Naruto: Escape From Konoha-Chapter 292 - 285: Preparation

The following day.

The Anbu arrived at the Uchiha clan’s settlement on the village’s outskirts. They were greeted by a sight which left them utterly shocked.

The elderly, adults, children, and babies—all were casualties.

Every household’s doors and windows were stained red with blood, a horrifying scene that rendered words feeble.

Tenzo opened his mouth, finding his words inadequate in the face of the staggering reality before him. It was an unbelievable scene right in front of their eyes. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

The Uchiha clan, a formidable ninja clan undefeated for years, had stood strong even after their defeat by the Senju clan. Their influence persisted in the ninja world.

Since Konoha’s establishment, the Uchiha clan had been an important force in Konoha’s external wars, contributing countless feats for the village’s stability.

"Isn’t this obvious? Go search around to see if there are any survivors," Kakashi said solemnly.

Ever since the green light illuminated the route number two the previous night, Kakashi had been on alert, anticipating a significant event for Konoha. However, the complete annihilation of the Uchiha clan caught him off guard. Who the hell have done this?

To silently eliminate the Uchiha clan within the village required bypassing Anbu’s defense system—a feat that seemed implausible. Moreover, it demanded utmost stealth.

To Kakashi’s knowledge, there were no more than five people in the ninja world capable of such an act, and it required an intricate set of conditions to maintain silence.

Otherwise, the Uchiha would have counterattacked. Facing a large number of Sharingan users, Kakashi acknowledged even he wouldn’t stand a chance and would be defeated swiftly.

Contemplating about the recent anomalies, Kakashi’s eyes gleamed with insight... Perhaps.. the perpetrator was someone within the village.

Soon, Tenzo returned, cradling a comatose child in his arms.

"This is... Uchiha Sasuke?"

Kakashi identified the child in Tenzo’s arms.

"Yes, after our search, he’s the sole survivor. Perhaps he knows something,"

"The others are dead?"

"Yes, and some of the corpses, their eyes missing."

"I will report this to Hokage-sama. You should take him to the hospital first. His chakra is very unstable. I’m afraid he has been tortured by genjutsu before falling into a coma."

"Yes."

Tenzo departed with Sasuke in his arms, leaving Kakashi deep in thought.

The complete annihilation of the Uchiha clan raised questions. Why was one still alive? Shouldn’t they have been eradicated? What was the murderer’s motive?

Kakashi opened the No. 2 route last night as ordered, but for whom?

Route No. 2 was an escape route constructed by those people during their time in Konoha, and it was never used when theu defected. Though it served as an alternate escape route, its construction required considerable effort. Why was it opened last night?

The entire situation was perplexing.

Even the Anbu remained inactive throughout the night, only discovering the abnormality during patrols the next day. Following Hokage’s orders, an investigation was initiated.

"The order..."

It probably wasn’t Shiraishi or any of the orders given by Ruri and Ayane. Someone else must have provided the order.

"A mistake..."

If someone knew the route and could easily contact him, even if it wasn’t those three, it had to be someone closely associated with them.

....

Uchiha Sasuke regained consciousness within half a day of being admitted to Konoha Hospital.

During this period, the Third Hokage, accompanied by the Anbu, visited Sasuke’s ward to inquire about the events involving the Uchiha clan.

Finally, Sasuke confirmed that Uchiha Itachi had ruthlessly slaughtered all clan members in a frenzied pursuit of heightened Sharingan power before disappearing within the Uchiha territory the previous night.

Despite the following Anbu search and arrest operations, judging by the timing of the Uchiha clan’s destruction, it occurred no later than eight o’clock the previous night.

It had been more than ten hours since then, it was likely that Uchiha Itachi has left Konoha, fleeing towards the Land kf Fire’s border after a night of evading pursuit.

For Uchiha Itachi, skilled and familiar with Anbu operations, this escape wouldn’t pose much difficulty. As the captain of the third division under the Anbu, he possessed both formidable abilities and knowledge of discreet exits from Konoha.

A secret intersection, exclusively built for Anbu to perform covert missions and evade suspicion, played a crucial role. Only Anbu insiders were privy to this information.

Uchiha Itachi likely utilized this knowledge for a swift departure from Konoha following the Uchiha Clan’s annihilation.

While this revelation seemed incredulous, Sasuke remained steadfast in accusing Uchiha Itachi of the heinous act—murdering everyone in the Uchiha clan, including his parents, branding him as Konoha and Uchiha’s traitor.

Moreover, Uchiha Itachi didn’t report to Anbu for the morning roll call, attributing it to a sudden home accident, which now seemed a tactic to delay any investigation into his actions.

