🎉🎉RADG: Chapter 155/157

Chapter 155: That's Unethical

After accepting the mission from Pain, Uchiha Itachi remained standing in place.

His mood was not as calm as it appeared on the surface.

The Third Hokage was dead, and the only ones who knew the truth of that night were Shimura Yami and Shimura Danzō.

Back then, he and Hiruzen had reached a tacit agreement—he would stay with Akatsuki and keep the secret, while Hiruzen would protect Sasuke in the village.

But the person protecting Sasuke was now dead, and the one Itachi worried about most was Danzō.

After learning that Sasuke had become Yami's student, he had considered returning to the village once, but couldn't find a suitable reason. Now, this mission gave him the opportunity.

He had to show up, at least once, to remind Danzō and Yami that he was still alive.

Not long after, Hoshigaki Kisame returned. His Samehada was still wrapped in bloodstained bandages.

"Itachi-san, the mission is complete."

To Uchiha Itachi, Kisame maintained a certain level of respect.

This man was ruthless.

Kisame had only killed his comrades for Kirigakure, but Itachi had killed his parents for Konoha and Sasuke.

"Good work, Kisame."

Uchiha Itachi nodded slightly. "Just now, the leader relayed a new mission. Orochimaru attacked Konoha, and Shimura awakened Wood Release."

"We need to head to Konoha, gather intel, and confirm the status of the Nine Tails' Jinchūriki."

"Konoha?"

Kisame's eyes narrowed slightly before returning to normal, followed by a grin.

"What a fine destination. I've heard Konoha is a land of outstanding shinobi, full of prodigies. Finally, I'll get to see it with my own eyes."

In truth, it had been a while since he'd seen his "boss."

As a dedicated employee, Kisame felt it was time to remind his boss he still existed.

"Madara, things are becoming more troublesome."

In a cavern, Zetsu delivered a more detailed report.

Obito wore a grim expression and said nothing.

A once-overlooked genius had now become a genuine threat.

Black Zetsu was even more unsettled. According to the intel from White Zetsu, Yami's Wood Release was nothing like Yamato's or Obito's.

This wasn't someone growing a few wooden stakes and calling it Wood Release.

This was real Wood Release—the kind that could calm the chaos of war. He could summon Wooden Golems and Wood Dragons at will.

Uchiha Madara had been defeated by Senju Hashirama's Wood Release. Now, there was no Madara in the world—only a fake one. Who could stop this?

"Don't worry." Obito finally spoke with a dark expression. "We remain in the shadows. The one who should be worrying now is Nagato."

"The Rinnegan can absorb all chakra. It should be able to suppress Wood Release. Besides, even with the God Tree's power, Yami is no match for Nagato."

"We'll wait until they both weaken each other, then I'll seize the Rinnegan and carry out the plan."

"Madara..." Black Zetsu warned, "You are not the real one."

Obito gave him a cold glare. "Everything is for the Eye of the Moon Plan. Isn't reviving Madara the goal? Orochimaru even gave me an idea. [Impure World Reincarnation] is also for that, right?"

Black Zetsu fell silent.

Even that warning had been part of his act. In his heart, as long as someone could battle the Tailed Beasts and cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi, it didn't matter who they were—Madara, Obito, or even Nagato.

Early Morning, Konoha Village.

Sasuke was locked in a fierce duel with Yuichi.

Ever since learning that beating Yuichi would allow him to learn more, Sasuke insisted on fighting him once a day.

Under Yami's orders, Yuichi no longer concealed his Three Tomoe Sharingan.

Though the gap between two and three tomoe seemed small, the difference in ocular power was vast, and several genjutsu were exclusive to the fully matured eye.

Yuichi was one of the strongest surviving Uchiha and had been personally trained by Shisui. His strength was on a completely different level from Sasuke, who had just left the greenhouse.

But Yuichi could clearly feel Sasuke's growth. Back in the Land of Waves, he could beat Sasuke with his eyes closed. Now they were nearly equal, with Sasuke even gaining the upper hand at times.

At this rate, it wouldn't be long before Yuichi could no longer win.

Bang!

Dodging Sasuke's Chidori, Yuichi caught him in the opening after the charge and struck him down.

