(T/N: Please consider reviewing this Fanfic, Thanks and appreciate all who support me)
(T/N: Enjoy!!)
<><><><><><>
"Is that so?"
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura both wore grim expressions.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado furrowed their brows deeply beside them. Shigenari Shuuzawa and the others, along with Uchiha Fugaku, sat before them.
Shuuzawa had just presented a series of 'reasonable deductions' in front of everyone, seemingly confirming Uchiha Obito's crimes beyond doubt.
Since the information involved classified intelligence, Uchiha Fugaku had no choice but to attend, even if he was reluctant.
After Shuuzawa reiterated his analysis and reasoning, the 'Four Elders of Konoha' felt uneasy.
What shocked them the most was Shuuzawa's understanding of the Sharingan.
As Konoha's high-ranking officials and former disciples of the Second Hokage, they had access to their teacher's research materials after taking control of the village.
Shuuzawa, despite being an Anbu from the Root Division, had never been provided such information by either Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo Shimura.
"This kid... he came to such an accurate conclusion from two different cases?"
While precise judgment was one thing, Shuuzawa had also extrapolated from those judgments, even deducing Obito's current location.
Such analytical and reasoning abilities seemed almost absurd. "Can you be certain?"
After a long silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke, unable to hold back his question. "Hokage-sama, this is just speculation." Shuuzawa immediately shook his head at the inquiry.
He could be a hundred percent certain—the margin of error was minimal when working backwards from the answer. However, he was not foolish enough to admit it outright.
"But I believe the probability is high. We have all reviewed Obito's records. While he was not particularly intelligent as a child, he was undeniably kind-hearted."
"Moreover, his bond with Kakashi and Nohara Rin was extremely deep. The resulting emotional trauma is unimaginable when such a bond is shattered."
"He may have completely collapsed. He may be no longer the same Uchiha Obito we once knew."
Danzo, who had been silent, nodded in agreement.
After glancing at the wordless Uchiha Fugaku, he sneered, "Hmph. The purer the heart, the more likely one is to descend into darkness and extremism when faced with emotional turmoil, especially—"
"Enough! Stop talking!" Before Danzo could finish, Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed tactically, immediately cutting him off with a sharp glare.
Such words should not be spoken carelessly, especially in front of the Uchiha. Was he trying to stir up even more trouble? Did he want the Uchiha to rebel right then and there?
"It seems that Shuuzawa's assessment holds a high probability of being correct." Hiruzen Sarutobi chose to ignore Danzo, shifting the topic instead.
"No matter who it is, once hatred and misplaced blame take root, they are likely to commit unforgivable acts."
"We should attempt to contact Kirigakure and see if we can obtain intelligence from them." Homura Mitokado spoke up immediately.
He understood the thoughts of his old comrades, but he also knew how to mediate the discussion. "However, Kirigakure is currently in turmoil. It is difficult to obtain concrete information from the Land of Water."
"True, but my subordinates have provided some preliminary reports." Danzo's thick skin allowed him to completely disregard Hiruzen Sarutobi's dissatisfaction.
Moreover, he did indeed possess some intelligence. "It appears that Kirigakure's Blood Mist policy is continuing, and it is even expanding. Unfortunately, no detailed information has been obtained yet."
"That policy is still in effect?" Koharu Utatane, who had remained quiet until now, seemed surprised.
She shook her head. "While it significantly improves their shinobi's strength, it is far too brutal."
It was undeniable that Kirigakure's ninja had always been highly trained, but the cost of such training was unimaginable.
A single class of students would see only one or two graduates and the graduation price would defeat all their classmates, often killing them all.
Its sheer cruelty was difficult to comprehend. "It seems we need to investigate Kirigakure more thoroughly." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded but felt a growing headache.
Kirigakure had completely closed itself off, making it nearly impossible to gather intelligence.
Furthermore, the village was practically insane. During the Third Great Ninja War, its actions in Uzushiogakure were barely human—it was more like a beast in disguise.
Investigating such a closed-off and deranged environment would be exceedingly difficult.
But given the circumstances, they could not let Uchiha Obito escape, no matter how difficult it would be.
"We should issue a full-scale manhunt for Uchiha Obito throughout the Land of Fire and its surrounding areas. Let him believe our focus is here while we gradually infiltrate Kirigakure." With this thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi's resolve grew stronger.
He turned to Uchiha Fugaku and said, "Clan Leader Fugaku, we hope for your full cooperation during this time. This is not only Konoha's concern—it is also a Uchiha matter. Please, we ask this of you."
"The Uchiha will fully cooperate." Uchiha Fugaku did not refuse, for he knew he had no room to do so.
