Infinite Anime [254-255] (Patreon)

Chapter 254: I Want Him Dead

As Gusion and Itachi wrapped up their discussion, Gusion remembered something and asked, "By the way, Itachi, you said Shisui gave you his other eye before he died. Can you use Kotoamatsukami?"

Itachi shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint you, senpai. Shisui's Mangekyō techniques are special. Even for him, after using the power in each eye, it needs to recuperate for ten years before Kotoamatsukami can be used again. And I only just got this eye—there's transplant damage. It'll take at least two years before it can use genjutsu."

Gusion nodded, suddenly understanding. No wonder Itachi hadn't tried to solve things with Kotoamatsukami. Using it on Fugaku wouldn't help much anyway. A coup isn't something Fugaku's personal stance can decide.

Perhaps Itachi's father didn't even want a coup, but with the larger forces at play, if there's no way to improve the current situation, the Uchiha's coup is inevitable.

So changing just Fugaku's will with Kotoamatsukami is useless. There has to be a concrete solution.

But if Kotoamatsukami were used on the Third Hokage, it could temporarily solve the problem. As long as you give the Uchiha solid, tangible benefits, you could stabilize them.

"Itachi, you said an eye needs time to recuperate after transplant. So Danzō can't use that eye either?"

Gusion asked. He'd likely have to cross swords with that old schemer Danzō soon. Before meeting him, Gusion couldn't be sure of the man's mental attributes. If Danzō's mental stats weren't within Gusion's immunity range and he could fire off Kotoamatsukami, that would be trouble.

Itachi pondered a moment. "I'm not certain. I only temporarily placed Shisui's Sharingan in a crow. If a powerful shinobi handled the recuperation, it could be a few months—or even shorter—before Kotoamatsukami could be triggered."

"You stuck it in a crow and there was no rejection…"

Gusion muttered. He wanted to say, your clan's Sharingan really is plug-and-play.

"Rejection?"

Itachi asked, confused. He didn't understand biology. He only knew Sharingan could be transplanted, and since he didn't want to gouge out his own eye to replace it with Shisui's, he put Shisui's eye in a crow to keep it viable.

"Nothing… So judging by your experiment, we can't be sure Danzō can't use Kotoamatsukami right now, right?"

Gusion pulled the topic back. It had been nearly a month since Shisui died. With Danzō's level of research, his transplant work would be better than Itachi's. There was a chance he could already use Kotoamatsukami.

"That's correct. Senpai, are you going to make a move on Danzō?"

The tomoe in Itachi's eyes slowly spun. "What do you need me to do?"

"Don't rush it. You're too recognizable. If the villagers see you, you'll be branded a rogue and have to run with me. I'll handle Danzō myself."

Gusion said, "Your assignment is the masked man."

In Konoha's grand game, Obito would never sit out. On the day of Konoha's destruction plan, he would definitely show up.

Although they were both in Akatsuki, Obito wouldn't necessarily be on his side—Gusion was an uncontrollable piece and not tied to Obito's direct interests.

To stop Obito from meddling in the Uchiha mess, Gusion figured he might as well find a chance to take him out.

…

Konoha, in ROOT's hidden base.

Shimura Danzō sat high in a deep chair, eyeing the abrupt visitor before him with an ugly smile on his aged face.

"What do you want with me?"

Danzō stared at the masked man. They'd cooperated a few times, but he didn't consider him one of his own.

In his heart, the masked man was just a chess piece to achieve political goals. Once he became Hokage, he would definitely purge such an evil Uchiha.

"Want more Sharingan?"

Obito knew a bit of negotiation. Lead with bait the other side wants.

"Oh? You mean the Uchiha clan?"

Danzō kept a straight face, but he was tempted.

Back in the Third War, he'd secretly collected several Sharingan. Through his deal with the masked man, he'd also obtained the Uchiha clan's forbidden technique, which greatly boosted his survivability.

Its only flaw: each use consumed a Sharingan. Too wasteful. He only had a few and was loath to use them.

As for the eye of Shisui beneath his bandages, he was even less likely to burn that on a forbidden technique.

"I can wipe out the Uchiha clan, but I need your cooperation. Afterward, we split the clan's Sharingan."

Obito spoke in a coaxing tone. "Well? Not a bad deal, right?"

"Hahaha…"

Danzō let out a murky laugh. "You really are heartless. If I didn't know for sure that Uchiha Madara is dead, I might actually believe the identity you claim."

He fixed his single eye on the masked man. "Tell me: how do we destroy the Uchiha?"

