51-55

*Chapter 51: "Too Much Bullying!"*

*[Task: Achieve Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!]*

*[Task Completed!]*

*[Task Reward: Sage Technique Enhancement]*

*[Sage Technique: Level 1 (22%) → Level 7 (85%)]*

As expected!

A smile played on Itsuki's lips.

After using Kotoamatsukami on Pakura, it symbolized that he had fully integrated Shisui's eyes.

The Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan had formed!

The hell-level task he had assigned himself when he was just a little kid was finally complete!

As expected, the reward for this task was unbelievably generous!

Itsuki had chosen the reward for completing the task as an enhancement to his Sage Technique.

Yes, the Sage Technique!

Itsuki had apprenticed under the three legendary Sannin, all of whom were proficient in Sage Techniques.

He couldn't possibly pass up the Sage Techniques that could enhance Susano'o.

Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest, Ryūchi Cave—these were the three places where Sage Techniques were passed down.

Itsuki chose the Ryūchi Cave's Sage Technique.

Being a proper disciple of Orochimaru, it made sense for him to learn the Ryūchi Cave's Sage Technique both emotionally and logically.

Even though Orochimaru had ulterior motives in accepting this Uchiha student, he genuinely taught him with dedication.

As the beneficiary, Itsuki couldn't just turn his back and criticize his teacher.

If he hadn’t been willing, he could have refused to apprentice under Orochimaru at that time.

Even the Third Hokage had subtly warned him not to become Orochimaru's disciple, but Itsuki simply didn’t care about the Third’s opinion.

You think of me as Uchiha; I think of you as irrelevant!

As for the side effects of the Ryūchi Cave’s Sage Technique—well, what does that matter to someone like Itsuki, who has a system that enhances his power?

Furthermore, even though he had learned the Sage Technique, due to his environment, he was more focused on enhancing his Ninjutsu since Sage Techniques were harder to improve.

For example, one task might increase his Ninjutsu by 2%, but it wouldn't even increase his Sage Technique by 1%.

Ninjutsu and Sage Techniques are fundamentally different.

As a result, Itsuki's Sage Technique was only at a beginner's level.

*[Sage Technique: Level 1 (3%)]*

But now, it had skyrocketed to its peak.

*[Level 7 (85%)]!*

An instant upgrade!

Now, although Itsuki might not be at Senju Hashirama's level of Sage Technique mastery, he's at least close.

That’s very satisfying!

And this isn't the end!

He placed another task at the top of his list, and then activated the second task.

*[Task: Defeat Pakura!]*

*[Task Completed!]*

*[Task Reward: Ninjutsu—Flying Thunder God Enhancement]*

*[Flying Thunder God: Level 1 (3% → 3%)]*

After the Sage Technique enhancement, it was time to upgrade the Flying Thunder God Technique!

Undoubtedly, this is a very powerful Ninjutsu.

Moreover, it's a rare space-time Ninjutsu.

Without this technique, Minato Namikaze would still be outstanding, but he wouldn't have become the Yellow Flash, nor would he have become the Fourth Hokage.

Now that Itsuki had some free time, he decided to focus on upgrading the Flying Thunder God Technique.

As for where this forbidden technique came from—well, Itsuki had learned from Orochimaru!

Even if Orochimaru didn’t know every single Ninjutsu in the Forbidden Jutsu Scroll, he at least memorized them all.

Itsuki wanted to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Orochimaru was ready to teach him!

An Uchiha with the Flying Thunder God Technique—imagine how incredible that would be!

Orochimaru was so excited that he nearly grabbed Itsuki by the neck and made him learn it immediately.

Sarutobi-sensei, this is a little gift from your dear student Orochimaru—no need to thank me.

“*3% → 3%?*”

Itsuki sighed in frustration.

The improvement was so minimal that it didn't even increase by 1%, so it wasn’t even worth showing.

Shaking his head.

Itsuki had already defeated Pakura in the dungeon and immediately set up another task.

*[Task: Conquer Pakura!]*

*[Task Completed!]*

*[Task Reward: Ninjutsu—Flying Thunder God Enhancement]*

*[Flying Thunder God: Level 1 (3% → 4%)]*

---

Two tasks, both involving shadow-level challenges, and the progress on the Flying Thunder God technique only increased by 1%.

"It seems that leveling up the Flying Thunder God technique to level 7 is going to take some time."

"The main issue is that I'm too strong right now."

"No matter how difficult the task is, in my hands, it becomes simple."

