96-100

Chapter 96: Bored Out of His Mind

Pakura smiled.

Itsuki’s hands were dark too.

During the Third Great Ninja War, he obtained the Byakugan.

Who knows how many members of the Hyuga clan he killed?

And how many other ninjas died indirectly because of him?

Coincidentally, Itsuki was also skilled in the Body Flicker Technique, which is perfect for assassination missions.

The Third Hokage and others had always been trying to suppress Itsuki’s fame and hinder his rise, which only made it easier for him to act.

As for whether anyone else would find out...

Pakura also noticed that Itsuki simply didn’t care.

A lot of things were well understood by everyone, and as long as everything wasn't laid out in the open, he didn’t care at all.

When it was just the Third Hokage, Danzo, and Itsuki alone, Itsuki would even tell them his plans outright without any concern.

What could they do?

Nothing!

Even when there were a lot of people around, Itsuki didn’t care.

Flipping the table—that’s Itsuki’s usual!

This is confidence!

The confidence of strength!

Itsuki, true to the name of Uchiha.

The arrogance of the Uchiha was embodied perfectly in him.

Instead, it was the Third Hokage and the others who had to find excuses for Itsuki’s actions.

Must be exhausting to be Hokage, right?

If it's so tiring, why not just retire?

Or maybe, he had walked himself into a dead end, with no way to retreat.

“Let’s go!”

“Yes, Lady Pakura!”

The two gradually left.

After they had gone, a hurried figure arrived but didn't see Pakura and seemed quite disappointed.

She looked in the direction Pakura left and murmured, "Sensei, is it really you?"

“Why?”

“Why are you doing this?”

“You were clearly the hero of Sunagakure!”

Her eyes grew determined. "Something must've gone wrong, yes, you were manipulated. Sensei, this time, it's my turn to save you!"

She strode away, her steps full of determination.

...

“What did you say?”

Inside the Hokage’s office, the Third Hokage looked like he was beyond the point of being surprised.

Things couldn’t seem to get any worse.

“Flying Raijin? Are you sure it’s the Flying Raijin?”

“I’m sure, Father!”

Shinnosuke, wearing a mask that concealed his expression, calling him "Father" made the Third understand his intentions.

“No way!”

The Third Hokage refused without hesitation.

“Father!”

Shinnosuke, angry, said, "How many mistakes has Danzo made, how much trouble has he caused you? Why? Why are you still trying to protect him? You're too stubborn."

“What do you know?”

The Third’s expression was stern. “The Uchiha are growing more powerful, and because of that, I need Danzo even more. He’s very good at dealing with the Uchiha.”

Shinnosuke sneered, "That was the old Uchiha. The current Uchiha—how many setbacks have they caused him? Have you forgotten, Father?"

The Third Hokage’s body stiffened.

He had no response.

“Notify Koharu and the others. We need to meet.”

“Yes!”

Shinnosuke understood that the Third didn’t want to continue the conversation.

He felt helpless, yet couldn't change his stubborn father’s mind!

He couldn’t understand—Danzo was just one person. They should get rid of him, gain the approval of most of the ninja clans in Konoha, and then gather more power to deal with the Uchiha. Wouldn’t that be better?

War might be on the horizon, and they could send the Uchiha to the frontlines.

After being worn down by war, the Uchiha would be more obedient.

And then!

Gather all their power and launch a thunderous strike against the Uchiha, solving the problem once and for all.

Yet!

His father, just to protect Danzo, wanted to face the Uchiha head-on. Meanwhile, many ninja clans were expressing dissatisfaction, making the Third Hokage’s position increasingly unstable.

Was Danzo really worth it?

...

Like a surging wave!

A storm!

The old man... cough, cough!

Amidst the screams, it all ended, and Itsuki cheerfully went to make food.

After such massive consumption, he needed to replenish his energy.

Kannon rolled her eyes at him and said speechlessly, “Why did you have to scream at the end like that? You scared me.”

Itsuki chuckled and said, “It’s the final ritual. If you don’t scream, I have to.”

“Heh!”

Kannon sneered and turned serious. “I have something to talk to you about.”

“I already know.”

“You know?”

“Yes!” Itsuki said with a serious face. "The crematorium hasn’t opened for business yet. Am I really not cut out for business?"

Kannon: “...Is that what you're talking about?”

“No way!” Itsuki’s eyes burned with determination as he clenched his fists. “I’m not giving up! I will succeed! Absolutely!”

“The Third Hokage, just wait. I’ll burn you down to make my shop famous!”

Enough is enough!

Kannon sighed softly, “War may be coming, Itsuki. Will you and the Uchiha be on the battlefield?”

She spoke, already feeling it was a bit redundant.

The Uchiha were always on the frontlines.

“War? How’s that possible? The Third Great Ninja War just ended not long ago. Have all the villages recovered their strength so soon?”

“Stop pretending!”

