111-115

*Chapter 111: Obito - When Words Fail*

"Obito!!!"

Black Zetsu's furious roar echoed in his ears. "Don’t you think you owe me an explanation? Weren’t you supposed to just have a conversation with Uchiha Itsuki? So why are there so many ninjutsu attacks coming out of that ‘talk’?"

What kind of nonsense is this?

Black Zetsu felt a wave of frustration wash over him, as if thousands of curses were surging through his mind.

Even White Zetsu got dragged into this ‘conversation.’

"Explanation? Explanation for what?"

Obito glanced at Black Zetsu with indifference. "White Zetsu's main body died. Just pick another one from the clones to be the new White Zetsu."

"As for Uchiha Itsuki..."

Obito's face turned dark.

Because of the mask, Black Zetsu couldn’t see his expression.

"I just couldn’t communicate with him."

Black Zetsu: "..."

You call that a communication failure?!

Do you think I don’t know how fast you ran away?

And besides!

Your so-called communication failure cost us White Zetsu.

Black Zetsu muttered a few curses and turned to leave.

The moment he turned around, his anger subsided.

White Zetsu is dead, but so what?

Just like Obito said, they can always find another White Zetsu among the clones.

But!

In front of Obito, he needed to show fury.

After all, he and White Zetsu were one entity!

After Black Zetsu left

Obito remained seated in the same spot, until after a long while, he finally cursed through gritted teeth, "Damn Uchiha Itsuki, you almost scared me to death!"

So close!

He had been just inches from being killed!

...

"Elder Toji, do you have any questions? If you do, why don’t you go first?"

Itsuki looked helpless.

He really wanted to get straight to the point.

But…

Toji’s gaze sent chills down his spine.

Why was an old man looking at them with such a sorrowful expression?

Toji hesitated slightly before asking, "Why do all of you have Mangekyō Sharingan?"

I want one too!

Five pairs!

This is the most the clan has ever had. If I got one too, wouldn’t that make six pairs?

Six for six, a perfect number! How beautiful would that be?

The other Uchiha members didn’t try to hide anything.

The Uchiha clan had records about the awakening of Mangekyō Sharingan.

If Toji could awaken it, even as a pacifist, they’d welcome it.

Fugaku said, "Just like in the clan records, I awakened my Mangekyō during the Third Shinobi World War when the death of a comrade deeply affected me."

Shisui hesitated, then said, "I awakened mine suddenly after the war."

Itsuki asked with interest, "How did you feel before and after awakening? Tell me in detail."

"Urgency."

Shisui ignored Itsuki and sighed, "I was worried that the relationship between the clan and the village would deteriorate further. I was desperate to change things. That sense of urgency nearly drove me mad, and then I awakened the Mangekyō."

Itachi added in a low voice, "For me, it was pretty similar."

Of course, it wasn’t. There were some feelings he didn’t want to share.

He didn’t think his experience would help Toji.

Setsuna waved his hand dismissively, "I don’t need to say much. I inherited the eyes of an Uchiha elder."

He touched his eyes and said calmly, "These eyes have already been used several times. I don’t think I can use them much longer."

Swoosh!

Everyone turned their gaze toward Itsuki.

They were genuinely curious about this strongest guy!

Itsuki pondered for a moment before speaking, "I awakened mine after discovering the darkness within the village, when I was greatly shocked."

"Darkness?"

The group was stunned.

"Yes."

Itsuki smiled and said, "The so-called ‘Will of Fire’ only applies selectively."

"For example..."

"The Will of Fire is like a sword in the hands of the Third Hokage and his followers. When someone goes against their will, that sword is turned against them, while the Third Hokage holds the hilt."

"Itsuki!"

Shisui’s voice grew serious.

"Do you think I’m wrong?" Itsuki looked at Shisui, sarcastically. "Let me give you two obvious examples."

"One is Sakumo Hatake."

"He prioritized his comrades. Isn’t that the essence of the Will of Fire?"

"Though his failure caused Konoha great losses, he was still driven to death. How ridiculous is that?"

The group fell silent.

"Oh, right!" Itsuki suddenly asked, "I’m young, so I don’t know. What exactly did Sakumo Hatake’s failure cost the village? Elder Setsuna, Elder Toji, Fugaku, do any of you know?"

"How would I know?" Fugaku replied first.

Toji and Setsuna exchanged glances and shook their heads. "We don’t know either!"

Setsuna added, "Maybe there wasn’t any loss at all."

That statement once again left everyone silent.

A chill ran down their spines.

