RADG: Chapter 105/107

Chapter 105: A Younger Brother Is Always a Younger Brother

The Uchiha compound was littered with corpses. Many of their Sharingan had already been gouged out, leaving behind only "defective products" with tomoe that lacked value.

"Uchiha Itachi wants to steal my spoils?"

Furious, Obito arrived at Uchiha Fugaku's residence. Yami and Itachi were already at the door, and Yami was trying to persuade him.

"If you really can't bring yourself to do it, just let me. I understand. This is human nature."

"Shimura Yami!"

Obito, emerging from the Kamui vortex, immediately noticed the container in Yami's hand—filled with eyeballs.

Yami turned and showed a playful smile.

"So it's you, the one pretending to be Uchiha Madara. Didn't you run like a coward last time? What, grew some guts now?"

Seeing the masked man appear, Itachi felt a wave of relief.

He had just been arguing with Yami, unwilling to let him enter and watch as he killed his father.

"The Sharingan for Danzō you're after is being collected. I can't stop him. You two can talk."

After casually provoking them both, Itachi stepped inside, leaving the scene to Yami and Obito.

"Young brat from the Shimura clan, do you really think I left last time because I was afraid of you?"

Still pretending to be Madara, Obito said coldly, "You're arrogant because of Flying Thunder God and that vulgar Scorch Release. In the era of Hashirama and me, someone like you wouldn't survive three years."

"You're quite convincing."

Yami nodded seriously. Clearly, to perfect this identity, the real Madara must have told Obito quite a bit. "But unfortunately, I still don't believe you're that old fossil Madara."

"I checked the records. If it were really him, he'd let his fists speak, not his mouth."

"People change." Obito remained composed. "I have patience for younger generations."

"Who are you really?"

The two spoke past each other. Yami pretended to think deeply.

"Not many Uchiha died in the Great War… after all, they rarely participated. And even fewer awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan…"

"Looks like I'll need to go over the files again. Probably someone whose body wasn't retrieved, mistakenly listed as KIA."

Obito's heart clenched with unease.

Plenty of people had doubted his identity before, but no one had ever come at him from this angle.

He couldn't let this continue.

"Youngster, don't stall for time."

Obito's voice turned murderous. "Hand over the Sharingan. You're not qualified to handle them."

"You want them?"

Yami took out a sealing scroll and sealed the eyeball-filled container inside. He beckoned with one hand. "Come get them yourself."

Inside, Itachi entered slowly, short sword in hand, his senses fully alert.

He could dismiss the rest of the clan, but not his father...

Fugaku wasn't the type to be blindly arrogant, nor did he possess the smug pride many Uchiha carried. Even so, he still chose rebellion, which meant he had confidence—a trump card.

Mangekyō?

Cautiously advancing, Itachi found no traps or ambushes.

"No traps. Come in."

Itachi pushed open the final door and stepped into the living room.

His parents, dressed in plain clothes, were kneeling quietly with their backs to him.

"I don't want to kill my own son. But if you've chosen the village, then go ahead."

"…Father…"

Itachi slowly raised his blade. He didn't cry. His tears had run dry the night before.

"Promise me this, Sasuke…"

Fugaku's voice was calm, unafraid of death. "No matter how painful the path you choose… you must walk it to the end."

"I'll be proud of you."

"I'm sorry… Father…"

Itachi clenched his sword and prepared to strike—but at that moment…

Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!

A transparent barrier shot through the house. Itachi's Sharingan whirled furiously, and he instinctively retreated. The edge of the technique grazed his sleeve, but Fugaku and Mikoto made no attempt to avoid it.

Thankfully, the jutsu wasn't aimed at them. It passed between them and Itachi, blasting through the house entirely.

"…Tsk."

Yami's voice came from outside, sounding annoyed. "That bastard's so slippery. Why won't anything hit him?"

"…Dust Release…" Fugaku turned slowly, staring deeply at Yami.

