Chiri took a deep breath, feeling compelled to investigate the secret chamber of the Naka Shrine.
The successive changes in clan leadership had thrown the entire Uchiha clan into chaos. The frequency of death matches kept increasing, with each new clan head growing more deranged than the last. If this continued unchecked, more innocent children would inevitably become collateral victims.
She made up her mind—if she could return to the village safely this time, she would get to the bottom of it. If it truly was the secret technique causing this burden, then it had to be stopped.
Otherwise, the Uchiha clan would have no future!
The group moved swiftly and soon arrived at the central area of the Chinoike clan's territory. The scent of blood grew even thicker, and amidst the rugged, fissured ground, a pool of crimson blood flowed like a sinister spring from the underworld.
"I've heard the Ketsuryūgan can manipulate blood in battle. It seems the Chinoike clan never gave up honing their dōjutsu all these years," Tsubaki Maya remarked.
"This proves they're constantly thinking about revenge. Disappearing completely is impossible." Orochimaru's frown deepened.
Shh, quiet!
Nian suddenly halted, crouching low as his right hand slipped into his sleeve, silently grasping a kunai like a wolf ready to pounce.
There's someone in the house to the left!
Naori reacted swiftly, immediately shielding everyone behind her as she fixed a stern gaze toward the inn on the left side of the street, standing ready for battle.
"You're a sensory ninja?" Tsunade asked with surprise.
"Mmm... you could say that," Nian nodded slightly.
Naori turned her head and asked, "Can you sense the exact number of people?"
"Seven people, five men and two women. Their soul strength is average, but one man stands out—almost on par with Sister Naori," Nian reported succinctly.
"Also, there's no need to go further. My sensory range covers this entire valley from here. Aside from the room ahead, there's no one else," he added.
"Can you confirm this?" Naori asked with grave seriousness, her demeanor now fully shifted into meticulous work mode.
"Unless they possess some secret technique to conceal souls, nothing can evade my perception."
"That will do." Naori steadied her mind, her slender hand gripping the hilt as she prepared for battle.
"6 against 7—the odds aren't in our favor." Jiraiya cracked his knuckles eagerly. "But since they're all gathered in one place, this is the perfect chance to wipe them out in one go!"
"However..." Nian hesitated before speaking. "These people don't seem to be shinobi, nor do they appear to have any intention of fighting.
At that very moment, his sensory perception told him that the people inside the inn were simply going about their normal activities—some eating, others drinking, and a few even sleeping in the guest rooms on the second floor.
"Little Tsunade, you three should stay here for now." Naori pondered for a moment before saying, "Hide yourselves and be ready to support us at any time.
"Huh? But weren't we told not to leave your sight?" Jiraiya asked in confusion. The three Naori was referring to were none other than the three Hokage's personal disciples.
Orochimaru explained, "Now that the enemy situation is clear, there shouldn't be any threats outside. Sister Naori probably wants to scout the situation to verify the intelligence, since we still don't know where the other members of the Chinoike clan have gone."
"Right!" Tsubaki Maya nodded. "If there's any danger, the three of us Uchiha can hold out for a while.
But...
"Enough with the 'buts'!" Tsunade grabbed Jiraiya's arm, then turned to give Naori a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, sis—I'll keep this idiot in check!
"Thanks for your hard work. If... if something happens to us, you three must flee back to the village immediately—no hesitation!"
"Huh?" Tsunade's eyes widened instantly.
Naori smiled gently. "Just in case—I mean, only as a last resort."
"Alright."
"Orochimaru, you must escape!" Tsubaki Maya couldn't help but voice his concern as he looked anxiously at his friend.
"Don't worry, I won't look back!" Orochimaru responded with a faint smile. "It's you two I'm worried about - don't make me have to avenge you later.
"Cut it out~"
Naori nodded, offering a few final instructions before slowly approaching the inn with Nian and Tsubaki Maya, pushing the door open to enter.
...
Meanwhile, in Konoha Village.
This is what the Uchiha clan has become? Utterly rotten to the core!
A clan that should have remained pure has been corrupted by Konoha to this extent, drowning in the whirlpool of power and desire—how utterly disappointing!
Indeed, in this world, wherever there is light, there will always be shadows. The very concept of winners inevitably creates losers.
The selfish desire to maintain peace leads to war, and hatred is born to protect love. Ridiculous—utterly ridiculous!
I, Uchiha...
Suddenly, a childish voice interrupted a certain man's dark musings.
Uncle, your ice cream is ready!
In front of the dessert stall, the sunglasses-wearing man froze momentarily before belatedly accepting two nearly-melted ice cream cones, making way for the little girl behind him.
He was about to walk away when, after some thought, he slightly bent forward, his waterfall-like black hair cascading down.
He handed one of the ice creams to the little girl, watching as she took it, a cold smile curling at the corners of his lips.
...
Why has Lord Madara been gone for so long?
On the second floor of the izakaya, Kamihane and Hikari sat side by side. Compared to Kamihane, who was leisurely admiring the scenery outside the window, Hikari was clearly more worried.
"Oh, Lord Madara isn't a child, there's nothing to worry about." Kamihane rested his chin on one hand and smiled slightly.
Hikari looked exasperated. "You're the one who suggested Lord Madara should take a walk, so you should take responsibility!"
"Alright, since it's our Lady Hikari's request, I suppose I have no choice but to obey."
"Hmph, you... you're being obedient for once." Hikari shyly averted her gaze, using her teacup to hide her flushed cheeks.
Kamihane narrowed his eyes slightly, instantly sensing Madara's location, revealing a somewhat surprised smile.
At this moment, he had already removed the black blindfold, revealing jade-black pupils that shimmered with restrained brilliance, like a clear pond under moonlight reflecting an endless starry sky.
Years earlier, he had discovered that the "Yang Release" genes within his body seemed to have ceased their transformation. Every cell now pulsed with surging vitality, and the power of his eyes had reached its peak. The nearly decade-long fusion of Yin and Yang had finally entered its final stages.
Unfortunately, although his body's evolution continued, the rate of growth had slowed to less than one percent of its original pace—as sluggish as a snail's crawl. Continuing this sealed evolution while suppressing his power now seemed to have lost all meaning.
He didn't have Old Man Madara's patience.
So he simply removed his eyepatch, allowing his long-sealed eyes to see sunlight once more.
"Don't worry, Lord Madara has already returned."
As soon as the words were spoken, light footsteps echoed from the staircase. Uchiha Madara sat down opposite them with two ice cream cones in hand, casually passing one to each of them.
"Just picked randomly, make do with it," he said nonchalantly.
"I'm touched—this is my favorite strawberry flavor!" Kamihane's eyes lit up slightly.
"Mmm, my favorite mint flavor too," Hikari took a small bite, covering her mouth as she chuckled softly.
Suddenly, a violent explosion erupted from the distant streets, thick smoke billowing into the air. The faint breeze carried the pungent smell of burning, along with terrified screams!
It's... it's an explosion!
Damn it, it's a human bomb!
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