The Fire Daimyo had finally convened the long-awaited Daimyo Conference, and the public accusations from other great nations had turned Danzo's alleged assassination attempt into an international scandal. Whispers became headlines, and condemnation from major countries swept across the ninja world like wildfire.
Small nations, sensing opportunity or fearing exclusion, quickly aligned themselves with the larger powers. One after another, they issued harsh criticisms against Konoha. The village that once stood at the peak of shinobi prowess had now become the laughingstock of the Five Great Nations.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was burdened with a heavy heart. Just as he had managed to stabilize Konoha's financial situation, the political storm erupted. With nowhere else to turn, he found himself at the gates of the Uchiha Clan compound, seeking an audience with their leadership.
This time, the Hokage didn't summon them to his office. He didn't rely on messengers or Anbu. Instead, he humbled himself, standing personally at the Uchiha's gate, waiting respectfully for a reply.
"Lord Hokage! Had we known you were coming, we'd have prepared properly. To let you wait like this—truly, we are ashamed."
Fugaku Uchiha, the clan patriarch, walked out with a composed expression. Even though he harbored deep resentment toward the village's leadership, his manners remained flawless.
"Heh... Fugaku, I may be Hokage, but I am also a humble servant of this village. There is something important I wish to discuss—if you'd be willing to listen."
"Of course, Lord Hokage. Please, come inside."
Fugaku extended his hand in welcome. Danzo's attempt on the Daimyo's life was no longer a secret. Even without explicit notice, Uchiha's intelligence network, bolstered by their growing influence, had already relayed every detail.
Moreover, Uchiha Itachi had been stationed near the Daimyo for weeks now. In fact, the Daimyo himself had been reaching out to the Uchiha Clan with increasing frequency.
Fugaku already knew the Hokage's intention. With the Daimyo's trust now firmly in Uchiha hands, Konoha had lost direct access to the Fire Nation's highest office. The Third Hokage's sudden humility could only mean one thing—he needed a favor.
After escorting Hiruzen inside, Fugaku quietly dispatched a messenger to notify Andrew, one of the clan's most trusted strategists. He also called upon the Fifth Elder, who happened to be at the compound.
"Please forgive the delay, Lord Hokage. Though I am the patriarch, I no longer oversee the clan's political matters directly. Let us wait for those better informed to arrive before beginning the discussion."
Hiruzen nodded without complaint. In truth, he had hoped to speak with Fugaku alone—Fugaku, he believed, was the most rational and least volatile among the Uchiha leaders. But such isolation was no longer an option.
If anything, Fugaku's diplomacy had evolved. He had become a man who understood the power of patience.
"It seems even Hiruzen Sarutobi has been forced into a corner," Andrew chuckled when he received word of the Hokage's visit. "The Daimyo may be slow-moving, but his influence is deadly."
Waving off his two young trainees—Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha—Andrew let them enjoy a rare moment of freedom. He had promised Itachi to watch over Sasuke personally. Besides, the ninja academy could only teach so much—tree climbing and water walking wouldn't be taught until after graduation.
"Let's give them a head start. Civilian-born shinobi must struggle for every gain, while clan heirs like Sasuke get private instruction. Unfair? Yes. But fairness has no place in the ninja world."
With Naruto and Sasuke already good friends and sparring partners, Andrew used their daily training sessions to strengthen both boys. Since the incident with the Daimyo, the Third Hokage had loosened surveillance on Naruto. He wasn't entirely free, of course—ANBU were still keeping tabs—but the village elders were more focused on appeasing the Uchiha than micromanaging a hyperactive jinchūriki.
As for Danzo... his wings had been clipped. No longer was he a free man. His schemes were halted, his reputation tarnished.
Inside the meeting room, once everyone had gathered, Fugaku opened the conversation. "Lord Hokage, please speak freely. We of the Uchiha are loyal to Konoha and will do all we can to assist you."
With those formalities completed, Fugaku sat back and closed his eyes. He was no longer the voice of the clan—but the symbol. The real decisions would be made by others.
Hiruzen took a breath. "I'll be blunt. A serious misunderstanding has arisen between the Daimyo and our village. You know what I'm referring to."
He glanced around the room.
"The unity between the Fire Daimyo and Konoha is crucial. If this isn't resolved swiftly, we could become the next Sunagakure—isolated, underfunded, and irrelevant. I had hoped to request an audience with the Daimyo, but the palace won't even respond to my messages. However... they seem to welcome the Uchiha."
There was no subtlety in his words. The time for diplomacy was over.
Andrew leaned forward with a faint smile. "So, you want the Uchiha Clan to act as your messenger—to rebuild the bridge between the Hokage and the Daimyo. I understand. But before we move on, let me ask one thing—is it true that Danzo attempted to assassinate the Daimyo? I mean, I wouldn't put it past him."
The sarcastic tone wasn't missed. Sarutobi's lips twitched involuntarily. He had expected some pushback—but not so early.
"We're still investigating," Hiruzen replied. "His freedom has already been restricted. He won't be going anywhere until the truth is uncovered. But for now, our focus must be on reestablishing trust with the Daimyo. What does the Uchiha Clan think?"
Fugaku didn't respond. The Fifth Elder simply gave Andrew a look—a silent approval to handle the situation.
Andrew, reading the room with ease, turned back to the Hokage. "We're willing. But you must understand—the Daimyo trusts us precisely because we don't act beyond our authority. We can't promise anything without first consulting him. If he agrees to see you, we will act accordingly."
The Hokage was surprised. He'd been bracing for demands—land, power, maybe even political office. But this? It was honest, responsible... and frustratingly untouchable.
Still, Andrew had a point. The Uchiha were technically still just retainers, not envoys or diplomats. Overstepping their station would only arouse suspicion.
Perhaps this was why the Daimyo favored them.
Even in this situation, they deferred to his authority, whereas the Hokage and Danzo had tried to manipulate him.
"Very well," Hiruzen said after a pause. "But time is of the essence. The Daimyo has summoned a gathering. If we can't resolve this before then, Konoha will become a target."
Andrew nodded. "Then let us act quickly. However, Lord Hokage, before we proceed, we'd like a small request—nothing unreasonable, of course."
Here it comes, Hiruzen thought.
"You mentioned that Danzo's movements are restricted. We'd like the Uchiha Clan to take over his custody. Placing such a dangerous suspect under the supervision of those trusted by the Daimyo may help convince him of your sincerity."
There it was. A venomous pill dipped in honey.
The Hokage's jaw tightened.
Handing Danzo over to Uchiha custody? That was as good as feeding him to wolves. After everything Danzo had done—manipulating, spying, orchestrating persecution—it would be justice, but perhaps not lawful justice.
Still... Danzo's value no longer outweighed the survival of the village.
"Fine," Hiruzen said slowly. "But on one condition. Danzo must remain alive. Should his name be cleared, he is still a member of Konoha's leadership."
"Understood," Andrew said with a respectful nod. "We're not looking for revenge. But it's time the clan got some relief. You need the Daimyo. And the Daimyo trusts us."
Hiruzen closed his eyes for a moment. The truth was bitter.
"This is the difference," he thought. "Even now, the Uchiha don't exploit the situation. They keep their dignity. We, on the other hand, fell into schemes."
This arrangement, dangerous as it was, could work.
Andrew was already planning. When the Hokage visited the Daimyo, Uchiha would accompany him—not just for security, but for surveillance. The Third might still have secrets. Best to keep a watchful eye.
And if push came to shove, the clan had a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan ready to protect the Daimyo at all costs.
"Just protecting the Daimyo during negotiations," Andrew would say later with a smile. "After all, what's more important than his safety?"