36-40

Chapter 36: Opening a Shop, Becoming a Boss!

Rumors intensified. It started with the Uchiha having five thousand ninjas, then evolved into them having over ten pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan and hundreds of Jonin. Finally, there were even rumors that Uchiha Madara was still alive and within the Uchiha clan.

This scared many ninja clans, their legs went weak, and they greeted Uchiha ninjas with flattering smiles. Even Hyuga ninjas started to lower their heads when they saw Uchiha ninjas.

They couldn't compete!

The Uchiha had even brought out their ancestors, what could they use to fight?

Of course, this was for those who believed the rumors.

Those who didn't believe the Uchiha had five thousand ninjas had an even more unfriendly attitude towards them than before, thinking they were just troublemakers.

It was originally a small matter.

Rumors!

They would have just blown over with the wind.

But it couldn't withstand the sheer number of people discussing it.

The people of Konoha were now discussing it in groups.

In the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's headache had only gotten better for a day.

Looking at the intelligence reports sent by the Anbu, he felt a headache.

Uchiha!

It was the Uchiha again!

To some extent, Danzo's words weren't wrong.

These Uchiha were truly a scourge!

If possible, he also wanted to eliminate these Uchiha, Konoha without the Uchiha would be so peaceful.

Unfortunately, it was simply impossible.

A few days ago, the incident where Uchiha Itsuki and Uchiha Shisui were attacked and lost their Mangekyo Sharingan led to a rapid increase in Uchiha patrols. As soon as one entered the Uchiha clan's territory, they could feel the Sharingan's gaze.

Moreover, the Uchiha were now like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.

He sent a few Anbu, under Danzo's orders, to try and gather some information, but they were beaten half to death and directly thrown out.

This time, the Uchiha didn't hold back at all.

If it weren't for the fact that they were from Root, they probably wouldn't have survived.

The seriously injured Anbu members clearly told the Hokage and the others about the current state of the Uchiha.

At this time, even those two useless fools, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, didn't dare to mention eliminating the Uchiha.

Now this kind of thing happened again.

"What use do I have for you?"

The Third Hokage slammed the intelligence report on the table, his body trembling with anger.

He roared, "You can't even suppress a mere rumor, what else can you do? Just quit being ninjas and go home to retire!"

Homura Mitokado, standing beside him, felt his eyebrows twitching wildly.

Why did it feel like those words were directed at him?

As an elder, one of the specific areas he was responsible for was intelligence.

The rumor about the Uchiha having five thousand ninjas was the one he was in charge of suppressing.

"Hiruzen, don't be angry!" Koharu Utatane said slowly, "This matter is very strange, someone is fueling the flames."

"Obviously!"

The Third Hokage's face was gloomy.

This incident reminded him of the past.

Something similar had happened before, and that time, it caused a huge rift within the village.

People started to distrust each other.

The casualties of ninjas on missions also began to increase.

The Will of Fire became a joke at that time.

The person who caused all this was named Sakumo Hatake!

That incident took a tremendous amount of energy and resources for the Third Hokage to deal with.

It was mainly the rumors!

Danzo manipulated rumors to attack Sakumo Hatake, but the rumors got out of control.

Not only did it backfire on them, but it also literally forced Sakumo Hatake, the powerful ninja known as Konoha's White Fang, to his death.

Now, this situation was happening again.

The situation of rumors spiraling out of control!

"Immediately, right now!" The Third Hokage pointed at the Anbu, gritting his teeth, "Deal with this matter for me, I don't want to hear any more rumors, understand?"

"Yes!"

The Anbu responded and hurriedly left.

"Hiruzen!"

When only the Third Hokage, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado were left in the office.

Koharu Utatane hesitated and said, "Is there a possibility that the Uchiha really do have five thousand ninjas?"

The Third Hokage turned his head and looked at Koharu Utatane in disbelief.

These words were like a thunderbolt to him.

"Koharu!" The Third Hokage said dumbfoundedly, "You actually believed it?"

This was his elder!

An elder of Konoha?

An elder who helped him govern Konoha?

What kind of thing did he find to help him?

Oh my god!

Konoha, I actually feel a bit sorry for you!

Who the hell would believe the Uchiha have five thousand ninjas?

Have you forgotten the total population of the Uchiha?

Even if you don't know the exact number, you should have a general idea!

The current Uchiha have about one thousand to one thousand two hundred ninjas.

This even includes those on the borders and those out on missions.

Five thousand?

The Third Hokage covered his face with a pained expression.

He didn't know what to say anymore.

Koharu Utatane, I want to give you two big slaps!

And both on the same side of your face!

Koharu Utatane looked sheepish.

Was it that exaggerated?

"Hiruzen, who do you think is behind this?"

Homura Mitokado suddenly said, "I don't know if it's my illusion, but this method, I always feel it's very familiar."

The Third Hokage was stunned for a moment, then gritted his teeth.

Danzo...

You damn thing, even in confinement, you're still not behaving.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stormed towards the Anbu dungeon.

Danzo had a private cell there.

He would go in and stay for a few days from time to time.

Because sometimes he caused too much trouble, even the Hokage couldn't avoid dealing with him.