Kannon glared at Itsuki unhappily, “You’ve been preparing for it, haven’t you?”

Itsuki chuckled, “If I clash with Konoha, whose side will you take?”

“You’ve asked me this many times, and my answer hasn’t changed. I choose you!”

Kannon’s response was without hesitation, “You’re my only family now.”

“Then what are you worrying about?”

Itsuki got up and walked out.

Outside.

The Anbu were already waiting.

“Lord Itsuki, the Third Hokage is waiting for you in his office.”

“Alright!”

Itsuki smiled, handed the meal to Kannon, and followed the Anbu with her worried gaze.

Upon arriving at the Hokage building, Itsuki sensed something unusual.

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

I’ve already revealed the Flying Raijin... Third Hokage, my foolish Third Hokage, you wouldn't, would you?

As he reached the office door, the strange feeling grew stronger.

He opened the door.

A face with only one eye came into view.

The lone eye glared at him viciously!

“Yikes!!!”

A sharp scream rang out, echoing through the entire office building.

“Pfft!”

Inside the office.

The Third Hokage, who was smoking, swallowed a huge puff of smoke, forcing it down his throat, and then started coughing uncontrollably.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were also startled, shivering in shock.

The scream had come out of nowhere.

At that moment, many workers inside the office building froze in place.

This was the Hokage’s office building—Konoha's most respected place. Who the heck had the nerve to run around scaring people!?

Even Danzo, who had been making eye contact with Itsuki, was taken aback.

Taking the brunt of Itsuki’s sonic assault, veins bulged on Danzo’s forehead.

Clenching his teeth, he roared angrily, “Uchiha Itsuki, what the hell are you screaming about!?”

“You…”

Itsuki trembled and said, “You… you scared me.”

What the heck…

Danzo wanted to curse.

Itsuki, looking distraught, said, “I just came from the crematorium. My head is full of images of dead bodies. You—you suddenly appeared in front of me! Do you have any idea how scary you look?”

“That twisted expression… you look like a corpse that died a violent death.”

Huff, huff!

Danzo's face twisted in rage.

Kill him!

I have to kill him!

“Alright, Danzo, let Itsuki in,” came the deep voice of the Third Hokage.

(End of chapter)

Chapter 97: I Think I Should Be More Arrogant!

"Yo, monkey, long time no see!"

These were Uchiha Itsuki's first words when he walked into the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into stunned silence.

Danzo's face darkened, saying nothing.

He still hadn’t recovered from the earlier attack.

Koharu Utatane, standing nearby, couldn't hold back any longer. She jumped to her feet, angrily yelling, "Uchiha Itsuki, are you crazy? This is the Hokage! The Hokage of Konoha! How dare you address him like that..."

Damn it!

Calling him “monkey” was their affectionate nickname for him. Who do you think you are, an Uchiha, to call him that?!

"I know he's the Hokage!" Itsuki blinked innocently and said, "But don’t you know the relationship between the Hokage and the Uchiha isn’t great? In this situation, how can you expect me to respect him?"

"I..."

Koharu was dumbfounded.

The others were stunned too.

Was he laying it all out on the table?

Were they about to start a war?

Hiruzen's heart tightened. His eyes were locked on Itsuki, and he slowly asked, "Itsuki, what are you trying to say?"

"Nothing much!" Itsuki flashed a toothy grin and said, "Don’t get all worked up, seriously. I mean, yeah, I want to kill you guys, and you want to kill me, but now's not the right time, is it? It’s best for everyone if we just talk things out calmly."

Such blunt words.

But Hiruzen and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Cloud's stance was still unclear.

If they started a war, it could trigger a chain reaction... and then a full-scale ninja world war!

With the Fourth Great Ninja War looming, Hiruzen and his group would have to be insane to provoke a direct conflict with Uchiha Itsuki right now.

Especially with both the Root and the Anbu suffering heavy losses.

That being said!

At the moment, Itsuki couldn’t represent the Uchiha clan either.

But knowing Hiruzen's personality, he wouldn’t dare to make any reckless moves.

"Itsuki, what do you mean?" Hiruzen asked cautiously.

"I don’t think you’ll quite get it, but I was curious about how fast your heart can beat. Now I have my answer: pretty impressive. You’ve got a strong heart, Hokage."

"As expected of the Hokage!"

Itsuki chuckled, giving a thumbs up as he glanced at his system.

[Mission: Make the hearts of the Four Hokage Elders beat beyond their limits!]

[Mission Complete!]

[Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique Upgraded!]

[Flying Thunder God: Level 4 (3% → 7%)]

From the time Itsuki left for missions until now, his Flying Thunder God had upgraded from Level 1 to Level 4.

He’d been grinding hard!

Finally, it was at the point where he could easily handle Shisui.

Itsuki wasn’t surprised by this.

He had completed over a thousand tasks, big and small.

Task completion in style.

Still!

