Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

O3- Striking at the Root

Konoha, Unknown location

-Afternoon-

The sunset colored the sky as two men stood in front of each other. The only witnesses to this meeting being two Deity statues guarding the shrine in the background. One wore a white shirt, with a black robe over the top of it covering from his feet, to just over his right shoulder. He had black, shaggy hair, and his right eye was bandaged. The other was clad in the standard attire of the Uchiha clan a high-collared, dark-colored outfit along with a tantō strapped to the right side of the back of his shoulder. Those men were of course Shimura Danzo and Uchiha Shisui.

"What is it Danzo-sama? It's almost time for the assembly to start."

"Even if you use your Dōjutsu on Fugaku to get the clan to cooperate, what if the village doesn't change?"

"Hokage-sama has promised to make it change."

"Besides, someone who's always suspicious like me will never change. What will you do then? Even if the Third is satisfied, the distrust among the village will not go away."

"But Danzo-sama…"

"When the time comes, will you use your Kotoamatsukami one me too?"

"I'm…"

"Your Sharingan… shall be in my safekeeping!"

Danzo launched himself at Shisui aiming to take his eyes; Shisui activated his Sharingan and muttered 'I'm sorry' putting the elder under a Genjutsu easily subduing him. He turned around still determined to see the mission through the end, but it was not meant to be for as soon as he turned he felt sharp pain in his stomach as a fist materialized revealing Danzo. Shock displayed in his face, he did not understand what was happening and because of that, he was unable to defend himself against the series of blows that followed, in pain, confused and disoriented he felt Danzo grab him by the hair and then pain as he never felt before. He composed himself enough to jump back creating some distance between him and the elder, the pain brought him to his knees, his breath was ragged, his face covered in sweat he put a hand on his eye socket now filled with blood and missing an eye gazing at the man before him. He wanted to ask 'why' but the words died in his mind and were replaced by shock and disbelief as Danzo removed the bandages covering the right side of his face revealing a Sharingan underneath who lost it's light soon after.

"Your eye is going to replace this one. I'll have the other one as well!" With his piece said eight members of his Root ANBU appeared around him, Shisui gritted his teeth and did not waste any time, performing the hand seals he activated his Jutsu.

"Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu."

Shisui expelled a huge fireball from his mouth, which went towards Danzo, and his men, Danzo stood there unfazed as four of his ANBU took the lead performing their on Jutsu to match Shisui.

"Suiton: Mizurappa."

The four ANBU said in unison spewing water from their mouth, the two Jutsu clashed resulting in a thick white steam cloud to engulf the area covering everyone in it, by the time the steam dispersed Shisui was gone.

"After him! Make sure to bring me his other eye, at any cost!"

"Sir!"

The ANBU scattered, Danzo retrieved his cane and walked away. Unknown to any of them a human shaped figure emerged from a tree nearby, it watched the whole exchange 'Got you now asshole.' Said figure thought and soon disappeared in the shadow of the forest.

Konoha, Naka River Cliffside

-Dusk-

I was sitting on the ground perfectly still with my back against a tree trunk deep in thought, my body can absorb natural energy passively but due to my body origin it doesn't do me any warm. I could do it since infancy and in doing so the natural energy helped nurture my body and enhanced my Chakra, during the years of training as my body and Chakra grew stronger so did the absorption capacity and along my natural growth I acquired a perfect balance of 'spirit – body –nature'. Despite having the balance, I could only really feel the natural energy when I used my specialized skills but when I learned Mokuton I had an epiphany, doing the nature transformation to wood element helped me tap into the natural energy and the following days in meditation to do it more freely. Which brings me back to my current situation, becoming one with nature. I just need an opportunity to make a breakthrough and merge the natural energy with my Chakra. But that will have to wait because I can hear them.

