"That concludes today's meeting. It's highly likely that Shisui Uchiha is not the only traitor within the clan. The three elders will now investigate their respective subordinates and identify any potential traitors."
"Also, the content of this meeting must be kept strictly confidential from ordinary clan members. It may only be disclosed to those we absolutely trust."
After another round of secret discussions, Fugaku Uchiha finally spoke.
"Rest assured, Clan Head. We will strictly maintain confidentiality and thoroughly investigate our subordinates."
The three elders responded with respect.
The four of them then left the Naka Shrine and parted ways.
It was certain that today's meeting would mark a major turning point for the Uchiha clan.
From this day forward, Fugaku Uchiha had seized full control over the clan.
"Shisui Uchiha's status as an informant has already been exposed, but as for Itachi Uchiha..."
After careful consideration, Fugaku chose not to reveal Itachi's status as an informant.
If he did, the three elders would undoubtedly demand action against Itachi.
It wasn't that he hesitated because of a father-son bond—he and Itachi had never truly shared one. Even if they had, given what Itachi would eventually do, sentimentality was irrelevant.
What truly held him back was this: if he eliminated Itachi now, he would never be able to awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Next comes the plan to target the enemy shinobi opposed to the Uchiha clan and force the Third Hokage to dispatch Shisui to deal with Obito Uchiha."
He thought to himself in silence.
He was very wary of Shisui's dōjutsu Kotoamatsukami. Unless absolutely necessary, he preferred not to confront Shisui directly.
The best way to eliminate Shisui was to use Obito Uchiha.
Obito's Kamui allowed him to phase into a separate dimension, making him a natural counter to Shisui's Kotoamatsukami in some respects.
Using Obito to deal with Shisui had a high chance of success.
Of course, if he truly managed to force the Third Hokage to send Shisui against Obito, Fugaku would follow in secret and seize Shisui's eyes after his death.
"The first target will be Shibi Aburame, the Aburame clan head!"
A flash of murderous intent appeared in his eyes.
The Aburame clan had grown close to the Shimura clan. During the last village council meeting, Shibi openly sided with Danzō Shimura against him.
It wasn't just that one meeting Shibi had long opposed him at previous council gatherings.
He had wanted to eliminate Shibi for some time now.
A minor clan head foolishly involving himself in the struggle between the Uchiha and Shimura clans was nothing short of asking for death.
Meanwhile, in a room within the Hokage Residence, the Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, exhaling smoke slowly.
"Lord Hokage!"
A figure suddenly appeared in the room, kneeling on one knee.
The figure carried a tachi on his back and wore an animal-patterned mask—it was Shisui Uchiha.
"Your battle last night with a Wood Release bloodline ninja—did it reveal your Mangekyō Sharingan awakening?"
Putting down his pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.
"The opponent was very strong. I had no choice but to use my Mangekyō Sharingan's dōjutsu."
Shisui replied.
"You've fought this individual twice now. Do you have confidence in defeating this Wood Release ninja?"
The Third Hokage asked again.
"No... I can't guarantee I can defeat him. Also, during our fight yesterday..."
Shisui hesitated before continuing.
"He claimed to be Uchiha Madara."
"Uchiha Madara?!"
Unable to hide his shock, the Third Hokage's aged face showed rare surprise.
When he was young, Madara and Hashirama had been legendary figures who shook the shinobi world.
They were practically mythologized—Hashirama being called the "God of Shinobi" stemmed from that era.
Hearing someone claim to be Madara was naturally alarming.
"Impossible. He can't be Madara. Madara was killed by the First Hokage—this man cannot be him."
He shook his head.
"I agree, it's unlikely he truly is Madara. But... in battle, he did use the Mangekyō Sharingan, unique to the Uchiha clan."
Shisui said seriously.
"He has the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Hiruzen was stunned once more. Aside from Shisui, someone else possessed it?
Not only that, the man had also implanted cells from the First Hokage and could use Wood Release ninjutsu.
Though he had sensed the man's danger before, he hadn't expected someone to wield both the Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release two terrifying bloodline abilities.
"How did you encounter him last night? Do you know why he infiltrated the village?"
"He tried to recruit me into his organization, but I refused."
Shisui replied.
"I never imagined this individual would wield two powerful kekkei genkai..."
Hiruzen's face grew graver than ever.
Judging from the enemy's actions, he was clearly targeting Shisui. Now that his recruitment failed, he would likely strike at Shisui in the future.
Though Hiruzen trusted in Shisui's strength, he doubted he could win against someone who possessed both Wood Release and the Mangekyō Sharingan.
With that, he spoke.
"He's set his sights on you. But as you are now, your odds of victory are slim."
"Agreed."
Behind his mask, Shisui frowned slightly.
The battle last night confirmed it—the enemy had a clear advantage. His dōjutsu had been suppressed.
"You must increase your strength quickly, or you'll die next time."
Hiruzen said solemnly.
"But I've already hit a bottleneck in my current strength."
Shisui said, frowning deeply.
"Madara once rivaled the First Hokage with the Mangekyō Sharingan. That power's potential surely exceeds what you've tapped into."
"There may be clan records or scrolls detailing advanced dōjutsu techniques derived from the Mangekyō. You should request access to them from Fugaku Uchiha."
After some deliberation, the Third Hokage said.
Originally, he hadn't wanted Shisui to grow too powerful. Even though he had brainwashed the young Uchiha, there was always a risk of rebellion.
But the threat of this self-proclaimed Madara left him no choice he needed Shisui stronger.
"Because of the coup situation, my relationship with Fugaku is strained. It's unlikely he'll grant me access to those scrolls."
"Even asking Itachi for help won't work. I'm the only Mangekyō wielder in the clan right now it won't be hard for Fugaku to figure out I'm the one seeking the scrolls."
Shisui shook his head.
"These scrolls are vital to you. You must obtain them by any means necessary."
The Third Hokage said firmly.
"By any means?"
Shisui's brow furrowed.
He understood what the Hokage meant if formal requests failed, he would have to infiltrate and read them in secret.
"Don't feel guilty. Only by becoming stronger can you better protect the Leaf. Everything you do is for the village."
The Third Hokage reassured him.