The reward for this task did surprise him.

It looked like Hiruzen and the others had been scared out of their minds.

To think his Flying Thunder God had jumped from 3% to 7% at Level 4!

Not bad!

Itsuki felt satisfied.

It was great to scare the hell out of these useless bastards who never did anything productive!

Itsuki couldn’t stop smiling.

Hiruzen and the others, however, had darkened faces.

Strong heart, my ass.

What if it jumped out of their chests?

Would you be responsible for putting it back in?

"Alright, let’s get down to business."

Itsuki grinned at them. "You called me here, so have you figured out how you're going to compensate me?"

The Anbu had clashed with Cloud Village.

The Root had engaged in direct combat with Cloud as well.

This news had already spread all over Konoha.

Don’t be surprised!

Don’t hesitate!

This was all part of Itsuki’s plan.

What’s the fun in keeping secrets when you can share the chaos with everyone?

Itsuki practically wanted the spies in prison to hear about this.

And!

Itsuki firmly accused Danzo of foul play. Otherwise, why would the Anbu abandon Itsuki and carry out the mission alone?

Hiruzen didn’t want to sacrifice Danzo, and there was no way he’d take the fall himself.

The only solution was for Uchiha Itsuki to let it go.

As long as no one pressed charges, they could use their control over the village to gradually bury this incident.

Until now, Hiruzen and the others were still dumbfounded.

They were supposed to be dealing with Uchiha Itsuki.

So how did they end up in this situation?

Where did it all go wrong?

Hiruzen pondered, "Itsuki, given the current situation..."

"Stop!"

Itsuki raised his hand. "I’m not interested in that. I just want to know how much you’re going to compensate me."

Danzo sneered coldly, "What if we don’t compensate you?"

"Then I don’t know what I’ll do."

Itsuki chuckled. "After all, I do have supporters within the Uchiha. And as a wicked Uchiha, it’s only natural for me to stir up some trouble, isn’t it?"

"Itsuki!" Homura Mitokado said sternly, "Are you really so careless about the bigger picture?"

Itsuki looked at him like he was an idiot. "Are you trying to make me laugh to death so you can inherit my cremation business? You want to be a disobedient son? Ha! I don’t want an old and ugly son!"

"You..."

Homura’s face turned cold. "Uchiha Itsuki, don't get too arrogant!"

Itsuki said seriously, "I know the Flying Thunder God Technique, didn’t you know? The Flying Thunder God! I personally think that now that I’ve learned it, I deserve to be a little arrogant, don’t you?"

The Four Elders of Konoha were speechless.

To be fair!

They also thought that mastering the Flying Thunder God was enough reason for Itsuki to be arrogant.

The ninja world was vast, but once someone had mastered the Flying Thunder God, there were few places they couldn’t reach.

And Itsuki himself wasn’t weak either.

"Ten million ryō, is that enough?" Hiruzen finally spoke.

Itsuki stroked his chin, suspiciously looking Danzo up and down. "That thing’s worth that much?"

"Why are you keeping him around? An old bag of bones, are you planning to make soup with him?"

Hiruzen started coughing again, choking on his smoke.

Danzo, meanwhile, remained calm.

He sat there silently, not saying a word.

"So, is it a deal or not?" Itsuki asked.

"No deal!!"

Itsuki firmly shook his head and said, “Just ten million taels… this is Lord Danzo we’re talking about!”

He walked up to Danzo, stared at him for a moment… and made a gagging motion!

Danzo: “…”

I’m already trying my best to hold back, but my fists are still getting a bit out of control.

“Ahem!”

Itsuki cleared his throat twice and said, “Lord Hokage, just take a look…”

Seriously?

The Third Hokage’s mouth twitched.

First he called me "Monkey," and now it's "Lord Hokage."

I don’t even need to hear what comes next to know he’s about to rob me blind.

“Lord Hokage, look at that face!”

“Look at those eyes!”

“Look at that expression!”

“And just look at that aura!”

“Stick him on a door, and he’s the perfect talisman—banishing evil spirits and keeping the ghosts away!”

“As for warding off evil, he’s definitely on the level of the Sage of Six Paths.”

“You’re offering ten million taels—doesn’t your conscience hurt?”

“…”

“Can you really justify such a shockingly low offer?”

“…”

Finally!

Itsuki waved his hand grandly, “Fifty million taels, just like that!”

“No way, absolutely not!”

The Third Hokage shook his head repeatedly and said, “That’s way too much. I’ll give you fifteen million at most.”

Fifty million taels?

You actually have the nerve to ask for that much!

I could buy half a Tailed Beast with that! Even a dead Danzo isn’t worth that price!

Itsuki frowned and said, “Lord Hokage, do you think this is some cheap marketplace? This is Lord Danzo we’re talking about. Can’t you show some respect?”

…If you showed even the slightest bit of respect, I’d give you a hundred million taels!

