In the Anbu base located beneath the Hokage Building, more than a dozen masked Anbu captains knelt on one knee.
Each of them was at least at the elite jonin level, the best among the best in Konoha's Anbu forces.
Some of the strongest among them surpassed the average elite jonin, possessing strength close to Kage level.
At this moment, standing before them was an old man whose face showed signs of aging, yet whose imposing presence remained undiminished—the Third Hokage.
"You are all the elite among the elite in Anbu. Now, there is a dangerous mission that I want you to carry out with me."
The Third Hokage swept his gaze across the assembled captains, his voice deep and commanding.
"Hokage-sama, what kind of mission requires you and all of us captains to act together?"
A woman wearing an owl mask asked solemnly.
For a mission to require all present captains, who were at least elite jonin, it had to be exceptionally difficult.
"Kill Uchiha Fugaku."
The Third Hokage spoke slowly, emphasizing each word.
With every syllable, the killing intent within him intensified, growing so overwhelming that it seemed almost tangible.
Even the hardened Anbu captains felt its oppressive weight, their breathing momentarily unsteady.
"Uchiha Fugaku?"
Several Anbu captains muttered his name, confusion evident in their voices.
They could not comprehend why the Third Hokage himself was leading a mission against the Uchiha clan leader.
More importantly, there was only one Uchiha Fugaku, yet the Third Hokage was assembling a team of over a dozen captains to eliminate him.
"Do not underestimate him."
The Third Hokage warned, his tone serious.
"It is highly likely that he has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, and his true strength has already reached the level of a Kage."
"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Fugaku is a Konoha shinobi, the head of the Uchiha clan. Why must we take action against him?"
A man wearing a cat-faced mask asked.
"Uchiha Fugaku's existence has begun to seriously endanger the peace of Konoha."
The Third Hokage declared firmly.
"Has he really become a threat to Konoha's peace?"
Many Anbu captains exchanged glances, clearly puzzled.
They did not understand what Uchiha Fugaku had done to warrant such drastic action.
"Yes, Uchiha Fugaku has become a serious threat."
The Third Hokage scanned the room, his voice grim.
"Reliable intelligence suggests that the Uchiha clan is preparing to stage a coup."
"The one leading this coup—is none other than Uchiha Fugaku."
"I need you to eliminate Uchiha Fugaku, stop this coup before it begins, and preserve the peace of Konoha."
"An attempted coup?"
Many Anbu captains were shocked, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Uchiha Fugaku, the head of the Uchiha clan, was allegedly planning to overthrow Konoha's leadership.
If this was true, it was no wonder the Third Hokage ordered his elimination.
"He deserves death for attempting a coup!"
"Not just Uchiha Fugaku, but the entire Uchiha clan should be severely punished!"
One Anbu captain coldly stated, his voice carrying killing intent toward both Uchiha Fugaku and his clan.
As Anbu, they operated in the shadows, sacrificing everything for the sake of Konoha's stability.
To them, Uchiha Fugaku and the Uchiha clan were now traitors.
Many Anbu captains echoed similar resentments, but some remained silent.
Some were aware of the deeper truths, while others were skeptical of the Third Hokage's claims.
They knew that over the years, the Third Hokage had continuously suppressed the Uchiha clan.
Now, he was ordering the assassination of their leader.
They were not so quick to believe everything he said.
"Hokage-sama, I request to withdraw from this mission."
A sudden voice rang out.
The room fell silent.
All eyes turned toward the one who spoke—a man with silver hair.
"Kakashi, why?"
The Third Hokage asked, his expression darkening.
The silver-haired man, Hatake Kakashi, was the captain-general of the Anbu.
He was responsible for leading the entire Anbu division.
For Kakashi, of all people, to oppose his orders—it felt like a personal betrayal.
Anger rose within the Third Hokage.
"Anbu exists to defend Konoha from its enemies, not to kill fellow villagers."
"I will not stain my hands with the blood of my own people."
Hatake Kakashi said after a brief silence.
"…"
The Third Hokage's expression darkened further.
What Hatake Kakashi had just said was tantamount to accusing him of murdering his own people.
Realizing that Kakashi had not been fully indoctrinated, a cold glint flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes.
"Fine. I accept your withdrawal."
"Thank you for your understanding, Hokage-sama."
"However, I also wish to resign as Anbu captain-general and leave Anbu altogether."
Kakashi continued.
Some time ago, Uchiha Fugaku's words had deeply resonated with him.
He had begun to question everything he had refused to acknowledge before.
The Third Hokage was not the righteous leader he had once believed.
The neglect of his father, Hatake Sakumo.
The systematic suppression of the Uchiha clan.
The mistreatment of Uzumaki Naruto, the son of the Fourth Hokage.
The persecution of the Hyuga clan.
One incident after another revealed the darkness within the Third Hokage's leadership.
Now, the Third Hokage was ordering Anbu to assassinate Uchiha Fugaku.
That was the final straw.
The Anbu had become nothing more than a tool for the Third Hokage to eliminate dissenters.
Kakashi did not want to become that tool.
"I accept, but to prevent any leaks, you will be placed under confinement for the time being."
The Third Hokage stated coldly.
He had no intention of keeping a disloyal subordinate in a high position.
Even if Kakashi had not resigned, he would have been removed.
Since Kakashi was leaving on his own, it saved him the trouble.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi bowed slightly, then walked toward the confinement room.
This was the most he could do.
As for warning the Uchiha clan—he had no intention of getting involved.
This was a battle between the Third Hokage and Uchiha Fugaku.
(End of this chapter)