If there were no losses, it meant that the person targeting Sakumo wasn’t just Danzo—or at least not Danzo alone.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!

He had been involved too!

Itsuki picked up where he left off, "The second person I’m talking about is none other than the Third Hokage!"

"This is just my personal suspicion, but it’s quite curious."

"What’s curious?"

"The Third Hokage’s longevity!"

Itsuki smiled slyly, "He keeps talking about the Will of Fire, yet both the Second and Fourth Hokage died, leaving only him alive as the Third."

"This..."

Itsuki’s words left everyone stunned.

Itachi couldn’t help but ask, "What are you trying to say?"

Itsuki shrugged and said, "When the Second Hokage died, the Third Hokage was there, and afterward, he became the Hokage."

"When the Fourth Hokage died, the Third Hokage was also there. And after that, he regained power even after stepping down."

"Are you telling me this is all a coincidence? It’s quite the coincidence."

Itsuki grinned, "In terms of value, the Second and Fourth Hokage seem to be more valuable than the Third. Especially the Second..."

He looked lost in thought.

In the original story, Konoha had Hokages up to the Sixth generation.

In fact, the Hokage Itsuki admired most was the one most unfriendly to the Uchiha—Tobirama Senju.

He was the most well-rounded Hokage!

A natural politician!

A natural Hokage!

While Hashirama Senju laid the foundation of Konoha, it was Tobirama who refined it.

If Itsuki had lived during Tobirama’s time, they might have been great collaborators.

In terms of ninjutsu, Tobirama created countless techniques, and he was known as the strongest Water-style user.

In terms of politics, Tobirama established the Anbu and the Konoha Police Force, centralizing power while subtly isolating the Uchiha.

The Uchiha gladly accepted their roles, not realizing they had been isolated.

In terms of society, Tobirama founded the ninja academy, giving commoners a chance while suppressing the great clans, even dismantling his own Senju clan.

Even though Itsuki was an Uchiha, he had to acknowledge, "Great Tobirama Senju!"

In fact, Itsuki suspected that Tobirama never intended to eliminate the Uchiha.

Isolating them was likely his way of teaching them the importance of the village, showing them that a single clan was weak compared to the village.

… “Let’s see how well you do on your own!”

Itsuki even had a theory.

If Tobirama hadn’t died, his next move would’ve been to dismantle the Uchiha clan and then support an Uchiha to become Hokage!

Kagami!

Uchiha Kagami!

Suddenly, a name popped into Itsuki’s mind.

No, not Kagami!

Itsuki’s head stiffened as he turned toward Shisui.

Oh crap!

Tobirama groomed Kagami, and Shisui perfectly inherited Kagami’s will.

Could Shisui be Tobirama’s chosen candidate for Hokage?!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 112: Reflection of the Soul*

"What's going on?"

Shisui looked at Itsuki strangely.

"Greetings to the Hokage!"

Itsuki respectfully greeted Shisui.

Shisui rolled his eyes and said, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting now?"

Hokage?

Me?

Maybe in the next life!

As Itsuki would say: Time to start over!

"Sigh, I hope I'm wrong," Itsuki sighed.

"You're definitely wrong!" Shisui replied seriously. "The Third Hokage might have his own interests, but there's no way he would go that far."

Itsuki's recent words had just branded the Third Hokage as a traitor.

That was way too extreme!

We're talking about the Hokage here!

"Yeah, yeah, you're always right!" Itsuki waved his hand dismissively. "Both times something happened to the Hokage, the Third Hokage came out the biggest winner—just a coincidence, right?"

Shisui, irritated, replied, "Don’t forget, the Third Hokage’s wife died on the same day as the Fourth Hokage!"

"So naive!"

Itsuki looked at Shisui with disdain and asked, "Do you know what the greatest joy for someone in such a high position is?"

"What?"

"Promotion, wealth, and the death of a wife!"

Itsuki ticked off on his fingers, "The Third Hokage hit all three."

It wasn’t a lie!

After the Fourth Hokage’s death, the Third Hokage worked tirelessly to suppress the Uchiha Clan.

Who do you think benefitted the most from the Uchiha's concessions?

You don’t need to be a genius to figure that out!

As soon as Itsuki said this, several people present darkened their expressions.

He covered a broad range with that comment!

After all, many of them were high-ranking figures too!

Death of a wife?

No, thank you—that’s not the kind of happiness they wanted.

"No, it's not like that..."

Shisui stammered, overwhelmed by the shock of Itsuki’s words.

