Chapter 49: Conspiracy And Preparation
After hitting a wall with Hiruzen Sarutobi, the two advisors did not part ways upon leaving the Hokage's office. Instead, they made their way to a secret chamber within the Mitokado clan's residence to discuss the matter further.
"Homura, Hiruzen is still too soft. Even if he wants to train the Jinchuuriki, he should not allow people with ulterior motives to get close to him." Koharu Utatane muttered impatiently.
"Exactly. From the last mission, it's already clear that Kakashi has formed a connection with that inherently evil Uchiha brat. He is no longer trustworthy."
Homura Mitokado said seriously. "If Kakashi were to bring the Jinchūriki to the Uchiha's side, all the arrangements sensei has made for so many years would be ruined."
"That's right. The Jinchūriki must remain under our faction's control."
Koharu nodded. "We should handle this the same way as back then. Although it was Danzo who took action at the time, replicating those methods won't be difficult for us."
"Using the same method we used against the White Fang? Isn't that a bit extreme?" Homura frowned.
"Hmph. Kakashi, just like his father, is coveting things he should never touch."
Koharu said coldly. "What's wrong? Are you getting soft in your old age, just like Hiruzen?"
"If we go through with this, will it disrupt the village's peace..." Homura hesitated.
"What we're doing is for the peace of the village! Only by completely crushing the Uchiha's ambitions can true peace be achieved!" Koharu declared.
"I understand."
Homura nodded. "We'll follow your plan. I'll inform my clan to act according to your instructions."
… …. …
While the two advisors were conspiring, Kuragami Uchiha, who had already finished work for the day, was practicing Sage Mode in the courtyard of his home.
Having memorized the perfect ratio for Senjutsu Chakra, Kuragami meditated under the night sky. When his body was fully infused with Senjutsu Chakra, his eyes suddenly snapped open, revealing vertical pupils and the signature purple markings of Sage Mode at the corners of his eyes.
Kuragami clenched his fists, feeling the full power in his body.
"The power in this state is indeed much stronger than before. However, the speed of refining the Senjutsu Chakra needs to be practiced. Otherwise, it may be difficult to use it in battle."
He closed his eyes again and relaxed his mind as he used Ryuchi Cave's Hidden Jutsus to sense the flow of Nature's Energy.
At first, his perception expanded to cover the entire Uchiha district. Soon, he noticed lightning-style Chakra fluctuations coming from Fugaku Uchiha's backyard.
Kuragami smiled slightly, realizing that Sasuke was practicing the lightning technique he had taught him.
That kid is really talented in Lightning Style. It's only been a week since he showed him the technique, yet he can already compress the Lightning Ball and make it orbit around him twice.
However, Sasuke still struggled with stability. In just a few minutes, he had already been blown up twice by his own jutsu, leaving him covered in dust.
After observing for a while, Kuragami decided to withdraw his perception; after all, it would be impolite if he accidentally saw something he shouldn't.
Just as he was about to retract his senses, he suddenly detected a fast-moving figure approaching his home.
This Chakra signature... Kakashi? Kuragami raised an eyebrow. What is Kakashi doing here at this hour?
A few moments later, Kakashi appeared in Kuragami's courtyard. As soon as he entered, he spotted Kuragami meditating under the eaves.
The aura surrounding Kuragami at this moment made Kakashi inwardly tense.
If Kuragami in battle was like a raging thunderstorm, then the current him was like the ominous clouds before a storm, calm yet containing an overwhelming presence.
"You... What is this?" Kakashi asked.
"Sage Mode."
Kuragami smiled, not bothering to hide it from him. "Consider it a trophy from killing Orochimaru."
"Sage Mode, huh?"
Kakashi sighed inwardly. As the student of the Fourth Hokage, he was no stranger to this power. Minato had been able to enter Sage Mode before his death, though he hadn't yet mastered sustaining it in battle.
If Minato had been able to use this form that night, the outcome might have been different... Kakashi thought, feeling a pang of regret.
"It's late. What brings you here?" Kuragami asked.
"There's something I need to ask you."
Kakashi replied.
"How about a round of archery while we talk?" Kuragami grinned, glancing at a target fifty meters away.
"Sounds good." Kakashi nodded.
At Kuragami's request, a servant soon brought two longbows and two quivers of arrows.
After warming up, Kuragami nocked an arrow and loosed it. The arrow cut through the air and struck the bullseye.
After firing his shot, he turned to Kakashi and said: "I assume this is about Naruto? I already heard from Saito earlier today."
"That's right."
Kakashi confirmed. "I'd like to ask the Uchiha Konoha Military Police Force to look after Naruto, at least a little."
"No problem. The Uchiha hold great respect for the fourth Hokage as well. However, you know how sensitive Naruto's situation is. If the Konoha Military Police Force gets too close, certain people won't sit still."
Hearing this, Kakashi fell silent.
They continued shooting arrow after arrow until all the targets in the courtyard were filled with arrows.
Finally, after firing his last shot, Kuragami set down his bow and spoke. "I'll give the necessary orders tomorrow at work. The village might not be very peaceful in the near future."
Then, looking at Kakashi, who had taken off his mask, Kuragami smirked. "But it seems like you're already prepared for that."