Naruto: The Rise Of Uchiha

"Third Hokage, what do you think?"

Advisor Mitokado Homura glanced at the Third Hokage, his expression tinged with unease.

Though the Hokage had not yet spoken, there was a subtle tension in the room, as if he already had a theory about Danzo Shimura's whereabouts.

"Given Danzo's cautious nature, it's unlikely these Root members know where he went," the Third Hokage finally said, his tone thoughtful.

"So, what do we do now?"

Koharu Utatane frowned, her concern evident. The disappearance of the Seal of Tongue Cursing strongly suggested that Danzo was dead. As Danzo's former teammate, she felt a mixture of sorrow and apprehension.

"I will instruct the Anbu to investigate the situation thoroughly. We must locate Danzo Shimura and confirm whether he is truly dead," the Third Hokage stated firmly.

"And what about the Root?" Mitokado Homura gestured toward the disoriented Root ninjas, who seemed unsure of their future without Danzo.

"I'll have the Anbu temporarily take over the Root base. Once we complete our investigation, we can decide how to reassign them."

The Third Hokage's voice carried a decisive tone, but there was a gleam in his eyes. Though Danzo's apparent death was a loss, it also presented an opportunity. With no one else to lead the Root, the Hokage could bring the faction under his direct control.

"Most of the Root elites were taken by Danzo," Koharu observed. "What remains of them won't pose much resistance."

"Exactly," the Hokage replied, his mind already strategizing.

With no objections, Koharu and Homura nodded in agreement. There was little else they could do to stabilize the Root's operations in the interim.

After dispatching the Anbu to secure the Root base, the Third Hokage returned to the Hokage Building. Without delay, he issued several critical orders:

Anbu units were to investigate Danzo Shimura's last known movements in the Land of Rice and confirm his fate.

Another team would monitor the recent activities of the Uchiha clan, including whether a significant number of their members had left the village.

Meanwhile, after a journey spanning more than a day, Uchiha Fugaku and his group returned to Konoha.

Uchiha Mikoto greeted him at the gate of their residence, her eyes scanning him anxiously. Only when she confirmed that he was unharmed did she relax.

"How did it go? Was the mission successful?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern.

"It went smoothly," Fugaku replied, a small smile on his face. "President Taihe Yangshi was successfully rescued and has been safely returned to his family."

"And the robbers?" Mikoto's tone darkened as she recalled the loss of their clan members.

"They paid the ultimate price for their crimes," Fugaku said, his expression briefly hardening before he regained his calm demeanor.

Mikoto nodded, understanding the weight behind his words. "Good," she said with quiet satisfaction.

"Who were they, to have wiped out two jonin-led Uchiha teams?"

"A mix of wandering ninjas and missing-nin, including a rogue elite jonin from Kirigakure," Fugaku replied smoothly, repeating the explanation he had prepared.

"An elite jonin? That explains it," Mikoto murmured, accepting his words at face value.

She paused, her expression softening as she asked, "Were there any casualties on our side?"

"There were injuries, but no deaths," Fugaku assured her.

"That's a relief," Mikoto said, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Both Fugaku and Mikoto turned to see one of the Uchiha guards approaching.

"Patriarch, an Anbu messenger has arrived with a summons from the Hokage-sama. He requests your presence at the Hokage Building," the guard reported.

"The Hokage?" Fugaku's expression didn't waver, though inwardly he knew this moment was inevitable.

"Very well. I'll go," he said calmly, dismissing the guard.

Turning to Mikoto, Fugaku spoke with a reassuring smile. "It's likely just a debrief on the mission. I won't be long."

"Be careful," Mikoto said gently, stepping forward to straighten his clothing.

Fugaku nodded and left the residence. As he approached the Hokage Building, his demeanor shifted. The warmth he had shown Mikoto disappeared, replaced by an icy composure.

Upon arrival, he was led to a small meeting room by an Anbu operative. Inside, the Third Hokage awaited him, flanked by Koharu Utatane and Mitokado Homura.

"Hokage-sama, Koharu-sama, Homura-sama," Fugaku greeted them coolly, his expression unreadable.

"Patriarch Fugaku," the Hokage began, "was the situation regarding the Uchiha teams resolved?"

"It was," Fugaku replied evenly. "The robbers responsible have been eliminated, and the matter has been settled."

The Hokage nodded slightly. "Who were these robbers?"

"A band of rogue ninjas, including a defector from Kirigakure who had reached the level of an elite jonin," Fugaku answered, maintaining his calm.

"An elite jonin explains much," the Hokage mused. "It's no wonder they were able to overwhelm two Uchiha teams."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening. "During your mission, did you encounter Counselor Danzo?"

"Counselor Danzo?" Fugaku repeated, feigning surprise. "Has he left the village?"

The Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly. "Three days ago, Counselor Danzo departed Konoha with a contingent of Root operatives. He was last seen heading toward the Land of Rice—the same area where you were."

Fugaku's expression remained neutral, though his mind worked quickly. "How strange," he said, his tone steady. "I did not encounter Counselor Danzo at any point during the mission."

"That is indeed strange," the Hokage said, his voice tinged with suspicion. "A day ago, Counselor Danzo lost contact with the village. The last trace of him was in the Land of Rice."

The Hokage's gaze bore into Fugaku. "Don't you think it's quite a coincidence, Patriarch Fugaku? That Danzo disappears in the same region where you happened to be?"

His voice grew firmer, carrying the weight of authority.

(End of Chapter)

Want to read 70 more chapters check out my patreon!!!

https://www.patreon.com/john_smith_

Every 300 Power Stones+1 (5 ⭐ Review) = 1 Chapter+1Chapter