The Third Hokage listlessly glanced at Uchiha Itachi.
Originally, he wanted to achieve control over the Uchiha clan by controlling its geniuses, completing the great endeavor that even the Second Hokage could not accomplish. Unifying the village. But now everything was ruined. Although Itachi was very talented, even another Anbu member, Shisui, was also very strong, having made a great name for himself in the ninja world.
What was even more terrifying was that according to Uchiha Ryosuke, as long as he trained every day, he would grow stronger every day. Another month had passed—who knew how strong he had become now?
The opportunity was slipping further and further away. But he still opened his mouth and asked, "Itachi, you've come. What is it?"
Uchiha Itachi glanced at the Third Hokage, who symbolized the village, and felt a bit of pity in his heart. The other party seemed to have aged a lot.
He slowly said, "Third Hokage, I have an important matter to report."
"Go ahead." The Third Hokage felt somewhat uneasy—was the Uchiha clan about to make a move?
He had originally placed Itachi within the Uchiha clan to relay information about their internal affairs.
His heart felt a bit desolate—he hadn't expected this day to actually come.
However, Itachi slowly said, "Uchiha Ryosuke in the clan has completely placed the family above the village recently. On behalf of the Uchiha clan, I apologize to the Third Hokage."
The Third Hokage was stunned.
He had been scared to death—so it wasn't that the Uchiha clan was about to overthrow him.
For Itachi to still think this way at this moment—no wonder his "Will of Fire" indoctrination had worked. Itachi's ideological awareness was indeed high.
But his face still showed helplessness.
"There is nothing that can be done. I have already tried to stop this person from running rampant in the village."
However, Itachi said, "It's not that there is no way. In fact, Shisui has already awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and has even developed his unique dōjutsu, Kotoamatsukami, known as the strongest genjutsu."
"It can alter a target's thoughts and will without them even realizing it. If used on Uchiha Ryosuke, it can surely control him to serve the village."
Hearing this, the Third Hokage's eyes widened, and he felt as if he had come back to life. He hadn't expected Shisui to awaken the Mangekyō—and even develop such a dōjutsu! It was simply unbelievable. It felt as if the heavens had given him a way out.
If this succeeded, wouldn't he be able to reclaim his power and prestige within the village?
"Itachi, are you telling the truth?"
Itachi nodded. "It's true, Third Hokage."
The Third Hokage became eager. "Then quickly bring Shisui over. This time, the two of you will have accomplished a great deed!"
Just when he thought he had reached a dead end, he had encountered such a turning point—his mood was extremely joyful.
However, Itachi felt somewhat helpless. "Third Hokage, Shisui's thinking has recently become incorrect. He is increasingly viewing things from the clan's perspective."
"He can no longer see the obvious mistake of placing the clan above the village."
"I hope the Third Hokage can persuade him—to forsake the small righteousness of the clan for the great righteousness of the village."
The Third Hokage felt afraid—Shisui was now leaning towards the clan? Did that mean his "Will of Fire" indoctrination hadn't been thorough enough?
"Bring him here. I will persuade him to make the right choice."
"Understood, Third Hokage." Itachi immediately walked out of the Hokage's office, preparing to summon Shisui over.
He hoped that Shisui could return to the way he once was—a ninja who worked for the benefit of the village.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage sat in his chair, contemplating how to persuade Shisui to serve him.
But then he thought about how Uchiha clan members were not easily swayed. Now that he had finally encountered this glimmer of hope, how could he let it slip away?
If it came down to it, he had to be prepared for the worst.
Perhaps he would really need to act against Shisui, just like Danzo, seize his Sharingan, and use his dōjutsu to control Uchiha Ryosuke.
Once this thought took root, he found it increasingly necessary.
Although he had treated Shisui like his own child, after experiencing such dark days, the Third Hokage felt exhausted and depressed—he no longer wanted to endure such times.
If this succeeded, he would once again take control of Konoha. Just the thought of it made him excited.
———
Meanwhile, within the Uchiha clan, Shisui received Itachi's message that the Third Hokage was summoning him. He immediately set off, without the slightest suspicion in his heart.
The Third Hokage had always been very kind to him.
Now, the momentum within the village was irreversible—the Uchiha clan, under Ryosuke's leadership, was bound to rise, and the village would only become better because of it.
It wouldn't turn into a dictatorship ruled by the Uchiha, as Itachi feared. Perhaps he should persuade the Third Hokage to step down. It would be for the sake of the village.
Moreover, Ryosuke had promised him that he would never trouble the Third Hokage.
Before long, Shisui arrived at the Hokage's office and pushed open the door. "Lord Hokage, did you call for me?"
The Third Hokage had already regained his usual smile and said, "Shisui, you've come."
"You should know that Uchiha Ryosuke took the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki from me—the power that should have been under the village's control. This kind of behavior is already placing himself above the village. That is simply unacceptable."
Shisui replied helplessly, "This is also for the village's benefit. The Nine-Tails can live well within the Uchiha clan and even become a hero who protects the village."
The Third Hokage felt speechless—just as Itachi had said, Shisui was not considering things from his perspective at all.
If such a powerful force as the Nine-Tails fell under Uchiha control, then as the Third Hokage, he would essentially become a figurehead.
"Shisui, while this may protect the Nine-Tails, I am still the leader of this village. Shouldn't such power be under the village's command?"
"If it is controlled by the Uchiha clan, isn't that the same as them trying to seize it for themselves?"
Shisui was somewhat surprised. The Third Hokage actually suspected the Uchiha clan?
He still explained, "The Uchiha clan has absolutely no such intention. Ryosuke placed the Jinchūriki in the Uchiha compound only because he was suffering in the village. The son of the Fourth Hokage should not have to endure such hardships."
Hearing Shisui's words, the Third Hokage felt helpless.
Ryosuke, that guy, had really caused trouble.
Of course, he had deliberately let the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki suffer. That way, when he treated Naruto well, he would appear unique and leave a good impression on him.
But now, his plan had been completely disrupted by Ryosuke. There was no longer any way to succeed.
He looked at Shisui and said, "Although there is a reason behind it, isn't this behavior ignoring my authority?"
"And that is just the lesser issue—more importantly, this disregards the village's leadership. If this continues, the village will no longer be at peace."
"I heard from Itachi that you have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and even have a unique dōjutsu, Kotoamatsukami. Perhaps you can alter Ryosuke's thoughts and make him serve the village. Are you willing to do so?"
"This would be beneficial for both the village and the Uchiha clan."
Hearing this, Shisui furrowed his brows. He hadn't expected Itachi to reveal this to the Third Hokage. So, he really wanted him to use this technique to control Uchiha Ryosuke? How could such a thing be mentioned to the Third Hokage?
Now he was in a dilemma.
Although Ryosuke was a bit domineering, every action he took had a reason behind it.
Just like during the Kumogakure incident, he had not been willing to sacrifice Konoha's shinobi to appease the true culprit—Kumogakure.
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