Over time!

This place almost became Danzo's second home.

After the Third Hokage left, another Anbu hurriedly ran over.

"What's the matter?"

With the Third Hokage gone, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado immediately straightened their backs and asked with stern expressions.

"This..."

"What? Can't you say it?"

Homura Mitokado's voice was naturally intimidating.

"No, it's not that!" The Anbu's face was covered with a mask, so the two elders didn't notice his conflicted expression. He said, "It's Uchiha Itsuki!"

"What about him again?"

"He, he opened a... shop!"

"A shop?"

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were both surprised and stood up at the same time.

Uchiha Itsuki was not someone who lacked money.

As a genius Jonin, during the Third Shinobi World War, he had made countless contributions. If he hadn't been suppressed, his fame would have surpassed even Shisui's.

Even though it was wartime, missions weren't free.

After returning to Konoha, he completed many A-rank and even S-rank missions.

A-rank missions were worth between 200,000 and 1,000,000 ryo.

S-rank missions started at one million ryo.

Not to mention the B-rank missions he completed along the way.

Even though the village would take a portion, with such quality and quantity of missions, the amount he received was still massive.

Kagami's inheritance wasn't small either, and almost all of it went into Itsuki's pocket.

Shisui had no intention of competing with Itsuki in this aspect, he even gave some of his mission rewards to Itsuki for safekeeping.

Because Itsuki said he loved money!

The Third Hokage and the others wanted to deal with Itsuki, so they had assessed Itsuki's assets.

At least fifty million ryo!

Such a wealthy person opened a shop?

Could it be to make even more money?

"What kind of shop? What is he trying to do?"

Koharu Utatane's voice was stern.

They had also been troubled by Uchiha Itsuki recently.

If it weren't for the fact that they couldn't kill him, they would have exhausted everything to eliminate him.

"This, this..."

The Anbu stammered.

"Speak!"

Homura Mitokado scolded sternly!

The Anbu said tremblingly, "A cremation shop!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 37: This is What Uchiha Should Do!

The Hokage's office was quiet.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado frowned, deep in thought.

Cremation shop?

What was that?

The ninja world did have coffins!

There was also the concept of cremation.

However, for a while, the two elders couldn't connect the dots.

Based on their understanding of the Uchiha, they should be opening a weapon shop.

Opening a tea house or a sake shop would also make sense.

Cremation...

A genius of the Uchiha, opening this kind of thing, what kind of joke was this?

Seeing the two elders lost in thought, the Anbu seemed to feel sorry for them and closed his eyes.

"Elders, no need to think too much, it's exactly the cremation shop you're imagining."

Homura Mitokado said in a daze, "It's really that kind of cremation?"

"Yes!"

The two elders looked at each other.

"This evil Uchiha, what is he up to again?"

"How would I know? We shouldn't have put Danzo in confinement. Dealing with the Uchiha should be Danzo's job, he's the best at it."

"Makes sense!"

After a brief silence, the two of them actually looked at the Anbu: "What do you think?"

I'm kneeling and thinking! The Anbu thought to himself.

What the hell does my opinion matter, will you even listen?

"I think the Uchiha must have some kind of trick up their sleeve..."

Homura Mitokado said displeasedly, "Do you need to tell us that?"

The Anbu fell silent.

Then what do you want me to say?

Koharu Utatane suddenly said, "Do you think the Uchiha have developed some kind of forbidden jutsu? Just like..."

The two almost simultaneously thought of their teacher.

Back then, their teacher also used corpses to develop a very terrifying forbidden jutsu.

That jutsu, if not handled well, could destroy the entire ninja world, to the extent that even their teacher was afraid of it and personally sealed it away.

Could it be!

This evil Uchiha brat...

A genuine fear appeared on both of their faces at the same time.

If the Uchiha possessed such a forbidden jutsu, it would truly be a disaster for the ninja world.

Homura Mitokado's breathing quickened, and he ordered, "Mobilize all available Anbu, monitor Uchiha Itsuki with all your might, do you hear me?"

"Yes!"

"Koharu, let's go find Hiruzen and Danzo. Konoha is at its most dangerous moment. We need to unite all our forces and stop them from fighting."

"Alright!"

"E-Elders!"

The Anbu suddenly spoke, stopping Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.

"Anything else?"

"It might be nothing, just a small matter." The Anbu cautiously said, "Uchiha Itsuki put up a promotional message for his shop."

"A promotional message?"

Koharu Utatane's voice was stern, "Remember, there are no small matters when it comes to the Uchiha, understand?"

"Yes!"

"Tell us, what's the message? I want to analyze it carefully and see what secrets it holds."

The Anbu handed over a prepared piece of paper.

[Uchiha Cremation Shop, Grand Opening!]

Three days of free gifts, cremate one, get one free.

If you have friends who have lived long enough, friends who are in the way, please book in advance for them.

The furnace is preheated, first come, first served.

We guarantee to provide a service that will melt your heart, turning you into wisps of smoke with a comforting smile, soaring into the blue sky, over towering mountains, across the azure sea, until the end of the world.

P.S.: If I can't enlighten you, I'll cremate you.

