46-50

*Chapter 46: Itsuki vs. Obito*

Konoha has about 300 jōnin, including those hidden by various clans. Among them, there are fewer than thirty elite jōnin. Most of these are clan heads, although some minor clan heads aren’t necessarily elite jōnin themselves.

Although elite jōnin and regular jōnin are technically of the same rank, there’s a vast difference in their strength. An elite jōnin, with sufficient intel, could potentially kill even a Kage-level shinobi.

In the Five Great Shinobi Villages, elite jōnin hold an extraordinary status. Quite simply, you never know if an elite jōnin might actually be Kage-level.

“Enough,” Itsuki rebuked Shinya, saying, “Don’t be disrespectful to the clan head.”

“Yes!” Shinya immediately calmed his aura, standing obediently to the side.

Fugaku looked over each ninja present, finally locking eyes with Itsuki.

“They’re all elite jōnin?” he asked.

“Yes,” Itsuki didn’t hide it, replying, “I only have these seven.”

“You think that’s not enough?” Fugaku gave a wry smile.

Right now, he felt none of the anger from Shinya’s earlier offense—just happiness.

Even though Uchiha Setsuna and Uchiha Sōyi were aging and losing a bit of power, they still had elite jōnin strength. Fugaku himself was even stronger, and Blacky, by his side, was near that level as well. And then there was Itachi and Shisui...

Did the Uchiha really have so many elite jōnin?

Fugaku’s breathing quickened. “Itsuki, you’ve done brilliantly!”

As clan leader, nothing made him happier than seeing the clan thriving.

And as for the clan not being under his control...he was the clan head now, and that was enough!

What pleased him—and even made him feel a bit uneasy—was that Itsuki remained calm throughout.

It was incredibly rare. Despite holding so much power, he kept a low profile, never revealing his strength or resources.

Calm mind, formidable strength, and vast influence—these three qualities alone could make Itsuki the next clan leader.

How did he accomplish it all? Although extremely curious, Fugaku refrained from asking.

Every ninja has their secrets.

Especially the ones with fiery tempers; they usually have the most.

“It’s always better to have more elite jōnin!” Itsuki chuckled. “And as for the supplies we need this time, don’t worry, clan head—I’ll find a way to secure them.”

After surveying the elite jōnin around, Fugaku nodded, saying, “Alright, I’ll leave it at that. Just keep overseeing the clan’s security; the external matters are yours.”

The division of power within the Uchiha was becoming clearer.

Itsuki was in charge of external affairs, controlling Konoha’s Police Force.

Fugaku oversaw internal matters, controlling the clan’s patrols, hidden posts, and barriers.

Setsuna and Sōyi supported Fugaku, ensuring a balance of power.

The division of power made it clear that Itsuki was destined to become the next Uchiha clan leader.

If Fugaku wanted to save face, his best choice was to support Itsuki in a smooth transition.

Uchiha Shin’ya scoffed, saying, “At least he knows his place.”

Itsuki shot him a look. “Don’t get cocky. Even two of you together couldn’t beat him.”

Surprised, Shin’ya asked, “He’s that strong?”

“Obviously!” Itsuki snapped. “Even without using forbidden powers, he’s Kage-level. If he unleashes Susano’o, Sarutobi Hiruzen would be leaping around like an actual monkey!”

Everyone’s expressions changed.

With Itsuki’s help, their powers had grown, and they no longer looked up to Fugaku as much.

Or, more precisely, there were few people left in Konoha who commanded their respect.

That’s the Uchiha nature.

According to Itsuki, they needed regular reminders of their place.

Of course!

An elite jōnin, especially an Uchiha elite jōnin, held tremendous weight.

The misunderstanding Shin’ya and the others had of Fugaku’s strength was partly due to Itsuki.

They’d seen Fugaku spar with Itsuki, assuming Fugaku wasn’t particularly strong and that they could fare similarly.

Itsuki said seriously, “The last time I fought the clan head, neither of us was going all out.”

“We’re both renowned shinobi of the Ninja World—‘Crimson Eye’ and ‘Blood Flame.’ After gauging each other’s strengths, it was clear we’d need to show our trump cards to avoid a prolonged fight. That meant Mangekyō.”

“And when both sides have Mangekyō, there’s no need to fight. We’re both Uchiha, not enemies like Sarutobi Hiruzen.”

Uchiha Shin’en chuckled, saying, “Of course, there’s one other important reason—Fugaku knows he can’t beat the captain.”

