Chapter 7: The Great Konoha Evacuation
Mikoto's figure gradually disappeared into the spatial gate, and Uchiha Akira closed it once more. Now, only Fugaku, his son, and Akira remained at the scene.
Outside the Uchiha compound, Root operatives and the Barrier Corps had jointly set up a soundproof barrier. Tonight was the night of the Uchiha massacre, and the barrier was merely a precautionary measure. Danzō did not want any accidents.
"Itachi, you can act now." Danzō truly was an old fox. He didn't even fully trust Itachi. In Danzō's heart, there was no one worthy of trust.
"Don't forget what you promised me."
"Rest assured, I know. Only your younger brother will be spared. Your parents cannot—Fugaku is the head of the Uchiha, the chief instigator of rebellion. He must die."
Itachi said no more, and with a Body Flicker, entered the barrier.
"Come out," Itachi said toward the empty air. At once, space rippled into a vortex, and a man wearing a yellow-brown mask appeared out of thin air—Tobi.
"Your resolve surprises me, boy. You would really slaughter your own clan for Konoha."
"Aren't you also a member of the Uchiha, senior?" Itachi asked expressionlessly.
"They're nothing more than a decayed band of traitors. As for me, I'm just a lingering wraith of the Uchiha past—nothing left to hold on to."
Obito had already grown skilled at playing Madara's role. Faced with Itachi's counter, he maintained his façade flawlessly.
Itachi did not care about the masked man's true identity. All he knew was that he had to cooperate with Root to wipe out the Uchiha.
"Danzō's Root and Jūzō Biwa will aid you. At a critical moment, I'll also make a move. Be quick—cleanup will still be needed afterwards."
With that, the masked man vanished again into his space-time jutsu.
"A pleasure to meet you, Itachi-kun. I'm Biwa Jūzō. As you can see, I too am someone cast aside by the village."
Uchiha Itachi ignored Jūzō completely and walked straight toward his home.
Meanwhile, Fugaku had already split from Akira, carrying a still-unconscious Sasuke back home. Fugaku knew Itachi would come there eventually. All he needed to do was wait.
Uchiha Akira, however, who had originally planned to flee outright, suddenly had to stop because of a new notification from his damned system.
The glaring green characters floated before his eyes, impossible to ignore.
Mission: Seize Shimura Danzō's Hashirama cells.
(He's already planning to dig out your eyes—are you really going to let that old bastard get away with it? Even I can't stand it anymore!)
(Running away is the safe option, sure. But are you certain the world beyond will really be peaceful? Seize Shimura Danzō's Hashirama cells! Don't worry, Uncle Danzō is very gentle with his hands!)
"Tch, you damned system, just stirring up trouble again, aren't you?"
Originally, Uchiha Akira had no intention of messing with Danzō. Since he already had a chance to escape with his life, why take unnecessary risks? What if he fell victim to some Root trap?
A wise man avoids danger—not because Akira was cowardly (he told himself).
But the system's prompt practically screamed at him that this mission was important. Even though skipping it wouldn't trigger any punishment, those glowing green words were like someone shoving his head down to drink water.
Could he really endure this?
"…Fine. I'll test the waters. If I get an opening, I'll strike. If not, I'll run. Worst case, I'll train for ten years and wait until Danzō's old and decrepit—then I'll bully the geezer. I'm still young anyway."
Despite his grumbling, Akira admitted he was cautious—Danzō was surrounded by too many lackeys.
Activating the Body Flicker, Akira sped along.
"Gotta say, this Body Flicker technique is top-notch. Yet this guy who was my predecessor never even earned a flashy nickname. Everyone knows of Shisui of the Body Flicker, but not me. Guess it's 'cause he never fought on the battlefield and built no reputation."
Soon, Akira reached the edge of the Uchiha compound. Across the street, he could see Danzō at the center of Root forces. About every hundred meters stood more Root operatives, completely encircling the district.
"That old snake Danzō really is ruthless. He wants to leave the Uchiha with nothing, not even weeds. Luckily, my Mangekyō is space-type. If it had been like Fugaku's, then even a perfect Mangekyō wouldn't save our clan."
Akira prepared his move, tossing a few shuriken with explosive tags attached.
The detonations roared, instantly drawing the attention of Root and Danzō.
"Who's there?!" Root operatives snapped to full alert. They were elite even among Konoha's ninja, and given the mission's nature tonight, one four-man squad immediately rushed out to investigate.
Akira's goal, however, was only to set up a simple trap. Once it was done, he Body Flickered away.
When the Root squad reached the trap, they almost laughed aloud—it was so clumsy and crude. The "explosive tag" inside was obviously hand-drawn. Was this mocking them?
But then, more explosions rang out from other directions. Danzō's face darkened.
"Send a squad each to the north, south, east, and west. Don't cause too much commotion. Find that little rat and bring him here immediately."
At Danzō's command, another twelve ninja left.
"Looks like I'll have to risk it with a Shadow Clone first," Akira thought grimly. Time was short—he had to act fast.
Akira created a Shadow Clone and sent it straight toward Danzō.
"Lord Danzō, it's me—Uchiha Akira. Don't kill me, I just want to live!"
He raised both hands, showing he had no intention of attacking.
Truthfully, Danzō didn't care either way. Here he was surrounded by Root; Akira had no chance to get close. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi himself were present, he could do nothing to Danzō now.
Seeing the disheveled Akira, Danzō's lips curved slightly.
"Smiling, are you, old bastard? We'll see who laughs later," Akira cursed inwardly.
"Well, if it isn't the Uchiha remnant. Weren't you arrogant this morning before Sarutobi? And now here you are, begging me for mercy?"
Danzō still remembered how this young Uchiha had dared provoke him in front of Hiruzen. Now, watching Akira reduced to this state, he felt a rush of satisfaction.
This was the taste of power!
Sarutobi, you're unfit to be Hokage anymore. I am the true Hokage Konoha needs!
"Lord Danzō, I'm willing to trade the Uchiha clan's secret techniques for my life. This here is only a Shadow Clone."
But seeing Akira straighten his back with renewed confidence, Danzō flatly refused.
"Killing you gives me those secrets anyway. Besides, how many secrets could the Uchiha possibly have? My teacher told me and Sarutobi about them long ago."
Tch, Tobirama, you bastard. You leaked our clan's secrets to your three pathetic students. No wonder your Senju clan died out so miserably.
"Lord Danzō, I only want to exchange those techniques for my life. Surely you can make an exception?"
"Not enough. Those things aren't enough."
"Unless… you can offer me something even more valuable in exchange for your life."
Danzō didn't close the door completely, as though giving Akira a chance.
"As long as you can present something truly precious, I'll spare you. But on one condition—you must join Root and sign the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal."