Naruto: This Uchiha is too Evil - Chapter 23
Kurenai stared at the newcomer, her face darkening.
For the renowned genius of the Uchiha clan, Kurenai had heard Itsuki’s assessment… that between the Uchiha and the Hokage’s faction, he leaned more towards the Hokage. Would he hurt Itsuki? Itsuki was strong, but so was this famous Uchiha genius. Kurenai didn’t want to take that gamble. The recent Root attack had already stretched her nerves to the limit.
“Don’t be nervous, Kurenai,” Itsuki said, gently patting her fragrant shoulder before turning his head towards Itachi, chuckling. “So, how was the show today? Watching such a good performance costs money, you know. When I transplant my eyes, you’ll be the one protecting me.”
He lightly tossed the Sharingan in his hand, feeling excited.
Even with the system’s cheat-like advantages, even knowing he was destined to have the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, he couldn’t help but feel thrilled. Having the Eternal Mangekyo meant he was qualified to challenge the top figures. As for Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, Itsuki hadn’t considered them a threat since he had mastered the three-tomoe Sharingan.
Itachi’s eyes bore into Itsuki’s, coldly asking, “Did you say the same to Elder Setsuna?”
Uchiha Setsuna’s behaviour differed notably from his usual self in the hospital room. While those unfamiliar with Setsuna might not have noticed, the core members of the Uchiha clan certainly did. Ninjas were skilled at gathering intelligence, and Uchiha Itachi was no exception.
“Yes!” Itsuki grinned. “I normally don’t have contact with Elder Setsuna. But a few days ago, I told him there would be a big show coming up and to be prepared, and also to remember to pay.”
Itachi’s face turned cold. “Uchiha Itsuki, what exactly are you planning?”
“Didn’t you hear my conversation with Shisui?” Itsuki asked.
“I feel like you were hiding something from him,” Itachi replied.
Itsuki smiled slightly. “Then what do you think I was hiding from him?”
“His life!” Itachi said after a brief silence, his gaze complicated. “You took his eyes to protect him, right? The power of his eyes, Kotoamatsukami, would make him a target for everyone.”
Although the timeline was approaching the night of the Uchiha clan massacre, Itachi was less extreme than in the original story. One reason was that Shisui, who was supposed to be dead, was still alive. Another reason was Itsuki’s influence, subtly altering Itachi’s perspective. He continuously undermined the trustworthiness of Sarutobi Hiruzen and exposed their flaws, causing Itachi’s faith in them to waver. He wouldn’t take extreme measures as long as Uchiha Itachi didn’t fall into despair.
Look how simple it is. An entire clan’s fate can change with a gentle nudge in the right direction. If he did go to extremes, Itsuki would have to take drastic measures against him.
Itsuki never understood the mindset of someone who could raise a blade against their parents for the village. He couldn’t comprehend it.
“Sigh!” Itsuki sighed deeply. “You’re so smart, Itachi. No wonder they say you had the mindset of a Hokage at seven. Sarutobi Hiruzen chose you as his successor wisely. The tree of Konoha is healthier with you.”
Kurenai couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity.
Itachi’s eye twitched. “When did the Hokage choose me as his successor?”
“Isn’t it so?” Itsuki feigned surprise. “Didn’t he say you had the mindset of a Hokage at seven? You could see the world from the Hokage’s perspective at that age. Give you ten more years of training, and you’d be unstoppable! Even the sun would bow before you.”
Itachi: “…”
Can you talk properly? This makes me want to hit you.
“It’s well-known that the Hokage wouldn’t pass the position to me. Why say otherwise?” Itachi sighed.
Itsuki played the curious child. “Why can’t he pass the position to you? Are you not loyal to Konoha? Impossible, even the Hokage believes in your loyalty. Is it your capability? That’s a joke. You had the Hokage’s perspective at seven. Is it your strength? No way, you’re a renowned genius not just in Konoha, but in the entire ninja world. So why can’t you be the Hokage?”
Itachi fell silent. After a long pause, he said quietly, “Because of the clan.”
“What’s wrong with the clan?” Itsuki pretended to be curious.
That’s what I was waiting for!
Itsuki continued, “The clan’s preparation for a coup affected you? If the Hokage gave you the position, would the clan still rebel? Or do you think you wouldn’t lead the clan well if you became Hokage? I’m telling you, if the Hokage position went to an Uchiha, even if you slapped Clan Leader Fugaku during a meeting, he’d still smile and say ‘good job’.”
Itachi was stunned, staring blankly at Itsuki.
Damn it! That makes so much sense!
The clan is discontent because they’ve been oppressed and never had their own Hokage. This drives them to extreme measures. But if I became Hokage… wouldn’t that solve everything? The conflict between the clan and the village boils down to the Hokage’s position. If the town allowed a Uchiha to become Hokage, the clan would make many concessions, even giving up the Konoha Police Force. They’d compromise on many resources as well.
Seeing Itachi in a daze, Itsuki smiled in satisfaction. Itachi had always been innovative, catching on quickly. Many things didn’t need to be spelled out.
Sarutobi Hiruzen told Itachi that he had the Hokage’s mindset at seven. This was a form of brainwashing. Children in the ninja world matured early, and a seven-year-old Itachi was at a critical age for shaping his values. Fugaku was foolish to send him to the battlefield. For that, Itsuki wanted to say, “You deserved to get killed!” It’s just a pity about my poor Mikoto! If only I had been born earlier…
Sarutobi Hiruzen’s cleverness lay in that statement. “You had the Hokage’s mindset at seven.” Just think about it! Damn it, if someone had said that to me at seven, I’d be willing to die for them. I’d give my life for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
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