【Task: Gather a large number of Uchiha and stir up their emotions!】

This task was set up by Itsuki while he was leaving the dungeon with Pakura to go outside.

【Task completed!】

【Task reward: Flying Thunder God technique improvement】

【Flying Thunder God: Level 1 (4% → 4%)】

...

【Task: Make Uchiha Fugaku furious, close to losing his mind!】

【Task completed!】

【Task reward: Flying Thunder God technique improvement】

【Flying Thunder God: Level 1 (4% → 6%)】

This task was set up when Itsuki dragged Fugaku's father out for some "corpsing." It was relatively more difficult.

The key point is that this task wasn't related to strength.

...

【Task: Walk 10,000 steps with Pakura!】

【Task completed!】

【Task reward: Flying Thunder God technique improvement】

【Flying Thunder God: Level 1 (6% → 6%)】

...

【Task: Make Pakura do the zombie jump 100 times!】

【Task completed!】

【Task reward: Flying Thunder God technique improvement】

【Flying Thunder God: Level 1 (6% → 6%)】

...

Take it slow!

This kind of thing can't be rushed.

Anyway, tasks are being done at all times, and tasks are being completed at all times.

Take one step, and it counts!

Take an extra step, and it counts too!

Kiss Pakura, and it counts!

Even deep conversations count!

Every moment is spent doing and completing tasks.

Just ask yourself, are you scared or not!

...

When Itsuki brought Pakura back to Kurenai's house, he had already completed dozens of tasks.

But the progress was still stuck at 7%.

Small tasks are too difficult to improve.

Converted to chakra, these small tasks only reward 1 to 3 points of chakra per completion.

1 card equals 10,000 points.

Let's just say: a large quantity is filling!

"Kurenai, come out quickly, look who's here!"

Itsuki opened the door to Kurenai's house with a face full of excitement and shouted loudly;

It felt as if a beloved family member or brother had arrived.

"Who is it?"

Kurenai, dressed in casual clothes, walked out with a puzzled look on her face. Seeing someone in a black robe with a mask on their face, she was slightly stunned and asked, "Who is this?"

"Your sister!"

Itsuki said mysteriously;

"Sis...ter?"

Kurenai had a head full of question marks.

She didn't remember that Yūhi Shinku ever had a sister?

Where did this one come from?

When Kurenai understood what Itsuki meant by 'sister,' she kicked him out of the room.

"This is too much!"

Kurenai shouted angrily at Itsuki, "I turned a blind eye when you were out there messing around with women, but now you've gone too far! You directly brought her home, and now... my sister, Uchiha Itsuki, you're really something!"

"Unbelievable, this is too much!"

Kurenai was so furious that she was about to lose it and rushed forward to tear Itsuki apart.

How could you bully someone like this?

Itsuki hugged Kurenai and said awkwardly, "What else could I do? She has nowhere else to stay."

Kurenai sneered and said, "What does it have to do with me if she has nowhere to stay? By the way, she's wearing a mask. Who is she, and why does she have nowhere to stay?"

Itsuki whispered, "Let's talk inside."

Kurenai glared at him coldly, snorted lightly, and led the two of them into the house.

"Spill it!"

Itsuki looked at Kurenai, sighed, and said, "First of all, the mask she's wearing belongs to the hero of Sunagakure, Pakura."

Kurenai glanced at the mask and said, "So what?"

At Itsuki's signal, Pakura took off the mask.

Seeing two identical faces, Kurenai was clearly stunned.

Goodness, is this a nesting doll situation?

Your face looks exactly like the mask, so what's the point of wearing it?

(End of chapter)

Chapter 52: You Definitely Can't Bear It**

"Do you remember Pakura from Konoha eighteen months ago, Kurenai?"

Kurenai sneered and said, "I don't remember any woman named Pakura in Konoha, but there was one in Sunagakure..."

"Exactly!"

Itsuki sighed and said, "She is Pakura from Sunagakure, the hero who has already died. I had to put in a lot of effort to bring her back."

Kurenai's brows furrowed, and her body tensed slightly as she said, "You're impressive, really impressive, Uchiha Itsuki. You've even gone as far as to flirt with women from Sunagakure? What, are the women of Konoha no longer enough for you? Have you started setting your sights on the entire ninja world?"

This time, even Itsuki was speechless.

Kurenai, you really are a sharp one.

When you learned Pakura's identity, was this really the first thing that came to mind?

"Is this really what you thought of?"

"What else should I be thinking?"

Kurenai responded disdainfully, "Don't tell me I'm the only woman you have. Do you think I'd believe that? Let's not even mention that Anbu woman; you probably hooked up with her even before you met me."

