Naruto: Escape From Konoha-Chapter 291 - 284: Uchiha Night (2)

As dusk settled over the forest, a man donning an orange mask confronted Itachi, his laughter cutting through the air.

"See.. this is fate bringing us together, Itachi. Regardless of the outcome, you will stand by my side,"

Itachi raised his gaze to the self-proclaimed ’Madara.’ While suspecting the man’s true identity, the oppressive aura of superiority was unmistakable. The man wielded overwhelming power, particularly his Mangekyou Sharingan’s power which seemed related to space-time.

"Did you anticipate this situation?" Itachi asked.

"After the Uchiha lost me, isn’t it inevitable they would fall into such a state? Even Tobirama feared my power. Though I left, wariness towards the Uchiha clan persisted. His disciples who inherited his legacy would naturally aim to destroy the Uchiha," Madara stated calmly.

Itachi detected hatred in Madara’s tone. Not just resentment toward the Second Hokage Tobirama but also directed at the Uchiha Clan for following the Senju Clan’s will.

Itachi knew this man’s purpose aligned with his own. Sneaking into Konoha was a risky gambit to find an opportunity to strike against the Uchiha.

"Very well. I’ll act on the night of June 19th, but I request you promise me one condition.".Itachi declared with a flat tone carrying veiled threats.

"Conditions? Let’s hear it"

"I will help you get revenge on the Uchiha clan, but you must not attack Konoha or Sasuke,"

"What if I refuse?"

"In that case, I’ll relentlessly chase after you. Even if I can’t defeat you, trying to recruit me shows you need my abilities." tachi asserted with determination.

Madara chuckled.

"You really are a brat that can’t be underestimated, Itachi. You are right, I really need you to help me deal with someone."

"Who?" Itachi frowned.

"Uchiha Ruri."

"Why?"

Itachi sought clarification. Uchiha Ruri, like Madara, had betrayed the Uchiha clan and committed sins against Konoha. Itachi expected their collaboration, but Madara’s request to deal with Uchiha Ruri puzzled him.

Madara remained silent in response to Itachi’s question, opting to continue his speech: "Handling Uchiha Ruri could be beneficial for Konoha as well. Allowing such a dangerous and powerful rogue to row outside is like a thorn in Konoha’s side. I believe you are the best-suited individual to eliminate this threat."

"Yeah?"

Instead of taking matters into his own hands, Madara requested Itachi to undertake the task. Itachi began suspecting that Madara’s decision was due to his inability to confront Uchiha Ruri directly, thus necessitating the assistance of Itachi’s Sharingan.

Dealing with Sharingan was most effectively done by countering it with Sharingan.

Yet, Madara’s statement held truth. Among Konoha’s most-wanted criminals, Uchiha Ruri held a significant position within the S rank, alongside the powerful Sannin, Orochimaru, another dangerous figure of comparable stature.

Undoubtedly, somewhere at this very moment, she was orchestrating a secret and dangerous plan to retaliate against Konoha, aiming to overthrow the village’s rule.

As a member of Konoha, dealing with such a dangerous and rebellious force was imperative to ensure the village’s stability.

"I see. If you can agree to my condition, I will assist you in this joint operation."

Itachi nodded, consenting to Madara’s proposition.

Madara extended his hand.

"Then, here’s to a fruitful cooperation."

.....

June 19th, seven o’clock in the morning.

At the entrance, Itachi stood prepared for what lay ahead.

Today marked the day he embarked on a special mission, one destined to significantly impact his future. However, there was no turning back at this moment.

"Brother, wait for me after school this afternoon. Teach me how to use a shuriken,"

Sasuke’s voice echoed as Itachi was about to rise and head towards the door. Itachi turned, meeting Sasuke’s expectant gaze, and offered a helpless smile. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"I’ll be busy with my mission today. Let Father accompany you,"

"But..." Sasuke stepped forward to protest. Suddenly, a pain jolted him as Itachi’s fingers rested on his forehead, preventing the next words from escaping.

"Sorry, forgive me. Next time, Sasuke."

