116-120

*Chapter 116: The Clouds of War*

In Konoha, whenever something major happens, the Third Hokage chooses to convene a meeting of the Jōnin.

Of course, the reason for holding this meeting is because the situation is under the control of the Third Hokage.

Without absolute confidence, he'd be crazy to call a meeting.

This time, the Third Hokage had already discussed things with many of the Jōnin in advance. Together, they planned to pressure the Uchiha clan, forcing them to compromise and make some concessions.

And!

The person representing the Uchiha clan at this Jōnin meeting was Uchiha Fugaku.

When dealing with the village, Fugaku tends to be a bit more tolerant than usual.

This was the Uchiha’s attempt to integrate into Konoha, a clear compromise.

Everyone could see it.

This was a good sign!

They believed that today, Fugaku would definitely make some concessions, especially since they had prepared a “big gift” for him.

But who knew!

Everyone had just gathered, and as soon as the Third Hokage began to speak, before anyone else could say a word, Fugaku suddenly stood up and roared.

In the previously quiet meeting room, this sudden outburst of rage startled everyone, including the Third Hokage and Danzo.

“Fugaku, calm down!”

The Third Hokage looked at the agitated Fugaku and said in a deep voice.

“Hokage-sama, this is intolerable!” Fugaku shouted loudly, “Last time, when the Cloud Village caused trouble in Konoha, in the end, we sacrificed Hyuga Hizashi. Are we going to sacrifice Hyuga Hiashi this time too?”

Damn it!

The Third Hokage almost spat out blood.

Why do your words sound just like Uchiha Itsuki’s?

I had the ANBU tailing Itsuki, making sure he didn’t meet with you. That guy is already resting at the crematorium.

How could you be so in sync with him!

Could it be that you two really share the same wife?

Hiashi’s face turned green.

How did this even involve me?

Humiliation!

This is blatant humiliation!

Uchiha Fugaku, did I ever provoke you? You just slapped me in the face out of nowhere!

Hiashi glared angrily at Fugaku.

Did he care about his brother? Yes. Deeply?

Hell no!

If he truly cared, why didn’t he explain things to Neji earlier? Instead, he only revealed the so-called truth after Neji displayed extraordinary talent.

Back then, if Hizashi hadn’t wanted to die, could he have lived?

If he had taken the initiative and said something to move Hiashi, he could have better protected his son.

Otherwise!

He would’ve died miserably on the streets, his body left incomplete!

And maybe even his son would have had to follow him.

It’s not an exaggeration; Neji was too young to hide that kind of hatred.

It was only because of Hiashi’s guilt that Neji managed to survive.

Fugaku noticed Hiashi’s gaze and immediately shouted, “Hiashi, you surely want to fight the Cloud Village, don’t you? To avenge your brother! Hmph, these bastards have gone too far, do they think Konoha is without defenders? We are the village that holds the Will of Fire!”

Damn it!

Hiashi’s face darkened.

What am I supposed to say to that?

Should we fight or not?

The Third Hokage’s face also darkened.

Fugaku’s words had completely derailed what he had planned to say next.

The Will of Fire was basically a slap to his face.

If he stuck to the original plan, how would the Jōnin view him?

“Fugaku, sit down!”

The Third Hokage’s tone grew severe as he said, “We are in the middle of a Jōnin meeting. Shouting like that, what kind of behavior is that? Don’t forget your status.”

Fugaku sat down abruptly.

He had already made up his mind—he was done with Konoha!

So now?

Now, he was just playing around, doing everything he could to embarrass them.

After letting go of everything, Fugaku suddenly realized that the world wasn’t just black and white.

Status?

I still have clones!

“Ahem!”

The Third Hokage cleared his throat, “Everyone, war only brings blood and tears. You all understand this.”

“You’ve all participated in the Great Ninja Wars. You should understand the despair and pain of it…”

“So…”

“For the sake of the village, I believe that necessary sacrifices must be acknowledged.”

Fugaku suddenly stood up and shouted, “Hokage-sama…”

“Fugaku!”

The Third Hokage shouted in a loud voice, sounding nothing like a man in his sixties or seventies.

At least, Danzo beside him was startled.

Damn it!

Danzo was furious.

Are you two done yet?

Combined, you’re both over a hundred years old, and you’re still causing scenes like this?

“Fugaku, sit down!”

“Hokage-sama, I have something to say.”