Itsuki felt a bit awkward.

Of course, Kurenai wasn't his only woman.

He is a reincarnator.

In his previous life, he worked tirelessly for a few thousand bucks every month.

In his thirties, he didn't even have a family.

He wanted to take out a loan to buy a house, but based on his salary, it would take 75 years to pay it off.

Which bank would lend you money for more than 70 years?

Moreover, the house's ownership only lasted 70 years.

So, by the time I finish paying off the loan, the house won't even belong to me anymore.

The business is managed so well, it's practically genius.

Now that he has a second chance, he refuses to live a life of frustration.

Besides, he's an Uchiha. He doesn't know if it's due to his bloodline, but it seems to have influenced him in some way. He can even sense changes in himself.

Hmm, his emotions have become much more intense!

Also,

As a man with a system, how could he be restrained?

Itsuki looked deeply into Kurenai's eyes and said, "No matter how many women I have, Kurenai, you are... you and Pakura are the most important women in my life!"

Kurenai looked at him sideways.

Even Pakura couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Did you add me into the latter part of that sentence because you realized I was here?

If I wasn't here, your original words would probably have been: "Kurenai, you are the most important woman in my life, no exceptions!"

Hah!

Men!

Ugh!

"Uchiha Itsuki, you tell me, should I believe you or not? What do you think?"

"Don't believe it!"

Itsuki replied straightforwardly.

"Then why say it?"

Kurenai sneered, glanced at Pakura, and said coldly, "Sometimes, I really have to hand it to you. You bring a Sunagakure hero into Konoha and parade her around. How did you even bring her back? From her grave?"

A cold glint flashed in Pakura's eyes.

"I saved her!"

Itsuki looked at Pakura and sighed, "Kurenai, Pakura is a hero of Sunagakure, but she was betrayed by Sunagakure. They used her as a bargaining chip in negotiations and killed her!"

"Bargaining chip?"

"When the Ninja World War ended, the price of peace between Sunagakure and Kirigakure was Pakura's death."

Kurenai was stunned. "Sunagakure agreed? They used Pakura's life? Were they out of their minds?"

Even Kurenai found it hard to believe.

A powerful Kage-level ninja, and Pakura was known to have an advantage over Kirigakure.

But Sunagakure chose to sacrifice her?

Aren't they worried Kirigakure won't hold up their end of the deal?

"Actually, this involves a secret. Pakura was a victim of internal strife within Sunagakure!"

Itsuki looked at Pakura with pity and said, "It is said that Pakura had high prestige and great strength in Sunagakure, even surpassing the Kazekage, Rasa. So, she had to die."

Kurenai's gaze softened as she looked at Pakura with a hint of sympathy.

A life spent protecting the village, fighting for it, only to be abandoned and betrayed in the end.

The destruction of faith and belief could cause many ninjas to break down.

This kind of thing happens in every ninja village.

Although Kurenai had never witnessed it firsthand, she had heard Yūhi Shinku talk about it.

She clearly remembered the regret in Yūhi Shinku's voice when he spoke of it.

Many outstanding ninjas sacrifice themselves for no reason!

Pakura's eye twitched.

Although both of them were showing sympathy, Itsuki's gaze felt odd.

He must have thought of something inappropriate.

Pakura frowned slightly and asked, "Master, is what you're saying true?"

"Pakura, have you not realized it yet?"

Itsuki was surprised. "Such a simple thing, and you didn't even think of it? Should I say I've underestimated you? Your brain is actually..."

"Please, Master, speak properly."

"Alright!" Itsuki shrugged and said, "You have the ability to counter Kirigakure, making you their biggest threat during the war. Sunagakure isn't crazy; how could they simply sacrifice you like that?"

"It couldn't be that Rasa, that bastard, couldn't have you and decided to get rid of you, could it?"

Pakura was speechless for a moment before replying, "Not every ninja is like Uchiha Itsuki."

This time, it was Itsuki's turn to roll his eyes.

"In the eyes of the Fourth Kazekage, you were the biggest threat. To secure his position as Kazekage, your Scorch Release, Pakura, had to die."

"But..."

Pakura was puzzled and said, "Chiyo and Ebizō, the two advisors of Sunagakure, valued me highly. They wouldn't have sacrificed me."

"That, I don't know," Itsuki shrugged again. "Maybe they were unaware, but to me, the most likely scenario is that they really did abandon you."

"You were an unstable factor for Sunagakure."