And I’d be crying, begging you to take it!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 98: The Era of Chaos*

Itsuki left, feeling quite satisfied.

Twenty-five million ryō!

Tsk tsk tsk!  

He never imagined that Danzo would be worth so much!

It was as if every inch of his skin was glowing!

That was the aura of money!

Itsuki suddenly came up with a plan.

What if he kidnapped Danzo, then demanded ransom from the Third Hokage? How much would the old man give for the person he cared about so much?

He was curious!

Why not take action?

Who cares if it works or not? There’s nothing to lose by trying.

Who knows, maybe for the sake of true love, the old man would sell everything he had!

Itsuki left with the money, grinning from ear to ear.

At Kurenai’s house.

Itsuki, looking displeased, said to Kurenai, “Why aren’t you at the crematorium? Why do you always think about coming back home? You’re not officially married into the Uchiha clan yet, but you’re always running back to your family. Is that right?”

Kurenai rolled her eyes at him and scoffed, “I can’t even be bothered with you. You spend all your time hanging around coffins. Is that really comfortable?”

The most outrageous part? He even insisted on doing certain things on top of the coffin.

Sometimes, he’d even get into the coffin.

What the heck!  

He’s crazy!

Kurenai couldn’t take it anymore.

Every time, it gave her goosebumps.

“Very comfortable!”

Itsuki nodded earnestly and said, “Don’t you feel the coolness? It’s a gift from nature.”

“Get out!”

Kurenai cursed, annoyed, then looked at the money Itsuki was carrying and frowned, “Money? You seem to be really desperate for cash lately.”

Asuma Sarutobi had left her a good amount of money.

Kurenai had given all of it to Itsuki.

Every year, she also handed over most of the profits from her shop to him.

On top of that, Itsuki was an outstanding ninja who had completed numerous missions.

High-ranking ninjas could easily make money.

As his partner, Kurenai knew that Itsuki would also rob bandits and other scoundrels during his missions.

He even targeted corrupt wealthy people.

Another steady source of income.

Recently, he had sold a large quantity of explosive tags, almost draining all of the Uchiha clan’s liquid assets.

Money!

He was doing everything he could to gather money.

But why?

When asked, Itsuki would only say one simple thing: “Money is a good thing!”  

Kurenai looked at Itsuki’s calm expression and had a feeling she knew what was going on.

Itsuki’s dissatisfaction with Konoha, combined with his massive stockpiling of wealth, could only mean a few things.

After thinking it over, Kurenai made a decision in her heart.

…

*February*

The Hidden Sand Village accused Konoha, claiming that the Uchiha and Hyuga clans had entered their territory in large numbers and caused conflicts, leading to many deaths in the Sand Village.

The Sand demanded an explanation from Konoha.

In the same month,

The Hidden Rock and Hidden Sand villages deployed large numbers of ninja troops at their borders, putting them in a standoff.

*March*

The Hidden Cloud Village sent emissaries to Konoha to initiate talks.

At the same time, the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Rock villages clashed several times along their borders, with tensions rising to the point where they could barely control the situation.

The Hidden Mist Village remained isolated, closing itself off from the rest of the world.

Faced with these developments, Konoha responded quickly by deploying large numbers of ninja to its borders.

Their goal wasn’t to defeat the enemy, but simply to defend themselves.

At the same time, Konoha actively sought talks with the other ninja villages.

An unusual atmosphere soon enveloped the entire village of Konoha.

The investigation into Danzo's actions seemed weak in the face of a potential war.

The Third Hokage issued an order, demanding that Danzo atone for his crimes through meritorious deeds.

…

“Heh, that’s funny. The Third Hokage, huh? You little punk, screw you and your grandmother.”

Nanga Shrine.

Itsuki casually tossed aside the information he had just received.

Next to him sat Fugaku, Sōgi, Setsuna, and Itachi.

They were the decision-makers of the Uchiha clan.

Around them were some of the well-known and powerful Uchiha jōnin.

Shisui was among them.

They had the right to listen and offer suggestions.

"The Third Hokage talks a good game, but not only did he not punish Danzo, he's actually helping the Root regain its strength."

"Public punishment, secret reward!"

"Hiruzen, you're going to regret this."

Upon hearing those words, the faces of everyone present became grim, including Sōgi and Itachi. Even Sōgi harbored intense killing intent toward Danzo. If there was a chance to take him out... he'd consider it.

Itachi, on the other hand, was the opposite.

According to the agreement between Fugaku and Itsuki, Itachi had started getting involved in clan affairs. True to his word, Itachi followed Itsuki's advice, refraining from jumping to conclusions and viewing everything with an open mind.

It was during this time that he began to notice many problems—within the clan, and outside as well.

Indeed, there were many issues within the Uchiha. There were many Uchiha members that Itachi wished he could kill.

But still!

The Uchiha had suffered a lot of injustice.

