201-205

Chapter 201: Surprised or Not? (Double-Length Chapter)

Senju Tobirama was known as the fastest ninja in the Shinobi World!

He developed countless jutsu, gaining fame throughout the ninja world.

Among them, the most unforgettable was Flying Thunder God! Though this jutsu was very powerful, it also led to Tobirama killing Uchiha Madara’s younger brother!

Later, a second Flying Thunder God user emerged in the Shinobi World: Namikaze Minato!

He was called the Yellow Flash! He dominated the battlefield, becoming a nightmare to his enemies. Because of his recent fame, many people believed Minato was the fastest ninja in the world.

He was the one who popularized the Flying Thunder God.

Senju Tobirama was just a legend.

And now.

The Shinobi World welcomed a third user of the Flying Thunder God!

Uchiha Itsuki!

Even the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki seemed like nothing more than a child in his hands.

He utterly trampled him!

Itsuki repeatedly kicked Naruto in the face, stepping on him again and again.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and others wore dark expressions.

The surrounding nobles also voiced their dissatisfaction.

They had come here to see the Nine-Tails defeat Uchiha Itsuki.

Not to see Uchiha Itsuki beat the Nine-Tails!

Uchiha Itsuki, the one who had trampled on the dignity of the nobles, was their true enemy!

They yearned to see him struggle and get killed in a most humiliating way!

“What’s going on?”

“What’s Konoha doing?”

“Is that really the Nine-Tails?”

“Kill Uchiha!”

Hearing the nobles’ complaints, Hiruzen’s face darkened even more.

If things continued like this, all of their expected gains would be lost.

“Orochimaru!”

His voice was cold as he said, “Let the Nine-Tails out!”

“No!”

Jiraiya instinctively opposed.

The others looked at him.

Orochimaru sneered, “Jiraiya, at this point, is there any point in what you’re doing?”

Jiraiya remained silent.

He’d reacted out of instinct.

He knew well that he had long since lost the right to face Naruto.

If Naruto somehow survived, what would he even say to him?

“Ha!”

Orochimaru formed a hand seal and let out a cold shout.

“Roar!!!”

Naruto let out a painful howl.

The Nine-Tails’ chakra had already turned a deep crimson.

Even through the barrier, that disastrous aura could be felt.

“Have all the seals been undone? Is he trying to fully release the Nine-Tails?”

Itsuki chuckled and said, “I remember Minato seemed to have left a failsafe.”

Sure enough!

Naruto began transforming into the Nine-Tails.

It wasn’t just a partial transformation—he was physically becoming the full Nine-Tails.

But suddenly, Naruto froze.

“Namikaze Minato... No, I should get involved here.”

Itsuki considered for a moment, his three-tomoe Sharingan focusing on Naruto.

Powerful ocular energy flowed from his eyes, reaching into Naruto’s body.

“Buzz!”

In Naruto’s mindscape.

Minato and Naruto stood side by side.

They were talking about something.

Suddenly!

Minato’s expression grew serious as he turned.

Itsuki was standing quietly behind them, smiling.

“Hello, Namikaze Minato. Long time no see.”

“You…”

Minato’s expression grew solemn. “Uchiha Itsuki!”

He recognized Itsuki.

Back then, Minato had thought the Uchiha clan would produce twin stars.

One was Shisui of the Body Flicker!

The other was Uchiha Itsuki.

Both were destined to make their mark on the world.

Unfortunately!

The village feared the Uchiha, so they transferred Itsuki away and refused to use him.

This had left Minato feeling helpless.

Despite being a talented ninja, Itsuki was forced into obscurity.

Moreover!

On the battlefield, Itsuki’s power would have greatly reduced Konoha’s losses.

But!

What could Minato do?

It was a critical time for him to become the Fourth Hokage. Rumors were already circulating internally.

He could only ignore it.

He couldn’t sacrifice his future to oppose the higher-ups for Itsuki.

He never imagined their next meeting would be under such circumstances.

“Minato, long time no see!”

Itsuki smiled. “Should I call you Fourth Hokage, and you call me First Mokuage?”

“First? Mokuage?”

Minato looked shocked, as if he’d seen a ghost.

He was clever, though a bit naïve, but Itsuki’s title was enough to set his mind spinning.

“Yes, Mokuage.”

Itsuki smiled. “I’ve led the Uchiha in breaking away from Konoha, founding the Village Hidden in the Flames. I became the First Mokuage.”

Minato’s expression grew stern, his gaze toward Itsuki turning slightly fierce.

What Itsuki said sounded noble, but it couldn’t change the fact that… the Uchiha had betrayed the village!

Itsuki was the ringleader!

“Don’t look at me like that.”

Itsuki chuckled. “Focus on what’s happening now. Your son is being manipulated by Jiraiya and is about to die.”

“Impossible!”

Minato shouted, “My teacher would never do that.”

He glared at Itsuki.

If he wasn’t unsure of Itsuki’s strength, he probably would’ve attacked.

“Ask Naruto, then. You might not believe me, but you can trust your own son, right?”

Itsuki watched with interest.

He was curious about how things would unfold next.

Naruto’s expression was conflicted.

He and Minato had just reunited moments before Itsuki arrived.

Seeing Minato’s questioning gaze, Naruto nodded slightly.

“Jiraiya took me on as his apprentice. I’m not sure if he did anything to me…”

“But!”

“The Third Hokage, Danzo, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya… They worked together to set up a barrier, trapping me and this man inside. Immediately after, the Nine-Tails within me began to go berserk—until you showed up.”

Itsuki smiled. “The barrier is the Four Red Yang Formation.”

Instantly, Minato’s face turned pale.

“Come on, Naruto!”

Itsuki grinned. “Tell your dad how life has been for you in Konoha. Was it all sunshine and rainbows?”

Naruto remained silent.

Minato was silent too.

Naruto didn’t know what to say or if he should even say anything.

He had no real feelings for this father he had just met.

As for Minato…

He couldn’t possibly be entirely unaware!