"Your strength was too great, and your prestige too high."

"In times of war, all unstable factors are suppressed, but after the war, those factors need to be eliminated."

Itsuki's eyes drifted off, as if remembering something.

"Rasa was already the Kazekage, and his Magnet Release could restrain tailed beasts."

"In comparison, the one to be sacrificed naturally became you."

"Maybe you never intended to challenge Rasa, but he believed you might, and that was enough."

Pakura fell silent.

She had thought about this before, but she didn't want to believe it.

Itsuki's words shattered the last bit of illusion she held.

She no longer harbored any hesitation toward Sunagakure's leadership.

They must be eliminated!

Kurenai looked at her, then at Itsuki, but said nothing.

"Kurenai!"

Itsuki turned to Kurenai, his expression serious, and said, "Pakura is very important to me."

Kurenai glared coldly at Itsuki.

"I am a great Uchiha!"

"Get to the point, stop beating around the bush, or I'll kick you out."

At this moment, Kurenai had no patience left.

"Alright!"

Itsuki said sorrowfully, "The greatest Uchiha in the ninja world... do you understand my position in Konoha?"

Kurenai furrowed her brows.

"Pakura is very strong!" Itsuki snapped his fingers. "With her, things will be much easier for me. If the village ever fights against the Uchiha, she might be the one who saves my life."

"Kurenai, my life is now hanging by a thread!"

Itsuki looked pitiful.

Kurenai, I've laid it all out here—surely, you won't just let me die, right?

You can't possibly bear it, can you?

*Chapter 53: Hidden Rain Village*

Kurenai’s frown deepened as she asked, “Will the Uchiha and the Third Hokage's factions inevitably clash?”

“What do you think?” Itsuki countered, then continued, “Do you think the Third and his group will let the Uchiha be? Even if we do nothing, they’ll find a way to chip away at us bit by bit. We have no choice but to fight back.”

“Besides, there aren’t many Uchiha who would just sit idly by.”

“To put it simply, if you don’t come to fight me, then I’ll go and fight you!”

The relationship between the Uchiha and the Hokage factions had long been irreconcilable.

Perhaps only those fools, Shisui and Itachi, still saw themselves as a bridge, thinking of ways to integrate the Uchiha into Konoha.

But to the Third and his followers, the only way the Uchiha could integrate into Konoha was by becoming fertilizer.

Just like the Senju clan!

They helped these guys rise higher by becoming the stepping stones.

Kurenai fell silent.

“Of course!”

Sensing Kurenai’s slight concession, Itsuki looked affectionately at Pakura and said, “To me, Pakura is a very important person. Just like you, no matter what, I won’t give up on either of you.”

“Because, you are Uchiha Kurenai, and she is Uchiha Pakura!”

Both women rolled their eyes.

Bravo!

Really!

He said it out loud!

Absolutely shameless!

“How about it? Aren’t you both touched?”

Tears welled up in Itsuki’s eyes, and he looked emotionally charged.

Kurenai’s eyebrow twitched uncontrollably.

A name flashed through her mind: Might Guy!

No wonder he has the Sharingan, he even copied the powers of the beast.

“You dog!”

Kurenai gritted her teeth and said, “From what you’re saying, if I force you to separate from Pakura, you might just drop dead tomorrow, right?”

“Uchiha Itsuki, you’ve got some nerve!”

“Using your life to threaten me?”

Itsuki sincerely replied, “Mainly because it works so well. My Kurenai is just so kind-hearted.”

“Besides!”

“Kurenai, you wouldn’t want to be a widow, would you?”

“Get lost!”

Kurenai stormed into the room and slammed the door shut.

Pakura crossed her arms and sneered, “Messed up? Don’t think you can handle every woman, there are always exceptions.”

She found herself puzzled.

Why can she tolerate this?

Shouldn’t she be furious?

“Is that so?”

Itsuki looked at his hand, muttering to himself, “Could there really be a woman I can’t handle? I don’t believe it!”

He strode out of the house and stood outside the window of the room where Kurenai was.

“Ah, Kurenai… no, I mean my Kurenai, my dear Kurenai!”

“My Kurenai, I miss you!”

Itsuki howled, making Pakura rub her arms, her face showing horror.

Cold!

So cold!

Inside the room, Kurenai was also left speechless.

His voice, shrill and sharp, was filled with frustration and helplessness.

Even though he was apologizing, it felt as if Kurenai was the one who had done something wrong.

“My Kurenai…”

“Enough!”