In simple terms, they had been blamed for many things without being given a chance to explain.

They had contributed much, yet received little recognition.

This pushed the more hot-headed Uchiha further into the shadows.

They all knew it.

They understood everything!

But still!

Their pride wouldn’t let them bow their heads.

The Uchiha—fearless and unyielding!

At that moment, Itachi was finally starting to understand the depth of the Uchiha clan.

His doubts about the Third Hokage were growing stronger.

So many things! So many events! They didn’t match up with what the Third had told him!

Someone was lying.

But who?

He didn’t want to think about it, nor did he dare to.

He remembered Itsuki advising him before he became deputy clan leader, “Don’t trust anyone. Use your own eyes to see the world.”

“The Third…”

Itachi sighed inwardly as he slowly opened his eyes. The Mangekyō Sharingan flickered briefly in his pupils.

His visual powers had grown even sharper.

“We need to be ready.”

Fugaku spoke slowly, “The Fourth Great Ninja War is likely to break out.”

As he said this, he gave Itsuki a glance.

Itsuki’s presence could always be felt at the center of the potential flashpoints for this upcoming war.

Not obvious, but there, like a shadow.

Itsuki, what are you really planning?

“The Fourth Great Ninja War?”

Itsuki chuckled and said, “Why do I feel like there’s not much chance of it happening?”

“What do you mean?” someone asked.

Itsuki smiled and said, “I have a lot of faith in the Third Hokage.”

That old man would rather cede territory than go to war.

War is dangerous. Winning is one thing, but what if they lost?

You could say the Third is terrified of war.

If you want to be cynical, Itsuki even thought the Third was afraid of dying. Otherwise, why didn’t he fight on the battlefield?

At least during the Second Great Ninja War, he fought a few times.

In the Third Great Ninja War, he barely appeared at all.

Don’t give me that “coordinating from behind the scenes” excuse. The other village leaders all fought.

Why are you so special?

Konoha fought four villages at once, and they fought back with only two or three.

“What?” The people around looked suspicious.

What’s your game this time?

Even Setsuna was tempted to say, “At this point, just stay out of trouble.”

“Everyone, be prepared!”

Fugaku stood up.

As the leader of the Uchiha clan and head of the Konoha Military Police Force, he was a high-ranking figure in the village.

He had more accurate intelligence about the current situation.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Except for Itsuki, who didn’t seem to care.

There was no way a war would start—unless the Raikage slapped the Hokage across the face in public.

“Report!”

An Uchiha ninja entered and said, “Clan leader, elders, the envoy from the Hidden Cloud Village has arrived. The talks are about to begin.”

“I understand,” Fugaku replied, then turned to Itachi. “Come with me.”

“Yes,” Itachi said as he stood up.

Fugaku glanced at Itsuki with a complicated expression.

He was one step away from asking, “Are you going to stir up trouble again?”

Itsuki grinned at him and said, “The Hidden Cloud, huh? That’s one arrogant village. Clan leader, make sure you hold your ground.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 99: The Miserable Kakuzu*

"Hmph!"

Fugaku snorted coldly and said indifferently, "I am an Uchiha! The worst outcome would be war. Do you think I'm afraid of war?"

Back in the day, he led the Uchiha and faced the Mist Village alone.

Although, from Itsuki's perspective, this was pure stupidity, you couldn't deny the man's pride!

"Well..."

Itsuki hesitated, then quietly asked, "What if the Cloud Village demanded to take Sister Mikoto, or else they would declare war? Would you agree?"

"Fire Style..."

Whoosh!

Itsuki vanished from the spot.

All that was left was a kunai.

The Flying Thunder God Technique!

Setsuna was at a loss for words, sighing, "Fugaku, what's going on with Mikoto? Itsuki seems to be... obsessed with her."

Is the clan leader's wife that charming?

She's a full twenty years older than Itsuki!

And she’s already a mother of two!

Fugaku glared at Setsuna fiercely, gritting his teeth, "What's going on? How the hell should I know what's going on? That damned bastard—I’m going to kill him sooner or later."

"Alright, let’s go! Father!"

Itachi stood by with a bored expression.

Fugaku, enraged, snapped, "Itachi, is that really your attitude? Itsuki just spoke about your mother! He... he..."

He’s hitting on your mother!

"I know! But, Brother Itsuki always likes to fool around. You shouldn’t take him seriously. Besides..."

Itachi waved his hand and said, "Father, don’t you trust Mother?"

Good kid, you’re really something!

Fugaku’s face darkened, left speechless by his son's retort.

This child has been lacking fatherly love since childhood.

Maybe he should assert his parental authority a bit more!

The onlookers around them were struggling not to laugh out loud.

Itsuki's words made sense: "A kind father and a smiling son!"

---

*Amegakure (Hidden Rain Village).*

Figures radiating cold, ominous energy appeared one by one in the large, empty hall.