He just didn’t dare or want to believe it.

“Why so quiet?”

Itsuki chuckled. “One is afraid to speak, the other afraid to believe—right?”

“Uchiha Itsuki!”

Minato frowned, his gaze icy as he looked at Itsuki. “You betrayed the village.”

“Had no choice but to betray it!”

Itsuki sighed. “If I hadn’t, the Uchiha clan would’ve been exterminated. Minato, tell me, if Kushina were about to be killed, would you betray the village or watch her die?”

“That would never happen!”

Minato’s voice was firm.

Itsuki glanced at Naruto. “Never happen? Then what about your son? The village wants him dead, you know.”

Minato faltered.

Damn it!

The irony stung.

Itsuki smiled devilishly and said, “So tell me, Minato, what are you going to do about Naruto?”

“Are you going to watch your son, Uzumaki Naruto, die?”

“Oh, by the way, your son can’t use the name Namikaze in Konoha. He can only be Uzumaki.”

“They said it was for his protection, but really, everyone knows. Even those who shouldn't know call him the Nine-Tails demon fox. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say.”

Minato’s breathing grew rapid.

It wasn’t about the name itself!

It was about the attitude!

The attitude of Konoha’s higher-ups!

The attitude of familiar faces in Konoha!

The attitude of the regular villagers!

“What’s your real purpose in telling me all this?”

Minato stared at Itsuki, his voice tense. “You’re not doing this out of kindness, are you?”

Itsuki smiled slightly, whispering a few words.

“Impossible!”

Minato immediately refused.

“Then let your son die!”

Itsuki said casually, “Either way, it doesn’t affect my plan. Or do you think you can stop me now? Let’s be real. I’m the only hope your son has left!”

Minato turned pale. “How could it come to this?”

“This is Sarutobi Hiruzen’s choice!”

Itsuki said calmly. “They made their decision, so now they have to face the consequences. Isn’t that right, Naruto’s father?”

Minato thought for a moment before saying, “I agree, but I hope you’ll show mercy for Konoha’s sake, given that it’s the village that raised you.”

Itsuki replied indifferently, “I was raised by the Uchiha. Konoha only hurt the Uchiha. Why should I give you a break?”

“Just like you and Naruto!”

Itsuki glanced at Naruto and smiled. “Konoha was kind to you but never to Naruto. Are you just going to skip over that? Is that what kind of father you are?”

Naruto remained silent.

The moment Itsuki suggested he investigate his own background, Naruto’s fate had diverged greatly from what

"Just like you and Naruto!"

Itsuki looked at Naruto and smiled, "Konoha has been kind to you, but never to Naruto. Did you just skip all that? Is that how you think a dad should act?"

Naruto remained silent.

The moment Itsuki hinted at investigating his origins, Naruto's destiny underwent a dramatic change, different from the original story.

His feelings for Konoha had long since soured.

Konoha never showed him any warmth! So naturally, he didn't need to hold any attachment to Konoha.

Love and hate are mutual.

In the original story, there was Iruka and the Third Hokage, then Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi.

But now? The Third Hokage approached him with ulterior motives.

Iruka did warm his heart, but even that warmth was now tinged with doubt.

Itsuki had asked him how he managed to steal the Forbidden Scroll. Even the Uchiha couldn’t get it, no matter how hard they tried.

Naruto couldn't answer that.

Was the whole incident with the stolen Forbidden Scroll true? Or was it all a scam from the start?

A kid who wasn't even a genin managed to steal Konoha's most important Forbidden Scroll...

Thinking about it now, it seemed laughable, even to himself.

What role did Iruka-sensei play in all this? "Sigh..."

Seeing Naruto's silence, Minato let out a deep sigh, gently placing his hand on Naruto's head.

"I'm sorry, Naruto."

Naruto's eyes reddened slightly.

"Alright!"

Itsuki stepped forward, smiling, "Then I ask you all to follow my script and put on a show!"

"What about you, Nine-Tails?"

Itsuki turned to look at the Nine-Tails.

The Nine-Tails glared at Itsuki, letting out a low growl filled with hatred.

And beneath that hatred was a hint of fear.

There was something about Itsuki that felt familiar.

It seemed as if this wasn’t their first meeting.

But!

When had they met? He couldn't recall!

...

"What's going on?"

"Why isn't it moving?"

"Is even a Tailed Beast this useless?"

"Konoha's full of trash too!"

"Take down that Uchiha!"

"Take down that evil Uchiha!"

"Anyone who dares challenge us must die!"

The battle between Itsuki and Naruto, which seemed to be heading toward Naruto's transformation into a Tailed Beast, suddenly came to a halt.

Nobody knew what had happened to the Nine-Tails.

It was about to come out, so why did it just stop?

"Orochimaru!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't hold it in any longer, letting out a low shout, "What did you do?"

Danzo and Jiraiya looked at him, their eyes filled with suspicion and coldness.

Orochimaru furrowed his brow.

He didn't understand it either! He had implanted something like a curse mark in Naruto that could disrupt his mind and break the seal inside him.

It had seemed to work perfectly! But what went wrong now?

"Roar!!!"

At that moment, the frozen Nine-Tails moved.

It let out a furious roar, its surroundings completely transforming as it entered its full Nine-Tails form! Naruto transformed into the Nine-Tails!

And!

Its violent gaze locked onto Itsuki.

"It worked!"

The Third Hokage and the others let out a sigh of relief.

Orochimaru also breathed a sigh of relief.

Had it not been for the people around him, he might have wiped his brow.

His heart had sunk just moments before.

"Roar!!!"

Nine tails stretched out in all directions, and the Nine-Tailed Fox let out a sky-shaking roar, its violent gaze almost palpable.

The overwhelming killing intent was enough to crush anyone!

It was clear to everyone that the current Nine-Tails was overwhelmingly strong and filled with a desire to destroy! Seeing this!

Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others were overjoyed!

Good! It was perfect!

Now! Take down Uchiha Itsuki! As for Naruto, well, sorry.

If he dies, then he dies!

