Hiruzen Sarutobi—your intentions are downright treacherous.
What should've been a personal power struggle between him and Danzo was now being reframed as a village crisis. By tying himself to the name "Konoha" and using the authority of the Hokage title as moral high ground, he'd pulled others into fighting his battle for him.
All because of those two words—for Konoha—countless shinobi would charge ahead without hesitation, ready to die for his cause.
Hiruzen's political gamesmanship was truly a thing of beauty. Dirty, manipulative—and brutally effective.
I stand with Konoha—but not with you. That's what Itachi truly thought. But what he said aloud was:
"No matter what darkness or conflict lies within this village, I am still Uchiha Itachi of Konoha."
"I won't stand by and let Danzo destroy the village."
"This is the Konoha that my teacher wanted to protect. I won't allow anyone to ruin it. No matter who they are." His words were firm, resolute.
"Good. With that, I'm reassured." Hiruzen laughed heartily and gave a satisfied nod. "I know your clan has long been dissatisfied with me."
"And honestly, I bear some of the blame. Had I restrained Danzo properly, that tragedy might never have happened."
"But Itachi, I promise you—after this crisis is resolved, your Uchiha Clan will have a seat on the council."
"I give you my word."
Itachi opened his mouth in feigned disbelief.
Seriously? Hiruzen's stooped this low just to win our support?
A position the Uchiha had begged for over the years was now just being handed to them?
This kind of promise? So casually made?
Clearly, Hiruzen was running out of options.
Seeing Itachi's momentary hesitation, Hiruzen was pleased.
"You know," he continued, "ever since the founding of the village, Konoha's prosperity owes much to the Uchiha."
"Frankly, a seat on the council was always your rightful due."
"It was only because of Danzo's interference that you were denied it."
"If Kagami were still alive, he too would've been among the village's advisors." Hiruzen sighed nostalgically.
"Lord Hokage, honestly, the council position means little to us. The Uchiha didn't dedicate themselves to Konoha just for power or prestige," Itachi replied modestly.
"Exactly the attitude I respect." Hiruzen nodded with approval. "Then I'll assign you to handle diplomatic relations with the Land of Fire on behalf of Konoha."
Feigning surprise, Itachi swallowed hard and put on a look of disbelief. "Lord Hokage, this isn't about power. After all, I did give up my position as Head of the Konoha Military Police just to serve in ANBU."
"Oh? Still hung up on the Police Force? Don't worry—after this is over, you'll be appointed Head of ANBU!" Hiruzen declared.
"…Huh?" Itachi was honestly stunned at this point. But he maintained composure and replied, "My house is pretty far from ANBU HQ. Honestly, I'd rather just stay near the Hokage Tower and work directly under you, to better serve the village."
"Oh, your place is that far? Well, your clan's old compound is still empty—why not just move back? Saves you the commute!" Hiruzen offered.
"Huh? That's too generous… But even if I must live alone my whole life, I'll keep working hard for Konoha," Itachi said solemnly.
"Still single, are you?" Hiruzen chuckled. "At your age, I was already engaged!"
"Don't worry—I heard Izumi's quite fond of you. I'll arrange it myself. Once this matter is over, I'll officiate your wedding personally!"
"Lord Hokage, really… that's not necessary. We Uchiha only wish to contribute to Konoha's future," Itachi replied humbly.
"Even if you didn't grant us a council seat, we'd serve just as diligently."
Oh? Then maybe I shouldn't give you anything, Hiruzen almost said. But he bit his tongue—he still needed the Uchiha to deal with Danzo.
Instead, he forced a smile. "Don't be silly. Reward and punishment must be clear—that's how Konoha was built. Besides, you're Minato's student, which makes you my grand-student. If I don't look after you, who will?"
"You're right, Lord Hokage!" Itachi responded with fiery conviction. "The Uchiha and Konoha are like bone and tendon—separate but inseparable. Our bond is one of blood!"
"No matter what storms come our way, nothing will tear us apart. We are brothers—bound by fate."
"I believe that Konoha has the strength and wisdom to resolve its internal conflicts."
"I hope we can work hand in hand, stand shoulder to shoulder, remain true to your leadership, and build on our shared political foundation. We must stay committed to peaceful progress, foster strong ties between the Uchiha and Hokage's line, improve villagers' well-being, and strive together toward Konoha's great revival—so all its people may share in that glory."
"I believe that wherever the leaves dance, the fire burns bright—and under your leadership, Konoha will enter a new golden age!"
"Excellent!" Hiruzen clapped his hands, unable to hide his praise.
Itachi—truly a worthy inheritor of the Will of Fire.
No wonder he could think like a Hokage by age seven.
Such political maturity! No wonder Minato took him as a student!
If Hiruzen weren't already too old, he would've taken Itachi as his disciple himself.
—
By the time Hiruzen and Itachi left the office, class had just ended.
And they were greeted by a familiar sight:
Sasuke getting his butt kicked again.
"Shino! You've got the guts to sic bugs on me but not to fight me head-on?"
"I'm telling you now—I'm Uchiha Sasuke! I'd rather get eaten alive by bugs or jump off a building than ever surrender!"
No sooner had he said that…
Splash!
A figure dove headfirst off the rooftop into the pool below.
Right behind him came a swarm of dark, buzzing insects.
Unfortunately for Shino, his bugs wouldn't go near water. They hovered anxiously above the surface, waiting for Sasuke to emerge—ready to give him a lesson in love.
"Oh yeah? Come on down and bite me if you dare!"
"I don't believe you can fly underwater!" Sasuke yelled, surfacing and hurling insults like kunai.
"You idiot," Naruto called out. "Just admit you lost! With Shino's bugs, you can't even get close."
"You can't use Fire Style either!"
The moment Naruto entered the classroom, he saw Shino commanding his insects in hot pursuit.
Every time Sasuke tried to form hand seals for a fire jutsu, the bugs disrupted him. He had no choice but to run, scrambling for an opening.
"Admit defeat? No way! I'll find a way to beat those bugs!" Sasuke shouted again from the pool.
"Oh? Even if you manage to finish your jutsu, what then? I've got leeches."
Wrapped in layers and hiding even his face behind sunglasses, Shino calmly approached the pool and dipped a hand into the water.
Soon, squirming leeches appeared—gliding toward Sasuke like bloodthirsty missiles.
Seeing the bloodsucking creatures headed his way, Sasuke paled.
This isn't a fair fight! One guy's got a Kekkei Genkai and secret clan techniques—how's that even fair?
Just you wait till I awaken my Sharingan. I'll take all of you on! Ten at once!
"I'm not impressed, Shino! Just because you've got special powers doesn't mean you're all that!"
"I'm Uchiha Sasuke—!"
"Sorry," Shino interrupted, adjusting his sunglasses. "Special powers do mean you're all that. And yes, they do let you do whatever you want."
"And sadly, with your current strength, Uchiha Sasuke—you haven't earned the joy of awakening a Kekkei Genkai."
With that, he gave the signal—his insects launched a full-on, three-pronged assault: air, land, and sea.
They swarmed toward Sasuke.