26-30

*Chapter 26: The Operation*

Itachi informed Danzo that Itsuki would enter the Forest of Death the next day.

True to the information, Itsuki vanished from surveillance the following day.

However, he did not enter the Forest of Death as expected.

Not until the evening of the third day did Itsuki finally sneak into the forest.

Upon receiving this update, Danzo’s spirit was invigorated. He immediately ordered his subordinates to prepare for an ambush to eliminate Uchiha Itsuki in the Forest of Death.

“Could it be a trap?”

Some of his subordinates hesitated. “This doesn’t align with the intel provided by Uchiha Itachi.”

“Wrong!” Danzo sneered coldly. “The fact that it doesn’t align confirms its authenticity. Uchiha Itsuki has never trusted Uchiha Itachi. If everything proceeded exactly as he said, that would only prove Uchiha Itachi’s unreliability.”

“Yes!”

The brainwashed members of the Root organization didn’t question further. They immediately began preparations.

That night, Itsuki wandered aimlessly through the Forest of Death.

The Root ninja, however, tracked him relentlessly, pursuing him into the forest’s depths.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Come on out!”

Itsuki surveyed his surroundings and sighed. “Danzo truly is commendable at times. To secure a nano-scale insect user from the Aburame clan—such a rare ability, even unique within their family—he managed to acquire it. Isn’t that right, Aburame Shikuro?”

A young ninja wearing dark sunglasses stepped forward slowly. “You know who I am?”

Surprise was evident in his tone.

Joining Root meant abandoning one’s former identity. Members were declared dead by their clans, and all personal records were erased.

Especially for Root, whose secrecy surpassed even that of the Anbu, only Danzo knew their identities.

How could Itsuki, an Uchiha, possibly know?

A mole?

Shikuro felt his heart sink.

Could there be a high-ranking traitor within Root?

“It’s because of you that Danzo has been able to track my movements, isn’t it?” Itsuki smiled faintly. “I—hmm?”

*Whoosh!*

Itsuki’s expression shifted. His figure vanished in a blur as he activated the Body Flicker Technique.

In the dark of night, shadows cloaked themselves, silently closing in on Itsuki like a venomous snake ready to strike.

But just as the prey was about to be caught, it vanished, leaving behind only an explosive tag.

*Boom!!!*

The explosion echoed through the forest, accompanied by a muffled groan. The battle had officially begun.

“A member of the Nara clan launching an ambush in the dark—truly impressive. But it’s useless against me!”

Itsuki appeared atop a large tree, glaring coldly at the figures below.

“How about me?”

A deep voice rumbled, “Partial Expansion Jutsu!”

A gigantic hand lunged toward Itsuki, aiming to crush him.

“Huh?”

Itsuki was taken aback.

Root had recruited a member of the Akimichi clan? Akimichi Torifu was still alive—how could he have allowed this?

*"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"*

Scarlet flames roared toward the massive hand.

*Bang!*

The fire was extinguished, but its impact caused the wielder to groan as their arm swiftly retracted.

*Buzz, buzz!*

Countless insects swarmed toward Itsuki like a dark tide.

“Secret Technique: Insect Sphere!”

In an instant, the insects enveloped Itsuki, gnawing at his flesh and consuming his chakra.

“Did we succeed?”

The Root ninja allowed a flicker of hope to cross their faces.

“No, that’s not him!”

Shikuro received feedback from his insects and shouted, “Be careful!”

*Poof!*

The figure consumed by insects vanished in a puff of smoke.

A clone?

“Does being careful even matter?”

A chilling voice came from behind one of the Root ninja. Scarlet flames erupted, engulfing the ninja in an instant.

“Ahhh!!!”

The unfortunate ninja let out a piercing scream, writhing in agony before crumbling to ashes.

“I detest secret technique users the most,” Itsuki muttered coldly, glancing at the lifeless ninja. He then turned to the others surrounding him, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Would you care to dance?”