The current Naruto was a problem on his own, and they had a backup container—Shimura Danzo!

This man, with both Sharingan and Hashirama's cells, would be a sufficient Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!

As everyone watched, Itsuki just smiled.

A carefree smile!

He looked at the Nine-Tails for just a moment.

A simple glance! And the Nine-Tails froze in place.

Sharingan, genjutsu!

Obito had been able to control the Nine-Tails with just one look, and Itsuki was far stronger.

Obito had used the help of Hashirama's cells, while Itsuki had the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan!

Not to mention, Itsuki was naturally skilled in genjutsu.

He was stronger than Obito had ever been—far stronger! Next!

Itsuki appeared on top of the Nine-Tails' head.

Just standing there on its head.

Under his control, the Nine-Tails couldn't resist.

Itsuki turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, a faint smile on his face.

At that moment, Itsuki resembled a demonic god overlooking the masses, his face adorned with a wicked and bloody grin.

The Third Hokage and the others suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of dread.

Their hearts were pounding violently.

A deep fear engulfed them, as if an apocalypse was upon them.

There was no time to think!

In the next moment...

Itsuki and the Nine-Tails disappeared.

And then reappeared.

They had only moved ten meters!

But!

To Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, it felt as though they had been pulled from a world of hope into another world named destruction.

Because!

They were now outside the Four Red Yang Formation!

(End of chapter)

Chapter 202: The Konoha Destruction Plan Begins!

The Third Hokage and the others had never watched the "Naruto" anime.

So!

They had no idea that the Flying Thunder God technique could teleport people.

Not only could one get out of a barrier themselves, but they could also take others out.

So!

When Itsuki left the barrier with the Nine-Tails, they were shocked.

So shocked that they were stunned.

So shocked that cold sweat kept running down their foreheads.

So shocked that their pupils contracted to the extreme.

So shocked that their bodies trembled.

The Flying Thunder God technique was known by only three people.

Tobirama Senju, Minato Namikaze, and Itsuki Uchiha!

These three wouldn't specifically run in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi to tell him that the Flying Thunder God could pass through barriers.

So!

The Four Red Yang Formation couldn’t trap a Flying Thunder God user!

So!

Surprise!

Hiruzen Sarutobi reacted quickly, turning to Orochimaru and shouting, "Quick, have the jinchuriki pull back the Nine-Tails, hurry!"

Screw you!

Orochimaru almost cursed out loud.

Did he look like he owned the Nine-Tails?

You think you can just release it and take it back as you please?

He admitted it; he wasn’t capable of that!

Letting the Nine-Tails run wild had already drained much of his mental energy, and he simply couldn't do it.

"Roar!!!"

At this moment, the Nine-Tails moved.

It let out a deafening roar, and its powerful aura turned into a gust of wind that blew many people away.

"Aaah!!!"

After a brief stunned silence, the nobles began screaming in terror, fleeing in every direction.

"Everyone!"

Itsuki looked at the people present with a cheerful smile and said, "The performance just now was quite entertaining, wasn’t it? Don’t you want to be a part of it yourselves?"

"If you don't answer, I’ll take it as a yes!"

"Come on, let’s all play together!"

Itsuki laughed wildly.

His laughter had a hint of madness.

"Stop it, Itsuki Uchiha!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi roared.

His expression was one of utter despair.

"Stop? Who do you think you are? You tell me to stop, and I’ll just stop?"

Itsuki laughed maniacally.

Today, no one could stop him.

He said so!

Even the Sage of Six Paths wouldn’t be able to stop him!

"Roar!"

The Nine-Tails raised a paw and slammed it down hard.

"Boom!"

A corner of the stands was destroyed.

"Good!"

Itsuki laughed and said, "At least fifteen nobles were wiped out. Keep going, little Nine-Tails!"

"Attack!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted, "Everyone, attack together and stop the Nine-Tails!"

Swish!

Upon hearing the Third Hokage's orders, many of the Leaf Village shinobi, though terrified, charged forward.

The Third Hokage turned to the ANBU and ordered, "Go, have people from the other villages help us stop the Nine-Tails."

Even Orochimaru and Jiraiya, heavy-hearted as they were, couldn't help but roll their eyes at that.

Their expressions were strange!

Itsuki was right; who did Sarutobi think he was?

They might dare fight Itsuki.

But to take on the Nine-Tails?

This was a tailed beast—an unstoppable natural disaster!

They’d have to be out of their minds!

Which of the five great ninja villages hadn’t experienced the devastation of a tailed beast?

Which of them hadn’t suffered significant losses because of one?

Risking their lives for another village? You'd have to be crazy to do that.

Their Kage would probably chew them out from start to finish!

Sure enough!

Upon receiving the signal from the ANBU, the shinobi from other villages, hiding in the shadows, didn’t even blink.

In fact!

Many shinobi from other villages began to retreat.

Moreover!

Their eyes darted around, holding a trace of malice.

Their true purpose... was to deal with Itsuki Uchiha!

However!

With the Nine-Tails now in play, could they still deal with Itsuki?

At the very least, the Leaf, busy saving itself, wouldn't offer much help.

In that case, they couldn't just leave empty-handed, right?

Konoha right now was... quite vulnerable...

"Boom!!!"

At that moment, a loud explosion echoed.

Something had exploded!

Hiruzen and the others instinctively turned their heads and saw that the explosion was at the Hokage Building.

Thick smoke rose, bringing another wave of despair!

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

Shouts filled the air.

"Lord Hokage!"

An ANBU hurriedly rushed over, shouting, "The Sand Village is attacking the village!"

"What did you say?"

The Third Hokage screamed.

At that moment, it was as if he underwent a transformation, his voice turning sharp.

Orochimaru's heart sank as well.

He understood.

Things had completely spiraled out of control.

"Heh, heh, sensei, are you surprised? Are you confused?"

Itsuki suddenly looked at Orochimaru with a grin and said, "Originally, you were supposed to give the signal for the Sand Village to attack Konoha. Why are they acting on their own?"