In the afternoon, Hokage summoned Kakashi and Tenzo.

"As you’ve heard, the Uchiha clan was destroyed by Itachi," The Third Hokage stated with gravity.

"What? How is that possible?" Tenzo was taken aback, thinking it mere unfounded rumors, only to be shocked by the harsh reality.

Kakashi remained silent, composed but internally he was surprised. It seemed unfathomable for Itachi to single-handedly annihilate the Uchiha clan. Regardless of his strength, dealing with the Uchiha clan alone, even with a surprise attack, seemed implausible given his fellow clan status.

Moreover, Anbu’s activities had intentionally or unintentionally avoided the Uchiha clan last night, a detail that raised uneasy suspicions for Kakashi.

The scale of the Uchiha clan’s effortless destruction was a revelation as shocking as the defection incident more than a decade ago.

"That’s the truth. Following this meeting, we’ve classified Itachi Uchiha as a dangerous S-rank criminal... We’ll let your division spread this news around the world. We hope the criminal Uchiha Itachi will be apprehended promptly to prevent widespread panic," Hokage instructed.

"Yes, I understand, Hokage-sama," Kakashi nodded.

The Uchiha clan, an ancient and affluent ninja family, had maintained its legacy for millennia. Yet, now, it had dwindled to a lone descendant in Konoha. It was an unexpected turn of events.

Kakashi couldn’t help but question if there were spies from the Land of Demons among Konoha’s high-ranking officials. He retreated with Tenzo to handle the aftermath of Uchiha Itachi’s action.

The tired face of the Third Hokage remained, picking up his pipe, he inhaled deeply followed by a bitter sigh.

.....

The upcoming task involved intercepting Suma troops around the La d of Bears.

Ruri had already summoned several members of the Uchiha clan, along with thousands of elite ninjas, ready for action.

Due to the Land of Demons severing all commercial ties with the Land of Wind over a month ago, tensions between the two countries have escalated. The Purple Rose Merchant Association ceased providing essential resources such as medicine, food, and water to Land of Wind merchants. They publicly declared that normal commercial trade could only resume if the Land of Wind repaid all debts owed to the Land of Demons, including interest.

While this move wouldn’t pose significant hardship for Land of Wind, it was a direct challenge to their integrity, provoking anger from Sunagakure and the Land of Wind’s daimyo.

With orders from the Land of Wind’s daimyo reaching Sunagakure again, a military meeting convened immediately. Discussions began on whether to escalate the conflict with the Land of Demons.

Despite varying opinions, many high-level officials in Suna believed that an escalation of the conflict was inevitable if the situation intensified.

Furthermore, the Land of Demons had dealt a significant blow to Land of Wind’s business without negotiation, suggesting a motive beyond mere economic threats.

Currently, the Land of Demons’s border, according to Hidden Sand’s perception force investigation, only has scattered ninja troops from Land of Demons patrolling routinely. It’s estimated that the Land of Demons was aware of their military disadvantage.

Despite the initial advantages, the Land of Demons’ use of special ninja tools would be countered once Suna became familiar with their fighting style. This could lead to a counterattack and potential invasion of Land of Demons territory.

Given this background, Suna planned to increase troops to the Land of Bears over the next week, increasing their threat to the Land of Demons.

Ruri’s role was to wait for the border conflict between the Land of Bears and the Land of Demons, using Hoshigakure as cover. The objective was to sever the supply route from the Land of Wind to the Land of Bears, rendering the 1,000 Suna stranded. As for that moment, there was no need to care about their identity exposure.

Just as Ruri prepared to move,, Shiraishi approached her with grave news: "Ruri, there’s something you need to know.. The Uchiha clan in Konoha was wiped out last night."

"What!?"

Ruri’s eyes widened in disbelief, her mind drawing a blank. The enormity of the news surpassed her immediate comprehension.

Seeing Ruri’s struggle to accept this, Shiraishi elaborated, "This news was confirmed by Kakashi, and the other nations are still unaware. Kakashi wouldn’t joke about such matters. Unfortunately, it seems to be true,"

Shiraishi looked at Ruri worriedly. The Uchihas’ destruction had greatly shocked him too. How could such an influential clan be easily wiped out? It took much effort for him to calm down, let alone Ruri who shared the same root.

"Is it Akatsuki?" Ruri finally asked after long silence.

"No, it was Uchiha Itachi,"

Shiraishi sighed. The revelation that a thirteen-year-old could commit such a gruesome act, killing numerous of his relatives, including his parents, left both of them astounded.