The Root ninja glared at him, their expressions icy.

Shikuro’s hands twitched, summoning swarms of insects.

The Akimichi ninja began to swell in size.

The Nara ninja’s shadows started shifting ominously.

...

*"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"*

Itsuki created four clones, each facing a different direction.

“Come on, let’s dance!”

His eyes shone brightly, like stars in the dark night.

*"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame!"*

Four crimson pillars of fire erupted, consuming the surrounding area. Everything in their path turned to ash.

...

*Whoosh!*

In the Hokage’s office, Sarutobi Hiruzen was preparing to head home when an Anbu member suddenly appeared before him.

“Fire burns in the Forest of Death,” the Anbu reported. “The signs point to Itsuki, the Crimson Flame.”

That scarlet flame was impossible to conceal. Its intense heat was detectable even from miles away by sensory ninjas.

“Uchiha Itsuki…”

Sarutobi’s heart sank as his thoughts turned to Danzo.

Clasping his hands behind his back, he paced the room before making up his mind.

“Summon the Anbu. Let’s move out!”

“To where?”

An icy, sinister voice interjected.

Danzo appeared in the Hokage’s office, glaring at the Third Hokage coldly.

“Danzo!” Hiruzen snapped. “What have you done?”

“Cleansing Konoha of its cancer,” Danzo replied indifferently. “Uchiha Itsuki is far too dangerous. As long as he lives, Konoha will always stand on the brink of war. Is that what you want to see?”

“You’re provoking war between the village and the Uchiha,” the Third Hokage retorted sternly.

Itsuki was now the face of the Uchiha clan and the head of the Konoha Police Force, holding significant influence in both the clan and the village.

If something happened to him, the Uchiha clan would never let it go—not just for appearances, but also because of Itsuki’s numerous followers.

Danzo sneered inwardly.

He had made his stance clear during their last discussion—Hiruzen knew exactly what he was doing. Yet now he feigned righteousness.

Pathetic.

Danzo suppressed his disgust. If Hiruzen wanted him to take the blame, so be it.

Determined, Danzo met Hiruzen’s glare.

He would bear this weight if it brought him closer to becoming Hokage.

Just then, a knock at the door broke the tense silence.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado entered.

“Hiruzen, this time we stand with Danzo,” Koharu declared.

“That’s right. Uchiha Itsuki is too dangerous,” Homura added.

“All the Uchiha are inherently evil,” Koharu said venomously. “Hiruzen, have you forgotten what our teacher said? The Uchiha are cursed by nature.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 27: Once Again!

“Enough!”

The Third Hokage barked sharply, his tone cold. "I’ve said it before: the Uchiha are also part of the village. As long as they don’t betray the village, the village will not betray them.”

Swish!  

With that, the Third Hokage vanished from his office.

Outside, over ten ANBU members were already assembled and prepared.

The Third Hokage appeared in front of them.

“Move out!”

“Yes!”

In unison, they disappeared with the Body Flicker Technique.

---

Inside the office, Mitokado Homura scowled angrily. "Hiruzen is too stubborn! This is the Uchiha we’re talking about—Uchiha!”

“There’s no need to rush, Homura,” Koharu Utatane replied calmly. "The journey from here to the Forest of Death will take some time. That’s more than enough for Danzo’s subordinates to clean everything up, isn’t it, Danzo?"

Danzo snorted coldly at Koharu’s pointed gaze and walked away without responding.

Foolish scheming!  

Did they really think Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn’t foreseen this?

What was that nonsense about “the Uchiha not betraying the village and the village not betraying the Uchiha”?

By that logic, wouldn’t Danzo’s actions now count as betrayal?

Was Hiruzen prepared to sacrifice Danzo for the sake of an Uchiha? That would be madness.

Such obvious thoughts, yet Koharu and Homura still dared to act so high and mighty!

That was why Hiruzen was the Hokage, while those two were elders merely under his appointment. Their fates were entirely in his hands.

If Hiruzen grew displeased, they’d lose everything!

Danzo, however, was different. He had freed himself from Hiruzen’s grasp and built his own power.

Even if he were to lose against the Uchiha, Hiruzen would protect him at all costs.

He and Hiruzen could not afford to lose one another.

---

Wait...  

Danzo paused slightly in his steps.

Why was he even entertaining the possibility of losing to the Uchiha?

He couldn’t lose!

Certainly not to them!

The tapping of his cane on the ground grew irregular, losing its earlier steady rhythm.

---

Meanwhile, eerie flames burned brightly in the Forest of Death.

The scene was first discovered by a sensor ninja and quickly reported to the Hokage. Other clans began noticing as well.

The Uchiha, in particular, were in an uproar.

Blood flames?  

Itsuki!  

Their vice clan leader, the head of the Konoha Police Force, was engaged in battle!

Without needing any orders, the Uchiha gathered en masse, brimming with murderous intent.

Hawk faction, dove faction, or clan leader faction—it didn’t matter. Right now, they would unite first and settle disputes later.

Itsuki had become the public face of the Uchiha. An attack on him was a provocation against the entire clan.

Thanks to Itsuki’s recent efforts, the already headstrong Uchiha were now surging with morale.

---

Fugaku Uchiha stood amid the gathering storm of his clan, frowning deeply.

He understood Itsuki’s growing popularity, but the Uchiha were like a powder keg, ready to explode with the slightest spark.

This was far from ideal.

“Clan leader!”

Someone called out to Fugaku as soon as they saw him.

Swish!  

All eyes turned to him at once, awaiting his command.

This was a moment when the clan leader’s presence was most critical.

An attack on Itsuki warranted a bold response, and Fugaku leading the charge was the natural choice.

Fugaku sighed bitterly and said, “So many of you? Do you think... cough, cough... Itachi, Tetsuya, Eighth Generation, Kuroko, Kazuma, and Gennya—come with me. Everyone else, disperse.”

Among the Uchiha, there was no shortage of powerhouses. The six names Fugaku mentioned were all Jōnin, verging on elite Jōnin.

Fugaku himself was a Kage-level powerhouse. This team could handle anything short of a full-scale assault on the Uchiha.

---

Swish!  

An ANBU appeared before Fugaku. "Clan Leader Fugaku, Lord Danzo has ordered that the Uchiha are not to leave their compound."

Fugaku’s expression darkened. The gathered Uchiha muttered uneasily among themselves.

“Danzo?” Fugaku said coldly. "Who does he think he is, daring to issue orders to me?”

While Danzo held a high position as a Hokage advisor, the Uchiha were the most powerful clan in Konoha. Fugaku, as the former head of the Police Force and the current clan leader, wielded authority granted directly by the Second Hokage. Danzo had no right to dictate to him.

The ANBU’s voice remained calm. “Lord Danzo has stated that if you insist on defying his orders, you will bear the consequences.”

One by one, more figures emerged, surrounding the Uchiha and watching them closely, ready to strike at any moment.

A fire burned in Fugaku’s chest.

How familiar this all felt!

Back on the night of the Nine-Tails’ attack—the night that had changed everything for the Uchiha—they had been similarly confined.

Forced to stay within their compound, reduced to mere spectators.

That night, the Fourth Hokage, who had sought reconciliation with the Uchiha, died in battle. The blame was unjustly placed on the Uchiha, and the Third Hokage’s orders were conveniently forgotten.

The clan was exiled to a remote area, their resources drastically reduced.

Morale plummeted, and resentment toward Fugaku grew.

Itsuki’s recent rise to prominence was a direct consequence of that fateful night.

And now, it was happening again!

To make matters worse, Itsuki was likely being ambushed by Danzo!

This was an outrage.

To attack their vice clan leader and then demand they remain idle—did they see the Uchiha as nothing more than fodder for slaughter?

