101-105

*Chapter 101: In an Instant – The Most Agitated Version of Itsuki!*

Based on the current intelligence:

Not long ago, a conflict erupted between Konoha's Root division and the Hidden Cloud Village. Root was completely annihilated, while Hidden Cloud lost over 200 people! Later, Konoha's Anbu clashed with Hidden Cloud once more. Anbu, too, was wiped out, and Hidden Cloud suffered another 70 casualties!

Additionally, someone intentionally caused chaos in Hidden Cloud Village, leading to the disappearance of the Two-Tails. Among the clues, traces of a Wood Release user were found.

Wood Release is a technique that, for anyone in the know, immediately brings Konoha to mind.

Therefore, Hidden Cloud sent emissaries to Konoha for negotiations.

Between the great villages, war doesn’t break out immediately; everything hinges on interests. Why go to war when you can achieve your goals through peaceful means? Even if war is inevitable, isn’t it better to extract something beforehand? Use their own resources to fight them—what a sweet feeling!

Furthermore, tensions have been rising between Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone, as both sides have amassed large numbers of ninjas at their borders. Small skirmishes are frequent, and the threat of a full-blown war looms.

The matter concerns the body of the Third Raikage, and neither side is willing to back down. Hidden Cloud doesn’t mind being the one to ignite the Fourth Great Ninja War, but they don’t want to immediately face off against two other superpower villages.

Just because they favor using brute force to solve problems doesn’t mean they lack intelligence.

This was the situation.

As for why Uchiha Mikoto got involved... to be honest, even Itsuki was baffled.

Although Mikoto is beautiful, she’s just an ordinary ninja—her strength is debatable, and she might not even be on the level of a Jōnin. Plus, as the first lady of the Uchiha clan, she has no reason to be on the battlefield; the Uchiha would never let her fight.

All she needs to do is take care of the clan leader’s home.

That’s the path most female ninjas choose after getting married.

So, how could this negotiation between Hidden Cloud and Konoha possibly involve her?

Yet, things took an unexpected turn.

Hidden Cloud has always looked down on Konoha with disdain!

This time, after losing the Two-Tails and experiencing internal turmoil, they lost over 300 ninjas in battles with Konoha's Root and Anbu forces.

The losses were just too great.

Hidden Cloud wanted to make up for it at Konoha's expense.

So, during the talks, they immediately demanded compensation from Konoha.

Their attitude was completely unreasonable, as if they were negotiating with a small country, not another great village.

Because Hidden Cloud only sent emissaries, the Third Hokage didn’t personally attend the meeting.

Instead, Homura Mitokado was tasked with organizing the talks.

Not long ago, Itsuki had traveled outside Hidden Cloud Village, so the Third Hokage ordered Fugaku Uchiha to participate in the talks, hoping that if Konoha had to make reparations, the Uchiha would contribute as well.

However, the Third Hokage miscalculated!

He never could have predicted that Fugaku would come to the talks already furious, having been provoked by Itsuki beforehand.

So, when the Hidden Cloud emissaries started making outrageous demands, Fugaku responded strongly, nearly calling for war outright.

This attitude infuriated Hidden Cloud even more.

The Uchiha and the Hyūga! These are Konoha’s two strongest clans.

Even though the two clans’ powers aren’t exactly equal, the Third Hokage and his people elevated the Hyūga to prominence.

Besides, at a glance, both clans have about the same number of Jōnin, and they both possess powerful dōjutsu (eye techniques). So, drawing a parallel between them isn’t out of the question, right?

At least, that’s how Hidden Cloud saw it.

After all, it’s only been a few days since Hizashi Hyūga died. His body’s still warm, and the Hyūga clan hasn’t dared to utter a word of protest!

That was the clan leader’s own brother, the head of the branch family. Konoha was willing to sacrifice him. So, Uchiha, what makes you think you’re so special?

In the heat of the argument, emotions flared—chaos, fury, and disdain all surged to the surface.

The Hidden Cloud emissary, hot-headed and reckless, blurted out: “What’s so great about the Uchiha? Is your clan leader that powerful? If you don’t send your wife to Hidden Cloud by tomorrow, we’re going to war!”

His goal was to humiliate the Uchiha clan, to humiliate Konoha!

Uchiha Fugaku was not like Hyuga Hiashi. He didn’t have a brother, and his son was his only heir.

So, the Cloud Village made a fatal mistake.

Instead of targeting someone less important, they went after Mikoto.

In their view, if the Hyuga clan's branch leader could "suddenly die" to prevent a war, why couldn’t the Uchiha clan leader's wife "disappear"?

Itsuki didn’t know any of this.

All he knew was that those bastards from the Cloud Village were trying to hurt his sister Mikoto!

Unforgivable!

Without paying attention to Itachi’s shouts, Itsuki immediately used the Flying Thunder God technique and headed to the meeting spot.

"It’s over!"

Watching Itsuki leave, Itachi’s mind went blank, with only one thought running through his head.