"Uchiha Itachi?"

It wasn’t that Ruri disbelieved it but rather such an answer made no sense. While the number of Jonin in Konoha’s Uchiha reduced after the third ninja war, there were still many remaining in the clan. A thirteen-year old destroying them all within Konoha was too outrageous a claim.

"Yes, currently, the sole surviving member of Konoha’s Uchiha clan is Uchiha Sasuke, Itachi’s younger brother. He personally confirmed that Itachi was responsible for annihilating the entire clan," Shiraishi affirmed with a serious nod.

"Impossible! There’s no way he could do it alone,"

Ruri firmly believed in her deduction. She was well aware of the formidable power of the Uchiha clan’s Sharingan. Destroying the entire clan single-handedly, especially under Konoha’s watchful eyes, seemed impossible. The Anbu and Jonin around the vicinity wouldn’t remain passive, they would support the Uchiha clan, despite any existing gaps or contradictions in their relationships.

"If... Konoha did provide an enabling environment, things would be different," Shiraishi added meaningfully.

"What do you mean?"

"It’s Kakashi’s speculation. During the Uchiha clan’s destruction last night, Anbu’s activities weren’t close to the Uchiha area. The land remained unusually quiet. Only during the next day’s patrol did they discover the elimination. Suspicious, no?"

"You mean..." Ruri clenched her fists as the three tomoe Sharingan manifested in her eyes, showing intense killing intent.

"After all, wiping out such a prominent clan, the discovery delayed until the next day raises suspicion, doesn’t it? Of course, these are just speculations. Konoha’s council involvement remains unconfirmed,"

Without absolute proof, Shiraishi avoided concluding inferences. Even logically coherent reasoning could not definitively tie the Uchiha massacre to specific Konoha leaders. But associating it to them explained some confusing parts more reasonably. This pattern should not be just self-delusion.

Ruri took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself. Though she was no longer part of Konoha’s Uchiha, the familial bond remained. She had imagined someday possibly confronting Konoha Uchihas should they become enemies...but not like this.

While relieved that a long-standing issue no longer haunted her, the destruction of the Uchiha clan by their own people was the last outcome she wished to accept.

’Too useless.’

"I see. If things over here gets settled, I’ll personally go to Konoha," Ruri said.

"Are you seeking the truth?" Shiraishi asked, recognizing the difficulty such a pursuit entailed.

Even if Konoha’s council were involved in the Uchiha extermination, admitting their fault would be unlikely. They would likely shift blame onto Uchiha Itachi. If a "contract" existed between Uchiha Itachi and Konoha’s council, this development was anticipated.

The unexpected turn of events weighed on Shiraishi’s expectations. He sighed thinking of the place that was home for so many years in the past.

Ruri glanced at Shiraishi and shook her head. "No, I won’t bother with that. I’m going there to receive the Uchiha inheritance. Even in the Uchiha’s destruction, outsiders have no business meddling with that."

Having said that, Ruri promptly departed without delays.

...

"Konoha will soon notify the entire ninja world of your actions wiping out the Uchiha clan and your betrayal,"

Under the gloomy and windy sky, surrounded by a withered forest dominated by dark tones. Wearing his orange spiral mask, Madara directed these words at Itachi.

"It doesn’t matter; I’m ready," Itachi responded, giving Madara a cold look. He felt the need to remain vigilant around this man.

"What about Danzo? He may not keep his promise to you,"

"If he harms Sasuke, I won’t mind revealing Konoha’s secrets to enemy countries," Itachi replied calmly. With the third Hokage’s assistance, Danzo dared not act recklessly. As long as Sasuke remained safe, Danzo’s leverage of holding him hostage stayed intact.

"Really? I kind of regret signing a contract with you, Konoha... it’s really a big trouble," Madara expressed his concerns.

Itachi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Madara’s, trying to discern the truth behind his words.

"For you, losing the Uchiha shouldn’t any more worry,"

"No, isn’t there still your brother? His talent might be higher than yours. If Konoha controls him, he may become the enemy of our organization in the future, you see..." Madara explained, seemingly genuine.

"You worry too much,"

"No one can say for sure what will happen in the future. However, as you’ve said, I may be worrying too much. After so many years of hiding in the dark, I need to also remain cautious. I’ve already missed too many times to deal with Uchiha Ruri," Madara admitted.

"Missed too many times? Is she more powerful than you?" Itachi inquired, intrigued by this revelation.

