Danzo could do nothing as Hiruzen Sarutobi confined him within his office.
Inside, Danzo felt anxious—he had been completely outmaneuvered by Itachi Uchiha and Hiruzen.
Only now did he learn that Itachi Uchiha planned to act tonight.
Originally, after learning this information, Danzo intended to immediately distribute assignments to his Root Division subordinates.
But now under Hiruzen's close watch, Danzo couldn't move at all.
Now thinking urgently about what to do next, Danzo needed to find a way to send word to his subordinates so his Root Division members could go to the Uchiha Family Estate tonight to collect the Sharingan eyes.
Danzo remained trapped in this standoff inside Hiruzen's office until noon, when an Anbu entered and whispered something into Hiruzen's ear.
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
Naruto Uzumaki and Sōnagi Uzumaki at the Ninja Academy were under constant Anbu surveillance.
It was a regular school day, so Sōnagi's absence was suspicious.
Since Sōnagi had never skipped class before, and today happened to be the day Itachi planned to act, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel uneasy.
As Hiruzen pondered, Danzo's eyes flickered briefly.
Now that Hiruzen's attention had shifted elsewhere.
Danzo glanced toward the window where several insects crawled.
His fingers twitched slightly.
Hiruzen seemed to sense something and turned his gaze toward Danzo.
But seeing Danzo's usual emotionless expression, Hiruzen assumed he had imagined it.
Addressing the reporting Anbu ninja, Hiruzen said, "Continue monitoring as planned."
"Yes."
After the Anbu left, Hiruzen asked, "Danzo, once we resolve the Uchiha Clan matter, it'll be time to properly deal with Chinya. What are your thoughts now?"
Furious inside, Danzo ignored Hiruzen.
Unfazed, Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and sipped some tea as he waited for Itachi's plan to begin unfolding.
...
At Chinya's home.
Chinya asked Kushina Uzumaki and Sōnagi Uzumaki, "Have you finished packing everything necessary?"
Kushina and Sōnagi both nodded firmly, replying, "All the essentials are packed."
Chinya instructed, "Outside Konoha Village, Yahiko and others are already waiting. I'll leave behind a Shadow Clone. Once Itachi's plan begins tonight, I'll personally escort both of you, making sure to avoid Konoha ninja, using the coded Technical Formation Kakashi provided to get us through the barrier, taking you out of Konoha to meet with Yahiko.
Once things finish here, I'll immediately leave Konoha to join you, then travel together to Otogakure in Rice Country."
Kushina asked, "So this time, are you planning to tell Naruto the truth?"
Chinya answered, "Yes, exactly. Previously I promised Naruto that if he could control his emotions well enough, I would tell him the truth. Now Naruto has learned excellent emotional control, so it's finally time to fulfill that promise."
Because it involves his parents, Naruto might react strongly upon learning the truth. Still, I've already asked Kakashi to keep an eye on Naruto, and the same goes for Neji. Kakashi will watch over them. If anything happens, Kakashi will notify me immediately."
Kushina Uzumaki sighed, "I hope Neji and Naruto will both be safe in Konoha."
Uzumaki Sōnagi asked curiously, "Dad, can I go say goodbye to Neji-niisan and Naruto?"
Chinya shook his head. "You skipped the training grounds today without notice. The Anbu watching over Naruto is sure to report this to Hiruzen Sarutobi. He'll definitely link your sudden absence with me, especially considering how sensitive today's timing was. One wrong move could land both Neji and Naruto in deep trouble."
With Chinya speaking so clearly, Uzumaki Sōnagi understood—now wasn't a good time for farewells.
Chinya ruffled Sōnagi's hair. "We'll meet eventually."
Sōnagi nodded firmly. "Yeah, we'll meet eventually!"
Chinya exhaled deeply. "Alright then, I'll depart first."
Chinya used the Shadow Clone Jutsu, creating a clone to stay behind at home before leaving.
...
In the woods just ahead of the Naka Shrine.
Itachi Uchiha and Obito Uchiha had met again.
Itachi Uchiha told Obito, "We act tonight."
Obito nodded. "Fine. As agreed, I'll help you."
"Then let's stick to our plan. Should you act out of line, everyone will know about your secrets."
Unconvinced, Itachi threatened Obito.
Obito crossed his arms and scoffed. "So you're still suspicious of me. Since we're partners now, at least some trust should exist."
Itachi didn't reply, just stared expressionlessly at Obito.
"Forget it," Obito shrugged his shoulders. "My reasons for helping you go beyond revenge; I have other goals. I'll follow through as promised, but those are things you'd better ignore."
Itachi's eyebrows slightly furrowed. "Are you asking me not to memorize your actions with the Sharingan?"
Obito nodded. "Exactly. Consider it proof that I'm sparing your brother and the rest of the Uchiha clan."
Itachi closed his eyes and spoke gravely, "So I can feel completely assured? You leave me no choice but to believe you."
Obito extended an offer. "If you're desperate, you can always join my organization."
Itachi looked surprised. "Your organization?"
"Yeah, its name is Akatsuki."
While Itachi and Obito conversed, Chinya was also within the woods near the Naka Shrine, though stationed elsewhere.
"You really do stick to him like a shadow — never letting go. Are you keeping an eye on me, Zetsu?"
A face split between black and white emerged from the tree trunk — Zetsu.
Zetsu's raspy voice spoke to Chinya, "We're partners; why would we even distrust you? I'm just worried he'll come back here and do something reckless."
Chinya let out a cold chuckle. "Hmph, you still see him as a child."
Zetsu gave a brief laugh in response. "To you and me alike, isn't he just a child?"
Chinya stated bluntly, "Enough talk, I don't have time for this right now. This time I've worked with him too, so compensation is necessary—ten live White Zetsus."
Zetsu frowned in confusion. "Five last time, ten this time? What do you need White Zetsus for?"
Chinya replied indifferently, "That's none of your concern. Just give them to me."
Zetsu curled his lip. She really wasn't holding back—acting like he owed her.
This was nothing short of blackmail.
But when Chinya extorted him, there was really nothing he could do about it.
Zetsu agreed, "Understood. Ten White Zetsus. I'll leave them at the Land of Fire's border later. You can collect them yourself."
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