“Sit down first!”

“Alright!”

Fugaku sat down reluctantly, his expression showing a bit of grievance.

The Third Hokage let out a long sigh of relief.

If Fugaku had kept talking, who knew what outrageous things he might have said.

But how was this Jōnin meeting supposed to continue?

...

At the crematorium!

A ninja knelt on one knee in front of Itsuki.

“That’s all?”

“That’s all!” the ninja replied seriously. “It’s confirmed that the enemy is skilled in assassination techniques, lethal and efficient. The three Cloud Village envoys had no ability to resist; all were killed with a single blow.”

Itsuki looked at the information in his hand, “Could it have been the Root division?”

“Unlikely!”

The ninja replied, “The Root doesn’t have such skilled assassins, and neither does the ANBU.”

Itsuki muttered to himself, “Then who did it? Killing the Cloud Village envoys at this time almost seems like a deliberate provocation for war.”

Akatsuki...

The ninja speculated, “Could it have been Iwagakure?”

“Iwagakure does have spies in Konoha, but none strong enough to easily kill three Cloud Village Jōnin. All three of them were Jōnin-level!”

“No matter!”

Itsuki tossed the report aside, “Proceed with the plan! They won’t affect us.”

“Yes!”

The ninja left, his voice full of excitement, “For a peaceful and blue ninja world!”

After the ninja left, Itsuki closed his eyes and connected with Pain through the ring.

“The envoys from Cloud Village sent to Konoha have been killed. Was it your people?”

“No.”

Pain’s voice was cold, as if busy with something, and he cut off the connection after his brief answer.

But even in that short exchange, Itsuki noticed something significant.

“Damn it!”

Itsuki’s expression grew serious.

From that brief glimpse through the ring, he saw that Pain was doing something to the body of the Ten Tails.

And the originally lifeless body of the Ten Tails was starting to show faint signs of life.

Itsuki’s mind was filled with just four words: *Butterfly Effect!*

Could it be that his presence, along with his actions, had sped up Akatsuki’s plans?

Naruto was still under ten years old!

“Alright, if that’s the case, I’ll accelerate my plans too!”

Itsuki smiled, a sinister smile.

On that very day!

While the Jōnin meeting was still in progress, they received news, and the once noisy room fell into complete silence.

Suna!

The Sand Village, which had been in a standoff with Iwagakure, had withdrawn many of its ninja and instead began gathering forces on the borders of Konoha.

It looked like war was imminent!

At the same time, almost as if coordinated, Cloud Village and Iwagakure also dispatched large numbers of ninja to Konoha's borders.

Suddenly!

The atmosphere within Konoha’s Hidden Village completely changed.

Three ninja villages had bared their fangs at them!

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 117: Forced*

"What are Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure trying to do?"

"What do they want?"

The Third Hokage angrily slammed the intelligence report in his hand onto the ground, breathing heavily.

"Careful, you might choke, old man. I might just find a way to scatter your ashes."

Fugaku thought maliciously as he watched, even silently cheering for the Third Hokage’s demise.

So close!

Just a little more!

Gone!

He’s almost gone!

But who would have thought that the Third Hokage would slowly calm down?

Fugaku couldn't hide his disappointment.

If the Third Hokage died like this, he'd certainly go down in history and leave a significant mark on the shinobi world.

But for now, Fugaku was only concerned with protecting his clan. Everything else? Whatever happens, happens.

His clan now boasted five pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, excluding Uchiha Madara. This was arguably the most powerful era in Uchiha history.

If this were the Warring States period, they’d likely be able to bring the Senju Clan to its knees.

To put it bluntly, even if all five great ninja villages attacked, they could still carve a path of blood.

Thirty days!

In thirty days, they’d be ready to evacuate the entire clan.

Don’t be surprised by this speed. When you've got someone like Itsuki constantly kicking you into action, you move fast!

The jōnin continued to debate among themselves.

"Such big movements? What is Sunagakure planning?"

"Isn't Kumogakure in the middle of negotiations?"

"Is the Fourth Great Ninja War about to begin?"

"We need to prepare as soon as possible!"

"Even if the three villages only intend to threaten us, once the time is right, they'll choose war."

"We don’t even know their true intentions."

"This is too strange!"

"Could it be..." Fugaku raised his hand, asking, "Lord Danzo, did you do something again?"

Everyone was stunned.

Then, many eyes turned towards Danzo.