"The Root is involved." Shisui started. "Unfortunately, it seems like there is no way to stop the Uchiha coup. If internal warfare breaks out in Konoha, the neighboring countries will invade… and war will begin. I was planning on using Kotoamatsukami to stop the coup… but Danzo took my right eye. He didn't trust what I was trying to do… and he'll resort to anything to protect the village. They'll probably com–

Crack ~

Before Shisui could finish his sentence, they heard the sound of a branch breaking nearby, Itachi immediately took his stance and activated his Sharingan reaching for the sword on his shoulder standing in front of Shisui in order to protect him, he was somewhat surprised that someone managed to sneak up on him. Shisui also took a stance glaring at the origin of the sound fearing that the Root caught up with him.

"It's ok I'm not your enemy." I said coming out of the shadows of the trees with my hands up as a sign of peace that of course did nothing in my favor as they both stood glaring at me. Three Sharingan eyes scanned my every movement ready to take me out at any display of hostility. Itachi in particular was staring right into my eyes; no doubt placing a delayed Genjutsu on me, I gulped but continued.

"I know that sounds it's extremely suspicious at best, but I'm really not your enemy. And I do realize that nothing I say will make you trust me, but if you both are willing to work with me I believe that we can stop the Uchiha coup." That got a reaction out of them, most of the people are aware of the rising tension between the clan and Konoha but only the top representatives of each faction knew about the coup.

"Who are you, and how to you know about the coup?" Shisui asked I took notice of his condition the trauma of losing his eye is taking a toll on his body his stamina and Chakra levels are decreasing fast. I took out the backpack and placed on the ground taking a few steps back carefully.

"My name is Tetsuya and I know a lot more, but I urge you to use the supplies on that backpack Shisui-san… you don't need to die today." For a brief moment, a flash of surprise crossed his eye, 'could this person know what he was planning to do?' he thought. Itachi on the other hand was more concerned about the health condition of his friend so he inspected the backpack for any signs of traps but found nothing, only a first aid kit and… rice balls. Shisui was conflicted, the earlier talk with Danzo stripped him of his confidence in stopping the coup but he still hoped for a peaceful solution even at the cost of his life. Now out of nowhere this person appears and offers a solution, it sounds too good to be true.

Unware of their thoughts I simply stood there waiting for an answer. This is the hardest part of the plan to make them cooperate with me, they both are extraordinary Shinobi aware of every pitfall in the craft and on top of that, what hangs in the balance is the future of their clan and the village, the chances are against me but this is all I can do. The silence continued for a few more seconds before Itachi finally broke it.

"We'll hear what you have to say." He said reaching out for the backpack going towards Shisui afterwards.

"Itachi are you sure?" Shisui inquired not having the apparent confidence of his friend.

"It's fine. I do not believe that he belongs to the Root. He does not seem to have the void present on its members. More so his skills are too sloppy for him to be a shinobi." Itachi finished as I winced inwardly. Shisui sighed but relented, I kept guard while Itachi bandaged Shisui up and he ate some rice balls to regain some of his strength, I took out the water bamboo flask strapped on my waist and offered him, which he gladly accepted. After ten minutes or so, the conversation resumed.

"Say your piece." Itachi began dryly. They still seemed aware of me but that is expected.

"My plan is quite simply but tricky. The hate and dissatisfaction between the village and your clan is escalating by the day and even if both party's decided to come to terms with one another the feelings of the public in general both of the village and the Uchiha clan will not go away, which will bring more problems in the future. Therefore, my plan is to take all the hate and dissatisfaction and put on a scapegoat and in doing so make it 'disappear' with said person." I finished and gauged their reactions, but got nothing as they simply looked at me impassively.

"… Danzo." Shisui concluded and I nodded.

"As you now know Shisui-san, Danzo have no intention of seeking a peaceful solution and will do whatever he wants 'for the sake of the village'. What's more he covet the power of the Uchiha clan and fears it all the same, in this situation he can get all he wants and in doing so look righteous." Shisui nodded grimly; after all, he experienced it in first hand. Itachi looked deep in thought and joined in.

"I understand that making Danzo bear all the responsibility will make the Uchiha clan the victim and dissuade the village from any form of retaliation, but in turn it will prove that the clan is being target of unfairness and hatred. It will not stop the Uchiha to attempt the coup." Itachi reasoned and once again, I nodded.

"That's true, but Danzo will not be the only scapegoat there is another one who will bear the consequences… in the Uchiha clan." I could see their faces twitch briefly but as they said nothing I continued.

