61-65

Chapter 61: Unable to Live, Unable to Die! Please Vote! 

“Yakushi Nonou.” 

“Come with us.” 

Yoru took a deep breath and spoke in a low, steady voice. 

Yakushi Nonou’s body trembled, her hands tightly clutching the hem of her clothes, but she didn’t dare make any move to respond. 

She, of course, knew Uchiha Yoru’s reputation—his name shook the entire ninja world, shining like the sun at its zenith, revered by all! 

But… 

She also knew the terror of the Root organization all too well. 

Even if she wanted to save those children, even if she wanted to tell Uchiha Yoru the whole truth, or even act as a witness to this heinous crime, as he suggested… 

How could she ensure the safety of those children? 

Behind her were the lives of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of innocent orphans… 

Aburame Ryoma glanced back at her. 

He seemed to see through her hesitation. 

He sneered coldly, “Uchiha Yoru, you can’t take her.” 

“Yakushi Nonou may be the director of Konoha’s orphanage in name, but she’s also a member of Root. If you want to take her by force, you’ll need permission from both Lord Danzo and the Hokage!” 

“Otherwise…” 

“You’ll have to step over my dead body!” 

Aoki and Yamakaze both scoffed in unison. 

“You think we wouldn’t dare?!” 

Yoru almost found it amusing. 

“Aburame Ryoma, where did you get the delusion…” 

“That I wouldn’t kill you?” 

“Or perhaps another delusion…” 

“That I can’t kill you?” 

Ryoma sneered back, “Uchiha Yoru, I know you’re reckless and fearless, and I don’t doubt you could kill me. But…” 

“You don’t understand how Root operates.” 

“Even if you kill me, you won’t achieve your goal.” 

“Forget taking Yakushi Nonou—even if you did, you’d never get any intel about Root from her, let alone from me.” 

“My body is tied to countless secrets. If I die, not only will many truths stay buried in the shadows forever, but more importantly…” 

“Many lives will die with me, all as my funeral escort!” 

In an instant, Nonou’s face paled dramatically! 

Aoki and Yamakaze caught the threat in his words, their hearts jolting as their eyes practically blazed with fury! 

Aburame Ryoma had likely linked his life to the orphanage children through some kind of secret curse seal—if he died, they would all die too! 

This was beyond monstrous! 

But considering he was one of Root’s leaders, working alongside Orochimaru and Shimura Danzo, it wasn’t surprising. 

Aoki and Yamakaze trembled with rage but didn’t dare act rashly, turning to look at their captain. 

Killing Ryoma would mean the deaths of all the children. 

Not killing him meant he’d smugly refuse to leak any Root intel. 

Nonou’s face was ashen, like a flickering candle in the wind, on the verge of collapse… 

She looked at Yoru, lost and lifeless, like a walking corpse. 

Yoru took a deep breath. 

“Threatening me.” 

“Fine, Aburame Ryoma. You’re the first person bold enough to try.” 

“You don’t want to live, and you don’t want to die? Then I’ll make you unable to live or die.” 

Yoru’s words were a feint. 

His real move had already begun while he spoke. 

Mangekyo Sharingan… 

Activate! 

In an instant, his right eye transformed into a blood-red six-pointed star, spinning faintly, radiating ferocious, untamed ocular power that locked onto Ryoma’s eyes! 

Ryoma wasn’t unprepared. 

But Yoru’s activation was faster, subtler, and more unstoppable than he could have imagined! 

Magatsuhi-no-Kami! 

Buzz— 

The Mangekyo Sharingan’s technique, Magatsuhi-no-Kami, descended upon the ninja world for the second time since utterly defeating Uchiha Shisui! 

Before Ryoma could react, he was trapped in the Mangekyo Sharingan’s illusion world… 

His expression turned vacant, as if his soul had been stripped away. 

Even Orochimaru would fall instantly to Uchiha Itachi’s Mangekyo Sharingan. 

What chance did a mere Aburame Ryoma have?! 

In that moment, Ryoma was plunged into an endless hell, engulfed by relentless red lotus flames that scorched the heavens and earth, consuming his entire body! 

Every fraction, every inch, every corner, every cell burned with the ferocious heat of the red lotus flames, transforming his lifetime of sins into karma, only to be incinerated by the flames! 

This was an unstoppable fire of retribution! 