"Not like what?" Itsuki rolled his eyes. "I never said the Fourth Hokage’s death was the Third Hokage’s doing, so why are you getting so worked up?"

"I—"

"I'm merely questioning it!"

Itsuki interrupted again, "You know what I'm questioning? Why did the Fourth Hokage die instead of the Third? As a master of ninjutsu, what technique does the Third Hokage not know?"

"And don't tell me you’re unaware of the identity of that little blond kid. Look at the life he’s living—such happiness!"

Shisui fell silent.

Anyone in the Leaf Village who wasn't blind or deaf knew what kind of life Naruto was leading.

There was no way to explain it.

The most obvious point: the Fourth Hokage had many friends. How could no one care about his child?

And what about the guards he once had?

What about Jiraiya?

If Jiraiya knew that Naruto was living worse than a dog or pig in the village, he would’ve returned long ago.

The fact that he hadn't appeared could only mean that no one had informed him.

If things were too clear, it would lose its meaning.

"Alright, let's drop this. It’s pointless."

Itsuki waved his hand, "Right and wrong are determined by fists. Whoever has the stronger fist is justice!"

This statement earned unanimous agreement from everyone present.

Even Shisui chose silence this time.

"In short, that’s how I awakened!"

Itsuki smiled meaningfully, glancing at Itachi. "If any of you can replicate this, congratulations."

Toji kept quiet with a solemn expression.

How could they replicate that?

He knew full well about the darkness within the Leaf Village. How could he handle that kind of stress?

Itachi, on the other hand, seemed a little uneasy.

Itsuki’s situation was somewhat similar to his own.

It was only after listening to Itsuki that Itachi began to observe the world through his own eyes, discovering a different side of the Leaf Village and being affected.

Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan awakening was likely related to this.

Toji sighed, "Could it be that these things aren’t connected, and the awakening of the Mangekyo Sharingan has another cause?"

"No, it's definitely directly related," Itsuki answered firmly.

"Why?"

Itsuki smiled faintly, "Because the Sharingan is the mirror of the soul."

The Sharingan truly reflects one’s inner self.

The abilities of the Mangekyo Sharingan are manifestations of one’s innermost desires.

The Uchiha are powerful, proud, yet also fragile and sorrowful.

When an Uchiha understands love, their true power awakens.

Itsuki’s mind flashed to the moment in the original story when Sasuke shielded Naruto from an attack.

An Uchiha who understands love, once they lose it, can have their power spiral out of control, triggering a special chakra that eventually manifests in a unique form.

The Sharingan!

In Itsuki’s view, the Mangekyo Sharingan is simply an amplification of the Sharingan.

When their emotions reach an extreme, the Sharingan evolves into the Mangekyo.

And then!

The strongest emotion within them is reflected, creating their most unique ability.

Take Obito, for example: two different Kamui abilities.

One represented his desire to escape the world, and the other his desire to create a new one—one with Rin, where he could live peacefully with Kakashi, and without war.

Or consider Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami.

Pushed to his limits, Shisui desperately wanted to change—completely change—the village and his clan.

The Sharingan responded to his obsession, gifting him with Kotoamatsukami.

Itachi’s ocular powers followed the same pattern: Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi.

Tsukuyomi represented his desire to change the village and his clan.

Amaterasu, which followed, symbolized his destructive urge.

If he couldn’t change things, he would destroy them!

Ultimately, this desire to destroy fell upon the Uchiha.

That’s the original story.

What about now?

Itsuki thought for a moment and came to a conclusion:

Could the birth of Amaterasu this time be because Itachi realized the village wasn’t his ideal place, and this extreme child was now considering destroying it?

As for Sasuke, his Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi.

One represented strength, and the other represented the control of that strength—of stronger power.

His Mangekyo Sharingan, though, was earned through his mission, but…

Susano'o!

His ocular power symbolized duplication.

At the time, he was indeed worried that one person wouldn’t be enough.

He wanted to change the Uchiha.

He wanted to survive.

He needed more help.

That’s why he was constantly training the Shadow Clone Jutsu.

The Sharingan gave him the ability to make copies.

Now, there was one Itsuki in the village—his true self.

Outside, there were two more Itsukis—his clones!

Fugaku and Setsuna's ocular abilities? He hadn't asked—it was their greatest secret.

But wasn’t Fugaku's supposed to be genjutsu?

How did it turn into that lightning spear thing?

Whatever!

Itsuki looked at the people present and said, "Everyone, now please listen to my plan."

The group’s expressions turned serious.

It was time to get to the main topic.

