AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-liteChapter 26: The Helpless HiruzenJust as the two were daydreaming about a bright future, they did not realize that Naruto already knew everything.It turned out that just a moment ago, while they were focused on the surgery, Robin had quietly cast "Dazzling Eyes" and "Ear Blossoms" onto Danzo's newly transplanted arm and Yakushi Kabuto's glasses, respectively.In reality, it was not that they were bold, but rather that Danzo had just finished transplanting his new arm, so even if he noticed something unusual, he would not suspect that someone was monitoring him.As for Yakushi Kabuto, it was even simpler. Although he was an outstanding medical Ninja and very sensitive to Chakra and the various meridians of the human body, he was not yet that strong at this time, so the probability of him discovering it was very small.Furthermore, his glasses were a gift from Yakushi Nono, which he had always regarded as his most precious possession; unless absolutely necessary, he would not take them off.About a week later, a person wearing a raccoon mask appeared before Danzo. He knelt on one knee and said, "Lord Danzo, Hokage-samarequests your presence at his office to discuss matters regarding the Uchiha Clan."Danzo had not even looked at him initially, but upon hearing the words "Uchiha," he slowly raised his head and said, "Oh? Be specific."The Anbu member maintained his posture and replied, "Your subordinate does not know the details, but it seems that Shisui has information to provide."Upon hearing the name Shisui, Danzo became even more interested. He stood up and said, "Very well! I will go with you and see. Lead the way!"After speaking, the two walked one after the other toward the Hokage Office.After the Anbu member led Danzo to the door, he retreated. Danzo pushed the door open and found four people inside; besides Shisui and Hiruzen, there were also Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu.Danzo walked in, greeted the people present, and asked, "What is it, Shisui? Everyone is here now, so if you have any intelligence, speak up."Standing in the middle of the office was a young man with a rare "dumpling nose." He wore a dark, high-collared, short-sleeved top with triangular armor on his upper body, matching pants on his lower body, and leg wraps. There was an Uchiha Clan crest on the back of his clothes, and he carried a small katana on his back. This person was the genius known as "Shunshin" (Body Flicker), Uchiha Shisui!Just as Shisui was about to speak, Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him and said, "Shisui, you may leave first. I will handle the rest of the discussion with them myself!"Shisui was stunned upon hearing this, but he said nothing, simply replying, "Very well, Hokage-sama, then I shall take my leave," before turning and walking away.After he left, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Shisui came to me just now and told me that the rebellion of the Uchiha Clan is likely about to begin. They plan to launch a coup d'état in one month..."Before he could finish, Danzo immediately said, "Then what are we waiting for here? Are we waiting for them to attack us? Or are you willing to give up the position of Hokage for your so-called peace, thereby leaving the Village under the shadow of the Uchiha Clan?""I think the most important thing to do now is to consolidate all our strength and strike first to catch them off guard!"Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said, "Danzo, do not be hasty. Hear me out.""Since Shisui reported this to me, it means he already has a solution.""He intends to use Kotoamatsukami on Uchiha Fugaku to change his mind, thereby avoiding bloodshed and resolving this crisis.""I fully approve of this approach. After all, the Village has finally had a few years of peace, and such a peaceful method is the best way to handle it!""Otherwise, once a war breaks out, regardless of which side ultimately wins, it will cause unavoidable losses to the Village. Since the passing of Shodai(1st)-sama and Nidaime(2nd)-sama, too much blood has been shed in Konoha, and it can no longer afford such turmoil."After Hiruzen finished speaking, Homura Mitokadoand Utatane Koharu clearly seemed to agree with this view. Seeing this, Danzo sneered and said, "Nidaime(2nd)-sama? Have you forgotten what Nidaime(2nd)-sama thought of the Uchiha Clan?""Back then, he had no other choice because he lacked the power to destroy them directly.""At the same time, in order to both pacify them and monitor them better, he was forced to establish the Konoha Military Police Force and let their clansmen hold the main positions. But how did they repay that?""Now that our strength has greatly increased, we have sufficient capability to completely eliminate this hidden threat and fulfill the uncompleted wish of Nidaime(2nd)-sama. Are you going to let go of this golden opportunity just for the sake of 'peace'?""Furthermore, this clan is naturally rebellious and ungrateful. Even if you use Kotoamatsukami today to make Uchiha Fugaku loyal to the Village, what will happen if a second one appears tomorrow?"Danzo's words were very sharp, and for a moment, Hiruzen did not know how to refute him. Furthermore, after hearing this, Homura Mitokadoand Utatane Koharu were immediately swayed and began to support Danzo.Utatane Koharu said, "That's right! We are not familiar with the Uchiha Clan, but Nidaime(2nd)-sama was different; he fought against this clan for many years.""Since even he had such thoughts, there is no need for us to argue here. I support Danzo's approach."Seeing that they had all sided with Danzo, Hiruzen's expression immediately darkened. He wanted to use his authority as Hokage to forcibly suppress them.However, Danzo saw right through his thoughts and said, "Hiruzen, do not think about using your status as Hokage to suppress us.""I am telling you today: do not interfere in the affairs of the Uchiha Clan. Just leave it to me to handle. Even if you do not cooperate, it does not matter.""But if you oppose me, I cannot be sure whether the Uchiha Clan will rebel, but at the very least, Konoha Village will definitely be split into two factions."With this, Danzo once again struck Hiruzen's weak point. Yes, the Uchiha Clan was, after all, only one of many clans in Konoha Village.But if Danzo really forced a fight to the death, Konoha Village would inevitably split apart. This was the Village that Shodai(1st)-sama had worked so hard for so many years to build; it must not be destroyed in his hands. If that happened, he would be a sinner against the Village.Thinking of this, the hostility on Hiruzen's face vanished, and he radiated an air of helplessness. It was as if he had aged many years in an instant.