Swish!

Several pairs of eyes turned to Orochimaru simultaneously.

There was a strong sense of suspicion in their gaze.

Orochimaru didn’t bother to hide it, ignoring Hiruzen and the others, and said with a chuckle, "Indeed, my original plan was to have the Sand Village cooperate with me in attacking Konoha—this was part of the Konoha Destruction Plan. Itsuki, what did you do?"

Itsuki smiled and said, "Simple. You gave orders to the Sand as the Kazekage. But are you really the Kazekage? No, you’re not! And those who left the Sand Village saw it clearly."

"So what about their Kazekage?"

"The original Kazekage has become one of Konoha's legendary Sannin—Orochimaru. If you were from the Sand, what would you think?"

"Again, where is their Kazekage?"

Itsuki didn’t wait for Orochimaru to answer and said directly, "I told them that the Leaf killed the Kazekage and planned to attack the Sand after killing me."

"And they believed you?"

Orochimaru was astonished.

Itsuki laughed, "Sometimes, the old folks can be very useful!"

Swish!

As he spoke, two elderly figures appeared in front of everyone.

Seeing them, someone exclaimed, "Chiyo? Ebizo?"

These two were highly respected advisors in the Sand Village.

Unlike the Leaf.

These two were powerful and had helped the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, rise to power.

Most importantly, they had stepped back immediately after their achievements.

This had earned Rasa’s respect.

Usually, Rasa often sought their advice on governing the Sand Village.

When Rasa wasn’t present, they could issue orders directly.

Chiyo stared coldly at Hiruzen and the others, gritting her teeth, "Konoha, you’re very good at this, killing our Kazekage!"

"Chiyo, don’t fall into their trap. This is Uchiha’s trick," Hiruzen hastily said. "The Leaf and the Sand are all—"

"Shut up!"

Chiyo roared, "We’ve already found Rasa's body, so stop lying. It was your Leaf that did it."

Hiruzen opened his mouth but couldn’t speak.

He knew Orochimaru had impersonated Rasa.

As for Rasa’s fate, Hiruzen hadn’t asked, but he had his suspicions.

Orochimaru had joined forces with him to take down Itsuki Uchiha.

There was no way to explain this.

Resolving himself!

Hiruzen gritted his teeth, "Chiyo, does your Sand really intend to go to war with Konoha?"

"Of course!"

Itsuki laughed and said, "The Leaf is too powerful, and today is the perfect opportunity to attack. Everyone!"

He raised his voice so that nearly half of Konoha could hear him.

"All of you from the great ninja villages—this is such a great chance, what are you waiting for? Attack while they're weak!"

"Do you really want to watch as the Leaf reseals the Nine-Tails and remains the number one ninja village?"

"Now is the best opportunity to destroy Konoha!"

"Shut up, Itsuki Uchiha!"

Hiruzen was on the verge of breaking down.

He could imagine what kind of reaction Itsuki Uchiha's words would provoke.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 203: The Gathering of Giants!*

Sarutobi Hiruzen was devastated.

He personally extended the invitation!

Invited the Five Great Shinobi Villages to Konoha to discuss dealing with Hiakurei Village.

In order to eliminate Uchiha Itsuki, he personally invited experts from each village.

Now!

Those very experts have become daggers aimed at him.

Hearing Uchiha Itsuki's words, the experts from each village had mixed expressions.

Konoha was the first shinobi village!

At the same time, they occupied the best geographical position.

They were the core of the entire ninja world.

They were also the wealthiest!

If only they could...

And besides!

Is it strange for them to have such thoughts?

They only had these thoughts, but Sunagakure had already started to act.

One by one, the Sunagakure shinobi rushed into Konoha, launching the Konoha Crush Plan.

In Konoha's core area, the Hokage and others were struggling to deal with the Nine-Tails.

At this moment, the experts from each village acted as if they were unleashed, causing chaos!

Even the Hokage's office building was blown up, showing Konoha's current powerlessness.

The shinobi from each village gradually had a resolute look in their eyes.

"Boom!!!"

Another loud explosion.

A three-headed snake appeared in one corner of the village, roaring at the sky as it began wreaking havoc in Konoha.

With its enormous size, it destroyed a street in just a few moves.

"Orochimaru!"

Seeing that huge figure from afar, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't hold it in anymore.

He glared at Orochimaru.

"It's not me!"

Orochimaru quickly shook his head.

His teacher's expression at this moment was somewhat terrifying.

It was like he had gone back to when he was still a student, haunted by the fear of his teacher.

"Isn't that your summoning beast...?"

"How could it be?"

Orochimaru quickly said, "Hiruzen-sensei, don't forget that Uchiha Itsuki is also a Dragon Cave inheritor; he can summon the Dragon Cave's snakes as well!"

Everyone couldn't help but look at Itsuki.

Itsuki shrugged indifferently.

This really wasn't his doing!

He remembered this guy being part of Orochimaru's original plan.

However!

Even if he explained, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't believe him.

At this moment, would Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others dare offend Orochimaru?

They would likely beg Orochimaru for help!

Just like Sunagakure.

They no longer cared if the Fourth Kazekage was killed by Orochimaru or by Uchiha Itsuki.

They only knew that this was the best opportunity to attack Konoha.

Even if they didn't destroy Konoha, they wanted to make sure Konoha suffered heavy losses.

So, they all chose to play deaf and mute!

Just guide the outcome to what they desired!

"Move, Nine-Tails! Unleash your fury without restraint!"

Itsuki disappeared in a flash, leaving only a sentence behind.

"Boom!!!"

The Nine-Tails went even crazier, attacking the nobles and the approaching shinobi relentlessly.

Blood flowers bloomed continuously!

"We must stop him!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned the Monkey King Enma, transforming it into a weapon, and said solemnly, "We absolutely can't let him continue wreaking havoc in Konoha."

"And Uchiha Itsuki...?"

"I'll go!"

Jiraiya suddenly said, "He called me 'sensei.' We are also pen pals and book friends. I understand him, and I'll be his opponent."

