You Can't Solve Danzo Because He's Dead
"Where's Sasuke?"
"He's already asleep," Uchiha Fugaku replied, glancing back at the house. "He's looking forward to seeing you."
Uchiha Itachi gave a small nod, saying nothing.
In order to catch up to his older brother, Sasuke had been training relentlessly—practicing the Great Fireball Technique by the lake every single day.
And Itachi... loved his brother more than anything.
For Sasuke's sake, he was willing to sacrifice everything. To carry every burden.
It was no exaggeration: Uchiha Itachi had once considered killing his entire clan with his own hands to prevent the possibility of rebellion.
But Sasuke... Sasuke was the one person he could never bear to lose.
"I've already told him to stop chasing your shadow," Fugaku said after a pause. Though Sasuke was hardworking, his talent hadn't yet matched Itachi's.
In truth, no one in the Uchiha clan could compare. Itachi was a once-in-a-generation prodigy.
If a coup was to succeed, his strength would be indispensable.
"This way," Fugaku gestured with his eyes. He didn't want to be overheard—especially now. Ever since Shisui's death, ANBU and Root's surveillance on the Uchiha had tightened significantly.
"Mm."
Itachi followed without resistance. Just days ago, he might've avoided such a conversation. But now… things had changed.
Especially after killing Danzo with his own hands.
He knew there were choices that couldn't be undone. And he had no intention of turning back.
Xu Fan—decisive, powerful, and shrewd—was unlike anyone Itachi had ever worked with.
Their cooperation had already yielded results.
Danzo was proof of that.
Still, Itachi wasn't so naive as to place blind trust in Xu Fan.
He was, after all, a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. A loyal servant of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
If Xu Fan ever tried to take Sarutobi's life, then they would become enemies.
Fugaku, meanwhile, was surprised by Itachi's compliance. He had expected resistance, perhaps evasive answers.
But instead, his son followed him willingly.
Only when Fugaku was certain they were far enough from prying ears did he stop and look into Itachi's eyes.
They were clear. Steady. Resolved.
"You've made your decision," Fugaku murmured, feeling a surprising sense of peace. Before this night, he had often seen hesitation in those eyes.
"No matter which path you choose, I'll be proud of you."
A rare smile tugged at his lips. In his heart, tonight was the time for truth.
"Father."
"The clan has decided," Fugaku said after a pause. "The coup will begin within the next few days."
Itachi remained silent.
"I hope you understand. Since the Nine-Tails' attack, we've been treated like criminals by the village council. The Uchiha helped found Konoha alongside the Senju. We only want what's rightfully ours."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Sarutobi is on a diplomatic mission to the Land of Iron. With the village's leadership temporarily weakened, now is our best opportunity."
"If we can eliminate Danzo—"
"You can't solve Danzo, father," Itachi cut him off, voice firm.
Fugaku blinked. His son's conviction was unshakable.
"I've already made my choice. I'm going to help resolve the conflict between the Uchiha and the village."
Fugaku's brow furrowed. "Are you siding with Danzo?"
"No."
Itachi's eyes darkened.
"Danzo is already dead."
"…"
Fugaku stared at his son, stunned into silence.
Danzo… is dead?
His mouth hung open mid-breath, eyes wide with disbelief.
And before he could respond—
"Xu Fan killed him," Itachi added calmly.
"…"
Fugaku was speechless.
Was Itachi… on his side?
That couldn't be. He'd always believed his son was loyal to the Hokage and the village council—even to the point of turning against the clan.
But now, Danzo was dead?
And Xu Fan… who even was Xu Fan?
"What the hell is going on?" Fugaku finally choked out, voice low with disbelief.
"He's a Senju," Itachi said. "The one who summoned the Deep Forest Emergence near Naka Shrine. He and I worked together to eliminate Danzo."
"Deep Forest Emergence?!" Fugaku's eyes widened again. That was the First Hokage's jutsu. Only someone with his cells—or his bloodline—could wield it.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Konoha—
Aburame Togen, having narrowly escaped an ambush, rushed through the night to inform Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.
When he finally arrived, gasping, he delivered the earth-shattering news.
"Danzo… Danzo has been assassinated."
"What?!" Koharu exclaimed, eyes widening.
Homura slammed his hands against the table. "By who?!"
"Xu Fan," Togen said. "He worked with Uchiha Itachi."
Both elders froze in place, their minds racing.
Danzo wasn't just a council member—he controlled Root. His death would send shockwaves through the entire power structure of the village.
And now, Xu Fan had the potential to challenge even Sarutobi himself.
"Aburame Togen," Homura said grimly. "You're to intercept the Third Hokage immediately. Report everything."
Togen nodded and vanished into the shadows.
Koharu turned to Homura. "If Xu Fan is working with the Uchiha…"
Homura finished the thought, voice heavy with dread, "Then the coup might already be in motion."
"We need to act."
"Mobilize all available ANBU," Koharu ordered. "Surround the Uchiha compound."
If the clan knew about Danzo's death, they might think it was time to strike.
They had to be contained—before the village was plunged into chaos.