Shisui, it's up to you. You must stop Itsuki.

He can’t be allowed to go on a rampage.

At the very least, the Cloud Village emissaries can’t all be killed.

That would make war inevitable.

I was stupid to come looking for Itsuki, knowing how he feels about her.

Itachi just didn’t want to admit it.

After all, Mikoto was still his mother.

…

Shisui was extremely nervous!

No one knew what Itsuki intended for Uchiha Mikoto.

The only thing they did know was...

Mikoto was beautiful.

And Itsuki was a bit of a lecher.

The fact that the Cloud emissaries had asked for Mikoto had already infuriated Fugaku. If not for Mitokado Homura reacting quickly and standing in front of him, Fugaku would have attacked them on the spot.

So, what would happen with Itsuki’s bad temper?

No one knew!

Shisui didn’t even want to guess. His eyes widened, afraid that Itsuki might slip past him.

Suddenly!

Shisui sensed something.

“That bastard’s here!”

Relying on instinct, Shisui reached out and grabbed.

Huh! He actually caught him!

Shisui looked at Itsuki’s gradually materializing figure, staring at his shocked face. A sense of pride surged within him.

So, even you can be surprised!

Don’t underestimate me!

With that thought, Shisui—AAAAH!!!

Amid a blood-curdling scream, Shisui became an accessory hanging from Itsuki’s body.

Itsuki was moving at high speed, and Shisui clung to him like a flag flapping in the wind.

Whenever Itsuki made a turn, Shisui would crash around like crazy, until half his body went numb.

“You’re really brave!” Itsuki remarked, exasperated.

He was racing to the meeting spot, and Shisui, half-asleep, had just reached out to grab him.

It was like someone standing still trying to grab someone sprinting at full speed. If you didn’t get swept off your feet, it wouldn’t make sense.

Besides, seeing how fast he was moving, did you really think he could stop?

He didn’t even want to stop!

“Boom!”

Finally, they reached the meeting place.

Itsuki barged right in and shouted, “Hands up! Men to the left, women to the right, and Mitokado Homura in the middle!”

As soon as he finished speaking…

“Boom!”

Shisui crashed to the ground, his body convulsing uncontrollably.

All those turns Itsuki had made along the way left Shisui feeling like his body no longer belonged to him.

Unfortunately for him, no one was paying attention. All eyes were on Itsuki.

“Boom!”

Itsuki kicked Shisui aside and furiously marched toward the Cloud Village emissary.

Mitokado Homura, who had been standing between the emissary and Itsuki, quickly stepped aside in fear.

Fugaku: "..."

Wasn’t this the same guy who was shouting that he’d kill anyone who tried to harm the Cloud emissary just moments ago?

Mitokado Homura: “Yeah, right. If I said that to Itsuki, he’d probably get rid of me for real.”

Itsuki stopped in front of the Cloud emissary, looking down at him coldly.

“You little punk, you’re the one who wants my sister Mikoto, huh? Heh, are your balls too big? Need me to pop a couple for you?”

Maybe it was Itsuki’s overwhelming presence, but the Cloud emissary instinctively backed down.

He weakly asked, “Excuse me, who exactly are you to Lady Mikoto?”

Itsuki pondered for a moment.

Who am I to Mikoto?

A devoted puppy?

A third wheel in waiting?

A secret lover?

The most handsome guy in her dreams?

Got it!

With a calm and collected expression, Itsuki ignored Fugaku’s cold stare and casually said, “I’m her... daddy.”

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 102: Clan Justice - Fugaku's Thunderous Gaze*

Silence!

Absolute silence!

The entire meeting room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

Even Shisui, who was twitching on the ground, stared blankly at Itsuki.

What did this guy just say?

Did he seriously just say "daddy"?

Did he mean… poop?

It had to be!

“Uchiha Itsuki!!!”

A furious roar echoed through the room.

Fugaku's eyes were blood-red, his Sharingan spinning dangerously, almost forming the unique pattern of a Mangekyo Sharingan.

But!

He didn’t make a move.

That’s because someone from the Nara clan had used Shadow Imitation Jutsu to hold him in place.

Barely holding him, though.

If Fugaku fully lost control and lashed out, he would undoubtedly break free.

Itsuki waved his hand nonchalantly, saying, “Come on, no need to get all worked up. Can’t you see I’m trying to seek justice for Lady Mikoto? We’ve got important matters to handle right now!”

“You…”

Fugaku was nearly choked with rage.

How dare this guy act annoyed?

He’s practically acting like he’s my father now, and yet, he’s the one who’s annoyed?

Unbelievable!

If Itsuki knew what Fugaku was thinking, he would probably laugh coldly… Father? You’re thinking way too small.

A respectable man wouldn’t settle for just being a “father,” especially when it comes to a beauty like Mikoto.

“This… uh…”

The Cloud envoy was stunned.

What’s going on here?

This Uchiha, who seems barely in his teens, is definitely Itsuki Uchiha, right?

