131-135

*Chapter 131: Smashing the Hokage Monument (Part 2)*

"This, this is..."

The Ape Demon stared in shock at the massive figure that had suddenly appeared.

In the next moment—

"Boom!!!"

The massive figure swung its tail violently, slamming it down hard.

The Ape Demon swiftly dodged the attack and retreated, his expression turning extremely serious.

"Heh heh, little monkey!"

The enormous figure let out a deep laugh. "You're too small, not even enough to fill the gaps between my teeth."

"Ape Demon..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived beside the old monkey.

"Yeah."

The Ape Demon's deep voice rumbled, "I remember, this must be Garaga from Ryūchi Cave!"

The most ferocious snake from Ryūchi Cave, stronger than Orochimaru’s Manda.

It was said that unless a tailed beast used its Tailed Beast Bomb, it might not be stronger than Garaga. This was a truly powerful summoning beast, capable of battling a tailed beast.

And Itsuki had tamed it!

"Damn Orochimaru!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s face turned pale.

"Hmph!" The Ape Demon snorted. "Regret it now? I told you to kill him back then."

Itsuki was Orochimaru’s disciple. He was Orochimaru's greatest masterpiece and also a reflection of Orochimaru's resentment towards the Third Hokage. Orochimaru had taught Itsuki everything—both what should and shouldn’t have been taught—with the sole purpose of opposing Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Orochimaru's resentment had clearly succeeded.

At this moment, Hiruzen wished he were dead.

He truly regretted not listening to the Ape Demon when he first realized something was wrong with Orochimaru. He should have dealt with him right then and there, but now, he had brought himself all this trouble.

"Ape Demon, can you handle this guy?"

"That’s not what you should be worrying about!"

The Ape Demon shifted his gaze to the Konoha and Uchiha ninjas.

The Uchiha had only about 200 ninjas, while Konoha, after receiving reinforcements, now had around 2,000. Such a large difference in numbers meant that Konoha would inevitably win.

However—

The Uchiha civilians numbered around 3,000. These civilians didn’t need to do much; they simply kept advancing, throwing kunai and shuriken tied with explosive tags. If anyone dared block their path, they would blow them to pieces.

As for the Konoha ninjas, the Uchiha ninjas were there to handle them.

Under the leadership of two Mangekyō Sharingan users, the smaller number of Uchiha ninjas was not at a complete disadvantage.

"Roar!"

A gigantic Susanoo appeared, glaring coldly at the Konoha ninjas, letting out maniacal laughter.

"Come on, you damned fools!"

With a giant sword in hand, it swept through the air, instantly sending over a dozen Konoha ninjas flying.

"Kill, kill, kill! Hahaha!"

In a frenzy, the wielder of Susanoo screamed wildly. Its actions grew even more violent, rampaging through the Konoha forces without restraint.

At that moment, he had leveled up to "Maniac Laughter General"!

No matter what jutsu the Konoha ninjas used, they couldn’t break through Susanoo’s defense. Even the powerful secret jutsu users had a tough time.

"Amaterasu!"

Black flames surged up, engulfing two Konoha ninjas who were preparing to attack. In the next moment, Itachi disappeared into the crowd like a ghost, silently eliminating any ninja who posed a danger.

Amaterasu’s attacks were too bizarre and unpredictable, and there was no effective defense against it. Though it drained Itachi greatly, there were few secret jutsu users capable of harming Susanoo.

Seeing this—

Shikaku Nara couldn’t help but shout, "Lord Hokage!"

They couldn’t keep fighting like this—because this was Konoha!

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s face was dark as he gritted his teeth and said, "Don’t hold back, Shikaku. Kill those—"

"Monkey, think carefully before you speak!"

Itsuki suddenly interrupted. "I remember the Nara clan’s territory isn’t far from here, is it?"

Instantly, the expressions of the Third Hokage and others changed drastically.

"Uchiha Itsuki!"

The Third Hokage growled.

"What are you yelling for?"

Itsuki spoke impatiently. "There are so many of you, going after so few of us, and you’re planning to target our women and children? Does that make you feel righteous? Does that make you feel wronged?"

The Third Hokage’s expression twisted with rage.

Shikaku Nara remained silent, but his gaze stayed fixed on the Third Hokage. Although he was pleading, the Third Hokage could feel the strong sense of threat.