Kurenai couldn’t take it anymore. She flung open the window and snapped, “Are you planning on throwing away your dignity?”

Punishment!

Itsuki was definitely punishing her!

“What’s more important, my dignity or my wife?” Itsuki shot back.

Kurenai: “…”

“Besides…” Itsuki scoffed, “Who dares to lecture me? If someone tries, I’ll beat the crap out of them until they can’t speak!”

*Since beating Danzo, Itsuki has been this domineering.*

Not satisfied?

I'll spray insults at whoever I catch!

Want to fight?

I won’t stop until you’re beaten senseless!

With the Eternal Mangekyo, I have the confidence to back it up!

In fact, if it weren’t for the concern over Uchiha Madara, Itsuki would have already taken action and leveled Konoha.

For now, he’s holding back mainly because he’s not truly invincible.

There are people stronger than him!

And quite a few at that!

Kurenai took a deep breath and said, “Get in here!”

“Sure thing!”

In the end, Kurenai nodded and gave in.

The primary reason is that the ninja world isn’t bound by monogamy. During her missions, and even within the village, Kurenai had seen it enough times.

This is a world ruled by daimyo.

Ninja villages are officially organizations under the jurisdiction of the daimyo.

Konoha was the first ninja village to implement the one village, one nation system, which other ninja villages then emulated.

The five great ninja villages and five great nations are the main players, with smaller ninja villages collaborating with smaller countries.

However…

Even the Hokage requires the daimyo’s appointment to officially hold the position.

The Hokage, in name, is a subordinate of the daimyo.

Without the daimyo’s approval, the title of Hokage is not legitimate.

And you expect those drunken, indulgent nobles to practice monogamy?

Dream on!

They practically wish they could die surrounded by women.

As for ninjas, many do practice one-on-one relationships.

But it’s not absolute.

In the original work, many of the main characters and side characters were depicted as monogamous.

But!

When you look outside the village, or even at some of the ninjas within the village, it’s not always the case.

Therefore, Kurenai couldn’t be bothered to meddle in this matter.

In fact, Kurenai had long noticed that something was off with Itsuki; it’s just that before, he hadn’t brought other women in front of her, so she pretended not to know.

The reason she lost her temper today was because Itsuki brought someone right in front of her, triggering her possessiveness.

*[Mission: Resolve the situation with Kurenai and gain her acceptance of Pakura!]*

*[Mission Complete!]*

*[Mission Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique Enhanced!]*

*[Flying Thunder God: 7% → 9%]*

Whoa!

Itsuki was momentarily stunned.

This time, the improvement was substantial.

Since he started working on the Flying Thunder God technique, several missions, even dozens, hadn’t yielded a single percentage increase. Now, it suddenly jumped by two percent. Itsuki felt pleasantly surprised.

“Keep it up!”

“Next…”

Itsuki glanced at the mission list, a strange smile playing on his lips.

…

The rain poured down endlessly.

As if it would never stop!

This is Amegakure!

Amegakure is located at the intersection of three major ninja villages: Earth, Konoha, and Sand. It’s a ninja village where it rains constantly.

The ninjas of Amegakure specialize in assassination!

Moreover, due to the harsh living conditions, they have developed many extreme ninjutsu.

The previous leader of Amegakure, known as the demigod Hanzo of the Salamander, had something extra in his body compared to ordinary ninjas... a poison sac!

Additionally...

This is also the headquarters of the Akatsuki, the place where the Six Paths of Pain reside.

The current leader of Amegakure, Pain, often sits atop the highest building in the village, coldly overlooking the land like a god.

Moreover!

Pain often infuses his chakra into the rain, using the Rain Tiger at Will technique to monitor the entire Amegakure.

Every drop of rain serves as his eyes.

Itsuki walked slowly into Amegakure, as if under the gaze of countless eyes.

*[Mission: Reach Amegakure within three days!]*

*[Mission Complete!]*

*[Mission Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique Enhanced!]*

*[Flying Thunder God: 9% → 10%]*

After who knows how many missions, Itsuki finally managed to push the Flying Thunder God technique to 10%.

“Sigh, the mission is long and arduous!”

Itsuki sighed helplessly and issued a new mission: *[Mission: Force Pain (Nagato) to Back Down!]*.

Since it involves the Rinnegan, the reward for this mission should be pretty good, right?

Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan vs. Rinnegan.

Tsk tsk!

Will there be a fight?

Most likely, yes!

Itsuki continued on his way, walking leisurely.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 54: Konan*

*Amegakure!*

Itsuki didn’t know much about this secluded village.

