Lord of Entertainment Side Story C1: Ghost of Konoha

Author's Note:
This is a side story and is separate from the main arc. I wasn’t originally planning to update this storyline anytime soon, but I decided to explore Arthur’s journey in the Naruto world in more depth. These chapters focus on his progress in that fictional realm.

Don’t worry—two main chapters of Lord of Entertainment will be released in the next update.

The side stories of this novel are exclusively available here on Patreon.

---

(3rd Person POV)

The sun filtered gently through the trees, casting golden beams over the vibrant greenery. Birds chirped in the distance, and the streets of Konoha buzzed with life.

Vendors shouted from the markets. Children laughed and darted through alleys. It was a good day—calm, cheerful.

Inside the Hokage’s office, Tsunade stood near the window, arms folded, eyes fixed on the peaceful village below. A soft smile touched her lips.

‘So quiet… so calm. I hope it stays like this for a little longer,’ she thought. Then her gaze darkened. ‘With everything happening lately... it almost feels too quiet.’

Too much had changed over the past few years.

Sasuke had gone rogue, consumed by the hunger for power. Naruto had fought him at the Valley of the End—and lost.

And as if Orochimaru wasn’t enough of a problem, another threat loomed: Akatsuki. A shadowy organization—dangerous, elusive, and deadly.

Just then, the door creaked open.

A woman entered—black hair tied in a neat bun, eyes calm but alert. She wore a medic-nin uniform, the sleeves of her coat spotless despite the morning bustle. Shizune.

“Lady Tsunade,” she greeted, offering a small bow. She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a folded flyer. “There’s something I thought you’d want to see.”

Tsunade turned with a raised eyebrow, taking the paper. “What is it now?”

She unfolded it—and blinked.

“A… movie?”

The flyer featured a masked shinobi dressed in a sleek, black cloak. His mask was stark white, etched with crimson streaks shaped like a perpetual grin. Behind him, the Hokage Monument loomed—its faces obscured in smudged ink. The title stretched across the bottom in bold brushstroke letters:

“Vendetta.”

Shizune nodded. “Yes. It’s being promoted around the village.”

Tsunade frowned, unimpressed. “You’re showing me movie posters now? We’re a little busy with real-world threats, Shizune.”

Shizune gave a faint smile. “I thought it was worth your attention... because it was made by Arthur Uchiha.”

Tsunade’s expression changed in an instant.

“Arthur Uchiha?!”

Shizune nodded again. “The one and only. The genius from Team 8. The same shinobi who went solo on high-risk missions… and the reason we even have Intel on Akatsuki’s movements.”

Tsunade looked back at the flyer, this time with genuine interest. “He’s making movies now?”

“He started a studio—‘Hellfire Production,’” Shizune explained. “Apparently, he poured a fortune into making this. The villagers are already talking. Posters have started appearing, and the buzz is growing.”

Tsunade tapped the edge of the flyer thoughtfully. “Vendetta, huh… What’s it even about?”

She couldn’t help the flicker of curiosity rising in her chest. Arthur had disappeared for months, turning down every summons. She assumed he was working on something strange—but this? A film?

Now she wanted to know what this so-called genius had created…

---

Around the village, Hellfire’s paid staff moved swiftly—plastering posters across walls, market stalls, and even street corners. It didn’t take long for curious eyes to notice.

Villagers began gathering near the newly posted flyers. Just the image alone was enough to stir attention.

“A movie poster?” someone muttered, stepping closer.

“I didn’t know a new film was coming out…”

The poster showed a tall, masked shinobi clad in a long black cloak. His face was hidden behind a white mask marked with red, resembling a grinning oni. Behind him, the Hokage Monument loomed—but its carved faces were smeared in heavy ink.

Beside the image, a block of text caught their attention.

“In a distant land beyond the Five Great Nations, a gifted young ninja is raised in secrecy after the fall of his clan—slain not by enemies, but by a hidden decree from his own leaders. Alone and scarred, he walks a path between light and vengeance, haunted by the ghost of justice.”

Eyebrows raised.

“This isn’t like the usual hero stuff,” one man said, folding his arms. “The main character’s out for revenge?”

“Sounds dark,” another murmured. “But interesting. I kinda want to see how it ends.”

“Just reading it made me curious,” a woman added. “Whoever wrote this knew what they were doing.”

In Konoha, entertainment flourished more than in most other villages. With a thriving economy and steady peace, people had the luxury of indulging in novels, magazines, television… and of course, movies.

But it wasn’t just the synopsis that grabbed them.

One villager’s voice rose above the murmur.

“Wait… look at the bottom. Directed by—Arthur Uchiha?!”

“No way—the Arthur Uchiha? The Uchiha Genius?”

“Seriously?!”

The small group quickly grew into a crowd.

Dozens gathered around the posters, murmuring excitedly. Some even pulled out notebooks to jot the release date down.

Word began to spread like wildfire across the village: a movie was coming… and it was directed by him.