Was Shikaku Nara a weak person?

Absolutely not!

So if they really fought, protecting the Nara clan’s territory would become essential.

But could they even do that?

If they couldn't, and the battle continued, Shikaku would break away from him completely.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gritted his teeth.

He looked at Setsuna, who was slaughtering Konoha ninjas.

That old lunatic cared nothing for his chakra reserves, attacking wildly like a tailed beast, leaving blood in his wake.

He then glanced at his strongest ally, the Ape Demon, who was being beaten by Garaga.

"Hey." Itsuki called again. "Have you thought it over, Monkey?"

"Stop, Uchiha Itsuki!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s face darkened as he coldly declared, "I agree to let the Uchiha leave."

"Now, immediately, get out of Konoha!"

Itsuki was stunned. "Monkey, you’re surrendering? Just like that?"

"Uchiha Itsuki, don’t push your luck!"

Even Shikaku Nara couldn’t hold back from rebuking him.

"What did I do?"

Itsuki was speechless. "I had so many plans, and you two surrendered so easily. I’m disappointed. No, we need to make a deal."

"What do you want now?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s voice seethed with anger. He had already backed down, yet the other side still pushed.

Did they think he wouldn’t fight to the death?

"I want money!"

Itsuki grinned at Hiruzen. "Three billion ryō. How’s that?"

Hiruzen’s face suddenly turned calm and indifferent. "Uchiha Itsuki, do you really think you can threaten me?"

Shikaku Nara added, "Uchiha, don’t forget, this is Konoha. Even though many of our forces are fighting outside, the number of remaining ninjas is still far beyond what you can handle."

"I know, of course I know!"

Itsuki smiled. "Together, the various clans probably have at least 5,000 ninjas. Not counting the Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, and Homura clans, Konoha's total ninja force would be at least 12,000."

Shikaku Nara froze.

The ninjas present were also stunned.

What did Itsuki mean by that?

Were the four clans under Hiruzen Sarutobi really that large? Could they have over 7,000 members?

How could that be?

Shikaku suddenly thought of the compromise made by Choza Akimichi.

Could it be...?

He resisted the urge to glance at Hiruzen.

"Monkey, how about I sell you some explosive tags?"

Itsuki smiled, changing the subject.

"Sell explosive tags?"

Everyone was confused.

"Yep," Itsuki said with a grin, "and you have to buy them."

"Ridiculous!" Hiruzen Sarutobi sneered. "What if I don’t?"

"Then, this happens!"

Itsuki pulled out a remote control and pressed a button.

"Boom!!!"

A deafening explosion shook the ground.

Those with Byakugan immediately shouted, "Oh no, the Hokage Monument—look! The Third Hokage’s face!"

Everyone turned to see Konoha’s sacred, majestic Hokage Monument.

The Third Hokage’s face was shattered, gone from the village forever!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 132: Accidentally Pressed the Wrong Button!*

"Am I destroyed?"

That was the only thought in Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind as he stared blankly at the cleanly carved out hole in the Hokage Rock.

Then, in an instant.

He turned his head and glared fiercely at Uchiha Itsuki, his expression as if he wanted to tear him apart piece by piece.

Shame!

This was the greatest humiliation he had ever experienced!

"Itsuki Uchiha, what have you done?"

Nara Shikaku roared in fury, "You actually destroyed the Hokage Rock?!"

He was truly enraged.

This was an act of defiance!

An unending challenge!

That was the Hokage Rock, the symbol of Konoha!

You destroyed it, do you think the people of Konoha will let this go?

We were on the verge of a temporary truce, so why are you stirring up more trouble?

Do you really not care about the Uchiha clan standing behind you?

Itsuki looked at him with a smile, "Do you know why I destroyed the Hokage Rock?"

Everyone glared at him coldly, remaining silent.

The Konoha shinobi, who had just retreated, regrouped once again.

Itsuki wasn't expecting them to answer. Ignoring their movements, he continued, "Because no one was there."

He pulled out another remote control and said, "Now tell me, where should I blow up next? And this time, will I manage to kill someone?"

With those words, the faces of everyone present changed.

The move to surround Itsuki was halted.

Itsuki turned to Nara Shikaku and said, "How about blowing up the Nara Clan next?"

