"You've seen for yourself the backbone of the Uchiha. I don't need to say anything more, do I?" Isamu smiled faintly as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Your fearlessness in the face of death is meaningless. Today, you are not leaving Konoha." Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression hardened. He abandoned all attempts at persuasion, his eyes locked onto Isamu, ready to strike at any moment.
"Heh. Let me make this clear—you can't stop us from leaving today. I said it." Isamu chuckled as his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan activated.
"You won't leave today—...oh no!"
The moment Hiruzen Sarutobi saw the Mangekyo Sharingan appear in Isamu's eyes, his expression changed drastically. Realizing what was coming, he tried to shut his eyes—
—but it was already too late.
In an instant, he was dragged into Tsukuyomi.
In reality, Hiruzen Sarutobi froze mid-sentence. His body went rigid, his eyes losing focus.
"Heh… you're going to suffer for this," Isamu muttered.
A moment later, Hiruzen Sarutobi staggered backward as he broke free from the illusion. Though only a second had passed in the real world, he had endured days of torment within the Genjutsu. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, barely conscious.
The surrounding Anbu were stunned. None of them understood what had just happened.
"I didn't expect your Genjutsu to be this powerful…" Hiruzen Sarutobi said weakly. "Even so… I managed to stay conscious…"
Isamu raised an eyebrow slightly. "You didn't pass out? Not bad. Unfortunately, it still doesn't change anything—you can't stop us."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him silently, then at the Uchiha behind him. After a long pause, he let out a deep sigh.
"…Take them and go. I hope you won't regret this."
In that moment, he seemed to age several years.
"You made the right choice. If you kept resisting, your subordinates would only die for nothing."
With that, Isamu turned and walked back toward the clan.
The Anbu quickly moved to support Hiruzen Sarutobi, their eyes still fixed warily on Isamu.
"Everyone… we're leaving."
Activating Kamui, Isamu opened a spatial vortex, pulling the entire Uchiha group—and all their belongings—into his dimension.
After everything was done, he glanced once more at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Third Hokage… next time we meet, I hope we won't be enemies."
With that, he disappeared.
---
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the now-empty courtyard and sighed deeply.
"…A space-time ability as well. Capturing him is impossible now."
After a pause, he spoke coldly:
"Declare Uchiha Isamu a rogue ninja. Rank—SSS. Announce it to the entire village."
---
On the other side, Isamu brought his clan to the Great Golden Sands Hotel in Jiangnan Small Town.
Takahashi Shinichi personally came forward to welcome them and quickly led everyone into the underground casino.
The casino had already been cleared out. The gambling tables had been replaced with dining tables, each filled with food. Everything had been prepared in advance.
"Lord Isamu, are you satisfied with the arrangements?" Takahashi asked with a flattering smile.
Isamu glanced around and nodded. "You did well. Once things settle down, I won't forget your contribution."
"It is my honor to serve you, Lord Isamu! No reward is necessary!" Takahashi bowed repeatedly.
In truth, all he wanted was to survive and have the chakra inside his body removed.
"Heh. I always keep my word," Isamu said, patting him on the shoulder before turning to the others. "Everyone, settle your belongings and come eat."
"Yeah!!"
The clan members cheered and quickly dispersed.
Only the front table was left empty—for Isamu, the Great Elder, and Zhan.
"Great Elder, Zhan, let's eat. Takahashi, join us."
"Ah—no, no! I have matters to attend to. Please enjoy!" Takahashi hurriedly fled.
Watching him leave, the Great Elder frowned. "This man doesn't seem reliable."
"I agree," Zhan nodded.
"He was never reliable to begin with," Isamu said calmly. "He's just useful."
He paused slightly.
"I've already left chakra inside his body. His life is in my hands. He won't dare betray us."
Hearing this, the Great Elder finally relaxed. "Good. Let's eat first. We'll discuss the war afterward."
---
After the meal, Isamu gathered everyone.
"You all know by now—I intend to wage war against the major nations. I cannot do this alone. I need your strength."
He paused, scanning the crowd.
"But I won't force anyone. If you don't wish to fight, you may step back."
No one moved.
Instead—
every single person stepped forward.
Isamu nodded slightly. "Good."
Then his tone turned serious.
"However… not everyone can go."
"If we all fight and lose, the Uchiha Martial Faction will be wiped out completely."
"So some of you must stay behind—to ensure our survival."
"Now… line up according to my orders."