Itsuki didn’t deny it. “That’s true, but...”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Just as Fugaku didn’t know the full extent of his Mangekyō abilities, he didn’t know Fugaku’s either.

Among the few well-known Mangekyō abilities, Fugaku’s remained a mystery.

Is it a genjutsu? A space-time technique?

Or something else?

Itsuki covered his eyes. “Whatever it is, it’s no match for my abilities!”

After packing a few things, Itsuki prepared to leave the village.

At the gate, Hachida blocked him again. “Nara Shikaku wants to see you.”

“Not interested!” Itsuki rejected instantly. “Just tell him I already left; we can talk when I get back.”

I’m at the village gate, and he wants to meet?

What, to make it look like the Uchiha are in league with him?

“Yes!”

Hachida instantly disappeared.

Just as Itsuki was about to leave, another person appeared—Danzo!

Supporting himself with a cane, he looked at Itsuki with cold, eerie eyes, and the air seemed to thicken with his dark aura.

Itsuki squinted and chuckled, “Oh, isn’t it Danzo? I heard you’ve been rather unhappy lately?”

“Insolent!” growled the Root ninja by Danzo’s side. “How dare you disrespect Lord Danzo!”

“‘Lord Danzo’?” Itsuki stroked his chin. “As I recall, the Hokage removed him from all his duties, didn’t he? Does he still deserve that title in front of me, the head of Konoha’s Police Force? What do you think, young Danzo?”

“You…”

“Enough, Shin, step back!” Danzo’s hoarse voice commanded.

He looked at Itsuki, sneering, “You’re quite bold, daring to leave the village now.”

Itsuki laughed, “Oh, I’m even bolder than you think. If you plan to do something, Danzo, now’s your chance! This time, you won’t miss it, right? I wonder if the Third Hokage will seize it instead?”

With that, he turned and left.

Watching him go, Danzo’s eyes filled with ice-cold malice, his body trembling slightly.

Itsuki’s words had struck a nerve!

It was something he never wanted to remember.

Only after Itsuki disappeared did Danzo finally speak in a low voice, “Proceed as planned!”

“Yes!” Root members glared resentfully at Itsuki’s retreating figure, nodding fiercely.

As Itsuki continued on his way, a strange smile appeared on his lips. “Danzo, don’t disappoint me.”

Both sides had laid their pieces out—time to clash head-on.

Just then, a hand suddenly extended from the void, reaching for Itsuki’s back.

Itsuki seemed unaware and kept moving forward.

“Smack!”

The hand touched Itsuki’s back.

“It worked!”

The hand’s owner felt a surge of joy, only to sense an immediate, overwhelming danger.

“Boom!”

A massive explosion erupted.

“Uchiha Itsuki!”

A furious roar sounded as Obito staggered out of the blast, the three tomoe in his eyes spinning.

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 47: I Am Not the Fourth Hokage!*

“Did you need something from me?”

A deep voice echoed behind Obito.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

The crimson fireball surrounded Obito. However, Itsuki frowned ever so slightly, planting his foot firmly and retreating swiftly.

Obito seemed to walk out of the flames as if traversing through space, staring coldly at Itsuki.

"You knew I’d be waiting for you here?"

"I didn’t." Itsuki spread his hands and said, "But I knew that leaving the village this time wouldn’t be peaceful. So, I prepared a bunch of gifts to make you guys grin like fools."

Remembering the shadow clone layered with explosive tags just now, Obito was livid.

The timing was too precise—catching him just as he let his guard down.

He was almost blown to pieces by dozens of explosive tags.

This doesn’t feel like Sharingan—it’s more like... Mangekyō!

Obito’s pupil contracted as he quickly calmed himself, his single eye locking onto Itsuki.

Sure enough, Itsuki’s Sharingan was no longer in its normal form; it had already transformed into the Mangekyō!

"Mangekyō? You’ve been using the Mangekyō this whole time?"

Obito narrowed his eyes at Itsuki, his tone cold.

"So what if I have?" Itsuki smirked. "You dodged my flames and the strange jutsu of explosive tags earlier—wasn’t that thanks to your Mangekyō?"

“Hmph!”

Obito snorted and fell silent, unwilling to reveal more information.

He retrieved two chains, securing them to his wrists. "Uchiha Itsuki, I’ll give you a chance—submit to me!"

Itsuki chuckled. "You’ve had too much to drink, haven’t you? Just because you have one eye, you think you’re invincible?"