The three Sannin were all once Itsuki's teachers.

However, when it came to understanding Itsuki, Jiraiya was definitely above Orochimaru.

Orochimaru only wanted to use Itsuki.

He wanted Itsuki to become strong and become a dagger pointed at Sarutobi Hiruzen!

Thus, he taught him ninjutsu and forbidden techniques, but never really understood him.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, had many common topics with Itsuki.

"Jiraiya..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was complicated.

Uchiha Itsuki was very strong.

Even Jiraiya had a significant chance of being killed while pursuing him.

But!

At this point, they had no other choice.

"Orochimaru, help me out!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded to Jiraiya and then turned to Orochimaru, saying, "Help me hold off the Nine-Tails."

Orochimaru's eye twitched violently.

Am I crazy?

Are you crazy?

You're asking me to hold off that guy!

During the Nine-Tails' attack that night, I didn't show up, and now you want me to go and die?

And where is Danzo...

Hmm?

Orochimaru was stunned and turned his head: "Where's Danzo?"

Everyone was shocked.

They didn't know when Danzo disappeared.

"Heh."

Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled bitterly.

Ran away?

That's Danzo, alright!

Always consistent with his actions!

"Haha!"

Itsuki, hiding nearby, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This was Danzo's standard move.

When the Second Hokage died, Danzo was ordered to retreat.

In the original story, when the Third Hokage died, he didn't show up!

When the Fourth Hokage died, during the Nine-Tails' attack, Danzo still didn't show up.

In the original story, during Pain's attack, when the Fifth Hokage Tsunade exhausted herself and fell into a coma, Danzo still didn't show up.

As expected from Danzo, a man who always stayed alive!

"Orochimaru, I'm begging you!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's words were tinged with pleading.

Orochimaru reluctantly said, "All I can say is I'll do my best."

"Alright!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, holding the staff, charged at the Nine-Tails.

Orochimaru followed closely behind!

Jiraiya then charged at Itsuki.

"Heh."

Itsuki smiled slightly, raised his hand, and began forming seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

"Boom!"

A crimson figure appeared, its single eye emitting a cold light.

The strongest snake under the Dragon Cave — Shin'ya!

"This guy!"

Jiraiya's face changed slightly as he formed seals with his hands.

"Summoning Beast!"

Another giant figure appeared.

It was Gamabunta, the toad!

"Jiraiya!"

Seeing his opponent clearly, Gamabunta couldn't help but show a black line, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth.

Shin'ya?

Damn it, you might as well have me fight a tailed beast!

"I'm counting on you, Bunta!"

Jiraiya said solemnly, "While I deal with Uchiha Itsuki, please hold off Shin'ya!"

"Uchiha Itsuki?"

Gamabunta was stunned and asked, "Why are you fighting him?"

"It's a long story!"

Jiraiya's face showed bitterness.

Gamabunta gave him a deep look and said, "Don't die, Jiraiya!"

He knew Uchiha Itsuki — a very difficult opponent.

Facing Itsuki... he didn't have much confidence.

Gamabunta sighed inwardly, slowly drawing his sword.

"Don't worry, I'm a Sage!"

Jiraiya laughed.

"Right, summon that guy as well!"

Jiraiya looked at the three-headed snake causing destruction and bit his finger again.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

A deep purple toad appeared.

It was Gamaken!

One of the higher-ups of Mount Myoboku, Gamabunta's brother!

"Gamaken, I'm counting on you. Go deal with that three-headed snake!"

Jiraiya shouted.

Besides another large toad, Konoha alone would find it hard to deal with such a giant creature!

"Jiraiya, if you do this, it just isn't fun anymore!"

Itsuki shook his head, also forming seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

"Boom!"

A towering white smoke rose.

Manda appeared, glaring at Gamaken.

Jiraiya took a deep breath and summoned again!

"Come forth, Gamahiro!"

The toad with two swords strapped to his back appeared, arms crossed, glaring coldly at Itsuki.

"Fine, you guys want to play!"

Itsuki sneered, "Then I'll do it again, Jiraiya! If you can take this, I lose!"

"Summoning Jutsu!"

(End of the chapter.)

*Chapter 204: Total Chaos! (Two-in-One)*

"Boom!"

Another massive creature appeared.

But!

When the people present saw it, they were all dumbfounded.

Itsuki, you’re something else.

Your summoning technique is insane!

It was a cat, entirely engulfed in blue flames!

As soon as it appeared, it gazed disdainfully at everyone present, not even caring much about the Nine-Tails.

The Two-Tails, Matatabi!

Damn it!

He actually summoned a tailed beast!

Even Jiraiya felt a chill run down his spine.

They had been struggling with how to deal with the Nine-Tails moments earlier.

Now, another one appeared!

What now?

“You...you beasts!” Sarutobi Hiruzen was nearly in tears.

Look at this!

These creatures are tens of meters tall! How are we supposed to fight them?

Sure, the strongest of us can manage, but what about the average ninjas? What can they do against these monsters?

And besides!

If these guys start fighting in Konoha, the damage would be catastrophic!

One roll, and that’s an entire street flattened!

At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen even started to blame Jiraiya.

If you hadn’t summoned, there wouldn’t be so many monsters!

But!

That wasn't the end!

When the sky was nearly blocked by the rising sandstorm, Sarutobi Hiruzen completely deflated.

He wanted to call out to his ancestors.

The One-Tail, Shukaku!

Gaara had also lost control.

Stimulated by the two other tailed beasts, Shukaku refused to stay quiet any longer.

And!

Itsuki clearly knew that Gaara was a Jinchuriki, so how could he remain passive?

Of course, he had to interfere!

Just like a certain blonde-haired ninja who was currently roaring in fury.

His name was Minato Namikaze!

"Uchiha Itsuki, you liar!"

Minato was furious.

This was not the agreement he had with Itsuki!

Their deal was that Minato wouldn’t temporarily stop the Nine-Tails from breaking the seal.