"Really, brother, you say that every time," Sasuke complained, looking aggrieved.

"This is also something that can’t be helped. However, starting today, you might not have free time,"

"I won’t believe your lies, brother. You lie to me every time. It was the same last time. You lied to me about going out with that girl, but it somehow made father angry."

Itachi fell silent for a while, then smiled, stood up, and walked out of the house.

...

"The direction of the wind really started to change drastically today..."

Rindo ventured into the forest, sensing the breath of the forest. In the calm air, a hidden fury permeated.

Then, a smile graced his face.

That meant today would be an import day, one worth remembering when Konoha’s Uchiha clan fell.

As a member of the Uchiha clan, Rindo didn’t harbor much humiliation. His temperament leaned towards peace, avoiding conflict. Perhaps from the beginning, he longed for an ordinary and stable life, disliking the chaos of fighting and killing.

Yet, following #lder Sora, he found himself entangled in shadowy dealings. Reflecting on it, he acknowledged a life filled with motivation.

Fortunately, his judgment proved correct, and the chosen date for action was June 19, the day before the coup to carry out the assassination.

This was the optimal moment to eradicate the entire Uchiha clan.

Because for the coup which will unfold the following day, clan members from the previous day would undoubtedly remain indoors to prepare themselves. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Since the coup will be taking place the next day, no one would expect the enemy to launch a targeted operation the day. If he were in their shoes, he would choose this time.

As soon as it became known that there were spies within the Uchiha clan, high-level officials would spare no Uchiha, and Rindo could easily gauge the mobilization situation within the clan.

Just as the actions of the Uchiha clan were under high-level supervision, the time when the high-level initiated it would undoubtedly be exposed to his eyes. Things were always relative.

The Uchiha still had many children in the ninja academy, and darkness would have fallen when they got home. To strike after seven o’clock in the evening was the exact timing.

After contemplating all the steps, Rindo left the forest; there was no need for further inquiry. He walked back to the cla, arriving at the agreed open space where a large group of Uchiha children awaited.

Rindo walked over, wearing a smile, and addressed the group of children not yet in school:

"Today, let’s play hide and seek."

...

"Itachi is prepared; you should go too, Ryoma. Bring Uchiha Sora here; I have questions for him."

In a chamber within the Root base, Danzo opened his keen eyes and addressed the man beside him.

Ryoma, nodded and inquired softly, "What about Uchiha Rindo?"

Danzo uttered, "Ox, Horse."

Danzo’s voice echoed, and two Root ninjas emerged from the shadows. Astonishingly, the scarlet three tomoe Sharingan was revealed through the eyeholes of their masks.

"For Uchiha Rindo, I entrust this task to you, a fellow clansman, to lead the team and deal with it. After the mission, you understand what needs to be done?" Danzo spoke in a resigned tone.

Ox and Horse nodded.

"Yes, Danzo-sama. After completing the mission, we will promptly return to the village to commit suicide. However, we hope to you keep our eyes and continue contributing to the village. Everything will be at the discretion of Danzo-sama," The two Root ninjas declared, kneeling on one knee with determination.

Much like Uchiha Itachi, they were Uchiha ninjas firmly aligned with the village, willing to sacrifice everything for Konoha.

Understanding the limitations of the clan, they deemed it meaningful to break away from their arrogant and pride style. With the impending annihilation of the Uchiha clan, they saw no reason to persist.

It was all for the Will of Fire and the village.

When they joined Root, they were prepared to lay down their lives. That day had finally arrived.

"I will honor your request."

"Thank you very much, Danzo-sama" Ox and Horse expressed their gratitude.

With a flicker, they left and embarked with a team of Root squad.

"Isn’t this incident causing too many sacrifices? If possible, Danzo-sama, I hope you spare Ox and Horse..." Ryoma couldn’t help but voice his concern.

Not everyone in the Uchiha clan opposed the village’s rule. Within the clan, there were ninjas like the Ox and Horse, willing to look beyond the clan’s interests for the sake of the village. They were the pillars the village truly needed. Such outstanding talents should not meet a premature end.