"I can say without a doubt that one of the major conspirators in the Uchiha coup is receiving information from an unknown 'masked man' and in turn is feeding said information to Uchiha Fugaku-san in order to encourage him towards the coup. This man name is Uchiha Yashiro." As I finished I could see for the first time surprise in their faces while processing this new piece of information.

"Impossible, my father would never accept information or rely on someone outside the clan. Especially in such an event where the future of the clan is on the line." Itachi said.

"You are correct Itachi-san. Fugaku-san would never do such thing… if he knew from where the information was coming. But coming from a member of the clan he will listen." I gave them some time to sink it in before continuing. "Uchiha Yashiro is holding the source of the information and don't have the Uchiha clan best interests at heart, he is manipulating Fugaku-san in order to take his place as the clan leader, while taking no responsibility for himself." I could actually see a glint of rage in Itachi eyes but was gone soon after. I took a deep breath and went on.

"For better or worse the Uchiha clan if prideful and will not accept that their plans were funded on the idea of an outsider. Now, if we say that this masked man is an enemy of Konoha who infiltrated the village and is plotting with Danzo to destroy the Uchiha clan and make him replace the Hokage, and with the Uchiha clan to depose the Hokage and usurp his position. But in reality, his plan is to make the Uchiha clan and the village move against each other by sowing hatred between them in hopes that they will destroy one another."

With my piece said, I waited for their decision. They both were going through my words again analyzing everything and gauging the pros and cons of the plan, it was a bet and a big on at that, if it didn't convince the clan it'll only increase their hatred. But if Uchiha Yashiro is really plotting with an unknown to usurp the position of clan head, this unknown play a big role as well, even if the truth is not as it seen his intentions can be used in our favor. Overall in their perspective the plan was reasonable enough but the circumstances spoke against me, in their minds was questions that needed an answer. Itachi and Shisui locked eyes with me.

"Who are you really, are you a spy? How do you know about those things? The information about Uchiha Yashiro where did you get it?" Shisui inquired.

"And what is your aim? What do you gain doing this?" Itachi complemented.

I sighed inwardly I knew this was coming and it was only reasonable for them to be aware of me. But I can't simply tell them the truth, they will think I'm insane. In their view, everything about me is suspicious and at this point even more so, but a promise in the future should be enough for now.

"I can't tell everything at this moment, but what I can tell is that I'm your ally. All I said is true, and I don't have any hidden agenda, all I want is a better future. When everything is over and if we're still here, I'll tell everything."

I said with conviction not breaking eye contact with them for a moment. They looked at me in the eyes trying to find any evidence of lie or malice; at the same time, I tried to convey my true intentions to them. We went on like this for a few moments before them break eye contact with me and glance at each other communicating with one another without words nodding at the end.

"Ok, we'll take your word on that." Shisui said with a tired sigh.

"That's all I can ask." I replied with half a smile.

"We have to move on with the plan but there is a critical miscalculation. Danzo is cunning and will not let any evidence of his 'work' behind. I can get to Uchiha Yashiro but is impossible to get evidence on Danzo, especially now that he went so far as to steal Shisui eye." Itachi pointed out.

"True, and even if we manage to get evidence on him it will be his words against ours, Hokage-sama may believe in us but the other two counselors definitely will not. On top of that the Uchiha clan is not in the good graces of the people at this moment." Shisui added grimly.

"Ah, there is no need to worry about Danzo; I already have evidence that he committed treason against Konoha." They looked at me incredulously so I went on. "Earlier today when Danzo attacked Shisui-san there was an eyewitness on the scene." I concluded with a triumphal smile.

"I-impossible, Danzo had the whole area covered with his men! No one would be able to get past without being noticed." Shisui stated in disbelief.

As if in cue my clone came forward from the trees behind us, they got into stance prepared to confront the suddenly arrival but I quickly motioned for them to calm down explaining it was on our side. They took my word but remained cautious I sighed and went to my clone putting my hand on its shoulder burning the event in my mind and turning it on a seed afterwards.

