Both sides did not engage in negotiations; instead, they resorted to suspicion in a Cold War manner.
Caught in between, the Anbu seemed to be the most uncomfortable.
However, in such matters, Kakashi knew there was nothing he could change.
Regarding Konoha's internal affairs, without the senior leaders' consent, no change could be made.
The accumulated friction over time might become the last straw to crush the Uchiha Clan.
Tenzo listened, remaining silent, understanding the truth in Kakashi's words.
Though not a member of the fourth division's Anbu, working in the same building, he often heard the fourth division's Anbu members complain about the Uchiha Clan's arbitrary intervention in the village's internal criminal affairs.
But the issue is that handling the village's internal crimes was a power granted to the Uchiha Clan during the Second Hokage's period.
Thinking about it, Tenzo felt a bit confused.
He felt something was off.
Why does a village need two groups managing its internal crimes?
Didn't the Hokage consider that one group would suffice?
Adding another would only cause conflicts between them.
Just as a village needs only one Hokage, if there were another, whom should they listen to?
Tenzo felt more and more troubled, thinking that the Hokage could not possibly make mistakes, considering such a great existence.
"What shall we do next?"
Tenzo felt a bit conflicted.
Just as Kakashi was about to speak, a voice came from behind.
"Just report it truthfully."
The newcomer wore the same Anbu uniform and mask as Kakashi and Tenzo.
He was noticeably shorter than an adult, clearly very young.
It was Uchiha Itachi.
"Good afternoon, Senior Kakashi."
Itachi greeted Kakashi respectfully.
"There's no need to be so formal. You're at the sub-captain level now, the same level as me."
Kakashi said in a thoughtful tone.
Though Itachi had joined the Anbu for just over two years, he had quickly risen from an entry-level Anbu member to a squad leader, and now a sub-captain.
The speed of his ascent was unprecedented.
The name Uchiha Itachi was quite well-known within the Anbu.
Tenzo looked at Itachi with complex emotions, remembering that two to three years ago Itachi was just a member of his squad, but now he had not only left but also become a sub-captain like Kakashi.
Despite being in the Anbu for so many years, he was only a squad leader.
Sigh, is this the difference between ordinary people and geniuses? Tenzo sighed inwardly.
"But should we really report it? They are your clansmen."
Kakashi said, pointing at the screen.
"No need to test me, Senior Kakashi. The Anbu belongs to Konoha, not any clan's private force. It is loyal only to the village and the Hokage. If they harbor unusual thoughts, they naturally need to be guarded against."
Itachi said firmly.
Despite saying this, his heart felt a slight pain.
But between the family and the village, he quickly made a choice.
Moreover, the Uchiha Clan just had the motive, and the fact wasn't set in stone; there was still room for remedy.
"Is that so? Then let's do as you say. After all, it's a major issue, not something we can decide on."
Kakashi nodded.
As a Konoha Ninja, Kakashi had indeed tested Itachi.
"I'll go report to the Hokage. After all, I'm the least busy here."
"I'll leave it to you, Tenzo."
"It's my job, Captain Kakashi. I'll be off then."
Tenzo smiled, his figure disappearing as he headed to the Hokage Building to report the surveillance situation.
"It must be difficult for you, Itachi."
After Tenzo left, Kakashi said to Itachi.
"This is the path I chose."
"This kind of life is quite painful, you know. Since it's your choice, I can only wish you good luck, Itachi."
Kakashi patted Itachi's shoulder, walked into the room inside the monitoring room, and began to work.
◎
As the sun set, Nankai Shrine was enveloped in a thin layer of darkness.
On the stairs leading to the top of Nankai Shrine, Itachi saw a familiar figure ahead and called out.
"Shisui."
"It's Itachi, long time no see."
Shisui turned around, saw Itachi, and smiled, though his eyes couldn't hide his exhaustion.
"I haven't seen you recently, but I'm glad to see you're okay."
Itachi showed a relaxed smile.
"No need to worry about me. I've just been out on missions and handling Security Team duties."
Shisui replied.
"I see, that must be tough."
"It's not that bad. Compared to your hardships in the Anbu, mine are nothing."
Shisui responded with a smile.
Hardships? Itachi didn't particularly feel aware of them.
I am just fulfilling the duties of a Konoha Ninja, Uchiha Itachi.
"Alright, let's head up together. Today's meeting is crucial."
"Mm."
Following Shisui, they walked towards the building complex at the top of Nankai Shrine.
Itachi instinctively glanced at the woods surrounding Nankai Shrine, then subtly shifted his gaze back.
The surveillance equipment set up by the Anbu was nestled in that forest.
While the village leaders were unaware of the content, timing, and presence of esteemed Jonin from the Uchiha Clan at the crucial meeting, they knew everything else clearly, with no omissions.