In that moment, Ryoma’s lifetime of sins played like a reel in the purgatory world—his crimes were monstrous, his evil boundless… 

Following someone like Shimura Danzo, how many atrocities had Ryoma committed, how many inhumane acts had he carried out? His sins were too numerous to record! 

Compared to him, Uchiha Shisui was just a naive fool! 

And because of this, the pain Ryoma endured now was unimaginable. 

His body and soul burned simultaneously, roasted inch by inch—not just bone-deep agony but a torment that pierced his heart and soul. 

“Aaahhhh!” 

The Root members watched as Uchiha Yoru’s Mangekyo Sharingan unleashed its power. In the next instant, their leader, Lord Ryoma, let out a blood-curdling scream, his mouth gaping so wide it seemed his soul might spill out! 

“Lord Ryoma…” 

“What… what is this?!” 

But Yoru controlled the Mangekyo’s power, restraining Magatsuhi-no-Kami from reaching its full force. 

Otherwise, Ryoma would have been incinerated instantly. 

He meant what he said. 

He’d promised to make Ryoma unable to live or die, and he would. 

Under the flames of Magatsuhi-no-Kami, Yoru’s ocular power forcibly shattered the countless curse seals Danzo had placed on Ryoma. 

The most critical was, of course, the Tongue-Binding Curse Seal. 

And the many barriers, restrictions, seals, and runes set in his mind… 

All were reduced to ashes under the flames! 

Thus, Yoru saw the whole truth… 

Including the forbidden jutsu Ryoma had been ordered to research… 

Edo Tensei! 

Yoru spoke gravely, “The children are spread across three of Root’s secret bases.” 

“The one ahead is one of them.” 

“Aoki, Yamakaze, these people all need to die.” 

“Yes, Captain!” 

In an instant. 

Yoru became a god of thunder, slaughtering seven or eight Root ninjas in a flash! 

Then, like a bolt of lightning, he stormed into the Root’s secret base. 

Aoki and Yamakaze roared, charging at the last three or four Root members. 

Nonou hesitated for a moment, then turned and followed Yoru, rushing into the Root’s secret base… 

As for Aburame Ryoma, he remained trapped in the endless agony of the soul-scorching flames, unable to escape, never able to escape… 

Unable to live, unable to die! 

Chapter 62: Kill, Kill, Kill! No One in Root Is Unworthy of Death!  

Like a cunning rabbit with three burrows, Yoru had long known that the Root organization’s secret bases were never limited to just one. 

Even someone like Ryoma Aburame didn’t fully grasp Danzo Shimura’s secrets. A man like Danzo would never truly trust anyone—not even Ryoma. 

Yoru stormed into the Root base. Naturally, it was rigged with barriers, traps, and seals, but to him, they were as good as nothing. 

In no time, he reached the core of the facility. 

Drawing from the sins buried in Ryoma’s memories, Yoru quickly pinpointed where the children were being held. 

No time for talk. He swung his samurai sword, unleashing a Lightning Release: False Darkness Blade. With a deafening crash, the prison’s iron gate—and the wall around it—exploded into rubble. 

Inside the cell, the air was thick with despair and deathly silence. 

In a corner, ragged children huddled together, clinging to one another in terror as they stared at Yoru. The oldest among them was barely ten, the youngest maybe five or six. 

In another life, they’d be cherished and spoiled at this age. But in this dark, filthy ninja world—in the eyes of Root and that old dog Danzo Shimura—they were nothing more than living sacrifices. 

Each child was a soul, a life, a tool for the Forbidden Jutsu: Impure World Reincarnation. 

They had no lives, no dreams, no hope. Only numbers. 

A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Yoru’s eyes. 

“You can come out now,” he said. 

A braver child, voice trembling, asked, “W-who are you?” 

“Yoru Uchiha.” 

“Y-you’re Yoru Uchiha?!” 

The kids’ eyes lit up, like they were staring at their hero, their idol. 

“Lord Yoru! The orphanage director always told us stories about you!” 

“You’re so cool!” 

“Is it really the Yoru Uchiha?!” 

Yoru froze for a moment. He hadn’t expected these kids to worship him so fiercely. 

But it made sense. These children were like blank sheets of paper. Some might not even be from the Hidden Leaf. Many didn’t know their true origins or parents. 

Like Kabuto Yakushi, they weren’t unique cases. 

Because of that, whatever this world fed them, they’d become. 

