Part Time Employee in Konoha

Time has flown by.

Over the years, the new generation of Konoha's ninjas has grown up, with some even becoming Jōnin in the village.

Among these new generation ninjas, Uchiha Sasuke, the first to be promoted to Jōnin, and Uzumaki Naruto, who left the village to train with Jiraiya and has yet to pass the Chūnin Exam, are often absent from the new generation's gatherings.

"Sasuke, that guy..."

"It seems like he didn't show up again..."

"Now Sasuke's name is quite renowned, considered as the successor of the Fourth Hokage and known as the 'Purple Lightning.' I even heard from my dad that there was a proposal to make him the Hokage's bodyguard, but he refused. It seems like he doesn't enjoy standing on the sidelines..."

"Why are people from the Cloud Village here?"

"They're probably here to negotiate, right?"

Nara Shikamaru tilted his head, looking at the group of Cloud Village envoys, casually talking about what was well-known in the ninja world: "Sasuke defeated the Cloud Village..."

The eyes of the young ninjas widened in shock!

"Hey, hey, hey..."

"Is that really something to be surprised about?"

Looking at their expressions, Shikamaru couldn't help but mutter, "Didn't that guy defeat the Rock Village and the Mist Village last year?"

"I never thought his power would grow to such an extent..."

Rock Lee clenched his fists tightly, his face showing no fear but rather full of fighting spirit. "Although it feels like the gap between us has widened, it only makes me want to challenge Sasuke even more!"

"Calm down, Lee!"

Tenten hurriedly restrained her teammate.

"..."

But Haruno Sakura didn't show any pride for Uchiha Sasuke. Her eyes were filled with deep concern, as she was one of the few who understood Sasuke's situation.

Although Sasuke had been diligently working for Konoha, his relationship with the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, was deteriorating...

As the Hokage's disciple, Sakura frequently visited the Hokage's office and often heard the sounds of doors slamming and desks being pounded...

Over the past few years, the relationship between the Hokage's office and the Root Division had become somewhat delicate.

Even though the head of Root, Uchiha Itachi, followed the Hokage's orders, he couldn't change the independent nature of the Root ninjas, especially after the village revived the past Hokages to guard against Orochimaru's attack...

Since then...

Konoha has developed a somewhat complex political system.

Although Tsunade is still the Fifth Hokage, she cannot avoid the interference of the other resurrected Hokages in governance, which leaves her frustrated and powerless.

To put it bluntly...

Any decision made by the Fifth Hokage essentially comes from the Hokage Council, and Tsunade's proposals are never approved.

The Fifth Hokage...

Is nearly a figurehead.

The only piece of good news is that the Root's leader, Uchiha Itachi, still shows respect to Tsunade, though he cannot fully control the Root...

There's no helping it.

Uchiha Itachi's position is too awkward.

This Root leader can't even appear in public, lest the truth about the Uchiha clan's downfall be discovered. Only a few of the new generation ninjas know this secret...

Perhaps the only ones who know are...

Nara Shikamaru and Haruno Sakura.

Since Itachi cannot show his face, the more familiar Uchiha Sasuke has to represent Root in public, making Sasuke appear as the de facto leader of Root...

"Everyone!"

"I'm back!"

As the young ninjas gathered, a familiar, loud voice caught their attention, and they all turned to look!

"Naruto!"

"Naruto!"

A group of delighted faces turned toward Uzumaki Naruto!

"Hey! Everyone's here!"

Naruto's face was full of joy as well, but when he glanced around and didn't see Sasuke, he instinctively asked, "Where's Sasuke? Why isn't he here?"

"..."

Everyone fell silent.

"Sasuke... has been busy lately."

Sakura took the initiative to answer on behalf of the group and mentioned their team leader, Hatake Kakashi: "Kakashi has been tracking down the rogue ninja Uchiha Obito..."

Yes.

Kakashi is also very busy.

After Root reported the identity of the mysterious masked man, Kakashi had been tirelessly pursuing Obito, making Obito's life very difficult...

There's no helping it.

With Black Zetsu's disappearance, Obito lost a crucial source of information, forcing him to engage in a game of cat and mouse with Kakashi.

Boom!

As they were talking, the sound of a fierce battle echoed through Konoha, and everyone instinctively looked toward the source of the commotion!

"Is something happening?"

"It seems to be coming from the direction of the Hokage's office!"