"You're still far from beating me, let alone Uchiha Itachi."

While he could still win, Yuichi never forgot to taunt Sasuke after each victory.

Surprisingly, Sasuke never talked back. Facing one of the few remaining Uchiha, he always felt a sense of guilt.

During the break—

"Yuichi, how old are you this year?"

"Seventeen."

"Then... you were only about ten back then. I might've known you."

Sasuke tried to gather more information, but Yuichi saw through him and snorted. "I won't tell you anything without permission from Yami-sama."

"You were the clan leader's son back then and one of the few in the clan who went to the Academy. I had no contact with you."

With that, Yuichi left the training ground without pause.

Sasuke's rapid growth had pressured him. The pride from awakening Three Tomoe had vanished. Now, Yuichi had to do extra training daily just to hold Sasuke back a little longer.

"You're really tight-lipped…"

Sasuke muttered as he left. Yami had also arranged for Kakashi to help him train the lightning nature transformation of chakra.

At the same time, Kisame and Itachi used a thick fog and Sharingan illusion to pass the two gatekeepers with ease.

Standing on the wall, Kisame admired Konoha's view and sighed.

"Looks like this place has been through a lot."

Even now, the village scenery was impressive, but scars from the war remained—unhealed wounds.

Kisame didn't realize that only 30% of the destruction came from enemies. The other 70% was all Yami's doing.

Two massive Summoned Beasts, the overwhelming Wooden Golem, and the rampaging Tree World Advent—all wide-range AOE techniques. Of course Konoha suffered heavy damage.

Thankfully, a little construction expert was working in the village. Yamato had been worked like a donkey and was already skin and bones.

Uchiha Itachi didn't comment. He just watched for a moment and then said,

"Let's go."

Though it was a mission, they couldn't neglect their bodies.

Once inside the village, the two found a dessert shop to eat first.

Itachi ordered a plate of natto, some skewers of three-color dango, and a bowl of anko soup. Kisame copied him, but frowned after two bites.

Was the shopkeeper a sugar-style ninja? Why did it taste like pure sugar?

Seeing Itachi eating with gusto, Kisame couldn't help asking, "Itachi-san, don't you think this is too sweet?"

"I like sweets," Itachi replied without lifting his head, still chewing his dango.

"No amount of sweetness can erase the bitterness of reality."

Kisame pushed the food aside. "And it's not good for your health. I can't enjoy it."

"People need some comfort, Kisame. Don't you have something you're interested in?"

"Yeah."

Kisame grinned. "I want to be a detective and uncover the truth behind everything."

While they chatted, voices rose outside the shop. Neither person lowered their voice, and several names caught both Itachi and Kisame's attention.

Outside the dumpling shop, Kakashi stood reading Icha Icha Paradise, unconcerned with passersby's looks.

"Kakashi, what are you standing here for?"

Kurenai and Yugao appeared at the door hand in hand. Seeing the book in his hand, Kurenai's mouth twitched with regret for greeting him.

"It's you."

Kakashi put the book away, gave the shop a glance, and said, "I came to buy offerings and wait for Sasuke. Yami arranged for me to help train him for a while. Where are you two headed?"

Kurenai and Yugao understood Kakashi's hint and nodded slightly, but didn't stop chatting.

"We're buying some clothes for Yami and adding decorations to the house."

"Tch, how sweet."

Kakashi sounded envious.

Kurenai and Yugao—two of the village's most beautiful women—handled his home life. Sasuke got personal guidance. All Yami had to do was enjoy life.

Damn… why couldn't he live like that?

"Offerings?"

"Yeah, for Obito and Rin. They were my teammates."

"Kakashi, you're not late. Kurenai-sensei, Yugao-sensei."

As they talked, Sasuke arrived and greeted the women politely, looking at Kakashi with surprise.

Inside, Itachi stared at the table regretfully but still put down the skewers and whispered, "Kisame, we should go."

As they left, Sasuke noticed the half-eaten anko soup and dango on the table and muttered, "I hate sweets."

"You really are Yami's student," Kurenai smiled, then vanished along with Yugao.

Sasuke asked curiously, "Kakashi, what are Yugao-sensei and Kurenai-sensei doing?"

