Paranoid Third Hokage

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi was confident in his brainwashing—oh no, I mean his personal charm—believing that Shisui would never betray him, you can never be too careful.

What if Shisui's behavior over the years was all a facade? One misstep, and this so-called "strongest Hokage" could find himself under the control of Kotoamatsukami, becoming nothing more than a puppet of the Uchiha clan.

This was something he absolutely could not tolerate.

However, as Hokage, he had to always appear as if he were basking in the sunlight. Even if he couldn't tolerate something, he could never take direct action against his subordinates.

Dark deeds like that were left to Danzo.

With this in mind, he summoned an Anbu. "Go, inform Danzo to meet me at this time tomorrow. Tell him I want to discuss matters concerning the Uchiha clan. Also, bring Itachi to me."

Hiruzen was not ignorant of Danzo's covetousness toward the Uchiha's Sharingan. If Danzo found out about Shisui's Mangekyo abilities, there would be no need for Hiruzen to hint—Danzo would surely make his move.

But that wasn't a guarantee; it might not be enough to eliminate Shisui.

Hiruzen planned to use Itachi as the final safeguard.

If Shisui was smart, even if he escaped Danzo's grasp, he would likely commit suicide to atone to Konoha, temporarily dampening the Uchiha clan's momentum and strength.

This would halt the coup.

Two birds, one stone.

At the Uchiha Izumi residence...

Aizen slowly opened his eyes, retracting his senses. As he had expected, Shisui had foolishly gone to the Third Hokage to reveal his Mangekyo ability, which had placed him in mortal danger.

Tomorrow was the Uchiha clan's festival.

Aizen vaguely recalled that the Uchiha, dissatisfied with Konoha, planned to discuss the coup during this event.

Unbeknownst to them, two traitors within their ranks had already betrayed them.

Ultimately, the whole affair would end with Shisui's suicide.

Thinking of this, Aizen couldn't help but sigh. "What a truly pitiful clan."

Inside, there were the filial Itachi, the naive Shisui, and the angsty Obito. Even the clan leader was indecisive and weak. It's no wonder the Uchiha were destined for destruction.

At that moment, Izumi's voice interrupted Aizen's thoughts, "Aizen, dinner's ready!"

"Oh, coming," Aizen said, rising and heading toward the table.

The next day, Aizen activated his technique, entering Sage Mode, keeping a constant watch on the chakra of Shisui and Danzo.

By evening, after sending Izumi home, Aizen sensed that the two men's chakra had finally converged.

Quickly donning a disguise, he tracked them to a secluded corner of Konoha—an abandoned Senju clan site.

The events unfolded just like the original story: Hiruzen, after learning about Shisui's Mangekyo ability, summoned Danzo.

Right in front of Shisui, he explained Kotoamatsukami's ability and Shisui's plan to use it to control Uchiha Fugaku, promising improved treatment for the Uchiha afterward.

The outcome was predictable: Danzo set his sights on Shisui's Sharingan.

Before the Uchiha festival, Danzo had called Shisui to this location.

He had laid a trap, preparing to seize Shisui's eyes.

To be honest, Aizen didn't dislike people like Shisui, the do-gooders.

At least, they were easier to get along with than hypocrites like Hiruzen or snakes like Danzo.

If Aizen wanted to, saving Shisui wouldn't be difficult.

However, their worldviews were completely opposed.

Anyone who's watched Naruto knows that Shisui was a die-hard supporter and believer in the Will of Fire.

Even until his death, he believed in Konoha's leadership.

Although Aizen had Kyoka Suigetsu, his Zanpakuto, and could use its five-sense control to avoid illusions like Tsukuyomi, he could also rely on the mental and physical strength granted by his blade and cultivation technique to break through such illusions.

But Kotoamatsukami, the eye that controlled wills, was dangerous—it could turn anyone seen by the user into their puppet.

If Aizen ever found himself on the opposite side of Konoha, Shisui would surely be the first to confront him.

Better safe than sorry. Abilities as overpowered as that either needed to be eliminated or controlled by Aizen himself—that was the best solution.

He didn't want to live in constant fear, relying on Kyoka Suigetsu to keep tabs on Shisui and live on edge.

"If Shisui doesn't die, I won't sleep peacefully."

With that thought, Aizen's eyes, hidden beneath his cloak, coldly fixed on Danzo and Shisui, who were conversing up ahead.

"Is there something you needed from me, Lord Danzo? The gathering is about to begin," Shisui asked, puzzled.

"If the village takes action against Fugaku and the Uchiha, but doesn't change its treatment of them, what would you do?" Danzo, his right eye covered by bandages and his left half-closed, asked without striking yet.

The answer was predictable. Shisui's response disappointed Danzo, further cementing his resolve to take Kotoamatsukami.

"Lord Hokage promised me there would be change," Shisui replied firmly.

"Even if you convince the Third Hokage, the village's suspicion of the Uchiha won't disappear," Danzo said with disdain as he mentioned Hiruzen. His eyes filled with greed as he looked at Shisui.

Out of trust in Konoha, Shisui failed to sense the approaching danger, still holding onto his naive beliefs.

"I understand. In time, I will—" Shisui started, but Danzo interrupted him.

"That's exactly the problem. Someone as suspicious as me won't change their mind easily. When that time comes, what will you do?" Danzo half-lowered his head, his wrinkled face hidden in shadow. His right eye, covered by bandages, was already prepared for Izanagi.

"But, Lord Danzo—" Shisui began again, only to be cut off once more.

"Would you use Kotoamatsukami against me when that time comes?" Danzo asked.

As he spoke, he raised his head, his face revealing a vicious expression. Throwing aside his cane, he reached with his left hand, clawing at Shisui's eyes.

"These Sharingan of yours, hand them over to me."

Shisui was momentarily shocked, but being a genius of the Uchiha clan, he wasn't naive enough to be caught off guard. He grabbed Danzo's left hand, casting a genjutsu to freeze him in place.

"This is just a normal illusion; it'll wear off soon." Shisui slowly lowered Danzo's left hand, disappointment flashing through his eyes as he turned to leave.

But before he could take a few steps, Danzo, who had just been under the genjutsu, suddenly appeared before him, delivering a powerful punch to Shisui's abdomen. With his left hand, he ripped out Shisui's right eye, a long trail of blood following in the air, the movement quick and seamless.

Shisui, in pain, covered the now empty socket of his right eye and jumped back, quickly distancing himself from Danzo.