"Elder Danzō," Uchiha Fugaku said calmly,
"I've already explained this matter. It truly was the masked man who did it. Most of our clan witnessed it firsthand."
Right now, he was here to apologize.
That meant restraint.
If he pushed too hard, the man before him would seize the opportunity to stir trouble and then everything they had worked for would collapse.
"Most of your clan saw it?"
Danzō sneered.
"A clan that was preparing to rebel?"
The mockery in his voice was unmistakable, deliberately trying to provoke anger.
"Elder Danzō, please don't misunderstand," Fugaku replied evenly.
"All clansmen who intended to rebel have already been executed."
"Executed?" Danzō's eyes flashed coldly.
"You didn't leave a single one alive, handed me a pile of corpses, and now you say 'executed'?"
His tone was vicious.
"This was an internal clan matter," Fugaku said firmly,
"But because it endangered the village, I carried it out."
"As for sincerity—doesn't handing over the bodies already demonstrate the utmost sincerity?"
In truth, Fugaku wasn't wrong.
When incidents involved great clans like the Uchiha or Hyūga, matters were usually handled internally. Even acquiring corpses was almost unheard of—no one wanted their bloodline limits falling into another's hands.
But Fugaku's words were too direct.
They struck Danzō's pride.
"Uchiha Fugaku!" Danzō barked.
"How dare you—!"
"Enough, Danzō."
Sarutobi Hiruzen finally spoke.
He stepped in at precisely the right moment—silent when the argument escalated, intervening only when it threatened to spiral out of control.
This was the instinct of a seasoned politician.
"Clan Head Fugaku not only repelled the masked man, but also suppressed internal unrest."
"Someone like that would never act against the village."
"At a time like this, Konoha must stand united—focused outward, not divided within."
Danzō's cold gaze shifted between Hiruzen and Fugaku.
The resentment in his heart only grew.
If I were Hokage, he thought,
I'd erase the Uchiha without hesitation.
They were too dangerous.
The village should be shaped through his methods—only then could it truly become peaceful and strong.
"Fugaku," Hiruzen said, his tone easing,
"you've done much for the village. Do you have any request?"
Fugaku didn't show excitement.
Instead, he remained extremely calm.
He knew this was another test.
Make too large a demand and suspicion would follow.
Make none and intentions would be questioned.
This was Konoha now.
Even honesty could be fatal.
After a moment of thought, he spoke.
"Hokage-sama, I have only one request."
"I wish for the Uchiha clan to relocate."
"I want the clan to integrate fully into the village."
"No!"
Before Hiruzen could respond, Danzō interrupted sharply.
"The Uchiha district was assigned by the Second Hokage himself! You cannot change it without authorization!"
Fugaku didn't argue.
He simply looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen—waiting.
"Fugaku," Hiruzen said slowly,
"your intention is admirable. However, there is currently no open space within the village large enough."
"I promise you this—once space becomes available, it will be allocated to the Uchiha."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Fugaku replied, a trace of relief crossing his face.
"I won't agree to this!" Danzō snapped.
"Uchiha Fugaku, don't even think about it!"
How could he allow such an uncontrollable force into the heart of the village?
Once the Uchiha integrated, power would follow.
And at that point—
Eradicating them would become impossible.
Any move against them would alarm the other clans.
Even surveillance would be difficult.
"Danzō," Hiruzen said coldly,
"I have made my decision."
"This matter is no longer up for discussion."
His voice carried authority.
Danzō froze.
He could tolerate concessions but not being openly challenged in front of others.
"Hmph," Danzō scoffed.
"Hiruzen… you will regret this."
"I'm leaving."
He turned abruptly and stormed out of the office, casting a lingering, unreadable glance at Uchiha Itachi before disappearing.
Once Danzō was gone, Hiruzen's expression softened again.
"Fugaku, don't take it to heart. Danzō has always been like this—though his intentions are for the village."
"Hokage-sama, I understand," Fugaku replied respectfully.
"Good," Hiruzen nodded.
"When the time comes, I will personally arrange the clan's relocation."
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Itachi," Hiruzen said,
"stay behind. I'd like to speak with you."
Fugaku paused, exchanged a brief look with his son, then turned and left.
The office fell silent.
"Itachi," Hiruzen sighed gently,
"did Danzō pressure you into this?"
"Hokage-sama… I didn't expect the masked man to appear during the operation," Itachi said, guilt evident in his voice.
"This isn't your fault," Hiruzen said kindly.
"I never approved that plan. Danzō was too impatient—he nearly pushed you into a corner with no way back."
"I bear responsibility as well."
He watched Itachi carefully.
This piece on the board was too valuable to discard.
But whether it had already defected—he couldn't be sure.
"Hokage-sama," Itachi said after a pause,
"since this matter has reached an impasse… I wish to leave the village."
"…Leave?" Hiruzen's eyes sharpened instantly.
"For what purpose?"
"That organization is too dangerous," Itachi replied solemnly.
"I believe the masked man is connected to them."
"I want to investigate—for the village's peace."
"You yourself said that organization is dangerous," Hiruzen said slowly.
"If you're allowed to go alone—"
"Hokage-sama," Itachi interrupted, bowing deeply,
"I failed this mission."
"But a threat to the village has surfaced."
"I cannot remain here in comfort."
"Please grant my request."
Hiruzen exhaled.
In truth, this aligned with his own intentions.
With Fugaku still in the village and Itachi's loyalties uncertain—keeping both close was risky.
"…Very well," Hiruzen said at last.
"You may investigate."
"But promise me this—if you encounter danger, return immediately."
"The village… is still your home."
"Yes!" Itachi answered firmly.
"I swear to complete the mission."
With that, he turned and left.
The Hokage's office fell silent once more.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained alone, pipe in hand, smoke curling upward—
As his thoughts drifted far deeper than the night outside.
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