[Bond with Uchiha Fugaku has reached the third stage: 'Heart Is Dead'. Reward: Mangekyō Eye Power.]

"Another decisive power? Itachi, it seems your vision for the future goes even further than mine…"

Seeing Yami wield Dust Release, Fugaku felt oddly at peace. This level of power, paired with Flying Thunder God, further doomed the rebellion. But at least… both of his sons had survived.

Fugaku could accept that. The true victims were the innocent civilians.

Itachi frowned deeply.

He had no idea Yami had mastered Dust Release. Now he was more convinced that Danzō had doubted his resolve, so he sent Yami to make sure the job got done.

"…"

The sword descended, blood splashed, and the kneeling Uchiha couple collapsed.

In his final moment of consciousness, Fugaku felt a hint of regret.

If…

If Itachi had been honest with him, had shared his intentions would things have turned out differently?

—

Yami's attacks passed through Obito again, while Obito's counterattacks were effortlessly dodged.

Since the battle began, neither had landed a single hit.

"A strong intangibility ability, but without contact. Your reaction time and taijutsu don't let you exploit its full potential. It's wasted on you."

"Damn brat…"

Obito gritted his teeth. He finally understood how dangerous Yami was.

Faster than even Namikaze Minato, with monstrous combat instincts.

He had analyzed Kamui's properties in mere seconds.

Obito rarely fought top-tier opponents directly. Now he remembered why.

Kamui made him untouchable, but it didn't cover for his offensive weaknesses.

Even with White Zetsu's body and Hashirama's cells, which boosted his chakra and physique, it wasn't enough against Yami.

Obito stayed intangible, avoiding any further confrontation.

"Itachi, we should leave."

"You go first."

Itachi saw the small figure sprinting toward him from the end of the street.

Sasuke.

"I still have something to do."

Obito snorted and vanished into the Kamui vortex.

Itachi turned to Yami. "My mission is complete. Can you leave as well?"

He leapt into the ruins and removed the eyes of Fugaku and Mikoto.

"My parents' Sharingan… I won't let anyone else have them."

"Doesn't matter. I have more than enough."

Yami shrugged. "Say goodbye to your brother properly. Next time you meet, he'll want to rip you apart."

Yami activated Flying Thunder God and disappeared from the bloodstained ruins.

Bang!

Not thirty seconds later, the front door burst open.

Sasuke stood frozen in the doorway, eyes wide.

His parents' bodies lay before him, bloodied. His brother stood over them, blade in hand.

"What are you doing, Niisan…?"

"Let me show you."

Itachi's Sharingan spun, and Tsukuyomi activated. Sasuke was dragged into an illusion. Everything from tonight replayed, except for the presence of the masked man and Yami.

"My foolish little brother. You're not worth killing yet."

"You will be my benchmark. You have the potential to awaken these eyes. Run. Live in shame. Carry the burden of the clan's blood. When you gain eyes like mine, come seek revenge."

"No! I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"

Sasuke screamed in agony. Itachi watched, pity flashing in his eyes, as he increased the pressure of Tsukuyomi.

At the moment Sasuke collapsed, his Sharingan awakened—only one tomoe.

"Just one magatama…"

Sighing, Itachi used Earth Release to bury his parents' remains deep underground, ensuring no one would disturb their peace.

He gave Sasuke one last glance before leaving.

Soon after, Mikoto's corpse crumbled into dried, withered wood.

—

Hokage Building

Uchiha Itachi knelt on one knee before Hiruzen, calm and composed like a loyal Anbu.

Hiruzen sighed. "Regardless, I must thank you. Konoha avoided a civil war and maintained peace."

"Yes."

"It's a shame… I couldn't find another way."

"I'm sorry."

"No. I should be the one apologizing."

Though it sounded like a hollow apology, Hiruzen's words were genuine.

He had hoped for Uchiha to remain under his control, not to see them erased. But now, in the eyes of outsiders, Konoha had paid a heavy price.

Itachi bowed his head.

