Konoha: This Uchiha is extremely sneaky

Chapter 431 Surveillance?

With a stern face, Fugaku Uchiha walked out of the Hokage Building.

I looked up and glanced at the Hokage Rock in the distance, and the Hokage Building behind me.

Looking at the clan leaders of Konoha who had come out with him but were far away, his expression became increasingly grim.

"How...how did things suddenly turn out like this?"

Fugaku was somewhat confused.

Since the news of Toshiro's victory over the Raikage brothers spread, the family's situation has undergone a dramatic change.

Even he, through the introduction of the Hyuga clan leader, began to integrate into the social circles of various ninja clans in Konoha.

"The Mist Ninja... and Shisui..."

Everything was developing in a good direction. Even those guys in the clan who used to clamor to kill the Hokage started to back down. Shisui's efforts were also noticed by him.

However, the complete annihilation of the Kirigakure negotiation delegation and the death of Shisui once again put their clan in the spotlight.

Just like Hinata a few years ago.

No, their situation is even more difficult than Hyuga's this time.

He had a vague feeling that a storm was brewing.

"Hiruzen, this is an opportunity—an opportunity to completely eliminate the Uchiha clan!"

In the Hokage's office, Danzo looked at the Third Hokage in front of him and said something that made the Third Hokage's expression change drastically.

"Danzo, with the Mist Ninja pressing in, this is precisely the time when we need the Uchiha's strength." Frowning, the Third Hokage continued, "Even putting that aside, now is the crucial moment to wage war against the Mist Ninja. How can we afford to lose our composure!"

Even putting all that aside, the Uchiha clan is not so easy to deal with.

"Don't worry about the Mist Ninja; they're just bluffing!"

The influence of that 'Uchiha Madara' in Kirigakure was far beyond his imagination; he could actually influence the Mizukage's decisions, which was truly unexpected.

But this is fine too, it just gives them an excuse to take action.

"Don't worry about the Uchiha clan. I've prepared a sharp knife. We just need to deal with Uchiha Toshiro afterwards!"

"A dagger?" The third head asked, somewhat puzzled. "You mean...?"

"Uchiha Itachi was the second greatest genius in the Uchiha clan after Shisui, and his weaknesses were very obvious!"

Seeing that the Third Hokage was still pretending to be stupid, Danzo was somewhat disdainful. He wasn't the Third Hokage's subordinate, so why did the Third Hokage have to put on this act in front of him?

Since joining the Anbu, Uchiha Itachi has received special attention from Hiruzen and himself, and every mission he undertakes is carefully selected by them.

The purpose is to subtly influence the little guy's thinking.

An eleven-year-old child, after two years of subtle influence, is almost ready to come to the end.

"Furthermore, once the Uchiha issue is resolved, the Kirigakure will send representatives to negotiate with us again!"

He originally didn't intend to pay any more attention to that 'Uchiha Madara', but the cooperation terms offered by the other party were too good to pass up.

……

"Lord Hokage, what task do you require of me?"

Uchiha Itachi knelt on one knee, his mask tilted at an angle on his head, staring down at the floor in front of him, and spoke in a calm tone.

His gaze did not fall on the Konoha high-ranking officials at the head of the table, especially Shimura Danzo, as if this person did not exist at all.

"Itachi, a lot has happened in the village recently, and I'm sure you're aware of it!" The Third Hokage's tone was very kind, with a hint of earnest instruction, as if he were speaking to a promising junior.

Itachi's answer was very brief: "Yes!"

"I heard the Uchiha clan held another clan meeting because of this." After carefully examining Itachi, the Third Hokage continued, "You are a child with the mindset of a Hokage, inheriting the 'Will of Fire.' You must have faith in the village!"

"The Uchiha are also members of the village, our comrades and allies. The village would never do anything that would hurt our own people and please our enemies!"

"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama!"

The answer remained brief, but Itachi's already respectful attitude became even more reserved, like a child who had just received praise from an adult and suddenly felt a surge of emotion but didn't know how to respond.

This is the only way I can express my hidden emotions.

"What comrades and allies? I think you're just a bunch of traitors!" A sarcastic female voice rang out. Koharu Utatane said in a hostile tone, "I heard that when your Uchiha clan held a meeting, you were discussing how to overthrow the Hokage so you could take his place!"

"Koharu, don't be so cold. Itachi is a good boy, only thirteen years old. Don't say these things in front of him! What those Uchiha clan members did has nothing to do with him!"

As soon as Koharu Utatane finished speaking, Homura Mitokado, who was on the other side, seemed to think that his companion's words were a bit too hurtful, and quickly spoke up to smooth things over.

Uchiha Itachi had no way to refute this, as he had attended the clan meeting and knew that what Koharu Utatane said was true.

In the past two years, this kind of voice has gradually become less mainstream, and the discussion has shifted to how to help Shisui become Hokage.

Even the law enforcement forces have become more 'gentle' in their approach to law enforcement in recent years because of this.

But now, with Shisui dead, the Kirigakure is demanding accountability and threatening war, and rumors are spreading throughout the village, causing those clansmen who had finally settled down to resurface.

"In my opinion, this time, the Kirigakure's accusation should be directed at the Uchiha clan, letting them quell the Kirigakure's anger. This would also prevent war from breaking out!"

Koharu's expression remained unchanged despite her companion's interruption; her attitude remained icy.

"This matter was caused by Uchiha Shisui, so it's only right that the Uchiha clan resolves it!"

"Xiaochun, don't say that. Shisui sacrificed himself for the village no matter what. I believe there must be another way to resolve this!"

The Third Hokage glanced at Itachi, who remained silent, and then continued the conversation.

"For the sake of the village, for the sake of peace, I'm willing to try any method!"

After saying this, the Third Hokage turned his gaze to Itachi and earnestly instructed him:

"Itachi, from now on, you will focus on the Uchiha clan's every move to prevent them from doing anything irrational!"

"yes!"

Hearing that it was merely a matter of monitoring the clan, Itachi breathed a sigh of relief. The Hokage hadn't let things escalate to the worst; it seemed he had been overthinking things.

"Go! Elder Danzo will give you the specific details of the mission later!"

"This subordinate takes his leave!"

(End of this chapter)