Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

If... Shisui could have nipped the Uchiha coup in the bud, how could the village possibly have taken action against such a powerful clan as the Uchiha? Especially at this crucial time?

Danzo looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, a glint of "sincerity" flashing in his single eye:

"Hiruzen, this matter is of great importance and must be handled with utmost care."

"The loyalty of Jing's descendants is beyond doubt, and his proposal is not entirely unreasonable, but how to carry it out requires meticulous planning and absolute secrecy."

"I believe that the most urgent task is to ensure the absolute safety of Shisui and the absolute control of the secret of 'Kotoamatsukami'."

He paused, then emphasized:

"Now that the Uchiha have this plan, they will never give it up easily."

"Shisui's visit to Hiruzen tonight, though secretive, may have attracted the attention of some people."

“His return to the Uchiha clan's territory now is like a lamb entering a tiger's den. The radical faction of the clan may be desperate and do something to harm him, or even... forcibly seize or control it to complete their plans.”

These words sent a chill down the spines of both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shisui; it was not impossible.

"so……"

Danzo, after laying the groundwork for so long, finally revealed his true intentions:

"For the safety of Zhishui and for the village to handle this crisis properly, I suggest that 'Gen' temporarily protect Zhishui."

"First of all, Root's base is the most well-hidden and has the most robust defenses, which can ensure that Shisui cannot be found by the Uchiha."

"Secondly, we can carefully study the specific effects and casting conditions of 'Kotoamatsukami' in an absolutely safe environment,"

"This will allow us to formulate the most comprehensive and trouble-free action plan."

"This takes time and requires absolute secrecy, and 'Root' is best at handling these kinds of secretive and dangerous matters."

Protection? Research? Development of a plan? Such high-sounding words!

The Third Hokage almost laughed in anger; he finally understood Danzo's scheme!

All this talk of protection and research is just a facade!

Danzo's true target was Kotoamatsukami itself! He wanted to control Shisui and possess this power that could change everything!

"no!"

The Third Hokage refused decisively, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "Shisui is a Konoha ninja and a member of the Shadow Guard. His safety is naturally the responsibility of the Anbu and the Hokage's direct forces."

As the name suggests, you should go somewhere cool and stay there.

"Sun Slayer!"

Danzo's voice rose slightly, tinged with "heartache" and "confusion":

"Now is not the time to define responsibilities!"

"The Uchiha problem is urgent! You've heard about the power of 'Kotoamatsukami,' it's a power capable of overthrowing the village!"

"If you hand it over to... those regular spies, can you guarantee it will be foolproof?"

"Of course, if the Shadow Guard is in the village, I won't say a word."

"And now, 'Root' is the best option to handle this level of crisis and secret! I'm doing this for Konoha!"

He never stopped talking about "Konoha," and he packaged all his actions as being for the greater good of the village.

As Shisui listened to the two arguing, his mind was in turmoil.

He instinctively distrusted Danzo and had an inexplicable aversion to "Root".

But Danzo's analysis just now is indeed very reasonable. If his actions today are exposed, the radical faction of his family may indeed be detrimental to him.

Shisui clenched his fist; it was covered in cold sweat.

Now that things have come to this, he's in a bind, unsure of whom to trust!

"Lord Danzo's concerns... are not without merit."

Shisui spoke in a low voice, drawing the attention of the two arguing men, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Danzo, but I believe the Hokage will have a more appropriate arrangement."

Regardless, he would not trust Danzo, but he did not completely reject some of his suggestions, leaving the decision to the Third Hokage.

A barely perceptible shadow crossed Danzo's single eye, but he quickly concealed it.

After a moment of silence, he changed his tone and became very "tolerant," saying, "It's good that you have your own considerations; after all, you are the one involved."

After saying that, he turned to the Third Hokage, "Hiruzen, what do you say? Time waits for no one! We must immediately decide how to settle Shisui and begin to deal with the Uchiha crisis."

Regardless, now that he's heard about it, he absolutely must get involved in this matter; he can't be excluded no matter what.

Looking into the familiar light in the eyes of his old friend and rival, the Third Hokage felt a deep weariness well up inside him.

He knows Danzo too well.

When it comes to matters concerning the safety of Konoha, Danzo is like a shark that has smelled blood; he will never give up until he achieves his goal.

"This matter... is of great importance, involving the stability of the entire Uchiha clan and the village."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "The decision and command must be made and directed by the Hokage, which is me personally."

"Danzo, your Root organization, do your duty. The peace negotiation signing ceremony in Kumogakure is imminent, and the Mizukage of Kirigakure will be arriving soon."

