Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

To prevent Shimura Danzo from using this opportunity to stir up trouble, the Hokage decided to strip him of any decision-making power. He would act solely as the operational commander.

Danzo wouldn't be allowed to meddle in anything else.

He couldn't meddle.

Having known him since childhood, the Hokage was all too familiar with Danzo's knack for creating chaos.

If given even a sliver of opportunity, Danzo could turn the entire plan into a disaster.

Reflecting on past incidents, like the chaos surrounding Kushina Uzumaki, the Hokage couldn't help but feel exasperated.

Damn it, Danzo. Can't you make things easier for me for once?

Everyone appreciates a subordinate who can shoulder blame, handle the dirty work, and remain resilient against criticism. But when that same subordinate starts to make messes, the dynamic changes.

The Hokage's current relationship with Danzo was awkward. He had tolerated Danzo repeatedly but now found himself in a bind—unable to cast him aside yet wary of using him freely.

As for outright disposing of Shimura Danzo, the idea had crossed the Hokage's mind. But he quickly dismissed it.

Getting rid of Danzo wasn't difficult; managing the fallout would be.

What would Koharu Utatane and Mitokado Homura think?

We can share adversity, but not prosperity?

Danzo had been instrumental in past operations, taking blame and earning merit alike. Would they think the Hokage had forgotten Danzo's contributions? If he turned on Danzo, would they fear they'd be next when mistakes arose?

"I hope there won't be any complications," the Hokage murmured to himself.

For now, he could only hope that Danzo would restrain himself and cooperate, avoiding unnecessary disruption.

Danzo would serve as the scapegoat, while the Hokage's personal guard executed the plan.

The ANBU wouldn't be involved—Shinki would never allow it. ANBU operated in the shadows, but their focus was on external threats, not internal purges. For this mission, the Hokage could only rely on his personal guard and a few loyal ninjas from supporting clans.

Uchiha Fugaku, keen to purge his clan's radicals, ensured no Uchiha personnel were involved. Not even his personal guards would participate. The task fell solely on the Hokage's resources—Sarutobi and Shimura clan ninjas would bear the burden.

The plan itself was simple and straightforward, but Fugaku had hesitated due to uncertainty about the Hokage's willingness to act.

Now that the Hokage had committed, all those doubts vanished.

That same evening, Uchiha clan elders received an unexpected notice:

The clan leader had called a high-level meeting to discuss sensitive matters. Due to the nature of the topics, it would not be held in the ancestral hall, to avoid drawing the village's attention.

The elders, though not aligned with Fugaku, didn't overthink the arrangement. Fugaku's restrained and cautious leadership style gave them no reason to suspect foul play.

The meeting location was an old base on the outskirts of the Uchiha district.

The base, constructed during Fugaku's father's tenure, was a relic of the time when tensions between the Uchiha clan and the village ran high. Built for emergencies, such bases had since fallen into disuse as relations between the village and the Uchiha stabilized.

Despite this, the elders found the location reasonable given the circumstances.

Late that night, the Uchiha elders, accompanied by a few guards, arrived at the base. They were unaware that the moment they entered, they had walked into a carefully crafted trap.

The base seemed sparsely occupied, with only a handful of guards besides the elders.

As tradition dictated, Fugaku, as clan leader, would arrive last. The elders weren't suspicious.

"The clan leader called us here—could it be that he's planning to offer concessions to the Hokage's office?"

"Once, I thought Fugaku could lead Uchiha to glory. But now? He's nothing but a coward."

"Spending the clan's resources to appease the Hokage's office—disgraceful."

"When will this persecution end? Joining Konoha was a mistake. Uchiha Madara was even more wrong!"

"I say it's time for an Uchiha to become Hokage. It's long overdue."

The elders' voices echoed through the base, their rebellious tone making it clear why Fugaku saw them as a threat.

These were not idle complaints. If left unchecked, their rhetoric could escalate into actions that would splinter the Uchiha clan and bring ruin to the entire village.

This was why Fugaku was determined to eliminate them. If they weren't dealt with, the damage they could cause would be catastrophic.

While the elders debated, groups of ninjas silently encircled the base under the cover of darkness.

Shimura Danzo led the operation.

From a distance, the Hokage watched alongside Koharu Utatane and Mitokado Homura.

As for Uchiha Fugaku, he remained at home, awaiting news.

The Hokage signaled Danzo, indicating it was time to act.

Inside the base, one elder spoke up.

"Why isn't Fugaku here yet? As clan leader, he should show respect to his elders!"

"When he does arrive, we must set him straight."

Suddenly, a sharp noise cut through the air.

"Who's there?"

The cry startled the elders, and chaos erupted as the sounds of battle echoed through the base.