From the Uchiha's most sincere blessings, you deserve it!

"..."

Koharu Utatane narrowed her eyes.

There was no mistake.

This was Uchiha Itsuki's style!

Besides him, no one in the entire ninja world could do something like this.

Homura Mitokado sighed, "Times have changed, I feel old."

Koharu Utatane looked at him, speechless.

The scene fell silent for a moment.

Until Hiruzen Sarutobi walked back into the office angrily, seeing the two standing there dumbfounded and the Anbu kneeling on one knee, he couldn't help but be taken aback.

He looked suspicious and said, "What's wrong with you?"

...

"A proper Uchiha should be doing this!"

Itsuki walked around and around in the cremation shop, very satisfied with his shop. Finally, he lay down on the cabinet where the bodies were placed and let out a sigh.

His mind slowly emptied, and his expression gradually became calm.

This was a shop of over a hundred square meters.

Besides the corridor in the middle, one side was for cabinets to store bodies, and the other side was for coffins.

Walking in the middle, it felt refreshing!

Kurenai Yuhi looked at him speechlessly and said, "What are you doing? Why this line of work? You're a genius of the Uchiha, someone even Danzo can't do anything about."

"This line of work makes money!" Itsuki opened his mouth with a stiff expression, "Without money, how can I marry you?"

"You'll be short of money?"

Kurenai chuckled and said, "Besides, even if you were short of money, so what? I'm not lacking either, I'll give you as much money as you want."

Back then, Kurenai Yuhi was powerful and held a high position, and she only had this precious daughter, so naturally, she wanted to give her everything good.

Besides a house and a few prosperous shops, there was also a large sum of money to ensure Kurenai would be well-off for life.

The cremation shop Itsuki opened was actually using Kurenai's shop.

As a kunoichi, Kurenai didn't have many expenses, and her usual missions were enough to support herself.

She barely touched the tens of millions of ryo her father left her.

Itsuki said lazily, "There's no reason to spend a woman's money, that's being a kept man."

Kurenai shook her head and said, "By the way, Itsuki, when can you take off the bandages on your face?"

"Soon, in the next couple of days!"

Itsuki's hand touched his eyes.

He could feel that Shisui's power had already merged with his own.

His transformation was about to end.

What kind of dojutsu would it be?

The fusion of Shisui's dojutsu and his own must be incredibly powerful.

Itsuki was looking forward to it.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

A knock on the door sounded.

"Welcome!"

Itsuki immediately jumped up, walked forward with a smile, looked at the person, and said, "Shisui, Itachi? Why are you here? Did you come to support my shop opening?"

"This..."

Shisui and Itachi were choked speechless.

Support?

How could they support this kind of thing you opened?

Buy a coffin and take it home?

Or cremate themselves?

For the former, Itachi estimated that if he carried a coffin home, his parents would break his legs.

For the latter...

Damn it, I'd be dead, so I wouldn't care about that much.

"Come, come, come!" Itsuki said enthusiastically, "Let me introduce you two, our shop has five levels of packages: ordinary, Genin, Chunin, Jonin, and Hokage."

Hearing this, not to mention Itachi and Shisui, even Kurenai's inner thoughts were like a machine gun, constantly spewing out.

There was even a Hokage level?

What were you trying to do?

Cremate the Hokage?

"Don't look at me like that!" Itsuki raised a finger and waved it repeatedly, "Every ninja in Konoha wants to be Hokage, but there's only one Hokage, which means ninety-nine percent of people don't have the chance."

"If you don't have the fate to be Hokage while alive, why not experience it after death?"

"There's no such reason in the world."

"Don't you agree?"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 38: A Gift of Wood Release—How Could One Refuse?*

"Whoosh!!"

A powerful surge of energy erupted from Izumi Uchiha's eyes, flooding her pupils.

Chakra burst forth from her eye sockets.

The three tomoe of the Sharingan began to shift, connecting into a single line.

In an instant, they converged into a new pattern.

"Squawk."

Itachi Uchiha's body was suddenly severed in two, but what fell from the sky was only a crow.

The remaining black shadows took to the sky.

Even though Izumi Uchiha was on the brink of death, she still used a clone to finish the job.

"These eyes..."

Itachi Uchiha, standing at a distance, felt his pupils contract sharply.

He had only seen such eyes once before—in Shisui Uchiha.

Originally, Itachi believed the Mangekyō Sharingan was nothing more than a myth.

But after witnessing Shisui's eyes, he had delved into countless clan records.

In some obscure documents, there were secret references to the Uchiha clan's eyes.

These eyes could only be awakened in moments of extreme anger and emotional turmoil.

They carried both love and hatred.

In other words, Izumi Uchiha's eyes had awakened because of him.

"Itachi Uchiha!"

Izumi Uchiha, with a trace of unwillingness, had just awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.

The chakra within her body was drained instantly when she used her eye technique.

It was the last bit of chakra squeezed out of her nearly exhausted body.

Coupled with her severe injuries and depleted chakra, Izumi Uchiha fell into a coma.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan!"

The moment those eyes appeared, a glint of intense desire flashed in the eyes of a Root ninja watching from a distance.