Even the jōnin, who had been deep in heated discussions, eyed him with suspicion.

What the hell!

Veins bulged on Danzo's forehead, and he genuinely felt like killing someone!

It's me again!

It’s always me!

Do you think I just spend all day making trouble?

Have I even said a word since this meeting started?

I’ve been quietly standing on the side, and you still come after me?

Will you dig up my body and whip it after I’m dead?

Yes, I’ve done a lot of things.

Most of them were to cover for Hiruzen, though. Regular folks don’t know that, but you jōnin don’t know either?

You vile, damned Uchiha!

"Enough!"

Seeing Danzo on the verge of losing control, the Third Hokage hurriedly shouted.

"Don't jump to conclusions. What we need is accurate information."

Everyone awkwardly averted their gazes, but the suspicion remained.

Danzo had a history.

The most powerful people in all of Konoha were gathered here, and the Third Hokage began to issue orders directly.

The Uchiha, Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka, Aburame...

All these large ninja clans were mobilized.

The strongest mind in the shinobi world, Shikaku Nara, was also called in.

He refined the Third Hokage's plan, making it even more detailed.

When the Third Hokage mentioned his arrangements for the Uchiha, Fugaku could no longer stay silent.

Fugaku was assigned to lead the Uchiha against Kumogakure.

Danzo would be the overall commander!

But the number of other ninjas working with the Uchiha, totaling 4,000, was the only normal part of the command.

"Lord Hokage, are you sure about these arrangements?"

As soon as Fugaku spoke, the room became deathly silent.

With this command, everyone could feel a scent of blood in the air.

This was an outright attack on the Uchiha!

The Third Hokage looked deeply at Fugaku, his voice heavy with immense power, "Fugaku, think of the bigger picture."

Fugaku looked back at the Third Hokage, then suddenly smiled and said, "As you command, Lord Hokage."

Several members of the Anbu appeared, standing beside Fugaku and escorting him out.

Fugaku accepted the orders calmly.

He, along with Danzo, would set out first to the border of Kumogakure.

As for the Uchiha, Itachi would be responsible for mobilizing the clan's forces, and everything was to be completed within three days!

As the orders were issued, the jōnin present couldn't help but sweat and tremble.

The relationship was completely torn apart.

Has the Third Hokage gone mad?

He’s actually holding the Uchiha clan leader hostage!

Is he not afraid the Uchiha will go berserk?

This clan, the greatest users of the eye technique and the strongest ninja clan, do they even have rationality left?

At this critical moment!

He’s crazy!

They're all insane!

The jōnin looked at the Third Hokage, their eyes full of dissatisfaction.

When they left, they didn’t even bother to say goodbye, their faces grim as they walked out.

...

"Hiruzen!"

Koharu Utatane was the first to speak, "Why did you do this?"

Her expression was filled with fear.

Her clothes were soaked with sweat.

She was genuinely worried that Fugaku would turn on them in public.

But Hiruzen remained cold and indifferent, "We had no choice. If Fugaku had shown any signs of resistance, the Anbu would have swarmed him and killed him!"

"We're all here. Fugaku wouldn't dare act out."

Upon hearing this, even Danzo looked at Hiruzen as if he didn’t know him.

"The Uchiha have always been irrational and dangerous. If Fugaku is killed, what will happen to the Uchiha? Don’t forget the purpose of this jōnin meeting."

If the Uchiha were to rebel now, things would escalate fast.

Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure wouldn’t hesitate—they’d attack immediately.

With internal strife and external threats, Konoha might be wiped off the map.

The Third Hokage calmly said, "You’re wrong, Danzo. Precisely because of the external threats, I believe Fugaku will compromise."

"Compromise?"

Everyone looked at the Third Hokage in confusion.

Are you serious?

At first, everyone thought the Third Hokage would compromise once again.

Who knew it’d be the other way around!

Fugaku would compromise!

You actually think the Uchiha will back down?

Danzo suspiciously eyed the Third Hokage, "You… you haven’t been affected by Kotoamatsukami, have you?"

The Third Hokage looked at him like he was an idiot, "Weren’t we prepared for that?"

"That’s true."

Koharu and Homura Mitokado stood by, dumbfounded.

Kotoamatsukami?

You guys prepared for that?

What about us?

Once again, you’ve left us out of the loop.

Are we really that insignificant?

We're all in this together, but you keep excluding us.