Everyone immediately realized the urgency of the situation and rushed toward the Hokage's office!

However, when they arrived, they didn't see any enemies, only the fallen Cloud ninjas and a purple half-body Susanoo.

Uchiha Sasuke was hidden within the Susanoo, his now sixteen-year-old figure coldly watching the Cloud ninjas he had defeated with a single strike.

"I've already said it."

"There's no need for any so-called alliances!"

"What the Cloud Village needs to do is simply follow Konoha's orders!"

"But..."

A Cloud ninja looked at Sasuke, struggling to speak, "The Fifth Hokage didn't say..."

"Do I need to visit the Cloud Village again?"

Sasuke's gaze turned icy, forcing the Cloud ninjas to lower their heads, as neither the Fourth Raikage nor Killer Bee could stand against Sasuke...

Otherwise...

The Cloud wouldn't have sent a delegation to Konoha.

"Sasuke..."

Naruto couldn't believe his eyes as he looked at his former comrade. He never thought he would see Sasuke under such circumstances...

In fact...

This comrade seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

Naruto even felt a little afraid to recognize him.

"Naruto."

When Sasuke saw Naruto, his eyes softened slightly, and he dispelled his Susanoo. "I have something to do. If we get the chance, we'll catch up later..."

"What's going on here?"

Naruto asked in surprise, looking at the Cloud ninjas lying on the ground.

"They're just a bunch of disobedient children..."

Sasuke glanced disdainfully at the Cloud ninjas who didn't dare raise their heads. "As long as the adults get a little angry, they'll learn that defying their elders has no good outcome..."

"..."

Everyone present had strange expressions on their faces.

No matter how they looked at it, wasn't Sasuke the child here?

From the Hokage's office.

Tsunade looked down at the scene.

With such a commotion, there was no way she wouldn't notice.

"Tsunade-sama..."

Shizune stood cautiously by her side, fearing that her teacher would get angry.

However, Tsunade's face was calm, as if she was already used to such incidents. "What's the point of getting angry? The Root's power is strong, backed by my grandfather, the Second Hokage, and the Fourth Hokage. I can't issue any orders that go against Root's will. It's already fortunate that Konoha Hospital is still willing to fully obey my orders..."

"..."

Shizune deeply felt Tsunade's helplessness.

But…

It would be ideal if the Fifth Hokage didn't end up clashing with Uchiha Sasuke over this matter. Shizune always felt that every time they had a conflict with the Root, the outcome was never quite favorable, and it seemed that Tsunade-sama always ended up on the losing side...

Bang!

Tsunade's expression was calm as she closed the window, but after turning around, she smashed her desk with a punch, her eyes filled with anger!

"That kid!"

"Do I not even have the authority to meet with envoys from other villages?"

"Tsunade-sama, please calm down..."

Shizune hurriedly and quietly tried to persuade Tsunade, speaking seriously, "The people downstairs can hear the commotion here..."

"Do you expect me to swallow my anger?"

Tsunade shot an angry glance at Shizune.

"..."

Shizune timidly hugged the little pig and stepped aside.

But really...

Should she be blamed for this?

There are so many resurrected Hokage above, and so many Jonin below who are Sasuke's classmates. Uchiha Sasuke has been performing well over the past few years...

Except that he slightly tarnished the Hokage's reputation...

Konoha has genuinely become the number one ninja village in the ninja world.

Outside the Hokage building.

When Uchiha Sasuke saw Uzumaki Naruto return, he unusually took the time to have a meal with these ninjas of the same age, which could barely be considered a welcome party.

"Naruto..."

Uchiha Sasuke held his tea cup seriously, his expression calm as he looked at his friend, "Don't fall behind too much. You need to become very strong..."

"I'm already really strong now!"

Uzumaki Naruto grinned broadly, laughing and boasting, "I was training outside with Pervy Sage, not just traveling!"

"..."

Uchiha Sasuke slowly shook his head and said nothing more.

"What's wrong, Sasuke-kun?"

Haruno Sakura looked at Uchiha Sasuke with concern in her eyes, "Is something going to happen? Isn't the ninja world still at peace?"

To be honest...

Uchiha Sasuke is currently the greatest threat to the peace of the ninja world.

This man always finds seemingly trivial reasons to launch attacks on other ninja villages, including but not limited to enemy village ninjas infiltrating Konoha, and task competition between enemy village ninjas and Konoha ninjas...

