Countermeasures (Part 1)

The Third Hokage frowned deeply. He knew Shisui's character well; for the sake of peace, Shisui would never speak about such matters publicly.

What exactly happened to Shisui?

In truth, only Kazuya whispered in Shisui's ear, saying that if Shisui lied, the Uchiha clan would immediately rebel. Shisui would have guaranteed no rebellion that night if he had told the truth.

Danzo's expression changed slightly before calmly speaking: "I didn't want to provoke a conflict between the Uchiha and the village, but it has come to this. This evening, I indeed summoned Shisui. However, Shisui tried to assassinate me. I saw through his plan and had to defend myself."

Kazuya looked at Danzo mockingly. "Are you trying to fool a ghost with that story?"

Danzo angrily retorted, "You are merely an acting elder. What right do you have to speak to me this way?"

Fugaku, hearing the Uchiha members' report from behind, was shocked and delighted to learn that Elder Kazuya had awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan. It had been many years since the clan had seen a strong wielder of the Mangekyou Sharingan, and Kazuya was so young.

Fugaku said, "Elder Danzo, Elder Kazuya saved Shisui today. I have appointed him as the deputy clan leader. Does he have the right now?"

The Uchiha members behind Fugaku were initially surprised that Elder Kazuya was suddenly promoted to deputy clan leader. They soon realized Fugaku was supporting Elder Kazuya and fell silent.

Danzo assumed Fugaku was backing Kazuya and snorted coldly.

"Shisui indeed tried to assassinate me. My Root members can testify."

Everyone present knew Danzo's character. If Shisui had genuinely tried to assassinate him, Danzo would have reported it to the Third Hokage immediately instead of pretending ignorance.

Kazuya laughed heartily, "Today, Elder Danzo tried to assassinate the Third Hokage. All Uchiha can testify."

The Uchiha behind him erupted in laughter.

"Yes! I can testify!"

"I can testify too!"

The surrounding ninja clans stifled their laughter and turned away.

The Third Hokage's expression shifted, realizing what had likely transpired, but he still coughed.

"Since Shisui has been found, Kazuya... Deputy Clan Leader, this was a misunderstanding. Let's disperse."

"Misunderstanding!?" Uchiha Kazuya's face changed instantly. "Third Hokage! Shisui's Sharingan is still with Danzo! You call this a misunderstanding!?"

Danzo snorted, "Shisui failed to assassinate me and now frames me?"

Kazuya ignored Danzo, glanced at Fugaku, and sternly said, "Third Hokage! Are you planning to publicly seize our Uchiha clan's Sharingan?"

Fugaku understood Kazuya's signal and spoke gravely, "Hiruzen Sarutobi! If Shisui's Sharingan is not returned, our Uchiha clan will not let this go!"

The Uchiha behind him all silently activated their Sharingan.

The Third Hokage's face darkened, and he silently cursed Danzo. Now, all of Konoha would pay for his actions.

"Danzo, return Shisui's Sharingan immediately!"

Danzo's mouth twitched. He had never anticipated things escalating to this point. He made one last attempt to defend himself: "I did indeed clash with Shisui, but I did not take his Sharingan."

Kazuya narrowed his eyes, drawing a kunai.

The Third Hokage spoke sternly, "Kazuya, calm down."

But Kazuya slowly placed the kunai on his Konoha forehead protector. If he cut it, he would be a rogue ninja.

Kazuya called out, "Everyone in Konoha, see this! This is how the higher-ups of Konoha oppress our ninja clans. They will seize your bloodlines, secret techniques, and assets. Hyuga, you're next!"

All the elite and leaders of the ninja clans present had grim expressions. The Hyuga clan, especially, was agitated, knowing their Byakugan was equally coveted.

Hiashi and Hizashi watched coldly, waiting for the Third Hokage's response.

The Third Hokage's face changed drastically. Forcing a clan into rebellion would make the ninja world laugh at the Hokage.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, listen! Now! Immediately! Hand over Shisui's Sharingan! Otherwise, we Uchiha will fight Konoha to the death! You have forced us!"

Uchiha Kazuya's expression was crazed, appearing hysterical.

The Third Hokage felt a chill. The Uchiha could rebel, but they must not be forced into it. Ordering an attack today would lead to the Uchiha's extermination and Konoha's collapse. No ninja clan would serve under those who coveted their possessions.

Surrounding the Uchiha, all ninja clans showed no will to fight, glaring coldly at Danzo and the Third Hokage. Especially the Hyuga clan, knowing they would be next if the Uchiha fell.

Though lacking Sharingan or Byakugan, the other clans still had family assets and secret techniques. If the Uchiha's Sharingan could be seized, theirs were also at risk.

The Third Hokage sighed, "Due to Danzo's misconduct, I hereby remove him from his position as Hokage's advisor. Danzo, return Shisui's Sharingan immediately."

Danzo, incredulous, glared like a venomous snake. "Sarutobi! The Uchiha clan is untrustworthy! Shisui's Sharingan is too dangerous. I will not return it!"

"Enough! Danzo!"

"I am the Hokage!"

Danzo gritted his teeth, "Fine, I will return it immediately."

The Third Hokage turned, "Kazuya, is this acceptable?"

Kazuya sneered, "Danzo, you still play tricks? Shisui's eye is right on you. What will you go back to get?"

Danzo's face changed as he tried to argue.

Kazuya cut him off, "Don't deny it. We Uchiha have a secret technique. Shisui's eye is in your right eye!"

Danzo's expression soured. He didn't know the Uchiha had such a technique. If he had, he wouldn't have come here.

Now, he had no options.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Danzo reluctantly removed the bandage from his right eye, revealing a Sharingan.

The ninja clans erupted in shock. Their village's high-ranking official, the Hokage's advisor, had seized a Uchiha's Sharingan and implanted it in himself.

The Uchiha clan didn't have such a technique, but Kazuya had predicted Danzo would immediately implant Shisui's right eye.

Now full of hate and anger, Danzo faced the ninja clans' hostile stares. They wondered if they might be his next target.