The Third Hokage: First Move Send Danzō to Prison

Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, looking at the young man in front of him with a complicated expression. Uchiha Itachi had actually succeeded.

Back when relations with Ace were still shallow, and Itachi was steeped in self-destructive thoughts, Hiruzen had sent him on what was essentially a gamble treating a dead horse like it might live again.

But now, Itachi had taken down the infamous Red Commander. He had truly become a formidable warrior.

Itachi completed his report, giving a general account of everything that had transpired during the mission.

Still, Hiruzen had a few lingering doubts. He leaned forward and asked, "Wasn't your final attack strategy pushing it a bit? Even with Marco's flames supporting you, using your Mangekyō in that kind of unlimited burst mode must have taken a toll on your body."

He paused, considering the variables. This time, the Whitebeard Pirates had two more high-level forces than before: Rayleigh and Uchiha Itachi. On top of that, Ace had awakened his power, and Garp's resolve was softened far earlier after hearing his grandson call him "Grandpa" again and again. The Marines were demoralized from the start.

Realistically, Itachi was only a hired hand. Why would he fight so desperately for the Whitebeard Pirates? Ace's relationship was with Hiruzen, not with Itachi.

"Given the situation at the time, even if you'd held back a little, the Whitebeard Pirates probably still would've been able to save Ace, right?"

It was true. Though Marco's phoenix flames had helped mitigate some of the side effects, the Mangekyō's backlash still lingered. His vision had worsened again.

Why had he pushed himself?

Probably because he had spent too much time around that ragtag family of free spirits and the sake they brewed was just too good.

He had started to blend in. When the opportunity to end the war early came, he'd acted on impulse.

"I lost myself in the moment."

With that, Itachi smoothly changed the subject. "Lord Hokage, the client has delivered the full payment both the commission and the treasure."

He placed two sealed scrolls on the desk and formed a series of hand signs.

With a pop, one scroll unsealed itself, revealing a Devil Fruit resting silently on the desk.

"This is an Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit, gifted to the Hidden Leaf."

Hiruzen stared at the fruit, his feelings conflicted. Ace had already told him the real story.

This fruit was a personal gift from the Whitebeard Pirates to Itachi.

And yet, here Itachi was offering it up without hesitation.

Truly a loyal subject. Not even pocketing a commission bonus on a foreign mission.

With such a virtuous warrior in his ranks, how could Konoha not prosper?

"This was meant as a personal gift to you, wasn't it?"

Itachi remained silent for a moment. Clearly, the Third Hokage had been in frequent contact with Ace from that other world.

Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a puff. "Keep it. Whitebeard's promised payment includes either a Logia or a Mythical Zoan for the village anyway."

Itachi gave a respectful nod. Fruits like Akainu's or Marco's indeed had more extravagant effects.

Hiruzen leaned back and exhaled slowly. "Itachi, your mission was a resounding success. The Whitebeard Pirates are now fully structured and organized, and they'll be one of Konoha's strongest allies going forward. You've truly shown the qualities of a future Hokage."

Itachi bowed humbly. "I dare not think of such things."

The Third Hokage smiled, smoke curling around his face. "For now, stay in the village. Go report to Tsunade tomorrow for a full check-up."

Itachi nodded in agreement.

"As for your position… what you've achieved is far beyond what a regular jōnin deserves."

Absolutely. The Whitebeard Pirates weren't just a band of outlaws. They were essentially a military powerhouse controlling vast territory. Now that relations were solidified, their potential support military and financial was immense.

Itachi was the linchpin of this alliance. He had earned great merit.

Hiruzen stood and walked to the window, deep in thought.

With Konoha's new structure, the next Hokage was likely to emerge from the "Five Grand Generals" or the "Twin Strategists."

And the "Phoenix Chick" must not be left behind.

Let Uchiha Itachi bear that title.

"Very well. Once the time is right, I shall confer upon you the title: Phoenix Chick of the Leaf. You'll share the same rank as the Wolong Shikaku Nara."

Itachi blinked, visibly confused.

What on earth was that?

Since returning, everything felt… unfamiliar. This new Konoha was like a different world.

Hiruzen grinned, a bit proud. "Since you left for the Pirate World, Konoha established a new elite system the Five Grand Generals and the Twin Strategists. They're my candidates for Hokage succession."

Suddenly, Hiruzen spun around and pointed his pipe at Itachi's chest.

"And you, Uchiha Itachi, are one of them!"

"I have high hopes for you."

"In the meantime, you can either serve as a squad leader or teach at the Shinobi Academy. Both are solid options."

Itachi hesitated, looking like he was about to decline.

But Hiruzen quickly understood Itachi still couldn't face Sasuke without guilt or burden.

Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, exhaled slowly, then tapped the pipe against the edge of his desk.

"Then perhaps, for now, stay with the ANBU. Your codename will be… Phoenix Chick."

The ANBU's masked anonymity suited him better at this stage.

Itachi nodded in agreement.

"There have been plenty of changes in the shinobi world while you were gone," Hiruzen added. "Drop by the secretary's office later and pick up a briefing folder."

Then he glanced at Itachi's outfit.

"And one more thing swap out that Akatsuki cloak. Go get a few proper Konoha jōnin uniforms tomorrow. It's no longer appropriate."

Even if that cloak's design was admittedly quite stylish.

As he turned to leave the office, Itachi paused and made a request.

"Lord Hokage, would you pass this Devil Fruit to Sasuke on my behalf?"

…

With Itachi's debriefing complete, the Hokage officially clocked out.

He entered the subspace realm and launched his game.

Account 1: Reanimated Third.

Account 2: Reanimated First.

Account 3: White Mask.

Time to spread the Will of Fire.

Though a few new players from the Hidden Leaf had joined recently via the village's new servers, Hiruzen found them sorely lacking.

They didn't even understand the meaning of a head pat utterly useless in battle.

Hopefully, these young sprouts would mature quickly.

"I have no identity. I live by no one's face."

That was his ultimate move: after defeating an opponent, give them a head pat. That was the Will of Fire.

Beep-beep. A notification lit up the group chat.

It was Ace tagging him.

"Third, Third! I've got a great idea how about I send Old Man Whitebeard to Konoha? You get Tsunade to patch him up!"

Not a big deal. They were bros.

Hiruzen replied, "Sure."

Ace: "Thanks a ton!"

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