"Charge!"

Obito lunged at Itsuki.

Itsuki flung a kunai as he closed the distance between them.

Obito’s body phased through, allowing the kunai to pass through his head. He reached out to grab Itsuki.

Splat!  

As Obito approached, a burst of blood-red flames spewed from Itsuki’s mouth, passing through Obito’s body.

Obito’s hand also phased through Itsuki’s body.

The two crossed paths.

Clink clank!  

The chains behind Obito lunged at Itsuki.

Itsuki merely glanced at them, spitting out another stream of blood flames.

The chains melted instantly.

Looking at the broken chains, Obito frowned. "Blood flames? Is this a Kekkei Genkai?"

Could the Uchiha have developed another Kekkei Genkai alongside the Sharingan?

If so, their already powerful clan would truly become monstrous.

Itsuki put his hands on his hips, grinning smugly. "Jealous, aren’t you?"

"Jealous? Of what?" Obito sneered. "Itsuki, why do you only use Fire Style? Could it be that you’re so focused on Fire Style that you can’t use any other ninjutsu?"

His narrowed eyes reflected his suspicions.

It wasn’t impossible.

Itsuki’s blood flames were famous, but no one had ever seen him use other ninjutsu.

Itsuki sneered dismissively. "Against you, Fire Style is more than enough. Besides, if you’re so unimpressed, why don’t you show me a Fire Style jutsu? Stop relying on your Mangekyō. You think you’re the only one who has one?"

Masked Obito: "..."

Itsuki sighed theatrically. "You’re really living up to your reputation as an Uchiha traitor. Uchiha are known for their mastery of Fire Style, and here you are, not using it at all. Prove me wrong—show me a Fire Style right now, on the spot!"

Obito took a deep breath. Itsuki’s expression was maddening—part disdain, part provocation.

For a moment, he had the urge to crush his mask and unleash a Fire Style right in Itsuki’s face.

But then—

"Hm?"

Obito stopped himself abruptly, suppressing the impulse.

Chakra raged within his body as he glared at Itsuki. "What have you done to me? Genjutsu?"

Itsuki looked genuinely confused. "What?"

"So that’s it!" Obito’s Sharingan morphed into the Mangekyō’s pinwheel design. "Uchiha Itsuki, is this your Mangekyō ability? Implanting subconscious suggestions?"

If it weren’t for the Hashirama cells in his body, he might have fallen for it.

"You’re overthinking it." Itsuki smiled faintly. "Phasing through objects—that’s your Mangekyō ability, isn’t it? And why the mask? Some special hobby? Like slapping yourself with Fire Style?"

Fire Style, Fire Style, Fire Style!

Obito’s Mangekyō began to spin rapidly. From the distorted space, a flurry of shuriken shot toward Itsuki.

Itsuki dodged with fluid movements, avoiding every attack.

The next moment, Obito materialized behind Itsuki, reaching for him.

"Hm?" Itsuki’s expression shifted as he drew a kunai and swung it at Obito’s head.

Obito’s hand phased through Itsuki’s arm, reversing to grip Itsuki’s hand.

"Got you! I win!"

Before Obito could celebrate, Itsuki’s Mangekyō rotated slightly, and Obito’s body froze.

Boom!  

Itsuki’s fist landed squarely in Obito’s stomach.

"Ugh!" Obito’s eye widened.

"I’m not the Fourth Hokage. We both have Mangekyō—what makes you think I’m beneath you?"

Itsuki’s light, mocking voice rang in Obito’s ear as he formed a one-handed seal.

Massive chakra surged.

Another Fire Style!

...No time to use Kamui!

Obito’s expression darkened as he sensed the looming threat of death.

Just as Itsuki was about to unleash his finishing move, trees sprung up, intercepting him.

"Wood Style?"

Itsuki’s expression shifted as he retreated in a flash.

Obito gritted his teeth, glaring coldly at Itsuki. "You’re not surprised I can use Wood Style. Damn it, you know me well?"

Reflecting on the battle, a heavy feeling settled over Obito.

"You could say that," Itsuki said with a sly grin. "I was a spectator the night of the Nine-Tails attack—watched several good shows."

So that’s it!

Obito’s heart sank.

No wonder the other man claimed not to be the Fourth Hokage.

If Itsuki had witnessed his fight with Minato that night, he would have detailed knowledge of Obito’s abilities.

"Why?"