"Ryoma, this is their chosen path. I can only respect the ninja path they have chosen. They are Konoha ninjas who genuinely embody the Will of Fire. I will forever remember their contributions to Konoha, and the village will always acknowledge their selfless dedication..."

Danzo took a deep breath, closed his eyes slowly, and fell silent.

Ryoma sighed, nodded to Danzo, turned, and led the Root ninjas towards the Uchiha clan.

....

At seven o’clock, the sky was shrouded in darkness.

Itachi moved silently through the corridor, hearing the hum of conversation in a nearby room.

Beneath the lights, Uchiha Izumi was having dinner with her mother.

Itachi contemplated for a moment, deliberately kicking over a nearby trash can to create a loud noise.

"What’s that sound?" Izumi’s mother asked.

"I don’t know ," Izumi replied, shaking her head.

"Forget it, I’ll go outside and take a look."

Izumi’s mother stood up and headed towards the source of the sound. Upon reaching there, she encountered a pair of intensely scarlet eyes.

Seemingly alarmed by the noise of someone falling, Izumi suddenly panicked.

"Mother, how did you..."

As she reached the corridor, Izumi’s words abruptly ceased as she saw Itachi standing there with his Sharingan active. At Itachi’s feet, her mother trembled, ensnared in a genjutsu.

"Itachi-kun, why..."

Izumi couldn’t finish her words before she could finish speaking.

Itachi’s Sharingan underwent earth-shaking changes. The tomoe shape deviated from the norm, and the scarlet light turned even more ominous, becoming hideous and terrifying in the darkness.

Mangekyou Sharingan.

Izumi stood in the corridor, transformed into a puppet controlled by Itachi, her eyes glazed over.

In the genjutsu world, Itachi began outlining a beautiful future stroke by stroke. The Uchiha clan didn’t attempt to initiate a coup, Konoha thrived and stood strong, everything was peaceful and beautiful.

Itachi became Konoha’s outstanding jonin. Izumi followed suit, becoming a Chunin.

On a certain day, he presented a wedding ring to the troubled Izumi.

They got married.

They had children.

Their children lived in a peaceful environment from an early age, spared from the cruelty of war and the sounds of the battlefield.

Itachi painted a beautiful picture of everything.

Their children’s future unfolded towards hopeful horizons, tht grew into physically and mentally healthy people, becoming a notable figures in the village.

Izumi and Itachi aged together, and at seventy, Izumi fell ill. Beside the hospital bed, Itachi held Izumi’s hand, allowing her to peacefully pass away without regrets.

"....."

The genjutsu ended.

Izumi’s lifeless body fell cold to the ground, hair scattered like seaweed, eyes devoid of vitality and color.

Itachi closed his eyes in pain, blood flowing down from them, panting heavily.

This was truly... a heavy darkness...

Cursed fate...

Itachi bitterly thought.

Afterwards, he looked at Izumi’s mother still ensnared in the genjutsu, took a deep breath, drew his sword from behind, and stabbed it towards her heart.

Blood splattered on his face and clothes, his figure disappeared from the corridor, moving towards another location, continuing the hunt for the target.

.....

In a courtyard, only the sound of flowing water remained.

In the bedroom, an old man was about to turn off the lights when he suddenly turned his head and saw a small figure standing in the corner, holding a blood-stained sword, approaching with a murderous aura.

"...Itachi..?"

The old man narrowed his eyes.

Itachi emerged from the shadows and approached the old man.

This old man, Uchiha Sora, the former leader of the Uchiha Radical Faction. He had once generously educated Itachi for three days.

But regardless of the old man’s past glory, he would die here today.

Seeing Itachi’s cold and murderous expression, covered in blood alongside his sword, clothes, and face, Elder Sora, realizing he had killed many people before coming.

Elser Sora thought for a moment, as if he had figured something out.

"So that’s how it is. Tonight is the night those brats will wipe out the Uchiha."

This statement was made like an ordinary greeting, devoid of surprise, as if he had expected it.

Itachi paid no attention to Elder Sora’s ramblings, raised the sword in his hand, ready to strike.