Although he had planted secret agents in many places across the ninja world since childhood, unfortunately, Amegakure was the one place he couldn’t infiltrate.

This village is extremely xenophobic, which is understandable given their need for self-preservation.

Amegakure is a pitiful and sympathetic village.

Every time there’s a great ninja war, they always end up getting beaten.

Don’t want to participate in the ninja world wars?

Think again!

Located at the intersection of three major nations, such a critical position isn’t something you can simply opt out of.

If you cooperate, they might go a bit easier on you.

If you don’t… well, then you don’t!

Either way, you’re getting hit.

Even lying down doesn’t stop the beating.

That’s Amegakure.

“Tsk, I don’t know the way, but there’s no need to worry about getting lost, because someone will show up soon.”

Itsuki stretched out his hand, catching a few drops of rain, and smiled faintly.

Sure enough!

When Itsuki reached a particular building, his body tensed slightly, and his expression became somewhat astonished.

He slowly lifted his head.

Before him stood a beautiful young woman.

The woman appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in a black cloak adorned with red clouds, the iconic attire of the Akatsuki.

Her hair was a pale blue with a slight purple hue, and her eyes were a rare orange color. A light purple paper flower adorned the right side of her head.

Behind her was a pair of paper wings, gently floating in the air like an angel!

She was none other than the reason for Itsuki’s visit—Konan!

Itsuki couldn’t help but smile.

A very wicked smile!

His gaze toward Konan was filled with a predatory intent.

He had expected to run into Deidara or Sasori.

Kakuzu and Hidan were unlikely since they were usually out making money.

As for Orochimaru, he was probably holed up in some lab somewhere.

Kisame… Oh, right, Zabuza Momochi!

At this point in time, Zabuza should still be alive.

Since Itachi hadn’t joined the Akatsuki yet, it’s possible that these two members of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist could be working as partners.

Unless Kisame hadn’t joined the Akatsuki yet.

But that’s unlikely!

Itsuki’s spy in Kirigakure had informed him that the Hōzuki clan's Fuguki Suikazan hadn’t been heard from in a long time.

He was probably already taken out.

Then there’s Black Zetsu, the true “world’s number one filial ninja.” While he wasn’t much of a fighter, it was quite possible that he might show up in front of Itsuki.

And then there was the fake Uchiha Madara—Obito Uchiha, the mid-boss of the early stages of this ninja world.

He could also appear.

In short, Itsuki had considered many possibilities, but he never expected that upon entering Amegakure, he would immediately run into Konan.

This beautiful woman, who in the original story didn’t appear until the Akatsuki officially began their operations and not until much later, was now standing right in front of him.

Well, as they say, good things come easily!

Itsuki had come here specifically for her.

Unable to contain himself, Itsuki began to hum a tune: “Who was it that brought you to my side…”

“Uchiha?” Konan’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly as she looked at Itsuki.

“Yes!”

Itsuki responded gracefully, “Beautiful Lady Konan, greetings!”

“You know me?”

Konan was taken aback.

Her identity was supposed to be top secret.

Even within the Akatsuki, only a few knew who she truly was.

How could an Uchiha know her?

“Of course!”

Itsuki smiled, “A girl as beautiful as Miss Konan, even if you were thousands of miles away, I would have heard your name and come to your side.”

Konan’s expression turned strange.

Was this the first time she had encountered such a talkative Uchiha?

Was this the first time she had heard such flowery words from an Uchiha?

Was he really an Uchiha?

*If it weren't for the clan emblem on his back, she wouldn't have believed it.*

Moreover...

*Girl?*

Konan felt a slight twinge of melancholy. Although she looked like she was in her early twenties, Konan had to admit that she was already in her thirties.

She glanced around Amegakure.

This village, which had changed her life and which she had dedicated her life to changing, had also undergone many changes.

Just like her!

The only thing that remained constant was the never-ending rain.

At that moment, as she looked up at Amegakure, she realized her own insignificance.

Because she was so small, the village had never changed for her.

Yahiko...

When will we be able to fulfill your wish?

Konan slowly closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, the usual coldness had returned.

"This is not a place you should be, Uchiha. Leave."

"Alright!"

Itsuki responded so readily that it took Konan by surprise.

"But, Miss Konan, I came here for you. I wonder if you'd be willing to have a meal with me?"

Konan sneered, "What do you think?"

"I think you will!" Itsuki replied with a smile. "Because... Konan, Nagato, and Yahiko! Oh, and let's not forget about the Rinnegan. How about that?"