"Mokuton Bunshin… you… how… no, never mind, at this point if anything else surprise me I won't be able hold together." Shisui rubbed his temples while Itachi looked intrigued.

"A history for another time I think." I laughed softly putting the issue behind us.

"With the clone help I managed to watch and hear everything Danzo did to you Shisui-san, with this I can convince Hokage-sama of Danzo Treacherous actions. It will take some convincing but with the help of a member of the Yamanaka clan, the evidence will be unquestionable. And as Itachi-san said he can get to Uchiha Yashiro." I voiced my thoughts, Shisui nodded.

"It can work but won't it be better if I or Itachi went to the Hokage and presented the case? Currently you are…" I Hummed and finished his sentence.

"A nobody, yes."

"I wouldn't've used that word, but something on this line." Shisui looked apologetic so I smiled to reassure him.

"I understand your desire to protect your clan and this village Shisui-san but you have to think clearly. You are now the number one in Danzo wanted list and he will do anything to get to you, it would be foolish to go to the seat of his power. Itachi-san on the other hand is a very notorious person in Konoha if he go to the Hokage people will take notice, especially people who we don't want to." I reasoned with them. Shisui understood as did Itachi.

"Now, in the eyes of the village I'm just a boy who moved in recently. No one is paying attention on me, and so I can move freely to a certain degree. I may be an unknown to the Hokage but I can hopefully appeal to his sense of responsibility."

"Very well Tetsuya we'll go with your plan. Now go to the details of it." Shisui said I nodded gratefully.

"As I said the plan is simple enough but tricky to be executed. First, I'll go the Hokage and present him the evidence of Danzo treason, with that he'll be forced to move against him and remove him from the table. At the same time, Itachi-san will go Uchiha Yashiro house and confront him about his actions and once he confess, which I think will be no problem to Itachi-san bring him to Fugaku-san. With the information of Yashiro working with the masked man to take Fugaku-san Place and accusing Danzo to do the same with the Hokage we can make this whole affair seem like a plot of the enemies of Konoha to cause a civil war… hopefully."

"You don't seem very confident in your plan Tetsuya…" Shisui said in half mock half worry. While Itachi calculated the possible outcomes in his mind.

"I'll admit I'm not 100% sure if this will work because this is all we can do. No one here have high enough position to decide the actions of the Hokage and Fugaku-san. Once we do this it will be on their hands to bring the conflict to an end or take arms… and I'm not sure of what it'll be, I can only pray for the best." Shisui had a sad smile on his face as I finished speaking.

"Nothing for me to do then…" Shisui was feeling completely useless, earlier his plan to use his Dōjutsu to appease the clan was foiled by Danzo and now another solution appeared but he has no place in this plan. Itachi placed a hand on his friend shoulder.

"No need to feel like this Shisui-san, without you this whole plan would be impossible and even if you don't have a job this time once we succeed there will be plenty of work for you to do." He closed his eye and nodded. I smiled

"For the time being Shisui-san need to remain hidden, Danzo cannot find you! Now." I made my Jutsu hand seals.

Mokuton: Moku Bunshin no Jutsu!

A wood clone surged from my back and stood at my side. I took three Chakra concealment seals from my pocket and offered them to Shisui after he took it I took three Chakra Disruption seals and offered them to Itachi.

"These are seals to disrupt and conceal Chakra. Shisui-san has the Concealment seal and Itachi-san the Disrupt seal. They are very crude and base but should work for at least 10 minutes. The Concealment seal will hide you Chakra signature and make it impossible to track you… in theory. The Disruption seal will dissipate any attempt to build Chakra in its area of effect and should one persist it will attack said person with severe dizziness and motion sickness… in theory. It should be useful." They could feel the uncertainty in my voice but took the seals, Shisui laughed uncomfortably while Itachi remained stoic.

"Shisui-san, I'm a sensor so I'll let my clone with you to monitor and lead away any Root ANBU that shows up. I can also communicate with him so if anything changes I'll inform you." I said as he offered me a hand, I smiled and shook his hand.

"Thank you for doing this Tetsuya." Shisui said.

"Don't thank me just yet; when this all is over you guys better treat me a meal on the Yakiniku Q." I said jokingly but they nodded very seriously.

