Chapter 32: The Eve of Genocide
"Forgive me..."
Even though countless questions swirled through his mind, the moment Naruto mentioned his father—the Fourth Hokage—they all dissolved into a single, heavy sigh.
There was no helping it. Although the Third Hokage was an excellent politician, he was still fundamentally human. Everyone felt guilt.
As someone once said: "Some people like to selectively forget things that negatively impact their thinking and judgment, but as long as others mention them, it becomes psychological torture for that person."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was exactly that type of person. The entrustment Minato and Kushina had given him all those years ago seemed to materialize before his eyes once more.
That feeling truly filled him with shame—such overwhelming shame that when facing Naruto, he wanted to dig a hole and disappear into it.
So Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't doubt a single word Naruto said. Someone capable of affecting reality even after death? If it was Minato, it was entirely possible!
After all, Minato was a master of sealing techniques. He could even summon the Shinigami itself. Leaving something behind within Naruto would be child's play for someone of his caliber.
Perhaps driven by guilt, he spoke to Naruto:
"Naruto, I understand. You should head home now. Don't wander around these next few days—rest at home. Don't worry, I've already arranged for your absence from the Ninja Academy."
Seeing Naruto's slightly confused expression, the Third Hokage waved his hand, dismissing him while taking another drag from his pipe, his expression complicated.
Every exhaled puff of smoke seemed to expel a fragment of his guilt.
Hearing this, Naruto said nothing more. He turned and left the Hokage Building. This time, he'd even gotten free clothes out of it—quite the windfall.
"It's getting late. I'm exhausted and starving. Guess I'll hit up Ichiraku Ramen again."
"My stomach is really demanding."
The words seemed deliberately spoken for someone's benefit.
From the corner of his eye, Naruto casually glanced behind him. Then he leaped onto a rooftop and headed toward Ichiraku Ramen at incredible speed.
However, just as he approached the ramen shop, after landing atop a building, Naruto created a shadow clone. His real body stayed in place—vanishing from sight—while the shadow clone continued toward Ichiraku Ramen.
Not long after, Naruto watched as several ninja wearing ANBU uniforms tailed his shadow clone.
His lips curved into a smirk. "That's it?"
"You're following me with this level of skill? Sarutobi Hiruzen, you damn dog!"
After finishing his mental complaint, his figure vanished from the spot. He was now rushing toward the Uchiha clan district at nearly maximum speed.
What Sarutobi Hiruzen had said moments ago had genuinely alarmed him. Don't go out these next few days. I've arranged your leave. What did that mean?
Something felt deeply wrong—as if some major event was about to occur in the village. This abnormality immediately reminded him of that night when the Uchiha clan was massacred.
If Naruto's suspicions were correct, then Shisui would have already died by now, and all the burden would fall onto that White-Eyed Wolf Itachi, driving him into complete mental breakdown.
"Itachi, don't go completely insane on me."
Because there were still people in the Uchiha clan that Naruto cared about. He didn't want them to die.
Naruto had always been kind to anyone who showed him kindness!
Of course, there was no need to worry about Sasuke. That lunatic Itachi would definitely never harm him.
After a short while, Naruto landed atop a tall building within Uchiha clan territory, observing the people moving within the compound.
It wasn't that Naruto was being overly sensitive—it truly was time for the Uchiha massacre, though he didn't know the exact date.
But judging from how the foolish villagers increasingly expressed dissatisfaction with the Uchiha Police Force, and how the clan was being marginalized by Konoha's leadership, things had reached a critical point.
Of course, Naruto actually looked forward to this day. It was part of his plan—a very important part.
In truth, the Uchiha Clan Police Force still held tremendous power. These arrogant Uchiha frequently offended many families for various reasons when handling certain matters, which was precisely why this situation had developed.
They were even called bullies and thugs among ordinary villagers.
Think about it—if they'd been gentler, less aggressive, less arrogant when enforcing the law, perhaps things wouldn't have deteriorated to the point where Konoha's villagers and major clans actively pushed them out.
To put it simply, the current relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's major families had frozen to absolute zero, largely due to the overwhelming power of the Police Force.
As the saying goes: What vegetable seller likes the city inspectors?
The beautiful moonlit night gradually rose as the sky darkened. Tonight's moonlight appeared slightly blood-red.
A faint aura of murderous intent seemed to blanket the entire Uchiha clan district!
Ominous weather!
At this moment, Naruto had snuck to the entrance of Sasuke's house. From an inconspicuous rooftop, he observed the largest Uchiha residence below.
On the other side, inside Sasuke's home, Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Fugaku sat facing each other.
"What mission?"
Uchiha Fugaku asked with a grave expression.
"Sorry, Father. That's classified information. I cannot say."
Uchiha Itachi answered calmly.
Because there had been no clan meeting, Uchiha Fugaku had approached him like this more than once.
But in Itachi's heart, Fugaku was foolish. The entire Uchiha clan was foolish—they had no right to speak with him. How could a mere clan understand his ambitions?
Hearing this, Uchiha Fugaku's brow furrowed, his eyes growing serious.
He knew his eldest son possessed very independent thinking, and his behavior since entering the ANBU had been extremely abnormal.
After a pause, he continued: "Itachi, you should understand very clearly that our Uchiha clan's situation is extremely serious right now. Most people within the clan are dissatisfied with Konoha."
"I know you're currently the central link connecting our clan with Konoha—an important communication channel. You understand this, correct?"
Fugaku said this still hoping Itachi would stand on the Uchiha clan's side.
Upon hearing this, Itachi simply replied calmly: "Understood..."
His expression didn't change in the slightest.
Seeing Itachi's reaction, Uchiha Fugaku couldn't help but raise his voice: "Therefore, tomorrow there's an important meeting. You must attend! Do you understand? Right now..."
However, at that very moment, Itachi—who had kept his eyes closed until now—suddenly said in a deep voice: "Sasuke, after you finish in the bathroom, go back to your room and sleep."
Accompanied by a crow's cry, a sound came from outside the door.
Uchiha Sasuke stood at the entrance, humming softly.
Fugaku was equally displeased with Sasuke's eavesdropping behavior. He stood up, pointed at Sasuke, and said sternly: "Go back to your room immediately!"
Hearing this, Sasuke bowed his head in acknowledgment, then turned and left, looking thoroughly disappointed.
Itachi watched Sasuke's departing figure with an emotionless face. He would definitely destroy this foolish clan!
Another ten minutes passed. The conversation between Itachi and Fugaku ended on bad terms once again.
Walking along the corridor in the back garden, Sasuke felt miserable. "Father always pays attention only to my brother. He never tells me anything. I'm obviously very strong too..."
At that moment, Uchiha Itachi called out from behind: "Sasuke, I'm sorry. Please forgive me for raising my voice just now. And please forgive Father as well."
"Many people are expected and needed, even from the very beginning."
"But you and I—we're brothers unlike any other."
Speaking these words, Itachi thought of many things.
These foolish people...
Forgive me...Sasuke.
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