Chapter 49: Conspiracy and Preparation
After being rebuffed by Sarutobi Hiruzen in the Hokage's office, the two advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, did not go their separate ways. Instead, they headed to a secret chamber within the Mitokado household to discuss the situation.
"Homura, Hiruzen is still too soft-hearted. Even if we intend to properly train the Jinchuriki, we must not allow those with ulterior motives to get close to him," Koharu muttered in frustration.
"Indeed. From the last mission alone, it's clear that Kakashi has already established contact with that inherently evil Uchiha brat. He can no longer be trusted," Homura said sternly. "If Kakashi leads the Jinchuriki to join the Uchiha's side, then all the groundwork our teacher laid down for years will be completely ruined."
"Exactly. The Jinchuriki must only be controlled by our faction," Koharu agreed. "We should follow the method used back then. Although it was Danzo who executed it at that time, replicating those tactics won't be difficult."
"Using the same methods we used to deal with White Fang? Isn't that a bit too harsh?" Homura frowned.
"Hmph, just like his father, Kakashi is trying to touch things that should remain forbidden," Koharu said coldly. "What's wrong, Homura? Have you also become as indecisive as Hiruzen now that you're older?"
Homura hesitated, his expression conflicted. "But if we take this approach, it might disturb the village's peace..."
"We're doing this precisely to maintain peace! Only by completely crushing the Uchiha's ambitions can the village have true stability!" Koharu argued.
"I understand," Homura finally relented. "We'll proceed with your plan. I'll inform my clan to follow your instructions."
---
Uchiha Douhuan's Residence
While the two advisors conspired, Uchiha Douhuan, who had finished his shift, was practicing Sage Mode in his courtyard.
Having memorized the perfect ratio for Sage Chakra, Uchiha Douhuan sat in meditation under the night sky. Once his body was filled with Sage Chakra, he suddenly opened his eyes, revealing slit-like pupils and violet markings at the corners of his eyes.
Clenching his fists to feel the power coursing through his body, Douhuan thought,
"The power in this state is indeed far superior to before. However, the speed at which I gather Sage Chakra still needs practice. Otherwise, it'll be challenging to use it in battle."
He closed his eyes once more, relaxing his mind to feel the flow of natural energy. Using Ryūchi Cave's secret technique, his sensory range expanded to encompass the entire Uchiha clan's district.
Not long after, he sensed faint bursts of Lightning Release chakra coming from the backyard of Uchiha Fugaku's house. Smiling slightly, Douhuan realized that Sasuke was practicing the technique he had taught him earlier.
Sasuke's innate talent for Lightning Release was undeniable. Despite learning the technique only about a week ago, he had already managed to compress the created lightning ball to a certain degree and make it revolve around his body twice. However, his control over the stability still needed improvement, as he had already blown himself up twice within a few minutes.
After observing for a while, Douhuan prepared to withdraw his sensory range. Just before doing so, however, he noticed a familiar chakra signature rapidly approaching his residence.
"This chakra... Kakashi?" Douhuan raised an eyebrow. "Why is he coming here at this hour?"
Moments later, Kakashi appeared in the courtyard. As soon as he stepped inside, he spotted Douhuan meditating under the eaves.
Kakashi couldn't help but be shocked by the aura Douhuan was emitting. If Douhuan's battle aura in the past had been like a raging thunderstorm, now it felt like the ominous calm before a tempest—silent yet filled with latent power.
"What's this?" Kakashi asked.
"Sage Mode," Douhuan replied, smiling openly as he noticed Kakashi's uncovered face. "You could call it a souvenir from when I killed Orochimaru."
"Sage Mode, huh?" Kakashi couldn't help but feel a pang of admiration. As the disciple of the Fourth Hokage, he wasn't unfamiliar with the concept. Minato had managed to enter Sage Mode before his death, though he hadn't yet mastered activating it instantly during combat.
If Sensei had been able to use this power that night... the outcome might have been different.
Realizing he had been lost in thought, Kakashi snapped back to reality as Douhuan asked,
"Coming to see me so late—what's the matter?"
"I do have a favor to ask," Kakashi replied.
"Care for a round? We can talk while shooting," Douhuan suggested, gesturing toward the archery targets set up fifty paces away.
"Sure," Kakashi nodded.
Following Douhuan's instructions, a servant quickly brought out two longbows and two quivers full of arrows. Stretching his bowstring to warm up, Douhuan picked up an arrow, aimed, and released. The arrow whistled through the air and struck dead center.
After a casual glance at Kakashi, Douhuan remarked,
"You've been practicing since that day, haven't you?"
Kakashi gave a slight nod and drew his bow. His arrow followed Douhuan's, embedding itself precisely next to the first.
"Seems like you've kept up with training," Douhuan smiled. "You're here about Naruto, right? Zaitou already told me what happened today."
"Yes," Kakashi admitted. "I'd like to ask you to have the Police Force keep an eye on Naruto, just to make sure he's safe."
"That's not a problem," Douhuan replied. "The Uchiha clan holds the Fourth Hokage in high regard, but you know how it is—Naruto's identity is sensitive. If the Police Force gets too involved, some people might get restless."
Kakashi fell silent at that, understanding the delicate political balance at play.
The two continued their practice, arrows flying toward the target one after another. In no time, the targets were filled with arrows.
After firing his last shot, Douhuan lowered his bow and said,
"I'll pass on your request to the Police Department tomorrow. The village might not be peaceful for a while."
As Kakashi put down his bow, Douhuan gave him a knowing smile.
"But it seems you've already made your decision."
Kakashi's uncovered face showed a rare hint of determination. He knew that to protect Naruto, he couldn't remain passive anymore.
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