Fugaku remembered Itsuki’s curious question: “Why did the Uchiha obey the Third Hokage’s orders that night? Did you oppose the Fourth Hokage for some hidden agenda?”

That single remark shattered Fugaku’s last ounce of restraint.

His Sharingan flared, three tomoe glowing with a murderous light.

“So? I’d like to see exactly what these ‘consequences’ are!” he said icily, his voice laced with killing intent.

“You—!”

The masked ANBU hesitated, visibly stunned.

Was this still the same Fugaku Uchiha?

He had always been assertive, yet cautious—like a tiger chained.

But now, the chain had snapped.

Even the Uchiha themselves were taken aback by their clan leader’s transformation.

Did the clan leader eat something strange?  

Or was he inspired by Vice Leader Itsuki’s boldness?  

Whatever the cause, it was welcome.

Scarlet Sharingan eyes turned toward the ANBU, filled with malice.

If Fugaku gave the order, these battle-hardened Uchiha would pounce without hesitation, tearing the ANBU apart.

---

Cough, cough.  

A dry cough broke the tense silence.

Tap, tap, tap.  

The rhythmic sound of a cane striking the ground echoed ominously.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 28: Pushed Too Far*

Uchiha Fugaku cast a cold glance over.

From the voice alone, he knew who had arrived.

It was Danzo again!

Seeing that familiar figure, Fugaku was the first to sneer:

"Advisor Danzo, whose order is it this time, forbidding the Uchiha from leaving? Last time, the Fourth Hokage died. This time, is it the Third's turn? Tsk, tsk. Should I start calling you the Fifth Hokage now?"

Danzo's body stiffened.

Caught off guard, he almost lost his composure.

Was that really Fugaku speaking?

Seriously? This couldn't be right!

The one who entered the Forest of Death was Fugaku. But this sharp-tongued guy standing here—wasn't this just Itsuki transformed using a Transformation Jutsu?

After a brief silence, Danzo slowly spoke, "Uchiha Fugaku, what are you trying to do?"

"Are you blind in both eyes?" Fugaku retorted coldly. "I’m going to assist my clan's vice-chief!"

Danzo nearly choked on the words.

What did he mean by "blind in both eyes"? I’m not blind at all!

The others also stared at Fugaku in shock.

Wasn't this kind of confrontational language something only Vice-Chief Itsuki would say?

Every word out of his mouth seemed designed to enrage people.

In the corner, Uchiha Itachi stared at his father, puzzled.

This was too strange!

Sure, it made sense that his father's mood might shift due to Itsuki's influence and the changes within the Uchiha clan. But such a drastic transformation? That wasn't normal.

Shisui appeared beside Itachi, looking equally perplexed. "Did the clan leader get provoked or something?"

"You should be asking Brother Itsuki that!" Itachi muttered, pouting. "Every time I face him, he insults me openly and mocks me indirectly. When it comes to provoking people, he’s basically the God of Shinobi."

Shisui nodded in agreement.

"You're not leaving!" Danzo declared coldly. "Uchiha Fugaku, if you dare take a single step out of the village—"

*Boom!*

A ball of flame shot toward Danzo, catching him off guard and leaving him in a disheveled state.

"Lord Danzo!"

The Root ninjas hurried forward, surrounding Danzo and standing off against the Uchiha.

But here, in the Uchiha district, they were no match for the overwhelming presence of the Uchiha.

"Danzo, you’ve overestimated yourself," Fugaku said icily, glaring at Danzo. His voice turned colder. "Last time, because of your orders, the Uchiha were heavily criticized. Now, our vice-chief is in the middle of a battle, and you dare to hinder us again? What’s this? Is Konoha planning to make a move against the Uchiha? If so, let’s settle it once and for all!"

The last sentence was loud, echoing across the area where many shinobi had gathered.

Hearing this, their expressions shifted dramatically, and they turned cold gazes toward Danzo.