"They have their own missions. Go to the training ground first. I'll catch up."

Kakashi sent Sasuke off, then followed their trail.

Beside a small river, Kurenai and Yugao had already intercepted the duo wearing bamboo hats and red cloud cloaks.

A sharp light flashed in Kurenai's eyes. "Uchiha Itachi. I didn't expect you'd dare return to the village."

"Itachi-san, it seems the villagers aren't too happy to see you."

Kisame slowly removed his hat, smirking, though a hint of unease crept in.

These two… probably belonged to Yami's faction.

If they fought seriously, he couldn't go all out. But if he held back, Itachi would notice.

He knew how sharp Itachi's intuition was.

As a Water Release shinobi, Kisame had no experience holding back. That was a real problem.

"Kurenai-senpai. Yugao-senpai."

After a brief pause, Itachi removed his hat, revealing his forehead protector and iconic Sharingan.

"I don't think it's wise for either of you to stop me."

"Step aside. I don't want to kill you."

"That's not your call, Uchiha Itachi."

"You slaughtered countless clansmen. Now you return—what's your purpose?"

As she spoke, a special kunai appeared in Kurenai's hand. Itachi and Kisame's eyes narrowed simultaneously.

No way.

Starting with a big move?

That's seriously unethical…

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Andrew Herrera for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 156: Reputation Ruined

Itachi and Kisame were both growing uneasy.

Especially Itachi.

He still needed his body to stay intact, at least until Sasuke matured enough to inherit his eyes.

But if Yami arrived...

His already broken body would likely fare even worse.

Kisame was equally flustered.

He genuinely wanted to visit his boss—but not like this. If it turned into a full-blown confrontation, even if it was just for show, he would end up being beaten by Yami in front of everyone.

Swish!

Just as the two were considering whether to retreat for now, two more figures landed beside Kurenai and Yugao.

Kakashi had arrived—and on the way, he ran into Guy, who was passionately training with Lee.

Another powerful reinforcement joined the scene, boosting Kakashi's confidence.

Not to mention, the two women behind him were more than capable of "moving the crowd."

Quickly realizing the advantage now lay with them, Kakashi relaxed his stance. Looking at his old teammates and subordinates, he even had the mood to joke:

"Is this an Anbu Third Division reunion?"

"One against seven. You've really aged, haven't you?"

"Captain Kakashi, people always grow up."

Itachi calmly replied, "I've cut off meaningless attachments and drawn out the power hidden in my bloodline."

"What a unique perspective. I think bonds are what drive people to grow stronger."

Kakashi casually tucked one hand in his pocket. "But since you've cut off all those ties, why come back to Konoha?"

"The legacy of the Fourth Hokage."

Itachi's answer startled Kakashi. "I heard Orochimaru stirred up a mess during the Chūnin Exams. I came to make sure it doesn't interfere with my goal."

"Naruto...?"

Kakashi's expression turned sharp with hostility.

Sensing his rising chakra, Guy stepped forward immediately.

"Kakashi, if you've got questions, catch him first! Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"

Whoosh!

Kisame raised Samehada in front of him, catching Guy's powerful kick and sliding back several meters before stopping.

"Fast. Strong."

Kisame commented genuinely. "As expected of the strongest village, Konoha. Even a random guy with thick eyebrows is this strong. What's your name?"

"Konoha's proud blue beast, Might Guy! Come, fight me!"

Guy placed one hand behind his back and raised the other in a fighting stance.

"Then I should introduce myself too."

Kisame grinned, but Kurenai interrupted, "No need. I know you. Former Kirigakure Anbu, wanted for assassinating the daimyō and threatening national security. Hoshigaki Kisame."

After managing Anbu for Yami for so many years, Kurenai was well-versed in the shinobi world's threats. S-rank rogues like Kisame were always on her radar.

"What an honor to be remembered by Miss Kurenai."

Kisame smiled even wider. The boss's woman knew his name—wasn't that proof he'd been doing a great job?

So he swung his blade harder, temporarily suppressing Guy in raw strength.

Kisame's title, "Tailed Beast Without a Tail," wasn't just for his massive chakra. His power was terrifying even without transformations.

