Naruto: Reborn with the Template System

Hearing the words of the clan heads, Danzo's expression turned grim.

Despite holding influence in Konoha for decades, he couldn't compare to Guts, not in power, youth, or charisma.

If Garp from One Piece doesn't overstep because he still knows the authority of the World Government and the symbol of "justice" behind him, then Guts is the opposite, completely unrestrained.

"How do you plan to deal with the Uchiha situation?"

Danzo asked coldly, his voice sharp.

"Many people in the village saw the masked man that night using a Sharingan."

Uchiha Fugaku's face tightened.

The other clan heads remained quiet, but their expressions shifted. Suspicion lingered in their eyes.

Tsunade, sitting as Hokage, finally spoke, voice cool and dismissive.

"I'll handle it. Elder Danzo, you seem tired. Please rest."

She wasn't sure if Danzo was trying to stir trouble, but she had zero patience for it.

"This topic is over."

"Hmph."

Danzo grunted with displeasure. Unable to argue back, he flicked his sleeves in frustration and left.

"Moving on," Tsunade said, shifting the conversation.

"Let's discuss reconstruction and the reinforcement of Konoha's barrier system."

No one was foolish enough to bring up the Uchiha again.

The meeting ended under a heavy but controlled atmosphere.

That Night — At Mitokado Homura's Residence

Mitokado Homura was trimming a small bonsai tree when he saw his old friend walk in.

"Danzo," he said, pouring him tea.

"Don't look so grim."

Utatane Koharu was also there, watching in silence.

It reminded all three of their youth, decades ago, back when they still moved in sync, before Root was formed, before their ideologies began to diverge.

Danzo sat, his face stern as he sipped the tea. "So you two actually resigned."

Utatane Koharu sighed.

"We didn't have a choice. Keep hanging on to power and Guts would've eventually killed us."

Pff!

Danzo's fist slammed into the table, the teacup rattling. Scalding tea spilled over his knuckles, but he didn't flinch.

"We were students of the Second Hokage! We've devoted our entire lives to this village."

"And now we let everything we built get dismantled by a brat?! You feel nothing about this betrayal?"

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, their brows furrowing.

Of course they felt bitter. Who wouldn't? After so many years steering the village, now they were reduced to the sidelines, relics of the past.

But if Guts or Tsunade heard this self-righteous talk, they'd probably laugh.

"Danzo…" Homura leaned in.

"Do you have a plan?"

Danzo's eyes glinted.

"Force won't work. But we can strip Guts and Tsunade of their power."

Koharu sat up straighter.

"How?"

Danzo narrowed his eyes.

"Through the Uchiha."

At the Uchiha Compound

Fugaku arrived home late.

"Welcome back, Father"

Said a five-year-old Uchiha Itachi, bowing politely.

Fugaku forced a smile.

"Training done for today?"

Itachi, already mature for his age, could tell his father's mood was heavy. But he didn't ask.

"Yes, but I want to continue at the back mountain."

"As expected of my Filial son"

Fugaku replied, patting his head.

Itachi left soon after...not for training, but to meet someone.

Uchiha Shisui.

The prodigy known as Body Flicker Shisui, the youngest to enter the battlefield in the Third Great Ninja War. A former student of Guts.

They met often now, their ideals strangely aligned.

Back at Guts Home

Later that night.

Tsunade yawned and flopped down at the table.

Guts walked in from the other room just in time to hear her grumble

"Alright, brat, what are we going to do about the Uchiha? It's all over the village now...people whispering, pointing fingers. Even civilians are joining in."

Though Tsunade never distrusted the Uchiha, Obito's Sharingan showing up in the middle of the village had lit a spark she couldn't control.

'Obito really lost it,' Guts thought.

'Not just turning on his home... but dragging his entire clan down with him.'

"Don't overthink it," Guts said, walking over. He pulled her into his arms.

"If it gets too messy, just throw the whole Hokage thing at someone else and let them handle it."

Tsunade rolled her eyes.

"Tch. You made me Hokage in the first place, and now you're telling me to toss it like it's a card in a poker game? You think Hokage's just some gambling chip anyone can play with?!"

Guts chuckled. "Isn't that your specialty?"

Tsunade couldn't help but laugh tiredly, even if he annoyed the hell out of her sometimes, he had a point.

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