Their dislike for the Uchiha was no secret, but compared to Danzo, the Uchiha seemed like saints.

At least the Uchiha wouldn’t take your life.

But Danzo?

He embodied the darkness of the shinobi world.

One day, you might find yourself dead at his hands.

The Yamanaka and Aburame clans felt this most keenly.

As clans with secret techniques, many of their children had been taken by Danzo under various pretexts.

The Yamanaka fared slightly better since the Ino-Shika-Cho trio stood united, making Danzo tread carefully.

The Aburame, however… not so much.

If it weren’t for Aburame Shibi, an elite jonin who emerged in recent years, the clan might have become nothing more than Danzo’s breeding ground.

Now, seeing Danzo clash with the Uchiha and hearing Fugaku openly declare such words, the shinobi couldn’t help but cast angry looks at Danzo.

None of them wanted a war.

Fugaku, on the other hand, remained calm.

After all, it wasn’t as though the Uchiha were ever going to win the village's favor. If he could drag Danzo down with them, all the better.

"What are the Uchiha up to now?"

An angry voice shouted as Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado arrived.

Koharu gave Fugaku a look full of disdain and sneered, "Do you really think you can do whatever you want in Konoha?"

"No, that would be you," Fugaku countered, fixing Koharu with a cold stare. "Elder Koharu, before you became an elder, your clan, the Utatane, was practically unknown. Now? Care to share how many shinobi your clan has?"

"You…"

Koharu's face turned pale.

She never expected this. The usually reserved Fugaku was now brazenly calling her out.

Even Homura’s expression turned uneasy.

It felt like all the surrounding shinobi were now staring at them.

Some truths are better left unsaid. As long as everyone stays quiet, they can still work together.

After all, what’s the point of being an elder if you can’t benefit your clan?

But once the façade was broken, it became an embarrassment.

Fugaku looked up at the gathered shinobi and asked coldly, "Our clan's vice-chief is under attack. Are you going to stop us?"

Uchiha Hachidai declared coldly, "The Uchiha fear no enemy!"

"Fight!"

"Fight!"

"Fight!!!"

The Uchiha shouted in unison, their voices filled with determination.

The atmosphere became tense as the Uchiha's killing intent surged like sharp blades.

Many present felt suffocated.

Was this the true strength of the Uchiha?

The jonin and elite jonin among them exuded a terrifying aura that struck fear into the hearts of the onlookers.

How many would die if they truly fought?

Even Koharu and Homura were at a loss for words.

This wasn’t the obedient, restrained Uchiha they were used to.

Where was Hiruzen?

Why wasn’t he here?

And Danzo?

They glanced at Danzo, whose face was as dark as a thundercloud.

Danzo wanted to order an attack.

But he couldn’t.

The surrounding shinobi wouldn’t follow him.

His Root elites were already deployed against Itsuki, and Hiruzen had taken the Anbu with him.

All he had here were ordinary Root members and…

Danzo shot a glare at Koharu and Homura, whose terrified expressions made him want to kick them to death.

You two are useless! You shouldn’t have come!

*"Ahem."*

Nara Shikaku stepped forward.

He’d figured it out.

Danzo wouldn’t dare fight, Koharu and Homura couldn’t fight, and the Uchiha were fully prepared to fight.

Something was off—terribly off.

Danzo not fighting was understandable; he lacked manpower.

Koharu and Homura? Best not to mention them.

But why were the Uchiha so bold?

This wasn’t like Fugaku at all.

"Lord Fugaku, please calm down. Things haven’t escalated to that point yet," Shikaku urged.

Fugaku snapped his head toward Shikaku, glaring coldly. "Captain of the Jonin Corps, our vice-chief is under siege, and we’re being maliciously held back here. How can I calm down? Would you stay calm if it were the Hokage’s advisor being ambushed?"

Shikaku was speechless.

Had Fugaku eaten gunpowder today?

The others also stared at Fugaku in disbelief.