As Hiruzen Sarutobi had said, this was not just a matter for Konoha—it also concerned the Uchiha.
However, his gaze discreetly shifted toward Shuuzawa. Not only him, but the 'Four Elders of Konoha' also glanced at him subtly.
This boy not only had a combat talent reminiscent of Minato Namikaze, but even his thinking and analytical skills bore a striking resemblance.
....
"Kakashi-senpai, are you all right?" Upon exiting the Hokage's office, Shuuzawa and the others had temporarily completed their mission.
For now, it seemed unrelated to them, and they would only act again once Kirigakure's situation developed further.
At the very least, they needed an opportunity to enter safely and a means to retreat to Konoha.
Of course, since Shuuzawa possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique, he was not overly concerned. However, he had no desire to face Obito alone.
He was feeling quite pleased with himself—Obito had once set him up, and now he had completely exposed Obito's secrets. Let him try to deceive anyone now!
He had nothing left to hide. While Shuuzawa was in high spirits, Kakashi remained eerily silent. Seeing this, Shuuzawa could not help but ask.
"Sigh, I never expected things to turn out like this." Kakashi let out a bitter laugh. He touched the eye hidden behind his headband and sighed.
"But I still believe this matter requires further investigation. We need to fully understand the situation."
"However, don't worry—I am a Konoha shinobi. I know what I must do!" After saying this, Kakashi fell silent again.
However, a certain determination in his heart grew even stronger. "Obito, back then, you pulled me back from despair. Now it's my turn."
"No matter what, I will bring you back!" Watching Kakashi's departing figure, Shisui sighed, and Tenzo was at a loss for words.
He understood some of Kakashi's inner struggles. Kakashi's influence led him to reject Danzo and ultimately leave the Root Division.
"Kakashi-senpai, will he be all right?" Yuugao asked softly, unable to hide her concern.
Shuuzawa, however, was speechless. That bastard Obito knew how to mess with people's emotions.
[Hidden Mission Completed: Unmasking Uchiha Obito's Identity (2)]
[Mission Rating: A]
[Reward Earned: 3 Free Points]
At that moment, Shuuzawa's interface suddenly refreshed. Seeing the update, his eyes immediately lit up! "But, I must admit—Obito was a good person once."
Obito was a good person.
There was no doubt about that in Shuuzawa's mind! Even though that damned bastard had put him through hell, the benefits he had received from Obito were simply absurd.
Forget about the insights gained from Wood Release. Just the sudden influx of free points alone had made him rich instantly!
Especially now, when he needed free points the most, Obito had practically delivered them to his doorstep. How could he not be thrilled?
"I want to enhance my Water Release!" Without any hesitation, Shuuzawa silently requested his mind. [Enhancement complete.]
[Shigenari Shuuzawa]
[Overall Physical Condition: LV7]
[Chakra: LV7]
[Abilities: Flying Thunder God LV6, Water Release LV6, Earth Release LV6, Yang Release LV6]
[Free Points: 0]
Looking at his current key attributes, a smile involuntarily appeared on Shuuzawa's.
Three abilities at LV6—this was no small feat! Although he had plenty of other skills, and even some at LV5, reaching LV6 in these three attributes meant he could finally start experimenting.
"Wood Release." Wood Release was crucial for his future schemes and deceptions.
While he felt that 'Gundam-style battles were somewhat outdated, in the current era, the power of a 'Gundam' was still unparalleled!
"My next goal is integrating Kekkei Tōta. It's a long process, but if I can successfully awaken a 'Gundam' along the way, that wouldn't be bad either."
(A/N: What MC means is he wants to use Wood Golem or Sussano)
Shuuzawa had a well-planned 'career path.' He knew exactly what he needed to do and how to do it.
As an ordinary person, the only way to keep advancing was to pursue a Kekkei Genkai network.
He had no other choice, but fortunately, he had confidence in himself—especially when it came to Wood Release, his first Kekkei Tōta.
He could already see hope! Now, all that remained was gathering enough chakra to begin his attempts.
"We're home."
As Shuuzawa was lost in thought, Yuugao's soft voice brought him back to reality.
The meeting was over, and naturally, they had dispersed. Shuuzawa's efficiency was so ridiculously high that no missions were left for them.
It wasn't like they could be sent to the Land of Water without any preparations—that wouldn't be an investigation; that would be a death sentence!
After the team disbanded, Shuuzawa waited for Shisui and Tenzo to leave before unceremoniously insisting on escorting Yuugao home.
She had wanted to refuse, but Shuuzawa was too enthusiastic to argue against it. Now that they had arrived, she felt like she should say something.
"Next time, you don't have to walk me home. I am your senior, after all. I'm not as fragile as you think."