Itachi and Shisui immediately activated their Mangekyo Sharingan to scan the surroundings, making sure no one else was around.

"Itsuki!"

Fugaku slowly spoke, "We've always known you have your own plans. Now that you're ready to reveal them, it can only mean one of two things."

"One, the plan has spun out of control, and you need our help."

"Or two, you think there’s no need to hide it anymore—the plan is in motion, and no one can stop it. Am I right?"

"Exactly!"

Itsuki smiled. "Fugaku, I'll tell you directly—it’s the second one!"

"My plan can’t be stopped by anyone."

"Today, now that you’ve heard my plan, you’ll have to go all the way with me, no turning back."

"Of course, you can also leave right now."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 113: The Grand Plan: Trapped Bird (1)

“Step one: Gather a massive amount of money to prepare for the future.”

“Step two: Establish a mercenary organization that doesn’t belong to any country, start some small wars, then monopolize the war contracts of small nations by offering low prices. Gradually increase the scale of the wars, then dismantle the great nations’ ninja systems, destroy their economies, and monopolize all wars.”

“Step three: Use tailed beasts as weapons to conquer the world.”

After finishing, Itsuki fell silent.

Something seemed off.

The others widened their eyes in shock.

“Itsuki!!!”

Toji was the first to jump up, shouting, “What are you planning?”

“Damn it, you, you, are you trying to...”

After a moment of stunned silence, Setsuna suddenly yelled, “Are you carrying on Lord Madara’s will, Itsuki?”

He was almost moved to tears.

World domination—Lord Madara had told them the same thing in the past.

Unfortunately, it never came to fruition.

Because of that cursed Hashirama Senju!

Now, Itsuki was once again shouting this slogan.

Uchiha Setsuna had misjudged him!

Itsuki, he’s the true successor of Lord Madara!

The Uchiha now had five pairs of Sharingan; accomplishing this was not impossible.

Itachi and Shisui, however, understood Itsuki better.

Something felt wrong!

World domination?

Could Itsuki even conquer a single ninja village?

To be honest, Itsuki was an easy person to read.

Lazy.

Playful.

Perverted.

These three things summed him up completely.

As for those who couldn’t understand him—well, they were simply overthinking it.

After a brief pause, Fugaku suddenly said, “Itsuki, did you say the wrong plan?”

Itachi was startled, “The wrong plan?”

“Yes!” Fugaku hinted, “Did you mix someone else’s plan with your own?”

“Heh.”

Itsuki smiled slightly, giving Fugaku an approving look and sighed, “You even figured that out.”

“Smart. I took the wrong script.”

“To put it simply...”

“I messed up, let’s start over!”

He had grabbed the script of the Akatsuki organization.

The initial plans were just too similar!

He had gotten caught up and misspoke.

Everyone present stared at him, black lines forming on their faces.

Especially Setsuna, whose veins were throbbing on his forehead.

Uchiha Itsuki, this guy deserved to be beaten to death.

Sigh!

Getting old.

Just now, he had been so excited that he almost peed his pants.

Now...

He only wanted to pee in Itsuki’s direction!

“Ahem!”

Itsuki cleared his throat and said, “Step one: Gather a massive amount of money to prepare for the future.”

“Step two: Establish a village that doesn’t belong to any nation—Uchiha Village.”

“And then!”

“Start some small wars, and depending on how they go, gradually expand them so that the Five Great Shinobi Villages have no time for anything else.”

“Step three: Obtain a tailed beast of our own and formally establish our nation!”

“Konoha? Let them play their games. Uchiha won’t be joining!”

This...

Fugaku and the others wanted to express their shock.

But!

That earlier moment had deflated their spirits.

Now, even hearing this astonishing plan from Itsuki, they felt surprisingly calm.

Damn!

Fugaku and the others found the situation both frustrating and amusing.

Itsuki, are you doing this on purpose?

You’re too clever.

“Itsuki!”

Fugaku sighed and said, “To put it bluntly, your plan is to lead the clan away from Konoha and build a village of your own, right?”

“Exactly!”

Itsuki smiled and said, “And I’ve already started.”

Started?

Fugaku and the others weren’t surprised.

Itsuki had already mentioned that his plan was unstoppable, meaning it had been in motion for a while.

And!

It must be quite far along.

Fugaku glanced at Setsuna and Toji.

They suddenly remembered how Itsuki had been madly amassing wealth some time ago.

He had sold them a large number of explosive tags!

That must have been part of the preparation.

Shisui and Itachi exchanged a glance, both seeing the complexity in each other’s eyes.

