vncnus Chapter 169 Uchiha Itachi
Chapter 169 Uchiha Itachi
Chapter 169 Uchiha Itachi
Regardless of whether Minato Namikaze, who possesses the Flying Thunder God Technique, has advanced further, the sheer power Jiraiya displayed on the battlefield back then was enough to make him wary.
Moreover, he wasn't entirely unaware of Uchiha Shisui's feelings for the village, although he believed that when the time came, Shisui would definitely choose the Uchiha clan.
But now he also needs to consider the other person's feelings, and all these factors led him to make this choice.
He was willing to trust Minato Namikaze this once. Without the interference of the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura, and considering the latter's consistent attitude towards the Uchiha clan, plus Kakashi Hatake's three-tomoe Sharingan, he was willing to take the gamble!
Even if they lose the bet, their situation will only get worse, and they might still have a chance to overturn the table!
Moreover, at that time, perhaps Uchiha Shisui would be able to completely submit to the right path without any mistakes!
Fugaku Uchiha sighed inwardly, his gaze drifting out the window, seemingly piercing through the barriers of space to land on the Hyuga mansion on the other side of Konoha.
That clan that also possessed the Byakugan, one of the "Three Great Eye Bloodline Limits," and was once on par with the Uchiha clan, didn't pay such a price, did they?
But how can the situation of the Hyuga clan be compared with that of the Uchiha, who are mired in a vortex of suspicion?
The Hyuga, having activated the Byakugan, had no worries about the consequences, unlike the Uchiha, whose relationship with the village's higher-ups was tense and whose foundation was much deeper.
However—a glint flashed in Fugaku Uchiha's eyes as he keenly noticed the subtle changes that had occurred recently.
Beneath the composed demeanor of the Hyuga clan, a family with a history spanning a thousand years, an unusual aura seems to be quietly brewing.
It wasn't that anyone was openly causing trouble, but rather that a long-lost, or rather, long-suppressed sense of "arrogance" was slowly rising in the atmosphere of the entire community, like an iceberg emerging from the water.
Their manner of dealing with others, and the unconscious sense of superiority between the clansmen, subtly revealed a tendency to repeat the Uchiha clan's past path of arrogance.
Looking at this familiar trajectory, Fugaku Uchiha couldn't help but let a meaningful smile curl up at the corners of his mouth.
He was unaware that, in the original story, the Hyuga clan's expansion reached its peak precisely during the Kumogakure peace talks, only to be shattered by cruel reality shortly afterward.
Even the clan chief nearly became a victim of the negotiations, and the matter was only resolved when the clan chief's younger brother acted as a substitute.
In this life, however, due to the completely changed war situation, the tragic event that would have shattered Hyuga's pride did not occur.
The warning bells of the past have vanished, and that unbridled arrogance has grown silently day by day, until it has formed this "carefree" state of being.
"Float, float higher and higher—" Fugaku Uchiha murmured to himself.
While the Hyuga clan revels in its fleeting glory, the Uchiha clan, mired in crisis, could seize the opportunity to hone their skills and strive for improvement. Even without seeking immediate surpassing, they could significantly narrow the gap between the two clans.
The price paid for this—voluntarily relinquishing some clan rights and accepting the village's scrutiny—was heartbreaking, but as long as it led to success, it was all worthwhile!
The last trace of hesitation in his eyes was completely dispelled, replaced by a resolute determination.
To seize this fleeting opportunity, and for the true rise of the Uchiha clan in the future, he could bear the sacrifice of this power!
After thinking it over, Fugaku Uchiha saw that Takuno Minamoto had no intention of keeping him, so he took his leave.
Gen Takuno watched Uchiha Fugaku's receding figure. He knew that the thorny issue surrounding the Uchiha clan had now taken a crucial first step and entered the initial stage of implementation.
However, this is just the beginning.
The future development hinges on whether the Uchiha clan can truly cooperate with the Anbu.
Yuan Tuoye was not too pessimistic about this. Since Uchiha Fugaku had already taken sides, with the clan head mediating internally and suppressing radical voices, the situation should be able to stabilize in the short term.
But this is ultimately "suppression," not "solution."
To eradicate the current problems, relying solely on Fugaku Uchiha's maintenance efforts and the current measures is far from sufficient.
Thinking of this, a barely perceptible smile of relaxation flickered across Yuan Tuoye's lips.
