Yes.
At this moment, the children of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans who had been selected—ah no, more accurately, forced to betray their clans and pushed by their respective leaders into defecting to the Uchiha—they honestly wanted to cry.
What kind of mess was this!?
But they had no choice.
The commands came from the very top of their clans, and there was no way for them to refuse.
"Hey, what do you think's going on in the clan?"
"No idea, no clue—I'm just as lost as you are."
"You're a Nara, aren't you? Use that brain of yours!"
"I am a Nara. I can analyze, sure, but analysis needs information. Right now there's nothing to go on!"
"Pfft, useless."
"Damn it."
"Shut your mouths, all of you! Did you forget the clan's warning?"
"He's right. Don't screw up the great plan of the clan!"
"…"
All across the village, in every corner, these so-called "traitors" whispered amongst themselves as they ran.
Of course, considering their clans had ordered absolute silence, they could only murmur in low voices, never daring to speak loudly.
Soon enough, some of the sharper ones began reminding the rest to keep focused.
Time passed little by little.
Most of them encountered no trouble. Halfway along the road, Uchiha clansmen appeared to meet them.
Then—
They were naturally escorted back to the Uchiha compound.
But there were a few unlucky ones.
Patrolling ANBU spotted them and moved to intervene.
At one such location—
A group of a dozen Ino–Shika–Chō were rushing toward the Uchiha when a squad of ANBU suddenly appeared in front of them.
"You. Where are you going?
Don't tell me you intend to betray the village!?"
One of the Nara stepped forward, his tone utterly calm.
"We are going to defect to the Uchiha. That doesn't count as betraying the village, does it?"
"This… is unacceptable!" the ANBU replied coldly. "I must report this and wait for approval before letting you leave."
The Nara sneered.
"We may be betraying our clans, but we are not betraying the village. You ANBU have no authority to command us.
If you report this, your squad captain is Yamanaka Haichi. Do you think he'll ever let us go?
I warn you—don't make trouble. You can follow us to the Uchiha if you like. As long as we are not betraying the village, that's all that matters.
Konoha upholds the principle of clan self-governance.
As long as we remain loyal to the village, you have no right to stop us.
So here are your options. We don't have time to waste. You have three seconds to decide.
Either let us pass—
Or fight!"
As his words fell, the others readied themselves for battle without hesitation.
The ANBU ninja froze.
He was only one man—he couldn't possibly out-argue a Nara in a battle of words.
His fury nearly made him choke, but he couldn't muster a rebuttal.
After a pause, he managed to speak again.
"No!
Even if you haven't betrayed the village, your actions are too suspicious.
I must report this!"
The Nara's eyes hardened. He understood at once.
There would be no avoiding a fight.
He barked, "Kill!"
Shadow Neck Bind Technique!
Without another word, he pressed his hands into a seal, sending a pitch-black shadow whipping toward the leading ANBU.
Partial Expansion Jutsu—Human Boulder!
Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!
Fire Style: Flame Bullet!
Earth Style: Earth Spear!
"…"
Everyone attacked together.
The three ANBU were instantly caught in a desperate fight.
Though they were elites, facing over a dozen coordinated enemies—many using secret clan techniques—the battle quickly became deadlocked.
And just then—
An Uchiha Jounin and an Aburame Jounin arrived.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!
Secret Technique: Parasitic Insects!
Boom!
A wave of fire engulfed the ANBU trio.
Next—
Illusions cast by the Sharingan caught them in an instant.
And when the flames subsided, the Aburame's insects swarmed, stripping their flesh from their bones in moments.
"I am here to escort you on behalf of the Uchiha," the Jounin said.
"Come with me."
Without further explanation, the Uchiha and Aburame turned and led the group toward the Uchiha compound.
The Ino–Shika–Chō defectors, though uneasy, obediently followed, remembering the orders of their clans.
That morning, the whole of Konoha was aflame.
Everywhere, battles raged.
Yes—
Uchiha Shisui was moving through Root's hidden bases one by one.
The Uchiha were elated. After being tormented by Danzō for so long, now that the chance had come, of course they wouldn't let it slip by.
At the same time, escorts for the Ino–Shika–Chō faced constant skirmishes.
It could be said—
The entire Hidden Leaf had become a battlefield.
Countless villagers, even if they heard the commotion outside, dared not set foot into the streets.
To do so meant death.
As for the other great clans—
They remained oddly quiet, almost too quiet. None seemed aware of the chaos in the village.
But it couldn't be helped.
Only ANBU and the Police Force patrols were responsible for the village's security.
One side blocked; the other escorted.
As long as those two fought, the rest of the clans—who didn't even live within the village proper—wouldn't know a thing, especially at this dim hour before dawn.
By around seven in the morning—
With the last group of Ino–Shika–Chō safely entering the Uchiha compound, the Uchiha's operation came to an end.
Meanwhile, Shisui had nearly finished his own task as well.
Nearly every Root base hidden in Konoha had been uprooted by him.
But just then—
As he moved toward the final two bases, Danzō himself appeared and blocked his path.
"Uchiha… Shisui!
You bastard, how dare you!?
On what grounds do you smash my Root bases and slaughter my operatives!?
If you can give me a reason, maybe I'll listen. Otherwise, I'll never forgive this!
Even if Hiruzen protects you—it won't save you!"
Danzō's face was dark and twisted, his eyes brimming with killing intent.
Yes—
These bases scattered throughout the village had taken him years to painstakingly establish.
And now?
In just two short hours, Shisui had destroyed them all.
How could he possibly let such hatred go?
But in response—
Shisui's expression remained calm.
He glanced at Danzō once, then said softly,
"Greetings, Lord Danzō.
Our ANBU received intelligence and gathered evidence.
Every base we struck today was hiding numerous spies from enemy villages.
We were conducting an espionage sweep—and we gave prior notice.
Unfortunately, your subordinates refused to cooperate. For the peace of the village, we had no choice but to strike them down.
For the losses this has caused you, the ANBU extend our apologies.
But there was no other way.
All of it was for Konoha's sake. Surely, Lord Danzō, you too support such actions… do you not?"
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