This guy is a somewhat famous shinobi.

But since when did he become Uchiha Mikoto’s father?

Has something terrifying happened in Konoha?

“Hey, hey, hey, why aren’t you saying anything?”

Itsuki stared coldly at the Cloud envoy, “So, you’re the one planning to take my sweet dau—cough, I mean, Lady Mikoto, to Kumogakure?”

He had to correct himself because Fugaku’s gaze had become even more terrifying.

Itsuki was a sensory ninja, and he could vaguely sense that Fugaku was on the verge of using his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Itsuki sighed inwardly: Still too young!

He can’t even handle this little bit of provocation.

With that kind of temperament, how can he be entrusted with great responsibilities?

No wonder the Uchiha clan ultimately perished at his hands!

The Cloud envoy smiled bitterly inside. He had just been mouthing off, and now this guy had come out of nowhere.

They had spies in Konoha.

They knew full well that the man standing before them had blown up Danzo’s little treasures.

And just a few days ago, he had publicly fought against members of the Root and taken out a dozen of their shinobi.

Otherwise…

Why would Kumogakure have trusted Root’s words and agreed to cooperate with them, only to be ambushed and lose over two hundred of their elite shinobi?

Damn it, Root must have gone mad!

“Actually, it doesn’t necessarily have to be Uchiha Mikoto…”

The Cloud envoy forced an awkward smile under Itsuki’s icy gaze.

“Then who do you want?” Itsuki shot back. “Koharu Utatane?”

He waved dismissively towards Homura Mitokado and said, “Pack her up and send her off. And remember, no returns or exchanges.”

Homura Mitokado: "..."

Koharu Utatane: "..."

“Itsuki Uchiha, have you had enough?”

Koharu Utatane shouted in anger.

This meeting was supposed to be overseen by Homura Mitokado, with her providing assistance on the side.

But now, this arrogant Uchiha had just offered her up as if she were some kind of gift?

Had he even considered her feelings?

This was too much!

“What?”

Itsuki frowned. “The Cloud envoy already said that if we don’t give them what they want, they’ll go to war. Sending you would prevent a war and save countless lives. Isn’t that a good thing? Besides, isn’t this the very essence of your ‘Will of Fire’?”

“Elder Koharu, just sacrifice yourself for the greater good.”

“I…”

Koharu felt like coughing up blood.

You believe in the Will of Fire?

Who are you trying to fool?

Your actions are more like spitting on the Will of Fire and stomping it into the ground.

And besides, the Will of Fire shouldn’t be used against her! She wasn’t buying that nonsense.

That was something Hiruzen Sarutobi used to fool the gullible.

She glared at Itsuki with a dark expression, “Itsuki Uchiha, stop talking nonsense!”

“How am I talking nonsense?”

Itsuki protested. “Tell me where I’m wrong! Go ahead, say it! Say it!”

Koharu was gritting her teeth, but she couldn’t say a word in response.

There were many things she couldn’t say, even though everyone knew exactly what was going on.

“This… I didn’t mean that!”

The Cloud envoy was beside himself with awkwardness.

Koharu Utatane?

Why would he want an old hag like her?

Was he supposed to bring her back to Kumogakure and worship her as some kind of ancestor?

Come on, he didn’t need another grandma!

Thinking about the Raikage’s demands for money and strategic materials, he glanced at Koharu again...

Damn!

If he actually brought this old relic back, the Fourth Raikage would probably marry them off on the spot.

A funeral marriage!

Itsuki frowned, “Then who do you want? Don’t tell me…”

“Stop! Stop!”

The Cloud envoy quickly interrupted, “Let’s all stay calm, Konoha friends. We are here for peaceful talks, so let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Damn it!”

Itsuki cursed and shouted, “You were ready to take my swe—uh, I mean, Lady Mikoto, and now you’re accusing me of jumping to conclusions? You from Kumogakure are crossing the line!”

“I’m telling you right now, if you don’t give me a proper explanation, we’re not moving forward with this!”

The Cloud envoy looked at Itsuki with a pained expression. “What exactly is Uchiha Mikoto to you?”

You’re way too worked up, aren’t you?

Or have you really convinced yourself that you’re her father?

Homura Mitokado interjected, “They’re just… friends!”

“Friends?”

The Cloud envoy looked utterly bewildered.

This friendship seemed way too… deep.

Deep... Strong!

He turned his head to look at Fugaku and cautiously asked, "So, you are...?"

Fugaku's face was as dark as coal!

Who am I, and you don’t know?

What are you pretending for?

You’re nothing but someone who likes to stir up trouble, not worth being on the main stage.

Fugaku let out a cold snort, his icy eyes turned toward Itsuki.

"Matters related to Mikoto will be handled by me, Itsuki. There's no need for you to get involved."

Itsuki looked doubtful and said, "Can you handle it?"

Fugaku calmed his emotions and said, "Let's continue the talks."

