"Is that you, Itachi-san?" a ninja greeted with a friendly smile, though it did little to ease the wariness in the twelve-year-old Uchiha Itachi's eyes.
"Has something happened to Shisui?" Itachi's expression remained unchanged, but the lines on his face deepened slightly. The ninja's presence filled Itachi with unease. The village, the Uchiha clan, and his double-agent brother Shisui—Itachi had long understood the precarious situation they were in. Given the circumstances, it wasn't difficult for him to deduce that Shisui, caught between these tensions, was bound to encounter trouble sooner or later. He just hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
He met Itachi's gaze and smiled. "A certain someone asked me to tell you that if the Uchiha clan wishes to survive, the only path forward is a coup."
Itachi's expression didn't waver. In the next instant, he was already behind, his Sharingan spinning rapidly.
"If there's something to discuss, have that 'certain someone' tell me in person."
...
Root Headquarters – Underground Bunker
Danzo's right eye was wrapped tightly in bandages. He closed his left eye, quietly feeling the new chakra flowing through his mind.
"The Uchiha... truly an extraordinary power. At least Shisui has made his final contribution to the village," he murmured to himself before shifting his focus. "Sakumo, your time in office has lasted long enough. It's time for you to step down."
No sooner had he spoken than two Root operatives appeared before him in a flash, kneeling on one knee.
"Danzo-sama, we have a problem!"
"Why such panic?" Danzo asked, his expression darkening.
"The Hokage has brought people here!"
"What?!" Danzo shot to his feet, his clenched fist betraying his inner turmoil.
For Hatake Sakumo to arrive now of all times—it was no coincidence.
"Hatake Sakumo... It seems today will be the day we finally settle things."
Danzo quickly calmed himself. No matter the challenge, he would deal with it accordingly. He was eager to see what Sakumo intended to do.
Moments later, the two factions confronted each other in Root's underground training hall.
"Hatake Sakumo, what brings you here today?" Danzo asked coolly.
"Danzo, don't think I don't know about your underhanded dealings. As of today, Root is officially disbanded," Sakumo declared without preamble.
Danzo narrowed his eyes. He hadn't expected Sakumo to act with such ruthless decisiveness.
"Hah. Disband Root? Was this decision approved by the Elders' Council?"
"Danzo, mind your words. The Third Hokage has already retired. I am the Fourth Hokage. Root is no longer necessary—understood?" Sakumo's voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Danzo's expression grew heavier. It wasn't just Sakumo's aggressive stance that troubled him, but also the shinobi standing behind him—clans from all corners of Konoha. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the Inuzuka, the Aburame, the Hyuga... All the major clans were present.
Clearly, Root had lost the trust of Konoha's shinobi families.
Yet, Danzo wasn't one to surrender so easily. If force wouldn't work, then diplomacy would.
"Sakumo, I understand why you're taking this action. Regarding the Uchiha situation, I have indeed taken certain measures. But everything I've done has been for the good of Konoha. What have you done for the Uchiha during your tenure? If you force me out today, mark my words—within six months, the Uchiha will rebel. And when that happens, your name will be forever etched onto Konoha's wall of shame."
Just as the tension between them reached its peak, a golden flash appeared beside Sakumo. It was Namikaze Minato, the head of the Anbu.
Minato glanced at Danzo before leaning in to whisper something in Sakumo's ear. Despite his best efforts to remain composed, Sakumo couldn't hide the flicker of shock that crossed his face.
Danzo noticed it instantly. His lips curled into a barely perceptible smirk.
Though Minato had spoken in a low voice, Danzo—an experienced strategist—had caught two key words: "The Uchiha."
Just as he had suspected, the Uchiha were planning a coup.
"Hokage-sama, how do you intend to handle this situation?" Danzo's tone shifted subtly.
If the Uchiha rebellion was mishandled, the consequences would be disastrous—not just for Konoha's stability but for its reputation among the other villages. If the coup succeeded, Konoha would become a laughingstock. If it failed, the blame would fall squarely on Sakumo's shoulders.
One way or another, Sakumo's downfall was inevitable.
And as for who would become the next Hokage... anyone but Sakumo would suffice.
Under Sakumo's rule, Root had been steadily dismantled. But if the Third Hokage were to reclaim power? Danzo was confident he could maneuver his way back into influence.
Sakumo glanced at Danzo's self-satisfied expression but didn't engage further. Without another word, he turned and left with his men.
...
The Uchiha coup had begun.
More and more Uchiha grew resentful of the village's oppression. Their Sharingan awakened in defiance, determined to reclaim the authority they believed was rightfully theirs.
Yet, the rebellion played out almost comically.
First, Konoha's leadership had learned of their plans almost immediately.
Second, their uprising was geographically constrained, never expanding beyond their district.
And finally—the most baffling part—when the full moon rose on the night they had planned to storm the Hokage Tower, they were stunned to realize just how few of their own had actually joined the fight.
Their numbers amounted to no more than a quarter of the Uchiha's combat-ready forces.
A creeping sense of unease spread among the rebels.
Wasn't this supposed to be an all-out assault against Konoha?
Why were they the only ones standing here?
With so few participants, they weren't even a match for the Anbu, let alone the entire village.
...
From a rooftop overlooking the chaos, Hatake Sakumo observed the smoke and bloodshed in the distance.
Standing beside him was a surprising figure—Uchiha Fugaku.
"Fugaku, did you use genjutsu on them?" Sakumo asked, his gaze steady.
Fugaku crossed his arms and shook his head.
"No, I hardly did anything. Their actions were mostly self-driven. Even if I hadn't nudged them in this direction, they would have reached this point sooner or later. Their resentment had already spiraled beyond my control."
The ones he spoke of—the Uchiha radicals—had been doomed from the start.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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