**Chapter 67: I Want to Rebel, and You Want to Suppress It?**

Itsuki blinked and tentatively asked, "Lord Hokage, do you mean...?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was so furious he almost breathed fire out of his nostrils.

"The sentries of the other four ninja villages were attacked almost simultaneously as Konoha's."

"At Konoha's sentry post, they left this thing behind. What about the other villages?"

"Who's to say one of those villages didn't get Konoha's entire defense plan?"

Sarutobi kept pointing at the military defense map.

"If we don't attack the other villages, does that mean they won't attack us? Damn it."

"The ninja world might be on the brink of a full-scale war!"

"Who did this? And how did they get such a detailed defense map?"

If the enemy followed the map's markings and launched precise strikes, one side of Konoha would be practically wide open, welcoming the enemy with no defenses.

Just imagining the enemy marching right in made the Third Hokage's scalp tingle.

Itsuki smacked his lips.

He really wanted to say:

You can be more confident! It's not just one village!

All four of the other ninja villages got Konoha's defense plans!

From every possible angle!

The only difference is the signature and notes.

Oh, and to make sure those villages wouldn't be left untempted and not attack each other, I even gave a little encouragement to their leaders.

For instance, to the Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village, I wrote on the map: "Ōnoki, here's the map. Remember to give me the corpse of the Fourth Raikage's dad. Such a strong body, especially that part—I could use it."

As for how the Raikage would react after reading that…

Itsuki thought, what's it got to do with me?

As long as they start moving, that's all that matters.

If Konoha doesn't fall into chaos, what will the Uchiha do?

And if people die because of this…

Heh!

Deep in Itsuki's eyes was nothing but cold indifference.

The Uchiha clan has sacrificed so much for Konoha. During the Great Ninja War, they were always on the front lines and suffered the most casualties. Did anyone show any gratitude?

The extremists thought about how to wipe out the Uchiha.

Even the more moderate people were full of prejudice and indifference.

Since everyone treats the Uchiha as enemies, isn't it natural for the Uchiha to treat them the same?

Yes, the Uchiha can be ruthless when enforcing the law.

But why would you make mistakes in the first place?

If you didn't mess up, would the Uchiha still come after you?

Itsuki knew there was a shadow of the Third Hokage and Danzo behind this, but the villagers of Konoha aren't children. Can't they see for themselves?

Don't they have brains to think with?

Just because someone says it's windy, does that mean you go running in the rain?

All those fools can just die!

In the original story, after the Uchiha were wiped out, how many ninjas clapped their hands in joy!

As if the Uchiha had committed some unforgivable crime.

Itsuki sneered.

Yes, I'm extreme!

Because I'm an Uchiha now too!

I'm the strongest Uchiha!

Remember, you all struck first!

Itsuki smiled and asked, "So why did you call me here? What's up?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was serious as he said in a deep voice, "Uchiha Itsuki, there's a mission I need you to take on."

Itsuki kept smiling and said, "Let's hear it."

Whether he'd agree to it was another matter.

It's not like you'd give me a suicide mission, and I'd cheerfully shout, "For Konoha!"

Screw you.

You better watch out, or I'll take you down!

Danzo clearly picked up on the meaning in Itsuki's words and angrily shouted, "How dare you! The Hokage gives you a mission, and you dare refuse?"

"Get lost!" Itsuki said impatiently. "Why don't you go play somewhere else? What's it got to do with you?"

"You..."

**Danzo was so furious his whole body started trembling.**

"Why is it always about eggs with you?!"

"What do you mean, 'what'?!" Itsuki snapped back impatiently. "When it comes to disobeying the Hokage's orders, who in all of Konoha dares to compare with you? How about a little self-awareness, huh?"

The big guy grinned.

That was a solid point. To be honest, he'd been annoyed by Danzo for a long time.

His decision to retire had a lot to do with both the Third Hokage and Danzo.

"I..."

"What do you mean, 'I'?! So you have balls, huh? What's there to be proud of? You think you're special? Maybe if someone else showed theirs, you'd be scared to death!"

This comment made Koharu Utatane's face stiffen.

"Alright, alright, enough arguing!"

The Third Hokage scolded them, then looked at Itsuki with a headache, saying, "Itsuki, the Five Great Ninja Villages have finally found some peace, and I don't want to see that peace shattered. What do you think?"

"I don't want that either!" Itsuki replied casually. "Of course, I'm all for peace. Everyone in Konoha knows that Uchiha Itsuki is the most kind-hearted person around."

You shameless liar!

The Third Hokage forced a stiff smile and said, "Since that's the case, let's talk about the mission."

"Even though we have the defense maps, Konoha does not wish to start a war, nor will we initiate an attack on the other villages. However, we can't be sure what the other villages and their leaders might be thinking."

"Therefore!"

"We want to keep an eye on them, and until our new military deployments are complete, we can't let them act rashly."

"Alright!" Itsuki nodded, taking it all in stride. "I'll go keep an eye on the Hidden Mist Village and make sure they don't stir up any trouble."

At this point, how could he not understand what was going on?

The Third Hokage: "..."

You're really something! That village is already isolated. What are you going there for?

To look at the mist? Go fishing?

"I've already sent Kakashi to the Hidden Mist Village," the Third Hokage said in a serious tone. "I want you to go to the Hidden Cloud Village."

Well, damn! The most battle-hungry of the Five Great Ninja Villages! Not to mention, the Hidden Cloud Village is the second most powerful village, only behind Konoha.

It's full of elite ninjas!

The Hidden Stone Village is weaker than them.

And on top of that!

The Hidden Cloud Village is united. Aside from the crazy brothers Kinkaku and Ginkaku, they have almost no rogue ninjas.

Unlike Konoha...

Giving the toughest job to me, huh? Not even trying to hide it anymore.

Itsuki was sure that if he accepted this mission, he'd definitely end up fighting with the Hidden Cloud Village.

His information was probably already on its way to the Hidden Cloud Village.

"No way!"

Itsuki flat-out refused.

The Third Hokage didn't say a word.

But the pressure in the air began to build.

He stared at Itsuki, his eyes filled with authority and coldness.

In the Hokage's office, there was a faint sense of killing intent gathering.

"Itsuki, I am the Hokage!"

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, said only that one sentence.

His position as Hokage, his orders—no ninja in Konoha could refuse them.

He could smile at you, but he could also make you cry.

Itsuki sighed softly and said, "Since Lord Hokage is being so serious, let me share a big secret with you in return!"

The Third Hokage smiled faintly and asked, "What secret?"

Itsuki responded seriously, "I'm just a shadow clone!"

The entire Hokage's office fell silent in an instant.

Danzo couldn't hold back any longer. He jumped up and roared, "How dare you, Uchiha Itsuki! You're too insolent! You sent a shadow clone to meet with the Hokage? What is the Uchiha clan planning?!"

Itsuki squinted at him, grinning as he said, "I want to rebel. Do you want to suppress it?"

(End of Chapter)