Danzo asked, "If Fugaku doesn't compromise and you kill him, what will happen to the Uchiha?"

"The Uchiha clan will be wiped out."

The Third Hokage answered without hesitation, "Danzo, Koharu, Homura, it’s time for our clans to take the stage."

"You… you mean…"

The Third Hokage stood up, walked to the window, and gazed out at the village with arrogance, "Our four clans have stayed in the shadows for too long. It’s time for us to reveal ourselves."

The expressions of everyone present turned serious!

Their four clans had been stockpiling power for years.

This strength was unknown to the outside world.

Once revealed, it would be enough to turn the tide!

"I understand what you mean!"

Danzo closed his eyes and muttered, "I’ll use this upcoming battle to deplete the Uchiha’s power. By the time it’s over, they’ll be out of the shinobi world for good."

He felt a sense of relief.

Finally, the Third Hokage was going to deal with the Uchiha.

He had waited for this moment for far too long.

The Third Hokage's voice turned icy, "Keep an eye on the Uchiha. If they behave, fine. But if they show any signs of rebellion, attack immediately. Let the Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, and the others take the front line. Our people will clean up afterward."

"Understood!"

The Third Hokage turned once more to look out the window, muttering, "The Senju have already disappeared. Uchiha, it’s your turn."

"The jōnin are dissatisfied? Hmph, in the face of absolute power, their dissatisfaction is laughable!"

"Lord First Hokage, I think I finally understand what you were thinking back then."

At that moment, the old Third Hokage seemed to have gained a new lease on life, his eyes becoming sharp once again.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 118: Listen to the Hokage...*

“Liar!”

“You’re definitely a liar!”

“I don’t believe it!”

“There’s no way I’m believing this!”

“I won’t listen, I won’t listen! My Hiruzen Sarutobi would never do such a thing!”

“You two scumbags, stay far away from me!”

When Shisui and Itachi found Itsuki lying in a coffin, they explained what had happened during the Jonin meeting. The expression on Itsuki's face was something neither Shisui nor Itachi had ever seen before.

He was stunned!

Immediately after, Itsuki couldn’t be held down. He was determined to see Hiruzen Sarutobi with his own eyes!

Shisui and Itachi understood—Itsuki really wanted to see for himself! To take a good look at him.

Would Hiruzen think the same way? He’s already taken action, and he’s just waiting for a reason to take you out!

If you barge into the Hokage’s office like this, you might just be greeted by an ambush from all the Jonin in Konoha.

The Uchiha can’t handle any more turmoil right now.

“Brother Itsuki!”

Itachi pleaded earnestly, “I’ll call you Dad if you want, just stop this nonsense. Everything I’ve said is true! The Uchiha might be in serious trouble very soon.”

Dad?

That works!

Itsuki thought about the kind and gentle Mikoto and blurted out, “Are you sure Fugaku was just taken away and not killed?”

Shisui: "..."

Itachi: "..."

The hope in Itsuki’s voice was too obvious.

“Brother Itsuki!”

“Enough! Why are you yelling?”

At the raised volume, Itsuki waved his hand in irritation.

“You two just rambled on for ages. Let me sum it up for you.”

“Fugaku’s been imprisoned.”

“The Uchiha are under surveillance.”

“The Third Hokage is planning to gather 800 Uchiha and 20 Jonin to deal with the Hidden Cloud.”

Shisui and Itachi nodded simultaneously. “Yes!”

“Sigh.”

Itsuki sighed. “I don’t even know what to say to you two.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did your dad summon a Gundam—uh, I mean, did he use Susano’o?”

“No!”

“Then how did he get captured?”

Itsuki was speechless. “If he really went all out, what difference is there between him and a tailed beast? If he wanted to make a scene, do you think those old fossils from the Third could stop him?”

The Third Hokage and the others have no idea about Susano’o. If they knew, they wouldn’t dare imprison Fugaku.

“Well…”

“As for the Uchiha being under surveillance, that’s just funny. When haven’t they been watched?”

Shisui quietly added, “During the days you go crazy each month, they run away faster than anyone.”

Itsuki: "..."

Damn it, don’t they realize those are just excuses for me to pick a fight?

How did that sound so weird coming from you?

“Right, they want people, don’t they? Give them people! Send as many able-bodied Uchiha to the battlefield as you can.”

“Huh?!”

“Huh, what?”

