Reincarnated as Itachi Uchiha at the Start

Hokage Tower

Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed out the window at the swelling crowd below, his frustration mounting.

"Hokage-sama, Lord Danzo claims this is an enemy's plot—clearly a setup meant to frame him. He refuses to cooperate," reported an Anbu shinobi, kneeling respectfully.

Hiruzen sighed, "I understand. You may stand down."

Danzo, I know this is a conspiracy... but public outrage is beyond control. Unless you testify, this won't be resolved.

Even a disguise or plausible illusion would calm the crowd—yet you refuse.

Are you afraid I might act against you? Do you really think I'd betray decades of brotherhood?

Hiruzen's heart ached with disappointment.

Just then, another Anbu reported,

"Hokage-sama, Itachi Uchiha is here to see you."

"Send him in," Hiruzen replied, steadying his composure.

Itachi entered, knelt, and spoke respectfully:

"Hokage-sama, the Uchiha coup has been resolved."

Hiruzen exhaled, "Thank you, Itachi. Konoha has escaped civil war and peace is preserved."

"It was my duty," said Itachi, bowing deeply.

"But as Hokage, I regret I had no other path," Hiruzen admitted.

"It is my sorrow that this caused you distress," Itachi replied.

"Forgive me for apologizing—I should say thank you. From now on, although you are Uchiha clan head, you may still face gossip or cold shoulders," Hiruzen said kindly.

Indeed, punishing one's own kin is deeply frowned upon. Enforcing order was a hard, but necessary, path.

"My honor means little," said Itachi. "Father and I can bear any slander. But the Konoha Military Police need to be gradually replenished."

Hiruzen frowned, "You and your father bear slander?"

"Yes. Father acted directly. I merely assisted," Itachi explained, handing over the mission report.

Hiruzen skimmed it, thoughtfully. He realized what had truly happened: Uchiha Fugaku had executed a sting operation—fabricating evidence of corruption and treason against the radical faction. When they reacted in self-defense, they were arrested. The clan then released them on medical retirement to preserve face. Fugaku stepped down from the clan head position, paving the way for Itachi to assume leadership.

"Your strategy was flawless," said Hiruzen with respect. "At 13 years old, you already think like a Hokage—truly remarkable."

Fortunately, Itachi is on our side—and Fugaku loved his son enough to make that sacrifice.

"What of those radicals?" Hiruzen asked.

"They've been sealed, rendered harmless," Itachi replied. "Father and I will compensate them with business shares upon retirement."

"And reinvested one hundred million ryo into rebuilding the Konoha orphanage. We'll also invite clans and civilians to join the Military Police so no clan monopolizes power again."

Hiruzen nodded, visibly impressed.

"You've done well, Itachi. Where the leaves flutter, the fire will burn on. The Uchiha and Military Police—balance is restored. You've proven your worth."

Itachi rose, replying solemnly:

"Hokage-sama, your guidance has shaped me. You said, 'Where Konoha's leaves fly, the fire of Will of Fire shall burn.' You are Konoha's shining flame—illuminating every shadowed corner. I vow to become that fiery protector."

"I believe even the smallest spark can light the world."

A smile crossed Hiruzen's face.

"Good. With you here, Konoha has hope. You need not kneel—step into your role as clan leader, show poise, and command respect. You've earned it."

(Itachi took a silent breath—he had defused the Uchiha crisis. Next step: confront Danzo.)

Hiruzen tested him gently:

"What do you think of Danzo's situation?"

"Hokage-sama, something about it feels suspect," Itachi replied calmly.

"Explain."

"Anyone able to evade surveillance, and who knows Root and Military Police deployments so well, must be an insider. Their goal is public outrage and to undermine the elders. Once the trust in leadership collapses, the people—and shinobi—will fracture. A broken heart is far worse than a broken blade."

Hiruzen nodded gravely, "Yes, that is precisely my fear."

"The solution is simple: Danzo should come forward and clear his name. As the saying goes, the innocent need not fear scrutiny. A man of honor has nothing to hide. No matter what others say—if your heart is pure, why worry?"

Hiruzen paused, reflecting. But what if Danzo is guilty at heart?

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