Itsuki’s plan seemed like a solution to the conflict between the village and the Uchiha clan.

But!

Would the Third Hokage and the others allow the Uchiha to leave Konoha?

The answer was obviously no.

If they couldn’t control the Uchiha, a weapon like that would need to be destroyed. Who could guarantee that these dangerous Uchiha wouldn’t one day turn their blades toward Konoha?

Fugaku paused and asked, “Itsuki, how far along is your plan?”

Damn.

Surprise!

He should feel surprised!

This calmness was too abnormal.

Itsuki smiled and said, “The money is mostly gathered.”

“The village is already under construction.”

“Some of the Uchiha are already living there.”

“And we’ve got a tailed beast!”

“Boom!”

Fugaku and the others immediately stood up, staring at Itsuki in shock.

Even Toji and Setsuna, the two old men, weren’t exceptions.

“What’s wrong?”

Itsuki smiled and said, “Weren’t you all supposed to remain calm no matter what?”

“A tailed beast!?”

Fugaku trembled, “Where did you get a tailed beast? Wait, is it the Two-Tails? Was the chaos in the Hidden Cloud Village your doing?”

“You’re shocked about that?”

Itsuki said in surprise, “You all have Mangekyo Sharingan, with Susanoo being a power that can rival tailed beasts. And you’re shocked by a tailed beast?”

“If I hadn’t grabbed the Two-Tails on a whim, I wouldn’t have bothered with a tailed beast.”

“...That’s different!”

Fugaku’s breath grew heavy, “A tailed beast is a tailed beast, and Susanoo is Susanoo.”

“Tailed beasts have always been considered natural disasters.”

“Susanoo... hasn’t appeared for a long time.”

Apart from Uchiha Madara, no one else had ever wielded Susanoo.

And!

Madara was so powerful that people instinctively thought Susanoo was exclusive to him.

Fugaku couldn’t sit still.

He got up and began pacing back and forth.

Suddenly!

He turned to Itsuki and asked, “Where did you choose to build the village?”

Itsuki opened a map and casually drew a circle near the southern seas of the shinobi world.

At this point, he wasn’t worried about information leaking.

The Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan gave him the confidence.

Plus!

Itsuki had stationed too many strong individuals at the new village, along with the Two-Tails. Sending three or five thousand ninjas there would just be serving themselves up as cannon fodder!

“Here...”

Fugaku frowned when he saw the location Itsuki had chosen, but quickly relaxed.

Itsuki had chosen an area on the outskirts of Konoha.

To the south of Konoha, slightly to the east.

By the sea.

There was only one road within the entire circle he’d drawn; the rest was surrounded by the ocean. It was near the Land of Bears and the remnants of the destroyed Land of Whirlpools.

Choosing to build the new village here meant that to the west was the Land of Wind, to the north was Konoha, to the east was the Land of Craftsmen, and further east was the Land of Water.

If a war broke out, they could end up facing attacks from three major nations.

Fugaku didn’t mind these details. The Uchiha had once challenged the Land of Water with just their clan and nearly crushed them. Now, with five pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan, they didn’t know the meaning of fear.

They weren’t afraid of a fight!

Fugaku was more concerned about whether they could successfully manage a village.

Suddenly!

Fugaku seemed to realize something, and with a look of understanding on his face, he turned to Itsuki and murmured, “That bastard...”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 114: The Grand Plan: Trapped Bird (2)*

Fugaku understood.

Now he knew why Itsuki had to fight this battle.

He just wanted to beat him up.

For the sake of control!

A new village was about to be established.

Who would lead it?

Although Itsuki was the one building this village, the Uchiha clan, known for their rebellious nature, wouldn't simply follow someone just because they created the village.

So, Itsuki gave Fugaku and the others a beating.

"...Let's see who dares to defy me."

Building a village!

The Uchiha identity!

The strongest person!

These three points were enough to convince over 90% of the Uchiha.

As for the remaining 10%, given Itsuki's personality, he wouldn’t hesitate to make them disappear.

Mercy was not something Itsuki knew at all.

Fugaku looked at Itsuki with a headache: "This guy, when did he start scheming?"

Probably a long time ago!

The Anbu and Root had suffered losses recently, with several squads either directly or indirectly wiped out.

The chaos in the Hidden Cloud Village was about to drag Konoha into it.

The Third Hokage had his hands full.

Maybe even earlier...

"What do you think?"

Itsuki looked at the group and smiled, "Konoha can't accommodate us. Why should we stay here shamelessly? Let's stop playing along with them."