"What?"

Obito’s tone was grave. "If you were there, why didn’t you save the Fourth Hokage? With your strength, you could’ve intervened, and he might not have died."

"What a thing to say," Itsuki shook his head, smiling. "It’s like you’re accusing me of killing him. Don’t forget, the Third Hokage didn’t step in, nor did Danzo. Koharu and Homura were nowhere to be found.

"As a Uchiha under orders not to leave the clan compound, what would it mean if I showed up there?

"Maybe they’d say I was your accomplice and attack me on sight.

"Or claim I controlled the Nine-Tails myself. Back then, I couldn’t have explained myself no matter how hard I tried."

"After all, Konoha’s leadership has plenty of experience in that department."

A name surfaced in Obito’s mind.

Konoha's White Fang: Sakumo Hatake.  

That ninja was ostracized for saving his comrades at the expense of his mission.

Itsuki was condemned for prioritizing his mission over his comrades.

No matter the choice, they were wrong—showing that those in power could twist the truth however they wanted.

During the Nine-Tails attack, Minato had only begun consolidating his authority. Most power remained with Hiruzen Sarutobi and his advisors.

Would Minato have risked everything to protect Itsuki if the elders wanted him dead?

That was a big question mark.

After all, Minato had his own concerns, and his relationship with Itsuki wasn’t particularly close.

Itsuki’s fall from grace before the Third Shinobi War’s conclusion spoke volumes about the hostility Konoha’s leadership held toward him.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 48: "Daddy Misses You"

"After the Third Shinobi War, I became the village outcast," Itsuki said with a smile. "Back then, even Minato Namikaze didn’t step in. He had already been chosen as the Fourth Hokage."

"Surely, he knew what was happening to me. Regardless of his authority, he didn't speak up for me."

"This so-called inheritor of the Will of Fire stood by while I was framed and attacked. So why shouldn't I just watch him die?"

Minato Namikaze never harbored deep prejudice against the Uchiha. After becoming Hokage, he even tried to ease tensions between the Uchiha and the village.

However, he wasn’t willing to go too far for the Uchiha.

He just chose to do what was expected of a Hokage.

Itsuki understood this.

So he didn’t feel obligated to save Minato either.

It was mutual; Itsuki and Minato’s relationship had never been that close, despite having cooperated multiple times during the Third Shinobi War.

If Minato had spoken up for him when he was wronged, would Itsuki have helped him on the night of the Nine-Tails’ attack?

Who knows! There’s no need to speculate about things that never happened.

“Hahaha!” Obito suddenly burst out laughing. It seemed as though he had realized something, or understood something new.

Itsuki looked at him with a smile, but his fingers trembled slightly.

He had said so much because he sensed that Obito, surprisingly, was feeling resentment.

Unbelievable!

Minato and his wife were killed by you, and now you feel wronged?

Are you kidding?

Obito’s laughter stopped abruptly. He glared at Itsuki with a guarded expression. "Uchiha Itsuki, you're quite interesting. How about a partne—"

"Sure!" Itsuki cut in before Obito could finish.

Obito: “…rship?”

“What?” Itsuki looked surprised. “Didn’t you just say you wanted to partner up?”

Obito took a deep breath. "Do you even know who I am?"

Damn it, all you know is that I caused the Nine-Tails incident, and yet you agreed to work with me?

And you answered so quickly? You’re a strong shinobi, but your eagerness to cooperate makes me nervous!

Itsuki sneered. "I, Uchiha Madara, don’t need to know who I’m working with. But, I do need a name. I can’t just call you Masked Man, right? Showing off in front of me—do you want to dance?"

Obito: “…Damn it.”

"Don’t say that name!" Obito growled. "You can call me… Tobi."

Originally, he should have introduced himself as Uchiha Madara!

“Tobi?” Itsuki repeated, giving him a thumbs-up with a sparkling smile. “Great name!”

“…Don’t do that gesture!”

“Jeez, you're hard to please,” Itsuki raised an eyebrow. “Don’t this, don’t that—who do you think you are? Talking to Uchiha Madara like that. Do you believe I’ll make you keep dancing?”

"Hmph, so you know Wood Release? Do you think you're Hashirama Senju?"

“Hmm?” Itsuki looked at Obito thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “Now that I think about it, it’s possible. First the Sharingan, now Wood Release—are you a mix of Senju and Uchiha?”

Screw you.

Obito's expression turned icily cold, his Mangekyou Sharingan spinning.