"Slightly weaker than me," Madara confessed, His mask concealing his true emotions. "But the two people around her are no less troublesome than her. On the contrary, among the three people, Chiba Shiraishi should be the most difficult one. If you want to break the core of the three, Chiba Shiraishi is the only breakthrough. But he’s also the most dangerous breakthrough,"

"I know, I’ll be more careful when I meet them in the future," Itachi affirmed, nodding in acknowledgment.

Madara’s insights echoed alongside those of the Third Hokage. The dynamics between Uchiha Ruri, Chiba Shiraishi, and Hyuga Ayane, former teammates, seemed to hold an intricate balance. However, the core of the team was not the seemingly strongest, Uchiha Ruri, but the mysterious Chiba Shiraishi.

Thinking back to the information he gathered in Konoha, Itachi realized Shiraishi’s details were vague, adding an air of mystery. This unknown factor made him inherently dangerous.

With the way Madara spoke about the three person team, he must have suffered defeat from them in the past.

"You can’t deal with them just by being careful. If you meet three of them at the same time, you won’t even have the chance to escape. If you do meet one of them, you may have to think about how to escape instead of fighting head-on."

Even with the powerful Mangekyou Sharingan, confronting them head-on was challenging. Itachi understood that Madara’s advice served as a reminder not to rush into encounters with the trio, as they posed more significant threats than he initially thought.

Madara continually stressed that Itachi only needed to deal with Uchiha Ruri, excluding Chiba Shiraishi and Hyuga Ayane. This suggested that dividing the battlefield and defeating them individually would be the strategic approach when the time came.

"However, you don’t need to worry. Our organization has a ten-year contract with Chiba Shiraishi. Before the contract ends, there’s still a long period of time for development. In the next few years, even if you meet any of them, as long as you don’t disrupt their actions or deliberately attempt to target them, they won’t attack either."

"Then where are they hiding?"

Madara glanced at Itachi and cryptically responded, "You’ll find out soon enough." He laughed.

Itachi couldn’t help but feel uneasy about Madara’s laughter; it seemed the other party had dubious intentions.

"And.. I’ll be meeting the group later. Don’t forget, my name.for now ks Tobi, I’m not yet a full member of the organization. Like you, I’m a newcomer. Don’t get confused about this," Madara warned.

"Understood,"

"Then, please take care of me, Itachi-kun," Madara’s tone suddenly became cheerful, a complete shift from his previous demeanor.

Not long after, following Madara, in a dilapidated temple, on a crumbling wall, a tall figure suddenly appeared, obstructing Madara and Itachi.

The figure carried a bandaged sword taller than a human on his back, and on his forehead was a ninja forehead guard engraved with scratches. Long dark blue hair complemented his shark-like face, and he wore the same black-bottomed red cloud coat as Madara. Notably, a ring with the character ’South’ engraved adorned his left ring finger.

"I just heard from the leader that the Uchiha clan was wiped out. It really is unbelievable. I never expected the murderer who wiped out the clan would really come. Soo.. me and him will be teammates, right?"

Kisame grinned as if he had found something interesting, revealing sharp teeth, his expression bloodthirsty, unsettling Itachi.

"Yes, Kisame-san, this is Itachi-kun. Oh, speaking of it, Itachi-kun is really powerful. He single-handedly wiped out the renowned Uchiha clan, more impressive than Kisame-san assassinating the Water Daimyo," Madara continued cheerfully, adding exaggerated movements which heightened Itachi’s wariness.

As expected of Madara Uchiha, he was able go effortlessly change his image, making it challenging to discern his true identity.

"I see, don’t make fun of me," Kisame responded helplessly.

As he spoke, Kisame jumped off the broken wall, coming closer to Itachi. Observing Itachi, who appeared much leaner than himself, Kisame didn’t dare to underestimate him. Regardless of the truth behind the Uchiha clan’s extermination, those absorbed by this organization as core members were not to be taken lightly.

"I’m Hoshigaki Kisame. You used to be Konoha Anbu, so you should know some things about me. I won’t introduce myself. From today onwards, I will be a team member with you. If you aren’t satisfied, you can apply to the leader for a replacement at any time," Kisame said.

"No," Itachi shook his head.

"Really?" Kisame smiled with interest. "Then come with me; the leader is waiting for you in front. Although there aren’t many people in the organization now, there are just two people who came from Konoha like you. Now including you, there are three in our organization, all from Konoha."

Adding the three in the Land of Demons, there were now six S-rank rogues. As expected of Konoha, excelling even in the number of S-rank traitorous ninjas, solidifying their influence among the ninja villages and vying for the top spot. Yet, this seemingly exaggerated achievement left Kisame with various complaints.