"But you... can’t kill me."

After Elder Sora was resolute, he wore a peculiar smile, seemingly certain that Itachi wouldn’t kill him.

Itachi frowned, sensing something, and halted his sword mid-swing.

A man silently entered the room - Ryoma, Danzo’s right-hand.

"He’s been entrusted to me to deal with, Danzo-sama wants to question him personally. He’s to be taken away."

Upon hearing this, Itachi took a deep breath, turned around without hesitation, and left the room, giving Ryoma and Elder Sora their space.

After Itachi left, Elder Sora looked at Ryoma.

"The young brat from the Aburame coan has truly grown to be extraordinary."

"You’re joking. So, will you willingly follow me, or should I take you to see Danzo-sama?"

Ryoma asked, his nerves on edge. Even with an old man, one couldn’t afford to be careless. This old man had ruled Uchiha behind the scenes for nearly thirty years, turning it into an impenetrable fortress. Even if Danzo was hiding here, he still had to refer to himself as a junior.

"I’m old, and I dislike using my hands and feet. To let me witness the Uchiha clan vanishing from the world, that brat Danzo must have found me a place with beautiful mountains and rivers, so I can savor this grand drama for a long time. It’s quite something for him to spend so much on the remnants of my era."

Elder Sora sighed, picked up the crutch beside him, and followed the Ryoma without haste.

.....

Blood sprayed before his eyes.

No screams echoed, the marked targets all perished silently.

This was Itachi’s ultimate mercy to them.

As the targets dwindled one by one, only the last remained. Contemplating this, Itachi gripped his sword and returned home.

The dark sky revealed splashes of blood on some windows through the house lights.

Itachi rushed home, aiming to complete everything before Sasuke returned.

Arriving home swiftly, Itachi entered quietly.

In his thoughts, his parents would already be asleep at this hour. Allowing them to silently depart in their sweet sleep would end everything.

"Is that you, Itachi?"

The voice emerged unexpectedly, startling Itachi.

Locating the source, not in his parents’ bedroom, but in the vacant house at the corridor’s end, Itachi rushed desperately and opened the door.

To his surprise, his parents knelt on the floor with their backs turned.

Itachi walked silently behind them, his scarlet eyes fixed on the two figures, a sense of sadness welling up within him.

"Is it truly you..."

Fuyue sighed, laden with bitterness, as if lamenting some regret.

Itachi remained speechless.

"Perhaps, I was mistaken. I couldn’t lead a clan, didn’t know how to raise my children... It’s my fault that it’s come to this." Fuyue seemed to reach a certain realization.

"Father..."

"Now that you’ve chosen the village’s side, don’t hesitate any longer. Ninjas don’t have so many tears to shed."

"We’ve all made up our minds, Itachi. Since the clan’s destruction is inevitable, it’s a form of fortune that it’s done by our own kin."

Mikoto’s gentle and embracing voice resonated, causing Itachi’s hand, holding the sword, to tremble.

Itachi, who had made a decision, suddenly hesitated at this moment. He no longer knew whether his current actions were right or wrong.

"Do it, Itachi. Compared to our momentary pain, what you bear is true darkness. If you don’t do this, you won’t be able to live..."

Fuyue understood. If the mission failed, the village would demand the aftermath cleaning. They didn’t need a ninja already disloyal to the village.

Only by killing them and eliminating every Uchiha could Itachi qualify to live, even if surviving under the label of a rogue ninja. But as long as he could live, there remained hope.

"I’m sorry for you. I shouldn’t have use that method of education to mold you into a success. Your father and I have been failures in our lives. The only success..."

This meant that he successfully drew fire for others, playing his part as an abandoned child remarkably well.

Fuyue inwardly smiled bitterly.

The actual seeds were planted more than ten years ago in Konoha. Unfortunately, the understanding came too late. He couldn’t explain all this to Itachi. Once spoken, Itachi’s death would follow.

He was merely a child deliberately led astray. Everything seemed to follow his own will, but from the start to the end, he walked the path arranged by others.

