76-77

Chapter 76: Uchiha Itachi’s Will of Fire! 

“Ridiculous!” 

“Me, Uchiha Madara, not a match for that man?!” 

Uchiha Itachi glanced at him. 

“If you were truly Uchiha Madara, aside from the First Hokage, you’d have no equal. Unfortunately, you’re not.” 

The mysterious masked man sneered, “And why’s that?” 

Itachi replied, “The real Uchiha Madara would never seek to ally with anyone.” 

The masked man fell silent. 

“No, you’re wrong…” 

“My battle with Hashirama dealt me a blow like no other. I may still be alive, but I’m far from my peak strength…” 

“But a mere Uchiha Chiba? I don’t even see him as a threat.” 

Itachi shook his head. 

“That’s what all his enemies thought.” 

“Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shinnosuke Sarutobi, and…” 

“Senior Shisui…” 

“And now, you can probably add Shimura Danzō to that list.” 

The masked man let out a cold laugh. “Sounds like you’re scared of him.” 

Itachi said, “You underestimate him because you haven’t seen him with your own eyes.” 

“I once thought Senior Shisui was invincible, but in that man’s hands, he met a crushing defeat and death…” 

“And now, he’s only become more terrifying than when he killed Shisui.” 

The masked man countered, “You’re wrong. I know that man well.” 

“In fact, I know everything there is to know about the Leaf Village.” 

“But he’s no match for me.” 

“Even if I’m not at my peak, during the Nine-Tails attack, I still managed to bring down the Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze, and the Nine-Tails’ Jinchūriki, Kushina Uzumaki!” 

“To me, Uchiha Chiba is nowhere near Minato’s level…” 

Itachi didn’t agree. 

But he didn’t argue either. 

It was pointless. 

The masked man saw through him. 

“You’re hesitating.” 

“You keep acknowledging Uchiha Chiba’s strength, but it’s just an excuse for your indecision.” 

“I know the war between the Leaf and the Cloud is ending. Uchiha Fugaku and the clan will return soon, and when they do, it’ll be the moment the Uchiha clan breaks with the Leaf’s leadership.” 

“And you, secretly aligned with Hiruzen Sarutobi, have probably already been pressured to make a choice, haven’t you?” 

“Your family, or the entire village?” 

“Just like he did with Uchiha Shisui.” 

Itachi stayed silent, but his eyes flickered. 

The masked man sneered again. 

“Your fear of Uchiha Chiba only proves you already see him as your mortal enemy.” 

“In other words…” 

“You’ve already made up your mind…” 

“To stand against the entire Uchiha clan!” 

“Otherwise, the stronger Uchiha Chiba is, the prouder you’d be of your clan!” 

Itachi, seen through completely, sank deeper into silence. 

“Uchiha Itachi, you’re truly a rare talent.” 

“Think it over carefully…” 

“Come find me when you’ve made your decision.” 

“You know, to achieve your goals, you’ll need my power. It’s impossible otherwise.” 

“This kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime…” 

With that, the masked man’s figure vanished into the void. 

Itachi lingered in the darkness for a long time. 

He knew he didn’t have much time left… 

The Third Hokage had ordered him to give an answer before his father and clan returned… 

A narrow choice to side with his family, or a broader vision for greater peace, choosing the entire village? 

What was the right path? 

He decided to talk to the Hokage again… 

… 

In the Hokage’s office. 

There was no time to mourn Shimura Danzō’s death. 

Hiruzen Sarutabi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado had already turned their full attention to the final battle. 

“Hiruzen, when will Jiraiya return?” 

“Soon. The Anbu reports he’ll be back in about three days, but…” 

“But what?” 

“Hmph, Jiraiya’s always had a mind of his own. He might not obey me in everything. He heard some prophecy from the Great Toad Sage at Mount Myōboku and has been wandering for years, searching for some ‘Child of Prophecy.’ It’s absurd…” 

Homura said, “Even so, unlike Orochimaru, Jiraiya’s loyalty to the Leaf Village is unquestionable.” 

Hiruzen countered, “He’s loyal to the Leaf, but not necessarily to me as Hokage!” 

“Otherwise, he wouldn’t keep staying away from the village.” 

“You’re saying he disapproves of some of our actions?” 

Hiruzen let out a grunt but didn’t respond. 

Koharu sighed, “No matter what, he’s your student. He won’t stand by and let us die.” 

“Let’s hope so…” 

Just then, Itachi requested an audience. Hiruzen’s heart stirred, and he quickly invited him in. 

Itachi knelt respectfully. 

“Lord Hokage.” 

“Itachi, you’ve come to see me suddenly. Have you made your decision?” 

Itachi paused, then shook his head. 

“I’m still struggling to choose.” 

“Lord Hokage, is there really no third option?” 

Hiruzen frowned, then spoke with a pained expression. 

“Itachi… as Hokage, do you think I want to see the village in chaos?” 

