"If Kakashi-senpai and I had arrived even a moment later, Haruko might have already been taken away."
"The operative was from Root. Kakashi-senpai's judgment on this can be trusted."
"But their objective... likely wasn't just to question Haruko."
In the Uchiha Compound.
Shisui reported everything in a low, solemn voice.
Normally, he should have gone straight to the Third Hokage, but because of Kakashi's involvement, he returned to the clan first to brief Fugaku.
Not because Kakashi could save him a trip to the Hokage Building.
But because he was still carrying out a classified mission—monitoring the Uchiha.
He couldn't risk exposure. Not even to Kakashi.
"Root... Elder Danzo, then."
Fugaku's voice was measured, his expression grave.
As clan head, he had much to consider in a situation like this.
Why target a little girl?
Are the village's higher-ups preparing to tighten their grip on the Uchiha?
Was this Root's own initiative, or did the Hokage sanction it?
Does the Hokage even know?
Haruko's early enrollment had the Third's approval.
Her early graduation, too.
The Third had even assigned his own son as her examiner.
What's the endgame here?
"Regardless, this information must not be made public for now. We can't afford unnecessary conflict between the clan and the village."
"Especially with Itachi... He's been training relentlessly lately. Don't distract him."
"I'll arrange for Haruko to be watched closely. If necessary, she can stay with me for the time being."
Rubbing his temples, Fugaku exhaled heavily.
The weight of countless possibilities pressed down on him, leaving him drained.
"Yes!"
Shisui acknowledged quietly before vanishing.
Alone in the room, Fugaku stared into the empty space, lost in thought once more.
If his instincts were right—
An important guest would likely visit his home tonight.
I'll need to tread carefully.
The Uchiha weren't ready to reveal their hand yet.
But he hadn't expected the village's anti-Uchiha faction to move so swiftly.
Just because she showed talent, they're already trying to nip it in the bud?
Or is this the start of dismantling the Uchiha from the next generation?
"A girl who awakened the Sharingan because of Itachi's injury..."
You'll pay for underestimating the Uchiha.
---
Meanwhile.
Hokage Building.
A similar conversation unfolded here.
Kakashi reported everything truthfully, even requesting punishment for attacking a Root operative.
"I lost control of my emotions and harmed a fellow shinobi from Root."
"I'll accept any disciplinary action!"
His tone was earnest.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi heard no trace of remorse.
This boy...
Still as terrible at lying as ever.
What surprised him, though, was Kakashi acting so recklessly for a girl's sake.
"Let it go."
"This was Danzo's oversight. I'll handle it with him."
Hiruzen's tone was deliberately casual.
His old comrade's sudden move risked destabilizing the fragile peace Konoha had barely maintained.
That was unacceptable.
Time to rein him in a little.
"The girl—was she hurt?"
"No. The Root operative seemed to be on an 'abduction mission.' No deception involved," Kakashi replied.
"I see..." Hiruzen mused. "Very well."
"Since your injuries still need time to heal, take a break from Anbu duties for now."
"You're on decent terms with the Uchiha. Keep an eye on that girl in the meantime."
Kakashi's eyes lit up.
"Yes!"
Once Kakashi left, Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a slow drag before turning to the files on his desk.
Before Kakashi's arrival, he'd been reviewing candidates for the two early graduates' Jonin Instructors.
Uchiha Itachi was undeniably a prodigy—calm, meticulous, and displaying exceptional combat prowess in his match against Asuma.
Such talent would intimidate any instructor.
But compared to Itachi—
Haruko was less complicated.
Orochimaru had already claimed her.
Just... claimed her.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Handing a girl skilled in Medical Ninjutsu, Kenjutsu, and Taijutsu—
To a disciple he'd once been so proud of, yet now struggled to understand...
A difficult choice.
But after today's events, the decision was no longer his to make.
Assigning one of the Legendary Sannin as Haruko's instructor could serve as compensation to the Uchiha.
And to Danzo, too.
After all—
Konoha couldn't afford any more internal strife.