"Do you dare?"

Nara Shikaku finally lost his composure.

His entire clan was there.

His wife, his children, everything he cared about was there.

If something happened to them, his life would be over too.

To make it worse, the Nara clan could cease to exist.

While there were many Nara clan shinobi in the army who could carry on the legacy, the elderly, women, and children were all at the clan grounds.

The resources were there too.

If something happened to the Nara compound, do you think the other clans of Konoha would stand by and watch them rise again?

"You’re so aggressive, I really don’t dare."

Itsuki put on a frightened expression and said, "How about I blow up the Akimichi or Yamanaka clans instead? Or maybe I should take care of all three of you—Ino-Shika-Cho together? In the next life, you can be brothers again."

"You…"

Nara Shikaku’s face twisted with rage, just about to shout, but he saw a cold glint in Itsuki’s eyes, and his finger hovering dangerously over the remote control.

He immediately shut his mouth and lowered his head.

He didn’t even dare to look at Itsuki.

The sacred Hokage Rock was blown up—did you really need to ask if he dared to blow up somewhere else?

Or, would you like to bet that he hadn’t planted explosive tags in various clan compounds?

If you dare to bet your entire clan’s life, then I’ll salute you!

"That's more like it, no need to shout and scream. You’re not young anymore, not some impulsive kid."

Itsuki smiled and pressed the button.

"Boom!"

A massive explosion echoed through the village.

A cloud of dust was blown into the air.

The tremendous shockwave swept across the surroundings.

The entire village shook.

The people of Konoha were stunned by the scene before them.

"Itsuki Uchiha!!!"

Nara Shikaku screamed in fury and immediately moved to attack.

"Don't get excited!"

Itsuki quickly said, "I pressed the wrong button, that wasn’t the Nara clan. This one is!"

He pulled out a new remote, saying, "The one I just pressed seems to have been for the Hachima clan."

Nara Shikaku froze, instinctively asking, "Really, you’re not lying?"

"I promise!"

Itsuki raised three fingers and said, "If I’m lying, may that old man Sarutobi die a miserable death!"

"…"

Itsuki glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and added, "Not you, your grandson!"

You might as well have not explained at all.

Sarutobi glared coldly at Itsuki.

Hachima!

That was a small shinobi clan in Konoha.

Though small, they still provided dozens of shinobi for Konoha.

And now, their entire compound had been wiped out!

Itsuki Uchiha, you vile Uchiha, you deserve death!

Attack!

Wipe out the Uchiha!

Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to shout these words.

But!

He didn’t dare.

Was that really a mistake just now?

No, it was clearly a show of power.

If you make a move, who will he blow up next? There’s no telling.

Itsuki Uchiha knows the Flying Thunder God Technique; he could sneak into any clan’s territory and place explosive tags without much effort.

Maybe even the Sarutobi clan...

Even if his own clan wasn’t rigged with explosive tags, and because of his order, other clans were wiped out, the returning shinobi would lose their minds!

Nara Shikaku grew even more cautious.

The Hachima clan was right next to the Nara clan, which is why he assumed the explosion was aimed at them.

In his moment of panic, he decided to attack.

But in the end…

A single glance from Itsuki put him in a genjutsu.

Thankfully, he was an experienced jōnin and managed to break free.

"We can’t win!"

"There’s no way we can win!"

Nara Shikaku felt bitter.

He was an experienced jōnin, yet in front of this young man, he let his guard down and fell for a trap.

And!

What do you mean you pressed the wrong button?

Were you actually about to press it for real?

If you hadn’t made a mistake, would you have blown up the Nara clan?

"Why is it so quiet?"

Itsuki smiled, "Everyone, everyone, relax a little. At worst, it’s just a boom on a sunny day. Eighteen years later, you’ll make a grand comeback with a flash of lightning. Why so tense?"

"Itsuki Uchiha, what is it you want?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi growled.

"300 million ryō!"

Itsuki said with a smile, "You give me 300 million ryō, and I’ll take the Uchiha clan and leave Konoha immediately. How about that?"

Sarutobi was about to respond when Itsuki raised the remote, "Do you need me to get a little excited? I’m telling you, I get nervous easily, and one slip of the finger, I might press the wrong button."

Sarutobi fell silent.