“But you’ve seen how aggressive the Uchiha clan has become…” 

“Have you forgotten how Shisui died?” 

Itachi’s face shifted. 

“I haven’t forgotten.” 

Hiruzen said gravely, “Shisui died trying to stop the Uchiha clan’s rebellion, killed by Uchiha Chiba’s hand.” 

“He was a true inheritor of the Will of Fire, casting aside narrow clan loyalty to see the bigger picture—a true powerhouse!” 

“And you are his successor!” 

Itachi said, “I understand…” 

“The village can’t afford more internal strife. Otherwise, the Cloud Village and other nations will seize the chance to strike. It won’t just be the Leaf—it could drag the entire ninja world into war again…” 

“I’ve been on the battlefield since I was a child. I’ve seen the brutality and bloodshed of war. I can’t stand by and watch the Leaf Village, or the entire ninja world, fall into chaos again!” 

Hiruzen was stunned. 

He hadn’t expected Itachi to reach this conclusion on his own, without much prodding… 

It saved him the effort of persuasion. 

“You understand, then…” 

“It’s a pity not everyone has your vision. Otherwise, the ninja world would’ve been at peace long ago.” 

“Itachi, remember just one thing…” 

“The Leaf Village must not fall into chaos!” 

Itachi’s heart trembled. 

“I understand…” 

“I’ve studied the Uchiha clan’s dark history—brothers killing each other to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, using forbidden techniques to win battles, scheming and rebelling for power… I’m tired of it all…” 

“Maybe, as the Second Hokage said, the Uchiha clan is inherently evil…” 

Hiruzen’s heart stirred again. 

Well, damn, Itachi was far easier to sway than Shisui… 

He’d already grasped such profound truths without Hiruzen saying much? 

He’d even internalized the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju’s “inherently evil” theory? 

Hiruzen knew this wasn’t the time to pile on. Instead, he took the opposite approach. 

“Don’t say that, Itachi!” 

“No clan is inherently evil. The Uchiha… they’re just too emotional, too extreme. They crave love and bonds, but when they lose them, they’re more prone to twisting into darkness…” 

“The Uchiha clan, alongside the Senju, founded the Leaf Village—a great clan!” 

“The Uchiha’s honor still needs people like you to protect it!” 

Itachi’s body trembled. 

“To… protect the Uchiha clan’s honor?” 

“That’s exactly why I must…” 

“Destroy the entire clan with my own hands!” 

Hiruzen smirked inwardly. 

It’s done… 

Chapter 77: Settling the Score with the Uchiha Clan! Sarutobi Hiruzen’s Resolve!  

Itachi Uchiha spoke in a low, resolute tone. “If the Uchiha clan goes to war with Konoha, it’ll be a lose-lose situation. The village will fall into chaos, leaving an opening for other great nations to swoop in and spark a full-scale ninja world war…” 

“Even from the perspective of the clan’s interests, if the Uchiha start a rebellion, they’ll be branded as war criminals and traitors, forever nailed to the pillar of shame in history!” 

“I can’t let that happen…” 

“The only way to preserve the Uchiha’s honor is to completely wipe out the entire clan.” 

Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a long sigh. 

“Itachi, is this your final resolve?” 

“Yes.” 

“I never imagined you’d think this deeply at such a young age. As I’ve said before, you already possess the mindset of a Hokage. And now, your vision, your heart, and your capacity… they might even surpass mine as Hokage.” 

“But once you make this decision, your own reputation…” 

Itachi’s eyes remained unwavering. 

“That doesn’t matter.” 

“I’m willing to live on, carrying the weight of the most inhumane, despised sins.” 

“That might just be my destiny…” 

Sarutobi had no words left to say. 

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged a glance. 

“Itachi, the fact that you can think from the perspective of the village—甚至 the entire ninja world—and cast aside narrow clan loyalties… we’re truly relieved and deeply impressed.” 

“But the final question is…” 

“Can you really do it?” 

“Wipe out the entire Uchiha clan… on your own?!” 

“The Uchiha clan’s strength is not to be underestimated…” 

Itachi shook his head. 

“No, the only truly formidable one is Uchiha Senba.” 

“In my eyes, the rest of the Uchiha clan is nothing special.” 

“Even my father hasn’t awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, let alone the other clan members…” 

Homura said gravely, “But just Uchiha Senba alone is nearly impossible to deal with. You’ve heard, haven’t you? Even Danzo…” 

Itachi nodded. “I know.” 

“But I have someone in mind who can stand up to Uchiha Senba.” 

“Oh? Who?” 

“Uchiha… Madara.” 

Sarutobi, Koharu, and Homura’s faces changed in unison. 

“Uchiha Madara?!” 

“But he’s long been…” 

Itachi cut in. “He might not be the real Uchiha Madara, but his strength is unfathomable. And…” 

“The Nine-Tails incident years ago was caused by him. The Fourth Hokage and the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki both died by his hand!” 