“Only Hashirama Senju was able to use Wood Release…” Itsuki looked at Obito in shock. “Could it be you’re the child of Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara?”

Obito took a deep breath. “Weren’t you just claiming you were Uchiha Madara?”

“My child!” Itsuki opened his arms, rushing at Obito with tearful eyes. “Daddy missed you so much.”

“Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs!”

Obito shouted as countless fine branches shot toward Itsuki, piercing through him instantly.

"Bang!"

A puff of smoke erupted, leaving only a wooden log behind.

*Substitution Jutsu!*

Itsuki reappeared a short distance away, looking at Obito with a pitiful expression. “My child, how could you be so heartless? You’re worse than your deadbeat dad…uh, mom…uh, whatever. That thing gave me a nasty backstab at the Valley of the End.”

"Uchiha Itsuki, do you want a fight to the death?"

Obito's voice was as cold as ice, freezing the ground beneath him.

Itsuki shrugged. “And you wanted to partner up? Can’t even handle a joke—definitely not someone fit to do great things.”

Damn it, damn it, damn it.

Trees began to sprout under Obito’s feet.

He was going to kill this bastard!

Itsuki formed a hand seal.

*Shadow Clone Jutsu!*

Four clouds of smoke erupted, producing four Itsuki clones. "Still want to fight?"

Obito glared at Itsuki. “Uchiha Itsuki, don’t push me.”

“Don’t pretend you can kill me anytime.” Itsuki chuckled. “You just used a space-time jutsu, right?”

“Phasing, intangibility, followed by materializing…”

“So, here’s the thing. Have you ever heard of the Phoenix Fire Jutsu?”

Obito didn’t answer, still glaring coldly at Itsuki.

As a Mangekyou wielder from the Uchiha, he knew Fire Style well.

“Looks like you have!” Itsuki smirked. “The C-rank Phoenix Fire Jutsu may not be powerful, but it has a wide range. So, if my clones kept using it all around us, what would happen?”

Obito stayed silent.

Itsuki chuckled softly. “Can your space-time jutsu stay active forever? Can you stay intangible forever?”

Obito’s gaze grew colder.

If it were just a regular C-rank jutsu, he wouldn’t care. But this was the Blood Flame Itsuki.

The red flames he wielded were known for their extreme temperatures, capable of melting steel. With his Blood Flame, even a C-rank jutsu could be as powerful as a B-rank or higher.

Even Obito, modified with Hashirama’s cells, didn’t want to experience that heat.

The message was clear.

Your space-time jutsu can’t last forever. My Phoenix Fire has low chakra cost, so I can keep using it.

That didn’t mean Itsuki had Obito completely figured out; he was simply showing that he knew Obito’s powers and had a counter.

Phoenix Fire was only one of his options.

If they really fought, Obito would suffer.

At least, he knew almost nothing about Itsuki’s abilities beyond his Blood Flame.

“If you think it’ll work, let’s try,” Obito said coldly.

“There’s no need.” Itsuki flashed a bright smile. “Aren't we partnering up? Why risk our lives?”

“Hmph. Let’s hope so.”

Obito threw Itsuki a list.

A clone caught it, glanced over it, and then dispersed.

The information was passed to Itsuki’s real body.

“A list of Root members?” Itsuki chuckled. “Impressive—Root is harder to infiltrate than even the ANBU.”

“It’s nothing for me,” Obito replied calmly. “That’s my gesture of goodwill.”

“So, what do I owe you in return?”

Obito’s body slowly sank into the ground. “Figure that out yourself.”

Itsuki looked at where Obito had vanished and smirked, turning to the side. “Enjoying the show?”

Swish!

Itsuki disappeared, reappearing with a pale corpse in his hand.

*White Zetsu!*

Though White Zetsu had merged nearly seamlessly with the surrounding trees, it didn’t escape Itsuki’s notice. His golden finger was the Divine Tree, which gave him a unique sensitivity to plant life, even though he couldn’t use Wood Release.

Creatures like White Zetsu, blending with trees, stood out to him like a torch in the dark.

And…

Itsuki looked at the White Zetsu in his hand and activated his golden finger, slowly absorbing it.

At that moment, his Divine Tree began to change.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 49: Sage Art  

 *Crack, crack, crack!*  

 Accompanied by a violent tremor, the divine tree within Itsuki's body seemed to suddenly grow taller.  