Itsuki rolled his eyes. “Shisui, Itachi, I’m giving you two a mission.”

“Just say it!”

Both of them perked up.

They were inexperienced. The moment the Third Hokage got serious and Fugaku was imprisoned, they immediately started losing their direction.

Thankfully, Itsuki was there. Otherwise, they would’ve gone to consult with Setsuna and Zongi.

But those two old coots couldn’t agree on anything and would likely cause more problems.

Itsuki bent down and whispered a few things into their ears.

The two glanced at each other, seeing the odd look in each other’s eyes. “Brother Itsuki, according to your plan, if Hiruzen Sarutobi is doing all this, then…”

They weren’t even calling him ‘Lord Hokage’ anymore. He’d captured their father, so it was already generous that they hadn’t started calling him an old fossil.

With a new perspective on Konoha, Itachi wasn’t as extreme anymore, and his relationship with Fugaku had improved greatly.

“Yes, he’s helping us. Once everything is ready, we’ll dig up the Sarutobi clan’s ancestral grave as thanks.”

Shisui frowned. “I don’t understand. Isn’t the Third Hokage afraid the other Jonin in the village will object? Doesn’t he care about what clans like the Hyuga will think?”

“The Sand Village's recent actions have helped him. Even if the Jonin are upset, they’ll have to hold it in for now.” Itsuki smiled. “As for later, I think the clans behind the Third will likely make their move to officially take the stage.”

“In other words, they’re preparing to use force to control the entire village.”

Itachi was shocked. “Is that really possible?”

“It is. Don’t forget how many shinobi the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado clans have.”

Because of Itsuki’s interference, the Third Shinobi World War ended three years earlier.

So…

Even though it was four or five years later than in the original timeline, these four clans were likely still very powerful.

A conservative estimate would put their numbers at five to six thousand shinobi.

As the longest-serving Hokage in Konoha’s history, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no shortage of loyalists.

All those forces combined were enough to suppress Konoha.

Especially with a major battle on the horizon.

Shisui was a bit lost and muttered, “Is this still Konoha? Is this still the Hokage?”

Unlike Itachi, who was extreme but sharp and adaptable, Shisui was idealistic and stubborn.

If not for Itsuki, his younger brother, gradually influencing him in daily life, Itsuki couldn’t be sure that Shisui wouldn’t end up jumping into a river after witnessing Konoha’s darkness!

Of course, if this Shisui was like the one from the original story, Itsuki figured he’d personally drown him.

There’s no need to embarrass the clan further.

A Mangekyo user jumping into a river to kill himself? He really made history with that one!

“Sigh!”

Itsuki sighed helplessly and patted Shisui on the head.

Shisui frowned. “Aren’t you supposed to pat my shoulder at a time like this? Why the head? You’re the younger brother, not me.”

…

Just as Itsuki said.

The Third Hokage’s orders this time caused an uproar among the shinobi, sparking a lot of dissatisfaction.

Especially from the clans.

However!

Because the Hidden Sand Village and other enemy villages were coming on strong, all the shinobi not only gritted their teeth and endured it but even helped the Third Hokage suppress the Uchiha.

At this moment, whoever acted first would take control.

If the Uchiha acted first, the shinobi would probably help the Uchiha suppress the Third Hokage instead.

It all depended on who had the courage to burn their bridges!

The shinobi just wanted to survive. If they fought now, it would feel like their leaders didn’t want them to live.

Could they tolerate that?

No one could have expected...

The Uchiha clan fully cooperated with the Third Hokage’s orders.

After Itachi returned to the clan, the entire Uchiha clan sprang into action.

Groups of shinobi began registering, collecting supplies, and preparing for war.

It was at this moment that Itsuki realized Itachi had turned wicked.

Once everything was ready, Itachi brazenly demanded an enormous amount of supplies from the Third Hokage—enough for 10,000 people!

They were just a few hundred asking for enough for 10,000!

It was said that the Third Hokage’s eyes nearly popped out.

But!

Considering that the Uchiha were preparing to go to war, the Third gritted his teeth and endured it.

Fine! Take it!

Once they wiped out the Uchiha, the ancient wealth of their clan would more than make up for it.

This was just an initial investment!

In just three days, the Uchiha were ready to march.

After adding the several thousand shinobi the Third Hokage assigned to them, he ordered the army to depart.

But deep down, he couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 119: Madara, Hello, I'm Obito*

"Hiruzen, what's wrong?"