While they fought, Kakashi activated his Sharingan and took a battle stance against Itachi.

However, Kurenai didn't hesitate to activate her Flying Thunder God kunai.

With two younger sisters possessing Mangekyō Sharingan, Kurenai knew better than anyone just how dangerous those eyes were. She would never make the same mistake as in the original timeline and try genjutsu on Itachi.

If they were going to fight, they would go all out from the start.

Swish!

Two figures appeared instantly next to Kurenai. Yami had arrived—carrying a wounded Uzumaki Naruto.

Seeing the sudden change in location and the number of people in front of him, Naruto was still a bit dazed.

The fierce battle between Guy and Kisame on the river quickly caught his attention. "Eh? Who's the thick-browed guy fighting? Is he an enemy?"

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Yami didn't answer. He yawned and casually exhaled a massive, searing fireball that lit up the sky.

"Guy, get out of the way."

At Yami's reminder, Guy quickly leapt back to avoid the blast. Kisame discarded Samehada and formed a hand seal. "Water Release: Exploding Water Shock Wave!"

The incoming torrent collided with the fireball, producing a thick wall of steam.

"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"

Yami waved his hand, dispersing the mist instantly. Itachi also took the chance to retreat to Kisame's side.

Looking at the solemn-faced Itachi, Yami smiled and waved, "Isn't this an old classmate? Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I could've greeted you properly."

"Yami-sensei, who are they?"

Naruto was confused by Yami's tone. They had just been fighting—so why the friendly greeting now?

"What's their relationship?"

"They?"

Yami pointed to the pair and introduced them. "The sickly-looking one is the older brother Sasuke's always wanted to kill. The shark-faced one is Kirigakure's rogue ninja, Hoshigaki Kisame."

"Sasuke's brother?!"

Naruto stared at Itachi in shock.

On graduation day, Sasuke had said his dream was to kill someone. He hadn't said who, but Naruto later learned that his target was his own brother.

"Shimura, how are you?"

Itachi felt cornered. His expression turned solemn, and the tomoe in his eyes began spinning faintly.

"Yami," Kakashi said urgently. "Their target is Naruto. Why did you bring him here?"

"I was giving the kid some special training."

Yami waved lazily. "I brought him because I sensed Kurenai's signal."

Kakashi then noticed Naruto's injuries. His pupils shrank as he suddenly understood something, casting a hesitant look at Yami.

"Alright, Kakashi, use Flying Thunder God to fetch someone."

Yami didn't act immediately. Instead, he gave Kakashi an order.

"You serious?"

Kakashi's face twitched, uncertain of what Yami had in mind.

"Don't stall."

Itachi frowned, unable to follow their conversation.

Unable to disobey, Kakashi began forming hand seals. "Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Over at the training ground, Sasuke was wondering why Kakashi hadn't shown up yet. Suddenly, he felt a spatial pull.

Rip!

Half his clothes were torn as he was yanked into the stream.

He landed in the water with a splash, then quickly used chakra to steady himself.

Aside from Yami, Guy, Kurenai, and Yugao, everyone stared at Kakashi in disbelief.

This… is Flying Thunder God?

Kakashi's face turned red, though his mask hid it. Trying to save face, he said, "Got a problem?"

"As long as it makes you happy." Kurenai's mouth twitched.

"Sasuke… you've grown."

Itachi's eyes flickered as he looked at Sasuke, then returned to normal.

Still not enough. He was still not ready.

"Hahaha! Sasuke, how come you've only got half your clothes left?"

Naruto burst out laughing. Sasuke looked confused at first, then heard Naruto's voice and shot back,

"At least I'm not you. Look at yourself. Aren't your clothes half-burned?"

Sasuke had been jealous of Naruto lately. Naruto had been training under Yami, while he hadn't received any personal guidance from him in a long time.

"Stop flirting."

Yami gave them a mild scolding and pointed ahead. "Sasuke, I found a sparring partner for you. Interested?"

Sasuke looked in the direction Yami pointed, stunned for a few seconds. When he realized who it was, his Sharingan activated immediately, and his breathing quickened.

"Uchiha Itachi!!"

"Sasuke."