Seriously...

Shouldn't such things have become routine by now?

The other major ninja villages couldn't understand Konoha's stance at all. They only witnessed the domineering nature of Uchiha Sasuke and Konoha. The fact that there hasn't been a war yet is solely due to Uchiha Sasuke's overwhelming personal strength. His mastery of the mysterious Flying Thunder God technique, combined with the terrifying Mangekyo Sharingan, has left other villages completely subdued...

"Nothing."

Uchiha Sasuke put down his tea cup and silently scanned everyone present, sitting there in solitude without saying another word.

Until it was time to leave...

Uchiha Sasuke was even the last to leave, personally seeing off each of his peers, and finally escorting Uzumaki Naruto back home.

"Naruto."

"This might be the last time we meet."

Uchiha Sasuke extended his fist towards Uzumaki Naruto, "The future of the ninja world will surely be peaceful. If you want to achieve something, you need to strive to become strong, very strong..."

"What do you mean..."

"What do you mean by the last time we meet? I'm not going to leave the village to train anymore; I'm going to make up for the time I've fallen behind you all these years..."

Uzumaki Naruto couldn't understand his companion's thoughts. He extended his fist to bump against Uchiha Sasuke's, laughing as he said, "I've heard that you've become really amazing! Just wait for me to become Hokage!"

"I've always believed..."

Uchiha Sasuke retracted his fist, his eyes lowering slightly, "I've left a sixteenth birthday present for you at the Root. Go take a look on your sixteenth birthday; it shouldn't disappoint you..."

"Alright..."

Uzumaki Naruto's face was full of anticipation.

Because he had never received a birthday present since he was a child, no matter how ordinary Uchiha Sasuke's gift was, he was looking forward to it.

At the Root base.

A group of Edo Tensei-revived Uchiha clan members were maintaining operations in an orderly manner.

When Uchiha Sasuke returned, he saw his brother, Uchiha Itachi, and his father, Uchiha Fugaku, talking privately again, but he paid it no mind.

"Itachi."

Uchiha Sasuke walked towards them, his voice turning cold, "My vision is deteriorating due to the frequent use of the Mangekyo Sharingan. I need the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan now..."

"..."

Uchiha Itachi frowned.

Over the years...

This younger brother had repeatedly mentioned the need for the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, hoping that he, as the elder brother, would quickly hand over his eyes so Sasuke could gain even more terrifying power...

But...

Uchiha Itachi felt uneasy.

Because he believed his younger brother was on the wrong path.

"I know you disapprove of my methods..."

Uchiha Sasuke smirked coldly, opening his palm, and said in a chilly tone, "Let's set a time and place! My ocular power may not be stronger than yours now, but let's duel in a location of your choice. The victor shall take the other's eyes..."

"Sasuke!"

Uchiha Fugaku's heart tightened.

"This is our inescapable destiny."

Uchiha Sasuke waved his hand to stop his father from speaking, his gaze fixed intently on Uchiha Itachi, "To gain the Eternal Mangekyo, I must seize the light of my kin. You've delayed long enough, Itachi..."

"I understand."

Uchiha Itachi lowered his head.

After a moment of contemplation, and calculating his own physical condition, he suddenly looked up, his face solemn as he stared at his younger brother, "Three months from now... at our clan's old storage stronghold..."

"That would be perfect."

Uchiha Sasuke chuckled lightly, even adding, "Back then, you killed everyone and pinned the future on me. Now, let's have these resurrected clansmen witness just how powerful the future of the Uchiha clan that you believed in really is..."

"..."

Uchiha Itachi could no longer argue.

Late at night.

Uchiha Itachi quietly left the Root base.

The man went straight to the Hokage building to report to Tsunade about his impending duel with Uchiha Sasuke. He also disclosed all of Sasuke's actions over the past few years—secretly manipulating several Edo Tensei-revived Hokage to control Konoha's power, and even reviving deceased Uchiha clan members to extend the Root's influence.

To be honest...

These actions were more troublesome and frightening than the Uchiha clan's coup attempt in the past.

"I understand."

Tsunade's face was full of helplessness when Uchiha Itachi came to report these things. "But what can we change? Itachi, are you really going to kill your own brother in this duel? Regardless, Sasuke is still a comrade of the village. I do not approve, and I even oppose the duel between you two brothers. This matter cannot be allowed..."

"I won't kill him."