Pain appeared, his Rinnegan eyes scanning the ten people gathered below. He paused slightly as his gaze passed over Itsuki.

At this moment, Itsuki was standing behind Konan, smiling.

And Konan wasn’t standing beside Pain, as she usually did.

Surprisingly, she didn’t seem to mind Itsuki's presence, even acting as though she was open to giving things a try with him.

Pain's brows furrowed, irritation building in his heart.

Konan was an important family member to him. It wasn’t that he forbade her from getting close to men.

But!

Not Uchiha Itsuki!

He couldn’t understand this man, and that made him dangerous.

Sensing Pain's gaze, Itsuki grinned provocatively and leaned closer to Konan’s ear, whispering something.

Konan smiled, casting Itsuki a flirtatious glance.

Pain's face darkened further. He snorted coldly, saying, "Everyone, today, we formally meet each other. We should get to know each other, and for future plans, we will be working in pairs."

"Pairs, huh!"

Itsuki nodded, glancing at Konan with a smile.

Pain's face grew even darker, and he said coldly, "Konan doesn’t count. She’s not one of the ten core members."

The "Ten" naturally referred to those wearing the organization’s rings.

Itsuki gave Pain an exasperated look. "You sure know how to complicate things."

"Hmph!" Pain snorted again. "Enough talk. Let’s begin. Who's first?"

"I’ll go!"

Itsuki stepped forward, clapping his hands toward Hidan. "Hey, Hidan, let’s spar a bit."

He seemed like the weakest one here, with strength not yet reaching the Kage level.

Deidara was still young and about the same in strength, but he could fly, making him a tough opponent.

Though Itsuki could handle him, he preferred not to reveal too much just yet.

After all, there was still a certain one-eyed observer.

Everyone knows—those with just one eye are never to be messed with.

"Hehe!"

Hidan chuckled. "Me? Perfect, Lord Jashin wants me to teach you a lesson too."

"I’ll go!"

Kakuzu's deep voice rang out as he stepped forward, cutting off Hidan.

"Hey, hey, hey!"

Hidan shouted, displeased.

"Shut up, you fool! Or I'll kill you!"

Kakuzu growled, coming to a stop in front of Itsuki.

Itsuki looked Kakuzu up and down.

This was the man who supposedly tried to assassinate the First Hokage.

However…

In Itsuki’s eyes, one of the First Hokage’s Wood Style clones would have been enough to hunt him down to the ends of the earth.

How did he even attempt the assassination?

Was it that he threw a shuriken from thousands of miles away and then immediately ran off?

Did the First Hokage even know you tried to assassinate him?

And where exactly did your shuriken end up?

Gurgle, gurgle!

As Kakuzu locked eyes with Itsuki, his back suddenly bulged, and several shadowy figures emerged from it.

Earth Grudge Fear!

"Oh, now this is getting interesting!"

As they watched the figures radiating immense power, even the members of the Akatsuki couldn’t help but be intrigued.

“A secret technique?”

Orochimaru's raspy voice laughed, “I believe this is a secret technique from Takigakure, Earth Grudge Fear!”

“You truly live up to your reputation, Orochimaru-sensei. Always so knowledgeable!”

Itsuki laughed heartily.

Kakuzu's expression didn’t change.

Although Takigakure was a relatively isolated village, it was not completely cut off from the world.

What’s more, they had the unique Hero Water. That substance greatly boosted power, which naturally attracted attention. It didn’t take long before sharp-eyed individuals noticed them.

Kakuzu formed a series of hand signs and coldly stared at Itsuki, “I’m going to start now!”

Whoosh!

The attack came. But—

Everyone froze in shock.

The attacker was Hidan, and his target was none other than Kakuzu.

A massive, grotesque weapon pierced through Kakuzu’s heart from behind.

“You… you…”

Kakuzu's face was filled with shock and fury.

Hidan grinned menacingly, “You, defiler of Jashin, sink into the abyss of blood and darkness!”

Cough, cough!

His heart pierced, Kakuzu couldn’t help but cough up blood.

Splat!

As Hidan pulled out his weapon, he looked at the dripping blood and burst into maniacal laughter.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the hell is this?”

Deidara couldn’t help but shout, “This was supposed to be a one-on-one fight, and now he’s attacking from behind?”

“Shut up!”

Sasori snapped irritably.

He wasn’t exactly known for his patience.

Unfortunately, Deidara had quite the temper too!

He narrowed his eyes and glared at Sasori, “And what if I don’t shut up?”

“Enough!”

Pain finally spoke, “It’s still a one-on-one duel.”

Deidara was taken aback, “One-on-one? But clearly—”

Mid-sentence, he realized something.

“Uchiha?”

“Genjutsu?”

“Exactly!”

Orochimaru extended his long, multi-purpose tongue, smiling, “At some point, Hidan fell under Itsuki-kun’s genjutsu, so this is still Itsuki-kun and Kakuzu’s fight. Hidan is just a puppet.”