Everyone around him fell silent.

The battle instantly came to a halt.

Blood tears streamed down Setsuna face, and his breathing grew weak.

No one else knew, but his vision was already blurry, and his entire body was in unbearable pain.

This was the side effect of using Susano’o.

His eyes—his Mangekyō Sharingan—were on the verge of being destroyed.

"I can use it one more time!"

Setsuna knew his Mangekyō Sharingan was at its limit, and if he used it again, it would be ruined for good.

He glanced at Itachi.

If his eyes were ruined, the future would depend on Itachi.

But…

His gaze shifted to Itsuki Uchiha.

You’ve surprised me once again!

So, you planned to lead the Uchiha clan out of Konoha in broad daylight. This wasn’t some impulsive move.

You had prepared for this all along.

"300 million is too much, Konoha can’t afford that!"

Sarutobi coldly replied, "I can give you 100 million at most."

"Lord Hokage, you’re being too harsh with the bargaining!"

Itsuki frowned, "You cut 200 million just like that. No way, absolutely not. 500 million ryō, at least 500 million, and I’ll leave immediately!"

"You…"

Sarutobi felt his heart begin to race again.

I lowered it by 200 million, and you raised it by another 200 million!

So what was the point of my bargaining?

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 133: This Is Too Much*

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood frozen in place.

Itsuki said kindly, “Lord Hokage, how about I blow something up just to try it out? Don’t worry, I promise I won’t blow up the Sarutobi clan. You’ve got to trust me. I’ve got a special feeling for the Sarutobi clan.”

Damn it!

Even without turning around, Hiruzen could sense that the eyes of every ninja around were fixed on him.

Among the Konoha ninjas present, apart from the Anbu, no doubt, they were all members of the ninja clans.

Only the ninja clans needed people to stay behind.

Civilian ninjas? Get your butt to the battlefield already. You’re the only ninja in your family—if you don’t go, who will?

What? Your wife just gave birth?

Where’s your Will of Fire? Without it, you’re not worthy of being a Konoha ninja.

So the pressure from the surrounding ninjas on Hiruzen felt almost tangible.

This involved their personal interests, so of course, they were tense.

Their family members were fighting desperately for Konoha on the front lines, while the clan members at home were gone because of your order, Hiruzen!

If I don’t make your clan vanish too, I’d be doing you a favor, Hiruzen!

What’s that? It’s not your fault?

Are you not the Hokage?

You’re the Hokage, so it’s your responsibility. It’s on you since Danzo isn’t around.

“Hokage, why are you looking at them?” Itsuki grumbled. “You’re the Hokage! When you make decisions, how can you still consider other ninjas? I can’t stand it! Are they even treating you like the Hokage? Whatever you say goes. Anyone who rebels is a traitor.”

He glared at the ninjas around him, saying, “If any of you consider yourselves Konoha ninjas, step forward right now so I can mark your clan.”

To hell with you!

Every ninja present was cursing Itsuki silently.

Even some of the Uchiha were thinking the same.

Listen to yourself. Are you even speaking like a human?

Definitely not!

“What’s the matter? You think I’m wrong?” Itsuki snapped. “If you don’t listen to the Hokage, do you want to end up like the Uchiha and become traitors?”

More people’s faces turned dark.

Some Uchiha were itching to throw an explosive tag right at Itsuki’s face.

Becoming traitors was already a sore spot, and here he was, rubbing it in.

Itsuki pointed at them, shouting, “Let me tell you something—”

“Enough!” Hiruzen interrupted. “200 million ryō! I’ll pay. Take the Uchiha and leave now!”

“300 million! Not a cent less!” Itsuki waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t believe me? I’ll blow up another one to show you!”

With that, he pulled out a button, muttering, “Whose clan was this again? Forgot. Oh well, doesn’t matter.”

“No, don’t—”

Boom!!!

Another explosion shook Konoha.

Everyone was stunned.

He really did it?

Itsuki squinted for a moment, then clapped his hands, “Looks like that was the Kurama clan’s land. Well, that clan was a problem anyway, so I solved it for you. No need to thank me, Hokage, just throw in another 50 million ryō.”

Hiruzen was breathing heavily.

The veins on his forehead bulged, and his fists clenched tightly.

He was at his limit.

Whoosh!