Whether it was killing, targeting the clan, or pledging loyalty to the village, all occurred under the enemy’s guidance. Being a puppet didn’t matter; at least, one could live with naive illusions.

Contemplating this, a sudden sharp pain struck from behind. Fugaku coughed, blood streaming from his mouth, he fell to the ground with a smile.

In the haze of consciousness, he seemed to hear someone crying.

"Live well..."

Uttering this with all his strength, Fuyue breathed his last, and his body gradually cooled.

.....

Itachi lowered his head, gazing at his parents’ lifeless bodies on the ground, eyes staring blankly, tears welling im his eyes.

The malevolence on his sword intensified. There wasn’t much time for him to be sad and confused. Soon, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor, followed by the door swinging open.

"Father! Mother!"

It was Sasuke who had returned from the academy, shouting. Then, he witnessed the lifeless bodies of his parents lying in a pool of blood, eyes widening in horror.

Itachi emerged from the shadows, the scarlet Sharingan fixed on Sasuke, his blood-stained sword in hand. The tears on his face were already wiped dry. He had become cold and decisive.

"Brother, brother!? What’s happening? Why would Mother and Father..."

Kunai flew across, scratching Sasuke’s shoulder. Blood splattered as the kunai embedded deeply into the wall behind him.

Sasuke’s pupils shrank, his mind going blank, forgetting to shout.

"My foolish little brother..."

The cold words was like a merciless blade, piercing into Sasuke’s heart, nearly suffocating him.

"I’ll let you witness the truth..."

The Mangekyou Sharingan opened, and its terrifying power disregarded Sasuke’s fragile heart, flooding it with darkness.

Sasuke’s body stood fixed like a wooden stake, unable to move, only a horrifying cry of fear escaping his mouth.

Blood...

Father’s blood...

Mother’s blood...

The clan’s blood...

All splattering before his eyes...

The one wielding the slaughter blade was the target he had chased and longed for—Itachi.

Sasuke collapsed to the ground, only his face still directed at Itachi.

"Why... why?"

Sasuke collapsed to the ground, only his face still directed at Itachi.

"To measure my abilities."

"Measure? For that.. mother.. father... everyone...."

Sasuke forgot his fear, staring at Itachi with rage and. Even if he died, he wouldn’t succumb here.

"This is important."

"Are you joking?"

"It’s not a joke but a fact. I hope you’ll always hate me, loathe me, and ultimately remain determined to surpass me."

Itachi approached Sasuke, his scarlet eyes making Sasuke tremble.

Sharingan... not the tomoe... What is it?

"This is the Mangekyou Sharingan..." Seeing Sasuke’s confusion, Itachi said.

"Mangekyou Sharingan?"

Sasuke’s eyes were bewildered.

"Yes, these eyes can only be awakened by killing their loved one."

"!?"

"Do you recall anything?"

"Brother... did you kill Shisui-san?"

Sasuke recalled those people. They had once suspected Itachi of killing Shisui. At that time, he kept on believing his brother was framed.

"Yes. Thanks to him, these eyes were awakened."

How? Something.. so evil? Such eyes...Eyes obtained by killing loved ones and friends...Was it something to be proud and happy about?

Sasuke, lying on the ground, strained to look up at this unfamiliar Itachi before him. The gentle brother from his memories could not overlap at all with this person.

"In the meeting room of the main hall of Naka Shrine, under the seventh stone slab from the right, there are our clan secrets. Go there to find out... Besides, if you can also awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan,ç then there wil be three people who have awakened the eyes... No, four people."

Though Konoha speculated that Uchiha Ruri awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan, it hadn’t been confirmed. hiba Shiraishi and Hyuga Ayane had defected with Uchiha Ruri.

Compared to Hyuga Ayane, who occasionally worked in the ninja world, Chiba Shiraishi and Uchiha Ruri hadn’t shown any traces in over ten years. The Nine Tails Rebellion increased suspicion. Itachi had a new guess after meeting Uchiha Madara.

Perhaps Konoha’s deduction was wrong from the beginning.