 At the top of the tree, a burst of blood mist exploded, and a new fruit appeared between the fruits of **Dōjutsu** and **Fire Release**.  

 “As expected…”  

 A faint smile appeared at the corner of Itsuki’s lips.  

 The effect of **White Zetsu** on the divine tree was surprisingly effective.  

 Originally, it would have required absorbing the life energy of several Jonin to form this fruit. But with just one White Zetsu, it was done.  

 Thinking about the one hundred thousand White Zetsus, Itsuki felt that the day he would stomp on **Uchiha Madara** and punch **Senju Hashirama** wasn’t far away.   

As for this fruit’s designation, Itsuki had already decided.   

**Sage Art!**   

He had once considered **Shadow Clone Jutsu**.   

Because raising the level of shadow clones to the maximum would allow him to create clones that could fight or train on his behalf.  

 For example, Naruto in the original story used a massive number of shadow clones during training — a total cheat!   

Or like Uchiha Madara, during battles, he could create clones that activated Susanoo and toy with the Five Kage in every conceivable way — up, down, left, right, front, back!   

However, his current clones weren’t weak in combat, and as his strength increased, so would theirs.   

Using a fruit on shadow clones would feel like a waste.  

 Once a fruit was designated, it couldn’t be changed.  

 As for his chakra reserves, possessing the divine tree had already transformed his physique. While he couldn’t compare to the Uzumaki clan, he was no weaker than the Senju clan.  

 He had also considered **Sealing Techniques**.  

 In the later stages, with so many powerful reanimated Edo Tensei shinobi appearing, how could he not know sealing techniques?   

But every time he thought of **Itachi**, he would remember the **Totsuka Blade**.  

 For sealing techniques, the Totsuka Blade’s effectiveness couldn’t be understated.   

That was a weapon he had to obtain!   

Although he didn’t know how Itachi got it, he could follow Itachi’s path to find it.   If he couldn’t, then he’d think of another way.   

He had even contemplated the **Tenseigan**, but at that point, he realized the divine tree wasn’t all-powerful.  

 He could possess the **Dōjutsu Fruit** because he already had the Sharingan.  

 The same applied to Fire Release.   

He couldn’t have what he didn’t already possess.  

 The fruit’s ability was only to enhance, stabilize, and perfect what he already had.  

 The **Tenseigan** would require him to possess the Hyūga bloodline.  

 This left him with limited choices.  

 Among them, Sage Art was undoubtedly the strongest and most useful.  

 Its enhancement to his power was also the most direct.  

 As for who he would learn Sage Art from...  

 He smiled faintly.   

The fruit designation was soon completed.  

 **LV·1 (Sage Art)**  

 “All that’s left is for the ‘nutrients’ to come to me willingly.”  

 “Danzo, you flashy old schemer, don’t let me down!”  

 Itsuki glanced in a direction and, using the intel from Hachidai, headed off.  

 Elsewhere...  

 “Lord Jashin!”  

 “We are your devout followers!”  

 “Now, we offer this sacrifice to you!”  

 In a dark underground space, a group of raggedly dressed people was conducting a bizarre ritual.   

They cut their own bodies, letting their blood flow freely.   

The blood of dozens filled the entire space with a pungent smell.   

As their blood drained, these people became dizzy, but their expressions only grew more fervent.  

 For those whose wounds had scabbed over, they crudely tore them open again with their teeth.   

As long as they could please the god they worshipped, they believed they could become full-fledged cultists and find eternal happiness.  

 “Not enough, not enough!”  

 A sharp, sinister voice echoed.  

 “This is still not enough to satisfy Lord Jashin!”   

“Hahaha! You all should die, just die already!”  

 Suddenly, bizarrely dressed cultists appeared wielding grotesque, black-and-red weapons.   

They charged into the crowd like meat grinders, unleashing a storm of blood.  

 Blood!  

 Screams!  

 Severed limbs!   

These became the symphony of this place.   

This was hell.   

The raggedly dressed people were mere ordinary folk, no match for these ninja.  What’s more, they didn’t resist.   

Even as they were slaughtered, their faces remained filled with fanaticism.  

 As if death would lead them to embrace their god.   

When it was all over, the slaughterers stood silently.   

Footsteps echoed.   

A boy, fourteen or fifteen years old, walked in with a wide grin.   

Even in the face of such carnage, he smiled.   

Inhaling deeply, he exclaimed with maniacal glee, “What a delicious scent! Such delightful carnage! Hahaha, Lord Jashin!”  