Outside, voices stirred. Hiruzen looked out the window.

"From this moment forward, you are an S-rank criminal. The village will pursue you as such."

"Understood."

"Where do you plan to go?"

"I promised Madara I'd join a group called Akatsuki," Itachi replied quietly. "I'll send intel regularly and uncover his true motives."

Hiruzen stared at him, unsure if this was loyalty or a threat.

"I'll take care of your brother. I'll ensure his safety."

"Thank you, Hokage."

"Go. And thank you for your service."

After bowing again, Itachi vanished.

—

On a rooftop, Itachi met with Obito once more.

"Finished explaining yourself?"

Obito tossed him a scroll. "That's Akatsuki's location. Don't reveal my identity. It's not time yet. If you anger me, even Konoha won't be able to protect your brother."

Itachi caught the scroll and turned to leave.

"Don't touch Sasuke. He's my prey. I need his eyes."

"The Eternal Mangekyō, huh?"

Obito finally understood Itachi's deeper plans. Some pieces of the puzzle clicked into place.

"What a terrifying mind…"

Amidst the village chaos, Itachi slipped away with ease.

But his heart was heavy. From now on, Sasuke would see him as his greatest enemy. Who knew what Konoha might do?

Wait… there was still one loose end.

A thunderclap rang through his mind.

Uchiha Izumi!

She had left the Uchiha clan, and most no longer spoke of her. Over time, even the higher-ups seemed to forget.

But she still existed. Would her survival threaten Sasuke's status?

He began to feel uneasy.

And in that moment, the person he least wanted to see… appeared.

"What a coincidence. Didn't think I'd run into you here."

Yami smiled. "Itachi, since you've left the village… you're a traitor now, right?"

"What do you want?"

Itachi's Sharingan flared.

"What can I, an Anbu captain, do when I meet a missing-nin?"

Yami spread his arms. "Naturally, I must fulfill my duty and arrest you."

"I don't want to fight you right now."

"It's not your choice."

Yami drew his Kusanagi Sword. "You awakened your Mangekyō after Shisui died, didn't you? That's when you thought you could stand on equal footing with me, and your attitude changed."

"I need to remind you of something, no matter how strong you get, a younger brother will always be a younger brother."

Itachi stared at him. Memories, grief, and rage filled his chest.

He threw a shuriken, loaded with three times the usual number of explosive tags.

"Yami… let's finish this!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 106: Crushing

Itachi had never been one to act on emotion. If anything, he was far too rational.

But the grudge between him and Yami was deeply rooted and complicated.

He had been suppressed ever since the academy. His best friend, Uchiha Shisui, had died due to Shimura Danzō's suspicion. And today, after personally butchering his own clan and family, his suppressed emotions finally erupted with devastating force.

With a sweep of his blade, the explosive tags detonated between the two of them in a fiery burst of smoke.

Itachi rarely initiated combat.

But now, they clashed!

Clang—!

Chakra-infused kunai met Yami's Kusanagi sword, holding their own briefly due to precision and technique.

Then came a flurry of taijutsu exchanges.

Yami aimed a direct stab toward Itachi's eyes. Itachi bent back to dodge and countered with a knee strike, which was intercepted by Yami's raised leg.

"You've really improved."

During the brief clash, Yami commented casually, "You're no longer the little bug I could flick away with one punch."

Suddenly, Itachi's fist surged with hidden strength and knocked Yami backward. But before Yami hit the ground, he lunged forward, fist raised.

Itachi's pupils shrank. His three tomoe spun erratically.

Boom—!

Right before the strike landed, Itachi activated the Body Replacement Technique.

Yami's punch pulverized the substitution log, driving it into the ground with terrifying force.

Cracks spread like spiderwebs, debris flew everywhere. The surrounding terrain looked as if a magnitude-10 earthquake had struck.

"What terrifying chakra... such monstrous strength."

Itachi emerged from the earth. "This is just like the legendary Tsunade's brute power…"

"Unfortunately, all your ninjutsu can still be read by these eyes."