"I will die at his hands."

Uchiha Itachi looked at the Fifth Hokage, involuntarily coughing a few times, trying to maintain a serious demeanor, "Tsunade-sama, my body can't hold out any longer. I will reverse all of this before I die..."

No matter what...

He would not kill his younger brother.

Uchiha Itachi calmly explained his plan, his expression unperturbed, "If Sasuke doesn't release the Edo Tensei after my death, I hope Tsunade-sama can ensure that they rest in peace..."

"..."

Tsunade felt it would be difficult to accomplish this.

"The control of Edo Tensei is in the hands of Yakushi Kabuto and Orochimaru..."

"As long as we can find Kabuto, we can eliminate the problem of Edo Tensei..."

"As for Sasuke…"

Uchiha Itachi revealed all the secrets he had uncovered, quietly explaining the future he had planned: "If I am unable to persuade him to change his mind before I die, Tsunade-sama, please expel him from Konoha. At the very least, Sasuke won't be able to continue controlling Konoha through power. Keeping him in the village is more dangerous than making him a rogue ninja without a home..."

"Compared to Sasuke's strength and talent..."

When evaluating his younger brother, Uchiha Itachi was remarkably fair, having completely seen through Sasuke: "It is Sasuke's cunning and intelligence that pose the greatest danger."

"Sasuke now..."

"Is used to having everything in his grasp."

"The reason he can still manipulate Konoha is due to the village's dependence on and support for him. If the Fifth Hokage hardens her resolve..."

"Once Sasuke kills me and continues to wreak havoc relying on the reanimated ninjas and the power of the Sharingan, please expel him from Konoha using my death as the reason..."

"When we fight..."

"I won't use my Mangekyo Sharingan..."

After detailing his plans for his brother, Uchiha Itachi made one final request: "I hope Tsunade-sama can replace my eyes with ordinary Sharingan..."

"Then you will surely die at his hands..."

Tsunade sighed deeply, looking at Uchiha Itachi with some pity.

"This has always been my fate."

Uchiha Itachi calmly shook his head, showing no concern. Inside his sleeve were two ordinary Sharingan, obtained during a Root mission, originating from Uchiha Obito's collection.

"Having an older brother like you..."

Tsunade said no more and proceeded with the surgery to replace Uchiha Itachi's eyes.

However, after removing his Mangekyo Sharingan, Uchiha Itachi did not hand them over to Tsunade for safekeeping. Instead, he quietly infiltrated Uzumaki Naruto's home, awakening the sleeping Naruto to entrust him with the eyes.

"Uzumaki Naruto."

Seeing the somewhat panicked Naruto, Uchiha Itachi used a genjutsu with his three-tomoe Sharingan to calm him: "If one day you accept Sasuke, give him these eyes..."

"Is there something wrong with Sasuke?"

Naruto felt that Uchiha Itachi's words were a bit strange.

"The Sasuke you know is no longer the Sasuke of now; his darkness is far deeper than you imagine. Don't tell anyone about this..."

Uchiha Itachi extended his finger, and a crow with two scarlet Sharingan eyes appeared, flying straight into Naruto's stomach.

"!!!"

Naruto was horrified and tried to vomit it out.

"Don't be afraid."

"Uzumaki Naruto."

"Perhaps only you can save Sasuke..."

Uchiha Itachi's figure faded like a phantom, his voice lingering in Naruto's ears: "The future Sasuke may fall into deeper darkness or may walk toward a brighter future. I hope you can bring him back because he only trusts you..."

This was Uchiha Itachi's arrangement.

If he died at Uchiha Sasuke's hands and still couldn't change anything, then Sasuke would be expelled from Konoha by Tsunade...

At that time...

Uzumaki Naruto would know that Uchiha Sasuke had become a rogue ninja and would gradually learn of Sasuke's darkness over the years. This young man would likely do everything he could to bring Sasuke back to Konoha, wouldn't he?

After all...

It seemed his brother only valued him.

If Sasuke could return to Konoha from being a rogue ninja and emerge from the darkness, he would obtain the eyes Itachi left him, awakening the power of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and using those eyes to protect Konoha...

If Sasuke refused to return to Konoha...

Then his brother's danger would not worsen...

Uchiha Itachi believed his plan was fairly reasonable. He didn't have enough confidence to pull his brother out of the quagmire of darkness, so he could only devise a comprehensive plan involving multiple people, hoping that his brother would wake up after experiencing these events...