He coldly stared at the Kumogakure emissary and said, "Don't bring up any more unreasonable demands, or an alliance between Konoha and Iwagakure isn’t off the table."

The Kumogakure emissary chuckled coldly and turned to Mitokado Homura, saying, "So, this is Konoha's attitude in negotiations?"

"Fugaku!"

Mitokado Homura shouted sternly, "Don't speak nonsense. This is a diplomatic discussion between two countries. Remember, I'm the one responsible for the talks."

Fugaku gave a cold sneer.

Itsuki, testing the waters, said from the side, "How about I take over?"

Fugaku whipped his head around, staring him down and said, "Do you think you're better than me?"

"Maybe a little!"

"Hah!" Fugaku let out a laugh, as if he’d just heard the biggest joke.

He was the Uchiha clan leader!

He was the head of Konoha's police force!

Itsuki Uchiha was, at best, a Jōnin.

How could he compare himself to Fugaku?

Just because he liked to mess around?

"Fine, then you do it!"

Fugaku sneered, stood up, and swapped places with Itsuki.

He seated Itsuki diagonally across from the Kumogakure emissary, next to Mitokado Homura.

But as Itsuki was about to sit down, both the emissary and Mitokado Homura's expressions changed instantly.

Mitokado Homura barked, "Fugaku, this is a high-level negotiation. Itsuki is just a regular Uchiha. You're being ridiculous!"

Fugaku remained expressionless, his eyes fiercely locking onto Mitokado Homura and the emissary. "He can represent the Uchiha now."

"That's absurd..."

"Would you prefer I pass the position of clan leader to him right now?"

Fugaku coldly declared, "I can hand it over to him right this moment!"

"Not long ago, the Hokage himself said that he wouldn’t interfere in the internal matters of the ninja clans!"

Kumogakure's emissary and Mitokado Homura were struck into silence.

Now you’re listening to the Third Hokage? Where was this attitude before?

*Chapter 103: A One-Man Show!*

"Alright, tell me, how do you plan on compensating us?"

Itsuki sat down confidently, his nose in the air, glaring at the Cloud Village emissaries. His first sentence completely stunned them.

Compensation?

From us?

Who do these Konoha people think they are?

How dare they demand compensation from the Cloud Village?

Did they forget why we're even here?

The Cloud emissary let out a laugh in disbelief, his tone icy. "Looks like Konoha has no intention of negotiating peacefully."

"How is that possible? Konoha is full of sincerity!"

Itsuki immediately responded, "If we didn’t want to talk, we would've started kicking your ass by now."

"You..."

The Cloud emissary was so furious he nearly jumped out of his seat.

This was no longer just a matter of disrespect—it was straight-up mockery and insult.

"Ahem," Homura Mitokado cleared his throat, trying to defuse the situation. "Itsuki, mind your tone."

Inwardly, though, he was just as flabbergasted.

Compensation? Really?

We’re supposed to be figuring out how to minimize what we owe them!

"Uchiha Itsuki, do you even understand the situation?"

"What do you mean, 'mind my tone?'"

Itsuki glared at Homura and slammed the table hard.

BANG!  

The sound was so loud, Homura nearly jumped out of his seat in fright.

The Cloud emissary, on the other hand, was unfazed. They were used to Raikage breaking several tables a day.

"Council Elder, are you deaf? What part of my tone sounds bad to you? Go ahead, tell me. Speak up."

Homura meekly responded, "No, no, not at all. But... it would be better to be polite. After all, they are our guests."

"Hmph!"

Itsuki scoffed and turned his gaze back to the Cloud emissary. "So, what do you say?"

Grinding his teeth, the Cloud emissary spat, "There's no way the Cloud Village will ever compensate you. Absolutely not!"

"Oh, so you're asking for a fight, then?"

Itsuki smirked coldly, silently rolling up his sleeves.

...

Fugaku Uchiha watched quietly from the side. He turned to Itachi, who had just arrived.

"What do you make of this?"

Itachi spoke softly, "Their attitude is completely different."

Just a moment ago, how had the Cloud emissary treated them?

Arrogant.

Looking down on everyone.

Disdainful and full of contempt.

Acting like they were superior to all.

Otherwise, how would they have dared suggest to Fugaku Uchiha, the Uchiha clan leader, that he send his wife to the Cloud Village?

That was a blatant insult!

But now, facing Itsuki, their attitude had completely changed.

They were submissive.

Cautious.

Walking on eggshells.

It was like they were treading on thin ice.

The contrast was staggering.

"Why?"

Itachi couldn’t understand it.

Based on status, Fugaku was much higher than Itsuki.

During the negotiations, Fugaku could have openly threatened war—and it would've been taken seriously.

Even if Itsuki made the same threat, no one would believe he could follow through.

A mere jonin calling for war?

Who does he think he is?

Konoha has over 300 jonin—does he think they all have to be ready to go to war at his command?

"Is it because Itsuki is unpredictable? Because he openly defied Danzo?"

That was the only explanation Itachi could think of.