Without turning, Yami slashed his blade behind him. Itachi was hit, but burst into a puddle of water.

Another clone.

Steam filled the area.

As the smoke cleared, both stood atop towering tree branches, glaring across the gap.

"Amaterasu!"

Itachi's eyes gleamed sharply. Black flames erupted where Yami stood.

Amaterasu—reputed as the strongest Fire Release technique. Both ninjutsu and Kekkei Genkai. Its black flames would never extinguish. Instantaneous. Unavoidable for most.

But Yami's reaction speed was abnormal.

The moment Itachi's pupils shrank, Yami shot forward and formed seals midair.

"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Singing Technique!"

Several fire dragons roared toward Itachi, obscuring his vision and blocking his opportunity to cast Tsukuyomi.

"Water Release: Water Barrier!"

With no other choice, Itachi responded defensively.

His chakra reserves were not enormous. He had more chakra than average thanks to the Mangekyō Sharingan, but nowhere near Yami's absurd pool, who never held back on chakra expenditure.

Neutralizing the flames drained him significantly.

And yet…

"Something's wrong… the water temperature…"

His eyes widened.

That one ninjutsu had been that intense. What if there were more?

"Scorch Release: Multiple Over-Steaming Kill!"

Several fireballs the size of suns rained down.

Itachi retreated frantically. The scorching spheres came from all directions like a meteor shower, leaving him with less and less space to dodge.

He needed a way out—fast.

Earth Release?

Too slow. His Earth Release wasn't Mastery level, and these fireballs wouldn't give him time to weave signs.

Amaterasu?

No. A wide-range Amaterasu would only play into Yami's hands, burning chakra for minimal results.

Then...

He had to end it in one strike.

He activated his eye power without restraint.

Red energy erupted from Itachi's body. A skeletal arm took shape—Susanoo.

The giant arm swatted away several fireballs, but not without damage.

"First stage isn't enough…" Itachi frowned as the arm began to burn.

With a thought, the arm regenerated, and the structure continued forming.

The skeletal frame grew muscles made of chakra threads, then a thick layer of armor covered it. Both arms clenched. A shield and a gourd-shaped hilt formed.

The gourd unsheathed a sword of liquid light that sliced down the remaining fireballs.

Yami also ceased his assault.

"Ghhh…"

Itachi clutched his eyes in pain. His brain throbbed violently.

The third stage of Susanoo was the upper limit for a standard Mangekyō. It was incredibly taxing, and its stability was questionable.

"Is this the so-called Susanoo?"

Yami's eyes focused on the two weapons.

"The Yata Mirror, said to be the strongest defense. And the Totsuka Blade, which seals all it cuts…"

He chuckled. "Uchiha sure know how to flatter themselves. These are just Susanoo's abilities, and you name them like they're divine relics."

Itachi's heart dropped.

Yami's knowledge of Uchiha secrets was too thorough. These abilities had never been shown before, and yet he knew.

What was the point of tactics anymore?

Ninja battles relied on information disparity. Most strategies were only viable when the enemy didn't know what to expect.

But in front of Yami, Itachi felt like an open book.

"It just so happens…"

Yami floated into the air, arms spread, pulling out a translucent cube.

"I also have a technique that's called the strongest."

"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!"

The cube expanded rapidly.

Itachi gritted his teeth and raised the Yata Mirror.

Blinding white light swallowed the battlefield. Entire swaths of forest were erased down to atomic particles.

The Susanoo shattered.

When the light faded, Itachi lay on the ground. Barely breathing. Without the slow rise and fall of his chest, he might've been mistaken for a corpse.

His Susanoo had been destroyed head-on.

The backlash from overextending the Mangekyō left his eyes and brain screaming in agony.

Yami slowly landed.

"You're skilled, but still far off."

He didn't approach. He kept his distance, more than ten meters.

"Now you understand. Keep your voice down when speaking to me."

