He didn't expect that the other person's defection would bring such a major disaster to the clan.

If she hadn't defected and then assassinated the Fourth Hokage, the Uchiha Clan wouldn't have ended up in this situation at all.

So, who is this traitor?

Is it one person... or a group? Or did most of the clansmen participate?

Itachi felt his whole body turn cold.

The oppressive atmosphere made it difficult for him to breathe.

Tenzo patted Itachi's shoulder and said, "It's not your fault. However, I hope you can keep the matters here confidential. It would be very troublesome if exposed." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Yes. I won't say a word."

Itachi knew that the clan was already suspecting that Anbu was monitoring them.

But they absolutely couldn't imagine how intensely Anbu was surveilling the Uchiha Clan.

If those clansmen with radical ideas were to find out, it would definitely push them to execute a coup faster.

This matter must be concealed.

Even Tenzo didn't understand why Itachi was arranged in such a place, but he also knew this wasn't Kakashi's decision but came from a higher level, considered by that Hokage.

A test? Tenzo thought secretly.

It's really troublesome; such matters are beyond the control of a single Anbu.

"Very well. Remember, you are now part of Konoha's Anbu. Here, there are only missions and the village, not the existence of the clan. The current you is Uchiha Itachi of Konoha, not someone burdened with the Uchiha surname in battle."

This is the most vital rule of Anbu.

Ninjas joining here all do so for Konoha's sake.

No matter which Ninja Clan they originated from or what unique background they had.

Once joining Anbu and donning a mask, one must forsake it all, unequivocally standing from the village's standpoint in all considerations, prioritizing obeying the village leaders' commands, an Anbu's unwavering principle.

"I understand, one must not let personal feelings interfere in missions."

Itachi had such a realization.

Anbu is an organization only elite ninjas can join.

Those who enter are strong-willed in the Will of Fire and possess exceptional skills. Only then will they be acknowledged by the Hokage and higher-ups.

If one could stand out here, then securing a place in the village's leadership isn't just a fantasy.

After that, aim to become Hokage, becoming the first in the Uchiha.

That way, Shisui's ideal would be fulfilled; once he becomes Hokage, the village's estrangement towards the Uchiha Clan would naturally disappear.

Later on, with the title of Hokage, frequent interactions with other ninja villages' leaders and engaging in diplomacy, obtaining assistance from other village's Kages and ninjas, war would naturally not occur again.

The Daimyo would also not have the capital to wage war.

The Ninja Realm would gain peace.

An unprecedentedly clear path appeared in Itachi's mind, fueling him with the drive to act.

Therefore, becoming the best ninja in Anbu is the first step.

"Your position is here, don't exert too much pressure. At least for now, we haven't found evidence of collusion with renegade ninjas within the Uchiha Clan... It's also a test for you."

Tenzo placed Itachi in a certain corner, letting him sit at the appropriate spot. Surrounding him were numerous screens, displaying all movements of the Uchiha Clan, imprinting in Itachi's eyes.

◎

Land of Demons, border village.

Although it seemed like an isolated village, years ago, the Land of Demons completed nationwide road construction projects, strengthening exchanges and management between towns, with power centralized and decrees transmitted promptly and clearly.

Even if unforeseen mishaps occurred, the town's security team would arrive first at the scene to resolve issues for the citizens.

No longer resorting to merely hiring ninjas to solve problems for the people... to put it plainly, citizens paying taxes annually in the Land of Demons enjoying the country's protection is only natural.

Definitely can't rely on the simple traditional 'employ' model, spending money to hire ninjas to resolve issues.

Otherwise, it would lower citizen sentiment towards the country, harming governance. Citizens would develop aversion towards tax payment, eventually leading to rebellion.

Even within the Five Great Nations, such events aren't uncommon.

Hiring ninjas to resolve incidents has become a habitual matter for people across various nations in the Ninja Realm.

But employing ninjas incurs significant expenses.

Ordinary citizens with few income sources not only have to pay taxes but also need extra money to hire ninjas, long-term resulting in only wealthy individuals able to do so.

Thus, ninjas gradually became tools wielded by the powerful nobles to oppress common folk, which is quite evident.

Fully understanding these drawbacks, Hakushi decisively chose to change this situation, with remarkably positive results and unprecedentedly enthusiastic public recognition towards the country and government.

Now, simply paying taxes grants protection from the country and government, without incurring additional costs to hire ninjas for issues.

People naturally have high recognition for the security team and military-affiliated ninjas, not viewing them as upper-class oppressors' lackeys.

When incidents occur, they promptly report to the town's security team.

Within this border village, upon notification, nearby town security team ninjas arrived at the scene immediately for inspection.