After Danzō finished speaking, he said no more, slamming the door behind him as he stormed out.
"Sigh…" Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe and shook his head wearily. "Minato, do not let it trouble you. Danzō's methods are harsh and lack compassion, but his words are spoken for what he believes is the good of the village."
"I understand. He is always like this. I have grown used to it." Minato Namikaze managed an awkward smile, which then faded into a serious expression. "But Lord Third, we truly cannot do what he suggests! The Uchiha clan has worked tirelessly to protect Konoha for decades. If we were to destroy them over this single incident, it would send a chill through the heart of the village. The other great ninja clans would live in fear…"
Hiruzen nodded slowly. "Yes, I know what is at stake. Minato, remember… I am retired. Unless this matter involves me directly, I will not intervene, nor do I have the desire to. Whatever you feel is the right course of action, you must decide for yourself. You are the true Hokage. You do not have to bow to the opinions of the older generation, myself included."
"I am tired as well. I will be returning home for the night."
In the early morning light, by the quiet banks of the Naka River near the Uchiha compound, Shisui Uchiha stood alone. With a katana strapped to his back, his face was a mask of worry and caution. He glanced around from time to time, as if waiting for someone to appear from the shadows.
A few minutes later, Danzō's voice emerged from behind him, startlingly close.
"Every time I see you, I am reminded of my former comrade, Kagami Uchiha."
"Your father saved Hiruzen and me many times on the battlefield with the power of his Sharingan."
"Without him, we would not be where we are today."
"Konoha would not be what it is now. No one possessed the Will of Fire more fiercely than Kagami."
Uchiha Shisui turned, his expression respectful on the surface, but a strange wariness lingered in his eyes. "Lord Danzō, for what reason have you summoned me?"
Danzō's gaze was sharp. "I heard the Uchiha clan held a gathering this evening. Fugaku and all the high-ranking officers of the Military Police were in attendance. What do you know of the specific contents of that meeting?"
Shisui was silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on the elder before him. He shook his head. "I do not know. The clan leader did not permit me to participate."
Danzō's lip curled into a sneer. "And why is that? You are a genius of the Uchiha, the future pillar of your clan. Are you now under suspicion simply because you have grown too close to the leadership of Konoha?"
"No! Lord Danzō! The clan leader…" Shisui began, eager to explain, but Danzō raised a hand, silencing him.
"Shisui, you need not explain. My Root network is not for decoration. I am well aware of the plots brewing within the Uchiha clan."
"No matter how you try to conceal it, the truth cannot be hidden."
"Today, the Uchiha only sent men to assassinate the two Hokages. If they launch a collective rebellion in the future, you know the consequences."
"Shisui, you do not wish to see more people die."
"I know that you are different from the rest of your clan. You possess the true Will of Fire. Your heart is not bound by the narrow-minded views of your people. Your only concern is for the village."
"If it is you, perhaps something can be changed."
Shisui's voice was desperate. "Lord Danzō, what can I do to change this situation?"
"The power of your Mangekyō Sharingan…" As he mentioned it, a flicker of raw greed flashed in Danzō's eye. "Kotoamatsukami may be able to play a vital role."
Uchiha Shisui hesitated. "…You want me to use it on the clan leader?"
"No," Danzō sneered, shaking his head slowly. "I want you to control Sarutobi Hiruzen and Minato Namikaze, without anyone ever knowing."
Shisui's blood ran cold. The request was so monstrous, so utterly treasonous, that he could barely process it.
"What… did you say?"
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