Such a pair of eyes must be delivered to Lord Danzo.

"This body must be brought back!"

The Root ninja, standing afar, thought to himself.

This special Sharingan had to be presented to Lord Danzo.

He moved forward, intending to kill Itachi Uchiha and take Izumi's eyes.

"Just a pack of wild dogs raised by Danzo, and they dare show their fangs at the Uchiha clan."

"What a fool!"

A hand reached out from the darkness, grasping the Root ninja's neck out of thin air.

With a distortion of space, the figure appeared on the spot.

The figure, Raijin, carried a flame-patterned fan on his back and wore the unique robes of the Uchiha clan.

With the three tomoe Sharingan in his eyes, he looked down at the ninja in his grasp with disdain.

"Wood Release! Silent Strangle Technique!"

The boy beside him shouted in surprise, forming hand signs rapidly.

Branches grew from his palms, rushing toward Raijin.

"Bang!"

The branches passed right through Raijin's figure, as if piercing through air.

They didn't hinder his movements in the slightest.

"They went through him."

The Root ninja was stunned, unable to comprehend the technique. What kind of jutsu was this?

He had never heard of such a technique in Konoha.

Wasn't Wood Release supposed to be the nemesis of the Uchiha clan?

"A Wood Release user?"

Raijin's eyes showed a hint of surprise. He hadn't expected Danzo to go this far.

Sending a Wood Release ninja to execute him.

This Wood Release was Danzo's secret weapon.

And he was willing to use it.

"Wood Release!"

Itachi Uchiha also exclaimed in shock.

This was the legendary technique said to rival the Uchiha clan.

He hadn't expected Konoha to have another person like this.

Compared to Izumi Uchiha, the Wood Release user was of greater value to Konoha.

This person couldn't be allowed to fall into Raijin's hands.

"Seems like my luck isn't too bad today. A Wood Release user delivering himself to me."

Raijin flung the Root ninja in his hand, sending him crashing into the charging Itachi Uchiha.

Thud!

Itachi quickly caught the ninja, who was one of Konoha's elite jōnin.

With immense strength, it was certain that this person would have many more opportunities to shine in Konoha's future.

There was no reason to abandon someone like that, but as Itachi Uchiha tried to retrieve him, Raijin had already reached the side of the Wood Release user, placing a hand on his shoulder.

In the next moment, countless seals spread from Raijin's palm, covering the Wood Release user's entire body.

"I can't move!"

The Wood Release user's eyes darted around as he realized he had lost control over his own body.

He tried to channel his chakra, only to find it suppressed as if by a mountain—completely immobilized.

"Wait!"

Itachi Uchiha reached out, attempting to stop Raijin's actions.

But Raijin wasn’t about to listen.

"I'll gladly accept the First Hokage's Wood Release!"

"If Danzo wants it back, he can come and get it himself."

Raijin hoisted the paralyzed ninja and vanished from sight.

Simultaneously, the unconscious Izumi Uchiha also disappeared.

Raijin had hit the jackpot this time: Izumi Uchiha had awakened her eyes.

Her Mangekyō Sharingan possessed extremely powerful offensive abilities.

In the future, those eyes could become his greatest asset.

And as a bonus, he had even picked up a Wood Release user for free!

There was no reason to refuse such a gift.

He’d be a key player when the time came.

As for Itachi Uchiha, Raijin wasn't in a rush to kill him.

The kid hadn't awakened his Mangekyō yet.

He could wait until Itachi opened his eyes; then, he could kill him and gain another pair of Mangekyō as a reward.

Those eyes would become his trophies, not an opportunity for Sasuke Uchiha to awaken the Eternal Mangekyō.

The forest fell silent once more, leaving only two survivors clinging to life.

Itachi Uchiha’s face was grim. He couldn’t understand why Raijin, who clearly had the power to kill him, would let him go back to report to Danzo.

But the power Raijin had displayed far exceeded his expectations.

Such strength was unlike anything he had ever encountered. If he hadn’t seen that Raijin still had three tomoe in his Sharingan, he might have believed that the man had awakened the Mangekyō.

Now, with a Mangekyō user at Raijin's side, there was likely no one who could stop him—except maybe Shisui.

After thinking it over, Itachi made up his mind.

"I'll report back. I'll tell Lord Danzo everything that happened today."

The Root ninja, saved by Itachi, showed no gratitude.

He simply got up coldly and hurried back to the Root base.

They had not only lost a Wood Release user on this mission but had also allowed the Uchiha clan to gain a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan.

Such an outcome was unacceptable to them.

"Understood!"

Itachi responded in a deep voice, following behind the ninja.

His mind was preoccupied with the abilities of Izumi Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan.

Only with sufficient information could he attempt to find a weakness in her technique.

As for why Izumi Uchiha awakened her Mangekyō—it didn't really matter.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 38: I Dare to Cremate Even the Hokage!

Itachi and Shisui looked at Itsuki with blank expressions. They didn't know how to respond to his words.

Say it's wrong?

That wouldn't do!

Just like Itsuki said, if someone doesn't have the fate to be Hokage, you can't deny them the right to dream, can you?

Wouldn't that be too overbearing?

