After learning that Chinya and the others would be leaving Konoha, Neji Hyuga became visibly downcast.
Uzumaki Sōnagi also looked gloomy. Chinya curiously asked, "What's wrong? Are you going to miss your Neji 'big brother'?"
Uzumaki Sōnagi replied softly, "Yeah, and Naruto too. Without me around, that idiot will definitely get bullied without even fighting back."
Chinya chuckled, "Don't underestimate Naruto so much. He has become very strong internally. And besides, you can't protect him forever—he needs to grow too. Actually, he doesn't really need your help at all. To him, your assistance might bring more trouble than needed, though he understands your intentions and therefore never mentions it."
Uzumaki Sōnagi puzzled, asked, "How could helping him become a problem?"
Suddenly, Uzumaki Sōnagi shuddered slightly.
Chinya smiled faintly, "So you've realized it already. Exactly—it's because I'm your father. From other people's perspectives, your helping Naruto is equivalent to me directly helping him. Naruto's situation is quite sensitive. The only reason people leave you alone is that you're just classmates with him and haven't caused any real commotion."
Uzumaki Sōnagi frowned, "If this brings trouble to Naruto, why didn't you tell me sooner, Dad?"
Shaking his head gently, Chinya said, "Didn't I tell you on your first day of school that Naruto and Neji are both your brothers? Would you like me to ask you to avoid Naruto entirely, just like those stupid kids who reject him?"
"Even though your good intentions might be a burden, he still appreciates them. Otherwise, he wouldn't let you hang around like that all the time. Anyway, it's merely a temporary separation. We'll reunite in the future. There's no need for excessive sadness."
After dinner, once Neji had left, Chinya pondered for a moment before contacting Yahiko via the Ring.
"Yahiko, aside from Miyuki and Orochimaru-sensei, gather everyone to the Land of Fire and await my further instructions."
Yahiko's voice sounded excited, "Finally getting out of the Rice Country! We'll come immediately!"
Upon hearing Yahiko's enthusiasm, Chinya slightly curled his lips. It seemed indeed burdensome for Yahiko to have been stuck building Otogakure in the Rice Country all along.
Of course, given Orochimaru's personality, it was unlikely that he'd take care of such matters personally—he would surely delegate them to others.
Yahiko and his idle allies were simply perfect candidates to handle these tasks.
Sighing lightly, Chinya considered what lay ahead. Soon it would be time for the Massacre Night—but no, perhaps better not call it that anymore. Once that event unfolds and concludes, he'd find Naruto, reveal everything that had happened before, and then finally leave Konoha.
...
A few days later.
Itachi Uchiha stood atop a high-rise building outside the Ninja Academy, gazing at Sasuke Uchiha energetically training on the playground below. A rare smile appeared on his face.
But it quickly faded.
Because Fugaku Uchiha had decided to launch the coup two days from now.
And Itachi himself had resolved to initiate his plan tomorrow.
A gust of wind swept past, and Itachi was gone from the rooftop in an instant.
The next day, Hokage Tower.
Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Danzo.
As soon as Danzo entered the Hokage's office, he quickly said to Hiruzen, "Hiruzen, you must've already figured out why I called for you. Judging from the Uchiha Clan's recent movements, they're about to launch a coup. There's no turning back—we have no choice but to completely wipe them out!
Cut your losses now, Hiruzen! If you keep dragging your feet and the Uchiha go through with their rebellion, Konoha will descend into chaos. Isn't preventing such turmoil exactly what you want?
I've already spoken to Itachi. He'll eliminate the Uchiha Clan himself. You don't have to get involved—you'll stay completely untouched by this. All consequences will fall on Itachi!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, expressionless. "I know you wanted Itachi to destroy the Uchiha Clan. And I also know that Fugaku Uchiha will lead their rebellion tomorrow."
Danzo froze in stunned silence.
If Hiruzen knew this… it could only mean Itachi had told him.
Although Itachi had always been under Hiruzen's influence, without technically betraying anyone, Danzo still felt furious inside—betrayed.
Danzo lowered his voice and asked, "Then tell me, Hiruzen—what's your choice?"
After exhaling smoke, Hiruzen replied, "My decision was made long ago. Itachi has already gathered the list of Uchiha planning the rebellion—and he's already handed it to me. Tonight he will act accordingly, carrying out assassinations based on that list.
Once these targets are eliminated, I will force the remaining Uchiha to bear Cursed Seals for control. The Uchiha issue will finally be resolved."
Danzo's anger began to rise.
So Itachi had agreed to exterminate the Uchiha that day just to deceive him? And secretly discussed plans with Hiruzen already?
With a dark expression, Danzo said, "Since you've already decided everything, there's nothing more for me to do here. I'm leaving."
"Wait."
Hiruzen stopped Danzo while five Anbu entered the room, blocking Danzo's path.
"Danzo, we haven't had a proper conversation in quite some time. Until this matter is over, stay here and keep me company."
Danzo turned toward Hiruzen in disbelief: "Are you trying to detain me?!"
Hiruzen sighed, "How could it be detention? I simply want you within my sight. You've caused me too much trouble before. This time, I absolutely cannot allow you to interfere again. So please, stay."
Danzo spoke harshly, "Hiruzen, you have no right to detain me!"
Hiruzen set his pipe down firmly, fixing Danzo with a cold stare. "You won't be leaving this place. If you attempt to force your way out, then I'm afraid I'll have to apologize—within Hokage Tower, several Anbu ninja will immediately apprehend you. This isn't up for discussion—it's a direct order from the Hokage!"
Danzo's face twisted with fury and helplessness before finally sitting down on a chair.
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe and said, "Also, I need to remind you about one thing. After this matter is resolved, the remaining Uchiha clansmen will return to Konoha. You must not approach them or attempt to recruit them through Root. This is an order from me as Hokage."
Danzo's expression hardened. "Is this your decision," he shot back, "or Itachi Uchiha's?"
"This is a decision we made together," Hiruzen replied. "Those Uchiha clansmen who've accepted the Cursed Seal restrictions will no longer pose a threat to us. Itachi doesn't trust you, and regarding matters concerning the Uchiha Clan, I don't trust you either. Therefore, I can only impose this order upon you. This order is indefinite."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone made it clear—there would be no discussion. Danzo could only remain silent.
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