บท 157: Dan, Does It Really Have to Be This Way?

Amaterasu.

In an instant, Amaterasu devoured Danzo and his bodyguard, Torune.

"Everyone, stay away from those flames!" Jiraiya shouted, recognizing the extraordinary nature of Amaterasu's black flames. He quickly unfurled a scroll on the ground and performed a sealing technique.

*Sizzle.*

The black flames on Danzo and Torune were drawn towards the scroll and sealed within it.

Fire Sealing Method.

This technique can seal any fire in the world. Of course, the effectiveness of a sealing technique is directly related to the user's skill. If anyone other than Jiraiya had attempted this, they might have been consumed by Amaterasu.

After Jiraiya sealed Amaterasu:

*Thud.*

Torune's charred body fell to the ground, burned to half its size. However, Danzo's body turned into a piece of charred wood.

Wood Clone.

This is a Wood Release technique from the First Hokage. It is similar to the Shadow Clone Jutsu but extremely realistic; even the Sharingan can't distinguish it.

Given Danzo's cautious nature, how could he charge to the front and risk his life against the Uchiha? Naturally, he would hide in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to clean up. Danzo deliberately sent a Wood Clone to provoke the Uchiha, inciting this war to pit the Uchiha against the Anbu. His plan worked.

"Danzo!" Itachi's eyes were blood-red, scanning the crowd until he looked towards the Hokage's office.

At that moment, the Third Hokage appeared at a third-floor window, observing the chaos below with a shocked expression.

In the next second:

*Whoosh.*

Itachi rushed towards the Hokage's office, determined to eliminate the Third Hokage since Danzo was nowhere to be seen.

"Attack!" Several Anbu members hurled kunai and shuriken at Itachi, attempting to turn him into a pincushion.

Suddenly, Itachi vanished, transforming into dozens of crows that flew into the sky. Then, shuriken hidden among the crows rained down on the Anbu, catching many off guard.

Seeing Itachi take the lead, Fugaku roared:

"Uchiha, attack the Hokage's office! Kill Hiruzen Sarutobi and avenge Shisui!"

With those words, Fugaku quickly formed hand seals and slammed his hands to the ground, channeling his chakra into it.

*Rumble.*

Countless green leaves sprouted from the ground, rapidly growing into trees, forming a forest in front of the Hokage's office.

Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees.

This technique is a simplified version of the First Hokage's Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees. Though smaller in scale, it is still powerful.

Wood Release? Everyone was shocked. When did the Uchiha gain the power of the First Hokage's Wood Release?

Seizing the moment of surprise, under Fugaku's control, the trees attacked Jiraiya and the others.

The Uchiha charged the Hokage's office. "Protect the Hokage at all costs!" The Anbu elite, including Ox, Tiger, Eagle, and others, shouted, ready to defend the Hokage.

Fire Release: Flame Bullet! Jiraiya spat out chakra-infused oil and ignited it, forming huge fireballs that burned the attacking trees.

Then:

Wild Lion's Mane Technique. Jiraiya's hair extended, entangling Fugaku.

Fugaku frowned, addressing Jiraiya, "If we kill Hiruzen Sarutobi and avenge Shisui, the Uchiha will leave Konoha immediately without harming the innocent. You just need to step aside, and you can easily become the Fifth Hokage."

Jiraiya firmly shook his head, rejecting the offer. "Even if the Third Hokage made mistakes, he doesn't deserve to die. I won't let you pass."

"Then I'll have to kill you." Fugaku said coldly, forming a seal and breathing out a powerful fire dragon.

Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu. Although small in range, this technique is incredibly powerful and accurate, making it one of the most deadly Fire Release techniques.

Jiraiya quickly formed seals and slammed his hand to the ground, creating an Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall to block the fire dragon.

A fierce battle ensued around the Hokage's office. Nearly two hundred Uchiha clashed with over a hundred Anbu in a brutal fight.

