Naruto: The Rise Of Uchiha

"Fugaku, thank you, but no."

Uchiha Mikoto looked at her husband with gratitude. She knew the weight of the decision Fugaku was offering to shoulder, but she wouldn't let him face unnecessary pressure. Though her heart ached for the lonely child sitting in the park, she chose to suppress her emotions.

"You can always act on what you believe is right," Uchiha Fugaku said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The Uchiha clan and I will stand behind you, no matter what."

Mikoto nodded with a faint smile, touched by her husband's unwavering support.

In the distance, one of the ANBU guards monitoring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Naruto, disappeared in a flash of movement, heading straight to the Hokage's office to report what he had seen.

Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage's expression turned serious as the ANBU delivered the report.

"Uchiha Fugaku was in the park where Naruto plays?"

The old Hokage frowned deeply, his mind racing with possibilities. The presence of a high-ranking Uchiha, particularly Fugaku, near the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could not be taken lightly.

"Send three additional teams to monitor the situation," he ordered. "If Uchiha Fugaku attempts to approach the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, intervene immediately. Use force if necessary."

As the ANBU moved to carry out the orders, the Hokage sat back in his chair, puffing on his pipe, his brows furrowed.

"Was this a coincidence... or something deliberate?" he murmured, staring into the crystal ball that displayed an image of the park.

A cane's sharp clack echoed through the corridor as Shimura Danzo entered the office unannounced, his expression as grim as ever.

"This is no coincidence," Danzo declared coldly, his single exposed eye glinting with suspicion.

"Danzo," the Third Hokage began, "we have no evidence—"

"Evidence?" Danzo interrupted, his tone biting. "The fact that Uchiha Fugaku is near the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is evidence enough! Do you really think he just happened to stroll into the park?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's frown deepened as he listened to Danzo's accusations.

"The Sharingan can control the Nine-Tails," Danzo continued, leaning on his cane. "You and I both know what happened five years ago. The Nine-Tails Rebellion wasn't an accident, and neither is this."

"Danzo," the Third Hokage countered sharply, "we cannot act on mere speculation. Fugaku hasn't even approached the boy, much less made any attempt to harm him."

"You're too soft, Sarutobi," Danzo said with a sneer. "The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is Konoha's ultimate weapon. Allowing Fugaku, someone who can control the tailed beasts, anywhere near him is a risk we cannot afford."

The Third Hokage exhaled deeply, trying to maintain his calm. "What do you propose? Imprison him without cause? It would plunge Konoha into chaos. The other clans would see it as a sign of tyranny."

Danzo's gaze hardened. "We don't need to imprison him. We need to eliminate him."

"Eliminate him?"

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock.

Danzo's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "We can't let him live. If the Uchiha Clan continues under Fugaku's leadership, their strength and influence will only grow. The risk is too great. We'll eliminate him quietly. No one needs to know."

"Danzo, that's madness!" the Third Hokage barked, slamming his hand on the desk. "We cannot assassinate a clan leader based on conjecture. Such an act would tear Konoha apart."

"If we do nothing, Konoha will fall to the Uchiha's ambition," Danzo retorted. "Better to kill one man than risk the entire village."

Hiruzen stared at Danzo, his expression a mix of anger and frustration. The weight of his position bore down on him heavily.

"Danzo," he said firmly, "I won't allow this."

Danzo smirked faintly. "Whether you allow it or not is irrelevant. I'm merely informing you of my decision."

Without another word, Danzo turned and walked out of the office, his cane clicking against the floor.

As the door closed behind Danzo, the Third Hokage's angry expression slowly faded, replaced by one of cold calculation. He sat in silence, puffing on his pipe as he considered Danzo's words.

"Uchiha Fugaku..." he murmured, his voice low.

Hiruzen couldn't deny the growing unease he felt toward Fugaku's leadership of the Uchiha Clan. The clan had become increasingly powerful and independent under his guidance.

Perhaps, the Third Hokage thought, this was for the best. If Danzo succeeded, the threat posed by Fugaku would be eliminated. If he failed, the responsibility would fall squarely on Danzo's shoulders.

Over the years, Shimura Danzo has done a lot of things like this. One more or one less wouldn't be too much.

Of course, in terms of attitude, he was not able to show support.

Fortunately, he knew Shimura Danzo's character too well.

As long as you don't oppose it with a strong attitude, the other party will insist on doing what they want.

Taking advantage of the other party's character, he has used the other party to achieve his own goals many times.

And this time, obviously, will be no exception.

(End of Chapter)

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