"Let me tell you this!" Fugaku declared, his tone icy. "Don’t push the Uchiha too far. Do you think we’ll just sit back and let you suppress us? Hmph! The Uchiha have never feared a fight, much less mutual destruction!"

With that, he led his people swiftly toward the blood-soaked battlefield.

This time, no one tried to stop him.

Everyone could sense that blocking Fugaku now would lead to outright war.

The others followed suit.

Why stay?

No one wanted to side with Danzo anyway.

---

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 29: Teasing

"Shikaku!"

As Uchiha Fugaku left with his people, Koharu Utatane snarled, her voice filled with suppressed rage.

Nara Shikaku sighed deeply, rubbing his temples, before reluctantly stopping and turning back.

"The Uchiha act so recklessly, and you, as the Jonin Commander, just stand idly by and watch?"

Hearing this, Nara Shikaku felt utterly speechless.

*Now I'm the Jonin Commander? Since when?*

Whenever there's a shred of benefit, the four of you guard it so tightly you'd think your lives depended on it. Holding secret meetings behind closed doors, hiding everything as if I don't exist.

But now, the Uchiha are out of control, and suddenly, I’m being shoved into the role of Jonin Commander to clean up the mess?

"Ah..."

Shikaku sighed, shaking his head. "Elder, don't push too hard. Otherwise, the backlash could be severe."

One sentence, and the faces of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado turned grim.

"Shikaku, could it be that even you—"

"Enough!"

Danzo Shimura barked impatiently, shooting the two elders a glare before turning on his heel and walking away.

*Do they ever think things through?*

The Uchiha are one of the oldest and most powerful clans in Konoha, their pride deeply ingrained. Yet the events of the Nine-Tails’ Night had plunged them into disgrace, subjected to mockery, rejection, and constant pressure. Their patience was already stretched thin.

And now, Danzo had stepped in to stop them once again—right in the middle of a fight led by Uchiha’s deputy clan head, Itsuki.

This wasn’t just provocation. It was a direct challenge to their bottom line. The fact that they hadn’t erupted sooner was the real surprise.

The Nara clan, however, understood this. Aligning with the Uchiha in this instance wasn’t out of loyalty—it was common sense. If the Uchiha were pushed to their limits, the chaos would only harm the village.

"Looks like Uchiha Fugaku’s limits are right about here," Danzo thought to himself as he disappeared into the shadows.

Koharu Utatane stared at Danzo's retreating back before shifting her icy gaze to Shikaku. "Shikaku, you’re an elder of this village, and the Nara clan is one of Konoha's most prestigious families. I hope you don’t make the wrong choice. If you do, not even we can save you."

*Are you kidding me?*

Shikaku couldn’t believe his ears. Did she seriously think Danzo stormed off because he was furious at him?

Forget it. Best to avoid stirring this hornet’s nest.

*Stupidity is dangerous.*

Why couldn’t these elders understand? Disliking the Uchiha was one thing, but wanting them erased entirely was another. The village’s clans didn’t share the elders' obsession with control—they feared losing the Uchiha’s strength as much as they feared that strength itself.

Konoha was safer with the Uchiha. Why would the other clans want to destroy one of the village’s greatest assets and weaken themselves in the process?

Especially now. After the recent Uchiha displays of power, everyone was reminded of just how formidable they could be. Who would want to risk open conflict?

Shikaku looked toward the distant, blood-red flames.

The current chaos... Itsuki Uchiha must have planned it.

His swift rise to deputy clan head, his defiance of Fugaku, and his calculated provocations against the Hokage faction were all pieces of a larger strategy.

In just a few calculated moves, he’d stalled the Hokage faction’s advances, reminded the other clans of Uchiha’s might, and ensured no one was eager for war.

Shikaku’s expression turned dark.

This battle... Itsuki’s goal was probably to weaken Danzo’s Root. The Anbu might follow their own judgment, but the Root was nothing but Danzo’s tools.

