Chapitre 105: Chapter 105: Fugaku: The Advantage Is Mine

"I'll need some time," Tsunade said after a moment of silence.

Becoming Hokage would require securing the support of both the Daimyo and the Jonin. The village-wide vote, though, wasn't a concern for her.

"I understand," Itachi Uchiha replied, feeling a sense of relief.

Though Tsunade hadn't given a direct confirmation, her words implied agreement. It was enough. He also needed time to figure out which Uchiha members to take with him when the plan was set in motion.

"One month," Tsunade added after some thought.

"Understood," Itachi said, standing up. "We'll begin in one month."

Tsunade nodded, watching Itachi as he left. She felt a bit dazed.

How did I end up on the path to becoming Hokage so suddenly? she thought.

Looking back, it almost felt like she was being pushed toward the position. Since Shinho Aburame had first suggested it, everything had fallen into place too easily.

However, even if someone had told her this was all part of Shinho's plan, she wouldn't have believed it.

As she thought about it more, the only explanation seemed to be that her identity and strength had naturally led to this.

In truth, she wasn't ready to take on such a responsibility. But at this point, there was no room to run. Whether she agreed or not, Itachi was going to follow through with the plan.

If she did nothing, the Uchiha clan would face their likely doom, and nothing else would change.

From what she knew of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, he wouldn't execute Danzo—he would simply remove him from office. But that wouldn't stop Danzo, or Root, from continuing their operations.

If things went full circle and nothing changed, then what had her grandfather, Senju Hashirama, and her great-uncle, Senju Tobirama, built the village for in the first place?

"Itachi," Tsunade called, interrupting her own thoughts. "I think you wanted to talk to Shinho alone about Sasuke?"

"Yes," Itachi nodded. "If I may."

Tsunade glanced at Shinho, not suspecting anything, and gave her approval.

She assumed Itachi was likely preparing to leave some final instructions, knowing Sasuke would stay in the village and Shinho was one of the few people Sasuke was close to.

"What do you think of Sasuke?" Itachi asked as they walked a short distance outside.

"Not much," Shinho replied simply. "He's no different from the others."

"Really?" Itachi raised an eyebrow. "But he's an Uchiha."

He knew well how outsiders perceived the Uchiha. Their reputation was often negative.

"He's not like a typical Uchiha," Shinho explained.

Itachi was momentarily silent. In Sasuke's current state, that was true, but who knew what the future held?

An idea crossed his mind—to leave Shisui's Kotoamatsukami with Sasuke to ensure he stayed on the right path.

"That plan you mentioned earlier," Itachi said after some thought, "You came up with it, didn't you?"

"Wasn't it your idea?" Shinho countered, deflecting the question.

Itachi was taken aback but smiled slightly.

Talking with someone sharp always had its own sense of ease and understanding, even if the meanings went unsaid.

"I have one more question," Itachi sighed. "How can the Uchiha clan change its image?"

In Itachi's mind, the real challenge wasn't removing the radical Uchiha members. It was ensuring that the remaining Uchiha clan could live in harmony with the rest of the village.

Only then would long-term peace be possible.

The Uchiha, after all, were still Uchiha. With so much lingering distrust and tension, it seemed inevitable that conflict would arise again.

This issue, as far as Itachi knew, was unsolvable.

It was a problem that had existed since the Second Hokage, Tobirama, had placed the Uchiha in charge of the Konoha Police Force. Neither Itachi nor Shisui had been able to come up with a solution.

Still, he figured it was worth asking Shinho, given the plan he had proposed earlier—while not perfect, it did aim to resolve the Uchiha's conflict with Konoha with minimal bloodshed.

"The Konoha Police Force" Shinho said.

"Yes?" Itachi raised an eyebrow.

"Just divide the power," Shinho suggested.

"What do you mean?" Itachi frowned slightly. "The Uchiha would never share their authority with others."

"I'm not saying to give power to others," Shinho explained. "Why do you think the villagers fear the Police Force?"

"Because they've broken the law," Itachi said after some thought.

In his view, the Police Force functioned as it should. While the Uchiha could be hard to deal with, they never played favorites and dealt with wrongdoers according to Konoha's laws.