Itachi remained indifferent. "Volume does not equal strength. It seems you haven't spoken properly in years."

Yami glanced at him. "Are you questioning my teaching methods, Uchiha Itachi?"

"Go, Sasuke. Show him what you've got."

Yami didn't need to fan the flames. The moment Sasuke saw Itachi, his reasoning snapped.

He had only one thought left.

Kill him. Avenge the clan and his parents.

Even if it meant dying together!

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Sasuke launched the fireball faster than ever. But it still couldn't compare to the one Yami used moments ago.

Its heat, force, and density didn't come close.

Kisame was about to step in, but Itachi raised a hand to stop him.

"He's still just a child. Let me help him understand fear."

Itachi fired a fireball in return. After only two seconds of clash, Sasuke's flames were completely overpowered.

Sasuke's control over fire chakra was far inferior.

"Chidori!"

The sound of chirping birds rang out. Covered in lightning, Sasuke pierced through the flames and lunged for Itachi's head.

Itachi's three tomoe spun, forming a strange Mangekyō pattern.

He casually tilted his head, narrowly dodging, and caught Sasuke's hand in a palm lock.

"Too weak. Far too weak."

Itachi stared him down with oppressive intensity.

"You, carrying the hatred of the clan—this is all the progress you've made? Or have you spent so long playing ninja games that you've forgotten the past?"

"No matter. I'll help you remember."

Sasuke panicked. Realizing what was happening, he closed his eyes to avoid Itachi's gaze—but it was too late.

Tsukuyomi activated.

Sasuke was forced to relive the massacre of the clan ten times in an instant.

In reality, only a second had passed, but Sasuke let out a sharp scream.

Itachi hesitated, but still raised his foot, preparing to kick Sasuke away to prevent further damage.

But before he could finish the motion, Yami appeared in front of him and kicked as well, clashing with Itachi.

Bang!

The powerful impact forced Itachi back. Yami caught Sasuke in midair and looked at his eyes—still only two tomoe. He clicked his tongue.

"Tch. So your genjutsu isn't even real enough to trigger the third tomoe."

He handed Sasuke to Kakashi and turned to Itachi, his once-gentle smile fading into cold clarity.

"Uchiha Itachi… you've really ruined my reputation in the education world."

"It seems I'll have to remind you just how humiliated you were last time… and how you barely escaped with your life."

Yami clapped his hands. The earth rumbled beneath them.

"Wood Release: Twin Rising Dragon!"

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Andrew Herrera for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉

Chapter 157: Naive Kakashi

Two massive wooden dragons grew wildly from the forest on either side of the riverbank, soaring into the sky and reaching Kisame and Itachi in an instant.

"Boss, I'm one of you…"

Kisame wanted to shout, but that was just a fleeting thought.

Not to mention that he hadn't seen enough fun within Akatsuki and wasn't planning to expose himself just yet. Besides, when the wooden dragons surged toward him, Kisame actually felt eager to fight.

This was the legendary technique used by Senju Hashirama to bring peace to the shinobi world. For someone like Kisame, who longed to fight the strong, it was a pity that he had only heard of the Wood Release's reputation and never experienced it firsthand.

Then let's give it a try. The boss won't actually kill me anyway.

With that in mind, under Itachi's shocked gaze, Kisame raised Samehada and swung it excitedly.

Boom—!

Wood splinters flew.

Waves surged.

As expected, the "tailless Tailed Beast" was knocked back by the immense force. The wooden dragon's head had only lost a thin layer of bark.

Even Yami was surprised. He didn't expect Kisame to be so fierce, able to chop at the wooden dragon with just a blade. Wasn't that basically the same as stabbing Susanoo with a kunai?

Bang!

Kisame was then smacked by the wooden dragon's tail, spat out a mouthful of blood, and looked utterly horrified.

"This... is a dragon?"

Just now, Samehada tried to absorb chakra from the wooden dragon to boost Kisame's strength, but instead, the dragon exerted a suction force even stronger than Samehada's.

It drained a large amount of his chakra.

"Itachi-san, be careful. This wooden dragon absorbs chakra!" Kisame warned quickly. His enthusiasm to challenge it vanished completely.