"No."

Fugaku calmly responded to his son's question.

"What both the Cloud emissary and Homura are afraid of boils down to one thing."

"And what's that?"

"Nutsjob."

Itachi: "..."

Fugaku had a strange expression. "At least, if it were me, I'd be worried that this guy might just... break my balls."

"You know how Itsuki is—he's the type to throw punches first and never bother with words."

"And don't think for a second that just because the other guy is a Cloud emissary, he wouldn't throw hands."

“Danzo was known as the Dark of Shinobi. Back in Konoha, he was undoubtedly the second-in-command, but he got knocked down a peg by a single explosion.”

“No matter what happens in this negotiation, even if it leads to war, that's between the two villages. But as for your balls, they belong to you alone.”

Itachi: "..."

That... makes sense.

As a man, you’d rather die than let something happen to your balls.

It’s a choice between death or a fate worse than death!

So even Danzo, that shady guy, couldn’t hold back back then. He grabbed his sword, eyes bloodshot, and chased after the guy who threw the bomb—ran so hard his shoes fell off.

Now, the people from Kumogakure are here for negotiations, but if they lose their balls, what kind of a mess would that be?

How would they explain it back at their village? “Lord Raikage, I sacrificed one of my balls for the village!”

…

With a cold voice, the man named Itsuki asked, “If you’re not offering compensation, what did you come to Konoha for?”

The Kumogakure envoy gritted his teeth and said, “Over 300 of our people died, and we lost a tailed beast. The village is in chaos, and you in Konoha are demanding compensation from us?”

Itsuki replied indifferently, “So what? You had it coming. You’re always stealing from people, making enemies everywhere, and now you’re surprised they’re getting revenge?”

“You…”

The veins on the Kumogakure envoy's forehead started to throb.

“Three hundred dead? That’s nothing. We’ve lost…”

Itsuki paused, looking at Mitokado Homura, “How many from the Anbu and Root have died?”

“…I don’t know!”

“Useless! You’re always clueless. What’s the point of you?”

Mitokado Homura clenched his fists.

I’m a senior advisor! I’m a big shot in Konoha!

How dare you insult me! Damn Uchiha!

Just you wait! I’ll tell Danzo about this!

“What’s that look?”

Itsuki sneered, glaring at Mitokado Homura, “Feeling pissed? Want me to help make it worse?”

His eyes flicked down, “I could send you straight to heaven for free!”

Mitokado Homura, feeling like cold water had been thrown over him, shuddered and quickly replied, “No… no need for that!”

After a moment’s hesitation, he added, “Thank you, Itsuki. Really, there’s no need.”

“…”

That “thank you” truly broke everyone present.

Everyone’s faces twisted.

“Bang!”

Itsuki turned back to glare at the Kumogakure envoy, slamming the table again and shouting, “So, what compensation are you offering?”

“We’ve lost thousands of Anbu and Root ninjas!”

“Do you know how much the Third Hokage and Danzo have cried? They’ve been crying for three straight days and nights. We’ve gone through dozens of blankets.”

“They still haven’t recovered. They look like they’ve been eating crap every day!”

“And you Kumogakure people still don’t want to compensate us?”

“What are you trying to pull?”

The Kumogakure envoy’s eye twitched uncontrollably. He kept taking deep breaths, over and over!

Thousands of Anbu and Root ninjas? What, did all of Konoha’s ninjas join the Anbu and Root? And crying for three days and nights…

Damn!

Itsuki squinted at the Kumogakure envoy, “What’s wrong? You farting now? Don’t want to share? Might as well die miserably.”

Damn it!

The Kumogakure envoy was almost choking, his tears nearly falling.

“Uchiha, are you seriously trying to start a war?”

Finally, he couldn’t hold back any longer and stood up suddenly.

“If you want to fight, Kumogakure will fight. We’re not afraid of any challenge!”

“If it’s war you want, then let’s have war. Anyone who doesn’t fight is a coward!”

Itsuki smirked, “I won’t kill you. You can leave now. We’ll start fighting in three days!”

“Fine!”

The Kumogakure envoy shouted in anger and was about to storm out.

“Wait, wait a minute!”

Mitokado Homura was dumbfounded.

How did things escalate so fast into a war?

What the hell? You even set a time for the war?

No, this isn’t right!

This is very wrong! Hiruzen specifically told me to avoid war at all costs when he sent me to mediate these talks! Mediate?

Oh, right!

I’m the representative of Konoha! I’m the main character here!

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 104: Fight!*

"Everyone, shut up!"

Mitokado Homura shouted sternly.

He slammed the table and stood up, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room.

Swoosh!

Everyone’s attention instantly focused on him.

Uchiha Itsuki narrowed his eyes dangerously, his fists clenched with a cracking sound.

Yelling at me?

Are you tired of living?

"Ahem, ahem."

The force Homura had just built up disappeared in an instant.