"Do all mistakes really deserve punishment?" Shinho asked, shaking his head. "Plus, compared to civilians, shinobi naturally have more power. That creates a situation where people feel resentment but are too afraid to speak out. Over time, it creates a deep divide."

"I see," Itachi said, his face showing understanding.

"Split the Police Force into two departments, with two sets of rules—one strict and one lenient. Let shinobi handle shinobi, and civilians handle civilians."

Itachi froze, repeating the solution twice to himself. His eyes brightened.

A moment later, though, he let out a sigh.

If only this solution had come a few years earlier, things might not have gotten so bad.

But it was too late for that now.

"Shisui would have thought of you as a kindred spirit," Itachi said with a touch of admiration. "It's a pity you weren't born into the Uchiha clan."

Born into the Uchiha? Only to be cut down by you? No thanks, Shinho thought.

Itachi was planning to use Kotoamatsukami on Sasuke. If that was how he treated his own brother, there was no telling what would happen to the rest of the clan.

Dealing with a lunatic like that was best done from a distance.

Shinho knew if it weren't for his access to future knowledge and Tsunade's backing, he wouldn't even think of dealing with Itachi.

"It seems Sasuke will never become Hokage," Itachi said with a soft smile. "He might defeat you with his Sharingan, but when it comes to the mind, there's no hope."

"There's still plenty of time," Shinho replied casually. "The future belongs to them."

Itachi glanced at Shinho with a strange look.

Aren't you two the same age? Itachi thought. One moment you're knocking him down, the next you're saying the future is his?

Itachi contemplated this for a moment, then decided that it might be time to help Sasuke awaken his Sharingan. As much as it would hurt, it was a necessary step.

Only by demonstrating his worth could Sasuke ever become part of Konoha's core.

Sasuke, please don't hate your brother for this.

"Don't worry," Shinho added, sensing the shift in mood. "If I become Hokage, Sasuke will definitely be an advisor."

"Then it's settled," Itachi said, nodding. "I'll watch over the rebirth of Konoha from the outside."

He stepped back, merging into the shadows and vanishing in a flurry of crows.

Shinho watched him leave before turning back toward the house.

Tsunade lay on the couch, her right hand resting on her forehead, her brows furrowed in thought.

"Teacher," Shinho Aburame approached and sat at the other end of the couch. Tsunade's long, straight legs stretched out, her pale feet with red-painted toenails just touching his leg.

It could only be said that the couch was long enough for the both of them.

"What's on your mind?" Shinho glanced at her red-painted toes and asked.

"I'm thinking about which ninja clans will support me," Tsunade replied.

"I think most of them will support you," Shinho smiled as he spoke.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was crafty and aging. Tsunade, on the other hand, was known for her fiery temper.

Leaders with straightforward personalities like hers were often popular, much like the Fourth Raikage. Subordinates typically preferred leaders who didn't play games or schemes.

"No need to overthink it," Shinho continued. "You should make some rounds and visit them."

"You're right," Tsunade rubbed her forehead, sighing. "I just hope my reputation still holds some sway."

She wasn't as optimistic as Shinho. She had been away from the village for too long, losing connections and networks.

The clan leaders she needed to win over were all shrewd, and without solid backing, they wouldn't risk taking a side.

"I think just showing your willingness will be enough," Shinho suggested. "Once Itachi makes his move, they'll naturally support you."

Tsunade blinked, realizing the truth behind his words.

Indeed, once Root's actions were exposed, Danzo would take the fall directly, and Sarutobi Hiruzen would bear indirect responsibility.

No one would believe that the so-called "strongest Hokage" was completely unaware of what Danzo was doing.

Fearing their own clans might be targeted next, the other clans would likely throw their support behind her once the scales tipped enough in her favor.

Tsunade realized Shinho had a broader view of the situation than even she did.

This kid might actually have what it takes to be Hokage someday.

"It's time for your treatment, Teacher," Shinho reminded her.

"Huh?" Tsunade's eyes flashed with reluctance. "Isn't it still early? Let's wait a bit longer."

She now resembled a child about to get a shot, trying to delay it as much as possible.

"Nope." Shinho rejected her excuse flatly. "We're not doing it now."

