Chapter 7. Plan

"Itachi, I know you have been providing information to the Third Hokage."

Itachi was silent for a moment: "I'm sorry."

"I understand that your intention for peace is sincere. It's just that the approach was misguided."

"There are many issues within the clan that require attention. I suggest you resign from your ANBU position immediately and return to the clan to contribute."

Leaving ANBU was not a simple matter; once you entered, secrets bound you to the organization. The Hokage might not easily approve of a departure, considering the exposure to classified information.

However, Itachi's allegiance had shifted to the family, and he was determined to find a way.

Even if he chose not to leave ANBU, his trustworthiness in the eyes of the Third Hokage would be severely compromised.

Itachi agreed.

Fugaku, elated, stood beside him. In his time as the clan leader, both Shisui and Itachi kept their distance. He had previously requested Itachi to infiltrate ANBU, but to his surprise, he had been providing information to the Third Hokage.

Fortunately, things were now taking a positive turn, thanks to Natsuki.

He had already started contemplating when to pass on his role as the clan leader to Natsuki.

[Ding, the force template is loaded.]

Natsuki clicked on it and saw that at the top were Uchiha Fugaku and himself.

Below are the names and avatars of various members of the Uchiha clan.

He clicked on Itachi's icon.

[Uchiha Itachi

Loyalty: High

Proficient in: Combat, Infiltration...]

Clicking on the combat section revealed detailed information about his physical skills, ninjutsu, illusions, and more.

The infiltration skills were self-explanatory.

Next to it was a separate row detailing the Mangekyō Sharingan and related eye techniques.

Natsuki clicked on Fugaku again. There was no loyalty meter for Fugaku, but a level of intimacy was indicated, and it was also high.

The others had similar details to Itachi.

This is good. he can now understand the specialties of everyone in the clan, making it more convenient to utilize their strengths in the future.

Clicking on the profiles of the two elders, he found that the fourth elder specialized in internal affairs, while the third elder was proficient in management.

He expressed his gratitude, saying, "The upcoming plan relies heavily on the expertise of these two elders."

Both elders bowed their heads and responded, "Deputy chief, you are too kind. Please feel free to give us your orders."

At this moment, he began to formulate an initial plan in his mind.

What is essential for the development of a family? Funds. Other ninja clans have their own money-making businesses, such as Akimichi, Nara, and the maintenance of the medical system. Even Tenten's family has a near-monopoly on all of Konoha's ninja tools.

Various clans have diversified businesses to support their livelihoods and contribute to their development. Reliance solely on tasks is insufficient for substantial growth.

The Uchiha clan, however, has historically focused on combat and neglected other aspects. While they possess self-sufficiency in weapons, the assets acquired during the Warring States Period have dwindled.

One of the main reasons for this decline is the lack of diverse talents within the clan. Uchiha have traditionally been warriors, and there hasn't been much emphasis on economic pursuits.

In recent years, their income has decreased significantly. While still wealthier than many ninjas, sustaining growth is challenging without engaging in diverse activities.

Now, with the ability to assess a person's talents through the power template, the path forward becomes clearer.

Natsuki asserted, "After awakening the mangekyo sharingan, I have glimpsed many future scenarios. It won't be long before Konoha stabilizes. However, countless disasters will befall Konoha in the future."

"Therefore, we must plan ahead, addressing the emotions within the clan as well."

"We can no longer maintain a presence in the police force, as being law enforcers won't make us popular. Striking a balance between leniency and strictness will only fuel dissatisfaction among Uchiha."

Fugaku, expressing his agreement, gestured for Natsuki to proceed boldly, indicating full cooperation.

Natsuki focused on his plan, emphasizing the importance of economic development. He suggested, "The fragments of the future I see through aren't just about battles. There are numerous successful businesses in our future."

The idea took the others by surprise, as they hadn't considered this potential path. Economic independence seemed like a key strategy for the Uchiha clan, especially given the impending disasters Konoha would face.

He clarified, "We need to select individuals now, vigorously develop the economy, and gradually break free from Konoha's control."

The proposal resonated with the group, and they recognized the significance of economic autonomy in preparing for future challenges.

He continued, "This is a relatively long-term task, but we have time on our side. During this period, we must relinquish all Uchiha's rights and debunk the 'Uchiha threat theory.'"

The mention of the "threat theory" piqued their interest, and Natsuki briefly explained its implications. 

The newfound strategic insights from Natsuki impressed everyone, earning him even more admiration.

