Chapter 47: Itachi and the Third Hokage
"If it's for the Village, then you don't need to say it. The Uchiha Clan are also compatriots of the Village." Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that Itachi was definitely hiding nearby, so he deliberately emphasized this, then impatiently said, "Alright, the order will be issued tomorrow. From now on, you will stay at home and reflect on your mistakes."
With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi flicked his sleeve and left.
His grandson, Konohamaru Sarutobi, was less than four years old. If he were to learn that his parents had died, there's no telling what kind of blow he would suffer.
He had to go back and comfort him properly.
But before that, he still needed to see one person, Uchiha Itachi, to confirm whether Qianye was truly dead.
Also, the analysis team was using a mind-reading Ninjutsu to enter Shinnosuke's mind and peek into his memories.
He had to know who the culprit was.
"Danzo, I've seen it, and from now on, I will keep watching. As long as you lay a hand on Sasuke, I will leak all of the Village's intelligence to enemy nations."
As soon as Hiruzen Sarutobi left, Uchiha Itachi, just like in the original story, used his Crow Clone Ninjutsu to create a clone and warn Danzo.
Then, under the latter's gritting teeth, he transformed into crows and disappeared from the Uchiha Clan Territory.
At the same time, Qianye had already arrived at Kurenai Yuhi's residence.
As usual, after parting ways with Might Guy, Shiranui Genma, and others, Kurenai Yuhi returned home and began her nightly drink.
Her side dish was her favorite wasabi octopus.
Suddenly, a wave of drowsiness hit her, and the wine glass quietly slipped, falling into Qianye's hand.
Kurenai Yuhi herself lay dazedly on the sofa.
"She really is a girl who gives people a lot to worry about."
Qianye put down the wine glass, let out a helpless sigh, and tidied up after her, just like he used to do when he was a Genin.
Then, he carried her to the bed, covered her with a blanket, took out a pre-prepared pure gold ring, strung it with a thin string, hung it around her neck, and tucked it into her collar.
Finally, he used his Sharingan to give her a psychological suggestion.
This ring was something very important to her; she should never take it off, nor should she let outsiders know about it.
Only then did he leave with peace of mind.
He didn't tell Kurenai Yuhi the truth.
Even if he had told Kurenai Yuhi, it would have been harmful rather than beneficial to her.
For him, the so-called fake death was merely a smokescreen for the Konoha higher-ups.
Any Konoha higher-up with a bit of sense could tell it was him from the corpses of the Sarutobi Clan members.
At the very least, it was done by someone wearing his Anbu attire, his Anbu mask, and wielding his Ninja sword.
Yet, his corpse appeared in plain sight, then vanished into thin air.
Leaving them with no leads to investigate.
This was already enough to serve as a distraction. By the time Hiruzen and the others reacted, it would be too late; he would have long since fled.
This would also save a lot of trouble.
On the other side, Uchiha Itachi had already followed Hiruzen Sarutobi to a large, secluded building in Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his hands behind his back, and behind him, Uchiha Itachi, dressed as an Anbu Ninja, knelt on one knee.
"You specifically came here, so you must have something else to say. I've already sent everyone else away," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice, his back to Uchiha Itachi.
Itachi lowered his head and eyes, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you for your trouble, Hokage-sama."
"First, I want to express my gratitude to you. This way, Konoha has avoided civil war and preserved the Village's peace. However, I have always regretted that I haven't found other methods until now."
As soon as he arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi flattered Uchiha Itachi.
In the past, Uchiha Itachi would have been incredibly moved.
But after experiencing the clan massacre, witnessing Danzo's ugly true colors, and knowing that this was a result tacitly approved by the Third Hokage, he was no longer so naive.
At this moment, his only concern was Sasuke.
Of course, the Third Hokage was unaware of this.
When he felt the atmosphere was sufficiently built up, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke, getting to the point: "What are your plans next?"
"For this massacre, I used the power of someone who claims to be the organizer of the Akatsuki Organization. I've decided to stay by that person's side to prevent him from breaking his promise and attacking Konoha," Uchiha Itachi replied respectfully. He immediately showed Hiruzen Sarutobi his value.
"So you're planning to join the Akatsuki Organization, is that right?" A cold glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. He was certain that his son's death was inextricably linked to the Akatsuki Organization.
"Yes, and for that, I would like to ask for a promise from you," Uchiha Itachi stated the purpose of his visit.
"You can rest assured about your brother. I will keep my promise. Sasuke will remain as he is, go to school like other children, and eventually grow up to be a Ninja of Konoha," Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and gazed at Uchiha Itachi, "But before that, I have a few questions for you."
"I will tell you everything I know," Uchiha Itachi nodded.
"I presume you already know about the disappearance of Fujiwara Chiye, Fugaku, and several other Uchiha Clan members' bodies, right? Do you know who did it? And is Fujiwara Chiye truly dead?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.
Uchiha Itachi pondered for a moment, then said, "To make seven bodies disappear in plain sight, I'm afraid only the person who helped me eliminate the Uchiha Clan could do it. He controls an extremely bizarre space Ninjutsu that allows for free teleportation and absorption, leaving no trace."
"As for Qianye, he is indeed dead, having died under the Genjutsu 'Tsukuyomi' of my Mangekyo Sharingan. Additionally, I delivered a finishing blow to confirm his immediate death."
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a little relieved and continued to ask, "Does that mean my son also died at his hands?"
"If Shinnosuke-sama encountered that Masked Man, then it's not impossible," Uchiha Itachi replied respectfully.
"I see…" Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his fists, suppressing the anger in his heart, turned his back to Uchiha Itachi, and said, "From now on, Konoha will designate you as an S-rank rogue Ninja for capture, regardless of whether you are alive or dead."
"I'll leave the Akatsuki Organization to you. If there's a chance, I hope you can eliminate that Masked Man who might threaten the Village. This is also the last mission I'm giving you."
"Yes," Uchiha Itachi respectfully responded, left this remark, and disappeared from the top floor of the Hokage Building.
As soon as Uchiha Itachi left, Hiruzen Sarutobi punched the nearby wall, his face contorted, veins bulging on his forehead, and cursed under his breath, "Damn Danzo! Damn Masked Man!"
Danzo and the Masked Man were secretly colluding; how could Hiruzen Sarutobi not know?
It was just that the Uchiha coup was imminent, and out of helplessness, he chose to turn a blind eye.
Now, the Uchiha threat was resolved.
But his son and daughter-in-law had died, which he could not tolerate.
Yet, he was helpless against that Masked Man and couldn't truly do anything to Danzo.
In his helplessness, he could only swallow his anger.
PS: First update, seeking recommendation tickets, seeking monthly tickets. I have something on tonight, so updating early.