"In the future, send a report about Akatsuki to the Root, not just to the Third Hokage. Also, you'll carry out any mission I give you. Otherwise, I'll pay Sasuke a visit."

"It was a deal with the Third Hokage. You want to go back on it?"

Itachi, still buried halfway in the ground, finally gave up playing dead.

[Host and Uchiha Itachi's 'Mortal Enemy' bond has reached the third stage. Reward: Eye Technique "Tsukuyomi"]

Yami grinned, "You said Third Hokage. What does that have to do with me?"

"Whether you agree or not, doesn't matter to me."

"As long as you play your part as a spy, I won't touch Sasuke. I quite like the kid. I look forward to seeing you brothers kill each other."

"Oh… I really can't wait."

Yami's figure slowly dispersed into a drifting leaf, only his faint chuckle lingering in the air.

Itachi lay there for a long time before finding the strength to stand. He staggered away into the night like a wounded stray dog.

—

At the secret base where Shisui was stationed, the return was crowded.

When they left earlier, it had only been Yami and Shisui. But now, dozens were present.

Because time had been short when stopping Itachi, Yami had simply teleported everyone here using Flying Thunder God without taking headcount.

Now that he looked…

"So you really did save quite a few."

Forty-two.

Twenty-six children, all under twelve. The rest were women. The oldest looked about sixty.

Shisui walked out from the cave and knelt on one knee.

"Yami-sama, most of these survivors are civilian children or fringe members of the clan. They knew nothing of the rebellion. They completely meet your conditions."

Yami shook his head slightly. "Words aren't enough. I'll judge based on how they behave once they wake up."

"Hatred is irrational. Sometimes it spills over and hurts innocents. And honestly… neither I nor the village can be called innocent."

"I hope you understand why they're still alive."

"Because you can use them," Shisui said solemnly. "I'll make sure they understand that. And who their real enemy is."

"Don't wake them yet. Though the Uchiha clan is gone, the unrest in the village isn't over."

"Once I settle things, I'll arrange a place for them."

Shisui looked up. "Did you find Uchiha Itachi?"

"We fought."

"Did he die?"

Of all who wanted Itachi dead, none surpassed Shisui.

His hatred ran deeper than anyone's. He had been blind—he placed his trust in a psychopath.

"No." Yami shook his head, disappointing Shisui.

"He still has a role to play. Those eyes are valuable. You've seen the stone tablet at Naka Shrine, haven't you?"

Shisui's expression changed.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan that never goes blind…"

"That's not your concern."

Yami waved him off. "Your task is managing these survivors. Many of the children have already awakened their Sharingan. They're promising."

"The Root belongs to the old man. I need my own people. Understand?"

Shisui nodded. "I'll raise a unit of shinobi worthy of you. Many of them awakened their Sharingan during the rescue. Their hatred for Itachi will help them grow quickly."

After the massacre, Shisui was just a shadow. He had only two reasons to keep living.

First, to atone for his past.

He had given his life and his eyes to the village. He owed Konoha nothing more.

Second, to raise these children.

To train them.

To one day see Uchiha Itachi fall by their hands.

For that, he would help Yami with anything.

Whether Yami distanced himself from the village or not no longer mattered.

"Good. Wait for my message."

"I'm heading back to Konoha to battle the Third Hokage."

—

After the horrific night, Konoha slowly returned to calm.

The major clans only knew the Uchiha had rioted. They didn't know what happened in detail.

That district was sealed off by Anbu.

But word spread.

Only one survivor emerged—an unconscious Uchiha Sasuke, delivered to the hospital by Root.

By morning, Yami returned to Konoha with Uchiha Izumi and her mother, settled them in, then headed to Root to report to Danzō.

But a Root shinobi told him Danzō was already at the Hokage's office and had ordered Yami to report immediately.

Apparently, Root had been looking for Yami all night. No one could find the elusive speedster who didn't want to be found.

When Yami entered the office, all the elders looked up.

"Yami, where were you last night?"