Say it's right...

It felt like Itsuki might just drag the Hokage over for a cremation tomorrow.

A scene involuntarily appeared in their minds: Itsuki running up to the Hokage and saying, "I opened a shop, why don't you try getting cremated once, just as a favor, consider it supporting my business."

Ugh!

An illusion!

It must be an illusion!

"Judging by your expressions, you must agree with me, right?"

Itsuki looked at Itachi and Shisui with satisfaction, pulled them along, and said enthusiastically, "Come, come, come, let me explain in detail. Even if you don't need it yourselves, you have relatives, right? Friends, right? If not, enemies will do, right? Who knows, someone might just have the idea and need it someday."

"And, you and your friends and family, if you don't use it today, will you use it tomorrow? If not tomorrow, the day after? There will always be a day you need it, right?"

"Get off!"

Shisui shook off Itsuki's hand and said angrily, "Stop messing around, we have serious business."

"Messing around?"

Itsuki was furious, pointing at the cremation shop, "Do you know how much money I invested in this thing? A whole ten million ryo! I put all the money Shisui saved with me into this. If this doesn't make money, Shisui will lose everything."

"You actually say I'm messing around? What are you thinking? Are you deliberately trying to make me lose money?"

Shisui: "..."

Although I don't care about money, hearing your righteous words, I really want to smack you!

"Itsuki, we really have something important to discuss."

Itachi said calmly.

Itsuki glanced at him and chuckled, "Not bad, not even calling me 'brother' anymore, have you grown up? Alright, come in, let's talk in the meeting room."

After saying that, Itsuki led the two into the meeting room at the back.

Kurenai watched from behind with an indescribable expression.

So, that was the meeting room?

Itachi and Shisui walked into the meeting room and immediately had the urge to burn everything down with Fire Style.

To put it bluntly!

There were no chairs, only coffins.

Four coffins, arranged in a cross shape.

The table in the middle was a large coffin.

Do you have a grudge against coffins?

Or, this wasn't a meeting room, but a storage room.

Specifically for storing coffins.

But the arrangement wasn't right either!

The room was slightly dim, with a few candles burning, and the flames were actually green.

This room was full of special effects.

"Sit anywhere you like!"

Itsuki threw out a sentence, plopped down on a coffin, crossed his legs, and looked lazy.

Itachi and Shisui looked at each other.

Shisui: "Are you sure this guy can give you the answer and show you the way?"

Itachi: "I was very sure just now, but not anymore."

Shisui: "You were actually sure at some point?"

Itachi: "My brain must have been misfiring."

"Speak up!" Itsuki raised an eyebrow and said dissatisfiedly, "Hurry up, don't delay my business, I'm busy!"

Shisui sighed and said, "Itsuki, I beg you to stop being busy, if your business gets busy, something big will happen."

"Ahem!"

Itachi coughed, interrupting, "Itsuki, I want to become the clan leader, tell me, what should I do?"

Itsuki answered without hesitation, "Kill your dad!"

Shisui: "..."

"Itsuki... brother!"

Itachi couldn't hold it in anymore and added the word 'brother' back.

"Am I wrong?"

Itsuki looked at Itachi with a strange expression, "Your dad seems to haven't even celebrated his fortieth birthday today, he's at the peak of a ninja's state, if you want to become the clan leader, isn't the first step to get rid of him?"

Itachi: "... Is there a way to not kill him?"

Itsuki stroked his chin and muttered, "Make him voluntarily step down? But your dad is an Uchiha clan leader with ideals and ambitions, he's at his peak, and he hasn't achieved anything yet. You want him to step down, that's too difficult, just kill him. Don't feel pressured, it's not your first time, practice makes perfect."

"What do you mean it's not my first time?"

Itachi was even more speechless. Had he already killed his dad?

Would he come back to life?

"Brother Itsuki, help me think of a way, I really want to help the Uchiha, I want the Uchiha to integrate into Konoha."

Itachi's expression was serious.

Itsuki looked at Itachi.

Smiling on the surface, but cursing inwardly!

Integrate into Konoha?

That damn phrase again, integrate into Konoha?

He just couldn't understand these ninjas.

How was Konoha founded?

The Uchiha and their followers, together with the Senju and their followers, jointly created Konoha.

It could be said that Konoha's creation was centered around these two pillars, gradually taking shape.

Now, one pillar had completely integrated into Konoha and disappeared.

Yet these ninjas were still working hard to make the other pillar disappear as well.

He really couldn't understand!

Did the Uchiha owe them anything?

Itsuki's eyes turned cold.

The Senju integrating into Konoha, that was fine, it was the will of their leader, Tobirama Senju.

But the Uchiha didn't want to!

That's why there was so much malice, so much obstruction!

Why?

Who did they think they were!

Shisui and Itachi looked around.

Was it an illusion?

Why did the temperature in the room suddenly drop?

"Phew!"

Itsuki exhaled and said in a deep voice, "Itachi, no matter how hard you try now, you can't become the clan leader. Your dad is doing a good job, he has no reason to step down, even if that person is his son."

"So, don't hesitate, just do it, cut ties, kill your dad..."