Five pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, one representing a dovish stance.

These six could absolutely decide the future of the Uchiha.

Fugaku hesitated.

Taking the entire clan and leaving the village they had lived in for so long, venturing into the unknown...

"Let's vote!"

Itsuki said decisively, "There are ten votes in total. Each of you gets one vote."

"And you?"

"I get five votes."

"......"

"What? You think I don’t deserve that?" Itsuki sneered.

The ouroboros in his eyes seemed to hiss again.

Itsuki clenched his fists, the sound of knuckles cracking.

Everyone exchanged glances, smiling bitterly.

It seemed like if they didn’t agree today, they were in for another beating.

Itsuki never cared about saving face.

If he dared to destroy Danzo’s... well, he certainly wouldn’t care about theirs!

“I agree!” Itachi was the first to respond.

“Itachi...” Fugaku looked surprised.

Ever since becoming the clan's deputy leader, his son’s attitude had changed.

But!

Wasn’t he previously inclined toward the Hokage’s side?

Now they were talking about collectively betraying Konoha!

“The relationship between the village and the clan is irreconcilable!” Itachi said gravely, speaking each word carefully, “If we continue like this, a civil war is inevitable. Instead, it’s better if we leave.”

The Third Hokage and the Uchiha—there could only be one.

No matter who won, the village would be hurt.

Even though Itachi had discovered the village’s darkness, he still loved it deeply.

Then leave!

Suddenly, Setsuna’s face twisted in fury, shouting, “Why?”

Why did they have to be the ones to leave?

Why?

The Uchiha had created Konoha.

The Uchiha had made countless sacrifices and contributions to Konoha!

Now, with five pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, they could absolutely seize the village by force.

At this thought, Setsuna looked eagerly at Itsuki.

Itsuki glanced at him, clenched his fist, and there was a cracking sound.

“Old man, do you really think I’m discussing this with you? Foolish old man, no wonder you got beaten by both the Second and Third Hokage. I was just saying it casually.”

Konoha had many rotten places, and in Itsuki's eyes, too many things were rigid and resistant to change. It wouldn’t be easy to reform it.

Better to start over!

Setsuna: “...”

Fugaku looked at Setsuna, speechless, and said, “Elder, when Itsuki said voting, and that he held half the votes, that was his final declaration. Did you really think he was listening to your opinion?”

You’re too old.

You can’t even grasp such a simple concept.

Setsuna, furious, asked, “Then why are you sitting there pondering?”

Fugaku didn’t respond.

I’m the clan leader, I can’t just agree to whatever Itsuki says.

Don’t I care about my reputation?

At least, I need to show that I hesitated and resisted.

“Fine, let’s be straightforward!”

Itsuki waved his hand, “Since the Third Shinobi World War, I’ve been secretly relocating clan members. Many who died on missions, that was also a lie. They’re all in the new village. The current number of clan members there is close to 100.”

He looked at everyone present, his gaze full of confidence, “Even without you, the Uchiha can still carry on. Don’t think too highly of yourselves.”

There’s a village!

There’s a Tailed Beast!

There’s the Uchiha!

There’s money!

As long as Itsuki went and became the leader, a new village would be fully established.

To Itsuki, Setsuna and the others were just icing on the cake.

“Itachi agrees. Even if all of you oppose, it’s still six to four. Get ready to move the clan!”

Fugaku smiled bitterly, “What if we all oppose?”

“Oh, I forgot to mention, I also have veto power.”

“......”

You really are something!

“If you’ve already made up your mind, why ask us?”

“I respect you.”

The group took a deep breath and could only accept the so-called ‘Trapped Bird’ plan and leave in silence.

In truth.

They all knew that the idea of choice didn’t even exist.

Itsuki and the Third Hokage had nearly openly clashed, making it impossible for the Uchiha to back down.

Once Itsuki became a rogue ninja, you can imagine how the Third Hokage would treat the Uchiha!

Unless they wanted to face an all-out war!

It would be better to leave!

Seizing Konoha by force wouldn’t be as effective as building a new village.

Let’s go!

Damn it!

Fugaku cursed.

Uchiha Itsuki, you really are a bastard!

Fugaku ground his teeth in anger.

...

The negotiations between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud went well.

Who knows what Konoha had to sacrifice, but the envoy from the Hidden Cloud was very pleased.

Itsuki was pleased too.

The money he wanted had been transferred.

The Third Hokage didn’t delay, handing it over promptly.

So.

Itsuki left the Hidden Cloud envoy’s residence.