And Nonou Yakushi had fed them stories about him. 

A thought crossed Yoru’s mind: Are there still children who haven’t been tainted by this world? Save them… 

These kids could become followers and spreaders of his will. 

“Sorry, I’m the one who told them your stories as bedtime tales,” Nonou Yakushi said from behind, her cheeks slightly flushed. “They… really look up to you.” 

Yoru didn’t respond. 

“Take them away,” he ordered. 

“Right…” Nonou nodded, quickly taking the children’s hands and leading them out of the grim prison depths. 

Yoru sensed the base was otherwise empty. Without hesitation, he moved on. 

He had another base to hit. 

As he stepped outside, Aoki and Yamakaze had already taken care of the three or four remaining Root ninjas. They stood guard over a screaming, broken Ryoma Aburame, waiting for Yoru. 

“Captain,” Aoki greeted. 

“Captain Yoru,” Yamakaze added. “How’d it go?” 

Yoru said nothing. Behind him, Nonou emerged with the children. 

The two let out a sigh of relief. But this was only the beginning. 

“Let’s go,” Yoru said, his voice dripping with killing intent as he headed for the second base. 

Earlier, killing Yamato had earned him 200 merit points. The seven or eight Root ninjas after that added over 400 more. Yoru dumped them all into his eye power. 

Current Mangekyo Sharingan: (5650/10,000)! 

He didn’t dwell on the change in his eye power. His focus was on those kids. 

Cold and extreme as he was, those blank-slate children were innocent. And Yoru wanted them to become new sparks of hope. 

At the second base, the Root ninja in charge, codenamed Leopard, didn’t even know what hit him. 

Yoru didn’t bother with words. He cut down Leopard and five or six other Root members in one fell swoop. 

The third base went the same way. 

Nonou knew these people deserved death, but Yoru’s brutality still sent a chill through her. Yet, strangely, she felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. 

She tried to shield the kids from the bloodshed, but it was impossible to block it all. Still, though they were scared, their awe and gratitude toward Yoru only grew. 

Small as they were, they knew who the real villains were—and who their savior was. 

In less than half a day, Yoru had obliterated three Root bases, killed nearly twenty Root ninjas, and saved the captured children. He’d left Ryoma Aburame wishing for death. 

But he wasn’t satisfied. 

One glaring question gnawed at him: Where was Danzo Shimura? 

He wasn’t at any of these bases. 

Clearly, there were places and secrets even Ryoma didn’t know about. 

Aoki and Yamakaze, following their captain, fought with exhilarating fury. Root’s dirty deeds had needed cleansing for far too long. 

Nonou hesitated, then spoke. “Lord Yoru, I… I have a selfish request.” 

“Speak,” he said flatly. 

“Could you… escort these children back to the orphanage? And maybe stay there for a while? I’m… I’m afraid…” 

Yoru understood. Killing so many Root ninjas would send shockwaves through the Hidden Leaf. Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi—they wouldn’t let this slide quietly. They might even target the orphanage again. 

He didn’t answer, just started walking ahead. 

Aoki and Yamakaze, knowing his ways, smiled at Nonou and the kids. “Let’s go. The captain’s agreed.” 

The children erupted in cheers, buzzing with excitement. Nonou, stunned for a moment, let a small smile curve her lips. 

Killing seventeen Anbu in total earned Yoru over 600 more merit points, which he poured into his eye power again. 

Current Mangekyo Sharingan: (6280/10,000)! 

His eye power had broken past 6,000. 

In that instant— 

Ding! 

[Host’s Mangekyo Sharingan eye power has reached 6,000!] 

[Host has successfully awakened the ultimate power of the Mangekyo Sharingan…] 

[Susanoo!] 

Yoru’s heart stirred. 

Susanoo! 

His very own Susanoo was finally awakening. 

But he felt no rush of excitement. It was simply the natural next step. 

Besides, even without Susanoo, he could kill Shisui Uchiha, who had one. His strength had long surpassed the need for it. 

Still, awakening his own Susanoo was something to celebrate. 

He just wondered… what form would his Susanoo take? What unique powers would it hold? 

Chapter 63: The Arrival of Susanoo! The Ten-Blade Sin-Slaying Sword!  

Yoru didn’t need to fully unleash his Susanoo.  

In his mind, he could already see its form taking shape.  