After returning to the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat there silently, saying nothing.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were a bit puzzled.

The Uchiha didn’t cause any trouble, so why aren’t you happy? Do you really want to fight them that badly? But you're not that kind of person. Or, if we’re being honest, you're probably also afraid of directly clashing with the Uchiha, right?

"Don't you think this is strange?"

The Third Hokage didn’t want to discuss this with the two of them, but Danzo wasn't around.

Fine! I'll just talk to myself!

"It's definitely strange!" Koharu Utatane said. "I was ready to face the Uchiha in a fight, but from beginning to end, they fully cooperated. That’s very unlike them."

They had stationed quite a few people around the Uchiha compound.

Besides the four clansmen, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the Hyuga clan had also sent in reinforcements.

Some were hiding in the shadows, while others were openly patrolling around the Uchiha district.

The Hyuga were eager to strike at the Uchiha, especially since Fugaku had angered Hiashi to no end during the Jonin meeting. Under the Third Hokage’s orders, they had dispatched fifteen Jonin and two hundred clansmen this time.

Even though the Ino-Shika-Cho were displeased, they couldn't do much once the Hyuga had agreed. Luckily, the Third Hokage promised that during the fight, their clansmen would receive special care.

So, they had to apologize to the Uchiha in advance.

But in the end—nothing happened!

"No need to worry!" Homura Mitokado said. "Only the younger Uchiha ninja have left; their elderly and children, including Fugaku’s wife Mikoto and their younger son Sasuke, are still in the compound."

The Third Hokage nodded, finally feeling some relief.

Though still suspicious, it was hard to believe the Uchiha would truly abandon their families.

His teacher had once described the Uchiha as a clan deeply passionate in love.

And that was their fatal weakness.

"Increase patrols!" the Third Hokage ordered. "Make sure nothing goes wrong inside the Uchiha compound."

"Understood!"

"What about Uchiha Itsuki?" the Third Hokage asked through gritted teeth, his face twisted with rage.

If it weren’t for Itsuki, he wouldn’t have had to risk forcing the Uchiha.

He much preferred slowly wearing down the Uchiha through subtle means.

Like during the Third Shinobi World War, when the Uchiha almost single-handedly fought against the Hidden Mist Village, a major ninja village.

In the end, the Uchiha suffered heavy losses.

If that kind of situation happened a few more times, the Uchiha would be no more.

"He’s only been to three places," Homura said with a frown: "The crematorium, the Yūhi family home, and the Uchiha compound."

Three very typical places for Itsuki to visit.

"Keep an eye on him!"

Homura stared blankly at the Third Hokage: How do you expect us to do that?

Itsuki excels in body flicker techniques and has mastered the Flying Thunder God technique. How are we supposed to track him?

Should we dig up the Second and Fourth Hokage from their graves?

The Third Hokage realized he had given a ridiculous order, but of course, he wouldn’t admit it.

He just issued the tasks—if they couldn’t complete them, that was their incompetence. How could it be his fault?

---

*[Mission: Drive Sarutobi Hiruzen to madness!]*

*[Mission Completed!]*

*[Mission Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique upgrade]*

*[Flying Thunder God: Level 4 (72%) → Level 5 (4%)]*

Finally, Level 5 of the Flying Thunder God technique! Itsuki knew that with his constant pressure, Hiruzen would eventually lose his composure.

That’s why he had set this task early on.

The reward wasn’t bad either.

Recently, Itsuki had been focusing on missions to improve his Flying Thunder God technique, and the results were showing.

Though he hadn’t yet reached the level of the Second or Fourth Hokage, he was getting close.

"Sigh, another day with no business."

Itsuki got up, stretched, locked up his shop, and prepared to head back to the Uchiha compound.

It was time to relocate his clansmen.

"Hey, Itsuki, care for a chat?"

A deep voice called out from behind Itsuki.

Itsuki turned and looked at the masked man who had appeared out of nowhere, smiling. "It's you? The mysterious Uchiha. This time, are you not planning to run?"

Obito stared at Itsuki and said slowly, "You intrigue me."

Itsuki chuckled. "You intrigue me too."

Obito calmly said, "Allow me to introduce myself—my name is Uchiha Madara."

He pulled off his mask dramatically.

"Great name!" Itsuki gave a thumbs up. "Hearing that name, I can tell you have big ambitions. You’re definitely destined for greatness."