But regardless, a genius known to the Uchiha clan over ten years ago, who defected, she fought against the Third Hokage, and she was able to calmly retreat. There was q high probability she had likely awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Otherwise, Uchiha Madara wouldn’t be afraid and needed his help. The road to protecting Konoha in the future would be even more challenging.

"Who... wants... to become like you, to gain such evil power..."

Despite Sasuke’s hateful words, Itachi ignored him, sheathed his sword, walking toward the door of the house.

"Still so stubborn. When you have the same eyes as mine, come to me again. Before that, you have to live in this world..."

....

The Third Hokage’s bedroom.

Hiruzen never fell asleep, adorned in the Hokage’s imperial robe, standing by the window, gazing at the full moon outside.

Shortly after, the sound of rushing air behind him signaled someone’s arrival.

"Itachi?"

"Yes."

The person behind replied.

"I didn’t expect you to be so audacious. Now that you’re an S-rank rogue ninja, your purpose for coming here is for... Sasuke?"

Hiruzen continued to contemplate the moon outside, feeling its melancholic light. Was his decision the right one? Confusion clouded his eyes.

"Yes."

"You don’t need to worry. As long as I’m here, no one will harm Sasuke. He will be treated like any other child in the village, receiving the best education Konoha offers. The Uchiha clan’s property will be in his name and will not be touched."

Itachi sighed in relief upon hearing Hiruzen’s assurance. The reason he refrained from joining Danzo was a lack of trust in his actions. While Danzo may act for Konoha’s benefit, he undoubtedly harboref selfish motives, like hos aspiration to become the Hokage.

The only person Itachi trustec now was the Third Hokage.

"Thank you."

"No. It should be me thanking you. I’m sorry I couldn’t prevent this. If I had figured out a solution earlier, things might not have unfolded this way..."

Hearing Hiruzen’s self-blame, Itachi found himself at a loss for words.

After a long while, Hiruzen composed himself and inquired, "Where do you plan to go next?"

"I’m heading to a mysterious organization. A mysterious person calling himself ’Madara’ invited me to join. There, I’ll act as Konoha’s eyes, monitoring everything."

"Okay..."

Itachi also harbored many undisclosed matters. Hiruzen wryly smiled internally. Perhaps they remained concealed until now to ensure Itachi could better care for Sasuke. It wasn’t disclosed until now, maybe it was to let him take better care of Sasuke.

"The organization’s name is still uncertain, but according to Madara, it has absorbed numerous dangerous S-rank rogue ninjas..."

This statement immediately changed Hiruzen’s expression. He thought of one thing - the organization Itachi will be joining was possibly the same mysterious one Jiraiya has been pursuing.

Seemingly aware of Hiruzen’s impending question, Itachi spoke directly:

"Orochimaru, I don’t know. But Madara said he hoped to use my power against Uchiha Ruri. It’s certain Uchiha Ruri didn’t join the organization after leaving Konoha, or Madara attempted to recruit her and faced rejection. As for the other two..."

Itachi was unaware if Chiba Shiraishi and Hyuga Ayane were part of the organization.

Hiruzen pondered for a moment and stated, "Since Uchiha Ruri isn’t part of that organization, then Chiba Shiraishi and Hyuga Ayane won’t be in the organization either. In White Fang team, they form a trinity. Formerly Konoha’s most compatible team partners, their strength peaks when together. Losing any of them causes a rift in the team. Itachi, if you encounter the three of them, avoid direct confrontation and you should focus on escaping."

"Yes."

"As for Orochimaru... Jiraiya has also investigated this organization. Orochimaru is part of them. His partner is a puppet master, equally formidable. Be extremely cautious within this organization."

"Is that so? I understand. I leave Sasuke in your care."

Itachi hadn’t anticipated that Jiraiya was already investigating this organization. It appeared the village was not oblivious to the looming threat. No wonder Jiraiya hadn’t returned for many years. He operated outside, assuming the role of Anbu, gathering information for Konoha.

Given this, did Tsunade who chose to stay away for an extended period, have a secret mission, preventing her return to the village? Considering this, Itachi sensed that Konoha had a chance of prevailing.