Itsuki didn't continue.

Because, in front of him, Itachi had already revealed his Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Brother Itsuki, you should have felt it, just like your Mangekyo Sharingan, I also have Mangekyo Sharingan now."

Itachi's voice was calm, but the pride in it couldn't be concealed.

"As the third pair of Mangekyo Sharingan in the clan, and the only one at the moment, I think I'm qualified to run for clan leader."

"Sigh!"

Itsuki sighed faintly and said, "Itachi, you've really grown up!"

"... Brother Itsuki, you're only two years older than me."

"Alright!" Itsuki clapped his hands and said, "Since you, Itachi, have such determination, I'll give you a hand. If clan leader is impossible, you can become the deputy clan leader first and get involved in the clan's management, how about that?"

Can it be done like this?

Both Itachi and Shisui were stunned.

"Is, is this for real?" Shisui was dumbfounded, "Itsuki, do you have that much power? Deputy... deputy clan leader?"

Where did this deputy clan leader come from?

Never heard of it before.

"You can tell what it means just by the name, deputy clan leader." Itsuki said with a smile, "Itachi, I'm very optimistic about you, good luck!"

"Snap!"

Itsuki snapped his fingers, and two people appeared in front of him.

"Mokujin?"

"Nanto?"

Seeing the two, Itachi and Shisui's expressions became serious.

These two were also very strong Jonin, and judging by their attitude, they were actually Itsuki's subordinates.

This reminded Shisui of Itsuki's claim that he was the fourth most important person in the Uchiha.

At the same time, he felt a sense of unease.

What exactly was Itsuki trying to do?

He always felt that there was a madness brewing within him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 39: Itsuki's Regret

"Boss!"

The two addressed Itsuki.

"Bo, Boss?"

"Yes!" Itsuki said with a grin, "These two are employees in my shop, I pay them wages, we don't do shady business."

Itachi and Shisui fell silent once again.

You're amazing!

You use Jonin as employees!

Damn, the entire Uchiha clan only has about thirty Jonin, and the entire Konoha only has over three hundred.

In the whole of Konoha, which shop uses Jonin as employees?

They're the village's elite, meant for A-rank and even S-rank missions.

Unknowingly, he showed off.

Itsuki asked, "Where's the clan leader?"

"At home!" Nanto replied, "Elder Satana is also there, the two of them should be discussing something."

"Oh!"

Itsuki nodded and said, "Both of them are there, just right, I'll go over too."

"Brother Itsuki!"

Hearing that Fugaku and Satana were together, Itachi's expression tightened.

"Itachi, you don't need to go, help me watch the shop. If a customer comes, just cremate them directly, no, ask them how they want to be cremated."

Itsuki got carried away and spoke his mind. Seeing everyone's silent expressions, he quickly waved his hand and said, "I'll go confirm your position as deputy clan leader, don't worry, I'm sure of it. But, Itachi, I hope you can promise me one thing."

His expression became serious.

Itachi looked slightly nervous and said, "Tell me!"

"Since you've already decided to change the relationship between the village and the clan, I hope you won't have any prejudice after becoming the deputy clan leader."

Itsuki looked at Itachi seriously, "Don't have any preconceived notions about people and things, face them with a fair and impartial attitude."

Itachi smiled slightly, about to speak, but Itsuki continued.

"For example, your dad, although he has fierce eyes and doesn't look like a good person, in reality, he's not that bad."

"Therefore, you absolutely cannot learn from others and judge people by their appearance, otherwise, your dad would have been killed several times already."

Shisui rolled his eyes, wanting to slap him.

If you can be serious for three sentences, I'll lose!

"What?" Itsuki said unhappily, "Am I wrong?"

Itachi was silent for a moment and said, "I'll try my best!"

"Hmm!"

Itsuki nodded in satisfaction, about to go out, when the bell hanging on the door rang.

"Welcome!"

Itsuki didn't even have time to turn his head, he opened his mouth and said, "Does the customer want to cremate their friends and family, themselves, or their enemies? Different people have different prices."

"We have five levels, the lowest is ordinary people, and the highest is Hokage level, which guarantees a Hokage-like treatment, allowing you to die with a smile. May I ask which level the customer..."

Itsuki looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a dark expression and said, "...wants to try personally?"

The Third Hokage's face twitched, he took a deep breath, and tried to soften his voice as much as possible, "Itsuki, you're fooling around again, opening a cremation shop? If your grandfather Kagami knew, who knows how angry he would be?"

These words were just short of saying, can you be a normal ninja for a few days?

"He would indeed be angry!"

Itsuki nodded repeatedly, "He didn't even have a body left when he died. If he knew his grandson opened a cremation shop, he would definitely be angry that he didn't get to enjoy it."

The Third Hokage: "..."

Itsuki looked at the Third Hokage and said, "Hokage-sama coming here, could it be to book for Danzo? Cremating Danzo, I'm afraid I'll have to pay out of my own pocket! No? Then is it Elder Mitokado or Elder Utatane? I can only give them a discount! Still no? It can't be yourself, right? Has Hokage-sama grown tired of living?"

The Third Hokage said faintly, "Is it possible that I just want to see my old friend's grandson?"

