After sending Sasuke back to class, Sarutobi Konosuke went to the Hokage Rock.
"You're not going to see Sasuke? He would probably want to see you."
"No need," Itachi said as he appeared beside him. "I'm a rogue ninja now. Showing up in the village wouldn't be appropriate. Besides, I trust you and Shisui to take care of him."
"Suit yourself. You killed that Uchiha elder, didn't you? If you're using that as proof of defection, will that organization believe you?"
"They will. I have my own methods."
He took out a storage scroll.
Konosuke didn't ask further. He could already guess what was inside.
He patted Itachi's shoulder. "Good luck."
"Oh, and Sasuke awakened his Sharingan. A beautiful single tomoe."
A rare smile appeared on Itachi's face.
"I knew he would. Sasuke is the Uchiha's hope. It was only a matter of time."
With a slash across his forehead protector, Itachi's life as a rogue ninja began.
—
When Konosuke returned to the academy, Shisui immediately found him.
"The Sixth Elder sent word. They want me to become clan head. I'm… nervous. I'm not sure I can do this."
"Shisui," Konosuke said firmly, "the old Uchiha no longer exist. This is a new beginning. They need you. If you don't shoulder this responsibility, Itachi's sacrifice and Fugaku's death mean nothing."
For some reason, words from Konosuke always carried weight.
Shisui bowed deeply.
"Thank you. I know what I must do. Once I become clan head, I won't be able to keep teaching. I'll ask the Hokage to let you take over ninjutsu instruction. I don't trust anyone else with them."
Konosuke laughed. This wasn't nerves—it was him dumping extra work on him.
Still, one sheep or two, it made little difference.
The next day at noon, Uchiha Shisui officially became clan head before the entire clan.
To show goodwill, Hiruzen Sarutobi personally presided over the ceremony.
The village and the Uchiha were reconciled.
Everyone was pleased—
Except Danzo.
After all his scheming, he hadn't even secured a single Sharingan.
Those who died had their eyes destroyed beyond use.
As Danzo stood at a distance watching the Uchiha gathering, another pair of eyes observed him.
—
By the time Konosuke returned to school, it was already afternoon.
The classroom was silent. Students were diligently refining chakra.
Recent events had frightened them badly.
No one dared slack off anymore, afraid they'd end up like Sakura—expelled and humiliated.
Konosuke wrote the chakra flow for the Body Flicker Technique on the board. Then he added several improvised ninja tools.
First: hollowed eggs filled with chili powder or lime.
Second: slingshots—useless against elite shinobi but effective against average Chūnin.
Third: itching powder—one touch and the enemy would scratch uncontrollably.
He tossed the chalk down.
"Listen up. This is the chakra route for the Body Flicker Technique. You have six months to master it and use it proficiently."
"In six months, there will be another exam. Taijutsu. You must be able to use substitution and Body Flicker in combat and survive five seconds against me."
"That's all. Self-study."
Hearing the deadline, the students relaxed.
Without Sakura, classroom drama had decreased significantly. Even Naruto could focus.
Konosuke still didn't understand why Hiruzen had forced a chronic liability into Team Seven.
Naruto might have been reckless, but at least he stirred things up.
Sakura had contributed nothing.
—
That evening, Konosuke found Hiruzen waiting outside his house.
After letting him in, the two sat down.
Hiruzen allowed himself a faint smile. For all Konosuke's laziness, he remained respectful.
Konosuke offered him cigarettes.
The two chain-smoked in silence.
After half a pack, Hiruzen finally spoke.
"You intend to raise Sasuke to kill Danzo?"
"Yes." Konosuke didn't hide it. "This could have been simple. Danzo interfered again. I'm sparing him only for your sake. Otherwise, he'd already be in the ground beside Fugaku."
"Is there truly no room for compromise? I can strip him of power. Let him live."
Konosuke sighed.
"Old man… once Danzo loses power, how long do you think he survives?"
"You know what he's done. Without authority, even you can't protect him."
Hiruzen knew he was right.
After the Third Hokage's death in the original timeline, Danzo had hidden in Root or stayed outside constantly, fearing retaliation from the clans.
Hiruzen stood, heavy with resignation.
Danzo's life had entered its final countdown.
At the door, Konosuke added,
"You'd better keep him under watch. Otherwise, he won't live long enough for Sasuke to avenge his parents."
Hiruzen gave a bitter smile and nodded.
Walking away, he felt conflicted.
Danzo had done much for him over the years.
Yet the things Danzo had done behind his back…
Perhaps Konosuke was right.
Back in his office, Hiruzen ordered the ANBU to summon Danzo.
It was time for the two old comrades to have a long talk.