Shadows On The Leaf

The large hall of the Hokage building was illuminated by the soft sunlight filtering through the blinds. In the center of the room was a large map of Konoha spread out on the main table. Danzo, his demeanor rejuvenated, stood beside the map, his eyes assessing every corner of the drawing. The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, watched silently as the clan leaders waited for the proposals.

Danzo spoke first, pointing to one of the areas marked on the map.

"The village was badly damaged by the Kyubi's attack, and in order to rebuild, I've thought about making some changes to Konoha's organization. My first suggestion is to move the Aburame clan here," he said, pointing to an area near the village's eastern perimeter. "It would be good to have their skills in case something similar happens again."

Shibi Aburame, always reserved, nodded in acceptance, his glasses reflecting the light in the room.

"We accept the proposal," he said in his calm, measured tone.

Danzo continued, moving his hand to another part of the map.

"The Nara clan will remain in the destroyed district while it is being rebuilt. As for the Military Police headquarters, which was completely destroyed, I have decided to rebuild it here."

His fingers pointed to a spot on the outskirts of Konoha, the area furthest from the center of the village. Fugaku Uchiha followed the direction he indicated, his eyes hardening as he understood the implication. Danzo paused before adding.

"And with him, the entire Uchiha clan."

The sound of a chair being pushed echoed through the room. Fugaku stood up, placing his hands firmly on the table.

"Danzo-sama!" His voice was deep, filled with frustration. "The Uchiha clan is responsible for the Military Police, which protects the village. If we are moved to that place, we will be too far from the center and will not be able to provide support in case of an emergency."

Danzo responded calmly, as if he had anticipated this reaction.

"In case of emergencies, we will use the ANBU."

Fugaku pressed his lips together, visibly frustrated. Not so much with Danzo, whom he considered his ally in this silent struggle, but with the circumstances that reduced his clan's role in the village. Fugaku turned his gaze to Hiruzen, seeking a direct answer from the Hokage.

Hiruzen, in his usual conciliatory tone, tried to calm the waters.

"We have arranged practice fields nearby for the Military Police to train on. The Uchiha will be able to use them freely. They will be closer to these fields at this location, which will improve their training."

Fugaku didn't answer immediately, but his thoughts were clear. 'This is just the carrot and stick strategy. Hiruzen intends to disguise this punishment as a benefit.'

However, he was not willing to openly confront the Hokage at this moment. His gaze returned to Danzo, searching for a sign of support. Danzo took the hint and stepped forward.

"Though, Hiruzen," Danzo began in a soft tone, "I can't help but think that moving an entire clan so close to one of Konoha's underground prisons could be dangerous. Especially for the clan's civilians."

Fugaku looked at him, silently grateful. Although Danzo hadn't been direct, his words seemed like a defense of the Uchiha clan.

Danzo's comment provoked a reaction from the other leaders. Shikaku Nara spoke up, resting his chin on his clasped hands.

"That's a valid point, Danzo-sama. If the safety of civilians is at risk, it may be best to reconsider the clan's location. It would be unwise to move them to such a troubled area."

Inoichi Yamanaka nodded.

"I agree with Shikaku. While I understand the need for reorganization, the welfare of civilians must come first."

Tsume Inuzuka, always direct, spoke with a strong tone.

"Isn't there another area available? Civilians must be protected, even if the Uchiha are strong, this doesn't seem suitable."

Hiashi Hyuga remained silent, watching the conversation with an impassive expression. Although the Hyuga and Uchiha were historical rivals, he preferred not to intervene at this moment.

Hiruzen raised a hand to calm the growing murmur in the room.

"These are valid points. Perhaps it would be more prudent to move only the military headquarters and keep the clan in its current location. This will allow us to assess the situation before making any final decisions."

Fugaku took a deep breath, relieved but still unsatisfied. He nodded slowly.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Danzo watched silently, hiding his satisfaction. 'Fugaku thinks he has an ally in me, but this only makes things easier for me.'

The meeting continued with discussions about other minor relocations and reorganizations. The Aburame would begin moving to their new location. It was agreed to reinforce the Nara area while reconstruction continued. In the end, each leader left with his own thoughts and concerns. Fugaku returned to the Uchiha compound, reflecting on what had happened.