Its body was pitch-black as ink yet glowed with a blood-red hue. Beneath this striking black-and-red form, faint flickers of lightning and molten lava-like radiance surged, pulsing with energy!  

Majestic and towering, it radiated unmatched dominance, brimming with intense fighting spirit and killing intent, like black flames rising and swirling around the colossal martial god!  

The wild, black-and-red chakra first formed a sprawling framework of chakra bones. Then, it rapidly grew flesh, skin, and even…  

A chakra armor cloak!  

This armor, deep as the darkest night and vivid as fresh blood, blended black and red, enveloping the Susanoo entirely. It fully armed the martial god-like figure, making it a perfect blend of offense and defense, wielding unimaginable, terrifying power!  

“Hm?”  

“It’s already in the second form of Susanoo?”  

The first form of Susanoo is just a skeletal chakra framework.  

The second form, however, grows flesh, skin, and a chakra armor cloak!  

More importantly…  

The second form of Susanoo comes with a unique spiritual weapon tailored to the user!  

For example, Shisui Uchiha had the Spiral Sword, Itachi Uchiha had the Yata Mirror and Ten-Fist Sword, Madara Uchiha had a chakra katana, and Sasuke Uchiha had the Heavenly Maga Bow.  

As for Yoru himself…  

On his second-form, jet-black Susanoo, its arms clenched into fists, finally revealing his unique dual chakra weapons. In its right hand was a menacing chakra sword, radiating deadly aura, named…  

The Ten-Blade Sin-Slaying Sword!  

The sword’s blade seemed forged from black-and-red crystal—sharp, dark, and lined with jagged spikes. Sealed within it were thunder and karmic flames, exuding the ferocious power of judgment and purification!  

Once the Ten-Blade Sin-Slaying Sword struck an enemy, its spikes would pierce their body, making escape impossible!  

It could also unleash Yoru’s unique explosive lightning and crimson lotus flames!  

In other words…  

A guaranteed death!  

The Susanoo’s left hand wielded another weapon—a chain radiating the same aura of restraint, sealing, judgment, and purification. Its name was…  

The Thousand-Binding Sin-Locking Chain!  

Symbolizing “the inescapable power of judgment,” it could completely bind and restrict an enemy’s movements, even sealing them within a barrier called the Sin Realm!  

Both the Ten-Blade Sin-Slaying Sword and the Thousand-Binding Sin-Locking Chain drew from mythological tales of judging and sealing evil gods!  

Yoru’s Susanoo abilities were deeply tied to his own essence, perfectly aligned with his nature!  

He nodded slightly to himself.  

With the power of Susanoo and these two unique chakra weapons, his strength had skyrocketed, reaching new heights!  

Whether it was Danzo Shimura or the Root organization, it was time for them to be wiped out completely…  

Meanwhile, at Yoru’s command, the entire Hidden Leaf Village was in an uproar!  

Many ninja, and even civilians, noticed signs that their family graves had been disturbed. To their shock and fury, they discovered that their loved ones’ remains had been stolen!  

Worse still, Yoru ordered the Police Force to announce to the village that Root had been secretly using corpses and children as sacrifices, conducting forbidden jutsu research and inhumane experiments. This revelation shook everyone to their core!  

In an instant, the village erupted in outrage. Demands to execute Danzo Shimura and dismantle Root echoed everywhere, plunging the village into chaos.  

In a quiet corner of the village, before an unremarkable tombstone, Kakashi Hatake stared at an empty grave where a body had been dug up and stolen. His eyes burned with raging fire…  

Once this flame was ignited, it would never be extinguished.  

The tombstone bore the name Sakumo Hatake, radiating a mocking irony.  

The White Fang of the Leaf, a hero of the village, feared even by the legendary Sannin, had given everything—even his life—to protect the village. Yet, he was met with humiliation and slander, driven to suicide by the village’s condemnation! And now…  

Even in death, was he to be disgraced again?  

Kakashi Hatake asked himself deeply.  

Could he endure such an outcome?  

Could he accept such a fate?  

The answer was…  

No.  

Unbearable. Unacceptable!  

He clenched his fists tightly, his left Sharingan blazing with a brilliant, blood-red glow!  

Who could accept this?  

His father was a hero of the village!  

The White Fang of the Leaf—what a resounding, glorious name that once was!  

His reputation shook the ninja world, striking fear into all who heard it, forcing enemies to flee in terror!  

