Kaito Akaden (Kaito)

Kaito Akaden Chapter 133

Itachi nodded slowly, choosing his words carefully. "I do, Father. I've thought about it long and hard. A coup could lead to needless bloodshed. It would weaken the village, and in the end, it might even make us vulnerable to outside threats."

Fugaku leaned back, crossing his arms once more. "We have been marginalized for too long, Itachi. The clan deserves respect, autonomy."

"the clan is growing restless," he muttered, Fugaku's voice carrying the weight of their years of grievances. "The pressure to act is mounting every day."

Itachi listened, nodding earnestly. "I understand our clan's grievances, Father," he replied, his voice steady. "But there must be another way to achieve our goals without resorting to violence. I don't want to see our clan or the village torn apart."

His gaze softened as he looked between his parents. "Please, Father, I believe there may be a peaceful solution."

Mikoto reached out, placing a gentle hand on Fugaku's arm, her voice soft. "Perhaps we should hear him out."

Fugaku sighed, glancing at his wife before looking back at Itachi. His expression softened, though skepticism still lingered. "You believe you have an alternative solution?"

Itachi met his father's gaze intently, as he nodded.

….

Fugaku was pulled from his thoughts by Itachi's quiet announcement. "They're here."

Following his son's gaze, Fugaku saw Tsunade, Shikaku, and Kaito emerging from between the trees. He was taken aback to see Lady Tsunade among them, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Lady Tsunade? Why is she here?" he wondered silently.

Tsunade and Shikaku nodded in greeting, which Fugaku returned with a guarded expression.

As they approached, Kaito offered a polite nod. "I hope we didn't keep you both waiting too long," he said. "Let me secure the area before we begin."

With that, chakra chains sprouted from Kaito's back, weaving into the ground and forming a dome that covered the area. He then crouched and placed his hand on the ground, and a seal matrix spread from beneath his palm, covering the dome.

Standing up, Kaito dusted off his hands. "That should keep anyone from snooping around."

Fugaku gave a curt nod, acknowledging Kaito's thoroughness, then turned sharply to Itachi. "Itachi, did you inform them about… our situation?"

Before Itachi could respond, Kaito interjected. "I pieced it together myself, Fugaku-sama. Itachi didn't disclose anything."

Itachi met his father's gaze earnestly. "Father, please, I ask that you hear them out."

Fugaku nodded thoughtfully, turning his gaze to Tsunade and Shikaku.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Fugaku," Shikaku began, his hands casually tucked into his pockets." We appreciate your willingness to listen. I assume Itachi mentioned that we have a proposal regarding the current tensions in the village?"

Fugaku inclined his head. "He mentioned you might have a solution, though the details were not provided."

Shikaku nodded. "Our plan is straightforward. We propose appointing Lady Tsunade here as the Fifth Hokage." He gestured toward Tsunade, who stood with her arms crossed.

Fugaku crossed his arms over his chest. "I agree that new leadership could be beneficial. But tell me, why shouldn't the new Hokage be a member of the Uchiha clan?"

Shikaku took a deep breath. "The friction between your clan and the village stems largely from the current administration—the Third Hokage and his advisors. They've been in power for a long time, and their policies have, unfortunately, marginalized the Uchiha. Electing Lady Tsunade would provide a fresh start, an opportunity to mend old wounds."

Fugaku crossed his arms thoughtfully. "I agree that new leadership could be beneficial," he conceded. "But why can't it be a member of the Uchiha clan?"

Tsunade let out a dry laugh, uncrossing her arms. "Trust me, I'd be more than happy if one of you took over. Frankly, I'm not exactly eager to step into the role myself. But given the current circumstances, we don't have many options."

Shikaku sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fugaku, if it were feasible, selecting someone from the Uchiha clan would have been ideal. We wouldn't have spent the last six months searching for Lady Tsunade and convincing her to return. But the unfortunate reality is that, given the clan's declining reputation within the village, it's not a viable option at this time."

Fugaku's grip tightened on his arms. He knew the truth in Shikaku's words. Ever since the Nine-Tails attack, suspicion had fallen upon the Uchiha. Relations had only worsened as tensions escalated between clan members and villagers, especially with incidents involving the police force.

Shikaku continued, "You know very well that you'd need not only the village's approval but also that of the other clans, the Jonin Council, and the Daimyo himself. Right now, the Uchiha clan's reputation is at its lowest. Even if we forcibly placed you as Hokage, it would divide the village and might lead to a civil war."

Fugaku nodded, closing his eyes. He knew all of this already.

Itachi looked at his father and said, "Father, I agree with them. That's why they've come to ask for the clan's support to elect Lady Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage."

