After seeing this world clearly, Yukika nodded and stood up.
"So now I understand."
Sometimes, a cloud of mystery isn't as complicated as it looks.
And when it comes to revenge—you don't need that much proof.
Just like how the Senju Clan would awaken once again.
If you don't have an opportunity… then make one.
A gleam flashed in Yukika's eyes as he looked into the distance.
He was waiting for the signal.
"I'm back."
Land of Rain. The weather was as gloomy as ever.
In the occupied Amegakure, Hatake Sakumo entered Orochimaru's private lab.
"What's the situation?" Orochimaru asked, pausing his research.
"Just as Yukika predicted," Sakumo replied. "After receiving the message, Danzō didn't return to the village. He killed the two shinobi escorting him instead."
"Where did he go?"
Orochimaru's eyes sharpened. This was key. Though Sakumo's sensory ability wasn't as strong as Yukika's, it was still exceptional. He had followed Danzō's trail all the way here.
"Cloud, Sand, and Stone camps."
"All destroyed."
So decisive.
Orochimaru twitched his lips. Danzō really thought the Senju needed to be wiped out completely.
"Such a waste of Yukika's goodwill."
But Sakumo looked visibly shaken.
"Yukika isn't like Madara. He may have Madara's temper, but he never abandons those close to him."
Orochimaru chuckled. "Even if the Senju learn the truth one day, they'll be grateful to him."
"Yeah… we've already stripped away the lies. They will too."
Sakumo nodded. "Let's begin. Yukika said it's time for redemption."
As the two walked out…
Suddenly, movement stirred in the camp—a rare occurrence.
Looking closely, Orochimaru and Sakumo were leading a fully assembled Senju Clan. Senju Nobuki was among them.
After confirming the mission, Jiraiya nodded and left.
This mission was simple.
The logistics route between Amegakure and Fire Country had been disrupted.
It seemed a large number of Rain ninja were hiding in a certain valley, and they had hijacked the last supply convoy. This created a serious supply shortage for the army.
Naturally, it had to be handled.
As temporary commander, Jiraiya knew what needed to be done.
Orochimaru volunteered, and Jiraiya sent him with the Senju.
For safety, Orochimaru took the whole clan.
To everyone else, this mission didn't seem difficult.
After all, the Senju had fought bravely under Yukika, and their valor was still fresh in everyone's minds.
The journey began.
The Senju encountered no danger and easily reached the designated valley.
But as soon as they entered, something felt wrong.
It was too quiet.
Even with the rain, there should've been some sound.
Suspicious and alert, they began investigating.
And the moment all of them entered the valley—noise erupted.
Ninja forces surrounded the entire gorge from every direction.
To their horror, the commanders at each front line were familiar faces.
From the north: Ōnoki, Tsuchikage of Iwagakure.
From the west: Chiyo, elder and chief of Sunagakure.
From the east: The Third Raikage of Kumogakure.
The only way out was the southern entrance.
Suddenly, a large group of masked ninja appeared—familiar tactics.
They had seen this before.
Shimura Danzō.
Leader of Root.
When he appeared, every Senju present knew what was happening.
Once again, a hidden dagger had struck—and this time, it was to eradicate the Senju Clan completely.
"Danzō! Are you insane?" one Senju shouted angrily.
In return, Danzō sneered coldly.
"Senju?"
"Would they even exist without that boy?"
"Your very existence is a threat!"
"Arrogance and pride—that's the Senju way."
"So for the sake of the village…"
"You must die!"
"And once you're dead, Senju Yukika is next!"
Orochimaru stood below, speechless.
Honestly, when Danzō first appeared, he was planning to dig out the truth from him.
But it turned out Danzō believed the Senju were doomed—so he said everything himself.
The Senju, the greatest threat to Konoha?
Orochimaru glanced at the Senju shinobi around him.
These people were going through the most painful moment of their lives.
Their ancestors founded Konoha—and now, Konoha no longer wanted them.
That pain must be unbearable.
"You're full of crap! We built Konoha! You, Sarutobi Hiruzen, were just the Second's bodyguard—you were his student!"
"A student turning on his teacher's family? Have you no shame?"
A Senju bellowed in rage.
…
"Shame? What's that?" Danzō replied, clearly elated.
Even though his actions were illegal—even though Konoha would suffer dearly—he had still gone through with it.
Because he knew Hiruzen would agree.
After this, claiming the bottom deck (the foundation of power) would be a major victory.
The Senju had to die!
And that kid wasn't here—this was the only chance!
It was the right call.
The "secret" he had obtained was the Senju's movement.
He went west, uprooting almost every tree root along the way, just to wipe them all out.
Surprisingly, the plan had gone smoothly. The other villages, though disgusted by his plan, were eager to make a deal.
Danzō knew why.
Konoha was currently winning the war in the Land of Rain.
The other nations had to break that advantage.
Danzō's offer of heads in exchange for cooperation was too tempting to pass up.
"Ah, Lord Danzō!" came a shout.
Several Senju emerged from the camp, unhurried and relaxed.
They had clearly surrendered.
"Fighting the village leads nowhere," one of them said.
"Our clan head is too stubborn. I still think the First Hokage's way was better."
"What's wrong with integrating into Konoha?"
As he raised his arms to join his fellow "dogs" under Danzō's command…
He thought Danzō would welcome him.
But the next moment—
Countless shuriken and explosive tags rained down on them.
"This doesn't require our intervention," Orochimaru muttered, shaking his head.
No nation is immune to traitors.
Even the Uchiha had their Fugaku.
And the Senju…
The Negative Energy Used by Menos Grande to Rescue His Companion Officially Appears!
But that man had no intention of resting. Instead, he crawled out from the gap, revealing an extraordinarily handsome face.
Dark wings, a familiar face.
When he appeared, Danzo's expression changed drastically.
"Many people."
Kaede glanced around, squinting his eyes.
Raikage, Tsuchikage, Chiyo... and Danzo.
The last one might not even count as a person.
"Sa... Kurama."
"Come on, let's make some noise…"
"Block it, Black Winged Demon!"
The pitch-black wings covered the sky, and the unsettling black raindrops fell from the sky.
But this was just the beginning!
With one hand clenched into a fist, the demon with two massive horns revealed a smile.
"Kyuubi Chakra Mode!"