Deidara fell silent.

Still, he found it odd. Didn’t Kakuzu just get his heart pierced? How is he not dead?

Splat!

Just as Deidara was lost in thought, Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear attacked Hidan.

Lightning Style!

Fire Style!

Two raging attacks buried Hidan.

Immediately after, the Water Style mask monster burrowed back into Kakuzu’s body.

Kakuzu's body twisted, then slowly stood up, eyes filled with murderous intent, glaring at Itsuki.

“Damn Uchiha, I’ll—” Splat!

Before he could finish, a mouthful of blood replaced the rest of his words.

Hidan!

Emerging from the smoke, Hidan was in his black-and-white ritual state.

He had impaled himself with his spear.

“Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood!”

“Hahaha, you bastard! I’ll punish you in the name of Jashin!”

At this moment, Hidan was covered in blood, his body in the black-and-white curse state, with a spear piercing his own heart.

With a sinister grin, he let out a crazed laugh.

He looked like a demon who had just crawled out of hell.

(End of the chapter)

Chapter 100: The Furious Itsuki

"Poof!"

Another masked monster burrowed into Kakuzu's body.

This time, it was an Earth Style technique!

Kakuzu slowly got up, glaring fiercely at Hidan.

"Lightning Style: False Darkness!"

"Fire Style: Head Searing Pain!"

"Wind Style: Pressure Damage!"

The three attacks sent Hidan flying.

Itsuki raised an eyebrow.

He had to admit, the members of the Akatsuki were all geniuses.

They were rogue ninjas, their hands stained with blood. Many people despised them, yet no one could deny their exceptional talents.

Just like now!

Kakuzu first used Wind Style to blow Hidan away, forcing him out of the ritual circle.

Only then did the Lightning and Fire Style masked monsters launch their attacks, burying Hidan.

Did Kakuzu really make such a precise decision in such a short time?

It must be said, Kakuzu really lived up to his reputation as someone who claimed to be as old as the heavens and earth.

"Poof!"

Blood splattered everywhere!

It was Kakuzu again!

His heart had been pierced once more.

Akatsuki members: "..."

Even the younger Deidara felt he couldn't bear to watch.

Damn!

Kakuzu's expression twisted in fury to the extreme.

He was about to lose it!

One after another—would this ever end?

He slowly turned his head to look at Itsuki, who was standing behind him.

That bastard was standing behind him, going in and out.

With a kunai!

Going in and out of his heart with the kunai!

"Cough, cough!"

Itsuki cleared his throat and said, "You won’t blame me for sneaking up on you, right? After all, this is our fight, and whatever I do to you is fair game, right?"

As he spoke, the kunai in his hand kept stabbing in and out.

"No blame at all!"

Kakuzu grinned viciously.

Once again, the Fire and Lightning Style attacks came crashing down.

Shwoosh!

Itsuki vanished.

The Wind Style masked monster entered Kakuzu’s body.

Kakuzu struggled to stand up, glaring at Itsuki and also watching out for Hidan.

Itsuki remarked in surprise, "You’re tough. Three times your heart’s been pierced, and you’re still alive. Impressive!"

Kakuzu’s face darkened.

Five masked monsters, plus his own heart, gave him a total of six lives—and in the blink of an eye, three of them were gone.

Impressive?

Who are you mocking?

"But..."

Itsuki smiled as he looked at the Fire and Lightning Style masked monsters.

"What if I take out these two? Can you still survive?"

Kakuzu’s face remained grim, saying nothing.

Facing the opponent who had killed him three times, no words were necessary.

The members of the Akatsuki standing by were also shocked.

Kakuzu was one of the veterans of the Akatsuki, and everyone knew this guy had a bad temper but incredible strength.

He hunted high-ranking rogue ninjas in the shadows.

Rogue ninjas were dangerous.

But Kakuzu was their predator.

He was so ruthless that he even killed his own partners!

His previous partner had been taken down by Kakuzu himself.

But now...

This dangerous man had been easily killed three times.

Uchiha Itsuki!

The Akatsuki members silently repeated that name in their minds.

From now on, that name would be forever etched in their memory.

"Flying Thunder God!"

Orochimaru was even more deeply shaken.

He would’ve never guessed in his wildest dreams that Uchiha Itsuki had actually mastered the Flying Thunder God technique!

Years ago, he had personally handed over the Flying Thunder God scroll to Itsuki, doubting the boy would ever learn it.

This special jutsu was something Orochimaru had tried to learn himself, without success.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, was undoubtedly a genius ninja.

Not only did he master the Flying Thunder God, but after realizing its complexity, he split it apart and created the Flying Thunder Formation!

He even had his guards each learn part of the technique.

The three of them together could recreate the Flying Thunder God.

Throughout the entire ninja world, there had only been two people who learned the Flying Thunder God.

The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju!