//////

After the Meeting

When everyone had left, only Hiruzen, Danzo, Homura and Koharu remained in the meeting room. The Hokage turned to Danzo, his gaze inquisitive.

"Danzo, explain something to me. You've been insisting on moving the entire Uchiha clan, but today you backed out. What are you really planning?"

Danzo kept his calm demeanor, as always, remembering the meeting they had had days ago.

.... Flashback…..

Four figures were lined up in the conference room of the Hokage Residence.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, Danzo, Homura, and Koharu of the Council. With the sudden calamity under control, an exhausted Hiruzen looked at his three comrades, the wrinkles on his face now deeper, and opened his mouth. "The Fourth and his wife Kushina gave their lives to seal the Nine-Tails."

Listening with a sour look, Danzo picked up where the former Hokage left off.

"But Konoha was dealt a devastating blow, something we didn't see even during the War."

"Unless we rebuild immediately, the other villages might take this opportunity to attack." This came from Advisor Homura.

Hiruzen nodded slightly and continued in a serious tone, "I was planning to make arrangements for that immediately."

"And here, there is a proposal that I would very much like to see fulfilled." Danzo's eyes gleamed cruelly. Hiruzen met this icy gaze in silence, a question in his own eyes.

"I want to move the Uchiha clan residences to the edge of the village." He said.

"What?" Hiruzen frowned at him.

Danzo was unfazed, but continued dispassionately, "You know that only the Uchiha clan's Sharingan can control the Nine-Tails."

"Are you saying it was an Uchiha who controlled the Nine-Tails?"

"That's it." Danzo stated, and Hiruzen held his breath.

The two counselors watched the fierce coming and going with their mouths closed.

"The treatment of the Uchiha during the Third War, and Fugaku not being nominated when the Fourth Hokage was decided, has caused dissatisfaction with the village to grow within the Uchiha clan in recent years."

"I don't agree."

"Root members have been carefully observing the Uchiha's movement. It is a fact that they are dissatisfied."

"That's a lot of information…"

"That's not all." The confident Danzo interrupted Hiruzen.

"Those who lived through the Third War are beginning to despair that even a rare genius like the "Cursed Eye" Fugaku must resign himself to being the head of the Military Police. This disappointment with the village will one day turn into serious dissatisfaction and lead to an attack on Konoha."

"Still, that being said, don't you think you're being a little hasty in declaring the Nine-Tails incident the Uchiha's fault?"

"This isn't the kind of thing you can just let go because you don't have any concrete evidence, Hiruzen. Listen up. The only thing that can control the Nine-Tails is the Uchiha's Sharingan. That's a fact." Hiruzen hesitated. "In any case, we must gather the Uchiha clan in one place and push them to the edge of the village. And we should do it now, while we can do it in the name of rebuilding after the Nine-Tails' attack."

Faced with the relentlessness of the man who embodied the darkness of the ANBU, the other three could only remain silent.

…..Flashback End….

Danzo had been putting Hiruzen and the Uchihas on two enemy sides, and neither of those involved realized it.

"Hiruzen, I thought that pushing it too far might backfire. If we push the Uchiha clan beyond its limit, we could spark a civil war, and that's the last thing we need right now."

Koharu frowned.

"Civil war? Don't you think you're exaggerating? Fugaku would never do something like that."

Danzo turned his cold gaze towards her.

"Do you really think so? Didn't you notice how he reacted today? Never before has any clan leader raised his voice like that. Fugaku is not happy, and his clan follows him loyally. If we push too far, there's no telling how far they might go."

Hiruzen remained silent, processing Danzo's words. He remembered the intensity in Fugaku's gaze during the meeting. Finally, Danzo continued, his voice soft but sharp.

"Also, even if we didn't move the entire clan, we have already weakened their influence. By sending the Police Headquarters to a remote location, the Uchiha's duties will be gradually replaced by the ANBU. Over time, we will be able to reduce the funds allocated to the Uchiha Police and reallocate them more efficiently."

Homura nodded slowly, understanding Danzo's approach.

"A subtle, but effective move."

Hiruzen closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the situation.