And there were members of the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance in the Root. How could Shikaku stay indifferent?

“What’s next for the Uchiha?”

Shikaku muttered to himself.

“Probably a show of goodwill to ease tensions with the other clans,” he concluded.

Step by step, the aging Hokage and the shadowy Danzo were being cornered.

---

"Boom!"

A flame, red as blood, engulfed a Root ninja. In moments, the ninja was reduced to ashes, even his kunai melted into slag.

The incredible heat of Itsuki’s Blood Flame was a terror to behold.

"Yo, yo, check it out!"

Itsuki sang and danced, closing in on the remaining Root ninjas with a smirk.

Though his expression was playful, his gaze was chilling enough to pierce the soul.

The Root assassins, initially a ten-man team, were now reduced to four—one of them heavily injured, their chakra reserves dwindling.

“This monster!” growled Aburame Shihei, suppressing his fear.

“Monster? Me?” Itsuki tapped his chest in mock offense. “Says the guy crawling with bugs. You’ve got a lot of nerve!”

“Still, I must admit, the Root is impressive.”

Itsuki’s tone turned wistful. “Out of Konoha’s 300-plus Jonin, Danzo sent ten of his best, including two special Jonin. Not bad.”

“But even that’s not enough.” Itsuki’s smirk widened. “Minato Namikaze once took down 50 Jonin in an instant, turning the tide of a major battle. Compared to him, I, Itsuki of the Blood Flame, who once stood as his equal, find you lot barely a warm-up.”

The remaining Root ninjas glared at him coldly.

“Itsuki Uchiha, you think this is over?”

“Oh?” Itsuki raised an eyebrow. “Got more tricks up your sleeve? Let’s see what you’ve got!”

“Attack!”

At Aburame Shihei’s command, the four Root ninjas launched a desperate assault.

“Ah, going all out now?”

Itsuki chuckled, the three tomoe of his Sharingan spinning ominously.

“Come on then. Let’s dance one last time!”

“By now, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other clan leaders should be arriving. Let’s give them a show worth watching.”

Chapter 30: Scared the Hell Out of Me!

"*Multi-Size Technique!*"

With a roar, a member of the Akimichi Clan activated his secret technique, causing his body to swell and expand.

A colossal giant, towering tens of meters tall, let out a mountainous roar and charged at Uchiha Itsuki with determination etched on his face.

"*Fire Style: Great Fire Dragon Jutsu!*"

A massive fire dragon roared into the sky, even larger than the transformed Akimichi ninja. It struck with overwhelming speed, overtaking the giant figure and engulfing him mid-air. The fire began to consume its target.

"Ahhh!!!"

A piercing scream tore through the battlefield.

The Akimichi ninja's technique was shattered instantly, forcing his body to revert to its original size. Wrapped in flames, he fell silent in mere moments, his life extinguished.

"What terrifying chakra—it's even stronger than before!"

Aburame Shikuro maintained his steady hand signs, but his heart trembled.

They had been fighting for so long, yet Uchiha Itsuki still possessed such immense chakra reserves, summoning a fire style of this magnitude.

Although Uchiha chakra was inherently potent, Itsuki’s reserves had already surpassed even the legendary Senju Clan.

Could he also possess Uzumaki lineage?

"*Fire Style: Hiding in Ash and Dust Jutsu!*"

"Hm?"

Itsuki looked at the black smoke drifting toward him and chuckled mockingly. "Not a bad idea, hiding nano-sized insects within the smoke. But did you forget? This is the Sharingan."

The three tomoe in his eyes spun slowly, unraveling the secrets within the jutsu.

The minute traces of chakra in the smoke had nowhere to hide.

"*Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!*"

Whoosh!  

Boom!  

Blazing flames surged forth, incinerating the black smoke completely.

Aburame Shikuro barely dodged the attack, sweat pouring down his face. The gap in strength was insurmountable.