"Simple. Arrange a summons for Itachi. Use Kotoamatsukami to make him represent the Uchiha and assassinate the Third Hokage. Whether it succeeds or not benefits you, doesn't it?"

A smirk tugged at Obito's lips beneath the mask. "If Itachi succeeds, the Hokage seat opens up and you can step right in. If he fails, no matter—you and I can move together and annihilate the Uchiha."

Danzō narrowed his eye. Even as ruthless as he was, he had to admire the vicious elegance of the plan.

If this had been yesterday, he'd have agreed without thinking when the masked man said this.

It was the perfect plan for the current moment. Kill three birds with one stone: eradicate the Uchiha, clear the way to become Hokage, harvest Sharingan. However you cut it, it was flawless.

But now, Danzō needed to reconsider where Kotoamatsukami would bring the greatest benefit.

He'd considered several uses. First, enthrall Hiruzen into handing over the seat. But that felt crude—Konoha has many dōjutsu bloodlines.

Kotoamatsukami isn't flawless. A Byakugan scan could reveal unusual chakra in the brain and expose the target as genjutsu-controlled.

So using it on a high-profile figure like the Third carried high risk.

Then he thought of a second plan: use it on the Fire Daimyō and gain unconditional support, granting him a huge political edge.

Konoha receives annual funding from the Fire Daimyō, and in essence, the village is the nation's military arm. The daimyō does have influence.

But today, he overturned his prior ideas. He decided the best cost-performance target for Kotoamatsukami was the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki.

As long as Hiruzen agreed to his terms, he could take the Hokage seat and control the jinchūriki. With both military and political power in his hands, who in Konoha could check him?

The Uchiha? He didn't believe any genjutsu could outrank Kotoamatsukami. With the whole village's shinobi plus the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, how could he fail to crush one clan?

"Danzō, what are you hesitating for? Do you think you still have a way out?"

Obito grew impatient at Danzō's silence. "You've done so many unspeakable things. Calamity has escaped and nearly leveled Kirigakure days ago. Who do you think his next target will be?"

Danzō's face darkened. Calamity's feat truly rattled him; he hadn't slept well for days.

Even weakened, Kirigakure was one of the Five Great Villages. Aside from the two legends of the Warring States, he'd never heard of a shinobi soloing an entire village.

He was the one who framed and drove Calamity out back then. Now that the man had returned—would he be spared?

"What's your point? Even if I cooperate with you, how does that prevent Calamity from coming for my head?"

Danzō asked.

"Don't forget who I am. Akatsuki is still under my control. Calamity follows my orders. While I can't tell him not to take revenge, I can buy you a lot of time."

Obito was bluffing. Akatsuki's military actions were paused—no tailed-beast collection—meaning Gusion would have a long vacation.

With no wars and no paid contracts, Akatsuki wouldn't work for free. He couldn't use organization missions as a pretext to keep Gusion too busy to visit Konoha.

He said this only to get Danzō on his side and help him settle the Uchiha matter first.

He had promised Itachi he could help with a coup, but that was lip service. He didn't want the Uchiha to succeed—that wasn't in his interest.

The best outcome remained total annihilation of the Uchiha and Itachi defecting to Akatsuki.

After assassinating the Third—even if not of his own will—Itachi wouldn't be able to stay in the village.

"Just buying time…? I want him dead."

Danzō's voice was low. Calamity demolishing Kirigakure was a thorn in his heart. He didn't think he was stronger than the Fourth Mizukage Yagura.

"Dead?"

Obito felt annoyed. "I can't promise that. Calamity isn't easy to kill, and he's the best piece we have right now. Nagato won't cripple the organization."

As Konoha's advisor, Danzō had no reason to meddle in Amegakure's affairs. He was the one who'd connected Hanzō and ROOT to betray the original Akatsuki.

So Danzō knew who Nagato was and the general state of Akatsuki.

"In that case…"

Danzō compromised. "…Send him to Konoha to exchange intel with me. I'll find an opportunity to kill him myself."

If the masked man wouldn't do it, Danzō could still set a perfect trap on his home turf. If Calamity arrived, misled by Akatsuki and off-guard, Danzō believed he had a good chance to take him out.

Failing that, he could grit his teeth and use Kotoamatsukami to pull Calamity to his side—a powerful asset for his Hokage bid.

Obito was silent for a moment. "Fine. But you are not to use Kotoamatsukami on him. Save it for Uchiha Itachi."

"Relax, I won't forget our deal."

Danzō smiled, though he didn't take the warning to heart.

If his life was on the line, he wouldn't care about promises. If he could use Kotoamatsukami, he would. He wasn't taking it to the grave.