Obito: "..."

Is that how you’re supposed to react?

I’m Madara! Madara!

Ambition?

What the hell does ambition have to do with this?

"I should introduce myself as well!" Itsuki cleared his throat, pointed his thumb at himself, and shouted, "My name is Uchiha Obito!"

After saying that, he put on a pair of goggles and flashed a goofy smile.

Obito: "..."

He was frozen! Stunned! Shocked! This bastard—does he know my true identity!?

Obito’s killing intent surged, and his Sharingan morphed into the shape of Kamui.

Kill!

He had to kill Itsuki!

His identity could not be revealed.

But then, looking at Itsuki’s expression, the last shred of Obito’s reason kicked in.

How could he possibly know!?

"Uchiha Obito is dead!" Obito said coldly. "Uchiha Itsuki, what’s the point in pretending to be a dead man?"

Itsuki casually replied, "Madara is dead too. What’s your point?"

Oh, I see!

Suddenly, Obito "understood."

Since the founding of Konoha, two of the most famous deceased Uchiha were Madara and Obito.

Since he had claimed to be Madara, the other guy must have chosen a famous name from the memorial stone.

"Phew!"

Obito let out a quiet breath, but inside, he was fuming.

"Uchiha Itsuki, I’m here for serious business!"

Obito stared at Itsuki and said bluntly, "I know you’re a member of the Akatsuki."

Itsuki wasn’t surprised. "So?"

"So, do your duty as a member of the Akatsuki and don’t do anything unnecessary," Obito said coldly, enunciating every word.

Itsuki laughed. "Oh, Danzo, are you giving me orders?"

Obito froze. "Danzo?"

Itsuki sneered. "Yes, Danzo. No matter how much you try to hide it, your single eye has already exposed your identity. Don’t think that just because you covered it up with a different eye, you can escape your responsibility."

What the hell!?

Obito’s veins bulged in frustration.

Just because I have one eye, I’m Danzo?

There are plenty of one-eyed people in the ninja world!

"Uchiha Itsuki!" Obito growled. "You’d better behave. I know your plan."

"Oh?"

Obito’s voice grew colder. "What do you think Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others would do if they found out you’ve built a new village and are planning to relocate the Uchiha?"

Itsuki smiled kindly. "Danzo Madara, are you threatening me? Threatening Uchiha Obito!?"

"Let me tell you, you’re wrong! Completely wrong!"

"I, Uchiha Obito, have never bowed to anyone, nor will I ever be threatened!"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 120: Itsuki Uchiha vs. Obito Uchiha*

"Uchiha Itsuki!!!"

Obito roared.

"Obito, Obito, Obito..."

Screw Obito!

You're Obito, but who am I?

I seriously doubt you know my true identity!

You must be messing with me!

"Uchiha Madara, I told you, call me Uchiha Obito!!!"

Itsuki also shouted in anger.

"Are you deaf or something? Do you want me to make you dance?!"

"You, you..."

Obito was trembling all over.

His heart, liver, and lungs ached!

Are you really Uchiha Obito? But the problem is, I'm not Uchiha Madara!

I can't even argue confidently!

In the end, Obito gritted his teeth, his body twisted, and he disappeared with Kamui.

No wonder every time Pain mentioned Itsuki, he always had a grim expression and a fierce face.

Understanding is key!

"Tch!"

Itsuki snorted in dissatisfaction, "Leaving without even saying goodbye, so rude. Uchiha Madara, is this it? Next time, I'll just say my name is Uchiha Tajima! Uchiha Madara, will you call me 'Dad' then?"

He strode away.

Obito wouldn’t leave that easily.

After gaining part of Madara's memories, Obito himself also picked up some of Madara's arrogance.

But!

Madara's strength made it confidence.

If you, Obito, really think you're Madara, then you're just a fool.

Without Hashirama Senju, Madara could sweep the entire shinobi world alone.

But you, Obito... yeah, not so much!

The crematorium was deserted but located in a bustling area, full of people. It wasn't suitable for battle, so once he left...

Sure enough!

When Itsuki was walking down a quiet road, a strange feeling suddenly struck him.

A kunai appeared in Itsuki's hand, and he stabbed backward.

"Buzz!"

The masked man in the orange mask appeared. Itsuki's kunai passed through his head and hand.

As if nothing was there!

Just as the kunai passed through his hand and left completely...