He then gestured assertively, "The current Konoha Guard is no longer beneficial for us. Our first step is to relinquish the rights of the Guard."

"Fourth Elder, considering Danzo's substantial losses, he's likely to cause trouble within the security team's jurisdiction tomorrow."

"I need you to suspend all Uchiha clan members who have received complaints and recall them to the family. If anyone questions you, just delay and stall."

The fourth elder, already expressing his admiration, assured him, "Don't worry, deputy chief, I am adept at handling such matters."

Turning to the third elder, Natsuki inquired, "You've always advocated for seizing the position of Hokage through force. What are your thoughts after seeing those glimpses of the future?"

The third elder smiled bitterly, acknowledging that his previous ambitions were reevaluated upon witnessing the failures in the future clips. Even with the control of the Nine-Tails through the Sharingan, the coup still met its demise. The subsequent catastrophic ninjutsu (Super Shinra Tensei) also convinced him to abandon his prior intentions.

"If Konoha fears our growing power, then let's willingly discard that power. Chief Fugaku, at the right time, you must also resign as the leader of the Konoha Military Police Force."

"We've alienated too many by pursuing these powers, causing them to forget the merits of our Uchiha and take everything for granted."

"Now, it's time to step back to make progress."

"To gather all the dissatisfied radicals, Third Elder, that will be your responsibility in the coming times," Natsuki instructed.

The third elder, contemplating the plan, frowned and questioned, "What are your thoughts?"

Natsuki continued with determination, "Not everyone can tolerate this approach. Some Uchiha may find it impossible to step back for the sake of progress. That's why the hawk faction within the Uchiha was born."

"We Uchiha need a 'coup' and a 'vital injury,'" Natsuki said with a sinister smile. "Otherwise, how can we dispel the Uchiha threat theory? No one will step forward to develop."

The two elders and Fugaku exchanged glances, expressing concern. "But convincing these individuals won't be easy," they remarked.

Little did they know that Shisui had activated the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Eye Technique, Kotoamatsukami. Natsuki then directed a glance at Shisui, signaling his intention to employ him.

Shisui, understanding the unspoken request, proceeded to explain his abilities to the clan leader and the two elders.

"Another pair of mangekyo?" Both elders were astonished. The Mangekyō Sharingan, a rare occurrence for many years, suddenly manifested twice.

Fugaku was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. With three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan within the clan, the prospects of success in rebellion against Konoha seemed promising. It now made sense why Danzo was so determined to acquire Shisui's eyes.

If Fugaku had known about his son's situation, and that Uchiha Itachi had also activated the mangekyo, he might have fainted with joy.

After the two elders left, Natsuki inquired, "Itachi, Shisui's left eye should be here with you."

Itachi responded, "Sure enough, nothing can be hidden from the deputy chief." He summoned the ninja crow and retrieved the bottle containing the Sharingan.

"Shisui, next, we need to unify the Uchiha clan, so you have to recover as soon as possible."

"Yes!" Shisui acknowledged the weight of his responsibility. With a way to save his family without conflicting with the village, he was determined to give his best.

"Deputy Chief, I suspect that there are other individuals spying on us Uchiha."

Natsuki nodded. "You mean the person investigating the secret stone in the shrine, right?"

Itachi was momentarily surprised, not expecting the deputy chief to be aware of it already.

"This person will cause huge waves in the ninja world in the future, but I'm not sure about his current identity."

"He has visited the shrine's secret stone many times. I suspect that the words on the secret stone have been tampered with. Don't believe it."

He took the preemptive measure of vaccination.

"Yes, deputy chief, I understand."

...

It was late at night. After the discussion, Itachi walked out and noticed Izumi on the adjacent bench.

Uchiha Izumi had already leaned back in the chair, dozing off.

Itachi couldn't shake the vivid memory of her death in the illusion, causing his heart to twitch violently.

Approaching Izumi, Itachi gently patted him on the shoulder. "What are you doing here?"

Izumi, waking up with confusion, looked at Itachi: "Itachi?"

Then he realized the situation.

"No... it's okay, I'm going back."

Her cheeks turned red, and he stood up hastily to leave.

"Izumi..." Itachi called out to her.

"Huh?" She turned around, looking playful and cute under the dim light.

Itachi remained silent for a moment. "Let's go eat Dango tomorrow."

Her heartbeat became audible in the silent night.

"Okay...ok!"

She covered her face and left as if running away: "See you at the river tomorrow!"

Observing her departure, a rare gentle smile appeared on Itachi's face.