In the village, his fame and status rivaled even the legendary Sannin!  

Yet…  

What was his end?  

Who could have imagined that such a great hero, such a towering figure, would meet his demise by his own hand?!  

What conspiracy lay behind that tragedy?  

Kakashi couldn’t bear to think about it, didn’t dare to.  

But carrying the weight of this darkness and pain, pressing forward through gritted teeth, Kakashi now saw his father’s grave desecrated, his remains stolen…  

This was the final straw that broke him.  

It shattered him completely.  

In that moment, Kakashi suddenly thought of Yoru Uchiha.  

That man’s will might be the only hope.  

This ninja world…  

It was too corrupt, too filthy…  

Only thunderous measures could purify it!  

From this moment, Kakashi Hatake made his resolve.  

In the Hokage’s office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was beside himself with rage!  

Danzo Shimura had truly messed things up!  

His furious outburst even startled Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.  

The two had followed Hiruzen for years, his true confidants and comrades.  

Yet even they had never seen Hiruzen this enraged.  

“That bastard Danzo!”  

“How did he promise me?!”  

“He swore he’d keep his actions completely secret, that he’d silently build his strength and kill that beast Yoru Uchiha! And what happened?!”  

“Not a single result, yet the entire Hidden Leaf is in an uproar, thrown into chaos!”  

“Now, countless ninja and villagers are reporting their ancestors’ graves dug up, their remains stolen, and the Police Force is loudly proclaiming it’s all Danzo and Root’s doing!”  

“Tell me, what am I supposed to do?!”  

Koharu and Homura sighed.  

“Hiruzen, I understand your anger, but things have happened. You need to calm down…”  

“Exactly. The damage is done; we can only try to fix it.”  

“Danzo didn’t mean for this to happen. With his and Root’s usual methods, he’d do everything to keep it hidden, ensuring no one found out. Who could’ve guessed Yoru Uchiha would see through it…”  

A flicker of fear passed through Koharu’s eyes.  

“That man’s eyes… they truly have unparalleled insight…”  

“Like a bloodhound or a vulture, sharp and terrifying!”  

“I believe Danzo was careful enough, but as soon as that man caught the slightest hint, he’d follow the trail and uncover all of Danzo’s secrets…”  

Homura nodded.  

“Yoru Uchiha may not have had much evidence at first, but by finding one flaw and announcing it to the village, urging everyone to check for grave robbers, he made people panic. They checked their graves and, of course, discovered Danzo’s scheme…”  

“That guy Danzo was indeed working with Orochimaru, using the forbidden jutsu created by the Second Hokage—Impure World Reincarnation…”  

Hiruzen roared, “Impure World Reincarnation or any other forbidden jutsu, I told him he could research them, but he absolutely couldn’t let any information leak!”  

“Didn’t he learn anything from Orochimaru’s lesson?!”  

Koharu shook her head. “Hiruzen, Yoru Uchiha has already destroyed three of Root’s bases, killed many of their ninja, and even captured Ryoma Aburame. Though Danzo placed a cursed seal on him, it likely can’t withstand the power of Yoru’s Mangekyo Sharingan…”  

Homura glanced at her.  

“You mean…”  

“We should completely abandon Danzo?!” 

Chapter 64: S-Rank Rogue Ninja Danzo Shimura?! The Shame of Konoha's Leadership!  

Koharu Utatane sighed, “I’m not just saying this—it’s the truth…” 

“Digging up graves, stealing corpses, even using orphanage kids as living sacrifices for human experiments… If this gets out, it won’t just be Danzo who’s finished. The entire Hidden Leaf will be a pariah, despised by all. Hiruzen, you won’t be able to wash your hands of this either.” 

Hiruzen Sarutobi sneered, “Let’s be real—which ninja village is clean? The Mist has its Bloody Mist era, the Sand has its forbidden puppet techniques, the Stone’s Onoki stirs up trouble and instigates wars in the shadows, and don’t get me started on the Cloud. They tried to kidnap Kushina, the Nine-Tails’ Jinchuriki, back in the day, and just recently went after Hinata Hyuga for her Byakugan. All dirty deeds!” 

Homura Mitokado cut in, “Sure, but you, Hiruzen, have always played the kind and merciful leader. When Orochimaru, your prized student, was exposed for his forbidden human experiments, didn’t you cast him out without hesitation, despite the pain it caused you? You’ve held power in Konoha for decades by maintaining that polished reputation, haven’t you?” 