Arthur Uchiha.

That alone turned curiosity into anticipation.

---

A few days had passed since the Vendetta posters went up. Hype had built steadily, and tonight, it was finally set to screen in Konoha’s village theatre.

Meanwhile, outside the village gates—dust swirling softly in the breeze—two figures appeared.

“I’m back,” Naruto grinned, stepping into familiar soil after two and a half years. Beside him walked his mentor, Jiraiya.

“Back home at last,” Jiraiya muttered, hands in his pockets. “Try not to blow it up this time.”

Naruto laughed. “C’mon, Ero-sennin! I’m not a kid anymore.”

He glanced around with a smile. The thought of seeing Sakura, Konohamaru, Kakashi—and even the Old Man’s memorial—warmed his chest.

But his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

‘Arthur… I heard he became something else while I was gone. They said he was the reason we even knew about the Akatsuki’s movements. And during the attack when the Third…’

His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet voice.

“It’s been a while, Naruto.”

Naruto froze mid-step. Jiraiya’s expression shifted immediately, eyes scanning the area.

They turned—and saw him.

Leaning casually against a tree near the gate, shrouded by a dark cloak, stood a tall young man with half his face covered by his hood and shadow.

Arthur Uchiha.

Jiraiya narrowed his eyes. ‘I didn’t even sense him… Not a single trace of chakra.’

Naruto blinked. “Arthur?!”

Jiraiya gave a small, impressed chuckle. “As expected of the Ghost of Konoha. That title suits you more than ever.”

Naruto grinned. “Told you, Ero-sennin! Arthur’s always been just as talented as Sasuke. Maybe even more.”

Arthur stepped forward, lips curving into a faint smile. “Ghost of Konoha, huh?” he said with amusement. “Funny title. I’m not dead, you know.”

Jiraiya chuckled. “It’s because of your stealth. You come and go like fog… even someone like me doesn’t notice you slipping in.”

Arthur shrugged lightly. “Habit.”

Naruto scratched the back of his head, grinning wide. “Still, it’s awesome seeing you again! I heard you’ve been doing some crazy missions lately—and finishing them alone?”

Jiraiya’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. ‘That reminds me of someone…’ he thought, glancing at Arthur with a faint smirk. ‘Just like a young Kakashi.’

Arthur chuckled. “They weren’t that crazy. Just a few simple missions. Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Then his tone shifted, more casual. “Anyway—welcome back to the village. I’ve got something to show you… if you’re interested.”

“Oh?” Naruto’s brows lifted in curiosity.

Arthur reached into his cloak and handed each of them a small rectangular card. “Here. Take this.”

Naruto tilted his head, examining it. “What’s this?”

“A ticket,” Arthur said plainly. “To my movie screening.”

Both Naruto and Jiraiya froze.

“Wha—? A movie screening?!” Naruto nearly dropped the ticket. “Wait, wait—don’t tell me… you’ve become an actor?!”

Jiraiya burst out laughing. “What’s next? A singing Uchiha with backup dancers?!”

Arthur smirked, amused. “Relax. I’m not acting in it. I directed it.”

“You… directed a movie?” Naruto blinked, stunned.

Arthur nodded. “I started a studio. Called it Hellfire. The film’s titled Vendetta. It’s screening tonight. You should check it out.”

Before either of them could respond further—Arthur vanished.

Poof. Gone. No sound, no chakra signature, no trace.

“Huh?!” Naruto and Jiraiya spun around, eyes darting in every direction. “Where’d he go?!”

“Not even a flicker of movement,” Jiraiya muttered, scanning the area. He scratched his chin, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Incredible… He can come and go without leaving a single trace. That level of stealth is no joke.”

Naruto nodded slowly, eyes still scanning the empty space Arthur had vanished from. “Back when Orochimaru attacked the village…” He paused, his voice tightening just a bit. “…when the Third… when the Old Man was killed…” His hands curled slightly. “Arthur showed power I didn’t even know he had.”

Jiraiya's expression grew more serious. ‘Could it be… related to his eyes?’ he wondered silently. ‘The Uchiha eyes... but different somehow.’

His gaze lingered on the spot where Arthur vanished, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his eyes.

