Chapter Sixty-Five: Leave It to Danzo

Shisui soon arrived at the Hokage Tower, where he met the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in the Hokage’s office.

“Lord Third,” Shisui greeted as usual, though he sensed that there were more hidden ANBU around than before.

“Shisui, you’re here,” the Third Hokage said, maintaining his gentle demeanor. “I heard you’re about to become the head of the Uchiha clan. Congratulations.”

“Yes, today I initiated an impeachment against Clan Leader Fugaku. Soon, I should become the Uchiha clan leader.”

“Shisui, what are your thoughts on this? Would you care to share?” the Third asked.

Shisui paused in silence before replying, “If the Uchiha continue on their current path, it will only lead to annihilation. That’s why the clan must change. I want to become clan leader to better facilitate that change.”

“So, it’s for the sake of transforming the Uchiha, is it?” the Third Hokage mused. “Can you share how you plan to change things? Perhaps this old man can offer some advice.”

“The main source of the villagers’ resentment toward the Uchiha lies with the Police Force. So, the reforms must begin there. I intend to establish clearer, unified standards for law enforcement, and to recruit civilian shinobi and ninja from other clans to assist and supervise the Uchiha.”

The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes. This reform seemed simple, and even appeared to restrict the Uchiha, but on closer thought, recruiting civilian and other clan shinobi—what would that be? Another ninja village?

Although the Police Force was nominally under the Hokage’s control, in reality it was almost entirely run by the Uchiha. This straightforward reform would actually strengthen the Uchiha’s influence, making it even less controllable.

A heavy feeling settled over the Third’s heart.

If Shisui could see what the Third was thinking, he’d realize that the Hokage no longer trusted the Uchiha, no longer considered them part of the village—or perhaps, thought of the village as his own, and the Uchiha as something outside his grasp.

Otherwise, as members of the Leaf, it shouldn’t matter if the Uchiha became stronger; their power would still serve the village’s growth.

Just as Danzo’s Root operated outside the Third’s control, but he trusted Danzo and allowed Root to thrive.

“Lord Third, I have no intention of harming the village. I only want the Uchiha to integrate more fully with everyone. With oversight from all, there’s no fear of the Uchiha becoming an unstable element,” Shisui said sincerely, even considering the possibility that the Uchiha might become too strong and threaten the village’s stability.

But once prejudice takes root, it’s hard to change.

“Shisui, your ideas are excellent. They could indeed bring the Uchiha closer to the village,” the Third said.

“Really? You think so as well, Lord Third?”

“Yes. The village won’t hinder your reforms.”

Not that it won’t—it simply has no grounds to. After all, the village isn’t ruled by the Third alone.

“That’s wonderful.”

“Very well, I understand your intentions. You may go now.”

Shisui was momentarily surprised, then bowed.

“Yes, Lord Third.” With that, he exited the office.

After Shisui left, the Third Hokage hesitated.

Previously, he had met the Uchiha’s demands with delay tactics, unwilling to let them develop further.

This uncontrollable power, he simply could not trust.

Yet, he had never resolved to act directly against the Uchiha. They were still part of the village. If he could just restrict their growth, they would eventually decline.

But now, the Uchiha seemed to have found their own way to break the stalemate—a way the Third couldn’t rightly oppose.

Finally, the Third summoned an ANBU.

“Did you record everything Shisui said earlier?”

“Yes, Hokage-sama. It’s all documented.” The ANBU produced a small booklet and handed it to the Third.

The Third did not take it, simply saying, “Give this to Danzo.”

“Yes, sir!” The ANBU vanished, leaving the Third alone and his expression grave.

Though he had handed the matter to Danzo, the Third still felt conflicted. Perhaps, as Danzo always said, age had softened his heart.

…

Writing this chapter was agonizing. I struggled to remain true to the original characters while advancing my own plot. Several hundred words took almost an hour, revising again and again…