For the past few days, he had gotten into the habit of strolling around here.

Now, he could only go count his money.

“You’ll all die by my hand!”

As Itsuki left, he glanced back at the Hidden Cloud envoy’s residence and muttered, “When Uchiha Itsuki says something, not even Hashirama Senju could stop it!”

If the Hidden Cloud envoy didn’t die, how could conflict be stirred?

At the very least, Konoha and the Hidden Cloud needed to be at odds!

If you don’t fall into chaos, how can I thrive?

But!

Surprises always come so suddenly!

The Hidden Cloud envoy died!

When Itsuki heard this news, he was furious.

I just said the Hidden Cloud envoy would die by my hand, and now he’s already dead?

What are you trying to do?

Clearly looking for trouble!

Itsuki stormed towards the Hokage’s office.

He kicked the door open.

“Boom!!!”

With violent force, the door flew off.

The four great beasts of Konoha, who were discussing matters, collectively shuddered.

There’s an assassin!

Protect the Hokage!

Itsuki was sure that’s what they were thinking.

“Uchiha Itsuki!”

Danzo shouted angrily, “You’re too reckless! How dare you kick open the Hokage’s office door.”

Itsuki raised an eyebrow, “I’ve got two balls, of course I dare. Do you? If you’re man enough, shove an egg in your own.”

“You, you...”

Danzo trembled with rage.

Too much!

As if the old man could forget you blew up one of his balls!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 115: It Wasn’t Me, Because I Didn’t Have Time!*

"Enough!"

The Third Hokage shouted, turning his head to look at Itsuki, saying, "What are you doing here?"

His words were not polite at all.

After all, they had already clashed several times—what's the point of politeness anymore?

If he could win, he would have killed him a long time ago.

"Why do you think I'm here?"

Itsuki’s eyes were hostile. "Monkey, tell the truth. Was it you who killed the envoy from the Hidden Cloud? You went to great lengths to frame me. Aren’t you worried about starting a war?"

The Third Hokage frowned, staring intently at Itsuki.

Itsuki coldly said, "Don’t tell me you think I did it?"

He chuckled, "Sorry, I didn't have the chance to make a move. In fact, I was planning to kill those arrogant guys within the Hidden Cloud village, or at least in their territory. You stole my prey."

The Third Hokage was stunned. "So you mean, it wasn’t you?"

"Of course not!"

The Third Hokage was truly stunned and murmured, "If it wasn’t you, then who could it be?"

Both of them fell silent.

Then suddenly!

The Third Hokage, Itsuki, and even Homura and Koharu all turned their gaze to Danzo.

Their looks were deep, filled with suspicion.

Deep down, it was certain!

"Are you kidding me?!"

Danzo almost coughed up blood.

What do you mean by this? All four of you think I did it?

And!

The only reason it’s just four is because there are only four of you here. If there were a fifth, would they also…?

Damn it! I can’t take this anymore!

You’ve all developed a habit: if something goes wrong, blame Danzo!

I, Danzo, refuse to accept this!

"Danzo!"

Itsuki’s face was dark as he said, "Are you still not going to admit it?"

"Admit what, your grandfather?"

Danzo angrily replied, "It wasn’t me! Uchiha Itsuki, it was definitely you! You’re up to your tricks again, aren’t you?"

"What tricks?"

"The Mangekyo Sharingan!"

Danzo’s voice was icy. "Are you going to deny that your eyes are Mangekyo Sharingan?"

Lost your Mangekyo Sharingan? My foot!

I’ve been wronged for nothing.

"My eyes are indeed Mangekyo Sharingan!"

Itsuki admitted outright, "But this isn’t my pair. It belongs to someone else. The Uchiha clan is large and has existed for many years. Don’t you think there’s more than one pair of Mangekyo Sharingan?"

The Third Hokage asked in surprise, "So you’re saying this Mangekyo Sharingan doesn’t belong to you?"

"Absolutely not!"

Itsuki confidently stated, "By the way, let me tell you something. I’m not the only one with Mangekyo Sharingan. Setsuna has it too. It’s a family legacy. You small clans probably wouldn’t understand the greatness of the Uchiha."

The Third Hokage and the others were deeply troubled.

Setsuna, the Uchiha hawk? He’s a notorious rebel!

Now he has Mangekyo Sharingan too!

Without Mangekyo, he was already unstoppable. Now that he has it, who knows what he’ll do?

The Third Hokage looked intensely at Itsuki. "Why are you telling us this?"

"I’m telling you because I want to make it clear: I own up to the things I do!"