Itsuki would take the Nine-Tails out of the barrier, bring Naruto to safety, and then Minato would re-seal the Nine-Tails.

How could the Yellow Flash ever attack Konoha?!

Even with his wife and child in danger, Minato wouldn't harm the village!

Moreover, he didn’t believe his teacher and the Third Hokage would ever allow such a thing!

But!

Once the Nine-Tails left the barrier, Minato was horrified to find that he couldn’t seal the beast.

In the sealing space.

A massive Mangekyo Sharingan appeared above the Nine-Tails.

All the sealing powers targeted at the Nine-Tails vanished the moment they touched that eye.

Some even rebounded, nearly destroying Minato's remaining energy clone.

Clearly!

Uchiha Itsuki had tampered with the Nine-Tails from the start.

His initial agreement was built on deception!

"I just remembered!"

Naruto suddenly clapped his hands, saying, "I had some contact with Uchiha Itsuki when I was younger. He seemed to appear in the sealing space at that time."

"Why didn’t you say this earlier?"

Minato shouted, furious.

The reason he agreed to work with Itsuki was that he had entered the sealing space before Itsuki and confirmed no tampering had been done to the Nine-Tails.

If he'd known Itsuki had been in the sealing space before, Minato would never have cooperated.

Naruto shrugged, "You didn’t ask!"

Secretly, Naruto felt a little satisfied. Serves them right for constantly bullying and manipulating me!

Jiraiya's betrayal had started pushing young Naruto toward the dark side.

So what if it’s Konoha?

Have I ever felt safe here?

Even his trust in Iruka was wavering.

Ask?

Should you even need to ask?

Minato looked grim, mumbling, "It seems there’s no choice but to use the power she left behind."

She?

Naruto’s expression shifted.

Minato quickly began forming hand seals.

Soon, a red aura appeared in the sealing space.

Minato had just smiled warmly, about to speak.

"Bang!"

A delicate white fist punched him hard in the face, sending him flying.

...

“Let’s get this started!”

Itsuki raised both hands, slowly floating in the air, his gaze cold as he looked down at Konoha like a god.

“One bag of rice to carry upstairs!”

...Feel the pain!

“Another bag of rice to the second floor!”

...Think about the pain!

“Another bag of rice was too much!”

...Accept the pain!

“I washed that bag of rice!”

...Understand the pain!

“That bag of rice was full of mud!”

...Those who don’t understand pain!

“And that pile of black bricks!”

...Can never truly know peace!

"Each grain with mud!"

...Starting now!

“Who gave you a bag of rice?!”

...Let the world feel pain!

“Fine, add some water!”

...Shinra Tensei!

Pah! Ignore that last line, it just slipped out!

"Roar!"

"Hiss!"

"Co-coo!"

"Meow!"

The many summoned beasts and tailed beasts responded to Itsuki.

Some began wreaking havoc.

Others charged at their opponents.

Both sides immediately clashed.

"Stop, stop it!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's words had lost their strength.

These massive creatures didn’t need to intentionally destroy anything; just by fighting, they could turn Konoha into rubble.

"Hokage-sama, stay strong!"

An ANBU member beside him shouted, "We are Konoha! We will not lose! All invaders will be defeated!"

Then why don’t you do something!

Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a bitter laugh and sighed, “Alright, let's push them out!”

“Yes!”

After taking several deep breaths, Sarutobi Hiruzen gathered some courage.

It wasn’t that he lacked strength; the enemies were just too fierce.

So...

"Orochimaru!"

Sarutobi suddenly grabbed Orochimaru’s arm, his eyes tearful, "Teacher has never asked anything of you, but today, you must help me!"

Orochimaru: "..."

Teacher, you're something else!

You must have noticed that I was planning to escape.

You're decisive!

Indeed!

There’s a saying: "The old who don’t die become thieves."

You have sharp eyes!

But.

Look at this! How many monsters are there?

How many could easily kill me?

Are you trying to get me killed?

Especially since quite a few of them are my doing.

Is this not a case of being hoisted by my own petard?

Orochimaru didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Is this still Konoha?

It’s a kingdom of monsters!

I'm just a normal guy in comparison; it’s too hard.

"Orochimaru, please, you're all I have left!"

Orochimaru: "..."

For some reason, those words gave him an odd sense of satisfaction!

Didn't you kick me out before?

Didn’t you think I wasn’t fit to be Hokage?

Didn't you...

So why are you begging me now?

"Fine!"

Orochimaru grinned, "Teacher, I’ll help you this time. I want you to see just how wrong your choice was back then!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen heaved a long sigh of relief.

You can say whatever you want!

As long as you don’t leave, I don’t care if you mock me. Hell, I’d bow to you if needed!

But!

Sarutobi's expression shattered in the next moment.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Damn it, another Summoning Jutsu?

Sarutobi almost instinctively wanted to curse out loud.

He was terrified of these things now.

But when he saw what Orochimaru had summoned, he swallowed his words.

Two coffins appeared before everyone.

The First!

The Second!

Orochimaru, you son of a...

...

The monsters were battling, but there was a small mishap.

When Itsuki gave the command to start, Gamabunta suddenly pounced toward Manda, shouting, “Die, little snake!”

“That’s my opponent!”

Gamaken wasn’t slow either, charging forward.

Manda: "..."

You two bastards!

Neither of you wants to face the Two-Tails, so now you're coming after me?

You think I’m easy prey?

Manda’s eyes gleamed with violence, and just as he was about to strike, a blood-red tail whipped through the air, sending Gamabunta flying.

It was Garaga!

He slithered over lazily, saying, “Manda, Itsuki and I made a bet.”

“A bet?”

“Yes, he bet that the two of us could take on these three toads without the Two-Tails interfering.”

Manda immediately understood and sneered, “Why should I listen to him?”

Back when Uchiha Itsuki came to Ryuchi Cave, he signed a contract with Garaga.

Manda belonged to Orochimaru!

Though both were snakes from Ryuchi Cave, and Itsuki could summon from there, Manda didn’t have to listen to him.

