peace of his family and the village, had fallen victim to Danzo's betrayal. Astonishingly, his father, who had never shown great strength, openly severed ties with the village for Shisui's sake.

In Itachi's perspective, Natsuki was merely a mouthpiece pushed forward. He believed that his father had entrusted the matter to him because he didn't want to openly break away from the village.

[Notification: Congratulations to the host for influencing Itachi Uchiha's mindset, resulting in a significant alteration to Itachi's life.]

[The host obtains:

- Eye Technique: Tsukuyomi x1

- Eye Technique: Amaterasu x1]

[Notification: Congratulations to the host for significantly altering Uchiha Fugaku's life.]

[The host obtains:

- Eye Technique: Illusion x2]

Surprised by the life-altering effects of the eye techniques granted by the system, Natsuki questioned its seemingly limited usage. He pondered whether Fugaku's eyes were also genjutsu eyes, potentially allowing for two uses, similar to Shisui. However, he acknowledged that their effectiveness might not match those of other sharingan.

[Ding, the coup ending is complete.]

[The host obtains the Pupil Technique Amplifier x1: significantly enhances the power of Pupil Techniques.]

Frustrated by the apparent limitations of the system, he voiced his complaints, but the system remained unresponsive, operating mechanically.

[The host obtains the position of deputy chief of the Uchiha clan.

Uchiha Deputy Chief: All Uchiha people recognize your identity as the deputy chief.]

Natsuki wondered if Fugaku had genuinely conferred the title of deputy clan leader or if he had fabricated it. Seeking clarity, the system moved on.

[Ding, the host has obtained the status of a force leader, and the force template is loading...]

[Ding! Development tasks! Break away from Konoha's control and become independent and self-reliant. Depending on the completion results, rewards will be given.]

Accepting the reality of the system's limitations, Natsuki decided to focus on utilizing the rewards and tackling the new tasks at hand. A series of ding-dong sounds echoed in his mind as he examined the rewards and contemplated the upcoming challenges.

...

The Third Hokage assured that Shisui's left eye would be delivered as soon as Danzo returned.

Natsuki then shifted his attention to Fugaku, who felt somewhat vexed. Why did it seem like he was the one shouldering the blame?

Despite his internal turmoil, Fugaku played along, presenting a united front in the presence of outsiders.

"In that case, I'll await good news in the clan territory. I want to see Shisui's left eye before dawn."

Fugaku snorted, signaling all Uchiha to disperse.

Many Uchiha looked disgruntled, murmuring among themselves. They had gathered the entire clan, only for it to end without any significant action.

However, mindful of the presence of numerous outsiders and elites from different ninja clans, the Uchiha refrained from making any rash moves. They dispersed quietly, following Fugaku back.

With a resounding bang, the heavy door of the Uchiha clan closed. The Third Hokage finally sighed in relief.

Waving his hands wearily, he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your support. The village is lifting the state of emergency. Everyone, please disperse."

The major ninja clans exchanged glances, revealing various emotions in their eyes.

Bidding their farewells, they refrained from expressing much respect for the Third Hokage verbally.

With swift movements, the members of other ninja clans left the scene. The only individuals remaining were from the Hokage.

Hiruzen found no need for further words. The day's events had not only disgraced the Hokage family but also created a significant rift between the village and its leadership.

Danzo, particularly, was now viewed with suspicion.

Furthermore, the perception lingered that Danzo's actions were possibly orchestrated by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

It was a common understanding in the ninja world that Uchiha's Sharingan was a valuable treasure. However, no one dared to provoke the powerful Uchiha clan directly.

The revelation that high-ranking officials from their own village coveted these treasures was beyond belief.

The Third Hokage felt a profound weariness. While Danzo typically handled unsavory tasks on his behalf, today's events were entirely Danzo's doing, and the fallout extended to the entire Hokage's elders.

The disgraceful actions not only tainted Danzo but also the Hokage, eroding trust to its lowest point.

...

In the Hyuga clan's compound, Hiashi, who had just returned, hastily summoned the clan elders.

"Elders, considering the recent events in the Uchiha clan, what are your thoughts on the matter?"

Seated at the head of the gathering, he fixed his gaze on the elders.

The clan elders exchanged glances before the chief elder spoke first: "Hiashi, I believe we need to exercise greater caution in dealing with the Hokage."

The second elder chimed in:

"The Hokage has long harbored dissatisfaction with our Hyuga clan's system. The incident involving Uchiha Shisui should serve as a wake-up call for us."

Due to the unique clan system of the Hyuga family, the caged bird seal further ensured that branch members strictly followed the orders of the main.

As a result, the Hokage had limited control over the Hyuga family, despite the outward appearance of unity within the Konoha. Keen observers could discern that, in times of crisis, the Hyuga branch would unquestionably obey the main family's directives.

Hiashi nodded thoughtfully: "Danzo has operated in the shadows behind Sarutobi for years, nurturing countless operatives in secret."

"But his ambitions seem to be growing, and it's uncertain whether this recent incident was his independent action or carried out under the Third Hokage's instructions."

The chief elder calmly added, "What matters most is that Uchiha's robust response indicates a shift in Fugaku's perspective."

"Perhaps he has aligned himself with the hawks. His adeptness at pushing someone else into the spotlight while remaining in the shadows is intriguing, Deputy Leader."

The second elder continued, "Tomorrow, the Uchiha will likely be pressing for more rights. I believe we should extend our support."

Hiashi affirmed, "Tomorrow, I will engage in discussions with Fugaku."