### Chapter 12: Harsh Rebuke of the Evil Uchiha

Reijin chuckled lightly. Although it wasn't much money, he understood Konoha's situation better than Kakashi did. The Sarutobi clan had probably siphoned off a lot from Konoha.

No surprise there; it's likely that most of this money wouldn't be used to build up Konoha. Instead, it would end up in the pockets of the higher-ups and be used to further their own clan's interests.

Reijin had initially not wanted to issue any missions, but he couldn't afford to leave himself open to criticism.

"Let's go."

Kakashi glanced at the sky and started walking towards Yakiniku Q.

As they walked into a more crowded area, Reijin's expression became noticeably colder. Some people, who had been about to greet Kakashi, hesitated and stopped when they saw the Uchiha beside him. However, a few still managed to say hello before quickly moving away, clearly not wanting to get involved with someone they shouldn't.

"Your expression always turns so cold when we're in the village. Do you not like being in crowded places?" Kakashi asked, making small talk. He noticed that while Reijin could be friendly and chatty with him in private, he became aloof whenever others were around.

It made Kakashi wonder if Reijin suffered from social anxiety, as some rumors suggested.

"Kakashi, even if I greeted them with a smile, it would be useless. They'd probably just think I had ulterior motives. This village is filled with mistakes and darkness; they don't deserve my smile," Reijin responded coldly.

"Hey, hey, I don't want to hear that kind of talk! And the village isn't that bad," Kakashi replied, glancing at Reijin with exasperation. This guy seemed to be getting more radical by the day! In the past, Reijin would at least pretend to say something nice about the village, and Kakashi could play along, expressing some fake loyalty.

But now? Reijin was so blunt that Kakashi didn't even know how to respond.

"Not that bad? Then how about him?" Reijin pointed to the side of the street, where a blond-haired boy was walking alone. People around him moved aside as if he were the plague, casting hateful and malicious looks his way. The boy's expression was deeply saddened, clearly accustomed to the hostile stares and whispers, but he still couldn't help but curse at a few of them before running off.

"…"

Kakashi fell silent, unable to find the words to argue with Reijin. This man's words cut deeply, and he had no response.

"Kakashi, you might not know this, but my ancestor, Uchiha Madara, foresaw Konoha's current state!" Reijin said with a light chuckle, noticing Kakashi's somber mood.

Kakashi was taken aback. He hadn't heard that Uchiha Madara could predict the future like the toads of Mount Myōboku.

"What did he foresee?" Kakashi asked, half out of curiosity.

"He predicted that the Uchiha clan would eventually be eradicated by Konoha. And he was right! The two great clans that founded Konoha, the Uchiha and the Senju, are both nearly extinct now. The Senju are already gone, and the Uchiha are backed into a corner, preparing to resist their inevitable fate."

"He also said that Konoha would lose sight of its original purpose and that darkness would grow within it. And he was right again. Wherever there are people, there is darkness. As long as there is conflict, the darkness will only increase. Even a village founded in the name of love, like Konoha, is no exception!" Reijin said with a mocking smile.

These words were indeed spoken by Uchiha Madara. Perhaps Madara had already seen the Uchiha clan's fate back then. But he hadn't expected Konoha to be so unforgiving, causing the Uchiha clan to fall into such despair so quickly.

"...Is that so? It seems Madara was different from how I imagined him," Kakashi replied blandly, his thoughts seemingly wandering. Whether he was really listening or not was unclear.

"Tsk, tsk! Have you heard? The Sarutobi clan, which joined Konoha as a small clan, now has a population of over 40,000 and has formed a 3,000-strong combat unit with formidable strength," Reijin whispered.

Kakashi's brow furrowed instantly, and he looked at Reijin coldly.

"Are you spying on the Sarutobi clan?"

Reijin gave Kakashi a calm glance, not intending to make any sudden moves. He likely knew long ago.

"That's right."

---

"...I won't report this to the Hokage, but don't talk to me about such things again."

Kakashi's expression softened slightly as he waved his hand.

He truly didn't want to get involved in the conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha. Kakashi felt that it was much easier to simply eliminate enemies than to deal with all this scheming and intrigue.

Even though he had grown accustomed to the darkness within Konoha, he still didn't want to be part of it.

"Heh! What's the matter? Are you upset that Hiruzen Sarutobi removed you from your position as the leader of the Anbu?"

"We're in a tense period with Konoha, and I have a good personal relationship with you. I voluntarily brought this up to the Hokage. I don't want to spend my days and nights monitoring the Uchiha!"

Kakashi didn't feel anything about his position as the Anbu leader. He figured that resigning was a good thing, at least he'd have an easier time on missions.

The more he interacted with Konoha's darkness, the more he felt like he was sinking deeper and deeper.

"This is a good opportunity. I originally thought you'd help me by passing on information," Reijin said, raising an eyebrow at Kakashi.

He only knew that Kakashi had left the Anbu; he was unaware of anything else.

He hadn't expected that it was to avoid suspicion. That was a good excuse.

To get rid of the burden on his shoulders... No wonder he was still up for a barbecue invitation.

"Is that so?"

Kakashi made no comment as the two of them entered the barbecue restaurant.

Plates of grilled meat were served, but they didn't discuss anything about Konoha. They just talked about missions or some things related to ninjutsu.

There were too many people around, and both of them were well aware of it.

The barbecue lasted two hours.

They walked to the Hokage Rock afterward.

"Reijin, are you really going to lead the Uchiha down this dark path?"

Kakashi asked seriously before leaving.

"It's not that I want to walk this dark path, it's that Konoha is forcing me to," Reijin said coldly as he looked down at Konoha.

From the Hokage Rock, they could see the entire village clearly.

The Uchiha clan had originally lived in the central area, but five years ago, they were moved to a corner of the village.

"You can't win if you go against Konoha!" Kakashi frowned.

He didn't believe that Reijin was unaware of Konoha's military power.

Reijin was fully aware of the situation with the Sarutobi clan.

He was likely even more knowledgeable about other matters.

"Kakashi! Your position has shifted. You should be condemning the evil Uchiha, not advising me," Reijin glanced at Kakashi.

"..."

That statement...

Kakashi had often heard Danzo say that!

He thought of Danzo's targeting of the Uchiha.

Also, Hiruzen Sarutobi's tacit approval, and the support of the other elders.

It seemed that Reijin had no way out.

One of his few friends in the village was about to leave.

On the other hand, because of Obito, he also wanted to lend a hand to the Uchiha, but he was just a small Jōnin.

It felt just like before—there was nothing he could do.

"But it's not like there's no way out..."

Reijin suddenly smiled.

"What do you mean? What are you planning?" Kakashi was taken aback and frowned.

"Kakashi! I'm giving you a ticket to a new world. When I'm ready, you'll see a brand-new world!"

Reijin didn't answer and instead leapt off the Hokage Rock.

Kakashi quickly looked down.

But Reijin's figure had already disappeared!

Kakashi kept replaying Reijin's words in his mind.

These vague words were the hardest to decipher.

So few people are reading this, and there are only two investors. Including me, that's three! My heart feels cold!

(End of chapter) 

---