Chapter 63: The Hokage's hidden man? I give you 2 choices, Itachi!
Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils constricted slightly, but his expression remained smiling. He had mastered the art of concealing his emotions, truly embodying the essence of a Third Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Itachi's body stiffen, caught in a difficult dilemma. To go would mean choosing his clan in front of the Hokage. Not to go would be to openly defy the new Uchiha Clan Head's first summons.
"Go, Itachi." Hiruzen Sarutobi broke the suffocating silence, speaking first. A gentle smile appeared on his face, playing the role of a magnanimous elder who understood his subordinates. "Clan matters are more important."
Itachi's body relaxed slightly. He gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep look, then bowed to excuse himself. Itachi then turned to Kenji and responded softly. "I understand." With that, Itachi no longer lingered; his figure flashed and disappeared into the night.
Kenji gave the Hokage a perfunctory bow and then turned to leave as well. On the training ground, only Hiruzen Sarutobi remained, standing alone under the cold moonlight. The smile on his face slowly vanished. In its place was a deep apprehension towards Uchiha Akira.
Uchiha Akira... This new Uchiha Clan Head didn't even need to show up in person. Simply sending a subordinate easily dismantled his meticulously laid plans, putting him, the Hokage, in an incredibly awkward position.
Naka Shrine.
In the deepest part of the shrine, Uchiha Akira sat upon the stone chair symbolizing the position of the Uchiha Clan Head. Uchiha Fugaku stood beside him, half a step behind. This subtle change in their positions unequivocally declared an undeniable truth to everyone: the core of Uchiha's power had completely transitioned.
All the Jōnin had arrived, except for Uchiha Itachi, but Uchiha Akira showed no intention of waiting. His gaze swept across the room, first landing on Uchiha Toaka, the former Deputy Captain of the Guard Team.
"Toaka. You have served the Guard Team for many years, with great effort and merit. From today, you will step down as the Guard Team's Deputy Captain and be promoted to Uchiha Elder, assisting me alongside Elder Fugaku."
Toaka's head snapped up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, which then turned to understanding and awe. This was... a promotion in name, but a demotion in power. A nominal elder position exchanged for the real authority he held. But Uchiha Toaka had no thought of resistance; after witnessing Uchiha Akira's overwhelming power, he understood that obedience was the only option. "...Yes, I understand, Uchiha Clan Head," Toaka bowed deeply.
Uchiha Akira's gaze then shifted to another person, Uchiha Tekka. "Tekka. When I was still a Guard Team Platoon Leader, you were already a Captain, yet you never used your authority to oppress others; instead, you often looked out for me. I have always remembered that kindness."
Tekka's heart skipped a beat, surprised that the new Uchiha Clan Head would bring up old matters in public.
"I, Uchiha Akira, never treat my own people unfairly. From today, you will take over as the Guard Team's Deputy Captain! I need the Guard Team to become a truly sharp blade, belonging only to Uchiha. Can you do it?"
These words left Uchiha Tekka stunned. He was completely bewildered; to leap directly from a Captain to Deputy Captain was an immense trust and promotion. Tekka's body trembled slightly with excitement; he suddenly knelt on one knee, his right hand pounding heavily on his chest.
"Your subordinate, Uchiha Tekka, pledges his loyalty to the Uchiha Clan Head until death! I will not fail you!"
"Very good." Uchiha Akira nodded in satisfaction, finally looking at the 3 young men who had followed him since he was a Platoon Leader: Rin, Tetsu, and Uchiha Kai. At this moment, the 3 of them stood ramrod straight, their eyes filled with fervent admiration and worship for Uchiha Akira. Under Akira's meticulous training and the allocation of system resources, they were no longer as weak as they once were; each now possessed the strength of an entry-level Jōnin.
"Rin, Tetsu, Uchiha Kai. I appoint the 3 of you as Guard Team Captains. I need you to be my most reliable eyes and arms, to carry out my will to every corner of the Guard Team."
"Yes!" The 3 spoke in unison, their loyalty undisguised. A new emperor brings new officials. The Uchiha Jōnin present witnessed the new Uchiha Clan Head's decisive methods.
Just then, a figure appeared at the shrine's entrance. It was Uchiha Itachi. As soon as he stepped into the shrine, he keenly sensed the subtle change in atmosphere. All eyes converged on him. Itachi walked silently into the crowd, enduring the pressure, and found his place.
"Itachi." From the stone chair, Uchiha Akira's voice came. "You're late."
Itachi's body tensed; he lowered his head and replied. "My apologies, Akira. I was just..."
"...having a secret meeting with Hokage-sama, weren't you?" The air inside the shrine instantly dropped to freezing. The gazes of most people present turned unfriendly. A secret meeting with the Hokage? At this sensitive moment, when the clan's fate was at a turning point? Itachi's heart sank completely. He hadn't expected Uchiha Akira's questioning to be so direct, so merciless.
"I was merely reporting on a mission to Hokage-sama." Itachi's defense seemed so pale and weak. Just then, Fugaku, who was standing nearby, suddenly spoke.
"Itachi! Even now, can't you see the situation clearly!" Fugaku's gaze was fixed on his eldest son. "I order you! Withdraw from Anbu tomorrow! Completely sever ties with Anbu! From now on, your loyalty, your strength, belongs only to Uchiha!"
These words instantly made Itachi's expression turn very grim. He instinctively wanted to refute, wanted to speak of Hokage-sama's words about peace and righteousness. However, when he looked up, what he saw was his father's stern face, and the cold, scrutinizing gazes of the surrounding clan members.
"Fugaku's order is also my order." Uchiha Akira slowly stood up, looking down at Itachi. "Anbu is the Hokage's blade. And my Uchiha clan members can never become someone else's blade. I give you 2 choices. First, immediately withdraw from Anbu and dedicate all your loyalty to the clan that gave birth to and raised you. Second... be stripped of all your identity and power as an Uchiha Ninja, and get out of this land. From now on, you will be a traitor to Uchiha."
Itachi's body trembled almost imperceptibly. He looked at Uchiha Akira's unequivocal expression and knew that the other party was not joking. If he refused, he would truly be abandoned by the entire clan, becoming a homeless wanderer. Sasuke... This thought flashed through Itachi's mind. He couldn't lose Sasuke.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words about "protecting something more important" echoed in his ears again. Perhaps... he could pretend to agree first. Itachi's heart, after a fierce internal struggle, finally made a decision. He slowly knelt on one knee, hiding all his emotions.
"I understand, Akira. Father. I... will obey the will of the clan. Tomorrow morning, I will submit my resignation to Hokage-sama."
Hearing this answer, a hint of relief appeared on Fugaku's face. The scrutinizing gazes of the surrounding clan members also gradually softened. Only Uchiha Akira flashed a hint of mockery and amusement that no one noticed. Well-acted. Unfortunately, in front of a transmigrator with a god's-eye view, all disguises were like child's play. But, this is also good.
Uchiha Akira sneered inwardly. When you, this double-crosser, and that old dog Danzō, jump out together, ready to execute the clan annihilation plan... I will have the most ample reason to uproot all of you. At that time, not a single one will escape.
"Very good," Uchiha Akira said indifferently. "Remember what you said today. Meeting adjourned."
At his command, all the Jōnin bowed respectfully, and then, like a tide, they orderly exited the Naka Shrine. Soon, only Uchiha Akira remained in the empty shrine. He slowly closed his eyes.
[System. Settle mission rewards.] Uchiha Akira had been looking forward to the generous rewards of becoming the Uchiha Clan Head for a long time.