 The final notes of his voice grew shrill.   

“Lord Jashin!”  

 The oddly dressed people also raised their voices in reverence.  

 From a distance, a few figures watched, satisfied.   

“Hidan truly is Lord Jashin’s chosen.”   

“Indeed!”   

“He was born for Lord Jashin.”   

They whispered among themselves, their expressions equally fanatical.  

 Suddenly, a furious shout rang out:  

 “You scum! Don’t you know wastefulness is a sin?!”   

*Boom!*   

A figure appeared, stomping heavily on the ground.   

Surveying the hellish scene, his face darkened.   

It was **Uchiha Itsuki!**   

At that moment, his heart ached!   

So many people had been killed!   

Wasted!   

If he had been the one to kill them and absorb their life energy, he might have gained two high-level fruits.   

At the very least, his newly born Sage Art fruit would have leveled up!  

 Itsuki had only scratched the surface of Sage Art through a mere exchange. He had been counting on leveling up the fruit to fully master it and harness natural energy.   

When that day came, with **Susanoo**, the **Totsuka Blade** in one hand, and the **Yata Mirror** in the other, who would dare provoke him?!  

 So he had rushed to the Jashin cult's location based on Hachidai’s intel.  

 But he was too late.  

 “You brainless fanatics! Wasting lives like this is unforgivable. But this… This is beyond wasteful!”   

“Who are you?”  

 The cultists roared, turning their attention to Itsuki.  

 “Shut up! Let me grieve!”  

 Itsuki clutched his chest, gazing sorrowfully at the corpses. Then he turned, glaring angrily at the cultists.  

 “You pathetic pieces of food! How dare you destroy my stockpile of snacks?!”  

 The cultists exchanged puzzled looks.  

 The boy, grinning wickedly, stepped forward and studied Itsuki carefully.  

 “Could it be…? Did Lord Jashin send you here? Are you a sacrifice?”  

 “Lord Jashin…”  

 Before he could finish, Itsuki slapped him hard across the face.  

 Hidan flew into the wall.   

Itsuki dusted his hands off, scoffing.   

“Screw you and your Jashin.”  

 “You… Kill him!”   

The remaining cultists roared and charged at Itsuki.   

*To be continued…*  

*Chapter 50: The Undying Body*

The cultists drew their strange weapons and charged at Itsuki.

The three tomoe in Itsuki's eyes spun as chakra surged throughout his body.

There was one thing Itsuki wasn’t exaggerating about—his Body Flicker Technique was indeed stronger than even Shisui’s.

Swish!

The strange weapons sliced through the air, but Itsuki had already disappeared.

When he reappeared, he was right in front of a cultist.

“Bang!”

With a swing of his kunai, he slashed the cultist's throat. However, the cultist didn’t seem hurt at all. Instead, his expression grew more frenzied as he ignored his injuries and continued to wave his weapon at Itsuki.

… An undying body!

Itsuki attacked several more cultists, even unleashing a blast of blood flame that he suppressed in power, roasting several of them to a medium-well state.

The smell of roasted meat filled the air.

If they were ordinary people, they’d be dead by now.

Yet, these cultists kept yelling and charging at him.

The Sharingan recorded everything.

While fighting, Itsuki pondered to himself.

He couldn’t figure out the source of this “undying body,” but from his recent area attacks, he could tell that not all these cultists had the same degree of “undying.” Some were stronger, some weaker. Some took fatal injuries without flinching, while others showed pain and fatigue, struggling to attack him. A few even died from his strikes.

Clearly, their “immortality” hadn’t fully developed.

Then...

Itsuki’s gaze shifted to a young man on the side.

Hidan!

He was one of the truly perfected immortals.

At that moment, Hidan was staring at him with a crazed, malicious grin, holding another strange weapon as he closed in on Itsuki! This guy’s undying body was indeed powerful, though it was unclear if he was at his peak strength.

Itsuki frowned slightly.

Just a moment ago, he’d struck Hidan with his full force, not holding back at all. He thought he’d blow Hidan’s head apart with that hit. But to his surprise, Hidan was only blasted against a wall, and he slowly slid down, then staggered to his feet.

Injured?

I hit him with my full power; he should at least be hurt!

Ignoring me, huh?

Itsuki suddenly appeared in front of Hidan, his hand gently covering Hidan’s chest.

Bang!