A ninja hurried over to Hiruzen’s side and whispered something in his ear.

Hiruzen’s anger subsided slightly as he turned to look at the Hyuga ninja in front of him. “Are you sure?” he asked quietly.

“Positive!” the Hyuga ninja replied softly. “I went to several ninja clan lands, and underneath each one, I found a large number of explosive tags. If they go off… even the outskirts of the Sarutobi clan’s land are rigged. I didn’t dare check deeper.”

Hiruzen said nothing.

“Hokage-sama!” Nara Shikaku leaned in and whispered, “Maybe… we should just pay.”

Hiruzen sighed in resignation. “Konoha’s treasury can’t afford that much.”

A major battle was coming, and Konoha’s finances were already stretched thin.

300 million ryō? Even selling himself wouldn’t be enough.

“We know that!” Shikaku glanced at the other ninjas around them. “All the clans are willing to chip in.”

The other ninjas nodded in agreement.

Though the Hyuga ninja had spoken softly, they all had a rough idea of what was said.

So the Hyuga had already checked several clans and found explosive tags.

And “several” might include their own clans.

Fine! Pay up!

Better to lose money than lives.

“Fine.” Hiruzen sighed again. “Uchiha Itsuki, you win. 300 million ryō—Konoha will pay.”

“350 million,” Itsuki corrected seriously. “I took out the unstable Kurama clan. Logically, you should show some appreciation.”

The veins on Hiruzen’s head throbbed visibly, almost as if they were drumming.

You beast! You want to charge me 50 million ryō for destroying a Konoha clan?

A “thank-you fee”? I’ll thank your ancestors, you scumbag!

God knows how much I want to kill you right now!

If I had known you’d turn out like this, I’d have strangled Kagami at birth, cutting you off at the source.

“Hokage-sama!” Shikaku called out.

We’ve already agreed on 300 million, what’s 50 million more?

Let’s just get rid of this disaster!

“I’ll pay!” Hiruzen finally forced the words through gritted teeth.

“Thank you for your patronage!” Itsuki beamed. “How about I blow up a few more clans, and you can pay me a bit more? I’m helping the Sarutobi clan clear the way.”

Hiruzen glared at Itsuki, speaking slowly, “Uchiha Itsuki, if you provoke me again—”

Click!

Without hesitation, Itsuki pressed another button.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

This explosion was the biggest one yet.

All of Konoha shook violently.

Several buildings collapsed.

Near the village’s center, a massive mushroom cloud rose into the sky.

Itsuki grinned. “What do you think? Spectacular, right?”

Hiruzen stood there, dumbfounded.

So did everyone else.

After a long silence, the Hyuga ninja whispered, “That was the Koharu clan’s land.”

Koharu!?

Koharu Utatane!?

“Nooo!” Hiruzen suddenly screamed, leaping toward Itsuki.

Luckily, Shikaku reacted quickly and grabbed Hiruzen, holding him back.

“Hokage-sama, please stay calm!”

“Noooo!” Hiruzen struggled, but Shikaku held on tightly, repeatedly telling him to calm down.

Itsuki blinked, confused. “What’s going on here?”

“Monkey, you’ve got nothing! Danzo’s cackling sounds way better. What’s with all your howling?”

“Uchiha Itsuki!” Shikaku snapped, “You’ve gone too far—um…” He paused, swallowing his words awkwardly. “Please show mercy!”

Itsuki, holding the remote in his hand, simply stared at Shikaku in silence.

I’m not saying a word.

I just like hearing you beg!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 134: Blasting Until You Submit*

What is the Koharu Homura clan?

It's the ninja clan of Koharu Homura!

Years ago, who would have known of such a small ninja clan?

But!

When Koharu became a disciple of the Second Hokage, the clan started to gain fame.

After Sarutobi Hiruzen became the Third Hokage, the clan's power grew even more.

When Koharu became an elder, the clan became one of Konoha's elite families.

As her position stabilized, the clan grew larger and more powerful.

At many points, the Koharu clan even surpassed ancient clans like the Uchiha and the Hyuga.

They were flying high!

But today?

Gone!

Koharu's decades of effort, wiped away.

Not just "back to square one," but obliterated completely.

Eighteen years from now, she can start over again!

Even Nara Shikaku felt a chill in his heart.