Hiruzen stubbed out his pipe and spoke sternly, "Anbu and Root searched everywhere. Why are you only showing up now?"

"I was chasing down the S-rank missing-nin, Uchiha Itachi."

Hiruzen's face shifted slightly.

"But he still got away. A pity."

Yami smiled faintly. "Old Man, you almost seem… happy he escaped?"

"Stop pretending."

Hiruzen slammed his desk. "Something major happened last night. As Anbu captain, not only did you fail to report to me, you also cooperated privately with Root. Are you done playing this game?!"

"Hokage-sama, am I your only Anbu?"

Yami's voice remained calm, but the words were sharp.

"The massacre took almost an hour. Not a single Anbu showed up to investigate. Except for the three teams I dispatched, no one even looked into the barrier fluctuations."

"Are the other units dead?"

"Or were you all just waiting until everything was done… so you could appear and judge us from above?"

Danzō, who had been silent, raised his head slightly, surprise flickering in his eyes.

Hiruzen's expression twisted in disbelief.

He suddenly realized—Yami had changed.

The boy's former bluntness had just seemed like childishness.

Even calling him 'Old Man' had held no malice.

But now… now it was disdain.

He could feel it.

A child's disdain for him.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 107: The Falling Out, Yami’s Mangekyō

The atmosphere in the Hokage's office fell into an eerie silence. Hiruzen didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Even Danzō was puzzled by why Yami was so irritable today.

It was Utatane Koharu who stepped forward to ease the tension.

"Yami, how can you speak to the Third Hokage like that? As Hokage, it's his duty to be informed, and what actions he takes are his responsibility. Don't question that."

"Besides, we're only asking for some clarification."

She looked toward Danzō. "You said he was with you the whole time, right?"

Danzō showed his stance as well. "Yami, Hiruzen, you can ask me whatever you want. I have nothing to hide. Everything I do is for Konoha."

"What else is there to say?"

Yami walked over to the sofa and sat down. "Uchiha Itachi couldn't bear to watch the village and clan descend into civil war, so he invited a masked man claiming to be Uchiha Madara to help kill the clan."

"Everyone was wiped out, aside from a few civilians."

"That many people? Just the two of them?" Mitokado Homura asked.

"The Security Department was wiped out entirely by the masked man. Itachi focused on the clan area. Oh, and there were a few elders who didn't get along with me. Since they talked behind my back, I helped send them on their way."

Everyone exchanged glances, their expressions growing solemn.

This so-called Uchiha Madara's strength wasn't to be underestimated. He managed to slaughter the most elite Uchiha in the Security Department without leaving a trace.

Hiruzen's expression darkened as he pressed on. "What about Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto? Anbu couldn't find their bodies during the sweep."

"Itachi buried them using Earth Release. Maybe that was his last shred of humanity?"

"But I can confirm he killed them. I was fighting the masked man and happened to break into Fugaku's house. I saw it with my own eyes."

"And the missing Sharingan?"

"All taken by Uchiha Madara." Yami's expression remained calm, while Hiruzen's face flushed red.

Did Hiruzen really believe Itachi was acting on his own?

Itachi had told him everything the night before.

But there were things he couldn't say publicly. Otherwise, it would seem like the Hokage himself was requesting the Sharingan. And what reason would he give for needing them?

Hiruzen couldn't risk that kind of accusation.

He could only glare at Danzō.

"Danzō! Who gave you the authority to order Uchiha Itachi to annihilate the clan behind my back?! Do you have any idea what the other clans will think? What about the consequences when the other hidden villages find out?!"

"From now on, the Root will be disbanded immediately! And Yami, your Anbu post is revoked. Go home and reflect on your actions. Once you realize your mistakes, come report back to me!"

He wasn't abandoning them—at least, not in his eyes.

Danzo had acted without informing him, so a penalty was necessary. And Yami… he was still young. Once the child acknowledged his fault, he could reinstate him.

After all, someone had to take the blame for the Uchiha extermination.

