At the same time, in the Hokage’s office within the Konoha administration building.
Following Shisui’s proposal of his solution to resolve the conflict between the village and the Uchiha clan, the once smoky and silent office suddenly became tense with excitement.
“Kotoamatsukami!”
Since returning to his office, Hiruzen Sarutobi still had to put down his smoking pipe. He stared daggers at Danzo, who was feigning death in the corner.
Hmm!
Though Danzo looked miserable, most of his injuries were superficial. Thanks to Root’s secret medicines and the regenerative abilities of Hashirama’s cells, he was already nearly healed.
However…
Recalling Hiruzen’s anger, Danzo wisely chose to continue feigning death.
But even the cunning Danzo forgot to maintain the appearance of being heavily injured. He suddenly stood up straight in shock upon hearing Shisui mention “Kotoamatsukami,” his killing intent unconcealable.
However, in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Although Shisui was highly displeased with Danzo, he had no intention of using Kotoamatsukami to teach him a lesson.
“Shisui, are you certain Kotoamatsukami is powerful enough…”
The killing intent in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes flashed briefly but was masked by Danzo’s blatant malice, unnoticed by anyone.
Initially, Hiruzen brought Shisui back to gather more intel on the Uchiha and better prepare for upcoming changes. But he hadn’t expected such a twist.
Due to his firm trust in the Third Hokage, Shisui didn’t realize the subtle change in Hiruzen’s tone after he mentioned the ability of his Mangekyou Sharingan.
“Yes, Lord Hokage!”
Shisui, thinking the Third Hokage doubted him, began to explain Kotoamatsukami’s ability in detail.
“I have never fully unleashed the power of Kotoamatsukami, but I am certain no one can escape its control!”
“The only drawback is its intense chakra consumption. To permanently and completely alter someone’s will and consciousness, it can only be used once every ten years.”
Shisui’s words hint at regret and guilt over his inability to prevent the conflict between the village and his clan.
Hearing about Kotoamatsukami’s cooldown period, the cold glint in Hiruzen’s eyes faded. Steeling himself, he decisively stepped forward to help the kneeling Shisui up.
“Shisui, we must rely on you now!”
Feeling Hiruzen Sarutobi’s “concern” through his supportive grip, Shisui felt a warmth in his heart. With renewed determination, he spoke up.
“Don’t worry, Lord Hokage. Tomorrow, during the clan meeting, before Jin can incite the clan leader, I will use Kotoamatsukami to stop him!”
“No!”
Hiruzen Sarutobi uncharacteristically stopped Shisui, avoiding his gaze before speaking resolutely.
“Jin’s attitude is not important. Ultimately, it is Fugaku who is the clan leader. As long as the Uchiha leader and the village can coexist peacefully, true peace will follow.”
(Uchiha Fugaku: Achoo!)
What a joke!
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt exasperated by his subordinates’ lack of awareness. Although Jin had humiliated him today and even publicly brought up old grievances, this behavior made Hiruzen hesitant to act against him.
Today was an unusual day. What was supposed to be a rescue mission for the troublesome Danzo turned into a public critique of the Hokage.
Who would dare trust him again if he were to alter Jin’s will tomorrow using Kotoamatsukami? All of Jin’s accusations would become undeniable truths.
However, if Shisui had targeted Fugaku instead, the situation would have been entirely different.
Hiruzen could then carefully plan and, if necessary, reestablish his authority and confidence in his ability to handle the situation given ample time.
As for Jin?
Once everything settled, Hiruzen had no doubt he could deal with a mere Uchiha elder.
Despite recognizing Shisui’s sincerity and naivety, Hiruzen’s unease led him to add one more thing.
“Shisui, the future of Konoha rests in your hands. Treat this as a secret mission from me. Do what you must!”
Saying this, Hiruzen placed a hand on Shisui’s shoulder, seriously looking into his eyes.
“Go, and report any issues in my name!”
“Yes, Lord Hokage!”
Shisui’s eyes glistened with emotion. He knelt again in respect before using the Body Flicker Technique to vanish from the room.
Phew…
As Shisui’s presence faded, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally sighed in relief, tugging at his collar to let the sweat-soaked fabric dry.
It was evident.
Though Hiruzen believed himself to be the strongest Hokage, Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami was beyond his control.
Even though he had faith in his charisma, believing Shisui wouldn’t betray him, there was always that slim chance.
What if!
After performing several secret techniques to check for foreign chakra, Hiruzen finally felt reassured.
If he, the “strongest Hokage,” were to be controlled by Kotoamatsukami and turned into a puppet of the Uchiha, that was something he could never accept.
“Sarutobi?”
Now revealing his concern, Danzo approached, ready to use a secret technique to probe Hiruzen.
“What are you doing!”
Hiruzen sharply rebuked, pushing Danzo away.
Though Danzo stumbled, almost falling, he felt a strange relief.
Yes, I know this is the Hiruzen!
Assured that Hiruzen hadn’t been compromised, Danzo’s face returned to its usual grimness. He addressed the three others in the room loudly.
“We can’t allow the Uchiha to continue unchecked. They are an evil clan and cannot be trusted!”
With a sincere gaze, Danzo looked at Hiruzen, his tone brimming with killing intent.
“Sarutobi, let me handle it. I will eliminate this threat for the village!”
“Silence! I have already sent for Jiraiya and Tsunade. This matter concerns Konoha’s future, and I will not allow you to disrupt the village’s harmony and stability!”
Hiruzen reprimanded Danzo once more and then added firmly.
“Danzo, I am the Hokage!”
With those words, Hiruzen regained his confidence as Hokage, standing tall and ignoring Danzo’s unwilling expression.
However, Hiruzen failed to notice the cold glint in Danzo’s eyes as he looked toward the direction Shisui had left.
Sarutobi, you’re just an interim Hokage!
…
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