Garaga bared his fangs, his eyes fierce.

Manda felt a hint of fear but didn’t back down.

He didn’t believe the current situation would allow Garaga to act against him!

“Enough, Garaga!”

"Alright, Garaga!"

Itsuki appeared above Garaga and patted his head. He smiled at Manda and said, "Manda, there are many ninjas and human nobles here. As for them, do as you wish. You know what I mean, right?"

"Oh!"

Manda squinted his eyes and asked, "You don't care about these human nobles either?"

"Bon appétit!"

"Same goes for Garaga. I hope you can eat as much as you like. To me, these guys' biggest purpose is just to fill your stomachs."

Itsuki shrugged.

"Haha!"

Manda burst out laughing and said, "Uchiha Itsuki, I really like you. No wonder Garaga is so loyal to you. If I were him, I'd follow you too."

He made no effort to conceal his voice.

Orochimaru heard it.

His face darkened a bit.

If Manda weren't so powerful, he would definitely take him down a notch!

And so, the battle between the two snakes and the three toads began.

To be honest, Gamabunta talked a big game, but his strength was just relatively decent.

Against Manda and Garaga, he really had no advantage.

The two snakes didn’t even need to coordinate. Just one round of attacks, and Gamabunta nearly fell to his knees.

The sword in his hand was sharp, but unfortunately for Manda and Garaga, as long as that sword didn't kill them in one strike, their tails could easily crush him.

Luckily, the other two toads came to his rescue in time.

The five massive summoned beasts clashed fiercely.

On the other side of the battlefield...

The Nine-Tails was still rampaging.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru, along with the ninjas of Konoha, rushed to confront it.

They tried everything they could to re-seal the Nine-Tails, but the beast was just too strong. Despite the tremendous efforts of the Third Hokage and others, all they gained was more death and injury.

"Oh dear!"

"What a spectacle!"

Itsuki watched the chaotic battlefield with a smile that couldn't be hidden from his face.

Let it happen!

The bigger the mess, the better!

Konoha would definitely be severely weakened this time!

"Itsuki, is this really necessary?"

Jiraiya's voice of resignation echoed.

He appeared across from Itsuki, looking at him with a complicated expression.

"Jiraiya, you're saying..."

Itsuki looked at him, speechless, and said, "Konoha plotted against me first. Are you saying I shouldn’t fight back? That’s not how the world works."

"Besides!"

He tilted his head and looked at Jiraiya. "Don't talk to me like that; it makes me feel like throwing up. I still don’t understand—how could you bring yourself to go after Naruto? Aren’t you his teacher? Weren’t you Minato’s teacher?"

"Everyone loves to say the Uchiha clan is bad... but honestly, you guys are the most disgusting."

"I didn’t want to go after Naruto either!"

Jiraiya finally lost control and shouted in anger, "But, for Konoha..."

"That phrase is key!"

Itsuki cut him off, smiling. "Danzo used to say that all the time too. Jiraiya, are you the next inheritor of the Shadow of the Ninja?"

Jiraiya froze.

Had he, without realizing it, become just like Danzo?

No! Absolutely not! There was no way he could turn into someone as sinister as Danzo.

"Enough, let’s stop wasting words!"

Itsuki jumped onto the head of the Two-Tails, lazily saying, "Kitty, go play with Jiraiya for a bit!"

The demon cat glanced at Jiraiya coldly. "Is he my opponent?"

"Itsuki!"

Jiraiya suddenly shouted, "You be my opponent! I beg of you!"

Seeing the determination in Jiraiya's eyes, Itsuki seemed to understand something.

He chuckled.

"Alright!"

"Jiraiya, I’ll be your opponent!"

Itsuki looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was still fighting, and laughed, "Two-Tails, go pay a visit to Sarutobi, and send a few Tailed Beast Bombs his way."

"How dare you!"

Hiruzen, who was swinging his staff to try and drive the Nine-Tails out of Konoha, trembled. He turned his head and roared at Itsuki.

"I wouldn’t dare, I absolutely wouldn’t dare!"

Itsuki promised with a serious expression. "Third Hokage, don’t worry. You can trust me!"

"Uchiha Itsuki!!!"

Hiruzen was furious.

But the Two-Tails didn’t bother with words and immediately charged toward the Sarutobi Clan’s location.

Why talk when you can fight?

The Tailed Beasts hated words the most.

As for the Sarutobi Clan’s location, of course, Itsuki had provided that information.

"Come on, Hiruzen Sarutobi, let’s see what choice you’ll make!"

Itsuki watched Sarutobi with a smile, though his eyes were ice cold.

"What decision will you make?"

"Ahhhhhh!!!"

The Third Hokage let out a furious roar, his face filled with rage.

Jiraiya was also infuriated, charging toward Itsuki, only to be blocked by an endless wave of yellow sand.

Shukaku, the One-Tail!

He stood in front of Itsuki, coldly staring at Jiraiya.

"Itsuki!"

Jiraiya angrily shouted, "I want to see your own strength!"

"Now that’s just shameless."

Itsuki sighed and said, "Jiraiya, who are you to say the One-Tail isn’t my strength?"

"If I control a Tailed Beast with my genjutsu, doesn’t that count as my power?"

"I’m starting to think you’re becoming more and more shameless, Sage Jiraiya!"

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 205: The First and Second Hokage!*

"Genjutsu?"

Jiraiya was stunned.

"You used genjutsu to control Shukaku?"

Control a tailed beast with genjutsu?

Suddenly, he recalled the night of the Nine-Tails' attack.

The Nine-Tails was controlled by the Sharingan!

But back then, Itsuki was still too young.

"What do you think?"

Itsuki chuckled and said, "Jiraiya, use your brain and think carefully. Why would the Sand Village cooperate with me? Is it really just to take advantage of Konoha?"

The Sand Village attacking Konoha was part of Itsuki's strategy of both carrot and stick.

Weakening Konoha was just one reason.

Shukaku, the One-Tail, was the key issue.