Hiruzen believed this arrangement was fair.

But there was one person who didn't.

"Third Hokage, are you certain?"

Yami smiled faintly at Danzō, then turned to Hiruzen.

But that smile held no warmth.

"It was Uchiha Itachi who destroyed the Uchiha clan. My old man only gave him a few options. The path was his choice."

"I'm the Hokage! Shimura Yami, this is an order!" Hiruzen's gaze turned sharp.

"What kind of order does a rogue-nin need to follow?"

Yami reached for the forehead protector at his waist. With a single swipe of his Kusanagi sword, he carved a deep slash through it.

The elders' expressions changed instantly.

"Third Hokage, do you dare gamble?"

"Can Konoha afford my defection right now? Uchiha was wiped out yesterday, and today I abandon the village. How long before the outside world pounces?"

"You're threatening me?" Hiruzen glared. "You want to see if this old man can still fight?"

Yami pressed his sword forward. A gust of wind blew through the room.

"My sword isn't dull either."

Swish! Swish!

Sensing the danger, several Anbu rushed into the room, only to find Yami pointing his blade at the Hokage. They immediately placed themselves in front of Hiruzen and encircled Yami.

"Back off!" Hiruzen barked. "That's an order. No one enters without my command!"

"Yes, sir."

Though worried, the Anbu obeyed and vanished out the window.

"Shimura Yami, do you understand what you're saying?"

Hiruzen's voice was laced with fury. "The village has only one law when it comes to traitors—death!"

"Whether you're someone's grandson or not, no one can betray Konoha!"

"Can you kill me?"

Yami toyed with a special kunai. "Frankly, I can't think of anyone in Konoha right now who can. Maybe before Itachi left, his Mangekyō Sharingan could've threatened me a little. But now?"

That knife-like remark pierced Hiruzen's heart.

"Even if you call Jiraiya back, it won't matter."

"He couldn't stop me."

Yami smacked his forehead as if he just remembered something. "No one can betray the village, huh? But wait… wasn't there someone named Sarutobi Asuma who quietly left and became one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, even opposing Konoha?"

He shook his head regretfully. "Tch, that's also a traitor, isn't it? Shame I didn't realize it sooner. He might still be alive."

"You!"

Hiruzen nearly exploded. His chakra surged, and pressure filled the room.

He was old, but still a shinobi. He hadn't lost his edge.

"Monkey, no one in this world can say the Shimura clan betrayed Konoha."

Danzō finally spoke coldly.

"You betrayed Nidaime's will, allowed Uchiha their own armed force, and then used your 'righteousness' as a weapon to suppress me and Yami. Do you think I have no temper?"

"If you're so confident in your decision, then summon all the clan leaders. Let the truth be known. Let them decide."

"No!" Hiruzen immediately shouted. "This is a top-secret matter. They can't know!"

It was then that Hiruzen finally realized, eliminating the Uchiha had removed an unstable element, yes. But it also stripped away his leverage against Shimura Yami.

He had assumed that, despite their disagreements, Danzō and Yami would never become adversaries.

But he had been wrong.

Yami wasn't one of them—he didn't play politics. He was just a hot-blooded youth.

Try to suppress him?

He simply stopped playing.

Now in check, Hiruzen regretted everything.

Not just condoning the Uchiha extermination, but confronting Yami so recklessly.

But as Hokage, he couldn't bow his head.

He looked desperately to Danzō.

And after decades of partnership, Danzō understood.

He smiled faintly and turned to Yami. "Go home for now. I'll handle everything."

Yami nearly rolled his eyes.

You know nothing.

Hiruzen had just disbanded Root. It wasn't until after his death and Tsunade's succession that Danzō dared to resurface.

Hiruzen had played Danzō like a fool his entire life.

Still, Yami gave him the courtesy of walking out with the Kusanagi sword in hand.

At that moment, Danzō had to suppress his expression using chakra control.

Cool.

Absolutely incredible.