Uchiha Itsuki — he's truly mad!

He wiped out an entire clan without hesitation, no second thoughts.

What did the Koharu clan represent? Power!

And he disregarded it entirely!

Thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children—he didn’t care!

This ninja clan was in the heart of Konoha, and he blew it up, ignoring the panic it caused.

"You, let him go!"

Itsuki pointed at Nara Shikaku, then at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who Shikaku was holding.

"Let’s see how far this old man can walk!

For every step he takes, I’ll randomly blow up a ninja clan!

If he reaches me, I’ll count that as seven steps."

"This..."

Nara Shikaku was stunned.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had given up struggling, his face blank.

Itsuki spoke again, "Did you hear me? Let him go! Let him come!"

"If you don't, I'll start blowing things up randomly. If I blow up your house, at least give me a billion ryo. Consider it my gift for helping you get a new wife and start a new life."

Shikaku immediately let go, even giving Sarutobi a gentle push.

When he hit the ground, Sarutobi didn’t move, just stared deeply at Itsuki.

"Enough, stop staring at me," Itsuki said impatiently. "Aren’t you tired? You’ve been yelling for ages, and I haven't seen you take any action."

"Hmph!"

Sarutobi exhaled heavily, coldly saying, "Fine, Uchiha Itsuki, you’re something else!"

"Boom!!!"

Another deafening explosion.

Another ninja clan was blown away.

Itsuki casually threw the detonator aside and said, "I know how strong I am, no need for you to remind me.

But I still appreciate your concern, so here’s my thanks!"

Old lady!

I specialize in crushing defiance.

You talk back, you’re stubborn, you resist — I blow things up!

Big explosions!

Until you’re convinced and submit!

The area was utterly silent.

Everyone was trembling.

A Hyuga ninja muttered, "That was the Mito clan’s territory."

This time, he didn’t keep his voice down, and everyone heard it.

After the Koharu clan, is the Mito clan next?

Who’s after that?

Shimura or Sarutobi?

Or someone else?

Even the Uchiha ninjas were now looking at Itsuki with terror.

A single press of a button meant thousands of lives.

So easily?

Of course, to Itsuki, it wasn’t just a thousand.

In Konoha’s memory, the Koharu and Mito clans only had about a thousand people.

But in reality,

With two elders and Sarutobi Hiruzen leading them, they were leeching off Konoha’s resources.

The number of ninjas in their clans probably exceeded that.

So the recent explosions might not have killed that many.

After all, they had ninjas to protect them.

And if they all died, Itsuki wouldn’t care.

Because it just meant they died a bit earlier.

If not today, they would die at Itsuki’s hands later.

In the original timeline, the Uchiha clan was also wiped out.

Did anyone feel pity?

The Uchiha shed blood for Konoha but didn’t die on the battlefield. Instead, they were slaughtered by a brainwashed, obedient child.

Ha!

How ironic!

Every time Itsuki thought about it, he couldn’t suppress his rage.

Dying on the battlefield was one thing, but dying in such a way? So disgraceful!

Now, he was merely wiping out some leeches. Whoever dared to complain, he’d kill them too.

In the future,

There would be many more parasites he’d eliminate!

Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped talking, his voice calm. "Wait a moment. I’ll have someone send you the money."

His emotions were steady at this point.

Nara Shikaku quickly left to gather money from all the remaining clans.

It didn’t matter how much, they had to send as much as possible.

The accounting would be handled later.

Each clan would share the cost based on their strength.

If a clan sent too much, the others would return a portion.

The priority now was to get rid of the Uchiha as quickly as possible.

Just moments ago, they had been thinking about how to destroy the Uchiha. Now, they only wanted to get rid of this plague.

They were practically begging!

Itsuki stood aside, smiling, and said softly, "Oh, by the way, I just wiped out two more clans. So add another billion ryo!"

Sarutobi’s breath hitched.

The other clans felt their scalps tingle.

He’s truly ruthless!

Is he trying to push us into madness?

Itachi quietly approached Itsuki and whispered, "Itsuki-niisan, don’t push them too far."

"They wouldn’t dare."

Itsuki’s reply was only four words.

And in fact, what if they went mad?

Would Uchiha Itsuki be scared?

How about learning about the Eternal Mangekyo?