The battle spread quickly. Many Konoha clans, such as the Nara, Akimichi, Inuzuka, Aburame, Hyuga, and others, chose to stay out of the conflict, observing from a distance. However, some Konoha shinobi, inspired by the Will of Fire, joined the fight to support the Anbu against the Uchiha.

Meanwhile, the villagers were in chaos, either hiding at home or fleeing to shelters.

During the chaos, Kakashi and Yamato arrived.

Seeing the Uchiha attacking the Hokage's office, Yamato wanted to join the battle, but Kakashi stopped him.

"Senior…" Yamato was puzzled.

Kakashi paused, then said, "Leave the Uchiha to the Hokage and Jiraiya. We should focus on evacuating the villagers and getting them to safety."

Nearby, a mother and daughter were about to be struck by a stray kunai. Kakashi swiftly saved them, with Yamato joining in to help guide the villagers to safety.

The Third Hokage watched the battle in the Hokage's office with a heavy heart. Konoha must either maintain peace with the Uchiha or eliminate them silently. A direct conflict like this was the last thing he wanted, as it would lead to immense destruction and loss.

The Third Hokage removed his Hokage robe, revealing black armor underneath. He summoned his trusted companion, Enma the Monkey King, and transformed him into a staff. Ready to join the battle, he heard a noise behind him.

Turning quickly, he saw Dan appear silently beside him. "It's quite lively out there," Dan said, looking at the battle below.

The Third Hokage instinctively wanted to attack but restrained himself, feeling Dan's killing intent.

"Have you been to the forbidden library?" the Third Hokage asked, eyeing the large scroll on Dan's back.

"Yes, I borrowed the Sealing Scroll. I hope you don't mind," Dan replied, showing no emotion.

The Third Hokage forced a smile. "You should have asked. I would have sent it to you. Be careful with those techniques; they are dangerous."

Dan sighed. "I need to revive Shisui. I'll use the Reanimation Jutsu developed by the Second Hokage. Consider it compensation for what the Second Hokage did to the Uchiha."

The Third Hokage's face twitched but said nothing more. Suddenly, a kunai with an explosive tag shattered the window, scattering glass everywhere. Neither the Third Hokage nor Dan moved, both focused on the battle below.

"Dan, is Samui really a spy from the Hidden Cloud?" the Third Hokage asked.

"Yes," Dan confirmed.

"And you instructed Shisui to use Kotoamatsukami to negotiate with me?"

"Correct."

"You orchestrated this Uchiha coup as well?"

"Indeed."

The Third Hokage was furious. "How could you do this? You are an Uchiha and an advisor to the Hokage. Don't you respect that title?"

Dan laughed. "Previous Hokage advisors have tried to kill the Hokage. If every advisor wants the Hokage dead, maybe the problem is with the Hokage, not the advisor."

The Third Hokage was speechless again. As the battle below intensified, both sides suffering heavy casualties, the Third Hokage was deeply moved. He decided to make a compromise for the sake of Konoha's future.

"Dan, does it really have to be this way? Stop the Uchiha, and I'll let you become the Hokage," he said, finally conceding.

Dan, however, looked at the Third Hokage with indifference. "I have no interest in becoming Hokage. The Uchiha are avenging Shisui. No one can stop them, not even me."

The Third Hokage was stunned. "If the Uchiha continue, Konoha and the Uchiha will both be destroyed. Other clans and nations won't accept Uchiha rule. This will lead to mutual destruction."

Dan laughed again. "Do you think I care about the Uchiha's survival?" he said, looking at the battlefield below.

The Third Hokage was horrified. To him, Dan seemed like a devil.

As the Third Hokage struggled with his shock and horror, he tried one last appeal to Dan's sense of reason.

"Dan, you must understand the consequences of your actions. The village will be in ruins, and countless lives will be lost. Is this really what you want?" he pleaded.

Dan's expression remained cold and detached. "The Uchiha clan has always been misunderstood and oppressed. This is their chance to assert their power and seek justice for Shisui. Whether they succeed or fail, it matters little to me."