"What did you say?"

Konan's expression changed drastically, her tone turning severe. "How do you know?"

It was already shocking enough that he knew her identity, but the fact that he knew about Nagato and Yahiko...

The Rinnegan?

That was an absolute secret.

There must be a spy!

And it had to be someone very close to them.

Someone they trusted completely!

Konan's gaze turned icy as she stared at Itsuki.

He cannot be allowed to leave!

"So, Miss Konan, will you join me for a meal?"

Itsuki's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Konan, smiling. "I have a secret to tell you. It's best if you come alone. If a certain someone shows up, well, you know he's being watched."

"If this secret gets out, Nagato's life will be in danger."

"Konan, I'll leave the rest unsaid."

Konan's expression shifted, and she gritted her teeth. "Follow me!"

Whoosh!

The wings on her back fluttered as she flew off to the side.

Itsuki's form flickered as he used the Body Flicker Technique to follow.

The first step was complete!

"Hmm?"

Somewhere in Amegakure, a man sitting in a wheelchair suddenly opened his eyes.

His eyes were a pale purple, with concentric circles radiating outward, resembling a ripple.

Nagato!

He turned his head slightly and asked, "Konan, why did your paper clone leave with that Uchiha?"

Konan was about to respond when she remembered Itsuki's earlier words.

Nagato was being watched.

That masked man... is dangerous!

I'll keep it a secret for now and tell him when the time is right.

Nagato won't blame me!

Konan's voice was calm as she replied, "He came to make a deal. I thought I'd see if we could acquire some information on Konoha."

"Is that so?"

Nagato didn't suspect anything, only chuckling coldly. "Uchiha, huh?"

He thought he understood Konan's intentions.

The Uchiha clan was on the brink of open conflict with the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura.

Danzo had already made secret deals with them.

If Danzo could do it, why couldn't the Uchiha?

"Be careful, Konan."

Konan laughed softly. "Nagato, you're overthinking this. It's just a clone. Even if it falls into a trap, what's the harm?"

Nagato nodded slightly.

Unnoticed by either of them, there was a faint ripple in space.

"Uchiha..."

A soft whisper, audible only to itself, echoed.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 55: 'God' Pain*

Konan led Itsuki out of Amegakure, away from the prying eyes of Nagato's Rain Tiger at Will Technique. They entered a secluded forest.

Konan turned around, looking at Itsuki with a calm expression. "This place is usually deserted. Even if we fight here, no one will know."

Her words were full of menace.

"Well..."

Itsuki, however, looked at her with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, almost shyly. "Isn't this too fast? I prefer to take things slow and steady, one step at a time. I'm worried you might not be able to handle it."

Konan's voice remained cold. "Uchiha, I don't have time for your nonsense!"

"Straight to the point? Fine!"

Itsuki looked at Konan, biting his lip. "Although I'm pretty intense, since you insist, I'll speed things up. Just bear with it; I'll make it quick."

Konan felt a twinge of suspicion.

Something about his words felt off...

This Uchiha didn't seem like a good person.

"Come on, beauty! Get ready to witness the might of your big brother!"

With a loud shout, Itsuki launched himself at Konan like a hungry tiger.

"Scoundrel!"

Konan was furious. Her wings flapped, lifting her off the ground and allowing her to evade Itsuki's pounce.

At the same time, countless kunai flew toward Itsuki, each one adorned with an explosive tag.

"What are you doing? This is too intense!"

Itsuki shrieked, turning to flee.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

A series of massive explosions echoed through the forest.

Angel Konan demonstrated her prowess as the wealthiest woman in the ninja world. With a wave of her hand, hundreds of explosive tags were unleashed.

Calculating the cost, each delicate movement of her hand equaled the value of a B-rank mission for a ninja.

"Stop!"

Itsuki shouted.

Konan ceased her assault, hovering above with a cold, detached gaze directed at Itsuki.

"What are you doing?"

Itsuki pouted, "Konan-chan, is this how you make things more exciting? You're ruining the mood. In the end, you're the one who's going to cry."

"Exciting?"

Konan's voice was tinged with suspicion, growing colder. "Uchiha, what exactly are you trying to do? I'm warning you, don't try anything funny. If I send out a signal, Nagato will be here in an instant. Since you know about the Rinnegan, you should understand how powerful he is. Faced with both of us, you won't even have a chance to escape."

"You..."

Itsuki huffed, "You're thinking about another man while you're with me? That makes me angry."

Konan's expression turned icier as she began to understand the implications of Itsuki's words.