Tsunade shot up, clenching her fist and glaring at him.

But Shinho met her gaze without backing down.

After a few tense seconds, Tsunade ground her teeth, picked him up, and headed for the room.

"Wait a minute—" Shinho barely had time to react before she shoved him into bed.

"You're not getting away either!" Tsunade smirked as she cracked her knuckles.

Later, Shinho, wrapped up in the blanket, trembled.

And thus, the day of torment officially began.

...

Itachi Uchiha arrived at the Konoha Police Force Headquarters.

As he walked in, the Uchiha clan members he passed gave him strange looks. Ever since Shisui's death, Itachi had become the prime suspect. Though no one openly accused him, the trust was gone.

Even Uchiha Fugaku, his father, had become distant.

But today, Itachi was here to restore that trust.

He approached Fugaku's office, knocked on the door, and walked in.

Fugaku looked up, surprised to see Itachi. Their relationship had deteriorated to the point where they were almost strangers.

Especially after Itachi had vehemently opposed the clan's coup plans, angering the more aggressive faction of the Uchiha.

Fugaku, ever cautious, had never explicitly taken a side but subtly leaned toward the hawks. This allowed him to maintain his authority as clan leader.

"Start the coup," Itachi said bluntly as soon as he entered.

"What?" Fugaku was stunned.

Suddenly? Hadn't Itachi been against this just recently?

For a moment, Fugaku even suspected the person standing before him wasn't Itachi at all, but one of the others using a transformation jutsu.

"I've discovered the truth behind Shisui's death," Itachi said, his expression darkening. "Danzo coveted his Mangekyo Sharingan and killed him."

"What did you say?" Fugaku stood up, shocked. "You mean Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan is in Danzo's possession?"

Itachi nodded.

"Damn it!" Fugaku's face turned grim.

When Kakashi received just a single three-tomoe Sharingan, it had caused an uproar.

Now, Danzo had gotten his hands on the clan's most powerful weapon—Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan. It had to be retrieved, no matter the cost.

But how?

Fugaku fell silent, realizing their situation. They'd lost Shisui, and Danzo had gained a Mangekyo Sharingan.

Starting the coup now seemed like a losing battle.

Itachi watched his father, sighing inwardly. He realized that his father wasn't as decisive as he seemed—he was simply hesitant.

"Danzo only took one of Shisui's eyes," Itachi said calmly. "The other one is with me."

"Give it to me," Fugaku's eyes brightened with hope.

"No." Itachi raised his head, and his three-tomoe Sharingan began to spin, merging into the Mangekyo.

"Mangekyo Sharingan?!" Fugaku gasped in disbelief. His son, who was only thirteen, had awakened Mangekyo Sharingan?

"Good, good!" Fugaku was ecstatic. "As expected of my son!"

"Shisui's Mangekyo ability, Kotoamatsukami, can temporarily control others," Itachi explained, slightly altering the truth of the technique.

"My plan is to first attack Root, use one eye to control Danzo, then head to the Hokage's office and use the other eye to control Sarutobi Hiruzen. This will significantly increase our chances of success."

Fugaku's pupils contracted in shock.

A Mangekyo Sharingan with such an incredible ability?

But it made sense for a Mangekyo Sharingan,

As he thought about it, he became more excited.

Itachi's plan seemed entirely feasible. With two Mangekyo Sharingan users, how could they possibly fail?

If they controlled both Sarutobi and Danzo, they would effectively seize control of Konoha, giving them time to establish a new regime.

The advantage was his! There was no way they could lose!

Fugaku's resolve hardened. "Then, let's proceed !"

Itachi felt a wave of disappointment. His father was still set on this path.

In that case, he would have to take his father away with him. The future of Konoha would rest in the hands of Sasuke and their mother, Mikoto.

"When we attack Root, it must be swift and precise," Itachi said calmly. "I suggest you assemble an elite team of Uchiha who are fully committed to the coup."

Fugaku nodded, fully onboard with the plan. "I'll gather our most loyal members. We'll make sure everything is ready."

[Tl/n: whoa there! too much sus moments in a single chapter. And man, is this fanfiction getting better and better with each chapter?!]

join my patreon for 70+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/HyppoTL