Before the Third Hokage could respond, a powerful chakra presence filled the room. Jiraiya had managed to break through the initial Uchiha onslaught and made his way up to the Hokage's office.

"Sensei, are you alright?" Jiraiya called out as he entered, his eyes narrowing as he saw Dan standing calmly beside the Third Hokage.

"Jiraiya, be cautious," the Third Hokage warned. "Dan has been behind this coup from the beginning."

Jiraiya's eyes widened with anger and disbelief. "Dan, how could you betray Konoha like this? What about the village we all swore to protect?"

Dan turned his gaze to Jiraiya, his expression unchanging. "The village has never protected the Uchiha. We've been treated as outsiders, feared and ostracized. This is the natural consequence of that."

Jiraiya clenched his fists, his rage barely contained. "I won't let you get away with this."

Dan sighed. "You can try, but it will be futile."

Before the situation could escalate further, a sudden explosion rocked the building. The fight outside had intensified, with powerful jutsu clashing and combat cries echoing through the air. The Third Hokage knew that time was running out.

"We need to stop this madness before it's too late," he urged. "Jiraiya, can you hold him off while I try to negotiate a ceasefire with the Uchiha?"

Jiraiya nodded grimly. "I'll do my best, Sensei. Be careful."

As the Third Hokage approached the battle, Dan and Jiraiya squared off, their chakra flaring as they prepared for combat.

"Let's see if you can live up to your reputation, Dan," Jiraiya said, summoning a toad to assist him.

Dan merely smirked, his Sharingan spinning ominously. "I have no intention of holding back, Jiraiya. Prepare yourself."

Meanwhile, the fighting had reached a fever pitch on the battlefield below. Uchiha warriors clashed with Anbu operatives, the air thick with smoke and the scent of burning wood. Fugaku led the charge, his eyes blazing with the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan as he directed his clan.

The Third Hokage arrived at the front lines, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Everyone, cease this fighting at once!" he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

For a moment, the battle was lulled, as both sides hesitated, looking to their leaders for guidance. Fugaku stepped forward, his gaze locked on the Third Hokage.

"Hiruzen, this conflict can end if you hand over Danzo and those responsible for Shisui's death," Fugaku demanded.

The Third Hokage's face hardened. "Fugaku, this isn't the way. We can find another solution that doesn't involve more bloodshed. Please, for the sake of Konoha."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "Konoha betrayed us. This is the only way to ensure our clan's future."

Before the Third Hokage could respond, a shadow moved swiftly behind Fugaku. Itachi appeared, his face a mask of resolve.

"Father, we must stop this. More fighting will only bring more suffering," Itachi urged, his voice filled with emotion.

Fugaku looked at his son, torn between his duty to his clan and the plea from his beloved son. The moment of hesitation was enough for the Third Hokage to act.

"Everyone, lay down your arms!" the Third Hokage ordered, stepping forward with his hands raised. "We will find another way. I promise."

As the tension in the air thickened, the battle's intensity began to wane. Slowly, the shinobi on both sides lowered their weapons, their faces showing the weariness of prolonged conflict.

Dan, watching from above with Jiraiya, frowned. "It seems your old sensei still has a few tricks up his sleeve," he muttered.

Jiraiya, still on guard, nodded. "You underestimate the bonds that hold this village together, Dan. It's not too late to make things right."

Dan's expression softened slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. But before he could respond, a loud crash interrupted their standoff. Both men turned to see a massive fireball headed towards the Hokage's office, a last-ditch attack from an unknown assailant.

Jiraiya acted quickly, summoning a protective barrier to shield them from the blast. As the dust settled, he turned to Dan. "We need to end this, now."

Dan looked at the devastation below, the bodies of fallen comrades and enemies alike strewn across the battlefield. With a heavy sigh, he finally nodded. "Very well, Jiraiya. Let's end this."

Together, they moved towards the battlefield, ready to bring an end to the chaos and find a way towards peace.