Fugaku opened his eyes and met his son's gaze. "I agree with your assessment of the situation," he acknowledged. "But that still doesn't explain what benefits the Uchiha clan would receive by supporting Lady Tsunade."

"I'm glad you asked," Tsunade replied, stepping forward with a determined look. "My goal as Hokage would be to mend the rifts within the village. That includes addressing the grievances of the Uchiha clan. I intend to restore trust and ensure that your clan is treated with the respect it deserves."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Words are one thing, Lady Tsunade. Actions are another. How do you propose to accomplish this?"

She took a step closer, her expression resolute. "First, by integrating Uchiha members into key positions within the village administration—ANBU, the hospital, the Torture and Interrogation Force," she explained. "Your clan's talents have been underutilized, and I aim to change that."

"I would also like to take one of your clan members as my personal apprentice," Tsunade added. "I want to train a few kunoichi as medical-ninjas. Your clan has promising talent that shouldn't go to waste."

She continued, "In return, we ask that you open up the Uchiha Police Force to other clans and civilian ninjas."

Fugaku began to say something, but Tsunade raised her hand to pause him. "I know the police force was gifted to the Uchiha clan by my granduncle as a symbol of trust," she acknowledged. "But you've likely noticed that it's become a double-edged sword. While it gives the clan a sense of honor, it's also become a source of disdain—positions of authority often are. Opening up the police force would lessen that burden. Rest assured, the police force will still be under Uchiha's leadership; the only difference is that others will be allowed to join. This, combined with allowing your clan members to be part of other branches of Konoha's administration, will help them reintegrate into the village structure and feel less isolated."

Shikaku nodded in agreement. "The Uchiha clan will also no longer be isolated to a corner of the village. Your people will be free to live wherever they wish within Konoha."

Fugaku closed his eyes, contemplating their words. "I agree with your assessment of the situation and how you plan to help the clan reintegrate into the village," he said thoughtfully. "But what guarantee is there that something like what happened after the Nine-Tails attack won't happen again? The Uchiha clan, along with the Senju clan, is one of the founding clans of Konoha. If the village could cast mistrust upon us and isolate us once, what guarantee can you give that such events won't repeat?"

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "That's why we're proposing two options for you to consider," she began, her eyes meeting Fugaku's. "The first choice is that I would officially announce an uchiha as my successor. Alternatively, the Uchiha clan would be granted a permanent position within the Konoha government—the role that the police force should have been."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed with curiosity and caution. "Explain," he demanded.

Shikaku stepped forward. "The option is straightforward," he elaborated. "Either Itachi or Shisui would become candidates for the position of Sixth Hokage."

Fugaku interrupted a hint of sorrow in his voice. "Shisui... I'm afraid Shisui has committed suicide. We found a letter written by him. The clan is still investigating his disappearance and hasn't announced it to the village yet."

Kaito raised a hand gently. "Fugaku-sama, Shisui is alive. He's currently at my house, recovering from his injuries."

Fugaku's eyes widened in shock before narrowing with suspicion. "Explain," he demanded.

Itachi clarified, "Father, Shisui was attacked by Danzo. Danzo was after his Sharingan and managed to take one of his eyes. Shisui escaped, but, fearing that the situation between the clan and the village would escalate, he attempted to end his own life. Thankfully, Kaito saved him, and we brought him to Lady Tsunade and her apprentice. They were able to heal him."

Fugaku closed his eyes, his fists clenching tightly at his sides. "Danzo..." he muttered under his breath.

Tsunade spoke firmly."Don't worry, Fugaku. Dealing with Danzo will be one of my first priorities as the Fifth Hokage. He will be held accountable for his actions. That, I promise you."

Fugaku exhaled slowly, attempting to steady himself. Opening his eyes, he bowed slightly. "Thank you for saving Shisui," he said sincerely, gratitude evident in his tone.

Shikaku resumed, clearing his throat gently. "As I was saying, the second option involves creating a new position directly under the Hokage. The person who holds this position would be second only to the Hokage—even the ANBU would answer to him, and he would report solely to the Hokage. Essentially, it's the right-hand man of the Hokage—the 'Shadow of the Kage,' if you will. The individual selected should be as strong as a Kage. In the event of another incident like the Nine-Tails attack, and if the Hokage isn't available, the Shadow Kage would take charge. If something were to happen to the Hokage, like with the Fourth Hokage when there was no successor lined up, the Shadow Kage would step in and lead until a suitable candidate is selected."

Fugaku raised his left eyebrow, skeptically. "And you expect the other clans to be agreeable to you granting the Uchiha such a position of power?"