"At this time, you must ensure the absolute safety of Konoha during the Mizukage's visit, especially the perimeter and intelligence surveillance. As for the rest... do not interfere."

The Uchiha problem has always existed, but at this critical moment, the Third Hokage really didn't want any unexpected incidents or complications.

Upon hearing this, Danzo's single eye flashed with a sharp light, seemingly dissatisfied with Hiruzen's words.

But he also sensed the resolute tone in Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice.

If he asks for more, we might end up arguing face to face... It's not wise to do that in front of Zhishui, who is a "key person involved"!

"……I see."

Danzo remained silent for a few seconds, then slowly nodded, stood up with his cane, and his tone returned to its usual sinister tone:

“Now that the Hokage has made his decision, Root will naturally cooperate. I will immediately arrange the defense details for the Mizukage's visit, however…”

He paused, looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, and added meaningfully:

"Hiruzen, the Uchiha matter cannot be delayed, nor can we be soft-hearted! I hope your decision will not leave any future troubles for Konoha."

"Danzo, don't always overstep your bounds. Always remember, I am the Hokage!"

"Hmph, Hiruzen, I hope you won't regret this."

After saying that, Danzo stopped looking at Shisui, turned around, and walked out of the Hokage's office step by step, leaning on his cane. His footsteps gradually faded away in the empty corridor.

The tense atmosphere in the office only eased slightly after Danzo's footsteps completely disappeared.

But both the Third Generation and Shisui were deep in thought.

The Third Hokage looked at Shisui with a complicated expression. Danzo's intervention had made an already thorny situation even more dangerous and delicate.

Fortunately, my old friend shouldn't cause trouble at such a crucial moment.

"Shisui," Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was even heavier than before, "Danzo's words, though unpleasant to hear, are true on one point: the Uchiha matter... cannot be delayed!"

Shisui pursed her lips and nodded, her mind in turmoil.

"Your proposed solution, while risky, may be the only way to resolve the dispute without bloodshed at the moment."

The Third Hokage approached Shisui, placed his hands on his shoulders, and stared directly into the young ninja's bloodshot eyes.

"Shisui, do you believe me?"

"I..." Shisui's heart was surging with emotion, "I believe in the Hokage, which is why I have come today to confess everything."

“Very well,” the Third Hokage promised solemnly.

"In the name of the Third Hokage, I assure you that if you can use your eye technique to successfully stop the Uchiha's coup plot and make them abandon their coup plans and truly pledge allegiance to the village."

"Then, Konoha will never hold the Uchiha clan accountable. I will give the Uchiha fair treatment and the respect they deserve."

"Just like... the Nara, Aburame, Hyuga, and other families!"

"Your sacrifices and contributions will never be forgotten by the village... and by me."

Shisui's body trembled slightly, and tears finally streamed down his face. He knew what he had to sacrifice; after today...

He will not only permanently lose an eye, but he will also likely be ostracized by his entire family!

But... for the sake of the family's continuation!

worth!!

The Third Hokage gently wiped away his tears with his sleeve and said softly, "Good child, you have suffered."

His words were the most he could promise. He needed to give his all to stop the water, and also to soothe the child's inner pain and struggle.

Shisui composed himself and choked out, "I believe in you, Hokage-sama. For the village, and for the Uchiha... I am willing to sacrifice myself!"

"Alright!" The Third Hokage released his grip, his eyes sharpening. "There's no time to lose. You need to act quickly. I'll summon the Anbu immediately to fully cooperate with your operation."

"no, do not want!"

Shisui hurriedly said, "Hokage-sama, having too many people will only make us more vulnerable. I haven't been away from the clan territory for long, so perhaps the clan hasn't noticed yet."

Even if I were to notice, I could use Kotoamatsukami directly while reporting to Elder Setsuna!

Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage frowned in thought. He was somewhat uneasy, but Shisui was right.

At this moment, the Uchiha were extremely sensitive. If the Anbu appeared nearby and were discovered... it would probably cause the Uchiha to panic.

only……

What if it fails?

The Third Hokage hesitated again. Shisui's eye technique was too terrifying. What if... he was exposed and controlled by the Uchiha?

Shisui seemed to sense the Third Hokage's hesitation and said the same thing the Third Hokage had just said to him:

"Lord Hokage, do you believe me?"

The Third Hokage paused for a moment, then said, "Of course, I believe you 100% as a descendant of Kagami!"

Both he and Danzo mentioned Kagami today—his former teammate, perhaps... hoping to use this bond to strengthen their mutual faith.

Shisui remained unusually calm at this moment: "Then, Hokage-sama, please wait for my news!"

"I understand!"