With his fully developed Susanoo, he could cut Konoha Village in half with one swing of his sword!

Because he had such power, Itsuki acted without restraint.

Otherwise, he might have considered his fellow clansmen’s safety.

Money was delivered at unprecedented speed, neatly placed before Itsuki.

The various clans had practically emptied their vaults.

Even Konoha’s treasury was cleared out and sent over.

As the money piled up, the Uchiha’s eyes gleamed.

Oh my!

They were traitors,

But now they were like bandit kings!

This betrayal was going very well!

Soon, the other clans’ funds were exhausted, but it still wasn’t enough for Itsuki’s demands.

Sarutobi said gravely, "Uchiha Itsuki, we’re out of money. We’ve sent all we could."

Itsuki looked at him and said, "Has the Sarutobi clan’s wealth been sent?"

"…Of course!"

I don’t believe you!

Itsuki chuckled, "I don’t do credit. If you don’t have enough, then send items in exchange."

"Items?"

Itsuki casually said, "Chakra metal!"

"Impossible... I mean, fine!"

Sarutobi almost blurted out his refusal but quickly turned it around.

Because Itsuki had taken out another detonator and was now staring at him without a word.

"Can’t we stop him?"

Sarutobi glanced at Nara Shikaku.

Shikaku’s eyes conveyed: You’re overestimating me. The man’s a Flying Thunder God ninja, a specialist in quelling rebellion!

Sarutobi: "..."

Teacher!

At this moment, I have some negative feelings toward you!

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 135: Universal Celebration: Sending Off Uchiha!*

The Flying Thunder God technique has such broad practicality.

This jutsu has created countless miracles.

One could say that this jutsu has provided an immense contribution to Konoha, with endless merit.

This jutsu established both Tobirama Senju and Minato Namikaze.

While Tobirama Senju aside, it was Minato Namikaze who used this technique to become Hokage.

Without the Flying Thunder God, where would the "Yellow Flash" have come from?!

Hiruzen Sarutobi never thought that one day, he would curse this jutsu, which had made such significant contributions to Konoha.

He even started to doubt his teacher.

Looking at Uchiha Itsuki, he could barely resist the urge to curse him.

This bastard, what kind of look was that?

Encouragement?

You're actually encouraging me, you son of a...!

Hiruzen Sarutobi nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

This was too much!

"I’ll give it!"

Finally.

Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed, expressionless.

"You're unhappy?"

Itsuki sighed, holding the button in his hand, as if about to press it.

"I'm very happy!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi screamed in shock, his soul almost leaving his body!

After Koharu and Mito, it's probably Danzo next!

When Danzo returns and finds out his whole family is gone, Hokage?

To hell with it!

If he doesn't slap the blame squarely on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face, he'd have to change his name!

So!

Hiruzen Sarutobi forced a smile that looked worse than crying.

Hearing this.

Itsuki couldn't believe it, saying, "I’ve blown up so many of Konoha’s clan lands, and you’re happy? What’s with your mindset? Are you an animal? You don't deserve to be Hokage! You’re not even human!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."

Shikaku Nara: "..."

The Uchiha: "..."

The surrounding ninjas: "..."

Even Shisui couldn’t help but exclaim: “Brilliant!”

What a talent!

He remembered a famous battle of Itsuki's.

Using the fact that someone ‘stepped with their left foot first’ as a reason, he beat up an Uchiha Jōnin, beginning his reckless ninja career!

Finally, chunks of chakra metal were brought over and neatly placed in front of Itsuki.

This stuff was incredibly valuable, supposedly worth its weight in gold.

In all of Konoha, there were only a few weapons made purely from chakra metal. Two of the more famous ones were:

One was the Second Hokage's Thunder God Sword.

The other was Asuma Sarutobi's chakra blades… the Flying Swallow.

Weapons made from this metal are extremely sharp and can perfectly merge with chakra. When the user channels chakra into the weapon, it becomes a godly tool capable of cutting through anything.

Other chakra weapons only have small amounts of chakra metal added.

For example: Sakumo Hatake's White Fang Blade.

"Is this enough?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s voice was calm, though it quivered slightly.

Out of anger!

Out of... heartache!

With so much chakra metal, if it were brought to the battlefield, the impact would be immense.

