Chapter 73: Uchiha Itachi's Stance

"I do not agree!"

Faced with the gazes of his many clan members, Uchiha Itachi decisively shook his head, clearly stating his position.

His words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing the high spirits of the Uchiha clan, and the atmosphere cooled significantly.

"Why not?" The elite members of the Uchiha clan spoke up in unison.

Indeed, with two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan and Danzo already dead, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to launch a coup and seize control of Konoha. So why was Itachi against it?

"Everyone, it's true that our Uchiha clan now has two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, but we must not underestimate the strength of Konoha."

"Consider the Hyuga clan, the ANBU, the Root, and the ninja clans like the Ino-Shika-Cho."

"Moreover, don't forget where Akira learned the Eight Gates from!"

"If we were to initiate a coup, we would undoubtedly face unprecedented resistance."

"Even if we were to win, it would be a pyrrhic victory."

"At that point, Konoha would be more vulnerable than ever—do you think the other ninja villages, especially the likes of Kumogakure, would give us time to recover?"

Uchiha Itachi spoke, presenting his reasoning and questioning the elite members of the Uchiha clan.

His words left the Uchiha elites speechless.

Indeed, while the two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan had given the clan great confidence, overthrowing Konoha would not be an easy task.

Even if they succeeded, would the Uchiha have the strength left to fend off other ninja villages afterward?

"Are we to be oppressed and marginalized by Konoha forever?" After a moment of silence, one of the clan members spoke, his voice filled with resentment.

This was indeed a rare opportunity—was it really the best course of action to do nothing? Would they continue to be suppressed by Konoha's leadership in the future?

"No, first of all, tonight we have shown Konoha that our Uchiha clan possesses the power of two Mangekyō Sharingan. The higher-ups in Konoha will not dare to easily oppress us again."

"Secondly, I believe our best course of action is to wait—wait for Akira to grow stronger, and ideally, for him to awaken his own Mangekyō."

"When that happens, it will be the perfect time for us to initiate a coup..."

Uchiha Itachi gave his answer.

His analysis left the Uchiha elites nodding in agreement, acknowledging the soundness of his reasoning.

With the power the Uchiha clan had demonstrated tonight, the Konoha leadership would surely be wary of further oppressing them.

And if they could wait for Akira to mature, the situation would indeed be more favorable.

As for Akira's growth?

None of the Uchiha clan members had any doubts.

After all, in just one year, he had grown to such a formidable level.

At seven years old, he had killed Danzo. Who would dare question Uchiha Akira's talent?

It seemed only a matter of time before he reached the level of a Kage, or even awakened his own Mangekyō Sharingan.

And so, following the meeting in the Uchiha district, the clan's desire for a coup was temporarily quelled by Itachi's reasoning.

Now, they all eagerly awaited Uchiha Akira's continued growth.

As the meeting adjourned, Uchiha Akira's poison had been mostly purged, and he was carried back home.

After a few words with his father, Uchiha Akira was left to rest.

However, late into the night, when everyone else had nearly fallen asleep, the Third Hokage remained awake.

He sat quietly in his courtyard, a tea set arranged before him.

Shff!

A figure appeared before the Third Hokage—it was none other than Uchiha Itachi.

The Uchiha clan saw Itachi as a spy monitoring the Hokage.

Likewise, the Third Hokage regarded him as a spy within the Uchiha clan.

"Itachi, you're here."

The Third Hokage was not surprised by Itachi's arrival; in fact, he had been expecting him.

"Third Hokage, the Uchiha clan is indeed harboring thoughts of a coup." Kneeling before the Hokage, Uchiha Itachi reported the situation within the clan.

"Hmm, Itachi, you know what needs to be done, don't you? After opening the Eight Gates, Uchiha Akira should be incapacitated for some time. This is the perfect opportunity."

The Third Hokage's expression remained unchanged as he spoke to Itachi.

The Uchiha believed Danzo's death presented the perfect opportunity to strike against Konoha.

Similarly, the Third Hokage saw Akira's incapacitation as the ideal moment to deal with the Uchiha.

Itachi remained silent, not responding immediately.

"If you find it difficult, that's okay. I can arrange for someone else..." The Third Hokage, noticing Itachi's hesitation, spoke understandingly.

"No, Third Hokage, I will handle this matter as soon as possible—for the peace of the village."

With a resolute expression, Uchiha Itachi replied before using the Body Flicker Technique to leave.

"Hiruzen, do you really believe he would turn his blade against his own clan?"

As Itachi departed, a figure approached the Third Hokage and sat down before him.

...

Meanwhile, Uchiha Akira lay in bed, the aftereffects of opening the Seventh Gate making him feel like a severely ill and disabled person, unable to sleep properly.

Late into the night, after waking up again and finding himself unable to sleep, Uchiha Akira decided to start a new life simulation...