"Best of luck for both of you! Hopefully this will not be the last time we meet." We shared a last look with each other and I dashed back to the village. After I left, the clone went in camouflage mode and the two Uchihas were left alone.

"What do you make of him?" Shisui asked.

"I cannot say for sure, he is shrouded in too much mystery for a clear reading. However, I can say that he genuinely is trying to help the village and the clan; I do not know his reasons for doing so, but I hope that it does not make us enemies in the future." Itachi replied coolly.

"I agree, he seems trusty worth and I believe that he is our ally, at least for now." Shisui sighed while Itachi placed his weasel ANBU mask back on his face.

"I will go now Shisui. Will you be ok?"

"Yes, after all that happened today I would love to sleep for a weak but it'll have to wait." Shisui said laughing lightly before turning serious. "I'm counting on you my friend, protect the village and protect the Uchiha name." Itachi nodded and disappeared in a Shunshin. Shisui walked to the edge of the cliff looking at the river below. The place he decided to be his grave, hopefully now it will have another meaning, the place where three people decided to challenge fate.

Konoha, Hokage Office

-Later that day-

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood in his office clad in his Hokage garments with a pipe on his mouth looking to the village through the open window. His thoughts drifting to the issue with the Uchiha and the constant nagging of his supposed council that instead of help him preferred to clash heads at every opportunity. Ever since learning about the coup that the Uchiha clan intent to do he was shocked and saddened with the actions that they choose to take, exterminate the entire clan like it was the obvious thing to do, saying that is for the good of the village, can't they see that the Uchiha is also a part of the village. What if another clan grows unsatisfied with things and decide to act, will they also be put to the sword. He gave a tired sigh taking the pipe in his hand, fortunately, not everything was lost. Uchiha Shisui came to him with a plan to put a stop to the coup and end the conflict, now all he has to do is to make the village come around and put this whole affair behind them. Hopefully by this time tomorrow this issue will be over, and perhaps tonight he might have a good night of sleep for a change. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock of his door.

"Enter." He said putting the pipe out turning to the door.

The door opened and his aide came in giving the Hokage a respectful bow. "Excuse me Hokage-sama, but there is a young lady here claiming to have important information regarding the safety of the village." The man said looking somewhat apologetic.

"… I'm a boy." They heard a voice come out from outside. The aide looked shocked while the Hokage raised an eyebrow. 'Then again, the night is still young.' He thought letting out a sigh.

Konoha, Road to the Academy

-Some Time Earlier-

I was walking down the street casually looking at the Hokage Rock at the background, going through the plan in my mind one more time. I can't detect any flaws, but then again I'm not a master in plan making so who knows, but I know for sure that the most difficult part will be to make the Hokage believe me enough to bring a Yamanaka to validate my claims, after that everything should fall in order. One thing that concerns me is the fact that if he asks me how I found out about information that should be an S rank secret I'll have no answer. I sighed as I arrived at the entrance of the academy, as I looked around I noticed the familiar tree with a swing hanged on its branch and the mental image of Naruto swinging on it disheartened as he looked at the families congratulating their children for passing the promotion exam. I shook the thoughts away to focus on the task at hand, if things go well tonight he'll not have to endure so much by himself anymore. I went straight to the Hokage office his chakra signature still present there; I doubt he had the time to left this building with so much on his lap. As I arrived at the entrance of the office I asked the man standing at the side of the door if I could meet with the Hokage. He said the Hokage was very busy and could not be bothered at this time, I expected as much so I proceed to say that I had information regarding the safety of the village, first he laughed thinking it as just an excuse to meet with the Hokage, but noticing the seriousness in my eyes he gulped, even if the chances are minimal he could not afford the risk in the eventuality of what I said being true, after all, no one wants to be held responsible if things went south. He gave me an appraisal look before turning around knocking at the door, entering the office as soon as he received permission. I waited outside and replied in reflex when the man said I was a girl.

"… I'm a boy." The man came out soon after looking embarrassed for some reason.

