**Chapter 119: Madara, Hello, I'm Obito**

"Hiruzen, what's wrong?"

After returning to the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat there silently, saying nothing.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were a bit puzzled.

The Uchiha didn't cause any trouble, so why aren't you happy? Do you really want to fight them that badly? But you're not that kind of person. Or, if we're being honest, you're probably also afraid of directly clashing with the Uchiha, right?

"Don't you think this is strange?" 

The Third Hokage didn't want to discuss this with the two of them, but Danzo wasn't around.

Fine! I'll just talk to myself!

"It's definitely strange!" Koharu Utatane said. "I was ready to face the Uchiha in a fight, but from beginning to end, they fully cooperated. That's very unlike them."

They had stationed quite a few people around the Uchiha compound.

Besides the four clansmen, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the Hyuga clan had also sent in reinforcements.

Some were hiding in the shadows, while others were openly patrolling around the Uchiha district.

The Hyuga were eager to strike at the Uchiha, especially since Fugaku had angered Hiashi to no end during the Jonin meeting. Under the Third Hokage's orders, they had dispatched fifteen Jonin and two hundred clansmen this time.

Even though the Ino-Shika-Cho were displeased, they couldn't do much once the Hyuga had agreed. Luckily, the Third Hokage promised that during the fight, their clansmen would receive special care.

So, they had to apologize to the Uchiha in advance.

But in the end—nothing happened!

"No need to worry!" Homura Mitokado said. "Only the younger Uchiha ninja have left; their elderly and children, including Fugaku's wife Mikoto and their younger son Sasuke, are still in the compound."

The Third Hokage nodded, finally feeling some relief.

Though still suspicious, it was hard to believe the Uchiha would truly abandon their families.

His teacher had once described the Uchiha as a clan deeply passionate in love.

And that was their fatal weakness.

"Increase patrols!" the Third Hokage ordered. "Make sure nothing goes wrong inside the Uchiha compound."

"Understood!"

"What about Uchiha Itsuki?" the Third Hokage asked through gritted teeth, his face twisted with rage.

If it weren't for Itsuki, he wouldn't have had to risk forcing the Uchiha.

He much preferred slowly wearing down the Uchiha through subtle means.

Like during the Third Shinobi World War, when the Uchiha almost single-handedly fought against the Hidden Mist Village, a major ninja village.

In the end, the Uchiha suffered heavy losses.

If that kind of situation happened a few more times, the Uchiha would be no more.

"He's only been to three places," Homura said with a frown: "The crematorium, the Yūhi family home, and the Uchiha compound."

Three very typical places for Itsuki to visit.

"Keep an eye on him!"

Homura stared blankly at the Third Hokage: How do you expect us to do that?

Itsuki excels in body flicker techniques and has mastered the Flying Thunder God technique. How are we supposed to track him?

Should we dig up the Second and Fourth Hokage from their graves?

The Third Hokage realized he had given a ridiculous order, but of course, he wouldn't admit it.

He just issued the tasks—if they couldn't complete them, that was their incompetence. How could it be his fault?

---

**[Mission: Drive Sarutobi Hiruzen to madness!]**

**[Mission Completed!]**

**[Mission Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique upgrade]**

**[Flying Thunder God: Level 4 (72%) → Level 5 (4%)]**

Finally, Level 5 of the Flying Thunder God technique! Itsuki knew that with his constant pressure, Hiruzen would eventually lose his composure.

That's why he had set this task early on.

The reward wasn't bad either.

Recently, Itsuki had been focusing on missions to improve his Flying Thunder God technique, and the results were showing.

Though he hadn't yet reached the level of the Second or Fourth Hokage, he was getting close.

"Sigh, another day with no business."

Itsuki got up, stretched, locked up his shop, and prepared to head back to the Uchiha compound.

It was time to relocate his clansmen.

"Hey, Itsuki, care for a chat?"

A deep voice called out from behind Itsuki.

Itsuki turned and looked at the masked man who had appeared out of nowhere, smiling. "It's you? The mysterious Uchiha. This time, are you not planning to run?"

Obito stared at Itsuki and said slowly, "You intrigue me."

Itsuki chuckled. "You intrigue me too."

Obito calmly said, "Allow me to introduce myself—my name is Uchiha Madara."

He pulled off his mask dramatically.

"Great name!" Itsuki gave a thumbs up. "Hearing that name, I can tell you have big ambitions. You're definitely destined for greatness."

Obito: "..."

Is that how you're supposed to react?

I'm Madara! Madara!

Ambition?

What the hell does ambition have to do with this?

"I should introduce myself as well!" Itsuki cleared his throat, pointed his thumb at himself, and shouted, "My name is Uchiha Obito!"

After saying that, he put on a pair of goggles and flashed a goofy smile.

Obito: "..."

He was frozen! Stunned! Shocked! This bastard—does he know my true identity!?

Obito's killing intent surged, and his Sharingan morphed into the shape of Kamui.

Kill!

He had to kill Itsuki!

His identity could not be revealed.

But then, looking at Itsuki's expression, the last shred of Obito's reason kicked in.

How could he possibly know!?

"Uchiha Obito is dead!" Obito said coldly. "Uchiha Itsuki, what's the point in pretending to be a dead man?"

Itsuki casually replied, "Madara is dead too. What's your point?"

Oh, I see!

Suddenly, Obito "understood."

Since the founding of Konoha, two of the most famous deceased Uchiha were Madara and Obito.

Since he had claimed to be Madara, the other guy must have chosen a famous name from the memorial stone.

"Phew!" 

Obito let out a quiet breath, but inside, he was fuming.

"Uchiha Itsuki, I'm here for serious business!"

Obito stared at Itsuki and said bluntly, "I know you're a member of the Akatsuki."

Itsuki wasn't surprised. "So?"

"So, do your duty as a member of the Akatsuki and don't do anything unnecessary," Obito said coldly, enunciating every word.

Itsuki laughed. "Oh, Danzo, are you giving me orders?"

Obito froze. "Danzo?"

Itsuki sneered. "Yes, Danzo. No matter how much you try to hide it, your single eye has already exposed your identity. Don't think that just because you covered it up with a different eye, you can escape your responsibility."

What the hell!?

Obito's veins bulged in frustration.

Just because I have one eye, I'm Danzo?

There are plenty of one-eyed people in the ninja world!

"Uchiha Itsuki!" Obito growled. "You'd better behave. I know your plan."

"Oh?"

Obito's voice grew colder. "What do you think Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others would do if they found out you've built a new village and are planning to relocate the Uchiha?"

Itsuki smiled kindly. "Danzo Madara, are you threatening me? Threatening Uchiha Obito!?"

"Let me tell you, you're wrong! Completely wrong!"

"I, Uchiha Obito, have never bowed to anyone, nor will I ever be threatened!"

(End of Chapter)