It's best to stir up an uproar and let the entire ninja world hear about it—frame Danzo directly for orchestrating an assassination attempt on the Fire Daimyo. Once the narrative is in motion, he won't be able to explain it away. He'll have no choice but to bear the consequences of the accusations.
Fight him inside Konoha?
Sorry—his home turf is off-limits. I'll fight him where he least expects it.
Rumors shouldn't start inside the village. They must begin from outside and gradually seep inward. Let the outside world murmur first, and then allow the noise to funnel into Konoha through returning travelers and merchants.
By the time it reaches the village, even the Three Hokage won't be able to block the spread.
They can only watch helplessly as whispers turn into truth.
As long as it's executed flawlessly, even if Danzo survives this time, he'll be stripped of his skin—figuratively or literally.
"Leave it to me."
Spreading rumors? Child's play. Fugaku had already envisioned a full plan.
He didn't even need to dispatch a clan member—too risky. If they got caught, it would immediately trace back to the Uchiha. The Hokage and his advisors didn't want the situation escalating, so they'd definitely be on high alert. Any misstep would bring suspicion to their doorstep.
So, external help was required—just like the summoning contracts with the ninja cats. As long as they were paid, those feline mercenaries didn't mind earning some extra coin.
If the rumors came from the ninja cat clan, what connection would it possibly have with the Uchiha?
"Then leave Shisui to me."
Yan had made his decision. He'd change the image of the village's leadership embedded in Shisui's heart. He would try—at the very least—to pry Shisui away from the corrupted doctrine of the Will of Fire.
As for concerns that the daimyo might attempt to sway Shisui? Yan wasn't worried. With Shisui's moral compass, the daimyo could offer gold, titles, or even the throne itself—Shisui wouldn't budge.
A man uninterested in money, status, or beauty—one who lives solely for his village and his clan—is immune to temptation.
After finalizing the plan, Yan departed.
Fugaku didn't bother resting. This might be their only chance to shift the balance. Whether the Uchiha could finally escape their downward spiral depended on this precise strike.
He immediately contacted the ninja cat clan, laying out his proposal and the hefty reward.
The ninja cats, ever eager for profitable secrecy, accepted.
To further ensure confidentiality and prevent future leaks, a summoning contract was signed—binding their silence by chakra-infused pawprint.
Tempted by the overflowing ryo, the clan's leader beamed and cheerfully marked the scroll with his paw.
---
"Summon Danzo immediately," Sarutobi ordered, slamming his palm on the desk. "And notify the two elder advisors. There's a pressing matter that needs deliberation."
The Third Hokage fumed as he sat inside the Hokage Tower.
Initially, he'd believed the daimyo was just hesitating over funding. But what began as a minor diplomatic hiccup turned into a full-blown catastrophe.
The Fire Daimyo didn't just withhold funds—he dropped a political bomb. One so explosive, Sarutobi's internal organs were scorched.
Upon receiving the summons, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado—dutiful and concerned—arrived swiftly.
As for Danzo?
He dragged his feet, limping leisurely with his cane.
"Sun—"
Koharu was about to speak when Homura raised a hand, silencing her.
One glance at the Third Hokage's expression was enough.
Something was seriously wrong.
Best not to ask anything until Danzo arrived. The Hokage's fury was barely contained.
Koharu nodded in understanding and waited silently.
Five minutes passed.
Danzo didn't arrive.
Ten minutes.
Still no Danzo.
---
Danzo: You need a plan to assassinate the daimyo?
Sarutobi: Now I'm starting to believe it!
By tradition, the others usually began discussions before Danzo arrived. He'd show up late and be briefed later.
So Danzo took his time.
He wasn't concerned. He figured Sarutobi's trip to the daimyo's estate had simply gone poorly—nothing serious.
The daimyo wouldn't dare withhold funds.
Not from Konoha.
Not when Konoha's strength was the Fire Nation's shield.
Without military funding, Konoha couldn't defend the nation. And if they were vulnerable, the daimyo's palace would be the first to burn.
So Danzo strolled.
His limp and scarred body gave him a valid excuse.
He had bled for the village. Even Hokage owed him respect.
---
Back in the office, Sarutobi had waited fifteen minutes.
By now, the Hokage's expression could frighten ANBU.
Koharu and Homura squirmed. Their patience wore thin. Danzo's deliberate lateness was making things worse.
Both mentally cursed their old teammate while brainstorming how to lighten the mood—to cool Sarutobi's rage, to steer the conversation back to rationality.
Just as they were about to speak—
Boom. Boom.
Heavy footsteps approached.
Then, the door opened.
"Sarutobi," Danzo scoffed, stepping through the doorway without ceremony. "I told you—you can't be so soft on those fools in the daimyo's estate. If you keep crawling, they'll trample you—"
He didn't even finish.
Sarutobi's eyes twitched.
Was Danzo trying to act innocent?
Even the Third Hokage now suspected him.
"Bang!!"
The desk cracked under Sarutobi's furious slam.
"Danzo! Shut your mouth! Do you even recognize me as Hokage anymore?!"
Danzo stopped mid-step, stunned by the explosive rage.
Was Sarutobi actually shouting at him?
It had been years since he saw the old man this furious.
"Danzo, do you not take the affairs of the village seriously anymore?!"
Homura intervened, trying to defuse the situation.
He gestured subtly at Danzo—play along, dial it down.
Koharu followed:
"Yes, Danzo, you're too late. This is unacceptable."
"Sarutobi, what is this?" Danzo growled. "What's the meaning of all this hostility?"
"Oh? You're asking me?"
Sarutobi let out a breathless laugh, bitter and cold.
"You dare to ask what I mean? I should be the one asking—you, Danzo! You, who stands as Hokage's right hand, are now being accused of treason!"
Danzo's face twitched.
"The daimyo is withholding funds. You know why? Because he claims to have received intelligence that Konoha's Root division is plotting his assassination! He believes you plan to install a puppet in his place!"
Danzo sneered. "He dares?"
He clicked his cane against the floor.
"That coward wouldn't even survive a proper glare from me. He dares to accuse me?!"
Sarutobi nearly exploded.
No wonder the daimyo was terrified.
Danzo acted like the Fire Daimyo was a genin under his boot.
"Enough!" Koharu snapped, finally unleashing her own temper.
"Danzo, sit down! Listen to what Hiruzen has to say."
"And remember—that man you insult is the Fire Daimyo! Show some damn respect!"
Danzo snorted, but begrudgingly obeyed.
He slammed the door shut like a petulant child and threw himself into a chair—glaring daggers at Sarutobi.
He would not tolerate being humiliated.
"Hiruzen, calm down," Koharu said quickly. "Let's not escalate—say what you need to say, but no more shouting."
Sarutobi didn't acknowledge her.
He was beyond placation.
If this was going to be resolved, it meant tearing open Danzo's crimes for all to see.
And given Danzo's attitude, Sarutobi was ready to do just that.
"Calm down? You expect me to calm down?"
Sarutobi pointed a shaking finger.
"I met with the daimyo. He was furious. He accused us—Konoha's leadership—of treason! Said he had proof that we planned to assassinate him! And he believes Danzo is behind it!"
"He threatened to freeze all Konoha's military funding. He threatened to invite Iwagakure and Kumogakure to protect him—because he fears Root's hidden blades!"
"Now tell me, Danzo—what exactly have you been up to?"