"Then it's settled. Work on getting in touch with Uchiha Itachi. He may not come to see you."

With that, Obito's figure twisted and vanished into space, leaving Danzō alone in thought.

…

Elsewhere, just as Gusion finished his talk and was looking for lodging, he sensed the summons from the Akatsuki ring on his hand.

"Itachi, keep watch around us. I need to contact the organization."

Gusion didn't bother moving. He sat comfortably in the Uchiha shrine and activated the Magic Lantern Body Technique.

He wanted to see why Nagato was calling a meeting now.

Chapter 255: Fugaku's Mangekyō Sharingan

When his vision cleared, Gusion was surprised to find the Gedo Statue's fingers mostly empty this time. Besides himself, only Nagato and Konan were present.

What's going on? No one else? A one-on-one with the boss?

"Calamity, don't look around. I brought you for a special mission."

Nagato, controlling Tendo Pain, spoke.

Half an hour earlier, Zetsu had relayed a message—"Uchiha Madara's" instructions.

There was an urgent mission related to Konoha requiring a strong member. Given Calamity and Orochimaru were closest to the Land of Fire, and Calamity was the stronger, it made the most sense to send him.

Nagato disliked the mission. The target was Shimura Danzō, leader of ROOT and the man responsible for Yahiko's death.

But "Madara" said Danzō had important intel regarding the Nine-Tails and wanted to trade with Akatsuki. After weighing it, Nagato figured Danzō could be killed later—no harm in hearing the intel first.

Calamity was strong; even if something went awry in Konoha, he believed Calamity could escape.

"Understood, leader."

Gusion sensed something unusual about this summons.

"Head to Konoha at once. Three nights from now, at midnight, meet ROOT's leader Shimura Danzō in the woods southeast of Konoha and receive intel on the Nine-Tails."

Nagato issued the order. Although the tailed-beast plan was on hold, the Nine-Tails was the hardest target. Getting intel early wouldn't hurt.

"Konoha? Meet Danzō?"

Gusion felt odd. What was this?

"Problem?"

Nagato asked when Gusion hesitated.

If it were any other duo, he'd be suspicious of "Madara" suggesting someone. But in Calamity's team, Orochimaru always shirked missions and Calamity did everything. He was used to it.

"No. But you know my grudge with Danzō, right? If I can't hold back after getting the intel and kill him, don't blame me for overstepping."

Gusion set expectations.

Pain was silent, then nodded. "Do as you like after completing the task. Just don't make too big a mess."

It wasn't that he didn't want Danzō dead—he wanted to do it himself. But he also knew Calamity's grudge. Stopping him now would risk exposing his identity.

The meeting had come suddenly and ended just as quickly. Once Gusion accepted the mission, the projection dissolved.

…

"Senpai, what happened?"

Itachi asked nervously. Over these days he'd learned how terrifying Akatsuki was. Even someone as strong as Gusion served in the group—its hidden power must be immense.

According to Gusion, the Sannin's Orochimaru was also in Akatsuki and would assist in the Konoha Destruction Plan.

Everyone else in Akatsuki was a Kage-level monster. He was very curious how powerful the leader was.

"Pain gave me a new order. Weird one. Go meet Danzō."

Gusion frowned. "But I get the feeling he doesn't know I'm already in Konoha."

He couldn't freely share things he shouldn't know. For example, Obito hadn't formally appeared in Akatsuki openly—only Nagato and Konan had seen him—so he didn't tell Itachi the masked man was a member.

Likewise, he couldn't say he suspected this was tied to Obito.

After all, Danzō was Nagato's nemesis. Nagato assigning this was too strange. It had to be at Obito's request, issued through Nagato.

"Senpai, will you act when you meet Danzō?"

Itachi didn't think too deeply. From what he knew, Akatsuki seemed reliable—surely the leader wouldn't sell out a member.

"Of course. Pain said once I get the intel, it's up to me. And I doubt it'll be anything important anyway. We're going to destroy Konoha—what am I holding back for?"

Gusion stepped out of the shrine. "That's it for tonight. Remember our plan."

…

Konoha Village, outside Naruto's home. The Third Hokage, in plain clothes, knocked on the door.

After several rounds of knocking with no answer, his expression turned grim.

The ANBU tailing him sensed the bad mood, body-flickered to the other side, peeked through the window, and found Naruto lying on his bed with his ears covered.

"Hokage-sama…"

The ANBU returned to report, but the Third raised a hand to interrupt.

"Let's go."

The Third sighed. He knew Naruto wouldn't see him tonight. Even if he forced the door, Naruto wouldn't listen.

He'd have to wait a few days until the boy calmed down.