Once it became clear that the Sand's tailed beast was under the control of Uchiha Itsuki, the Sand's balance shifted drastically.

No village in the Six Great Ninja Villages could afford to be without a tailed beast!

Even the Hidden Waterfall Village has one, so there's no way the Sand Village would be an exception.

In times of war, whether or not to use the tailed beast is one thing, but not having one is another.

"Hehehe!"

Shukaku laughed at Jiraiya and launched a few Wind Release attacks.

Jiraiya hastily dodged.

But!

This was Konoha, and not just anywhere, but the core of the village.

Whether they won or lost the fight, Konoha would ultimately be the loser.

Jiraiya wiped his hands across his face and summoned his Toad Sage.

"A Sage?"

Itsuki glanced at him and then lost interest.

Because he noticed something far more interesting.

The First Hokage!

The Second Hokage!

Orochimaru had finally used the Reanimation Jutsu to summon the First and Second Hokage.

At this moment!

The two Hokage were rushing over and appeared before Itsuki in the blink of an eye.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama!"

Itsuki smiled and respectfully greeted them.

"You two are legends. Under your leadership, Konoha reached its true glory. We will always remember the blessings you brought us."

He started with flattery!

The words the First and Second were about to say got stuck in their throats.

Mainly because the sincerity on Itsuki's face was overwhelming.

Itsuki continued with a swift compliment, looking at Hashirama Senju, and said, "The First Hokage created the first ninja village and became the first Kage in the world. Later, you established the One Country, One Village system. Without a doubt, you're the greatest Hokage in Konoha's history."

It was like Itsuki's past life where there was the "First Emperor."

No matter what else he did, founding the first unified nation made him eternally the First Emperor!

Hashirama Senju was the same. The mere fact that he founded the first ninja village was enough to make him the greatest Hokage of Konoha.

The only difference was!

He was just the greatest Hokage in Konoha!

Had Hashirama unified the entire ninja world, it would have been no contest. No matter how great future leaders were, they'd always live in his shadow.

Tobirama Senju had beaten his brother in every other aspect, but he still remained in Hashirama’s shadow because of this.

Hashirama's eyebrows twitched, and he couldn’t help but laugh, "You little rascal, even though... ahem!"

Tobirama glared sharply at his older brother, stopping him from finishing his sentence.

Hashirama pouted.

Being called "Madara Uchiha the Second" by this Uchiha made him strangely happy.

Although, when the time came to fight, they’d still fight!

Itsuki then turned his gaze to Tobirama Senju, sighed, and said, "If only you had been the First Hokage."

No need for pleasantries!

Straight to the point!

Tobirama had heard plenty of flattery in his time, but that single sentence from Uchiha Itsuki was like an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day.

If he had been the First Hokage, there wouldn’t have been so many problems!

But he couldn’t beat his brother, and Hashirama was the legitimate heir of the Senju clan. What could he do?

Tobirama spent his life at odds with Madara Uchiha.

Except for one thing—on that one thing, they agreed!

Unifying the ninja world!

Both of them wanted Konoha, at its peak, to march forward and unify the ninja world.

But!

Hashirama refused!

As the First Hokage, he firmly rejected Madara Uchiha and Tobirama’s proposal, not wanting to see more bloodshed in the ninja world.

And so!

The ninja world missed its best chance for unification!

Which led to all the mess that followed!

Before Hashirama's body was even cold, another ninja war had already started!

"Enough, brat!"

Tobirama’s eyes grew cold as he glared at Itsuki, "Stop your actions immediately."

"My actions?"

Itsuki chuckled, "Which ones are you referring to?"

"The Nine-Tails?"

"That has nothing to do with me. Your precious student tried to outsmart me, and as a result, the Nine-Tails went berserk. You’re not going to pin that on me, are you, Tobirama-sama? I don’t believe you're that shameless!"

Both the First and Second Hokage frowned deeply.

They could tell that the Nine-Tails wasn't under any genjutsu at the moment.

What Itsuki did was simple: he left a mark of power inside the Nine-Tails. If anyone tried to seal the Nine-Tails, that power would interfere.

After Minato failed several times to seal it, the Nine-Tails realized what was going on and didn’t provoke the power any further.

As for Itsuki's request for it to wreak havoc, the Nine-Tails gladly complied—it had been wanting to vent for a while!

Itsuki continued, "As for the Sand Village? That was your precious student who killed their Kazekage. Of course, they would seek revenge. I say, First and Second Hokage-sama, you can’t be so overbearing that when a village’s Kage is killed, they’re not allowed to retaliate? That's too tyrannical, isn't it?"

The Senju brothers' faces darkened.

They felt like turning around and slapping Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Couldn’t you do anything right?

"And as for the other ninja villages’ experts..."

Itsuki looked around.

The experts from other villages had already begun their moves.

With Konoha in chaos, how could they not take advantage?

Pillaging and looting!

Go for it!

After this, Konoha would surely be devastated!

Of course, they couldn't act too obviously for now, and their actions were cautious.

But!

It wouldn’t be long before their actions grew bolder, leading to utter madness.

This was a feast, with Konoha as the main course!

"Those experts? Sarutobi invited them. How would I know their situation?"

Itsuki shrugged.

"And those summons..."

Itsuki said bluntly, "Konoha’s trying to kill me, and what? I’m not allowed to fight back? Who do you think you are? What do you think you are?"

"Enough!"

Tobirama yelled, his voice icy, "No matter what, you betrayed the village. You know very well how any village deals with rogue ninja, don’t you, Uchiha?"

"Of course!"

Itsuki grinned, "I led the Uchiha in betraying Konoha, I admit it. But all I wanted was to prevent the Uchiha from becoming like the Senju, completely absorbed as fuel for Konoha. Am I really wrong?"

"Oh, by the way, Senju-sama, did you know? The Senju clan is completely gone now. You can’t find a single Senju clansman."

"If Tsunade hadn't run fast, she would’ve been the next Nawaki!"

A few simple sentences made Tobirama's face turn pale.

(End of chapter)