"I know." Itachi nodded heavily.

Yami waved his palm again, and the two wooden dragons launched another attack. Itachi fired off Great Fireballs while retreating with Kisame, but found that they barely affected the dragons. Left with no choice, he activated his trump card.

"Amaterasu!"

The black flames engulfed the dragon's head, but the burning speed was still incredibly slow.

The wooden dragon didn't just absorb chakra—it also possessed terrifying resistance to ninjutsu. It was the ultimate nemesis for shinobi reliant on jutsu.

Even though Amaterasu scorched the dragon's head, it had no vital point. It wasn't a real living creature and kept advancing with the black flames still burning on it.

Yami clapped his hands again, and Itachi's heart stopped.

He was starting to fear Wood Release.

This technique was outrageous. No hand seals needed. Just clap and call out the name, and the jutsu activated instantly.

"Wood Release: Nativity of a World of Trees!"

Countless thick roots erupted from the ground, covering the entire area in an instant. They surged and spread, cutting off all possible escape routes for Itachi and Kisame.

The wooden dragons, fully regenerated, locked eyes with them and prepared to launch their final strike.

Yami loved Wood Release so much that he rarely used other techniques.

It had control, defense, offense, wide-range and precision attack capabilities—far exceeding the limits of other ninjutsu. So why bother using anything else?

Kakashi and the others watched in awe as the forest grew rapidly before their eyes.

During the Chūnin Exams, they'd all been busy with their own missions and hadn't had the chance to witness Wood Release's full power. But now, seeing it in action.

It was terrifying.

Finally, Itachi and Kisame were forced into a corner, completely surrounded. Kisame looked up at the wooden dragon looming above and despaired.

Boss, are you having too much fun and forgot about me?

I'm one of your people!

Itachi's expression was grim.

He really wants to kill us!

Realizing this, Itachi no longer held back and prepared to activate Susanoo to break through.

At that moment, Sasuke, supported by Kakashi, suddenly woke up. Seeing the scene in front of him, he struggled weakly and muttered, "Yami-sensei… don't kill him. I want… to take revenge myself…"

After saying that, he fainted again.

"Tch…"

Kakashi frowned. The hatred in this kid's heart was too strong. Being provoked by Itachi had driven him to delirium.

At that moment, Yami paused his attack. During that short delay, Itachi seized the chance and used Amaterasu to burn open a path. Kisame fused with Samehada, transforming into a shark-like form, and fled with blood dripping from Itachi's eyes.

Seeing this, Yami cut off his chakra flow. The massive forest withered and faded away, leaving the area a mess.

"They just got away like that?"

Kakashi looked a bit regretful. These were two S-rank rogue ninjas. If they continued lurking around Konoha, it would keep everyone on edge.

"What if we didn't let them go?"

The breeze blew Yami's hair as he looked at the unconscious Sasuke.

"Didn't you hear what Itachi said earlier? My reputation must not be ruined by Sasuke. He must be the one to kill Itachi. No one else."

"Guy, Naruto, take Sasuke to the hospital." Kakashi handed Sasuke to Naruto, who had just come to his senses. Guy picked him up, and they quickly left.

"Yami, are you planning to issue a bounty on those two?" Kurenai asked.

"No. If they're taken out by someone else, that's no good."

Yami shook his head. "Just alert the Konoha shinobi to keep their distance from anyone wearing black cloaks with red clouds."

Kurenai nodded, said a few more things to Yami, then left with Yugao. She could tell Kakashi had something to say to him.

After watching them leave, Kakashi turned back toward Yami. "Don't you think… this is a little much?"

"What?" Yami was confused by his tone.

"Life shouldn't be consumed by hatred."

Kakashi sighed, speaking quietly. "After this incident, Sasuke will definitely grow more extreme. To gain power, I'm afraid he might follow Orochimaru's old path. He's still a child. He should live a normal life…"

"Are you serious?"

Yami stared at Kakashi like he was crazy. He couldn't believe Kakashi would actually say something like that. "When did you ever think Sasuke was a normal person?"

"His brother killed their parents and slaughtered their entire clan. And you want Sasuke to walk around every day smiling like a fool?"