After a couple of dry coughs, he said, "You two, this concerns both of our villages. How can you make such a rash decision to go to war? Don't forget that behind us are two villages, with hundreds of thousands of civilians."

He continued with a heart-wrenching tone, "Once war starts, our villages will be drenched in blood!"

"Think about the children!"

"Think about the women!"

"Think about the men!"

"Where will they go? Can you truly bear to plunge them into the hell of war?"

"Hmph!"

The Kumo envoy snorted coldly, "We don't want to fight either, but we see no sincerity in your desire for peace."

"Exactly!"

Itsuki added, "Where’s the sincerity? Talk is cheap, what does that even prove?"

"Hmm?"

Several people were momentarily stunned.

Whose side are you on?

But Homura let out a sigh of relief. If Kumo was willing to negotiate, that was good.

Who would want war anyway?

All of them had survived wars.

Their teachers, their comrades, they had all died in battle.

So many had once walked side by side with them, united by their dreams.

But in the end, only five of them remained.

He hated war with all his heart!

"Konoha seeks peace!"

Homura said firmly. "We came to this negotiation with sincerity, and I hope Kumo can show sincerity as well."

"Of course,"

the Kumo envoy exhaled in relief. "I hope Konoha can satisfy us."

If possible, they didn’t want war either.

All they needed was some compensation from Konoha.

First, they had to deal with Iwagakure.

This time, they would definitely retrieve the Third Raikage’s body.

How could it be acceptable for the corpse of the Raikage, leader of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, to remain on Iwa’s operating table?

"Exactly!"

Itsuki nodded in agreement. "If we’re not satisfied, then war will be the only option."

"…"

Everyone stared blankly at Itsuki.

What’s gotten into him?

Did he forget he’s part of Konoha?

He’s supposed to represent Konoha!

Did he lose his memory?

"What are you looking at?"

Itsuki snorted, sitting there coldly. "I’m being very clear: if we’re not satisfied, we’ll go to war!"

"I always keep my word!"

What the hell?!

Everyone was stunned.

Uchiha Itsuki’s intentions... could he mean…

Homura’s voice trembled, "I-Itsuki, what are you planning? You’re from Konoha; don’t act recklessly."

Damn it!

Kumo was willing to negotiate, but now Konoha was the problem?

Could it be that this evil Uchiha actually wanted to provoke a war?

Koharu Utatane and Homura exchanged nervous glances, both feeling a chill down their spines.

"What am I planning?"

Itsuki smiled coldly, pointing at the Kumo envoys, speaking slowly and deliberately, "I don’t care what you’re thinking. These punks dared to insult my sister Mikoto, so they must pay the price."

"War? You think I’m afraid of war?"

"What a joke!"

"If you don’t satisfy me, I’ll take these guys down. Heh, if the envoys die, will there still be war?"

Damn!

The Cloud Hidden emissary was momentarily dumbfounded.

Encountering a master who could handle everything...

Uchiha Itsuki's words implied that Konoha should satisfy Cloud Hidden.

Does Cloud Hidden need to satisfy him?

Itsuki, towering above, stared at the Cloud Hidden emissary and said, "In war, emissaries aren't harmed. Now, tell me, if I tie you up and send you to Iwagakure, do you think I could make a deal?"

Cold sweat instantly drenched the Cloud Hidden emissary's forehead.

"Uchiha Itsuki!"

Koharu Utatane lost control, standing up abruptly and roaring, "What exactly are you trying to do? Can you at least recognize the situation before you go crazy?"

Itsuki glanced at her casually, replying with just one sentence: "I know the Flying Thunder God Technique."

Checkmate!

...

Amegakure!

Inside the great hall where the Ten-Tails' body was stored.

The air was thick with smoke!

Severed limbs and body parts were scattered everywhere.

Kunai, shuriken, explosive tags...

Summoning jutsu, secret techniques...

Poison needles, white clay, serpent corpses...

Sasori had unleashed his true form. The puppet created from the Third Kazekage had been cast aside, and only one scroll remained on his back.

Orochimaru continually used his Orochi Substitution Technique and Snake Array.

Deidara had thrown out his #18 bomb. If Pain hadn't stopped him, he would've excitedly blown himself up as well.

Juzo's Executioner's Blade had broken multiple times, and with each bloody rebirth, it seemed to grow stronger. Juzo himself had become even more ferocious!

Kisame, the tailless tailed beast, had created a water battlefield suited to him, with countless sharks swimming around.

Each of these top rogue ninjas from various nations had their own unique traits.

But!

When faced with the Rinnegan, they were still crushed.

At last, Pain had his moment of triumph.

All six Paths of Pain appeared, systematically dismantling his opponents, venting all the frustration he had with Itsuki.

Zetsu didn’t get involved.

He wasn’t a combatant, and after showcasing his unique abilities, the rest of the Akatsuki didn't force him to fight.

Although they had noticed that Zetsu might not be as powerless as he claimed.

Still!

Everyone has their secrets.

Who could say they had fought with all their strength in this battle?

