"A sword sharper than chakra-forged steel. Wind techniques can't even scratch his defenses. He uses lightning and fire-style ninjutsu, and can cover tens of meters with a single strike..." the Third Hokage finished quietly.
"He's a Hyūga? Or is he secretly an Uchiha?" Koharu muttered in disbelief.
In principle, most Uchiha excelled in fire-style ninjutsu. Many of them also possessed lightning as a secondary affinity. Shinobi who were proficient in both fire and lightning were almost always from the Uchiha clan.
Hyūga combat, on the other hand, traditionally relied on the Gentle Fist and Byakugan. Few members strayed from that path, especially not into high-level ninjutsu.
"Hyūga Naraku's file is accurate," Hiruzen said, holding up the document."Proficient in taijutsu, skilled with a sword, and uses fire and lightning release."
"But did it ever mention his fire techniques were this powerful?" Mitokado asked, scanning the same report.
"Shinobi whose fire techniques engulf tens of meters…" he murmured. "I've only ever seen that level from one person."
A name no one dared say aloud.
The ghost of Madara.
"He clearly hid his true power," Danzo said grimly.
The intel in their hands had come from ANBU reports and records of Naraku's past missions. If this was the extent of his abilities all along, he had suppressed them masterfully.
"With this kind of power, he should have used it to repay the village," Mitokado snapped. "Instead, he hides it? This is treasonous!"
The Third Hokage nodded slowly. "This threat to the village must be eliminated."
"Forget Kumogakure for now," Koharu agreed coldly. "The cancer within must be cut out before it spreads further."
The room fell into heavy silence.Their earlier attempt had failed miserably.Naraku hadn't just survived—he'd thrived.
"Then we need to use more force," Danzo growled. "Anyone who questions us and dares resist must be eliminated."
Hiruzen nodded. "I've already requested backup from clan reserves, ANBU, and Root. This time, we'll make sure he doesn't get away."
"With so many forces, someone must take command," Mitokado said. "If he escapes again…"
"I'll lead them," Shinnosuke said coldly.
Everyone turned to him in surprise, then gradually nodded.
"Very well," Hiruzen said. "Don't let him escape."
Uchiha Compound
After the clan meeting, Itachi found Shisui near the shrine.
"Shisui… do you think what my father said today was true?" he asked quietly.
Shisui hesitated. "...I don't know."
"I don't believe Lord Hokage would do such a thing…" Itachi said, doubt creeping into his voice.
"I don't want to believe it either. But..." Shisui trailed off.
"Shisui," Itachi said suddenly, "Hyūga Naraku… is he the one you've mentioned before?"
"Yes," Shisui nodded. "Naraku-san values his comrades. I could feel it."
But if Naraku wasn't lying…Then who was?
Could the Hokage really be wrong?
"Let me speak with him directly," Shisui said. "Maybe this is all a misunderstanding. Maybe there's more we don't know."
Itachi nodded slowly.
Naraku's Residence
Naraku was in a good mood.
Each victory brought chakra points from the system—points he could allocate to boost his elemental affinities or skills.
The system offered two ways to improve:
Training techniques (e.g., fire or lightning ninjutsu).
Earning points through victories or kills.
In the last two days, he had gained 400 points:
Defeated:
Cloud team leader: 25 pts
Elder of the main Hyūga family: 30 pts
Elder's son: 60 pts
Two branch clan shinobi: 30 pts each
Asuma: 25 pts
Three Root shinobi: 75, 50, and 75 pts
Plus: 300 points from mastering Genjutsu
Total chakra level: 8700
He smirked. "In a way, I should thank the Third Hokage."
The stronger his enemies, the more points he gained. And once his Tenseigan activated, everything would change.
Just then—
"Senpai!" a familiar voice called.
Naraku opened the door to see Shisui.
"Shisui. Come in."
"Naraku-san, have you heard? Kumogakure has delivered an ultimatum!" Shisui said, clearly disturbed.
Naraku raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"The Fourth Raikage declared that if Konoha doesn't hand over the 'killer' in seven days, he'll declare war!"
"I see," Naraku said thoughtfully. "So he's not just muscle after all."
Shisui blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"By issuing an ultimatum, Raikage's forcing a split—between those in Konoha who want war, and those who want peace."
"Even people who want to trade me for peace won't let me go quietly. The moment they act, war becomes inevitable."
Shisui looked troubled.
"Naraku-san, I have a close friend who wants to meet you."
Naraku smiled knowingly. "Itachi?"
Shisui was surprised. "Yes."
"I'd be glad to meet him," Naraku said. "It's about time I saw what he truly thinks."