IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

At that moment, the gathered Uchiha clan members finally reacted, their rage boiling over as they pointed accusingly at Uchiha Fugaku. One particularly outspoken clansman stepped forward, his voice loud and venomous.

"Fugaku, you traitorous dog of the Third Hokage! Selling out your clan to that senile fool? You're not worthy to lead the Uchiha!"

But before he could finish his tirade, a flash of light streaked across the room. In an instant, Uchiha Izumi appeared on the ceiling beam above, her chakra-infused kunai dripping with blood. The defiant man clutched his neck as crimson liquid poured from the wound. He fell to his knees, gargling incoherently before collapsing onto the floor.

For a brief moment, the room was gripped by stunned silence, broken only by the soft drip of blood onto the wooden floor. Uchiha Fugaku didn't flinch. Without turning, he waved his hand dismissively. From the shadows, dozens of loyal Uchiha emerged, their kunai gleaming in the dim light as they surrounded the remaining dissidents.

And then the slaughter began.

"You dare, Fugaku?! You're really doing this?!" one rebel shouted as chaos erupted.

Fugaku's voice was calm as he slowly closed the doors to the ancestral hall. "This is for the survival of the Uchiha."

—

Above the Uchiha Shrine

The blood moon cast an ominous glow over the scene. Shiro, seated atop the shrine, observed the massacre below with a detached smile. "The Uchiha clan... bound by pride, consumed by betrayal. You cannot escape your fate."

The screams from within the ancestral hall echoed into the night. Outside, Anbu operatives crouched on tree branches, their masks concealing their expressions as they exchanged uneasy glances. None dared to interfere.

Hours later, the hall fell silent. The blood-stained floor was littered with the bodies of those who had opposed Fugaku. Uchiha Itachi, drenched in blood, knelt before his father.

"The mission is complete," Itachi said, his voice steady despite the carnage surrounding him.

Fugaku nodded solemnly. "Good. Take Izumi and clean yourselves up. Leave the rest to me."

"Yes, Father," Itachi replied, disappearing into the night with Izumi by his side.

Fugaku surveyed the scene, his gaze falling on the body of the Great Elder. He crouched beside the elder's lifeless form, studying the old man's face. "You should have stayed in retirement," he muttered before standing. His face betrayed no emotion as he turned to one of his remaining loyal guards.

A whisper passed between them, and Fugaku waved the man away. "I understand. Go."

His dark eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he murmured to himself, "So, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo have come to play their hand. But this time, you'll bear the cost, whether you want to or not."

Turning to his guards, he issued a chilling command. "Bring me the elder's head. We'll present it as a gift to the Hokage."

Outside the Uchiha Shrine

Shimura Danzo, standing in the rain, wore a scowl of annoyance. "What are the Uchiha scheming now, gathering in the middle of the night?"

Beside him, Sarutobi Hiruzen, ever calm, took a long drag from his pipe. The smoke curled around him as his sharp eyes scanned the shrine's closed doors. "I fear it's nothing good," he murmured.

Creak.

The heavy wooden doors opened, revealing Uchiha Fugaku. His expression was calm, almost welcoming, as he stepped forward. "Ah, Hokage-sama, Danzo-sama. I was just about to come see you both. What perfect timing!"

He gestured politely for them to enter. Despite the smell of blood lingering in the air, Fugaku's demeanor remained unnervingly composed. "Please, come in. I have much to explain."

Danzo wrinkled his nose as he stepped inside. "The stench of blood. You've been busy, Fugaku," he remarked, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room.

"Forgive the mess," Fugaku replied smoothly. "What transpired here is an internal matter, but it is important enough to involve you both."

Several bodies covered in white cloth were laid out in neat rows. Danzo approached one, his sharp instincts on high alert. He lifted the cloth, revealing the face of a slain Uchiha—one of his own spies. His expression darkened as he noted the hollow sockets where Sharingan eyes had once been.

"What is this?" Danzo demanded, though his tone betrayed no emotion.

Fugaku smiled faintly. "Why don't we sit down, and I'll explain?"

Inside the Ancestral Hall

Around a small table, Fugaku, Hiruzen, and Danzo sat, their positions forming a tense triangle. Fugaku poured sake for the two elder statesmen before standing to address them.

"This evening, I uncovered a plot within the Uchiha clan. A faction sought to rebel, to overthrow the Hokage and seize power. As the clan leader, I could not allow such treachery to continue. I acted swiftly to eliminate the threat."

He bowed deeply to Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, I regret not informing you sooner. I take full responsibility for this matter. Please, punish me as you see fit."

Hiruzen studied Fugaku carefully. His face was calm, but his eyes revealed a flicker of satisfaction. Finally, he spoke. "There is no punishment needed. You acted in the best interest of Konoha. You have upheld the Will of Fire. Perhaps, in time, you may even succeed me as Hokage."

Fugaku lowered his head further. "I have no such ambition, Hokage-sama. My only desire is to serve the village."

Danzo, however, wasn't convinced. "You speak of treason, Fugaku, but where is your evidence? How do we know this wasn't a ploy to consolidate your own power?"

Fugaku's smile didn't waver. "I have no need for power, Danzo-sama. My only goal is to protect Konoha from any who would harm it."

Danzo's suspicions lingered, but Hiruzen stood, signaling the end of the conversation. "Let us leave it at that for now. Fugaku, you've done well tonight."

As they turned to leave, Hiruzen paused. "Oh, Fugaku, one more thing. Your son, Itachi. He is an exceptional shinobi. I would like him to join my personal guard tomorrow."