Sarutobi’s heart jolted. “That masked man?!” 

“Yes, Lord Hokage, you…” 

“I caught a glimpse of him from afar during the Nine-Tails incident…” 

Itachi hesitated, sensing that the Hokage was lying. 

But that didn’t matter now. 

He recounted his conversation with “Uchiha Madara.” 

The three elders exchanged stunned looks. 

“If it’s him, he might actually be able to defeat Uchiha Senba… or even…” 

“Kill him!” 

Itachi wasn’t so optimistic, but… 

“He doesn’t need to kill him. As long as he can keep Uchiha Senba occupied…” 

“The rest will be easy.” 

“The Uchiha clan isn’t as strong as people think.” 

“Without Uchiha Senba, with my power, combined with the Anbu under your command, Lord Hokage, and the forces of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, wiping out the Uchiha would be effortless.” 

“No…” 

“I alone am enough.” 

“Unless absolutely necessary, Lord Hokage, please don’t intervene. It could damage the reputation of Konoha’s leadership…” 

Sarutobi nodded, letting out another sigh. 

“You’ve truly thought of everything…” 

“But this burden falls on you alone…” 

A flicker of sorrow passed through Itachi’s eyes. 

“I’m willing to bear this painful fate.” 

With that, he rose from his kneeling position, resolve solidified. 

“When my father— I mean, the clan leader—returns, he’ll surely head to the Naka Shrine to meet with the clan’s senior elders. At that moment, as long as ‘Uchiha Madara’ keeps Uchiha Senba occupied, I’ll handle everyone else.” 

“But I have one final condition.” 

“Name it.” 

“No matter how this ends, I ask one thing of you, Lord Hokage…” 

“Take care of my little brother, Sasuke Uchiha.” 

“Ensure he grows up strong, carrying the weight of his hatred for me, growing stronger step by step…” 

“My greatest fate would be to one day die by his hand…” 

“That way, the Uchiha’s honor can be preserved, and Sasuke can live on as a hero in the ninja world.” 

Sarutobi’s heart stirred. 

So that’s his greatest weakness? 

Uchiha… Sasuke. 

“You have my word. I’ll do everything in my power to protect Sasuke.” 

Itachi nodded. 

He wanted to say more but ultimately held his tongue, turned, and left the Hokage’s office. 

Watching his retreating figure, Koharu and Homura’s expressions grew complex. 

“What a terrifying young man…” 

“He’s only about ten years old, isn’t he?” 

“To have such cunning and ruthless determination…” 

Homura sighed. “Compared to him, Shisui was like a blank slate…” 

Sarutobi let out a cold laugh. 

“This is perfect. I didn’t even need to brainwash him. He’s already made the best decision on his own.” 

“Indeed, Shisui pales in comparison to him.” 

“Itachi Uchiha… he’s the perfect tool!” 

Koharu nodded. “But, Hiruzen, do you really think Itachi can wipe out the entire Uchiha clan?” 

“His strength…” 

“There’s no issue. The power of the Mangekyo Sharingan is far beyond that of a regular Sharingan. And…” 

“Itachi Uchiha carries the deepest bonds of love and hate. The strength of his ocular powers is equally unimaginable.” 

“Before, Fugaku sent Yashiro, Inabi, and Tekka—three elite Jonin—to keep an eye on Itachi. They were instantly defeated by his ocular powers, and he even used genjutsu to erase their memories of it.” 

“Hmph, those three were among the Uchiha’s best, yet they were taken down in a flash. Other ninja—or even civilians—don’t stand a chance!” 

“As for Fugaku, as long as he hasn’t awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, his fate will be the same!” 

Homura added, “The other critical issue…” 

“Can this so-called Uchiha Madara really kill Uchiha Senba?” 

Koharu chimed in, “Hiruzen, if he’s the one who caused the Nine-Tails incident, that means he’s also the one who killed Kushina…” 

Sarutobi’s voice was cold. “Hmph, it’s just mutual exploitation. Even if he has ulterior motives, for now, he’s on our side in this matter…” 

“That’s enough.” 

“What about Jiraiya?” 

“He probably won’t accept us working with the man who killed Minato…” 

Sarutobi fell silent for a moment. 

“He only needs to know what he needs to know.” 

“And I never expected him to get involved in the Uchiha extermination.” 

“If—and I mean if—the masked man and Itachi can’t handle Uchiha Senba, Jiraiya will be our final trump card…” 

“Of course, the Anbu, the Sarutobi clan, and the Shimura clan can’t just sit idly by. We three must be ready to act at any moment!” 

“Understood, Hiruzen.” 

Sarutobi stood, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. 

“This conflict has dragged on long enough…” 

“It’s time to settle the score with Uchiha Senba… and the entire Uchiha clan!” 

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