Itsuki also said faintly, "Just based on how Shisui and I look now, have you thought about what to say to my grandpa when you see him down there, Third Hokage?"

The Third Hokage looked at Itsuki with bandages on his face, then at Shisui who came out of the meeting room, speechless.

"Hokage-sama!"

Shisui and Itachi bowed respectfully at the same time.

"Hmm!"

The Hokage nodded slightly, looking at the two, his heart finally felt a bit like he was the Hokage.

There was no other way, the Hokage position had too little presence in front of Itsuki.

Think about the tormented Danzo.

How could he, the Hokage, be any better?

Itsuki's pranks were far more powerful than Naruto's.

Naruto only made people feel disgusted, but Itsuki was trying to kill people.

You couldn't just kill a child because of some pranks, right?

Moreover!

Itsuki's identity was sensitive.

Not long ago, the scene of Itsuki fighting Danzo and killing over ten Root ninjas on the spot also made the Third Hokage wary.

He couldn't help but be cautious of Itsuki's strength.

"Why are you two here?"

"This..."

Shisui was about to speak, but Itachi spoke first.

"Hokage-sama, Brother Itsuki opened this... shop, we came to take a look."

His expression was somewhat indescribable.

The Hokage didn't suspect anything, but because of Itachi's expression, he understood a lot.

After hearing that Itsuki opened such a thing, his jaw almost dropped.

This child, was he stimulated?

They even specifically called Danzo out of confinement to discuss it together.

The result was, of course, Danzo yelling and screaming: This evil Uchiha, he must have a trick up his sleeve.

In the end!

The Third Hokage decided to come and see for himself.

Who knew, as soon as he entered the door, Itsuki wanted to cremate him.

Even the experienced Third Hokage almost couldn't hold it in.

"Sigh!"

The Third Hokage sighed and said, "Itsuki, you are an excellent ninja with the potential to become Hokage, I hope you can focus a bit more, even if it's for your deceased grandfather, Kagami!"

"Sigh, my grandpa died so miserably, there wasn't even a body left."

Itsuki sighed and said, "Otherwise, using my grandpa's body as the shop's opening ceremony would definitely be meaningful."

"And, grandpa would definitely bless my business to prosper and cremate the entire ninja world!"

The Third Hokage: "..."

You truly are a filial grandson!

Itachi: "..."

Brother Itsuki, you've put so much effort into this shop!

And your ambition is quite grand.

Shisui: "..."

I really want to hit him!

As Itsuki expressed his regret at not being able to cremate Kagami, Kurenai walked in with tea.

She elegantly poured tea for the Third Hokage.

Seeing Kurenai Yuhi, the Third Hokage's eyebrows twitched again.

This was the daughter-in-law he had his eye on, but Itsuki had snatched her away.

Damn it, he moved so fast.

It was said that Itsuki had been sleeping at Kurenai's house these days, and the two of them should have made substantial progress.

Otherwise, the Third Hokage wouldn't have allowed them to be together no matter what.

How many connections did Kurenai Yuhi's father leave behind?

How many people in Konoha owed him favors?

Kurenai herself was also outstanding among kunoichi, becoming a Jonin was only a matter of time.

In the end, Itsuki got all the benefits!

The Third Hokage, feeling more and more heartbroken, drank a cup of tea and turned to leave.

Itsuki also hurriedly went to find Fugaku and Satana.

It was just right that the two were together, saving him the trouble of having to see them separately.

As he approached Fugaku's house, Satana happened to be coming out.

Without saying a word, Itsuki pulled Satana back into Fugaku's house and then let out a howl.

"Clan leader, I'm here to warn you, your son wants to kill you, watch your back!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 40: Itsuki vs Fugaku

Fugaku's house.

Uchiha Fugaku had just sent Setsuna away and brewed another cup of tea, taking a comfortable sip.

Talking to that old fox Setsuna was no easy task.

This old man who had followed Uchiha Madara and survived Senju Tobirama was a deep thinker.

Fugaku had to be cautious; one misstep could lead to being buried by him.

Now that Setsuna was gone, Fugaku breathed a sigh of relief.

But then,

A howl came, and Fugaku's eyes widened.

Immediately after, hearing Itsuki's words, he couldn't hold back anymore.

He spat out his tea, stood up angrily, and strode out.

As the clan head, Uchiha Fugaku's residence might not be the best in the Uchiha compound, but it definitely had the best environment.

It was extremely serene.

Usually, people passing by would subconsciously lower their voices.

Uchiha Mikoto was also a quiet person.

The servants followed suit.

Therefore, Itsuki's howl was particularly jarring.

So much so that Fugaku couldn't even process it.

As for the meaning behind Itsuki's words... Itachi wanted to kill him.

Haha!

If I believed that, I'd be a fool.

That's my son!

"Itsuki, can't you just settle down for a few days!"

Fugaku opened the door and shouted angrily at Itsuki, "Can't you just take pity on us, please?"

Setsuna remained expressionless.

Good heavens!

Those words seem angry, but why does it feel like he's showing weakness?

If you have the ability, why don't you say you'll discipline him?

Moreover...

