"If I hand that child over to you, can you deal with that person?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked bluntly.
To him, nothing was beyond sacrifice.
If necessary, Uzumaki Shuji could be used as bait.
He wasn't the jinchūriki, after all.
Whether he lived or died was irrelevant.
The only troubleso part was making sure the real jinchūriki remained safe.
But even that was easy to handle.
They could simply claim Uzumaki Shuji's injuries required treatnt.
And if he really died?
Then they would say he had succumbed to his wounds.
Simple as that.
When Hiruzen hardened his heart, things like conscience ant nothing to him.
Only after obtaining what he wanted would he put on a hypocritical face and offer a shred of pity.
As long as that hidden enemy remained undiscovered, he would never know peace.
"I can."
Danzo Shimura agreed without hesitation.
He hated the mysterious figure lurking in the shadows just as much.
That man had cost him his most precious Sharingan.
He had slaughtered so many of his loyal subordinates.
Even if he had to turn Uzumaki Shuji into a human bomb, Danzo was determined to kill him.
"Five days from now, after Naruto leaves for school, take him."
"I'll handle the rest."
Hiruzen spoke in an utterly calm tone, as if they were discussing sothing trivial rather than a child's fate.
...
Fugaku Uchiha desperately wanted to et Uzumaki Shuji.
The Police Force had resud normal duties, but every officer was carrying a belly full of anger.
No one blad Fugaku.
But toward Itachi Uchiha and the village as a whole, they were bitterly disappointed.
Many were on the verge of turning openly against Konoha, and only Fugaku's leadership was keeping them in check.
Recently, however, even leaving the compound had beco difficult.
A large number of Anbu were watching him.
"It seems I have no choice but to do this."
That afternoon, Fugaku returned ho early.
He sought out his younger son, Sasuke Uchiha.
For the past few days, Sasuke had not been allowed to attend school.
Fugaku feared that the rumors circulating there would provoke him.
After crying his eyes out on the first day, Sasuke had convinced himself that Itachi had done all this because of him.
Every ti Uzumaki Shuji beat him up, he would co ho and complain to his onii-san.
So naturally, his brother must have kidnapped Uzumaki Shuji to avenge him.
The guilt weighed heavily on him, and he had cried many tis since.
But the truth about Itachi was far too complicated to explain.
Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha could only watch helplessly.
"Sasuke, your brother made a mistake."
"He should never have bullied soone younger than him."
"Uzumaki Shuji was hurt. We should go apologize on Itachi's behalf. Would that be okay?"
Fugaku asked gently.
The apology was sincere.
Even if both sides understood that Itachi had been acting as a spy, the proper gesture still had to be made.
And while he was there, Fugaku also intended to ask what the Uchiha should do next.
"Okay. I'll apologize to him for Onii-san."
Sasuke nodded with reddened eyes.
"Are you sure this is wise?"
Mikoto looked worried.
Unlike Sasuke, she wasn't so easy to fool.
Going to see that child at a ti like this was bound to be troubleso.
"It'll be fine. Wait for us at ho."
Fugaku shook his head.
Seeing his resolve, Mikoto said nothing more.
Fugaku took Sasuke and set out.
Along the way, he spotted Anbu several tis.
Their surveillance was practically out in the open.
As they neared the Uzumaki brothers' house, one figure appeared before them.
It was Kakashi Hatake.
For the past few days, he had personally guarded Uzumaki Shuji.
The previous Anbu assigned to the boy was still recovering from Itachi's genjutsu.
"Captain Fugaku, may I ask where you're headed?"
Kakashi's voice was calm, but wary.
"I've brought my son to apologize."
"What happened was my son's fault."
"If I didn't co here personally, I wouldn't be able to rest easy."
Fugaku spoke with complete sincerity.
It was the truth.
Kakashi studied him in silence, uncertain whether to allow it.
But Naruto was still at school.
Without the jinchūriki present, approaching Uzumaki Shuji posed far less risk.
And Kakashi did not believe Fugaku would take Uzumaki Shuji hostage the way Itachi had.
"Mister, my Onii-san was wrong."
"I ca to apologize for him."
"It's all my fault. Onii-san only did it because I got hurt fighting Uzumaki Shuji..."
As Sasuke spoke, his voice broke, and he began to cry.
Kakashi's expression stiffened.
He had no idea how to handle this sort of situation.
"I'll be watching."
After delivering those cold words, he vanished instantly.
Fugaku let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Of course, he had recognized Kakashi imdiately.
The white hair and the crimson eye beneath the mask made him unmistakable.
"Let's go."
Taking Sasuke by the hand, Fugaku approached the house.
anwhile, Kakashi leaned silently against a nearby wall, keeping watch.
When the door opened and Uzumaki Shuji saw Fugaku standing there, he looked slightly surprised.
He had been planning to visit Fugaku that very night.
He hadn't expected the man to co to him first.
"I'm sorry!"
"It's all my fault! My brother..."
Sasuke imdiately lowered his head, taking all the bla onto himself.
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