"Smack!"

Obito grabbed Itsuki's arm in a reverse hold.

"I win!"

"Buzz!"

The power of Kamui surged, trying to suck Itsuki into his unique dimension.

Itsuki sneered.

"Shwoosh!"

Flying Thunder God activated.

Itsuki appeared a few meters away, standing on a tree, coldly watching Obito.

Kamui, a space-time ninjutsu, was strange. Fortunately, Flying Thunder God was also space-time.

"This unique power... Mangekyou, huh? Space-time ninjutsu."

"Heh, you guess!"

Obito sneered, pulling out chains and fastening them to his arm.

Itsuki: "..."

This scene looked way too familiar.

The Fourth Hokage hadn’t fought many battles, but this was one of the most classic ones.

Teacher versus student!

The Fourth Hokage completely thrashed Obito, showing him who was still the boss.

Of course, even the Fourth Hokage couldn't finish off Obito.

"Too bad, I'm not the Fourth Hokage!"

Watching Obito swing his arms up and down, left and right, like some suction cup doll, Itsuki felt an overwhelming urge to slap him.

And he did just that.

"Come on!"

The kunai in Itsuki’s hand spun twice before he flung it at Obito, swiftly closing in.

Obito charged forward without hesitation.

The kunai pierced through his head again, passing through.

Clang!

Chains clattered as they wrapped toward Itsuki.

Shwoosh!

Itsuki vanished again.

"Flying Thunder God, so annoying!"

Obito coldly watched Itsuki leap to the side, a hint of rage flashing in his eyes.

"Don't worry, it'll be over soon!"

Itsuki grinned, trying to reassure him.

"I think so too!"

The two charged at each other once more.

Itsuki's kunai once again brushed past Obito.

Both their Sharingans exploded with intensity at this moment.

They locked eyes, waiting for the moment the kunai left his body.

In that instant, the battle would be decided.

The kunai passed through Obito's head, moving from front to back.

As the tail end of the kunai finally left Obito...

Obito reached Itsuki’s body.

"You can't escape. I’ve won!"

Obito's pupils shrank, a glint of joy flashing in his eyes.

He had solved the problem of Uchiha Itsuki!

But then...

"Smack!"

A round stone struck Obito square in the face.

Imagine, someone charging forward, only to smash their face into a rock. That’s how it felt.

Sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty—all the flavors at once!

Obito was stunned.

His body kept trembling.

What the heck?!

He had clearly touched him, so why didn’t Itsuki get sucked into Kamui's space?

Obito was both shocked and furious.

Flying Thunder God!

He suddenly realized that, just as he was about to make contact, that bastard had moved back a tiny bit.

That tiny bit was the key!

Obito clenched his teeth through the pain on his face, reaching for Itsuki again.

Shwoosh!

Itsuki vanished once more.

This time, he appeared above Obito and stomped down hard.

"Smack!"

Obito slammed into the ground.

"I don’t know how to make Rasengan, so I’ll just kick you. Hope that’s okay."

Itsuki casually said as he reached for Obito’s neck.

This fight was about to end!

Buzz!

The ground trembled, and countless tree branches burst out, shooting toward Itsuki.

"Whoa, Wood Release!"

Itsuki’s expression shifted.

Though he knew Obito could use Wood Release, seeing it in person was still shocking.

For a Uchiha, the most memorable thing was probably Wood Release.

Their clans had clashed countless times over the years.

Shwoosh!

Flying Thunder God activated again.

Itsuki returned to the tree, quietly watching Obito.

Obito struggled to move, glaring at Itsuki with a look that could kill.

"Cough cough, don't look at me like that. I understand you and can imagine your pain."

Itsuki chuckled awkwardly, then curiously asked, "So... did it explode?"

"Uchiha Itsuki!!!"

Obito growled through gritted teeth.

"Tsk tsk, Madara, you're starting to look more and more like Danzo!"

Itsuki looked up at the sky and sighed, "Back in the day, Danzo had a little ball too, which I blew up. At that time, I used a special type of explosive tag."

"But this time... it’s a bit more violent. I didn’t do it on purpose, you’ll forgive me, right?"

"If not, I might have to blow up the other one too."

Obito glared at Itsuki with a fierce expression, his body twisting as he disappeared into a space-time distortion.

This damn bastard—if given the chance, I’ll definitely kill him.

Definitely!

(End of Chapter)