A muffled sound echoed as Hidan’s chest expanded sharply, and he let out a pained scream, vomiting up many of his organs.

"I shattered all your organs; let's see if you can still survive this time," Itsuki muttered as he turned to another cultist and shoved him into the ground.

“Damn it, you blasphemer of Lord Jashin!” Hidan’s shrill voice echoed again.

Seeing the still-bouncing Hidan charging at him, Itsuki was resigned.

With a life force like that, even cockroaches would call you "big bro!"

"Alright, the immortality experiment ends here. Now it’s time to reap the rewards—no interruptions allowed!"

Itsuki smirked, setting his sights on the approaching cultists.

He activated his Body Flicker Technique.

Itsuki grabbed one cultist by the head.

“Absorb!”

The Divine Tree reacted immediately. It seemed excited, the ancient faces on its bark trembling as if about to awaken.

A powerful suction force erupted.

“Ahhh!”

The cultist let out a horrible scream, the first of its kind from them. Then, visibly, he was drained to a dried husk.

Itsuki could sense clearly that there was no trace of life force left in the corpse.

And yet, the Divine Tree still wasn’t satisfied, continuing to draw in energy.

A potent and pure life force surged into Itsuki’s body.

“Ugh!”

Itsuki grunted, using Body Flicker to avoid numerous attacks before checking his body. All the life force had been absorbed into the fruit, which had visibly grown.

“Huh?”

Itsuki was genuinely stunned.

This effect was even better than with White Zetsu. The White Zetsu’s power was explained by Hashirama cells—what was keeping these undying bodies alive? And why was the Divine Tree so drawn to them?

Initially, Itsuki doubted whether these cultists could even be absorbed by the Divine Tree since they couldn’t be killed. But now he understood—the Divine Tree could forcibly take their life force.

Swish!

Itsuki disappeared again, reappearing before another cultist, grabbing and draining him.

This time, the Sage Fruit evolved directly.

*LV·2 (Sage Mode)*

The effect was even better than the last cultist. Apparently, since their “immortality” varied, the stronger ones yielded more power for the fruit.

In an instant, Itsuki's gaze toward the cultists changed.

These were my farm animals—no one else can touch them, or else I'll kill them!

His mindset shifted.

These cultists couldn't be killed!

The stronger their undying bodies, the greater their benefit to the fruit upon absorption.

The pig must be fattened before it’s slaughtered!

“For Lord Jashin!”

“Kill him!”

The cultists, undeterred by death, kept charging at Itsuki, even though their comrades were being drained to husks.

The three tomoe in his eyes rotated, forming a triangular pattern.

Mangekyō!

“Crackle-crackle!”

Boom!

An evil, blood-red skeletal giant appeared and rapidly grew flesh.

“What… what is that?”

Even the fanatical cultists were left dumbstruck at the sight of the towering Susano’o.

“This is Daddy. Say hello, kid.”

Itsuki sneered, and Susano’o’s power continued to grow, quickly forming muscles and flesh.

The massive Susano’o loomed over the scene.

Many of the cultists dropped their weapons.

Whether armed or not, it didn’t matter in front of such a presence.

Even Hidan was dumbfounded, muttering, "Damn it, Lord Jashin..."

Snap!

Itsuki made hand seals.

Susano’o followed his motions, its colossal chakra filling the entire space, suffocatingly powerful.

“Genjutsu: Naraku’s Vision!”

Buzz!

All the cultists fell into a dazed trance, standing motionless.

“Huff… huff…”

Itsuki panted slightly, blood trickling from his eye corners.

How long had it been since he’d felt this exhausted?

The sheer number of people he had to affect with genjutsu was overwhelming.

Luckily, there were no Jonin among them.

For the sake of his livestock, he’d go all out!

Daddy loves you all.

“Huh?”

Suddenly, Itsuki noticed something odd as he looked at the cultists caught in his genjutsu.

"The genjutsu’s effect is even stronger than expected?"

These cultists weren’t good at resisting illusions?

This was a surprising and fortunate discovery, making things much easier.

“Crackle!”

The triangular pattern in his eyes rotated, and Susano’o’s eyes also gained the Mangekyō pattern.

Itsuki made more seals, using Susano’o as a medium.

"One-Thread Lamp Array!"

Snap, snap, snap!

All the cultists under the illusion were bound by sealing techniques.

“Huff!” Itsuki let out a heavy breath. “Okay, last step—pack them up and take them away!”

(End of Chapter)