Just how terrifying Uchiha Madara truly was—even though Itachi had never lived through that era—he still knew at least a little.
As the son of the clan head, Itachi had access to resources most people could never dream of having in their entire lives.
The amount of material he could read and study was overwhelming. Even forbidden techniques like Izanagi—and its counter, Izanami—were within his reach at a young age.
Maybe that was the privilege of being the clan head's son. Of course, it couldn't be denied that Itachi also had the talent and qualifications to match.
Thanks to that environment, he knew far more than the average person—including some facts about Uchiha Madara.
Madara's appearance had truly caught Itachi off guard. Anyone would feel fear when confronted by such a terrifying figure.
And based on his age, Madara should have been long dead and buried.
Yet here he was, boldly standing before him. No matter how much Madara claimed he had no interest in Konoha, Itachi couldn't bring himself to believe it.
"Uchiha Madara... the Uchiha clan... and Konoha."
Right now, the pressure bearing down on Itachi was immense. So many events piling up at once—he felt like he could barely breathe.
But he also understood—this was exactly when he needed to stay calm. Right now, only he could protect Konoha, protect everything.
"What should I do? What can I do?"
He kept asking himself. Staring down at the deep, bottomless cliff beside him, he suddenly froze.
Then slowly, he closed his eyes. His fists clenched tight, and his body trembled slightly.
Finally, after a long inner struggle, his trembling stopped.
He opened his eyes and looked once again at the towering cliff. His entire aura had turned icy cold.
Like a demon crawling out of hell. Like an eternal glacier, unmelted for ten thousand years.
The next morning, in the Hokage's office—
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado sat in a row. Kneeling before them in full ANBU gear was Uchiha Itachi.
"According to your report... the Uchiha clan has really come this far?"
Koharu was the first to speak. Over sixty now, she was no longer the elegant woman of her youth. Her expression was stern and serious.
"And this Akatsuki group you mentioned—what's their story?"
Itachi lowered his head. His voice was cold and heavy. After thinking it through, he decided not to mention the name Uchiha Madara.
Madara was too special, and that masked man was far too mysterious. He wanted more intel before saying anything.
"I can't be sure of the clan's intentions, but I was barred from attending the clan meeting last night.
Shisui also told me the Uchiha can't stay submissive to Konoha anymore and must resist. Based on that, I believe it's very likely.
As for Akatsuki—I don't know much. But I can tell they're extremely dangerous. And it seems they harbor some secret motives against Konoha."
Hiruzen silently lit his pipe, took a long drag, then finally spoke.
"I never thought... things would come to this again."
He fell silent for a while, then slowly shook his head.
"Itachi, we've heard you. We'll do our best to figure something out. For now, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Get some rest."
He paused, then gave Itachi a meaningful look before continuing.
"By the way, you should probably inform Danzo.
You're not a Root operative, but some of your subordinates are. He's away right now, but someone should fill him in."
"I understand," Itachi said softly. "Don't worry, Lord Hokage. I know what I have to do."
He stood, bowed deeply to the three of them, and vanished with a flicker.
The Third Hokage watched the spot where Itachi disappeared. After a long silence, he shook his head and slammed his pipe down on the table.
"No more outsiders now. I want all your honest opinions. Things have reached the breaking point—we need to decide."
He turned toward the shadows. "And Danzo... you've been listening long enough. Come out."
As the words fell, Shimura Danzo stepped quietly out of the darkness. He had clearly been there the entire time.
Hiruzen didn't bother acknowledging Danzo's entrance. His tone was completely different from when Itachi had been in the room.
"What are your thoughts on the Uchiha—and this so-called Akatsuki?"
Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance. Finally, Homura spoke.
"I've never heard of Akatsuki before. But the Uchiha's shift is too dangerous. No one knows what they're really planning.
But the impression I got from Itachi... is that the Uchiha are at their most dangerous point."
"If the problem is too big, then we need to start cleaning it up piece by piece. And the Uchiha should be handled first. That's the most important task."
"Didn't earlier clan meeting reports already hint at some troubling ideas from them?
I say we strike first—it's the smartest move."
Danzo spoke at last, wearing a cold sneer as he stared at Hiruzen.
"Besides, haven't you already made your choice? Gave that boy a certain... direction?"
Hearing that, Hiruzen shook his head and looked up at Danzo, voice heavy with meaning.
"Striking first may be smart—but I will never issue an order to exterminate the Uchiha. Konoha's shinobi will not do such a thing. I hope you understand that."
"Hmph."
Danzo snorted. His cane tapped the ground as he replied coldly.
"Disgusting hypocrisy. You've been Hokage for years, and you've grown soft, Hiruzen.
The decisiveness you once had is gone. But don't worry—I know what must be done."
Hiruzen didn't argue. He ignored Danzo's taunt, offering no explanation.
Because this wasn't about courage. It wasn't about pretense. It was about necessity.
No matter how others saw it, a Hokage could not give an order to wipe out a clan from the village.
Unless the Uchiha struck first, even the other Konoha shinobi could never be involved.
Otherwise, this village would no longer be their village.
For the rest of the meeting, the four discussed finer details.
Like how the Uchiha would likely stay on guard now, so they couldn't act rashly.
How Itachi should prepare. Who should support him, and when.
Two hours later, they each left one by one.
But the future of the Uchiha Clan... had already been sealed in those two short hours.
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