With this move, Itsuki had nearly emptied Konoha’s reserves of chakra metal in one go.

This was strategic material!

But sadly!

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn’t thinking that even if Itsuki hadn’t taken it all, he wouldn’t have sent this chakra metal to the battlefield anyway.

This had already been proven.

The surrounding ninjas, including those beside Hiruzen, were all shocked.

None of them had known Konoha had so much chakra metal.

As they exchanged glances, their faces grew grim.

Three Ninja Wars had already been fought!

Now, the Fourth was starting!

The First and Second Ninja Wars didn’t matter, as they were long ago.

But what about the Third and now the Fourth?

Why had Konoha's upper echelon never considered converting this chakra metal into combat power?

With this much chakra metal, how many lives could have been saved on the battlefield?

Weren’t those lives comrades of Konoha?

No one said you shouldn’t keep some chakra metal as reserves for emergencies, but you’ve stockpiled way too much.

Was there any need to hoard this much?

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t notice the looks around him, only staring in pain as Itsuki sealed the money and chakra metal one by one into scrolls.

Itsuki didn’t bother counting the money, just checking the chakra metal.

Four hundred and fifty million ryō—if they were to count it all, how long would that take?

Konoha was unlikely to give him any extra, and certainly would have given less.

Itsuki didn’t care to argue over it.

What he cared about was the chakra metal.

Once news of the Uchiha's village building spread, it would shake the ninja world, and challenges would come one after another.

Explosive tags alone wouldn’t be enough!

With this batch of chakra metal, forging weapons for the Uchiha Jōnin would increase their overall power by 30%!

Even without Itsuki stepping in, the Uchiha could fend off all sides.

"Excellent!"

After sealing the last piece of chakra metal into a scroll, Itsuki looked up in satisfaction.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shikaku Nara instantly tensed up.

"Itsuki, you wouldn’t go back on your word, would you?"

Hearing this.

Itsuki raged, "You doubt me? You actually doubt me?"

As he spoke, he grabbed the button again.

Damn you!

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shikaku Nara felt like their hearts couldn’t take it anymore.

What had they just gone through?

When their faces were expressionless, you accused them of looking like corpses!

You wanted to blow up!

When they smiled, you accused them of being heartless, of smiling after so many deaths, too cruel!

You wanted to blow up!

When they cried, you said that crying at this moment, with the Uchiha about to leave, was unlucky.

You wanted to blow up!

When they doubted you, you wanted to blow up!

When they trusted you, you thought they had ill intentions, and you wanted to blow up!

Damn it!

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave up.

Do whatever you want!

Cough, cough!

Itachi quickly stepped forward and pulled Itsuki back.

If they didn’t stop him now, Itsuki was sure to blow everything up.

No one present doubted it.

"Big brother Itsuki, we should go."

"Fine, fine!"

Itsuki looked impatient. "Monkey, turn around."

"What?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi froze. "Why?"

"When I see your face, I feel like pressing the button. Is that okay?"

"...Okay!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gritted his teeth, swallowing the humiliation, and turned around, silently waiting.

"Uchiha, let’s go!"

Itsuki waved his hand grandly to the Uchiha crowd, saying, "From now on, the Will of Fire no longer controls us! We’re free!"

He turned back to the Konoha ninjas, saying, "Cheer for us as we leave!"

We would love to see you all gone!

Really!

The Konoha ninjas gritted their teeth, reluctantly starting to cheer.

But some did it willingly.

And so, under these circumstances, Itsuki led the Uchiha out of Konoha in a grand exit.

"Hokage-sama, Shikaku-sama, what if they leave and then blow up the village?"

A Jōnin asked urgently.

Shikaku smiled. "You're so smart. Why didn’t you ask that earlier?"

"I…"

"What 'I'? What do you mean 'what if'? Do I look like I know what to do?"

Shikaku snapped irritably. "All I know is, if they don’t leave, the village would blow up right now. So what choice do I have?"

The Jōnin was speechless.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, still turned around, was silent.

Luckily!

Itsuki and his group left without blowing anything up, throwing a pile of remote detonators on the road as they departed.

As soon as they left, Konoha began frantically searching every clan’s land.

To make sure there weren’t any explosive tags underneath.

But!

They were dumbfounded by what they found.

(End of chapter)