Tsunade met his gaze steadily. "You're right—the other clans might oppose the idea of granting permanent power to the Uchiha clan. However, I believe that offering this as a sign of trust, acknowledging the mistakes of previous administrations, and as a reward to the only remaining founding clan of Konoha could sway them. It's a gesture to make amends for the wrongs inflicted upon your clan."

Fugaku considered her words carefully. "What's the catch to this position?" he asked.

Tsunade took a deep breath. "If the Uchiha select the second option, the clan would forfeit the right to be selected for the position of Hokage."

Fugaku's eyes widened. expecting his reaction, Shikaku continued, "There's a reason for this proposal. As you've already noticed, granting both positions to the Uchiha clan would create a significant power imbalance. It would give your clan too much influence and could lead us back into a situation similar to the one we're trying to resolve."

Fugaku nodded slowly, He closed his eyes for a moment, deep in thought, weighing the options laid before him. After a contemplative silence, he opened his eyes and asked, "I understand your reasoning. But if we choose the second option, who would be your candidate for the Sixth Hokage?"

A sly smile spread across Tsunade's face. "Well, that's easy," she said, pointing directly at Kaito. "That brat over there."

Kaito nearly stumbled in surprise, eyes wide. "Eh? Me?" he exclaimed. "What are you talking about?"

Tsunade chuckled softly. "Yes, you, brat. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here right now. You've shown great leadership qualities and took it upon yourself to help find a solution to the problems our village is facing."

Shikaku nodded in agreement. "Lady Tsunade is right. You would be a good candidate for the position. You came up with the entire plan, convinced Lady Tsunade to return, and devised strategies to help reintegrate the Uchiha clan into the village. That's not something just anyone could do."

Itachi a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I agree. Kaito would make an excellent Hokage."

Kaito looked between them all, utterly flabbergasted. "But I... I..." he stammered, searching for words.

Tsunade shrugged nonchalantly. "It doesn't matter for now. It all depends on the decision the Uchiha clan is willing to make."

An uneasy silence settled over the group as Fugaku fell deep into thought.

After what felt like an eternity, Fugaku finally spoke. "Your proposition is very tempting," he admitted. "But I cannot make this decision alone. I will need to discuss this with the elders. However, I believe they will agree to support you as the Fifth Hokage."

Tsunade nodded understandingly. "I appreciate that you need to consult with your clan's elders. We would, however, appreciate an answer as soon as possible. We're moving quickly to secure the approval of the other clans and the Daimyo, and the Uchiha clan's support would be immensely helpful."

Fugaku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "In that case, I will convene an emergency meeting with the elders. Itachi will inform you of our decision."

"Excuse me, Fugaku-sama," Kaito interjected hesitantly. "There's something you should know before you meet with the elders."

Fugaku turned to face Kaito, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Kaito exchanged a glance with Itachi before replying. "Itachi, I think it's better if you explain what you've discovered about the masked man."

Shikaku's eyes widened at the mention, and Tsunade's expression turned serious. Fugaku's gaze sharpened, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Itachi eyes widen he had almost forgotten about that. "A few months ago, while I was monitoring the clan, I noticed a masked man lurking around the Uchiha compound. He was the same individual Kaito identified—the one responsible for the Nine-Tails attack."

Fugaku's eyes widened in alarm the implications sinking in.

"so I brought this to Kaito's attention," Itachi continued. "we found it suspicious that the masked man was hovering near the clan. Kaito suggested that I monitor the members who were most vocal about the coup d'état."

Kaito picked up the explanation. "From what I know of him, he wants to cause problems for Konoha. Seeing him near your clan didn't sit right with me. So I asked Itachi to tail those members who were most adamant about the coup. However, since the masked man uses space-time ninjutsu, tracking him is incredibly difficult."

Fugaku nodded slowly, understanding their reasoning. "I see. And what did you find?"

Itachi sighed. "Through my surveillance, I discovered that Yashiro Uchiha is in contact with the masked man."

Fugaku closed his eyes, exhaling deeply. "So, the coup d'état is part of the masked man's plan to destabilize the village even further," he murmured.

Itachi nodded solemnly. "It appears so."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she turned to Kaito. "Is this the same masked man who attacked the village seven years ago?" she asked sharply.

Kaito nodded grimly. "Yes, it's him."

Fugaku opened his eyes, a steely resolve settling in them. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. This information changes things." He paused, then added, "I believe I know what must be done."

He looked directly at Tsunade. "Itachi will inform you of the decision the clan makes."

If you wish to support this story and have access to 10 advanced chapters, please join me at patreon.com/Tilct

please contribute some power stone'