Chapter 43: The Shadows of Konoha

"...The Fourth Mizukage of the Mist Village has gone missing."

As he reviewed the urgent report that had been delivered this morning, the Third Hokage furrowed his brow and spoke in a low voice.

"Last year, the Land of Water sent a message to the daimyo, claiming that our Konoha's spies had infiltrated their Mist Village, causing countless casualties among their ninjas. They demanded we hand over our participants and directly accused the Uchiha clan."

In the Hokage's office, Nara Shikaku, known for his wild style of cloak and the legendary Nara family hairstyle, looked at the report with a weary expression. Even someone as intelligent as him had to admit that the current situation was nearing an unsolvable crisis.

"They presented a sketch; while it had some variations, it was undoubtedly Uchiha Shisui."

"...It cannot be ruled out that someone is using transformation jutsu to incite tensions between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water. The Mist Village is well aware of this, which is why they are only issuing a formal warning through the daimyo, but..." The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe, the smoke lingering in the air like the uncertainty clouding his thoughts.

"However, the ability to control tailed beasts and cast illusions can only be attributed to the Uchiha's Sharingan." Nara Shikaku added this crucial piece of information, "With that alone, Konoha cannot escape blame. It's infuriating!"

The name Uchiha was one the Third Hokage wished would vanish from his ears. Ever since the rebellion was temporarily quelled, Danzo and others had arrested radical members of the Uchiha clan under various dubious pretexts. Of course, they presented these reasons to the Third Hokage as perfectly justified; how could those who conspired against the village escape punishment?

These arrests, intended to suppress the Uchiha clan's influence, were made in public, leading the villagers to shift their views about the Uchiha. The fear that had begun with the Nine-Tails Incident had gradually morphed into disdain.

As Hokage, Sarutobi knew all too well that the Uchiha clan members taken by Root would never be released. But the families of those arrested, seeing their loved ones vanish without a trace, were unlikely to simply accept it.

The tensions between the village and the Uchiha clan could only escalate further, with no end in sight.

Moreover, the loss of a candidate capable of suppressing the Uchiha, whose name was now on the ninja world's wanted list for allegedly assassinating the Mizukage and subverting the Mist Village, was a grim reality.

Konoha could not acknowledge such a grave offense.

But the death of Uchiha Shisui was a dark secret for Konoha; as long as the Uchiha clan remained connected to the village, Konoha found itself in a passive position.

At this moment of internal turmoil, external pressures continued to mount, forcing both Sarutobi and the Uchiha clan to make swift decisions.

They understood all too well that they were like barrels of explosives plastered with detonation tags; even a single spark could blow Konoha to pieces.

For the Third Hokage, who sought peace and stable development, this was absolutely unacceptable!

"...I'll go speak with Fugaku in the Uchiha compound." Seeing the Third's expression, Nara Shikaku sensed that things were turning dire and attempted to salvage the situation.

"There's no need for that."

Just then, a cold, hoarse voice echoed from outside the door. Danzo, with one arm and half his face bandaged, entered the room with the commanding presence of a predator.

"Shikaku, you should step out." As soon as he saw Danzo, the contemplative Third Hokage suddenly spoke, urging Nara Shikaku to leave the office.

Shikaku wanted to say more but halted at the Hokage's command, reluctantly bowing and exiting.

Once outside the office, Shikaku leaned against the door, forming hand seals to create a sound-proof barrier around the office, isolating himself from the world outside. He acted as a gatekeeper, preventing anyone from approaching.

He knew that the discussion between the two inside would determine the fate of the Uchiha clan.

And what they spoke of must remain a secret from the rest of the village.

"How did Shisui die?" the Third Hokage asked, fixing his gaze on Danzo.

"That's irrelevant. Sarutobi, you know why I'm here." Danzo dismissed the question, casually continuing, "Everything the Second Hokage did was right; the Uchiha clan is inherently evil. Not only did they conspire in the Nine-Tails Incident within the village, but they also attempted to control tailed beasts and gain power in other villages. Their ambitions are just like their ancestor, Uchiha Madara..."

"Enough, Danzo! There's not enough evidence for any of this." The Third Hokage rose abruptly, but Danzo was unperturbed, continuing to speak with calm conviction.

"Evidence? Sarutobi, you remain so naive." Danzo scoffed, "You're the Hokage of Konoha, standing in the light. I, on the other hand, am rooted in the shadows. In darkness, no one will see what we do, nor will anyone care. People will only see the outcome."

"..." The Third Hokage fell silent, understanding the implications of Danzo's words. He recognized that this was the most pragmatic solution at present.

Ninjas have never operated in the light.

"What do you intend to do?" At last, the Third Hokage made his decision.

"Uchiha... Itachi."

...

The door to the Hokage's office swung open, and Nara Shikaku instinctively turned to look inside. He saw only Sarutobi, cloaked in the Hokage's robe, standing by the window and exhaling smoke.

Shikaku approached, not bothering to check where Danzo had hidden himself or how he had left; he simply waited quietly for the Third Hokage to speak.

The topic that followed would reflect his decisions.

"Shikaku, next year your son Shikamaru will start at the ninja academy, right?"

"...Yes." Shikaku paused before replying.

"What a pity. He's a year short of being in the same class as Naruto. I thought Shikamaru's temperament would mesh well with Naruto," Sarutobi turned to face him, and his expression was devoid of any hesitation or doubt, as if nothing had transpired, casually discussing family matters. "Perhaps I wouldn't need to rush to arrange Naruto's enrollment."

"It's fine; it will be arranged sooner or later. Besides, by next year, they will still be at the same school. After all, it's not a time of war; with a six-year program, children will naturally get to know each other." Shikaku responded.

"Indeed, it's not a time of war. By next year, it will all be behind us..." Sarutobi murmured.

Though they appeared to be discussing their children's schooling, they both understood the deeper meaning behind their words.

The fate of the Uchiha clan seemed to have already been sealed in that moment.