"Hokage-sama will see you now." Bowing lightly in thanks, I entered the office closing the door behind me. I couldn't help but gulp at the sight of the man in front of me, Sarutobi Hiruzen the Third Hokage looked exactly as I remembered wearing the traditional Hokage attire, though he looked more tired and aged that I remember, this whole issue is certainly wearing him down, but even so he managed to put a kind smile on his face. I bowed deeply showing my respect.

"Hokage-sama I'm sorry for troubling you at this hour but there are things you must know. What I'm about to say is the absolute truth, my name is…" I was about to introduce myself but he beat me to it.

"Tetsuya-kun, Hattori Grandson." He said fondly never losing his smile.

"Eh…" I was so surprised I let out a dumb sound losing my train of thoughts as my mind went blank. "D-do you know Hattori jii-san?" The words escaped my mouth he gave a heartfelt laugh.

"Know him? He is one of the few people I can call a friend." He answered chuckling to himself reminiscing about his old friend. I was so tempted to ask more about Hattori Jii-san, but there are things more important to do now.

"Thank you Hokage-sama, I'm happy to know that Hattori jii-san has such a good friend. But as I said before there are things you must know, regarding the issue with the Uchiha clan." I said gravely. He took notice in the tone of my voice regarding a subject that only a selected few knew, and so the kind grandpa disappeared and the Third Hokage took his place.

"What issue are you referring to, Tetsuya-kun? You do realize if there was such an issue it would be kept in secrecy and if someone would break it the consequences would be very grave." I shivered at the hidden meaning but stood my ground.

"I understand perfectly Hokage-sama, but I believe that what I intend to do is for the benefit not only of the village but the Uchiha clan as well." I said with unwavering conviction looking at the Hokage straight in the eyes. We kept staring at each other for a few more seconds before the Hokage made one-hand seals that only the ANBU hidden in the room understood.

"Very well Tetsuya-kun, I can see that you really believe that your actions will benefit the Village so, go ahead." I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding, and began to tell my tale. I told him how Danzo arranged a meeting between himself and Shisui in a secluded area, how he refused to believe in the plan that him and the Hokage came with, how he attacked Shisui in order to take his Sharingan, how he used a forbidden technique utilizing a Sharingan already in his possession, how he stole Shisui Right eye and intended to kill him for the other. During the course of the tale, the Hokage expression kept changing, from sadness, to disbelief, to anger and disgust.

Still he couldn't believe it; no he didn't want to believe. He knew Danzo did things in unscrupulous ways, but he did for the sake of the village. However, this was treason clear as day, attacking a fellow member of the village with intention to kill, stealing a clan Kekkei Genkai and on top of that preventing Shisui do carry out his mission that would spare the village of a possible civil war. Could he really do something like this?

"Tetsuya-kun, you did a very serious accusation. Even if you are the grandson of a very dear friend, your word alone is not enough to prove what you said as truth." He said solemnly and I nodded.

"Of course Hokage-sama, I'm not that naïve. The evidence is myself, 'I' was there, but to prove it I'll require assistance of a member of the Yamanaka clan. I understand that I'm asking too much, but this is for a better future for all of us." I stated.

The Hokage looked troubled, after all, it was a secret that only the Council and a few selected knew about. To bring a third party would increase the chances of the information leak and that would cause chaos, but on the other hand this information is not easy to cast aside and if he could not trust in his Shinobi to keep it a secret what was the point of being the Hokage.

"I'll put my trust in you Tetsuya-kun, I hope I don't regret it."

"You will not regret it Hokage-sama, if I fail to deliver I'll take full responsibility for it. No matter what!" I said with conviction. He nodded and with another set of one-handed seals, an ANBU appeared on his knees in front of the Hokage who gave him instructions to bring Yamanaka Inoichi with urgency to his office. The ANBU answered with a 'sir' and disappeared. The waiting was an awkward one; fortunately, it did not take too long for Inoichi to arrive.

"Hokage-sama." Inoichi bowed politely.

"Thank you for coming at such a short notice Inoichi, but I'm afraid this matter cannot wait." The Hokage said apologetic.

"Not at all Hokage-sama, it is a pleasure to be of service. What is required of me?" He said humbly.

