Naruto: The Rise Of Uchiha

Chapter 129: Chapter 131



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"Hokage-sama, do you mean to suggest that I had something to do with the disappearance of Advisor Danzo?"

Under the weight of the Third Hokage's sharp aura, Uchiha Fugaku stood firm. His expression remained calm as he furrowed his brow and asked.

"That's correct. You and Advisor Danzo were in the Land of Rice at the same time, and now Advisor Danzo is missing. There is reason to suspect that you are connected to his disappearance," Utatane Koharu interjected coldly, her gaze piercing as if she were scrutinizing a criminal.

"Advisor Koharu, the Land of Rice may not be vast, but it's far from small. While I was indeed in the Land of Rice at the same time as Advisor Danzo, we never crossed paths."

Fugaku's tone was steady as he met Koharu's eyes.

"As for Advisor Danzo's disappearance, I would suggest investigating the purpose of his mission. Hokage-sama and the advisors might find answers by pursuing that angle," he added pointedly.

"We will, of course, investigate that direction," Koharu replied curtly.

The Third Hokage and his advisors exchanged glances. Koharu and Homura already knew the real reason for Danzo's mission—to ambush and kill Fugaku. However, revealing this motive in front of Fugaku was impossible.

"Then how do you explain why, in addition to the twelve Uchiha clan members who openly accompanied you, dozens more secretly followed you to the Land of Rice?" Homura Mitokado's voice rang out, loud and accusatory.

Fugaku's heart skipped a beat. They noticed.

He had anticipated the possibility of Konoha monitoring his actions and already prepared an explanation. With measured calm, he replied, "While the enemy this time was labeled as robbers, they were far from ordinary. One of them was an elite jonin rogue ninja from Kirigakure, as I'm sure you've been informed."

He paused briefly for effect before continuing, "Given the threat level, the Uchiha clan decided to send two teams—a visible group and a concealed one—to ensure the mission's success and the safety of all involved."

Homura frowned but found no immediate flaw in Fugaku's response. Though he knew the truth, Fugaku's reasoning was plausible enough to deflect suspicion.

"In any case," the Third Hokage interjected, "it is far too coincidental that you, Patriarch Fugaku, and Advisor Danzo were in the same region at the same time..."

The Hokage's words hung heavy in the air, his tone accusatory yet cautious. Without evidence, accusing Fugaku directly was a risky move. Alienating a powerful clan like the Uchiha without solid proof could destabilize the village and provoke unrest among other clans.

"I agree, Hokage-sama. It is indeed a coincidence," Fugaku said, his voice calm but tinged with subtle steel. He met the Hokage's gaze.

"Hokage-sama, I hesitate to ask, but given the situation, I must. Advisor Danzo has not left Konoha for years. Why did he choose this particular time to travel to the Land of Rice? And why was his departure so closely timed with my own?"

Fugaku's words were laced with deliberate inquiry, placing the spotlight on the Hokage. "What exactly was the purpose of his mission?" he asked pointedly.

"This matter is confidential," Koharu interrupted swiftly before the Hokage could respond. "Although you are the head of the Uchiha clan, such sensitive information is not for you to know."

The Hokage nodded in silent agreement, grateful for Koharu's intervention. The true purpose of Danzo's mission was something that could never be publicly disclosed—especially not to Fugaku, who likely already knew.

"Understood," Fugaku replied, a faint smile gracing his lips. His composure remained unshaken. "However, such secrecy only adds to the mystery surrounding Advisor Danzo's disappearance. If the village leadership wishes to uncover the truth, it might be prudent to reevaluate the circumstances surrounding his mission."

The subtle jab was not lost on the room. Koharu's eyes narrowed, and Homura's brow furrowed. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage tapped his fingers lightly on the table, deep in thought.

After a tense pause, the Hokage finally spoke, "Patriarch Fugaku has just returned from a long journey and must be tired. You may go and rest for now."

The sudden shift in tone was not lost on anyone present. The Hokage clearly intended to bide his time and gather more information.

"Regarding Advisor Danzo's disappearance," the Hokage continued, "we will continue our investigation. If there are any new developments, I will call upon you again, Patriarch Fugaku."

The implication was clear: Fugaku remained a prime suspect.

"Hokage-sama, Advisors," Fugaku said with a slight bow. "I will take my leave."

As he turned and walked out of the meeting room, his expression remained calm. They can investigate all they want, he thought. There is no evidence left to find.

When Fugaku returned to the Uchiha compound, he found the elders—Uchiha Setsuna, Uchiha Mamoru, and Uchiha Tsukasa—waiting for him.

They had clearly anticipated the Hokage's summons and were eager to hear what transpired. Fugaku led them into his study, setting up a soundproof barrier before they began.

"What did the Hokage say?" Setsuna, the eldest of the three, asked sharply.

"Exactly as expected," Fugaku replied. "The Hokage suspects us—or rather, he's certain of it. But he has no evidence, so after questioning me, he had no choice but to let me go."

"Still, we can't let our guard down," Mamoru, the second elder, said gravely. "If they manage to uncover any evidence—"

"There is no evidence," Setsuna interrupted with a sneer. "I personally oversaw the cleanup. Every trace was wiped away. The Hokage's investigation will turn up nothing."

Mamoru hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That's reassuring. But the Hokage won't let this go easily. He and his allies will surely take action."

"Let them try," Fugaku said confidently. "With Danzo dead and the Root's elite forces destroyed, the Hokage's faction has been severely weakened. The Uchiha clan is no longer something they can control as they please."

His words carried an air of finality, silencing the room for a moment. Then, Tsukasa, the third elder, spoke up, his tone laced with cold resolve.

"Now that Danzo is gone, what about the Shimura family? When do we deal with them?"

Fugaku considered this for a moment. "For the time being, we will hold off," he said finally.

"Why?" Tsukasa pressed, his brows furrowing.

"Because the Hokage will likely have the Anbu watching us closely in the coming weeks," Fugaku explained. "Acting against the Shimura family now would draw unnecessary attention. But rest assured, we will deal with them in due time."

The elders nodded, satisfied for the moment. Fugaku's gaze hardened as he looked out the study window, his mind already plotting the next moves for the Uchiha clan.

(End of this chapter)

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