Hiruzen’s heart jolted. “Are you saying… we do the same to Danzo?” 

Koharu’s voice was grim. “Hiruzen, this isn’t just us talking. You said it yourself: if Danzo’s actions ever came to light, you’d pin all the blame on him to protect the village. It’s the toughest choice, but it’s the right one.” 

Homura nodded. “Koharu’s right. Yoru Uchiha’s got public opinion on his side, and the village is in an uproar. He’s also got Ryoma Aburame and Nonou Yakushi as witnesses, ready to expose Danzo and Root’s atrocities to the world. If you don’t cut ties decisively, it won’t just be Danzo who ends up a pariah.” 

Hiruzen fell silent. 

His relationship with Danzo Shimura was… complicated. They’d always been rivals, yet they needed each other. Hiruzen relied on Danzo to handle the dirty work he couldn’t touch, while Danzo leaned on Hiruzen’s authority as his backbone. They were like two sides of a coin—constantly clashing but inseparable. 

Now, treating Danzo like Orochimaru? A part of him hesitated, if only out of sentiment. 

But for a schemer, a politician, a leader like Hiruzen Sarutabi, emotions didn’t sway rational decisions. 

“Where is Danzo, anyway?” he asked. 

Homura and Koharu shook their heads. 

“You know him,” Homura said. “Root’s bases are like a rabbit’s warren—only Danzo knows all his secrets. From Orochimaru, he didn’t just get the Impure World Reincarnation technique. He’s likely holed up somewhere, studying forbidden jutsu, building his strength.” 

A ruthless glint flashed in Hiruzen’s eyes. “Then it’s settled. I’ll announce a full investigation into Danzo’s crimes. If they’re confirmed, he’ll be branded an enemy of the Hidden Leaf—an S-rank rogue ninja, just like Orochimaru. But I’ll make sure the blame points back to Yoru Uchiha. Danzo’s got a personal vendetta against him now—he’ll stop at nothing to kill that brat. And that…” 

Koharu and Homura exchanged knowing looks. A classic case of letting two enemies tear each other apart while the village reaps the benefits. Hiruzen’s perfect plan. 

They both agreed. Danzo might’ve been their ally once, but like a lizard shedding its tail, cutting him off cleanly was the only way to save themselves. If they didn’t, Hiruzen’s downfall would drag them all down with him. 

“But,” Homura added, “Danzo’s not just going to hate Yoru. He’ll come for you too, Hiruzen.” 

Hiruzen smirked. “Let him try. First, he’ll have to survive Yoru Uchiha.” 

At the Hokage meeting, Yoru boldly revealed the findings of the Military Police Force’s investigation, pointing the finger directly at Danzo Shimura and his Root organization. 

To ensure credibility, he’d roped in the Analysis Team and the Interrogation Unit. The conclusion was undeniable: Danzo and Root were secretly conducting inhumane human experiments, desecrating graves, stealing corpses, and using orphanage children as living sacrifices. 

The announcement sent shockwaves through the meeting. Every attendee who qualified to be there was livid, their anger boiling over. 

Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura had anticipated this outcome, but they hadn’t realized just how far Danzo had gone. And how had Yoru managed to get the Analysis Team and Interrogation Unit to back him up so discreetly? 

Hiruzen’s gaze landed on Kakashi Hatake. Something was off. Kakashi’s usual laid-back, indifferent demeanor was gone, replaced by an icy intensity that mirrored Yoru’s. 

A realization hit Hiruzen. Could it be… Danzo? 

He knew Danzo had been cozying up to Orochimaru, dabbling in the Impure World Reincarnation—a forbidden jutsu created by his teacher, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Danzo was likely planning to use it against Yoru. 

But the jutsu was useless without powerful ninja to summon. So… 

“That bastard Danzo,” Hiruzen thought, “he went after Kakashi’s late father, Konoha’s White Fang, Sakumo Hatake?!” 

If that were true, Kakashi had likely thrown his full support behind Yoru. The Interrogation Unit and Analysis Team’s involvement probably had his hand in it too. 

Damn it! Hiruzen’s hatred for Danzo burned hotter. 

But it didn’t stop there. 