"This young man here have information that is vital for the village, but the gravity of the information require more than his word. So I need you to go through his memories and confirm it." The Third replied gravely and motioned Inoichi to my direction. During the exchange, I was sitting in a chair in the corner of the office.

"I understand Hokage-sama." Inoichi nodded and walked to me. "Maintain your mind calm and focus on the memory you need me to see." He said placing a hand on my forehead. I did as he said and focused on the meeting between Danzo and Shisui, hopefully he will not notice the vault and see anything unnecessary.

As he went through my memories he saw exactly what I told the Hokage, to say he was shocked would be an understatement. He never thought that Danzo was capable of doing such a thing, and paled as he saw the Sharingan in his face. He took his hand out of my forehead taking a few steps behind and looked at the Hokage in horror.

"H-hokage-sama t-this…" He stuttered, unable to find the words.

"Calm down Inoichi. What did you saw?" After calming himself, Inoichi told the same tale in his words. The Hokage sat on his chair covering his face with a hand no one said anything. 'So it's true, Danzo really went that far… but why? In spite of me? To gain power? I need to know.' There was fire in his eyes; he stood up giving orders to the ANBU in the room that I could not understand.

"Tetsuya-kun, I need you to wait in the next room. I will sent someone to bring you something to eat." He said softly, I looked at him sighing internally… and left his office.

"Inoichi get Shikaku, we'll need his expertise on this matter." Hiruzen said as Inoichi gave him a bow and left the office.

"Now. Bring me Danzo!" The Hokage ordered. The ANBU obeyed.

Konoha, Hokage Office

-30 Minutes Later-

Danzo entered the Hokage office with a glum display on his face, he was angry, he was about to perform the transplant of Shisui eye when his presence has 'requested' by order of the Hokage. As he entered, he took notice of Yamanaka Inoichi and Nara Shikaku at the sides of the Hokage; he shrugged it off as unimportant and took a seat in the chair in front of the desk.

"What is it Hiruzen, I'm busy." He started.

"It will not take long Danzo; I require your help regarding a traitor." Hiruzen answered solemnly.

"A traitor? Isn't that your job? You are the Hokage after all, why would you need my help." He said the word Hokage with a sneer.

"Yes, you are correct, but I want your input on his reasons."

"Very well, go on."

"This man attacked a member of the Uchiha clan and stole his right eye, getting in the way of a mission on the direct order of the Hokage. What could this person hope to gain with it? What are your thoughts Danzo?" The Hokage said glaring at the men in front of him. Danzo left eye twitched as he started to build sweat of his face. 'Does he know? How that is possible? There was no one there aside from my men and Shisui… is he bluffing, no his words are too precise to be a bluff… then how?' He was brought out of his thoughts when Hiruzen resumed his words.

"Nothing to say then? Traitor?" As the Hokage finished Danzo was surrounded by four ANBU from all directions.

"Why? Why did you do this Danzo?" Hiruzen asked hoping that something of the man he once knew was still there.

There was no point in continue this charade. "… I did for Konoha."

"NO!" The Hokage roared slamming his fist on the desk cracking it beneath his fist; His Chakra flared responding to his anger. Everyone in the room was taken aback, even Danzo. The usually so calm and composed Third Hokage was furious, his aura sharp and palpable reminded them why he was called God of Shinobi.

"Don't give me that crap of 'doing it for the village'. Every clan in Konoha is a part of the village not only the ones who you select! You did it for the village… you also stole Shisui eye for the sake of the village or your own? I hoped it would not come to this, even after you tried to assassinate me I hoped that you would continue to protect Konoha on your own terms. But this… this is not for the sake of Konoha, but for the village that exist only in your mind. Enough! Shimura Danzo, your status as elder will be revoked, your root will be disbanded and you'll be branded a traitor and judged as such!" The Hokage said coldly.

"Don't kid yourself Hiruzen; your peace seeking ways will only make Konoha weak, you need me! Only I can do what is necessary to maintain Konoha strong." He said but in reality he was searching for a way to escape, he would not allow everything he done to end here. If he managed to get back to the Root, he could think of a countermeasure. There was several of his Root ANBU in the village, if he managed to send a Chakra distress signal and a sensor caught it he could escape, people will die but he must survive for the sake of Konoha. He started to build his Chakra to send the signal but it dissipated soon after, he was confused but tried repeatedly until finally he felt dizziness and felt his body lose strength making him fall to his knees. He raised his head looking at Hiruzen.

