I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

The Enemy Is in the Hokage Building

After school, Naruto Uzumaki visited the Uchiha Clan at the invitation of Sasuke Uchiha.

The Uchiha Clan's district, often referred to as the Uchiha Compound, held a unique position within Konohagakure. Once centrally located in the village, their relocation to the outskirts following the Nine-Tails' attack signaled their isolation. Despite occupying a larger area, the distance from the village's bustling core bred resentment among many Uchihas.

Crossing through the gate that symbolically divided the Uchiha Clan from the rest of the village, Naruto marveled at his surroundings. Sasuke eagerly played the tour guide, introducing Naruto to various locations and individuals within the compound.

"Naruto, that's Uncle Daohuo's house. He's got a short temper, but he's great with kids," Sasuke began, pointing towards a nearby home.

"That house belongs to Sister Izumi. She's always with my brother, Itachi, which is why my brother never has time for me."

Sasuke gestured to a dilapidated building. "That used to be a canteen. An old lady owned it, but after her grandson died in the last war, she passed away alone. My father and others had to collect her body."

Finally, Sasuke pointed to a modest home. "And that's Shisui's house. My brother sees him as a sibling, but Shisui is always so mysterious."

As Sasuke spoke, Naruto silently committed the clan's layout and details to memory. Visiting the compound was more than a social call; it was part of his plan to better understand the Uchiha Clan.

Naruto's attention was soon drawn to a tall, imposing building visible from the compound. "Sasuke, what's that building over there? Is it some sort of Uchiha landmark?"

Sasuke followed Naruto's gaze, then shook his head. "I don't know. It's been there since before I was born."

Naruto's curiosity deepened, suspecting the structure's purpose. To him, it seemed likely that the building housed the Anbu forces tasked with monitoring the Uchiha Clan. The once-mighty clan, secretly plotting rebellion, now lived under constant surveillance. It was a grim irony that two of the Uchiha's strongest members worked closely with those in the Hokage Building.

Under Sasuke's guidance, Naruto explored further, eventually heading toward the patriarch's mansion. Naruto was eager to meet Sasuke's family.

---

Anbu Headquarters, Monitoring Room

Within the Anbu's surveillance room, Uchiha Itachi monitored the Uchiha compound. When the feed displayed Sasuke walking with Naruto, Itachi's expression darkened.

Why did Naruto accept Sasuke's invitation? Itachi thought. Didn't Shisui report this to the Third Hokage?

Although both Itachi and Shisui had joined Anbu, their loyalties differed: Shisui served the Third Hokage, while Itachi was loyal to Danzo.

Itachi's musings were interrupted by the voice of a Root agent stationed nearby. "Itachi, should we erase the footage? The Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki inside the Uchiha compound... What is your clan planning? Rebellion?"

Itachi turned to face the agent, his voice cold. "Whether Uchiha rebels or not is for the Third Hokage to decide. The Root lacks the authority to act independently. Focus on your surveillance."

The Root ninja sneered but backed down. "I'll report this to Danzo. He'll know what judgment to make. Don't overstep your bounds, Itachi."

---

Hokage's Office

The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, listening to Shisui Uchiha's report. Shisui outlined the growing tension within the Uchiha Clan, citing their frustration over reduced influence and their demands for more rights.

The Third Hokage sighed heavily. The Uchiha Police Force's isolation and growing hostility toward the village were pressing concerns. Cutting their funding risked a strike, which would jeopardize public safety. Deploying Anbu to take over their duties, however, would only escalate tensions.

Once, the Hokage's prestige had been sufficient to unite other clans in keeping the Uchiha in check. But after the Hyuga Clan's decision to adopt a neutral stance following the Yunyin incident, the other clans had also withdrawn into cautious silence.

"Fortunately," the Hokage said aloud, "we have Itachi and Shisui. Their willingness to serve as double agents has prevented matters from spiraling out of control."

Shisui hesitated. "Lord Hokage, there is another matter I need to report."

Before he could elaborate, an Anbu agent entered the office. "Lord Hokage, the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki has entered the Uchiha compound without authorization. My subordinates await your instructions."

The Third Hokage's gaze shifted to Shisui, whose uncomfortable expression spoke volumes.

"Shisui, you were about to mention this, weren't you?"

Shisui nodded reluctantly. "Yesterday, Sasuke mentioned wanting to invite Naruto over. I didn't expect Naruto to accept so quickly. This is merely a visit between two children; it has no connection to the clan's affairs."

The Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. While he trusted Shisui, the possibility of danger to Naruto could not be dismissed outright.

He issued his decision. "Assemble Anbu and the Shadow Guards. We're going to the Uchiha compound."

Shisui's concern was evident. "Lord Hokage, isn't that excessive? This could create unnecessary tension."

The Hokage placed a reassuring hand on Shisui's shoulder. "I trust you and the Uchiha Clan, but Naruto has been targeted before. This is precautionary. You'll accompany me to ensure everything goes smoothly."

With no other choice, Shisui followed, silently hoping this wouldn't lead to the conflict he so desperately wished to avoid.