Uchiha Clan Grounds Outskirts, Forest.
Tsukikage's Shadow Clone dissolved into air. It had implanted Yachihoko in Mikoto from afar, then waited here on standby. At Tsukikage's critical moment, it formed the Rabbit, Boar, and Ram seals, activating Izanagi to complete the final task.
The clone's feedback, relayed to Tsukikage's body, channeled his Yin Release Chakra, unleashing Izanagi.
As reality shifted, Danzō's brow furrowed. He exhaled heavily, face grim, heart ashen. Covering his empty right socket with his hand, his cloudy left eye glared at Tsukikage, panting, sweat-soaked.
Losing Kotoamatsukami again drained Danzō's remaining Yin Release Chakra, his spirit crumbling from the eye technique's toll.
Tsukikage fared little better, mentally exhausted, his eyes burning with pain, longing to collapse and sleep. He couldn't even lift a blade to finish Danzō, standing solely on willpower.
This was the clash of Sharingan—a duel on the board. It could be a dazzling clash of explosive eye techniques or a subtle struggle, like shogi players, each move brimming with lethal intent.
Danzō, however, was a clumsy shogi player.
To Tsukikage, he shouldn't have played eyes with an Uchiha.
The Root operatives watching felt their hearts sink again. Lord Danzō… seemed defeated.
The Uchiha, however, glimpsed the light of dawn.
Neither side knew if the battle held another twist. Only Danzō and Tsukikage knew it was over.
Their clash had caused a commotion, and the first wave of ANBU reinforcements would arrive in a minute.
Tsukikage couldn't kill Danzō himself, but behind him stood nine Uchiha. He glanced at those supporting Tamao, his calm eyes signaling something.
"Help Big Brother…" Weakened, Tamao pushed Izumi away.
Izumi snapped awake, entrusting Tamao to a subordinate, and flickered toward Tsukikage.
Learning the truth of the clan's annihilation, their view of Tsukikage had shifted.
Uchiha Minamikaze and the other six Uchiha moved, red glows blooming in their eyes, three-tomoe Sharingan manifesting. Gripping their katanas like panthers, they pounced at Danzō with unbridled fury.
Tsukikage didn't control them, wanting to test their resolve. If they didn't act, Yachihoko would force them. But those who didn't strike wouldn't be worth keeping after Danzō's death.
To his satisfaction, they proved worthy. Handpicked from the Uchiha's younger generation, they weren't the most talented but were the most principled.
Tsukikage didn't claim to be a good person, but he hoped to live in a world of good people.
After the clan's annihilation, they'd likely all awaken three-tomoe Sharingan, their ocular power peaking. A Mangekyō, though, might be a stretch.
"Damn…" Danzō eyed the charging Uchiha, retreating, but his drained body couldn't muster strength.
Tsukikage pulled a cylindrical container filled with countless Sharingan from his robe, holding it calmly. "Danzō, your guesses were all wrong. Before coming, only my right eye was a Mangekyō. My left was always a three-tomoe. And I have 99 more Sharingan here."
He cut Danzō's heart.
Danzō's eyes widened, staring at the container, his aged face twisting. After tonight, those Sharingan were meant to be his!
But survival was his priority now. Rustling footsteps approached—numerous ninja converging. Danzō's bleary eyes peered beyond the forest, relieved. The Hokage's ANBU and Konoha ninja were near; he just needed ten more seconds!
His thought was cut short.
Minamikaze and another Uchiha reached Danzō, crossing their katanas, slashing his chest.
Splatter—
Blood sprayed, splattering Minamikaze and the frenzied Uchiha, making them fiercer.
"Die!!" Two more Uchiha flanked Danzō, slashing upward, severing his arms at the shoulders.
The remaining two of the six Uchiha darted past, slicing his legs.
Splatter—
Danzō screamed, blood gushing, but Minamikaze and another Uchiha followed through, their katanas crossing at his throat before he fell.
Danzō saw the glinting blades, smiling weakly, believing his life was spared.
Crack—
A tree's creaking exploded. Danzō's body seemed to unseal, his right arm sprouting a colossal tree, enveloping him, leaving only his aged face exposed.
The sudden change stunned Minamikaze and his partner. Their katanas struck only bark, unable to penetrate.
The towering tree forced them back.
Tsukikage stored the container, patted Izumi's shoulder, signaling he'd regained some strength. "Let's go. No chance to kill him now."
Izumi nodded, awakening again.
The six frenzied Uchiha were recontrolled by Yachihoko, returning to Tsukikage's side. Izumi's two teammates supported Tamao.
Tamao, powerless, gaped at Danzō. "Danzō's idiot is a giant tree?!"
The Uchiha's lips twitched. Tamao's outburst cooled their fervor.
The approaching footsteps grew louder—now was their best chance to flee Konoha.
Minamikaze sensed movement, turning. "Captain Tsukikage, what are you doing?"
Expressionless, Tsukikage drew his katana, advancing toward the tree-encased Danzō.
The Uchiha realized, stunned, that Tsukikage had recalled them to conserve his strength for a final strike!
"Captain, escape!"
"Captain Tsukikage!"
"Leave us and flee! It's too late otherwise!" they urged.
Ignoring Izumi and the others, Tsukikage aimed his blade at Danzō's heart, thrusting with all his might, inch by inch.
At the tree's indentation, each inch drove Danzō's face to contort, coughing blood.
Tsukikage said coldly, "Who are you fooling?"
Danzō glared, enraged, as the blade sank to its hilt. His life faded, eyes closing, head drooping like withered wood.
The Uchiha stood shocked.
Izumi recalled Tsukikage's words. Didn't he say there was no chance?
Her eyes widened, staring at the man's resolute back.
"Heh…" Tamao grinned, blood staining his teeth, chuckling foolishly.
(End of Chapter)