Chapter 88: Hatake Kakashi, are you still working for the Third Hokage?
A valley outside the Root base.
Numerous Uchiha Jōnin gathered here.
"From now on, within a five-kilometer radius of the Root base, passage is prohibited."
Uchiha Akira turned his head, his cold gaze sweeping over several Elite Jōnin in the formation.
"You twenty, form the first line of defense, sealing off the perimeter."
"Any spy attempting to approach, whether Anbu or flies from other clans, knock them out and detain them."
"I do not wish for our actions to be disturbed by irrelevant spectators."
"Yes!"
Twenty figures instantly transformed into afterimages, disappearing into the shadows on both sides of the valley.
Akira's gaze once again fell upon the underground entrance where Konoha's deepest darkness lurked.
"The rest of you, follow me."
"Root certainly has more than one entrance and exit."
"If any fish slip through the net and escape from Root..."
"Clean them up on the spot."
"Yes!"
Dozens more figures scattered, monitoring the entire area where Root was located. A purge targeting Root had begun.
Teams composed of Elite Uchiha Jōnin began entering the Root base perimeter, slaughtering Root ninja.
The entire Root compound was complex, and the Uchiha were unfamiliar with the terrain below. The best method was to force the Root ninja out. First, clear the perimeter, then use fire, utilizing a large amount of thick smoke to drive out all the rats inside.
Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stood up from his seat, his face filled with disbelief.
"What did you say?"
"Battle... a large-scale battle has erupted in the direction of the Root base?"
The Anbu, kneeling on one knee, reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama."
"According to the sensor squad's report, the chakra reaction in that area is very large. At least, there are over a hundred Jōnin."
Hiruzen's body swayed. He gripped the table, barely managing to stand steady.
It's here. The situation he least wanted to see, the one he most feared, had finally arrived.
"Immediately..."
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
"First, have Kakashi Hatake lead a team to investigate immediately and engage in negotiations with the other party."
"Remember, there must be no conflict."
Hiruzen's voice became unusually solemn.
"Yes!"
The Anbu's figure disappeared into the air.
In the office, Hiruzen slumped into his chair, feeling as if all the strength had been drained from his body.
On the outskirts of the battlefield, tree shadows dappled the ground. Kakashi Hatake, with three Anbu, moved swiftly through the forest.
Suddenly, Kakashi's steps abruptly halted. A figure, without warning, appeared on a tree trunk in front of them. The person was wearing the Uchiha Guard uniform. A pair of three-tomoe Sharingan stared coldly at them.
"Anbu."
"This area is off-limits."
Kakashi's heart sank.
"We are here on the Third Hokage's orders to investigate the anomaly," he said in a deep voice. "Please, do not obstruct official duties."
That Uchiha Jōnin seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world and sneered.
"Official duties?"
"Tonight, what we Uchiha are doing is Konoha Village's most important official duty!"
Before he finished speaking, four or five more Uchiha figures quietly emerged from the surrounding shadows, completely surrounding Kakashi's squad.
Kakashi's left eye, the Sharingan that did not belong to him, spun frantically. He knew this battle was unavoidable.
"Captain, what should we do?" the Anbu behind him asked in a low voice.
Kakashi did not answer. He simply slowly lifted his forehead protector, revealing that scarlet eye.
"Attack!" the leading Uchiha Jōnin gave the order.
Battle erupted instantly!
Kakashi Hatake, indeed worthy of the title 'Mr. Stalemate,' still fought back and forth even against the Elite Jōnin of the Uchiha Clan.
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall blocked the incoming Great Fireball. The screech of Chidori forced back the Uchiha-style Taijutsu attempting to close in. The short blade in his hand clashed with the opponent's katana in mid-air, producing dense, dazzling sparks.
However, two fists are no match for four hands. His three teammates quickly found themselves overwhelmed and retreating under the Uchiha Jōnin's attacks. Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on Kakashi's forehead.
No, it's impossible to contend with so many Uchiha. He must retreat!
Kakashi feigned an attack, using a Shadow Clone to deceive his opponent's attack, while his main body rapidly retreated, trying to create distance.
However, as soon as Kakashi took two steps back, his back felt as if it had hit an indestructible wall.
No. That wasn't a wall. It was a person.
Kakashi turned his head sharply. What met his eyes was a pair of Sharingan completely different from those of the other Uchiha. It was Uchiha Akira.
"Trying to leave?"
The next instant, Kakashi only felt the world before him suddenly blur. Akira's figure disappeared. An irresistible, terrifying immense force slammed into his abdomen.
Kakashi was immediately sent flying backward, breaking a tree trunk as thick as an embrace before heavily crashing to the ground.
Before Kakashi could even catch his breath, a black lightning bolt had already landed in front of him. Akira looked down at Kakashi from above.
"Kakashi Hatake."
"Are you still fighting for that Village that abandoned your father?"
"You... what nonsense are you spouting!"
Akira slowly crouched down.
"Your father, Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake..."
"Because he abandoned a mission to save his comrades, he was ultimately driven to his death by the Village's public opinion."
"Do you think those rumors appeared out of nowhere?"
Kakashi's breathing became rapid. That most painful memory, sealed deep within his mind, suddenly resurfaced.
"It was Danzo."
"He orchestrated that public assassination targeting your father."
"No... impossible..." Kakashi's voice trembled.
"The Third Hokage..."
"The Third Hokage?"
Akira sneered, full of disdain and mockery.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, he knew everything from beginning to end."
"But he chose to remain silent. Because your father was too outstanding; a dead White Fang better suited his interests as Hokage."
"Your father was just a pawn they collectively sacrificed."
So... that's how it was?
Although he didn't fully believe Akira, Kakashi couldn't help but feel suspicious of the Third Hokage.
This was exactly the effect Akira wanted: to plant a seed of doubt in Kakashi's heart. This was crucial for the subsequent plans against Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Sleep well, Kakashi."
"When you wake up, Danzo and his Root will already be dust in history."
Thud.
A muffled sound. Kakashi's consciousness plunged into boundless darkness.