Naruto: Starting with Snatching the Mangekyō Sharingan

"This is definitely something we need to prioritize," Akira said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"However, we still need the right opportunity. There's no rush for now."

By this point, Akira no longer considered Danzo or Hiruzen as significant obstacles.

As the saying goes, a man with a weapon in hand is quick to kill. Power stems from violence, and under certain circumstances, violence can directly translate into authority.

In the current situation, Akira could easily take matters into his own hands and eliminate both of them, pinning the blame on the so-called Uchiha Madara. It wasn't an impossible option.

Of course, that would be a last resort. Seizing the Hokage position through brute force would inevitably lead to an unstable foundation.

Without solid public support, Konoha could face collapse. And if that happens, it's not as if Akira could kill everyone to maintain order.

To secure the position of Hokage, Akira needed public favor. He needed the majority of Konoha's shinobi to support him. Only then could he ascend smoothly and solidify his reign.

Fugaku nodded. "Indeed. Our clan needs a chance for you to build a reputation and earn the people's trust."

"For now, all we need to do is wait," Akira analyzed calmly. "The major villages are all itching for conflict, and it wouldn't take much for war to break out. Konoha isn't capable of handling two wars at once anymore."

Hiruzen's refusal to send Fugaku and Akira to the battlefield was telling—it was a deliberate move to prevent the Uchiha from gaining too much credit or public admiration.

Personal reputation holds immense weight in the election of the next Hokage. Orochimaru's loss to Minato Namikaze was a prime example.

"You're right," Fugaku said thoughtfully. "Iwagakure seems to be stirring as well. It likely won't be long before they make their move."

As for dealing with Danzo, Orochimaru, and Hiruzen, Fugaku already had a plan.

With Akira's assistance—and the use of his Byakugan—they had pinpointed the secret location of Danzo and Orochimaru's lab, where forbidden experiments were being conducted.

Currently, their research involved the transplantation of Hashirama Senju's cells.

Armed with this incriminating evidence, dealing with those three wouldn't be an issue.

After discussing business, Fugaku's expression softened slightly as a thought occurred to him. He turned to Akira with a faint smile.

"Akira, what do you think of Itachi? I'm considering letting him graduate early and become a ninja sooner."

"Itachi is undoubtedly exceptional—a prodigy," Akira praised lightly.

Truthfully, Itachi's natural talent was among the best Akira had ever seen. Few could compare.

Such individuals often grow rapidly until they reach the limits of their potential.

However, Fugaku's poor approach to raising his son was lamentable. Itachi, who should have been the pillar of the Uchiha clan, ended up becoming someone else's weapon—a truly tragic outcome.

"But," Akira continued, his tone shifting, "Clan Leader Fugaku, you need to improve your parenting. Spend more time with him. Otherwise, the higher-ups will seize the opportunity to influence him.

"Remember, the Konoha leadership is always keeping an eye on Uchiha talents like Itachi."

Fugaku's face grew troubled. Parenting was not his strong suit. At home, he was often stern and distant, his severe expression doing little to foster a close relationship.

It wouldn't be surprising if Itachi's stoic demeanor and stiff facial lines were a direct result of imitating Fugaku.

"You're right," Fugaku admitted reluctantly. "Mikoto interacts with him more than I do. I'm not very good at this."

"Just talk to him more. He's still young, there's time to guide him. But if you leave it for a few more years, once he forms his own worldview, it'll be much harder to change his mind," Akira advised.

"Itachi's talent isn't ordinary. If he's swayed by Hiruzen, and ends up aligning with them, it'll cause no end of trouble," Akira warned.

Fugaku's expression hardened. He understood the gravity of the situation—this wasn't just about raising a child. A misstep could lead to a father and son standing on opposing sides in the future.

"This is a matter that requires serious attention," Fugaku said firmly.

"Don't let Itachi develop too favorable an impression of the higher-ups," Akira suggested.

Fugaku nodded, mulling over the advice. "Itachi is precocious and thoughtful. Perhaps we can subtly let him uncover some of the misdeeds committed by the Konoha leadership."

"Exactly. Don't just leave him to grow unchecked because he's a genius," Akira reiterated. "Keep a close eye on him."

"Don't worry. He's my pride and joy. He won't stray from our path," Fugaku said confidently.

Akira smiled faintly at Fugaku's assurance, refraining from commenting.

If Fugaku still failed to steer Itachi in the right direction, Akira wouldn't hesitate to step in and personally "educate" the prodigy. After all, one arrogant genius could destabilize the entire Land of Fire.

...

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi received word of Shisui Uchiha's recovery.

In the Hokage's office, Shisui knelt respectfully before the seated Hiruzen.

"Shisui, it's wonderful to see you recovering," Hiruzen said with a warm smile.

"It's all thanks to the efforts of the clan head," Shisui replied calmly.

"Oh? Your injuries were no small matter. What methods did Fugaku and the others use to restore your vitality?" Hiruzen inquired with curiosity.

Shisui's recovery was puzzling. According to the Medical-nin at the Konoha Hospital, Shisui's life force had been drained—a condition that could only be remedied by replenishing it.

"I'm not sure what methods they used," Shisui said, shaking his head.

Hiruzen regarded Shisui thoughtfully but ultimately found his explanation plausible. Shisui was young and, despite his strength, unlikely to know all of the clan's secrets.

"Very well. Take some time to rest. You've been bedridden for a while—focus on rehabilitation for now. There's no rush to return to missions," Hiruzen said with a smile.

As Shisui left, Hiruzen's gaze turned contemplative. His thoughts drifted to the masked man who had claimed to be Uchiha Madara during the Nine-Tails incident.

"Could it be that the masked man really is Uchiha Madara?" Hiruzen muttered, his expression growing grave.

Previously, they had dismissed the possibility. But if the Uchiha truly possessed a means of restoring life force, the likelihood of the masked man being Madara increased significantly.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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