Shito Akimichi, acting head of the Akimichi clan, roared, “Danzo and Root sneaked into our clan’s cemetery and stole the body of our revered elder, Torifu Akimichi! It’s beyond depraved—it’s inhuman! The Akimichi clan won’t let this slide!” 

Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura exchanged stunned glances. Torifu Akimichi—a comrade who’d fought alongside them, Danzo, and Kagami Uchiha under the Second Hokage. A respected figure in the Akimichi clan, and now his body had been desecrated by Danzo. 

If this wasn’t handled carefully, the entire Ino-Shika-Cho trio—Inuzuka, Yamanaka, and Akimichi—might turn against Konoha’s leadership. 

Who knew how many other bodies Danzo had stolen? Reports had already come in about the thefts of Kato Dan ­Dan, Koma Moku, and Mayu Yugao’s corpses, not to mention Torifu and Sakumo. 

And likely others—Kagami Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha… maybe even the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, or the Second, Tobirama Senju. 

That kind of power could absolutely take down Yoru Uchiha. But the backlash would be enough to topple Konoha’s entire leadership. 

Facing the raging public outcry, Hiruzen was sweating bullets. Thankfully, he’d already made his decision. He declared firmly, “Rest assured, everyone! Danzo and Root’s heinous crimes will not be swept under the rug. As Hokage, I hereby declare Danzo Shimura an S-rank rogue ninja, effective immediately! He is an enemy of the Hidden Leaf, and anyone may strike him down!” 

The crowd, seething with rage against Danzo, was stunned by Hiruzen’s ruthless decision. But no matter how you sliced it, one of Konoha’s top brass, the leader of Root, and Hiruzen’s closest ally had just been branded an S-rank traitor. The village’s leadership had never been more humiliated. 

Chapter 65: Danzo Shimura, Cornered and Desperate!  

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s decisive move to cut ties with Danzo left everyone stunned!  

Though Danzo’s actions were undeniably heinous, no one expected the Hokage to make such a bold call…  

Of course, everyone understood why. If he didn’t, Danzo’s crimes would taint the entire Leaf Village leadership, a stain they could never wash away…  

Shikaku Nara and others were momentarily speechless.  

“…Fine. Since the Hokage has spoken, the Nara clan will go all out to track down that bastard Danzo and bring justice for Senior Choza!”  

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. “Good.”  

“I’ll also notify the entire ninja world, including the other four great ninja villages, to jointly hunt down and eliminate Danzo Shimura!”  

With such a firm stance, no one could direct their anger at him any longer.  

However…  

Kakashi Hatake suddenly spoke up. “In that case, I’ll lead my Anbu squad to join the hunt for Danzo Shimura…”  

“Hokage, you won’t object, will you?”  

Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his fists, but his expression remained unchanged.  

“Of course not.”  

“It’s the Anbu’s duty to handle such matters.”  

“Kakashi, this task is yours.”  

Kakashi didn’t respond, not even acknowledging the order.  

Hiruzen was furious inside but helpless to act.  

His greatest hope now…  

Was for Danzo Shimura and Yoru Uchiha to clash immediately, and then…  

For both to destroy each other in a mutual downfall!  

The news of Danzo Shimura defecting from the Leaf and being branded an S-rank rogue ninja shocked the entire village—and the ninja world.  

To “hunt” Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed classified information only a Hokage would know about Danzo and Root, including their secret bases.  

But when Kakashi and others arrived, those bases were, of course, already abandoned.  

He had no choice but to meet with Yoru and share what he knew.  

By now, Kakashi Hatake had become a loyal follower of Yoru.  

“Danzo’s gone. He’s likely no longer in the village.”  

“Finding him won’t be easy.”  

Yoru shook his head.  

“No.”  

“He’ll make sure I find him.”  

Kakashi, sharp as ever, caught on instantly, his eyes lighting up.  

“You mean, Yoru-sama…”  

“He’ll deliberately lure you out for a fight to settle the score?”  

“That does seem very likely…”  

Aoki and Yamakaze sneered mockingly.  

“The Captain made Danzo a complete outcast, a rogue ninja everyone wants dead, like a stray dog. He must hate the Captain to the core and won’t let this go easily.”  

“Exactly. No need for the Captain to hunt him down—Danzo will probably leak intel himself to bait the Captain into a fight.”  

Kakashi was silent for a moment.  

“Yoru-sama, if that’s true, you need to be fully prepared.”  