This was Uchiha Itachi's final plan.

Or rather...

This was the only plan he could come up with.

In a pure battle, Uchiha Itachi knew he was no match for Uchiha Sasuke. After all, Sasuke had mastered many powerful techniques. Whether it was the Flying Thunder God technique or the Cursed Seal mode, they were enough to defeat him, not to mention that Sasuke also had a stronger Mangekyo Sharingan...

Over the next three months, Uchiha Itachi quietly awaited the upcoming duel.

Uchiha Sasuke, however, remained busy. During this time, he observed Yakushi Kabuto's progress with the Edo Tensei and estimated that it would be completed in about three months.

Unfortunately, during those three months, many things happened.

Even though Uchiha Madara remained hidden, and the intelligence member of the Akatsuki, Black Zetsu, had long vanished without a trace, the Akatsuki organization still began its actions to capture the tailed beasts.

Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura headed to Sand Village to help retrieve Gaara, while Naruto's teacher Jiraiya went to Rain Village to gather intelligence.

Initially, Uchiha Sasuke didn't care, casually sending Orochimaru to Rain Village because he remembered that in the real world, Jiraiya didn't encounter any issues during his intelligence gathering. However, Orochimaru returned with Jiraiya's corpse...

Jiraiya...

Had died in Rain Village.

"..."

Uchiha Sasuke once again felt the fear instilled by Akihara Kagura.

Jiraiya...

Had actually died in Rain Village!

"Whatever."

"One more or one less... It doesn't matter..."

Uchiha Sasuke, feeling a bit helpless, instructed Yakushi Kabuto to revive Jiraiya through the Edo Tensei: "Consider it an extra gift for that fool Naruto..."

"That idiot..."

Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya's corpse, his face showing helplessness. He was reluctant to use the Edo Tensei to control Jiraiya, knowing his old friend wouldn't want to be bound by anyone.

But...

Orochimaru couldn't change Uchiha Sasuke's decision.

With Yakushi Kabuto performing the Edo Tensei, Jiraiya's first action upon awakening was to anxiously survey his surroundings...

And he saw Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto, two of Konoha's great enemies, in league with Uchiha Sasuke, who currently held substantial control over Konoha!

"Sasuke!"

Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock as he looked at Uchiha Sasuke in disbelief: "You're actually working with these two!"

"They've always been my subordinates."

Uchiha Sasuke shook his head, unwilling to say more to Jiraiya: "Alright, we're busy and don't have time for idle chatter. There are some things you can tell them once you're back in Konoha..."

"Are you ready?"

Uchiha Sasuke turned to look at Yakushi Kabuto.

"They're all here..."

Yakushi Kabuto waved his hand.

With Kabuto's gesture, the tightly packed coffins in the base suddenly opened, revealing resurrected Uchiha clan members...

Old men...

Children...

Wives, husbands...

One by one, the Uchihas opened their eyes.

"I know you all hate Uchiha Itachi..."

Uchiha Sasuke's gaze swept over everyone present, lingering for a moment on his mother, Uchiha Mikoto, before quickly turning away: "You must all resent him for killing your loved ones..."

"Where is Uchiha Itachi!"

"That traitor!"

"Where is Uchiha Itachi!"

As soon as they were resurrected, the Uchihas erupted in fury, eager to seek revenge on the traitor Itachi. Even the previously resurrected Root Uchiha members secretly gritted their teeth!

Although they suppressed their hatred for Itachi due to Uchiha Fugaku's stance, this didn't mean they had let go of that hatred!

"Silence."

Uchiha Sasuke's eyes flashed with scarlet, coldly silencing everyone present: "I'll tell you the truth... The higher-ups of Konoha had already discovered our clan's plans to stage a coup and were prepared for war!"

"Uchiha Itachi believed our clan couldn't defeat the Konoha leadership, so he killed the entire clan in exchange for my survival..."

"That bastard!"

"How could he do that!"

"You brothers sacrificed the lives of the entire clan..."

"....."

The base instantly became chaotic.

Uchiha Fugaku's eyes subtly changed. He looked at his younger son nervously, unsure of what Sasuke intended to do...

Even though…

The duel between Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Itachi is fast approaching, so why has he gathered these clansmen here... Could it be... he intends to have the clansmen who died back then join in killing Itachi?

"Sasuke..."