On the way back, the Third was forced to consider the worst. If Naruto's will truly couldn't be turned, he might have to trouble Danzō to act.

The only problem: he wasn't sure his old colleague could govern well if he took the Hokage seat.

…

Next morning, outside the Uchiha compound, a ROOT messenger appeared behind Itachi just as he finished his morning training.

"What do you want?"

Itachi asked, expressionless but wary.

After what happened to Shisui, ROOT meant trouble to him.

"The advisor elder—'that lord'—wishes to meet you to discuss matters concerning the Uchiha."

Because of the tongue-seal, ROOT operatives couldn't say anything directly about Danzō. Unless necessary, they even avoided his name.

Itachi wanted to say there was nothing to discuss. Shisui was the cautionary tale—did they think he was a fool?

But he remembered Gusion's instructions. He thought it over and said, "Give me a few days."

Seeing that Itachi didn't agree but didn't refuse, the ROOT operative left to report to Danzō.

"Big brother, who was that? ANBU? He looked weird."

A childish voice sounded behind Itachi. His gloomy eyes turned bright.

"Sasuke, stay far away from people dressed like that."

He ruffled Sasuke's hair. He didn't want his brother entangled with ROOT.

"Big brother, let's go! You promised to practice shuriken with me today."

Sasuke said excitedly.

Itachi was about to agree for once when he saw their father approaching, clearly wanting to talk. He lightly tapped Sasuke's forehead. "Sorry, Sasuke. Next time."

A short while later, father and son sat in a hidden room.

"Itachi, I'll get to the point. Are you colluding with Gusion?"

Fugaku's opening line put Itachi on edge.

To keep the plan secret and protect Gusion, he hadn't told anyone about him.

Even with the destruction plan near, he had only told his father that the ninja world was unstable, Calamity had devastated Kirigakure, and might attack Konoha which had expelled him—so the clan should stay sharp and drill their elites.

Itachi felt his caution was right. Not everyone could keep a secret like he could. If the Konoha Destruction Plan and Gusion's involvement leaked, variables would multiply.

Even his father might not keep it well; his stance was hard to read.

If you want actors to perform perfectly, don't let them know they're acting. Itachi thought the clan just needed to fight normally and play their part in the plan.

With Gusion's strength and his own as an insider, there would be no mortal danger.

But his father had named Gusion outright. Had he seen last night's meeting?

"Itachi, your face is calm, but your eyes gave you away. Your mental training needs work."

Fugaku said, "Don't guess. I have no proof. I saw a sliver of the future."

Itachi blinked. "Father, is that your Mangekyō ability?"

Fugaku nodded. "Yes. Why do you think I agreed to your plan and pushed intermarriage? Because I saw the future change. Following this plan, the Uchiha will move toward a better path."

The three tomoe spun into a hollowed shuriken pattern—beautiful and striking.

"My Mangekyō can foresee parts of the future, but not globally—only limited to a given event or area. You wondered why I hid my Mangekyō and wavered on the coup? Because I saw bad outcomes."

Fugaku explained and cast a genjutsu on Itachi.

To his surprise, Itachi found he couldn't counter it immediately. His father's genjutsu was more refined than his own!

Trusting his father wouldn't harm him now, he didn't try to break it and watched the vision.

In it, the clan learned Fugaku had awakened Mangekyō. Then they captured Naruto, the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. The Nine-Tails went berserk.

Fugaku then controlled the Nine-Tails to attack Konoha. Many Uchiha died in the battle, and Konoha was ultimately destroyed.

The genjutsu ended. Back in reality, Fugaku said, "That was the original outcome. That's why I won't expose my ability and inflame the clan's ambition."

"Father, you…"

Itachi's tone was complicated.

"You think I want a coup? I don't want the village destroyed either. If we started a war, we could win."

Fugaku said, "But that would be a pyrrhic victory. Soon, the weakened us and the ruins of Konoha would be buried by the other villages."

Itachi now understood why his father kept his Mangekyō hidden and stalled with endless meetings. Like him, Fugaku didn't want war with Konoha.

The stone tablet was right: the Sharingan mirrors the heart. Each person's inner desire births a different Mangekyō power.

Shisui wanted to change the village's view of the Uchiha—or the clan's desire to rebel—thus Kotoamatsukami.

As clan head, Fugaku was buffeted by the tide, carefully steering the family and fearing a fatal misstep. He wanted to see the path ahead, thus his power.

And what about himself? Why did he awaken Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu?

"Father… I'm not trying to collude with a rogue to harm the village. But right now, this is the only way to highlight the clan's importance to Konoha."

Itachi said, after returning to himself.