“Danzo Shimura has always lurked in the shadows. He wouldn’t lure you out unless he was certain of victory. If he shows himself, he’s likely got traps and schemes ready.”  

“And…”  

“We don’t know how many powerful ninja he’s summoned with Impure World Reincarnation. No matter how strong you are, Yoru-sama, it’s hard to fight a crowd alone…”  

“So, please let me go with you.”  

Yoru understood his intent. It wasn’t just concern for him—more than that…  

Kakashi wanted to personally avenge his father!  

Kakashi’s father, the White Fang of the Leaf, Sakumo Hatake, had been turned into one of Danzo’s puppets. Such a humiliating disgrace and deep-seated grudge were more than Kakashi could bear.  

Aoki and Yamakaze exchanged a glance, both understanding his feelings.  

The White Fang of the Leaf…  

A legendary figure renowned across the ninja world…  

But that fame was exactly why Danzo targeted him.  

Aoki said with concern, “Kakashi’s right, Captain. Danzo’s been researching who-knows-how-many forbidden jutsu, and with all the powerful ninja he’s brought back using Impure World Reincarnation, not to mention the Root members still loyal to him, that’s a massive force. Even you can’t take them on alone…”  

Yamakaze chimed in, “Yeah! Take us with you, Captain!”  

Facing their intense gazes, Yoru firmly shook his head.  

“No.”  

“Why not, Captain?!”  

Yoru replied calmly, “Right now, Clan Leader Fugaku is leading many of our clan members in battle against the Cloud Village. The Police Force needs to stay and protect the clan. Following me to fight Danzo would be reckless.”  

Aoki and Yamakaze fell silent.  

They knew Yoru was right.  

With Fugaku absent, if the Police Force left too, the Uchiha clan would be vulnerable.  

“As for you, Kakashi…”  

“Do you really think Hiruzen Sarutobi will let you go after Danzo?”  

Kakashi understood his meaning.  

“I can act on my own behalf. As for the Anbu, I know they’re ultimately loyal to the Hokage…”  

“But I do have some loyal subordinates…”  

“And most importantly…”  

He gave a slight smile. “Yoru-sama, I’m not your subordinate. You can’t order me not to go.”  

Yoru didn’t argue.  

Kakashi continued, “Then it’s settled. I’ll…”  

“Settle this score with Danzo myself!”  

At that moment, in a hidden corner of the Land of Fire, inside a secret underground base…  

Danzo Shimura’s face was darker than ever.  

The oppressive atmosphere was like hell itself.  

The dozen or so remaining Root members around him held their breath, too scared to make a sound.  

Cold sweat dripped down their faces.  

Everything happened so fast. While Yoru was destroying three of Root’s bases, Danzo had been at another, studying forbidden jutsu obtained from Orochimaru.  

Before he could react, he went from being a powerful figure in the Leaf to a fugitive, a pariah everyone wanted dead!  

The stark fall from grace drove Danzo to the brink of rage!  

“Yoru Uchiha, I swear I’ll kill you or die trying!”  

“And…”  

“Hiruzen Sarutobi!”  

“For years, I’ve done your dirty work in the shadows, and now, to save your own face, you cast me out like a dog!”  

“Both of you…”  

“Deserve to die!”  

His trusted aide, Terai, cautiously spoke up.  

“Lord Danzo, they do deserve death, but our current strength…”  

“Root lost many members to Yoru Uchiha. Some couldn’t escape and were either captured by the Police Force or controlled by… I mean, by Hiruzen Sarutobi…”  

“And with Lord Ryoma Aburame captured by Yoru, and Captain Ko already killed by him…”  

Danzo snapped coldly, “What’s there to fear?!”  

“Don’t forget, I’m not the man I used to be…”  

In the eerie darkness, under dim yellow light, Danzo looked at his arm.  

His right arm.  

It was pale, almost alien compared to the rest of his body, yet it pulsed with unimaginable vitality and an ominous, powerful aura.  

Embedded in that arm, several Sharingan eyes swiveled, gazing into the surrounding darkness…  

Terai glanced at it, feeling a wave of nausea but not daring to show it.  

“That’s what Lord Danzo got from Orochimaru…”  

Danzo snorted coldly.  

“Exactly!”  

“The cells of the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, the power of Wood Release, and…”  

“The strength of five Sharingan eyes!”