Yami's father had died young. But Danzō—he had lived to see the day the Shimura name truly shined.

He finally understood what it meant to have a strategic-level powerhouse on your side. Enough to make Sarutobi Hiruzen waver.

What means Hiruzen used to smooth things over was another matter.

For now, Yami left the Hokage Building and went home.

Yesterday's events didn't affect the ninja academy. Only Karin went to school. Yugao and Kurenai stayed behind. Izumi, having just returned, repeated what Yami had told her the night before.

Everyone was shocked.

"So many people, all connected by blood… and Itachi killed them all?"

"He even killed his parents. Is he still human?" Kurenai clutched her chest in horror.

As an Anbu, she had worked with Itachi the most.

He was quiet but polite. He lacked the arrogance typical of Uchiha and completed his missions efficiently. By all appearances, he was a good subordinate.

Who would've thought he was capable of something so horrifying?

"Good thing Yami got you out first." Yugao looked at Izumi, curled up in Yami's lap. "Otherwise, that man might've targeted you too."

"Would he dare?"

Yami scoffed and pulled Izumi closer. "Itachi has a little brother in the village. He did all of this so Sasuke could be protected. He definitely wouldn't risk attacking Izumi."

"I was only worried about the masked man. His space-time ability is more annoying."

"Is he really Uchiha Madara?" Izumi tilted her head, confused.

"No." Yami shook his head. "Madara was far stronger."

"His goal was the Uchiha Sharingan. He got what he came for. He won't touch Konoha again anytime soon."

"The one we need to worry about… is the Third Hokage."

Yami briefly explained the conflict in the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen had done all the dirty work, and now the mask was off.

In a head-on clash, Hiruzen held no advantage. But Yami didn't want to raze the village. He still had to be wary of secret retaliation.

"Aunt Misa, use the Mind's Eye of the Kagura often. If you detect unknown chakra nearby, notify Pakura and Samui."

"Yes. I'll keep my senses active at all times." Misa nodded seriously.

"Pakura, don't kill the ones spying on you. Knock them out and send them to Root. I'll take them directly to the Third Hokage and kill them in front of him."

Everyone agreed. Neither Kurenai nor Yugao felt anything was wrong with that plan.

"I'll keep an eye on Anbu," Kurenai added. "If I spot spies working for the Third Hokage, I'll arrange for them to die in the line of duty."

"Smart girl." Yami gave her a thumbs up.

After understanding the situation, the others urged Yami to rest. He'd been busy all night.

Yami returned to his room, but instead of sleeping, he opened the system and began integrating the gains from last night.

Many Uchiha had rewarded him with bloodline and pupil power. Several elders had long awakened the three tomoe. With Uchiha Fugaku's Mangekyō at the end, unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan wasn't difficult at all for Yami.

As for the Eternal Mangekyō…

Yami had long suspected it was a flawed concept.

More accurately, the standard Mangekyō was incomplete. Eternal Mangekyō was simply the completed version.

You didn't gain new eye techniques. You just increased the upper limit of eye power, made it recoverable, and removed the risk of blindness.

That's how it should've been in the first place.

Only because most Uchiha forcibly awakened the Mangekyō through emotional trauma did they end up with half-baked versions.

And the theory that only transplanting a sibling's eyes could reach eternity? Yami didn't buy it.

Indra certainly didn't need to do that.

So, if your bloodline was pure enough and your talent strong enough, you could open the true Mangekyō in one go.

A surge of eye power flowed into his body. His Uchiha bloodline purified further. His eyes felt like they were boiling.

Looking into the mirror, Yami watched the three tomoe spin wildly, leaving afterimages.

Then the tomoe blurred, merged, and formed a strange hexagram pattern wrapped in three sickle-like marks.



His eye power surged, and with that, his Mangekyō fully awakened.

Two eye techniques formed in his mind.

"Takamagahara…"

He whispered softly.

His figure shimmered.

And vanished completely from the room.

(To be continued.)