Itsuki pointed at Danzo’s lower region. "Just like when I blew up Danzo’s balls. I did that! What, can’t admit to what I did?"

"If I did it, I admit it!"

"You..."

Danzo was trembling with rage.

Balls again!

Can we go one day without mentioning balls?

The Third Hokage and the others, however, fell into silence.

Could it really have been Danzo, not Itsuki?

Danzo’s face was dark. "What are you looking at? I’ve already said it wasn’t me!"

"Then who was it?"

Itsuki coldly replied, "I told you, I wanted the Hidden Cloud to die by my hand. Whoever killed them first is my enemy, and I will have my revenge!"

The Third Hokage had a headache.

Was it Itsuki who killed them? Or Danzo?

And now Itsuki is shouting about revenge.

Is that how revenge works?

Honestly, although the Third Hokage and Itsuki had their differences, deep down, he was more inclined to believe that Danzo did it.

As Itsuki said, he would admit it if he did it.

Danzo, on the other hand, was always a sly old fox, always stirring up trouble. Nine out of ten times, he was behind the dirty work!

"Alright!"

The Third Hokage suddenly said, "It doesn’t matter who did it. The fact remains that the Hidden Cloud envoy is dead. The Leaf Village has to give them an explanation, right?"

Itsuki looked at the Third Hokage with a smirk, "Last time a Hidden Cloud envoy died, you sent out Hiashi. What about this time? How about sending out Hizashi?"

The Third Hokage’s face darkened.

What, do I have a face that’s cursed to cause trouble for the Hyuga clan?

"So, what do you suggest?"

The Third Hokage asked Itsuki.

The Hidden Cloud envoy died in the Leaf Village; the village definitely had to provide an explanation.

Itsuki thought for a moment, "How about chopping up Danzo? With Lord Danzo’s status, maybe you could even ask the Hidden Cloud for a discount."

"Enough!"

The Third Hokage’s face darkened, waving his hand repeatedly. "Itsuki, go back."

Now he finally understood. Why was he even discussing this with Itsuki?

Is he even qualified?

And besides, every other sentence was about sacrificing Danzo.

What has my Danzo done to you... well, even if he has, so what?

I’ll protect him!

"Go back for what?"

Itsuki asked. "The person I wanted to kill is dead. Shouldn’t you give me an explanation?"

The Third Hokage was dumbfounded. "You want me to give you an explanation for this?"

His eyes were filled with disbelief.

What the hell? Is everyone treating me like a pushover now?

The Hidden Cloud can demand an explanation because their people died in the Leaf Village. But now you’re asking me for one too, just because the person didn’t die by your hand?

The Third Hokage was trembling with rage.

Have I been too easygoing recently?

Itsuki looked serious, "Shouldn’t you? The Hidden Cloud demands an explanation, and you give it. Now I, a member of the Leaf Village, demand one, and you won’t?"

"Get out! Get out now!"

The Third Hokage exploded in rage.

Then, a flurry of objects was thrown at Itsuki.

Everything on the Third Hokage’s desk was hurled.

Even his pipe flew out.

Finally, his shoes!

He was just short of throwing his clothes at him.

"What the hell?!"

Itsuki was dumbfounded.

He was ready for a fight with the Third Hokage, but who would have thought the Third would throw a tantrum like an angry housewife?

Who can handle this?

Helpless, Itsuki could only run away.

"I’m not bullying the elderly!"

"GET OUT!!!"

The Third Hokage sat in his chair, disheveled and breathing heavily.

"Is that it, Hiruzen?"

Danzo sarcastically asked. "They’re walking all over you."

The Third Hokage looked Danzo straight in the eye, "So, it’s up to you now."

"Me?"

Danzo paused, then saw the Third Hokage’s meaningful look and suddenly understood.

"Heh, Hiruzen, you haven’t changed!"

Danzo sneered. "Fine, leave it to me!"

This kind of thing was right up his alley.

Soon!

A rumor began to spread around the Leaf Village.

There were various versions, but the gist was this:

Uchiha Itsuki, because of Uchiha Mikoto, brutally murdered the Hidden Cloud envoy!

When Fugaku heard the rumor, his eyes turned green with rage.

The rumor might as well have directly said Itsuki killed for the sake of a beauty.

That’s my wife!

So!

At the next Jonin meeting, as soon as it started, Fugaku stood up.

"A battle is inevitable!"

His roar shocked all the Jonin of the Leaf Village.

Those closest to him trembled in fear.

(End of Chapter)