“Looks like the Ghost of Konoha is more than just a nickname,” he murmured.

~~~

After returning to the village, Naruto spent the day reconnecting with familiar faces.

His first stop was Konohamaru, who practically tackled him in excitement. “Boss! You’re finally back!” he shouted, grinning from ear to ear.

Then came Sakura, who gave him a quick once-over—equal parts glad and annoyed. “You’ve gotten taller… but I swear, if you act like an idiot again, I won’t go easy on you.”

Kakashi was the same as always—calm, unreadable, and unapologetically late. He greeted Naruto with a lazy eye-smile. “You’ve grown up. I was starting to think Jiraiya had lost you somewhere.”

Despite the years apart, everything still felt strangely familiar. Like coming home after a long dream.

—

Later that night, Naruto walked through the lamp-lit streets of Konoha, ticket in hand. Jiraiya strolled beside him, hands tucked inside his cloak.

“I didn’t think you’d actually be curious about watching a movie,” Naruto said, raising a brow.

“Hey,” Jiraiya shrugged, “I got a free ticket—might as well enjoy the perks. And besides…” He gave a small smirk. “I want to see what kind of film that Arthur kid managed to pull off.”

As they turned the corner near the village theatre, they both stopped in their tracks.

A crowd had gathered—more than they expected. The area was packed with chattering villagers and shinobi, all waiting in line or mingling around the lit-up theatre.

Naruto blinked. “Whoa… this many people showed up?”

Jiraiya whistled. “Looks like he’s got some serious pull.”

Naruto scanned the crowd—and spotted familiar faces. Sakura was already waiting near the entrance. Tsunade stood beside her, arms crossed, clearly curious but trying not to show it. Konohamaru bounced excitedly nearby.

Further back, Kakashi stood reading a flyer, acting as if he just happened to wander in.

Naruto also spotted members of Team 8—Hinata standing quietly beside Shino, who adjusted his glasses as they approached. Not far behind them was Kiba, Akamaru wagging his tail.

Naruto waved. “Hey! You guys came too?”

Hinata gave a soft nod. “Arthur’s our teammate. We wanted to support him.”

“Yeah,” Shino added, his voice calm. “It’s not every day your squadmate directs a film.”

Kiba grinned. “I heard there’s action in it. I’m not missing that.”

Even Choji and Ino were nearby, chatting as they held snacks. It seemed half the village had turned up.

Naruto turned to Kakashi. “What about you, Kakashi-sensei? You came to support Arthur too?”

Kakashi didn’t look up from the flyer. “Oh… I just followed the smell of popcorn.”

Naruto sighed. “Figures.”

But he let it go with a smile.

As they entered the theatre together, Naruto looked down at his ticket one more time and whispered, “Let’s see what you made, Arthur.”

They stepped into the packed theatre. The air buzzed with excitement and hushed speculation.

Naruto sat beside Jiraiya near the center. Around them, familiar faces took their seats—Sakura a few rows ahead, Konohamaru with a tub of popcorn, Hinata and Shino sitting quietly together, and even Tsunade seated near the front in a reserved row.

Murmurs filled the room—soft, but layered and constant. Everyone was curious. A movie made by the “Ghost of Konoha”? That alone was enough to fill every seat.

Then, the lights dimmed.

The chatter died instantly.

On the screen, a simple but bold title faded into view:

HELLFIRE PRODUCTION
— Directed by Arthur Uchiha —

The intro faded to black.

Then— the screen faded into the opening scene.

A torrential downpour swept over a dark, militarized village shrouded in mist. The landscape was eerily reminiscent of Konoha—but twisted. Bleaker. Harsher. Signs of surveillance and militaristic banners draped every building.

Text flashed briefly:

Kokurengan — Year 1234 Post-War

In the middle of a public square, a trembling merchant ninja—blindfolded and bound—was dragged up to a raised platform. Civilians stood around, umbrellas trembling in their hands, watching in fear.

The announcer shouted: “Guilty of hoarding forbidden jutsu scrolls—punishable by death!”

A masked enforcer raised his blade.

Gasps echoed among the onscreen crowd. Some turned away. Others just stared, hollow-eyed.

The sword fell.

The merchant’s body slumped to the floor, lifeless.

A hush fell over the fictional village—mirrored eerily by the silence in the real-life theatre.

Then a voice spoke.

Calm. Deep. Cold.

A man in regal armor, wearing a distinct forehead protector with no village symbol, stepped up to address the people. He bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain infamous elder from Konoha.

His name was revealed in text:

Lord Danzaki — Supreme Peacekeeper of Kokurengan

He raised a hand to silence the whispers.

And then… he spoke:

“Peace… is not a gift. It is a burden.
It must be paid for—bought with blood, loyalty, and control. In times of chaos, freedom is a luxury we cannot afford. Sacrifice is the price of harmony.
And as your leader, I will make sure we never stray again. One will. One voice. One future.”

The camera panned over the villagers—faces filled with confusion, grief, and resignation.

Then—

BOOM.

The title card appeared:

V.

•••

Jiraiya’s eyes had widened halfway through the speech.

‘That kid… he really went there.’ he thought, stunned. ‘He made a jab at that old snake, Danzo… right in the opening scene?’

He glanced sideways toward Tsunade.

She sat stone-still, hands folded, but her jaw was tight. Her eyes never left the screen—but Jiraiya could see it. She was rattled.

Meanwhile, Naruto watched on, captivated. So did the others—Sakura, Hinata, Konohamaru, even Kakashi.

But only a few in that theatre truly understood the weight behind that opening scene.

To Jiraiya and Tsunade, it wasn’t fiction.

Lord Danzaki was no character.

He was a shadow cast by the real man behind it all.

Danzo Shimura.