"Is Uchiha Fugaku planning to target the Daimyo?"
The Third Hokage's expression darkened immediately.
The Daimyo, as the ruler of the Land of Fire, technically held a higher position than even the Hokage. However, in terms of military power, the authority of the Hokage far surpassed that of the Daimyo.
Despite this, the Daimyo was still the symbolic leader of the nation, and the village had to carefully consider his opinions.
Now, Uchiha Fugaku was heading to the Daimyo's province. Could it be that his real goal was the Daimyo himself?
The Uchiha clan excelled in genjutsu. If the Daimyo were to fall under their control, the consequences would be disastrous.
Cold sweat dripped down the Third Hokage's forehead as his expression grew grim.
Noticing the sudden change in the Hokage's demeanor, Uchiha Itachi felt an unease rising within him.
"Hokage-sama, is something wrong?" he asked nervously.
"I suspect that Uchiha Fugaku's supposed visit to a friendly family is just a cover. His real goal may be to control the Daimyo," the Third Hokage said, his voice laced with worry.
"What? My father's real target is the Daimyo? He wants to control him?"
Itachi's eyes widened in shock.
"There is a high possibility," the Third Hokage confirmed with a grave expression.
"Hokage-sama, what should we do now?"
If his father truly intended to control the Daimyo, the ramifications would be catastrophic.
"Go and inform Shisui immediately. Bring him to me at once!"
"Yes."
Itachi didn't hesitate. He turned and rushed towards the place where Uchiha Shisui was staying.
Moments later, a figure moved through the village at astonishing speed, leaving behind faint afterimages.
It was Uchiha Shisui.
As the renowned "Shisui of the Body Flicker," his speed was unparalleled.
Understanding the urgency of the situation, he had rushed over at full speed, leaving Itachi far behind.
"You must have already heard from Itachi."
The Third Hokage met Shisui's gaze, his voice calm but heavy with tension.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Shisui replied.
"Considering the recent movements of the Uchiha clan, I strongly suspect that Uchiha Fugaku intends to take control of the Daimyo."
Shisui's expression turned serious.
"Shisui, I am assigning you a mission—eliminate Uchiha Fugaku!"
Shisui's eyes widened in shock.
He had expected the Hokage to ask him to stop Fugaku, perhaps disrupt his plan—but an assassination order?
"You mean… kill him?"
"Yes."
The Third Hokage nodded before sighing heavily.
"Uchiha Fugaku's recent actions have completely driven a wedge between the Uchiha clan and the village."
"Considering the rumors of a coup within the clan, I suspect that this is the first step of his plan to seize power."
"The clan leader's ultimate goal is a coup?"
Shisui's mind reeled at the thought.
He had always been aware of the whispers regarding rebellion within the Uchiha clan.
But now, hearing it laid out so plainly by the Hokage—and connecting it with Fugaku's actions—he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread.
"For the sake of the village, Uchiha Fugaku is too dangerous. Shisui, the time has come for you to make a choice. You must eliminate him for the sake of Konoha."
The Third Hokage's tone was somber yet resolute.
"I will stop the coup!"
Shisui clenched his fists.
If the Uchiha clan attempted a coup, it would plunge Konoha into chaos, making them vulnerable to attacks from other villages.
He would not allow that to happen.
However, his voice softened.
"Hokage-sama, I hope to spare the clan leader's life."
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed.
"What do you have in mind?"
"I intend to use my Mangekyō Sharingan's ability—Kotoamatsukami—to alter the clan leader's will."
Shisui's voice was steady, yet firm.
The Third Hokage fell silent, contemplating.
What he truly wanted was Fugaku's death. Without him, the Uchiha clan would become disorganized, allowing him to weaken them further and eventually eliminate them entirely.
However, Shisui was resolute in his stance. If he refused, Shisui might resist the order altogether.
After a brief pause, the Hokage nodded.
"Very well."
He placed a hand on Shisui's shoulder, his expression one of deep understanding.
"This is an important mission, Shisui. I trust you will not fail me."
"I won't," Shisui replied firmly.
He would protect Konoha's peace, no matter what it took.
The next morning, Uchiha Fugaku set out from Konoha.
Accompanying him were two elite Uchiha—Uchiha Hoshi and Uchiha Shiro—the same shinobi who had assisted him in eliminating the underground black market.
"I've never been to the Daimyo's province before," Hoshi said excitedly. "I can't wait to see what it's like."
Konohagakure was a bustling village, but it could never compare to the grand cities surrounding the Daimyo's palace.
After all, Konoha was just one village. The Daimyo's domain, however, was the heart of the Land of Fire's government—a true capital.
"Focus," Shiro scolded. "We're on a mission."
Hao's excitement faded slightly.
They had been briefed by Fugaku beforehand.
This wasn't just a simple escort mission.
They were the bait.
If things went wrong, they could die.
Still, Hao had chosen to accept the mission.
Shisui was his close friend. Even after learning about his suspected betrayal, he found it hard to believe.
He wanted to see it with his own eyes.
"I wonder if we'll draw him out…"
Fugaku glanced at the two shinobi accompanying him.
He had done everything possible to provoke the Third Hokage.
By now, Hiruzen had likely decided that he was a threat that needed to be eliminated.
But would he send Shisui?
Considering the Third Hokage's nature, there was a strong possibility.
However, there was still a chance he might send a different unit instead.
Fugaku's eyes darkened.
Either way, he was prepared.
This time, Uchiha Shisui would not escape.
(End of this chapter)
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