"Revenge must be taken. But that hatred shouldn't consume his whole life." Kakashi tried to reason with him again, but Yami remained unmoved.

"Then let him enjoy life after revenge."

Yami smirked. "Kakashi, you really are the Third Hokage's disciple. You're sounding more and more like him—so righteous and idealistic."

"What's wrong with pursuing strength? Why do you assume that gaining power will make someone fall into darkness?"

Kakashi felt helpless. He only wanted to remind Yami not to be too extreme with Naruto and Sasuke. How did this become his fault?

But the next moment, Kakashi's face changed.

Yami's words pierced right into his heart.

"Your two teammates died during the war, didn't they?"

"If you had your current strength back then, would Uchiha Obito still have been crushed under that boulder? Would Nohara Rin still have died on the battlefield and become the Three Tails' jinchūriki?"

"Most of the world's pain comes from a lack of strength. Think about it."

After saying that, Yami ignored the stunned Kakashi and vanished on the spot.

Konoha Hospital

Yami stopped by a tailor to pick up the cheongsam he had custom-made for Kurotsuchi, then turned a corner toward the hospital.

Itachi had still shown mercy toward Sasuke.

In the original timeline, Kakashi had collapsed after a single glance from Itachi and remained unconscious until Tsunade returned to heal him. Sasuke had been struck by Tsukuyomi, and the hospital recommended seven days of rest.

After that, he'd be fine. No lasting damage.

When Yami arrived, Sasuke was lying in bed, and Naruto was slumped in a chair, fast asleep.

Naruto had been exhausted lately. Yami's training for him required triggering the Nine Tails' chakra. Naruto had to keep pushing himself past his limits until the Nine Tails' chakra leaked out on its own and he grew accustomed to its corrosive effect.

That was why his clothes always looked like they'd been burned—just the chakra.

Yami wasn't pleased to hear Sasuke needed a full week of bedrest.

The current medical ninja in Konoha were basically useless. They couldn't handle severe injuries, and they were just as bad with minor ones. He needed to find Tsunade quickly and have her rebuild the medical system.

Without waking Naruto, Yami began treatment, using the Healing Jutsu to stimulate chakra in Sasuke's brain and accelerate his spiritual recovery. At this rate, he would be fully healed by tomorrow.

While Yami was treating Sasuke, someone quietly appeared beside him.

Uchiha Shisui.

After Yami stopped, Shisui asked softly, "Did Itachi return to the village?"

Yami nodded. "I chased him off. If you leave now, you might catch up."

"Why? You can't help it? You want to kill him?"

"No. Let Sasuke do it. And I'm not strong enough anyway."

Shisui shook his head, his gaze falling on Sasuke in the bed with a hint of admiration.

Compared to Itachi, Sasuke might not have the same level of talent, but his potential and determination weren't inferior.

More importantly, Sasuke was a normal person—he didn't have the extremist mindset so common in the Uchiha clan.

That alone made him rare.

"Tch."

Yami sneered. "You can fool others, but you can't fool me."

"Just open the Mangekyō already. That pupil power is about to burst out of your Three Tomoe. If you can awaken it, do it. You think I'll be afraid of you?"

Under the mask, Shisui was startled. He quickly lowered his head and bowed. "Yami, I'll never awaken the Mangekyō. I'll never become a threat to you."

"I wasn't being sarcastic."

Yami looked at Shisui helplessly. "I'm not my old man. I'm not scared of Uchiha."

His current pupil power was already at the peak of the Eternal Mangekyō. Even if Uchiha Madara were resurrected, he'd only be on equal footing. There was no way Yami would fear Shisui's dojutsu.

Seeing that Shisui still had his head lowered and said nothing, Yami continued, "I'll be the Fifth Hokage soon."

"You've seen Konoha's current state. There are barely any capable shinobi left. If you can awaken the Mangekyō soon, it'll help share some of the burden."

"Besides… I need your experience. Don't worry, Shisui."

Shisui saw Yami speak so sincerely and finally nodded, but made a solemn vow:

"Yami, you can take these eyes from me at any time. I swear in the name of hundreds of Uchiha souls—these eyes will only ever fight for you."

(To be continued.)