Kunai appeared between her slender, jade-like fingers, wrapped thickly in explosive tags.

These weren't just kunai anymore.

They were essentially grenades wrapped in explosive tags.

At this moment, Konan was both straightforward and ruthless, transforming into a queen of artillery!

And with wings, no less!

"Gulp."

Itsuki swallowed nervously, chuckling awkwardly. "Konan-chan, I really do have a secret to tell you, so please, stay calm!"

"If you have a secret, then spit it out—or die!"

"This secret has been buried in my heart for fifteen years."

Itsuki sighed.

Konan stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Konan-chan!"

Itsuki took a deep breath, biting his lip before declaring with determination, "I... I like you..."

"Boom!!!"

Almost as soon as the words left Itsuki's mouth, a massive number of explosive tags were hurled at him, so many that they could have buried him alive even without detonating.

Without a second thought, Itsuki turned and ran, covering his head as he did so.

He yelled, "Konan-chan, calm down! I'm telling the truth! From the moment I was born, I've been thinking about you."

And it wasn't a lie.

When Itsuki first opened his eyes and realized he had been reborn into the world of Naruto, and saw Shisui's round nose, the first person he thought of was Konan.

The wealthiest woman in the ninja world!

After all, he had been traumatized by poverty in his past life.

And let's be honest.

No matter what world you're in, you can't survive without money.

With Konan by his side and six hundred billion explosive tags at his disposal, what couldn't he do?

In his past life, he might have dared to bomb a small country and capture a famous actress!

The angel soared above him, her face stern, her hands moving so quickly they became a blur as she tossed explosive tags one after another.

As the entire forest was on the verge of being blown away, the two finally ceased their battle.

One could run!

The other had heavy firepower.

They were evenly matched.

Konan glared coldly at Itsuki. "Uchiha, do you want to die?"

"Nope!"

Itsuki thought for a moment before saying, "Yahiko probably didn't want to die either, but he still did. What about Nagato? Do you want him to die too?"

Hearing Nagato's name, Konan suppressed her agitation, her voice icy as she asked, "What exactly do you know? Or are you just bluffing?"

Itsuki grinned at her. "Are you planning to collect the Tailed Beasts?"

Konan's expression changed drastically.

That was the final step of their plan.

It was still years away from implementation, yet this Uchiha knew about it?

---

At this stage, only she, Nagato, and the mysterious person know about this matter.

Could it be the mysterious person…

It shouldn't be!

If it were him, it would contradict everything.

"Let's have a good talk."

Konan took a deep breath and said, "Uchiha Itsuki!"

"Oh? You actually know my name? I'm honored."

Itsuki looked surprised.

Konan sneered and said, "One of the few geniuses within the Uchiha clan, the younger brother of Shisui of the Body Flicker—no matter how isolated Amegakure is, we know about you. You are all potential enemies."

She didn't hide her hostility at all.

"Wrong!"

Itsuki smiled and said, "Danzo and the Third Hokage are your enemies, not me. I don't fight beautiful women."

Konan didn't believe a word he said.

How many times had they suffered at the hands of Konoha?

The reason Nagato became an orphan was because of those two Konoha Jonin.

"Uchiha Itsuki, are you serious? From the start until now, you haven't said a single sincere word."

Itsuki looked at Konan, shrugged, and said, "What about you? Are you sincere? If you were sincere, would you send a clone?"

Konan frowned slightly.

Itsuki continued, "If you want sincerity, then come in person. Oh, and besides those keywords I mentioned earlier, let me tell you a few more."

"Mask, Sharingan, Moon. Conclusion: It's all a scam!"

As Itsuki spoke, Konan's expression became darker.

Her delicate face was filled with killing intent.

This Uchiha knows too much.

Moreover...

What does he mean by "scam"?

"I absolutely cannot let him leave alive. At the very least, I need to find out everything he knows."

Konan formed a hand seal.

Tap, tap, tap!

Amidst the sound of footsteps, a man with orange hair and ripple-patterned eyes approached.

Pain!

It was Deva Path Pain, one of the Six Paths of Pain!

He coldly stared at Itsuki and said indifferently, "Uchiha, tell me everything you know."

As expected!

Itsuki murmured to himself.

Before coming here, he was certain that he would have to fight Nagato.

When facing someone who considers themselves a god, if you don't have the strength to make them acknowledge you, they won't listen to anything you say.

Whatever they say, goes!

But if you can defeat them, whatever you say, goes!

Simply put: itchy skin!

(End of Chapter)