In Konoha, they wiped out the Sarutobi clan at the start.

Chapter 29 The Conspiracy Begins, the Start of Extermination

A short while later, Kakashi Hatake brought Chiya to the Hokage's office.

"Lord Hokage." Chiya released Mirror Flower Water Moon, creating the image of him kneeling on one knee.

Kakashi said hello and then left.

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was puffing out smoke as usual. When he saw Chiya and Kakashi arrive, he extinguished his pipe and showed a gentle and kind smile on his face. "Chiya, you've come. Get up quickly, no need for formalities."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Chiya replied respectfully, controlling the illusion to stand up.

Next, Hiruzen Sarutobi began to shower Chiya with concern and care.

Let's talk nonsense.

He rambled on and on for a long time.

Despite being quite impatient, Chiya maintained her persona of idolizing the Third Hokage and played along with the old man.

Finally, after a full half hour of chatting and probing.

After confirming that Chiya had become the successor of the "Will of Fire" in his mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally got to the main point.

"Chiya, do you still remember the Nine-Tails' rampage six years ago?"

"Of course I remember. My parents died in that natural disaster. But I was powerless to do anything about it and could only watch them die."

Qianye used the Mirror Flower Water Moon technique to portray an extremely painful and sorrowful appearance. By the end, her eyes reddened, and she couldn't help but shed tears.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took in Chiya's reaction, secretly pleased with himself, and then let out a long sigh, saying, "Actually, this is not a natural disaster, but a man-made one."

"Man-made disaster?" Qianye feigned fear and surprise.

"Yes, actually, the Nine-Tails' rampage six years ago was maliciously manipulated by someone. Looking at the entire ninja world, the only ones who can control the Nine-Tails, besides the First Hokage's Wood Release, are the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan." As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi recited the words he had prepared beforehand.

"Lord Hokage, are you saying that this disaster was very likely caused by the Uchiha clan?" Chiya asked, his face filled with horror, as he continued his dramatic act.

"Although there is no conclusive evidence, we cannot rule out this possibility." Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply, saying with great sorrow, "Since the death of the First Hokage, only the Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha clan possesses this ability."

"Chiya, you're a smart child, so I think you understand what I mean."

"I am willing to offer my heart to the Hokage and to Konoha." Chiya clenched his right fist and pressed it against his chest, solemnly giving Hiruzen Sarutobi the answer he had been waiting for.

"Are you willing to offer your heart to me?" Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, nodding in satisfaction. He solemnly said, "Chiya, from today onwards, I will assign you to the Anbu to monitor the Uchiha clan. At the same time, I will spread this news. When the Uchiha clan hears about it, they will definitely take the opportunity to win you over."

I need you to act as an undercover agent and report to me on the Uchiha clan's every move.

When the time is right, and to gain their trust, you may release some insignificant information with my permission.

This is a top-secret mission I'm assigning you, and I expect you not to reveal it to anyone.

Upon hearing this, Qianye did not agree immediately, but instead showed a troubled and conflicted expression.

Hiruzen Sarutobi subtly raised an eyebrow, his expression gentle as he asked, "What's wrong, Chiya? Is there something on your mind?"

Chiya nodded. "Lord Hokage, if the Nine-Tails' rampage was indeed caused by the Uchiha clan, I hope that you will punish the instigators. As for the other unrelated ordinary ninjas and civilians, I hope you can show leniency."

"Is it because of that little girl, Uchiha Izumi?" Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly relaxed. Far from feeling any dissatisfaction, he was even more delighted.

He had been worried about not having anything to keep Fujiwara Chiya in check.

After all, Itachi Uchiha had Sasuke to rely on.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was not worried at all that Itachi Uchiha would dare to betray him.

But Qianye is different; he has no family, which means there are no shackles binding him.

Now that there's another lover, Qianye will be even easier to control.

"You like that girl, right?" Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. She was also a victim of the Nine-Tails' attack, just like me, losing her parents." Chiya did not deny it.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly, "I can assure you here that regardless of whether the Nine-Tails' attack is related to the Uchiha clan, I will guarantee the absolute safety of Uchiha Izumi."

At the same time, he added in his mind: Of course, if the Uchiha clan does anything else that harms the village, then don't blame me.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Chiya thought to himself with disdain, "You old geezer, I'd be a fool to believe you. In the original story, you never guaranteed Sasuke's safety. If Itachi hadn't threatened Danzo, Sasuke would probably be dead by now."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and clapped his hands. A moment later, an Anbu ninja walked in, knelt on one knee, and respectfully said, "Hokage-sama."

"From today onwards, Chiya is a member of the Anbu. Take him to report for duty," said Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Yes, Lord Hokage." The ANBU ninja replied respectfully and left with Chiya.

No sooner had Chiya left than the other three members of the Konoha F4 walked in. Shimura Danzo cut to the chase: "Hiruzen, how did it go? Did that kid agree?"

"Yes, but he made a condition: no matter what happens afterward, Uchiha Izumi must be protected." Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, sat back down at his desk, and lit his pipe.

"I knew that kid would have selfish motives towards the Uchiha clan and wouldn't be wholeheartedly devoted to the village," Shimura Danzo clicked his tongue.

Despite saying that, he didn't seem angry at all, because the moment Chiya proposed to protect Uchiha Izumi.

That means he has lost the possibility of inheriting the Hokage position.

Or perhaps, from the very beginning, Hiruzen Sarutobi never intended for Senya to inherit the Hokage position.

It's completely Danzo's overthinking.

"Isn't this a good thing?" Koharu Utatane chimed in with a different opinion. "Weaknesses make a person easier to control. If someone is flawless, even the person they care about most can betray them. Then I would have to question the child's loyalty."

"Koharu is right." Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

From then on, the Konoha F4 stood on a united front, a rare occurrence.

Meanwhile, the ANBU ninja had already brought Chiya to the ANBU registration location.

"This will be your personal locker from now on." He pointed to the locker next to the ANBU ninja, then turned his gaze to a window not far away. "Your ANBU equipment has also been prepared. Just go over there to collect it later."

P.S.: Third update

(End of this chapter)