In the company of such madmen, holding back some cards is the only way to survive!

"Everyone, I assume you've come to an understanding of each other?" Pain said, surveying the room slowly. "Now, we'll start forming teams for future operations."

No one responded.

"Sasori, you'll team up with Deidara!"

Sasori glanced at Deidara and nodded slowly.

As for Deidara, who was just 13 or 14 years old and at the Jonin level, he had no voice among these Kage-level fighters.

The recent battle had made that painfully clear.

Deidara had lost.

And lost badly!

Among the Akatsuki members, only a few were defeated in the one-on-one matchups.

Most of the duels ended in draws.

Except for Deidara and Kisame.

Kisame had gone up against Pain, an inevitable defeat.

"Kisame, you'll team up with Juzo."

"Alright!" Kisame grinned, baring his sharp teeth.

Juzo didn't object either.

"Orochimaru..."

Pain looked at Orochimaru, frowning slightly.

Teaming him up with Itsuki would make sense—they were master and apprentice, both with serpent-like qualities.

But!

Pain could sense that Orochimaru was wary of Itsuki and didn’t want to team up with him.

"You'll team up with Zetsu!"

Zetsu bowed slightly. "Please take care of me."

"Of course!" Orochimaru licked his lips with his snake-like tongue.

"As for you..."

Pain turned to the ever-smiling Itsuki, feeling a headache coming on.

Konan was out of the question!

"You’ll team up with me."

Pain made his decision.

"Fine," Itsuki said nonchalantly. "Just don’t slow me down."

"Heh!"

Pain sneered but didn’t argue. He simply said, "Everyone, you're dismissed. I'll contact you through the scrolls for any follow-up."

One by one, the Akatsuki members left.

Hidan left with a disgruntled look, but showed no fear of Itsuki.

With his immortal body, fear was a foreign concept to him.

Even Konan pulled Itsuki away as they departed.

Only Pain and Zetsu remained.

Suddenly, the space twisted, and an orange-masked figure, Tobi, appeared. His deep voice echoed:

"Well done, Nagato..."

Pain glared at him coldly. "What do you plan to do next?"

"I need to meet Uchiha Itsuki. I can't let him ruin everything!"

Tobi’s lone eye reflected Itsuki’s image. "If... if it comes to that, we may have to kill him."

"Heh!" Pain sneered. "Be careful, or he might kill you."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 105: I'm Really Angry!

Itsuki was furious!

The pressure around him was palpable.

The air grew cold.

He sat there, like a volcano on the verge of erupting.

Even the Third Hokage and the others, who initially wanted to lecture him, held back their words.

This was a hot-tempered person; you had to be careful when talking to him.

It was said that nowadays in Konoha, Uchiha Itsuki had earned a notorious nickname: "The Master Troublemaker!"

The Third and others didn’t want to dwell too much on what kind of "troublemaking" that really referred to.

"Ahem!"

The Third Hokage cleared his throat and said, "Itsuki, you've been through war, so you should understand the cruelty of it. Why would you say something like that?"

When he had heard from Mitokado Homura about what happened at the meeting, the Third couldn't help but furrow his brow.

Uchiha Itsuki was causing quite a ruckus.

During the talks, he had openly threatened the envoy from Kumogakure. Just for that alone, he could’ve been taken out.

But!

Could they really do that?

Definitely not!

Uchiha Itsuki was immensely powerful and had a sensitive status.

The Uchiha clan was already in a precarious position.

At a time like this, could they afford to press down on him?

No, they could only try to calm things down!

For some people, words that should be a death sentence end up leading to appeasement or even compensation.

This world was never fair.

Itsuki had always understood that.

Above fairness is power!

If the Uchiha were to stir up any trouble now, never mind anything else, Kumogakure would immediately attack.

Negotiations?

What negotiations!

A war would bring me even more benefits.

"Hey, old monkey!"

As soon as Itsuki spoke, Fugaku almost spit out his drink.

He widened his eyes.

What did you call him?

Monkey?

Are you trying to provoke him?

Itsuki glanced around. Although the Third Hokage and the others looked visibly upset, they didn’t explode in anger.

They had developed some resistance, huh?

With a cold expression, Itsuki said, "Did you hear what those sons of Kumogakure said?"

"They had the audacity to demand we hand over Sister Mikoto from the Uchiha clan!"

"Who do they think they are?!"

"That’s like spitting in our clan leader’s face!"

The Third Hokage shot a glance at Fugaku, whose face had turned black with rage, not knowing what to say.

Fugaku wasn’t even as angry as Itsuki was.

What was going on between the two of them?

The Third Hokage couldn’t help but feel a deep curiosity.

Were they really just not involved?

Sorry, I don’t believe that for a second.

Fugaku was probably starting to have doubts too.

Besides, a man getting so worked up over another man’s wife—it’s just weird!

"Lord Third Hokage, don’t you dare tell me I shouldn’t be mad!"

Itsuki pointed to the others in the room. "If Kumogakure demanded your wives, could you stand for that?"