"But if Uchiha Obito attacks again, I doubt even you would find it easy to handle, right?" Shuuzawa blinked.
His question left Yuugao momentarily speechless.
She wanted to argue that Uchiha Obito would never come after her, but after thinking about it, she decided against saying it out loud.
After all, Shuuzawa hadn't done anything to provoke Obito, yet he was still ambushed and nearly framed for it!
Technically speaking, she was in the same position—being Shisui's teammate and proctoring Uchiha Itachi's exam.
Given all that, things weren't so certain.
"All right, I understand. I'll be heading in now." Yuugao pressed her lips together, then finally spoke. But Shuuzawa didn't move.
Instead, he looked at her curiously. "Aren't you going to invite me in for tea?" Yuugao nearly lost her composure.
Fortunately, Shuuzawa didn't push too hard. Instead, he quickly pulled a kunai from his ninja pouch and handed it to her.
"Here, take this, Senpai. Just channel your chakra into it if anything happens, and I'll come immediately."
Yuugao hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded and accepted the kunai.
She knew it had the Flying Thunder God formula on it, and having it could save her from plenty of trouble.
"Thanks. I'll be going in now. You should go home and rest, too!"
With that, Yuugao turned and rushed upstairs without looking back, not giving Shuuzawa a chance to say anything more.
Seeing this, Shuuzawa could only shake his head with an amused smile. He was still young, after all.
Even if he had gone upstairs, he would have just had tea.
Shaking off the thought, he turned and walked through the streets. Before long, he came to a stop in a deserted alleyway.
"You've been following me all this time. Still not coming out? I was just trying not to interrupt you, Shuuzawa."
Kabuto Yakushi slowly stepped forward from the shadows, the light reflecting faintly off his glasses.
"I must say, you've changed a lot since leaving Root. You seem to be quite fond of her, huh?"
"My tolerance is quite broad," Shuuzawa replied casually, though he silently added in his mind—only for beautiful women.
"Anyway, what do you need? Does Danzo have another mission for me?"
"Yeah," Kabuto sighed.
"He said there's no immediate follow-up on the Uchiha Obito matter, so in the meantime, he wants you to take care of something in Sunagakure."
Shuuzawa almost rolled his eyes. Danzo treated people like disposable workhorses!
The issue with Uchiha Obito had barely wrapped up, and now he was throwing in another random mission.
There wasn't even a moment to catch my breath!
If it weren't for the complications of maintaining Konoha's stability while getting rid of him, Shuuzawa would have long since used Flying Thunder God to assassinate Danzo in his sleep.
"All right, I got it. Are you coming with me on this one?"
Kabuto nodded. "Yeah. He wants me to go with you, but after we complete the mission, I won't be returning to Konoha."
"What do you mean?"
Shuuzawa frowned, suddenly having a guess.
"Are you planning to—"
"Bingo, you figured it out."
Kabuto's expression turned bitter, but deep in his eyes, a flicker of anger could be seen.
"I followed your advice and tried to leave Root to meet with my guardian. Danzo refused and instead gave me another mission. And this time, the destination… is Iwagakure."
.....
"Obito… for now, there's no way to deal with him."
In the Mizukage's office in Kirigakure, Black Zetsu sighed regretfully as he addressed Obito.
"This sealing technique isn't something that can be easily undone through conventional means."
"It's difficult—very, very difficult. I might need to research it further, or maybe you could try using White Zetsu."
Using White Zetsu would mean peeling the affected flesh off Obito's body and replacing it with White Zetsu's tissue.
The pain would be unbearable, even for a shinobi. And beyond that, it would take time for Obito to adapt.
Though not as difficult as when he first merged with Zetsu's cells, it would still be lengthy.
"Forget it. If it can't be undone, it can't be undone. I hoped to have a proper 'chat' with that brat."
Obito's frustration was evident, but he shook his head.
This was a grudge he had to settle! It had been a long time since anyone had tricked him this badly, and the fact that Shigenari Shuuzawa had managed to recognize him with just a bit of analysis… piqued his interest.
Even his former sensei hadn't figured out his identity!
"Do whatever you want, but I suggest you keep a low profile for now," Black Zetsu sighed internally.
He couldn't understand Obito's thought process—did he find it amusing to leave such a glaring weakness exposed? Unfortunately, convincing him was impossible.
"Fine, I got it," Obito grumbled as a white head emerged from the ground.
"Keeping a low profile? That might be difficult now." a voice suddenly sounds.
"…?"
Obito and Black Zetsu looked at White Zetsu in confusion. White Zetsu grinned. "Because your bounty has been posted everywhere!"
If you want to support me, join my patr**on. Have 20 advanced Chapters for you guys.
patr**n.com/saitamablast > NTS NOVEL TIER