Throughout the fight, Itsuki barely moved from his spot. No matter what attack came his way, he responded with blood-red flames, unyielding and overwhelming—classic Uchiha tactics.

But to counter the Multi-Size Technique head-on with fire style, without even stepping aside? That was enough to crush any shred of hope.

Is this guy even human?!

As an elite jōnin, Shikuro found himself questioning if even the Hokage could handle this monster.

---

The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed as Itsuki approached the last three Root members. He smiled and said, "So, where are your trump cards? Weren’t you about to start dancing?"

Shikuro gritted his teeth and spat coldly, "Indeed, the dance begins now."

Suddenly, he shouted: "*It’s complete!*"

Boom!  

A faint purple barrier enveloped Itsuki. Four ninjas appeared around him, their presence abrupt and synchronized.

"*Four Symbols Seal!*"

The barrier began to rotate and constrict.

"Die, Uchiha Itsuki!" Shikuro roared with glee, his expression filled with satisfaction.

"Four Symbols Seal?" Itsuki frowned, murmuring, "When did they set this up? They even bypassed my Sharingan?"

While the Sharingan wasn’t as specialized as the Byakugan for detecting chakra, it was still highly sensitive. For four elite jōnin to hide so effectively was remarkable.

"Danzo sure goes to great lengths to deal with the Uchiha," Itsuki muttered.

"Uchiha Itsuki, submit to the seal!" Shikuro sneered.

"Heh." Itsuki chuckled. "You sure held out well, even as I killed so many of your comrades. All this patience, for what? This moment?"

Shikuro replied coldly with the infamous phrase: "*It’s all for the Leaf!*"

Itsuki laughed aloud and looked into the distance, muttering, "Almost time, isn’t it?"

---

About five kilometers away from the battle, a lone figure sat leisurely in a tree.

"*Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!*"

The figure exhaled a crimson blaze into the sky. Strangely, the flames were the same blood-red color.

"I’ve been spitting fire for so long. Why aren’t they here yet? Did I guess wrong?"

This figure was none other than Itsuki himself. He glanced around impatiently, muttering to himself.

Just then, several masked figures appeared around him. Leading them was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"This..."

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the lone Itsuki.

"Itsuki, what’s going on?!"

Wasn’t there supposed to be a battle?

Where was everyone?

What happened to Danzo’s Root operatives?

And why was there no sign of a fight in the area?

Itsuki didn’t answer. He merely smiled, formed a hand sign, and said, "*Release!*"

Poof!  

A cloud of smoke erupted, and Itsuki vanished.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu?!"

Hiruzen gasped. "Damn it, it’s a trap—!" He choked back his words.

A trap? For what? He had only come to assist after sensing Itsuki’s chakra. That’s all. Right?

The Third Hokage glared at the sensory ninja and barked, "What’s going on? Didn’t you say Uchiha Itsuki was fighting here?!"

The sensory ninja was equally bewildered. "I-I swear I detected his chakra here! It was the only signal in the area!"

"Enough excuses!" Hiruzen snapped. "Keep searching and find the real battle site!"

"Y-Yes, Hokage-sama!" The sensory ninja closed his eyes again, focusing intently.

---

The scene turned eerily quiet as the search continued.

Suddenly, a towering figure loomed in the distance, its presence accompanied by a surge of overwhelming chakra.

Hiruzen froze, his expression turning icy as the shadow of forbidden power crossed his mind.

"Uchiha... Susano'o!"

Just then, the sensory ninja exclaimed, "I found him!"

The Hokage nearly bit his tongue in frustration.

The sensory ninja, oblivious to the irony, excitedly continued, "Hokage-sama, I’ve detected—"

"Shut up!" Hiruzen barked, silencing him with a murderous glare.

The surrounding Anbu members exchanged helpless glances.

Detect him? Seriously?

That colossal figure could be spotted from kilometers away!

Grinding his teeth, Hiruzen growled, "*Move out!*"

---

(End of Chapter)