Uchiha Mikoto looked worried. She didn't know what was happening; she only saw that her husband's expression was grim and that her youngest son had become unrecognizable in both temperament and appearance. What on earth is he planning...

"Enough!"

Uchiha Sasuke abruptly raised his hand, his eyes coldly scanning all the clansmen present. "Everyone be quiet. If anyone says another word, I will mercilessly purge your entire family's souls!"

"I owe you your lives, and I will return them to you. Back then, he sacrificed your lives to save mine and arrogantly planned out my life. I will use my own life to give you new lives..."

"This eye is the eye of the Sage of Six Paths..."

A purple Rinnegan with tomoe appeared in Uchiha Sasuke's eye as he continued coldly, "An eye with the power to reverse life and death, and control yin and yang..."

"After your resurrection..."

"Enjoy your lives..."

"I've arranged a suitable department in Konoha for those who want to return to live there. In the future, nothing more will happen. For those who don't want to stay in Konoha, I've arranged a suitable guardian for you..."

"After today..."

Uchiha Sasuke's eyes flashed as he coldly announced, "The matter between my brother and me will be settled between us alone..."

In the next moment.

Uchiha Sasuke calmly brought his hands together, his gaze still slowly sweeping over everyone, finally stopping on his mother.

"Sasuke!"

Uchiha Mikoto's heart tightened!

"Outer Path..."

Uchiha Sasuke closed his eyes, his face displaying an unprecedented calm, like a devout believer, as he slowly bowed his head. His voice was unusually tranquil: "Rinne Rebirth..."

"Sasuke!"

Uchiha Fugaku instinctively took two steps forward! However...

A flash of light enveloped Uchiha Fugaku!

Beams of white light shone down on all the ninjas who had been resurrected through the Edo Tensei, even Jiraiya looked at the white light on his body in astonishment!

What... is going on?

"Is it over?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses.

"..."

A glimmer of greed appeared in Orochimaru's eyes! Orochimaru's snake-like pupils observed the weakness in Uchiha Sasuke after using the Rinne Rebirth, and his figure suddenly lunged forward like a serpent, reaching out to grab Uchiha Sasuke's eyes!

This fool...

Actually abandoned this power so easily!

But a figure clad in red armor suddenly appeared beside Uchiha Sasuke, sending Orochimaru flying with a single blow!

"Any last words?"

Uchiha Madara stood by Uchiha Sasuke's side, looking at the weakened young man lying there, as if seeing his own brother who had once died before his eyes. "After using the Rinne Rebirth, you will inevitably die..."

"Give him my eyes."

A hint of disdain appeared on Uchiha Sasuke's lips, as if mocking his brother who was still causing trouble in Konoha. "Hmph, I've never needed his eyes, or his so-called power, or the fate he arrogantly imposed on me..."

"Let him live in agony..."

Uchiha Sasuke's mockery was almost unrestrained, and he felt a nearly vengeful satisfaction. "I'll make him feel... the pain I've endured all these years..."

"Sasuke!"

Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Fugaku rushed over!

Uchiha Mikoto hastily cradled her son in her arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. This mother couldn't believe that the first thing she would see upon being resurrected was the death of her most beloved youngest son!

This kind of thing...

No mother could bear...

Even Uchiha Fugaku's mind went blank. He had been constantly persuaded by his elder son, thinking that his younger son had gone astray...

But...

He never imagined that this younger son would be so resolute!

"Sorry..."

Uchiha Sasuke grasped his mother's arm, his gaze gradually becoming unfocused. He could feel his soul leaving his body, and his voice grew weaker: "Just consider it my stubborn desire for revenge against him..."

"Sasuke!!!"

Uchiha Mikoto clung tightly to his neck, feeling the lifelessness in her son's arms, and the pain in her heart overwhelmed her mind in an instant!

This moment...

Was even more painful than when Uchiha Itachi killed her!

"..."

Uchiha Fugaku stood beside his wife, looking at his younger son's now lifeless body, his newly resurrected heart trembling violently, nearly causing his body to collapse!

"..."

A group of Uchiha clan members gradually calmed down after their initial excitement from being resurrected, their expressions turning increasingly sorrowful as they silently gathered around Uchiha Sasuke.

Even though they had been killed by Uchiha Itachi...

Being resurrected by Uchiha Sasuke, who used his own life to bring them back, allowed them to feel the depth of character in the young boy they had once watched grow up...

