4. Itachi Uchiha’s Mission as an Anbu Captain
After serving as an Anbu for two years, the Konoha leadership decided to appoint Itachi as an Anbu captain. Itachi was tasked with leading a newly formed Anbu team established by Danzo, with two of Danzo’s Anbu operatives assigned to work under Itachi’s leadership to monitor Uchiha clan activities.
Upon receiving a report about the Uchiha police force’s increasing armament, Danzo asked for Itachi’s opinion. Itachi informed Danzo that the cause was the growing dissatisfaction within the Uchiha clan regarding Konoha’s policies. As a result, both Itachi and Danzo agreed that the Uchiha clan’s rebellion should not be allowed to escalate.
Danzo grew more restless when he received a report from the Third Hokage stating that the village’s barrier had detected an intrusion by an unidentified individual. Danzo proposed forming a new patrol unit to take over the Uchiha police force’s duties and reduce their power. However, the Third Hokage rejected Danzo’s proposal, fearing that such actions would further fuel the Uchiha clan’s resentment. The Hokage insisted on keeping the Uchiha police force involved in patrols, investigations, and monitoring for intruders to increase their workload and maintain their involvement.
Frustrated by the Hokage’s decision, Danzo believed they should neutralize the Uchiha’s coup plans preemptively. Meanwhile, the Hokage remained firm that he would not allow a coup to occur. Koharu managed to calm the tension between Danzo and the Hokage. She pointed out that they still did not know for certain whether a coup would happen and reminded them that Itachi’s Anbu team had been assigned to keep monitoring the Uchiha clan’s activities.
Despite Itachi’s disruptive actions of attacking Uchiha police officers and disrespecting the clan in front of his father, Fugaku still urged Itachi to attend the Uchiha clan meeting at the Nakano Shrine. If Itachi felt reluctant to attend due to the large number of attendees, Fugaku invited him to meet after the meeting for a private conversation.
Itachi, along with his two Anbu subordinates, monitored the Uchiha clan’s activities as they held a meeting at the Nakano Shrine. After the meeting ended, Itachi approached Fugaku, who was alone in the shrine, staring at the Uchiha Stone Tablet. Fugaku then revealed his Mangekyo Sharingan to Itachi, shocking him. Fugaku explained that the Uchiha Stone Tablet contained guidance that would lead the Uchiha clan to greatness.
Fugaku also demonstrated a Genjutsu to Itachi, showing that he could control the Kyubi with his Mangekyo Sharingan and destroy Konoha if necessary. He invited Itachi to join forces with him to overthrow and control Konoha’s leaders, believing they could bring about a revolution without bloodshed. Fugaku pleaded with Itachi to help save the Uchiha clan. However, Itachi disagreed with Fugaku’s violent approach.
As a result, Itachi reported to Konoha’s leadership that the Uchiha clan was preparing for a coup. The leaders were stunned by Itachi’s report. Danzo argued that Konoha should strike the Uchiha first before they could act. However, the Third Hokage insisted on prioritizing diplomatic negotiations to achieve peace, emphasizing that the Uchiha clan had once played a crucial role in maintaining peace during past wars.
