"You wouldn't be planning something against Mikoto, would you?" Uchiha Fugaku's voice dropped to an icy level, his aura radiating outwards like a violent storm. His Sharingan instantly activated, transforming into the three-tomoe Mangekyō Sharingan.
A surge of powerful chakra erupted from his body, overwhelming the surrounding guards, who visibly paled.
Instantly, a dark figure emerged from the shadows, their three-tomoe Sharingan chillingly visible in the dim light. With a swift movement, they pressed a kunai against Elder Hou's back.
"Elder, forgive me," Uchiha Itachi stated coldly. In this world, Itachi only displayed this detached demeanor towards those he deeply respected, aside from his younger brother.
"Elder... th-this... this is the Mangekyō Sharingan... and the three-tomoe Sharingan..." Uchiha Ishi stammered, his face ashen.
The words sent a shockwave through those present. Uchiha Fugaku's time as clan head had been relatively uneventful, and none of them had suspected him of possessing such power.
Most importantly, even the seven-year-old Itachi had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan—a feat requiring immense effort even for adult Uchiha.
"Ho ho, it seems Fugaku, you've been hiding your strength quite well," Elder Hou chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the oppressive atmosphere. "But it's precisely because you possess this power, yet choose to remain hidden, lacking the sharp edge of Uchiha Kai, that you haven't fought for the Uchiha clan's interests."
"Therefore, the Elder Council, along with the clan's key fighting members, has decided to remove you from your position as Clan Head."
Itachi's face paled. Yesterday, at Ichiraku Ramen, he'd discovered the three elders' ambitions, prompting his decision to graduate early. He hadn't expected them to move so swiftly.
Before he could speak, Fugaku's gaze cut him short.
"Are you planning to push Kai to vie for the Hokage position? Aren't you afraid of the repercussions?"
Elder Hou gave a dry chuckle. "He's a formidable leader, unlike you."
"Furthermore, we have your entire family as hostages. If he truly seizes the Hokage position, it'll be a fait accompli, and he won't be able to step down."
"I forgot to mention, we've placed a secret fire spirit seal on Mikoto. If you make even the slightest move against us, don't blame us for not showing mercy."
The raspy voice carried a chilling threat.
Itachi's expression hardened, and he was about to attack when Fugaku placed a hand on his shoulder, restraining him.
"Let's go see your mother," Fugaku said in a low voice. "I don't think the elders will object to that."
Elder Hou plastered a strained smile on his face. "Rest assured, I'll permit this, but I expect you to remain at home for the foreseeable future. Don't go wandering about."
With Hi stepping aside, Fugaku and Itachi, with a cold expression on the latter's face, walked towards the dining hall. A few steps later, Itachi couldn't contain himself.
"Father, why didn't we fight back? They dared to place a curse mark on Mother and use us as hostages to pressure Brother! Their methods are truly despicable."
Fugaku patted Itachi's shoulder. "You overestimate those insignificant fools, and underestimate your brother Kai."
"They will regret this. In this world, villains aren't the most frightening; the most terrifying are the wolves in sheep's clothing. Your brother may seem calm, but when he unleashes his fury, no one can predict what he'll do."
"But Konoha will be far from peaceful. The three elders and Danzō have destroyed any remaining peace. I truly hope Minato returns soon."
After watching Fugaku and Itachi leave, Ishi spoke impatiently. "Elder Hou, will I inherit the position of Clan Head then?"
"But will this plan really work? Fugaku didn't seem to care at all. I thought we'd have a fight; I even positioned thirty loyalists around the compound."
They expected a furious rebellion. This smooth sailing was unsettling, like the ominous calm before a storm.
"Rest assured, I promised you the Clan Head position. As for Uchiha Kai, he's still just a child. I hear he values relationships and dotes on Itachi," Elder Hou said, a glint of cold calculation in his eyes.
"With them as hostages, even if he tries to cause trouble, he won't be able to make much of a splash."
"A mere youngster, how could he possibly contend with old bones like us?"
"Haha, the Elder is right. He's just a child. Outside our Uchiha clan, he's nothing," Uchiha Ishi laughed unrestrainedly.
Three days later, thirty kilometers from the Land of Hot Water, two figures cloaked in dark robes slipped through the partially collapsed gates of a deserted town, emerging onto a weed-choked road.
"Boss, the rendezvous point is ahead," Kakuzu said, lifting his hood slightly, and resuming his lead.
Kai followed swiftly. This was his first mission since arriving in the Naruto world, and the sense of purpose was palpable. He'd learned along the way that the Land of Hot Water bounty had attracted numerous rogue ninjas and smaller clan members, including someone Kai was particularly interested in meeting.
Under Kakuzu's guidance, Kai soon arrived at a dilapidated outhouse. After rapping against the wall in a specific rhythm, a mechanical whirring sound echoed. A neat crack appeared in the seemingly solid wall, and with a grinding groan, a stone door slid open, revealing a heavily tattooed man and a dimly lit passage beyond.
"Who's there?" the tattooed man asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
However, the instant he saw the token in Kakuzu's hand, his pupils constricted violently.
"The Blood-Red Asura's token... So it's a level nine bounty hunter. My apologies for the intrusion," the tattooed man hastily stepped aside, his gaze shifting to Kai.
"Does this individual possess identification? If not, they'll have to wait outside."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Kakuzu flipped his hand, revealing a kunai. With a flash of cold steel, he lunged, aiming the blade directly at the tattooed man's neck. The speed was breathtaking; the tattooed man had no time to react, only able to watch in helpless horror as the kunai enlarged in his rapidly widening pupils.
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