UCHIHA KING OF THE SOULS

"I am the Hokage!"

Bang! The heavy wooden doors to the Hokage's office slammed open. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, exhaled a cloud of smoke from his pipe and looked up with sharp eyes.

"Danzo," he said in a measured tone, "what is the meaning of this?"

Danzo Shimura, clad in his customary white cross-collar kimono under a black robe, his right eye hidden beneath a bandage, stepped in and shut the door behind him with unnecessary force. His single visible eye burned with barely restrained fury.

"Hiruzen, don't you realize what Orochimaru has done? He's taken an Uchiha as his disciple!"

Hiruzen didn't react immediately. He tapped the rim of his pipe, shaking off the ashes. "I know," he said calmly. "Orochimaru informed me himself."

Danzo took another step forward, his hands clenched behind his back. "ANBU reported that Uchiha Gen has been seen visiting Orochimaru's residence frequently, staying for long periods."

Hiruzen remained unfazed. "Orochimaru would never take a disciple in secret. He simply doesn't see the need to make a spectacle of it."

"Then why didn't you stop it?" Danzo's voice sharpened like the edge of a kunai.

Hiruzen sighed. "Gen is of the Uchiha, but not all Uchiha are enemies of the village. Uchiha Shisui, for example, is the direct descendant of Kagami. His beliefs align with the Will of Fire. With proper guidance, he will be a great asset to Konoha."

"That's why he was placed in Team 7, to learn under Minato and You."

"But what of Gen Uchiha?" Danzo challenged. "Orochimaru is your pupil, and in many ways, a stronger Hokage candidate than Minato. Can't you see the Uchiha's ambitions creeping into positions of power?"

Danzo leaned over the desk, his voice a low growl. "You are too soft on them, Hiruzen. The Uchiha Clan—"

"Has been fighting and dying for Konoha," Hiruzen interrupted, his tone suddenly stern. "Their forces, under Fugaku's leadership, have been instrumental in holding the line against Kirigakure. Many Uchiha have bled on the battlefield, just like the Hyuga and Aburame clans."

Danzo scoffed. "That is their duty. Every shinobi should be willing to sacrifice for the village."

"Even so, your disdain for them blinds you," Hiruzen said, taking another puff of his pipe. "You speak of Uchiha gaining power outside the Police Force as if it is an imminent threat. Yet, even if they seek influence, do you believe it is so easily obtained?"

"The Hokage seat is not something won through birthright. Even among the Uchiha, only the strongest and most loyal to Konoha can rise. Why should we push them away when some are finally choosing to move closer?"

Danzo clenched his fists. "You will regret this leniency, Hiruzen."

The Third Hokage met his old comrade's gaze, his voice firm.

"I am the Hokage."

Danzo scowled, but there was nothing more to say. With a final snort, he turned on his heel, pushed open the door, and disappeared down the corridor.

Hiruzen sighed, shaking his head as he picked up his pen and resumed his work.

---

Ten Days Later

The crisp morning air of the Konoha training grounds was broken by the rhythmic sounds of fists striking a wooden post. Uchiha Gen, sweat glistening on his forehead, focused on his taijutsu drills when a sharp cry pierced the sky.

A large Konoha messenger hawk circled above.

His eyes narrowed. An emergency summons?

Across the village, shinobi paused mid-task. From the residential districts to the forests beyond the village walls, everyone recognized the significance of the signal.

Jonin and ANBU operatives wasted no time. Figures darted across rooftops in blurs of motion, converging toward the Hokage Building.

Gen quickly donned his gear and joined the flood of shinobi racing through the village. Unlike the Police Force's Jonin, who remained behind to maintain order, he was part of the Administrative Corps and thus required at the meeting.

When he arrived, shinobi of all ranks were gathering. Rather than rushing inside alone, Gen waited. His place in the hierarchy was still in flux—standing at the back did not suit his ambitions.

Moments later, a tall figure in a high-collared cloak approached. Orochimaru.

Gen moved swiftly to his mentor's side. "Lord Orochimaru."

A slight nod was the only response, but it was enough. Together, they entered the Hokage Building.

Inside, the main conference hall was already filling. The air was thick with tension. The front rows were occupied by Konoha's elite—clan heads, key strategists, and the most powerful Jonin.

Minato Namikaze was already present, standing with his students. He acknowledged Orochimaru with a polite nod.

Gen followed his mentor, positioning himself strategically in the second row. No way he would settle for standing in the back.

Minutes later, Uchiha Fugaku and other clan leaders arrived. The tension in the room grew heavier.

Finally, the doors at the back of the hall opened, and Hiruzen Sarutobi entered, flanked by Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane. The entire room straightened at the sight of the Third Hokage taking his seat at the head of the chamber.

Hiruzen took a slow, deliberate breath before speaking.

"This emergency summons is to deliver grave news," he said solemnly.

"A major development has occurred on the Kirigakure front."

Silence fell. Every shinobi in the room knew—whatever had happened, it would change the course of the war.