"W-what did you do Hiruzen?"

"… I trusted you."

Flashback

I looked at him sighing internally, the Hokage did not show but I noticed his regret and sadness, even now he wish to protect the memory of the man he once called a friend. I took a seal from my pocket and offered it to him.

"This is a Chakra disruption seal. If you still trust him to do the right thing, place this underneath the chair he'll use. If he is not beyond redemption, he'll accept whatever happens today… if not, the seal will do its job and you will know.

He didn't say anything but took the seal and I left his office.

Flashback End

Danzo heard those words before his word went dark.

"Take him away; call the seal masters to put him under Chakra seals. Call back all the Root ANBU outside the village and place the HQ in lockdown. Fox!" He called

"Sir." A white haired ANBU appeared in a puff of smoke.

"Take the best seal masters in the ANBU HQ and go to Danzo Home. Search everything but do so will extreme caution, take your time and do not rush anything. Knowing Danzo he left very unpleasant surprises to anyone who decide to know what he is hiding." The ANBU Nodded and disappeared.

"Inoichi, Shikaku. I'll have to ask you to help me deal with the Root."

"Yes sir." They answered at the same time, and the three of them started to plan how to deal with the members of the Root. However, even if this problem was solved the main issue remained… the Uchiha clan, how to make amends after all that happened.

I was sitting in a chair in the waiting room drinking tea and eating some snacks that the Hokage aide brought to me, but at the same time, I was carefully monitoring the situation in the Hokage office I was quite surprised to see him show such a forceful display but at the same time relived. It would be a great favor to the village if he became more assertive in his decisions, the rest of the exchange happened as I imagined so I was not surprised to see Danzo collapse on his own. Sometime later, the aide came back and took me to the Hokage office. Upon returning, I found another person in the office, the Jounin commander himself, Nara Shikaku. The Hokage is really bringing the big guns out. I gave him and Inoichi a nod that they answered in kind.

"Tetsuya-kun you did a great service for us today, you have my thanks." The Hokage said with a strained smile.

"I did what was right Hokage-sama, I wished that there was another way, but that was the best I could do."

"Yes… nevertheless, a reward is in order. But at the time we don't have a moment to spare." He said apologetic but I smiled.

"It's ok Hokage-sama your thanks is more than enough. Though, can I offer you one last piece of advice?" The Hokage raised an eyebrow and nodded so I continued.

"This whole situation with the Uchiha, do you remember how it started?" He nodded grimly, how he could forget, that moment haunts him to this day. During the Kyuubi rampage, Danzo forbade the Uchiha clan to help contain the Bijuu, only allowing them to help evacuate the civilians and the Hokage foolish agreed. After that, the people of the village started to resent the clan claiming that they refused to fight and because of that people that could've been saved died, and that created indignation among the clan that only followed their orders.

"This whole situation is indeed delicate and complicated and normally the solution should be as well. But is quite the opposite, sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. What do you think would happen if the party at fault simply apologized? Who knows… maybe some good news would follow." I bowed respectfully leaving the room afterwards. I exited the academy returning home, I did everything I could, and everything that follows is out of my hands. Upon arriving home, I took a bath and went straight to bed but soon found that I could not fall sleep, I groaned and did the only thing I could… train.

Konoha, Uchiha Compound

-Night-

At the same time the Hokage was confronting Danzo, Itachi was also confronting a traitor, Uchiha Yashiro. When Itachi arrived at the man house he crumbled immediately, he posed a bravado at first but as the accusations began and a fight broke out he soon discovered that he was no match to Itachi. He tried to run but Itachi didn't allow it, out of options he started to beg for his life and confessed everything for a man with such a great ambition he lacked everything to make it real. At the end, Itachi knocked him out and following the plan he went home to present the traitor to the clan head.

It seems like a lot of people will have a sleepless night.