Those Itsuki pointed at had awkward expressions.

In this situation, what could they say?

All they could do was agree with Itsuki.

Fugaku alone was left with a dark, brooding face.

There’s no “if.” It’s literally my wife!

Fugaku felt miserable.

At this point, he wanted to step forward and argue with the Third and the others on Itsuki’s behalf.

But alas!

He knew his own limitations.

If it were him, the Third Hokage and the others would have easily suppressed him.

Only a crazy guy like Itsuki could make the Third Hokage and the others back down.

"On this point, I will make Kumogakure apologize!" the Third Hokage finally declared. "But, Itsuki, you need to understand, I don’t want war."

"One billion ryo in compensation!"

"W-what?"

The Third’s jaw nearly dropped.

Everyone else’s eyes widened as well.

Even if you packaged up Uchiha Mikoto and sold her, she wouldn’t be worth one billion ryo!

She’s Uchiha Mikoto, not Uchiha Madara!

"What’s the matter?"

Itsuki sneered. "Do you think the First Lady of the Uchiha clan isn’t worth one billion ryo? Are you trying to publicly disgrace the Uchiha clan?"

"If a billion ryo could buy Sister Mikoto... Fugaku wouldn’t even have a role to play anymore!"

Fugaku’s veins bulged in anger.

Just wait!

Uchiha Itsuki!

When we get back, we’ll settle this!

If I can manage to keep calm after this, I’ll call you ‘father!’

Itsuki glanced at Fugaku out of the corner of his eye and sighed inwardly.

At a time like this, and you're still thinking about settling scores afterward?

Come on, explode already!

Sigh!

The current Konoha, the current Uchiha, doesn’t need a rational clan leader.

What it needs is a madman!

Think about the original story—the night of the Uchiha massacre has already passed.

What does that tell you?

It shows that the patience of the Third Hokage and the others with the Uchiha has long reached its limit.

Yet, here you are, still hesitating!

Only madness can offer a slim chance of survival!

The Third Hokage remained silent. After a long pause, he finally spoke slowly.

“I’m glad you know how to use the Flying Thunder God technique, Itsuki, but you must understand, in the entire ninja world, you're the only Flying Thunder God user, and not even the Uchiha, with all their talent, are an exception to that.”

Itsuki turned his head and looked at the Third Hokage. “Monkey, are you threatening me?”

“I’m merely hoping you will think of the bigger picture.”

The Third Hokage said with a heavy tone, “Once war breaks out, the Uchiha will inevitably have to go to the battlefield. Could you bear seeing them sacrifice…”

“We don’t have to go!”

Itsuki interrupted the Third Hokage’s words directly.

“If some people can avoid the battlefield, why can’t we?”

The Third Hokage’s gaze sharpened in an instant.

“Itsuki, do you know what you’re saying?”

“I’m very clear about it.”

The Third Hokage stared deeply at him and then suddenly smiled. “Alright, one hundred million ryo, I’ve given it.”

“A real bargain!”

Itsuki turned and left the room.

Fugaku followed behind him.

Koharu could no longer hold back and stood up. “Hiruzen, are you really going to give the Uchiha… mm!”

She swallowed her words because of the expression on the Third Hokage’s face.

It was savage and terrifying!

The Uchiha… must die!

…

On the way back, neither Fugaku, Itsuki, nor Itachi spoke a word.

As they entered the clan’s territory, stepping inside the protective barrier’s range...

“Follow me!”

Itsuki’s face darkened, and his voice carried a murderous tone.

That killing intent was freezing cold.

Fugaku, who was just about to lose his temper, swallowed his words.

Shisui and Itachi, who had just arrived and were about to ask what was going on, also shut their mouths.

Shisui and Itachi even instinctively shrank back.

What a powerful aura!

What’s going on here?

Is Itsuki angry?

This has to be a mistake, right?

Isn’t Fugaku the one who should be angry right now?

After all, he was humiliated by the Hidden Cloud village, while Itsuki got all the spotlight with his strong counterattack. Surely, the Uchiha clan head should be the one upset!

The group followed Itsuki in silence, heading straight to the inner lake.

Itsuki walked right to the middle of the lake, stood on the water, and stared at Fugaku. Calmly, he said, “I’m in a bad mood today and feel like beating someone up. All of you, come at me.”

“What?”

Everyone present was dumbfounded.

Are you out of your mind?

Uchiha Fugaku, the clan head of the Uchiha, is without a doubt one of the strongest.

Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, two geniuses of the Uchiha clan, are even more famous than you, Itsuki.

Zongyi and Setsuna, two elders from Uchiha Madara’s time, may be old now, but anyone who survived that era and became an elder of the Uchiha has definitely got some serious skills.

And you want to fight all of them?

After a moment of hesitation, Setsuna said something that made Fugaku and Itachi’s faces darken.

“Itsuki, Mikoto isn’t here. Don’t get so worked up.”

(End of Chapter)