And the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze!

Now, there was a third person—and the only one still alive.

"This is bad!"

Orochimaru muttered to himself.

He handed over the Flying Thunder God technique to Itsuki, just so he could reveal the secret to the Third Hokage later.

He believed that when the Third Hokage found out that the Uchiha clan had the Flying Thunder God, his expression would be priceless.

But!

Once Itsuki mastered it, the situation was far less amusing.

Itsuki was skilled in genjutsu (illusionary techniques), which already put Orochimaru at a disadvantage.

And now, he had also mastered the Flying Thunder God technique!

Even Cold Lord couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

Was it a mistake back then?

Should I never have taken on an Uchiha as a student?

Who would've thought that in just a few short years, the guy would grow to this level?

And to top it off, many of the techniques he learned weren’t even ones Orochimaru had taught him—he’d only mentioned them in passing, and Itsuki had figured them out!

"No way, seriously?"

Hidan’s exaggerated shout echoed out.

He held his head, staggering as he walked, and said, "What’s going on with me? It’s like I had a dream where I killed Kakuzu."

"Huh?"

Itsuki was slightly surprised.

Orochimaru's reincarnation technique had weakened his own resistance to genjutsu.

The same applied to Hidan.

That immortal jutsu of his—Itsuki still couldn't figure out what the deal was with that technique.

But!

Hidan's resistance to genjutsu was also notably weak.

That much was undeniable!

And yet!

Hidan had actually broken free from Itsuki’s genjutsu!

Was it extreme pain? Kakuzu’s attacks? Or maybe the pierced heart?

Whatever it was, Hidan had escaped. Itsuki made a mental note to watch out for these factors in the future.

Itsuki stroked his chin, glancing over at the rest of the Akatsuki members.

Immediately.

Everyone looked as if they were facing a deadly threat, becoming highly alert.

Especially Orochimaru, who even resorted to using a substitution technique.

Why?

Because Uchiha Itsuki's genjutsu was just too terrifying.

Hidan wasn't weak, yet with just a glance, he was completely under control. That was scary.

"Alright!"

Pain stepped in, calling out, "You two can stop now."

Itsuki was surprised and asked, "We’re not fighting anymore?"

Pain responded, "Do we really need to fight until someone dies?"

Kakuzu's face turned dark.

He had, in fact, been killed three times already.

Itsuki glanced at Kakuzu and said, "Pain, your words have depth. No, you're absolutely right, spot on!"

Screw you.

Pain's brow twitched.

"Alright, who's next?"

Pain scanned the remaining members, and when his gaze passed over Hidan, he said, "Hidan, you don’t need to participate anymore. We've seen enough of your abilities."

Though Hidan had been under Itsuki's control…

He was still immortal!

With the Curse Jutsu: Death Controlling Possessed Blood!

Those abilities alone were enough for Hidan to become a full-fledged member of Akatsuki.

"Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here?" Hidan couldn't help but shout, "Was that dream real or not? Kakuzu, did I really kill you?"

"Shut up!"

Kakuzu roared angrily, "From now on, you're on my team."

Hidan, unhappy, asked, "Why?"

Kakuzu gave him a terrifying look and said, "Because you can’t die."

Itsuki raised his hand and said, "How about you team up with me? I can’t die either. Don’t believe me? Try it."

Damn it!

Veins bulged on Kakuzu's forehead.

Whether you can die or not, I don’t know. But I feel like you're trying to kill me.

Dream on!

I absolutely won’t let you have your way.

...

In the village of Konoha.

Itsuki opened his eyes with a smile.

This was another ability of his Mangekyō Sharingan: Sharing!

With normal shadow clones, you'd only know what the clone experienced once it was released. But Itsuki could switch between his original body and his clones at will.

"Bang!"

There was a loud thud as the funeral parlor's door was kicked open.

"What the hell?"

Itsuki, puzzled, opened the coffin lid, sat up, and walked out.

The first thing he saw was Itachi's grim face.

"What’s up?" Itsuki asked curiously, "Weren’t you attending the peace talks between the Hidden Cloud and Konoha with your dad? Why do you look like your father just died?"

Itachi glared at Itsuki, his expression twisted.

“No way. Did I actually guess right? Did your dad—”

Itsuki was stunned, and only one thought ran through his mind: “Could this really be happening?”

"Big brother Itsuki!"

Itachi gritted his teeth and said, "Tell me the truth."

"What?"

Itachi snarled, "What did you do behind the scenes during these peace talks?"

"What are you talking about?"

Itsuki was completely confused.

"Do you know what terms the Hidden Cloud demanded?"

Before Itsuki could ask, Itachi continued, "Uchiha Mikoto—my mother!"

"The Hidden Cloud really asked Konoha to hand over my mother!"

Upon hearing this, Itsuki let out an earth-shattering roar: "Hidden Cloud, you sons of b*****s, I’ll kill you all!"