In subsequent meetings, whenever the Konohagakure higher-ups repeatedly brought up the Uchiha clan, Danzou immediately jumped out to voice his opposition.
"Are you kidding me? Why wasn't the Uchiha clan notified about a strategic matter? There is no need to keep things from the Uchiha clan behind their backs; they are also a part of Konohagakure."
"???"
Danzou's remarks utterly dumbfounded the Third Hokage, Mito Monura, and Utatane Koharu, while leaving the other Jonin completely bewildered.
Wasn't this precisely what you suggested earlier—that the Uchiha clan should not be allowed to stick their hands into strategic meetings?
The Third Hokage asked with a puzzled look: "Danzou, are you alright? Do you know what you are saying?"
Danzou simply gave a grand wave of his hand, slammed both palms heavily onto the table, and said in a loud voice: "I am fine, and I know very well what I am doing."
"Konohagakure was originally founded jointly by the Senju clan and the Uchiha clan, and it was only later, with the addition of other clans, that the Konohagakure of today came to be. There aren't many members of the Senju clan left now. If we exclude the Uchiha clan as well, it will chill their hearts."
"???"
Mito Monura and Utatane Koharu thought to themselves: Why don't you listen to what you're saying? Weren't you the one pulling strings behind the scenes all this time?
The Jonin felt a deep sense of unfamiliarity. Could this really still be Danzou? Was he planning to pull off another major stunt? Or had Danzou fallen under a Genjutsu cast by the Uchiha clan?
The Third Hokage said with a smile: "Are you serious, Danzou?"
Previously, he had always worried that making such decisions with Danzou and the others would adversely affect the Uchiha clan, so he had continuously given them the cold shoulder, assigning them tasks of little importance.
However, giving them the cold shoulder indefinitely was no solution either. It was truly rare for Danzou to show such consideration.
"Of course I'm serious. Aren't the Uchiha clan members of Konohagakure?"
The Third Hokage probed further.
"Doesn't it put you in a difficult position?"
What he received, however, was Danzou's righteous and resolute reply.
"Not at all. It is my unshirkable duty, and everything is for the sake of Konohagakure."
With that, Danzou leaned on his cane, walked toward the exit of the conference room, and left everyone with that lofty, imposing back.
It was as if the person targeting the Uchiha clan was no longer Danzou, but someone else entirely in Konohagakure.
Good grief, how surreal—truly surreal. You'd better go back to being your normal self; is this really the same Danzou who would spit on a person's corpse after killing them?
......
"Kourai, have you heard? All the members of the Uchiha clan are relocating toward the core area of Konohagakure."
Shion frowned as he spoke to Kourai, a hint of confusion lingering in his tone.
He found the Uchiha clan's sudden move completely incomprehensible and had no idea what secrets might be hidden behind it.
Upon hearing this news, Kourai froze slightly, but quickly regained his composure.
He said softly: "I've heard about it. Word has it that this was a decision made during the recent meeting between the Konohagakure higher-ups and the Jonin. They believe that the Uchiha clan members possess formidable combat prowess and can better protect the core areas of the village."
Yet, Kourai's inner thoughts were not as calm as he appeared on the surface.
He clearly remembered that, according to the original anime's historical trajectory, the Uchiha clan should have been constantly ostracized by the village, and their living quarters had never once entered the core region of Konohagakure.
Now, they had actually moved right into the absolute center, which made Kourai inevitably ponder the deeper meaning behind it.
If the Uchiha clan were to truly rebel, wouldn't they be able to open their doors directly and reach the Hokage Building after walking through just a few streets?
This would undoubtedly pose a massive threat to Konohagakure. Furthermore, was all this change related to his own arrival?
Kourai's heart was filled with questions and perplexity. He realized that his appearance might have triggered a series of butterfly effects, altering the history of the anime.
As for what kind of consequences these changes would ultimately bring, he could not predict.
"Perhaps this is the arrangement of fate..." Kourai muttered to himself in a low voice.
He knew that in the face of unknown variables, he had to remain vigilant and be prepared at any moment to deal with whatever might happen.
"By the way, where is Shisui?" Shion asked out of curiosity.
It was no wonder he asked, as the most punctual person among the three of them was always Shisui. Yet today, unusually, Shisui was late for their gathering.
"He just sent a message saying he's on the way and will be here soon. It seems he was delayed by a family meeting."
Kourai glanced at his phone and gave a brief reply.
Honestly, these high-ranking officials and prominent clans of Konohagakure were really something else—no different from the corporate executives in his past life. They loved holding meetings whether there was business or not. Did they really have that many meetings to hold? Isn't it all just scheme and counter-scheme, engaging in petty infighting?
Before long, Shisui hurried over.
Shisui brought his hands together and offered an embarrassed smile.
"Sorry, guys, I'm late. I got held up by something."
"It's fine, we just got here not long ago. Don't worry about it."
Kourai didn't take it to heart either; who would nitpick over someone being a little late, especially when they were teammates on the battlefield?
"Just got here not long ago? Haven't we been waiting for at least half an hour?"
Shion looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression, his face practically plastered with question marks.
As expected of you, Shion, you really know how to deliver surprises. Do you lack social tact entirely?
Shisui awkwardly scratched the back of his head, and Kourai immediately changed the subject.
"Alright, stop dwelling on it, let's get moving. Shinnosuke-sensei is already waiting for us. I heard he's going to give the three of us something hardcore today."
"Something hardcore?"
Shion wore a perplexed look, his eyes betraying a trace of confusion, though he quickly regained his calm.
Although he was somewhat curious inside, he knew now was not the time to press for answers. Thus, he chose to silently follow Kourai and Shisui toward their destination.
Along the way, Shion kept pondering this question, trying to find some clues from their words and actions.
However, no matter how hard he racked his brain, he couldn't guess what Shinnosuke-sensei actually intended to do.
After all, Shion had always considered himself extremely "smart" and capable of easily grasping other people's intentions.
Yet this time, he felt completely helpless.
Meanwhile, Shisui and Kourai had long since understood Shinnosuke-sensei's true intent.
As ninja, they were well aware of the challenges they were about to face. Real combat was undoubtedly the mandatory path to becoming an outstanding ninja, and in real combat, blood and slaughter were inevitable.
Therefore, the so-called "something hardcore" likely meant they would face genuine tests, and might even need to pay the price in blood.
This method of actual combat could not only elevate the overall caliber of the ninja, but also cultivate their nerve and courage, allowing them to keep a cool head when facing danger.
Besides, the Third Shinobi World War was looming on the horizon, so they could not afford to be careless.