"Actually..."

"Death isn't so bad..."

An old man touched his eyes, letting the tears flow freely down his cheeks. "At least we won't have to worry about conflicts between the village and the clan anymore... None of this was your fault... Sasuke... you're still just a child..."

"..."

The Uchiha clan members present became increasingly sorrowful.

"..."

Jiraiya quietly watched everything, having already guessed the truth from the information revealed by Uchiha Sasuke. The man also silently bowed his head.

In reality...

Jiraiya knew the situation in Konoha.

Compared to the brash Uzumaki Naruto, Jiraiya had always been aware of the internal situation in Konoha through the information that had been passed on. He had always known about the conflict between Uchiha Sasuke and Tsunade, always believing that Naruto underestimated his companion too much.

But...

It seems...

He had underestimated Naruto's companion as well.

He needed to return to Konoha and tell Tsunade the whole truth. These Uchiha were still Konoha's comrades and should not continue to suffer the mistakes made during the Third Hokage's time.

Meanwhile,

The day of the duel arrived as scheduled.

Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps it was others seeking revenge against Uchiha Itachi. Even Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto chose to bury Uchiha Sasuke on the day of the duel, at the Uchiha base.

However...

Uchiha Itachi knew nothing of this.

The man looked at the empty Root base, donned all his equipment, and headed to the duel location, followed by a group of Anbu and Konoha ninjas, including Uzumaki Naruto and other new generation ninjas who had been summoned. Because something major was about to happen, this team was personally led by the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade.

If nothing unexpected happened...

After this duel, the political landscape of both Konoha and the entire ninja world would be completely transformed.

However...

What they did not expect was...

Someone was already waiting for them at the entrance to the duel.

"Jiraiya..."

Tsunade looked in disbelief at Jiraiya, who stood guarding the entrance, dressed in black funeral attire with a flower on his chest.

What's going on?

Hadn't Mount Myoboku sent news of Jiraiya's death?

"Pervy Sage!"

Uzumaki Naruto was startled by the sight of the resurrected Jiraiya!

"Haha, Tsunade..."

Jiraiya instinctively tried to greet Tsunade with a light smile, but when his hand touched the white flower on his chest, he remembered what day it was.

"Well…"

Jiraiya suddenly felt a reluctance to look at Uzumaki Naruto. He wasn't sure how Naruto would react to the news of his death, but he feared how devastated Naruto would be when he realized what today really meant.

"Jiraiya, why are you dressed like that...?"

Tsunade couldn't wait any longer and hurried over to Jiraiya's side. There was nothing more joyful for her at this moment than reuniting with an old friend she thought was lost forever. However...

As Tsunade approached Jiraiya, she was met by a large group of people, all dressed in black funeral attire—members of the Uchiha clan, including some familiar faces.

"What is this..."

Tsunade was instantly shocked, staring in disbelief at the scene before her. "Has everyone been resurrected by Sasuke using the Edo Tensei? Could that kid possibly want everyone to witness the duel between the brothers?"

"Maybe..."

"There's some misunderstanding..."

A hint of guilt appeared on Jiraiya's face, especially when he saw Naruto rushing over to embrace him. He felt almost too ashamed to pat the boy on the shoulder as he used to.

"..."

Uchiha Itachi walked forward slowly, his expression solemn.

"Wait a moment..."

Jiraiya gave Itachi a deep look, then removed the white flower pinned to his chest and handed it to him. "You should wear this..."

"Whose funeral is it today?"

Naruto curiously glanced at the group of Uchihas standing in the distance. "Where is Sasuke? Didn't Grandma Tsunade say something important was happening today?"

"It's..."

"Sasuke's funeral..."

Jiraiya turned his head away, unable to look at Naruto.

"What?"

Naruto's mind went blank.

"What did you say...?"

Tsunade herself was stunned, struggling to grasp the situation.

"..."

Itachi felt a sharp pain in his heart, and blood suddenly trickled from his mouth as he looked incredulously into the base. He saw a mass of black funeral attire...

And among them...

A mother crying her heart out...

And a father with a face so dark and grim it seemed he could drown in his own sorrow...

"Things might not be what you expect..."

Jiraiya took a deep breath, placing his hand on Naruto's head, feeling the tremors of his young disciple's body, and tried to steady his voice. "Naruto, this has nothing to do with you. It's not your fault. Sasuke simply chose his own path..."