"Go. The code and route to enter the village won’t change. If you decide to return, you can visit Sasuke anytime."

Itachi didn’t respond; he vanished from behind Hiruzen.

...

"Uchiha clan... just vanished..."

The unfolding events appeared overly straightforward. Simplistic to the point of invoking ridicule in Rindo’s perception.

Launching a coup, the Uchiha underestimated the need for discreet timing, assuming it to be a straightforward endeavor. Did they truly believe a coup could unfold so effortlessly?

Rindo was certain the success of the the Mizukage Yagura’s coup in Kiri was rooted in meticulous planning over at least five years. The opposing faction clandestinely recruited numerous individuals and, after defeating the Blood Mist faction, seamlessly seized control of the village without facing opposition from the villagers.

Even if the Uchiha clan managed to assume power in Konoha, their lack of social integration within the village ensured their eventual downfall. Insufficient preparation, inadequate allies, and reliance solely on force to sustain their rule were manifestations of egregious arrogance and folly.

Casual remarks from Senju clan could hinder the Uchiha clan’s maneuverability in Konoha. This exemplified how powerful those ’people’ were. Behind the Senju Gate stood not only major ninja clans but countless individuals—the true wellspring of power for the Senju.

In terms of connecting with the people, the Uchiha clan lagged far behind the Senju Clan, a fundamental reason for their political failure in Konoha. Without ’people’ as a foundation, any regime maintained would be as fleeting as a spark, extinguished in the blink of an eye.

In Konoha, an Uchiha unwilling to relinquish political struggles with high-ranking officials, possessing formidable force yet refusing discipline, and lacking a mass base, would face a dead end, regardless of the coup’s outcome. This explained why the Uchiha clan could only—and must—expand beyond Konoha.

In the vast forest outside Konoha, Rindo halted, turned around, and gazed back at the village.

A shadow emerged, standing just before the blaze.

Leading were Ox and Horse, revealing their scarlet Sharingan behind their masks, accompanied by four Root ninjas, cold eyes fixed on Rindo.

Rindo exhaled lightly and glanced at the Ox and Horse.

"Sure enough, it wasn’t just Itachi and Shisui. There were other informants in the clan. And what I didn’t expect is that they had joined Danzo’s Root."

The Uchiha and the Root could be said to have irreconcilable conflicts. Finding Uchiha ninjas among the ranks of Danzo’s Root was more surprising than finding Hyuga ninjas there.

"Where did you send the missing children?" Ox asked coldly.

There were thirty-seven people in total... When Ox and Horse realized that thirty-seven people had escaped from their assassination, they panicked.

Over the next decade, these Uchiha children would undoubtedly become major concerns for Konoha.

Thirty-seven people, even if only a quarter awakened their Sharingan in the coming years, it would constitute a formidable force. If the ratio exceeded half, the threat would intensify.

Rindo just smiled slightly, not speaking, regarded them as if they were idiots.

"It seems I’ll have to arrest you for interrogation."

There just so happens to be a ninja from the Yamanaka clan on their team. As long as they caught Rindo, they will uncover all kinds of secrets from his mind - the children’s escape route, the informants connected to Rindo, the hidden passages in Konoha. They could know everything clearly.

"Let’s go tog

ether. Don’t give him time to struggle."

Time was running out.

Ox and Horse rushed towards Rindo first, and the four people behind them followed without hesitation - all six charging Rindo to subdue him together.

The smile on Rindo’s face became strange. With a ripping sound, the clothes on his chest tore open, exposing the undergarments woven with explosive tags.

The eyes of the attackers shrank suddenly as they tried to retreat.

"Traitors...let’s die together!"

The flash of the explosion swallowed all surrounding sights, sounds and lives.

A terrible storm blasted away the trees at the center of the forest without a trace, as flames rushed skyward, turning into a brilliant, dazzling pillar of fire.

The huge cloud of smoke lingered in the forest for a long time afterwards.

Hundreds of meters of land had turned into scorched earth, leaving only piles of charred human body parts scattered on the ground, smelling like burnt paste.

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