Let the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, worry about those more fundamental and long-term issues.
His mission, Yuan Tuoye, can be considered to have been completed in stages for the time being. From now on, he just needs to proceed step by step according to the plan.
As a captain with little combat ability, he didn't need to rush to the front.
However, Yuan Tuoye clenched his fist, realizing that the combat power he was displaying could be improved.
Previously, his combat strength, as he presented to everyone, was not even up to the level of a Jonin, which was far too low. Even when he was doing things openly, there were many inconveniences.
Moreover, he now has a ready-made reason to become stronger.
Since he already possesses Tsunade's superhuman strength, Yin Seal, and Hundred Healings Technique: Creation Rebirth, it shouldn't be too much for him to show the strength of someone just entering the Kage level, right?
At most, it only made Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya more convinced that he was very suitable for Tsunade's path.
For someone just entering the Kage level, this level of strength is basically sufficient.
After making his decision, Gen Takuno thought about the Uchiha clan again.
Judging from the current situation, as long as Fugaku Uchiha doesn't suddenly do something reckless, the Uchiha clan will have absolutely no chance of repeating the tragic massacre that occurred in the original story.
He stretched his shoulders and neck, which were a little stiff from sitting for a long time, and stood up.
I just got back from the Hokage's office, but it looks like I'll have to go back again.
The matter of Itachi Uchiha joining the Anbu and even taking on an important position must be finalized as soon as possible; time cannot be delayed.
As he expected, Minato Namikaze quickly agreed after hearing his proposal.
Now that the determination has been made to mend the rift between the village and the Uchiha, core departments like the Anbu can no longer continue the old practice of excluding the Uchiha.
While it's not feasible to recruit too many Uchiha clan members, bringing in one or two to match the Hyuga clan is still an option.
Sending Itachi Uchiha, a key figure, into the Anbu is an important signal of this shift.
However, the specific position proposed by Gen Takuno, directly appointing Uchiha Itachi as a squad leader in the Anbu, caused Namikaze Minato to fall into a brief period of contemplation.
Minato Namikaze was well aware of Itachi Uchiha's extraordinary talent; at such a young age, his strength far surpassed that of his peers.
However, the position of squad leader in the dark is not something that can be filled by mere superhuman strength.
It requires leadership, judgment, wisdom in handling complex situations, and the trust of team members.
These intangible qualities are a huge question mark for a boy who is only a little over ten years old.
While promoting someone out of turn is certainly an attempt to break with convention, if Itachi Uchiha is unable to handle the task, it will not only delay the work of monitoring the Uchiha, but also shake the prestige of the Anbu.
Minato Namikaze's concerns were addressed by Takuno Gen.
That is to arrange a special test for Itachi Uchiha.
The results of this test will serve as a benchmark for measuring his abilities.
If Itachi Uchiha passes the test, it will prove that he is qualified to serve as a squad leader and can take up his post immediately, taking full responsibility for forming the squad and monitoring the Uchiha clan.
If it fails, then as a step back, let Itachi Uchiha start as a regular ANBU member and gain experience in actual combat.
As for monitoring the Uchiha clan, I'll leave it to someone else for now, and let him take over when the time is right.
Minato Namikaze approved the plan. Although it bypassed the usual promotion process, the situation was urgent, and it was understandable to handle it as a special case.
Therefore, the test that Itachi Uchiha is about to face will be far more rigorous and comprehensive than the one he experienced when he joined the Anbu in the original story.
In fact, the regular entrance test for the Anbu was not that harsh. The extraordinary trials that Itachi experienced in the original work were largely due to his special Uchiha identity and the power struggles among the higher-ups at the time.
The situation is different now.
During Minato Namikaze's tenure, the Anbu had been completely integrated and was no longer a two-headed carriage that the advisory group could also mobilize, but a sharp blade that was completely loyal to the Hokage.
With Minato Namikaze's approval, Itachi Uchiha joining the Anbu would no longer face any institutional obstacles.
The current issue is whether he is qualified to assume the responsibilities and authority of a squad leader in one step.
Gen Takuno wasn't too worried about Uchiha Itachi passing the test.
In the original story, Itachi joined the Anbu about a year later, and then spent another year being promoted to squad leader.
Now that the timeline has been moved forward by a full two years, the challenges are certainly greater.
But Gen Takuno knew the boy's reputation as "Itachi-sama" well, and even the more rigorous tests that came earlier could hardly stop that genius's progress.