"Your companion..."

"Was an exceptional and great ninja."

"Sasuke chose the life he wanted, instead of being trapped in the past controlled by others. This was his decision. Don't be sad..."

Jiraiya's voice was as calm as possible as he recounted what he had seen, revealing the truth behind the Uchiha clan's demise and their resurrection.

"Back then..."

"Uchiha Itachi, to ensure Sasuke's survival, chose to kill all his clan members, shouldering the hatred and the infamy of their massacre alone..."

"But..."

"This also plunged Sasuke into hatred and darkness..."

"And now..."

"Sasuke, to repay the price of his own survival, sacrificed his life to resurrect his deceased clan members..."

"Don't be sad... Don't be sad..."

Jiraiya tightened his grip on Naruto's shoulders as he listened to the boy's quiet sobs. "Naruto... This was his choice..."

"..."

Uchiha Itachi walked past Jiraiya step by step.

His mind was still blank as he walked steadily forward, passing through a crowd whose hostility toward him was growing, past his grieving mother and father. Finally, he stopped in front of a coffin.

"Here are his eyes."

Uchiha Madara stood beside the coffin, handing a bottle to Itachi with a face full of disdain. "That kid... He doesn't need your eyes... nor the fate you arranged for him..."

"By the way..."

Madara looked into Itachi's eyes, his scorn barely concealed. "Your mastery of the Mangekyō Sharingan is truly remarkable, being able to control it even in the face of a family member's death without evolving it further..."

"I sensed it..."

"You brought the people from Konoha here?"

"Worried you're not strong enough to face him, afraid your brother wouldn't die thoroughly enough?"

"..."

Blood tears streamed from Itachi's eyes. He could sense Madara's mockery and knew that the man had seen through the fact that his eyes were just ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan. He wasn't even using his Mangekyō to send his brother off!

This brother...

Chose to repay him in this way...

Chose to return everything he had done with his own death!

Itachi didn't take the eyes from Madara's hand. Instead, he reached out to touch the coffin, his body nearly collapsing. He looked down at the peaceful young man lying within and suppressed his agonized voice.

"Sasuke..."

"Please, don't sleep anymore..."

"I just wanted you to survive..."

"All of this is my fault. I'm the one who should have died. Why did you sacrifice your life? I only wanted you to live..."

"No matter what you become..."

"I would always love you..."

Itachi's hand trembled as it reached toward Sasuke's face, barely daring to touch his brother. "As long as you were alive..."

"Hmph..."

"Now it's your turn..."

Madara, arms crossed, looked at Itachi, who was nearly crushed by his grief, and spoke with disdain. "Feel the pain he once suffered. The one who should have died is you, yet your brother found a way to save you. Be grateful you had such a brother..."

"Sasuke..."

Blood and tears streamed down Itachi's face.

Madara's mockery stabbed at him like knives, over and over again, until he wished he could die right then and there, to use his life to resurrect his brother!

Mysterious Space.

In the rift between the afterlife and the living world.

A ghostly figure floated in mid-air, gently tapping a dark staff on the surface of the water—none other than the legendary Sage of Six Paths.

Beside the Sage stood the soul of a young man, looking down at the water's surface with a calm expression.

"Reincarnation of Indra's chakra..."

The Sage stroked his beard, frowning at the scene in the water. "Such a large-scale resurrection of the dead... will have a great impact on the living world. Do you understand the consequences of your actions?"

"My subordinates' actions require no explanation to you."

A voice, accompanied by an overwhelming pressure, interrupted them.

A handsome young man appeared, looking somewhat bored as he watched the Sage of Six Paths and Uchiha Sasuke's soul. "After all, you never really educated your son Indra properly. His affairs have nothing to do with you anymore. Besides, this useless fool is just the reincarnation of Indra's chakra..."

"..."

Uchiha Sasuke's soul twitched.

After all he had been through, his feelings toward this man had improved, but after being insulted, those feelings plummeted into the negative...

I must have been wrong...

This man is definitely not a good person...

"Tsk..."

"Petty revenge..."

The young man who had come to retrieve Sasuke glanced at the scene reflected in the water, his face showing disdain. "Anyway, when you learned the truth back then, you no longer wanted to follow my orders..."

"This time..."

"You barely pass."

~~~

Complete! Thank you Readers for the Support! Also [Shinigami in the Ninja World] is available please check it out!

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