Setsuna stared at Itsuki.

This little guy with bandages on his face had just attacked him directly, restrained him, and brought him here.

Although he was old and his strength was declining, he was still among the top in the Uchiha clan.

Yet, he was easily subdued by Itsuki.

Just how strong was he?

"Clan leader, the information I got is absolutely true!" Itsuki patted his chest, assuring him, "Itachi really has ill intentions towards you."

Fugaku sneered, "Where did you get such 'accurate' information? Haha, my son wants to kill me?"

"Don't you dare not believe it!" Itsuki said urgently, "Clan leader, you have no idea how much effort I put in to persuade Itachi to nod and personally take action against you."

"If we don't hurry, I'm worried Itachi will change his mind."

Fugaku: "..."

Setsuna: "..."

"Phew!"

Fugaku took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, "Itsuki, come with me!"

Damn it, I can't take it anymore!

"What for?" Itsuki asked in surprise, "Clan leader, I came here to tell you such a big secret, hoping to make a deal with you. My time is precious, you know, my shop is booming, and there are quite a few customers."

What booming shop!

Does anyone in the entire Konoha wish for your shop to prosper?

Well, the other four ninja villages outside Konoha probably do.

Fugaku said coldly, "Let's have a spar at the inner lake. If you can beat me, I'll agree to all your requests. If you can't, hehe!"

I'll beat you up so badly, I won't feel any better otherwise.

As for the requests... Will I lose?

Even if there's a slight chance, there's no proof in words.

"Really? That simple?" Itsuki was astonished. "Just beat you? That's as easy as writing the number 'one'."

Fugaku felt his fists hardening.

He snorted and turned to leave.

Only a cold sentence lingered in the air.

"Itsuki, I am the clan leader!"

"Hmph, Fugaku, you'll regret this."

Agreeing so readily, he's too confident in himself.

Being the clan leader doesn't mean being the strongest!

Itsuki turned his head, looked at Setsuna, and said with a smile, "Elder, how about being a witness?"

"Sure!"

Setsuna readily agreed.

Fugaku versus Itsuki!

He really wanted to see the strength of these two.

Together, they walked towards the inner lake.

On the way.

"Itsuki, how are your eyes?"

Setsuna inquired.

"Very good! They suit me perfectly." Itsuki replied with a grin. "Elder Setsuna, you can keep the pair of eyes you have. It's best if you use them yourself. I think you're the most suitable candidate."

"Me?" Setsuna became interested. "You want me to use these eyes? Aren't you worried? Uchiha Setsuna is a dangerous figure, that's common knowledge in Konoha."

"Exactly!"

Itsuki smiled. "Elder Setsuna, don't you think the more the Third Hokage and the others oppose something, the more we should support it?"

Setsuna was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Those words made perfect sense.

Uchiha Itsuki, this guy was truly different from other Uchiha.

It was worth all the preparations he had made to win him over.

The inner lake!

It was a large lake within the Uchiha clan's compound.

Many Uchiha Jonin would choose to train powerful ninjutsu or spar with each other here.

Fugaku, with a gloomy expression, walked step by step into the inner lake, standing on the water's surface.

Itsuki followed closely behind him with a smile.

When Fugaku turned around, he saw Itsuki less than a meter away from him.

"...What are you doing so close?"

"...What are you doing so close?"

They spoke simultaneously.

The anger in Fugaku's eyes intensified.

Good heavens!

Using the Sharingan's copying and prediction abilities here?

You haven't fully adapted to those transplanted eyes yet, have you?

"Snap!"

Fugaku quickly formed hand seals: "Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique!"

At the same time, Itsuki made the same movements.

Apart from their height and physique, their actions were strikingly similar.

Like a person facing a mirror.

"Boom!"

Two Grand Fireballs were unleashed, colliding with each other.

At this moment, the difference became apparent.

Fugaku had never underestimated Itsuki, so he used his full power from the start.

Judging by Itsuki's recent feat of defeating over ten Root ninjas, even with his full strength, Fugaku might not win. Naturally, there was no room for holding back in this fight.

But!

He still underestimated Itsuki!

The fireball he released had a diameter of over twenty meters.

However!

The fireball Itsuki released had a diameter of nearly fifty meters.

The size difference was more than double!

As a result, Fugaku's fireball was directly shattered.

"How is this possible?"

Fugaku's expression turned grave as his figure was engulfed by Itsuki's fireball.

"Bang!"

White smoke rose, leaving only a wooden block in its place.

Substitution Jutsu!

Reappearing behind Itsuki, Fugaku had already moved.

Three kunai flew from his hand.

"Thud! Thud! Thud!"

The kunai accurately pierced Itsuki's back.

The next moment!

"Splash!"

Itsuki's body turned into water.

"Water Clone Jutsu?"

Fugaku was stunned.

"Where is he?"

He looked around, but Itsuki was nowhere to be found.

Setsuna, who had been watching from the shore, couldn't hold back anymore and shouted, "Fugaku, after so long without fighting, have you become so slow? He's not on the surface, he's underwater!"

As he finished speaking, a hand emerged from the water, reaching for Fugaku.

(End of this chapter)