A few days later, when Gen Takuno learned that Uchiha Itachi had successfully passed the test and was officially appointed as the squad leader of the Anbu intelligence department, he did not show much surprise on his face.
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To him, this was merely a natural stop on the path of genius, one of those who were truly given the title of "genius".
Its value lies in its ability to turn the seemingly impossible into reality at a speed that defies common sense.
As for what kind of difficult trial Minato Namikaze had set for the boy, Genji Takuno had no interest in delving into it.
A game that the Fourth Hokage would personally oversee must not be an easy one.
Just then, a few steady knocks broke the silence of the office.
"Please come in." Yuan Tuoye's voice was calm and even.
The door opened with a click, and a boy, whose figure was still rather thin and whose face was covered by a mask made of dark materials, stepped into the room.
His steps were steady, yet his demeanor exuded a composure beyond his years.
Uchiha Touch stopped in front of Gen Takuno, his eyes, visible beneath his mask, clearly reflecting his respect for the Captain-Commander before him.
"Captain-Commander, greetings. Itachi Uchiha is here to report for duty." Itachi's voice was clear and firm.
After a brief pause, he nodded slightly and added, "I have learned from my father that I was able to join the Anbu entirely thanks to your recommendation. Thank you for recommending me to the Hokage."
Yuan Tuoye simply waved his hand casually, his tone indifferent: "No need for thanks. The doors of the Dark Guard are only open to those with strength. You were able to enter because of your own abilities."
However, Itachi Uchiha gently shook his head, his bright black eyes staring directly at Takuno Minamoto.
"You flatter me, sir. Even without your recommendation, I might eventually join the Dark Division, but it would be impossible for me to be entrusted with the important task of a squad leader as soon as I joined."
"That makes sense." Yuan Tuoye's sharp gaze swept over the young squad leader in front of him, his tone carrying a meaningful reminder.
"But this squad leader position might not be a good thing for you. Remember, 'legitimate' doesn't necessarily mean 'right'. Human relationships and social dynamics exist everywhere."
"You're still so young, yet you've not only been exceptionally admitted to the Dark Division, but you've also risen to the rank of squad leader. This is enough to make many people resentful, even secretly jealous. Getting into this position is difficult, but staying in it is even harder."
Itachi Uchiha's expression instantly turned serious. "I understand! I will earn my teammates' approval through my actions and strength!"
"It's good that you have this awareness." Yuan Tuoye nodded slightly, then changed the subject and got to the point.
"However, right now there probably isn't enough time for you to slowly build up your authority and ease tensions."
The reason we were so eager to have you join the Dark Division, and even skipped the usual promotion path to directly promote you to squad leader, is because there is a crucial mission that we cannot do without you.
Uchiha Ryu understood that after passing the rigorous tests to join the Anbu, his father, Uchiha Fugaku, had taken him to a secret room for a very impactful private talk.
The core of this was the request that the father made to the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze: to invite the Anbu to be stationed in the Uchiha clan's territory and take on the responsibility of supervision.
Although these were just speculations at the time, the Chief of the Dark Division likely wanted him to lead this delicate and sensitive mission.
At this moment, Yuan Tuoye's words undoubtedly confirmed that their deduction was basically correct.
A deep doubt quietly grew in Itachi Uchiha's heart.
He looked directly at Gen Takuno and asked the question that had been lingering in his mind for so long: "Sir, why—choose me? In this position, there are quite a few people I can think of who are more experienced and senior than me."
"Your identity and your talent make you the most suitable candidate at this moment," Yuan Tuoye replied simply and directly.
"But—" Itachi frowned slightly, his words carrying obvious concern.
"I am also a member of the Uchiha clan. The conflict of interest in having me oversee my own clansmen might complicate matters further. And how will my clansmen feel about it?"
Takuno Minamoto's tone was resolute, filled with unquestionable trust: "Position itself is not the issue. The key is that both the Hokage and I have chosen to believe in you. That's enough."
"7
However, beneath this resolute exterior, his inner thoughts were not as firm as his words.
He was able to confirm through the original work that Itachi Uchiha's intellectual depth far surpassed that of his peers, and that his stance, under the influence of Shisui Uchiha, would inevitably lean towards protecting the overall interests of the village.
Minato Namikaze's trust, however, was perhaps purer, stemming from his recognition and expectations of the young man's character.