Chapter 14, Danzo's Rage
Early the next morning, the news of the Uchiha massacre spread throughout Konoha, causing a great commotion among the villagers.
Numerous people were shocked to learn that the once wealthiest family in Konoha had vanished overnight, leaving everyone bewildered.
Shortly after, Konoha swiftly issued a bounty and alerted the underground bounty community about the situation.
Chiba Uchiha, a rebellious S-class ninja from Konoha, was now known as a criminal for beheading fellow comrades and being one of the murderers involved in the Uchiha massacre.
Itachi Uchiha, another S-class ninja from Konoha, also became infamous for his crimes of killing fellow clansmen and his involvement in the Uchiha genocide.
Boom!
Within a short span of time, almost every Shinobi fan in Konoha became acquainted with the wicked names of Chiba and Itachi.
Chiba, who had previously been unknown, suddenly gained notoriety among the populace.
"Their actions are unforgivable! Killing their own kin is a despicable act!"
"Do you think it's true that two individuals wiped out the entire Uchiha clan? It sounds unbelievable!"
"Haven't you heard the rumors? They both possess the Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"Mangekyō Sharingan? That explains it!"
...
The Third Hokage spent the entire night without rest.
The Uchiha genocide, an event of such magnitude, would not only impact Konoha but could potentially destabilize the entire ninja world.
He needed to mobilize personnel swiftly to reinforce defenses before other ninja villages take advantage of the situation.
He was already aware of the theft from the secretary's library that had occurred the previous day and had a strong suspicion about the culprits.
However, after contemplating for a while, he chose to act as if nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Danzo had completely lost his composure and reason.
Sharingan! Forbidden jutsus! Hashirama Senju's cells!
Both were invaluable treasures of the ninja world, and now they had been stolen.
It was a disgrace!
"Investigate! Find out who is responsible!" Danzo roared furiously, with his first instinct being revenge against Chiba.
His anger surged, and he regretted not being more decisive earlier.
But soon, an even greater problem emerged.
"Master Danzo, this is not good. Representatives from the Hyuga, Nara, Akamichi, Inuzuka, and other major clans have gathered at our doorstep!"
Danzo's heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding washing over him.
"Why are they looking for me?"
"They are demanding an explanation. They have evidence that the secret arts of their respective clans have ended up in your possession."
"They possess incriminating evidence!"
Hum!
Danzo's mind exploded with anger and frustration.
"You damned Uchiha Chiba! You've pushed it too far! I will make you pay!"
With this turn of events, not even the Third Hokage might be able to protect him.
This time, bloodshed was inevitable.
Perhaps he would need to go into hiding for a long time.
His dreams of becoming Hokage were shattered!
The thought overwhelmed Danzo, causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood.
Just then, an enraged growl resounded from outside the door.
"Inoichi Yamanaka, how dare you stand in my way?!"
Even the usually calm Yamanaka inoichi was consumed by anger.
Yamanaka's face turned pale with fury.
Helplessly, he could only watch Danzo's predicament.
"Are you going to stop me, Nara Shikajiu, now that you're part of the Root?" he sneered, casting a challenging gaze at the sweating Aburame.
Aburame, too, found himself in a helpless position as he glanced at Danzo.
Amidst the voices of the clan patriarchs, Danzo's trusted subordinates dared not make a move.
Almost all of these individuals had been recruited by Danzo into his Root organization in various ways.
However, that didn't mean they had forsaken their families.
Especially with the patriarchs of the major clans present, they couldn't afford to act rashly. Instead, they could only stare at Danzo, their expressions blank.
And then, Danzo was struck.
"Damn it... ah!!"
...
Naturally, Chiba remained oblivious to the farce unfolding back in Konoha.
But he knew that Danzo was going to face difficulties.
From his memories, Itachi seemed to have encountered members of the Akatsuki organization on that fateful night.
However, in reality, they had spent two full days traveling, and it was night once again before they boarded the boat, just as Chiba remembered.
On the boat, Obito urged the two of them to keep his true identity a secret.
"... Next, I'll take you to meet the leader of the Akatsuki organization and reveal my true identity to you."
Before long, they arrived in front of a massive, concealed, and damp cave.
"Follow me!"
Obito took the lead, leading them deep into the cave until they reached a gigantic and grotesque idol.
The Gedo Statue!
Simultaneously, several figures emerged from the darkness.
"Well, well, if it isn't Itachi? Long time no see."
"And a first meeting for you, Chiba-kun."
Orochimaru looked at Itachi with interest before shifting his gaze to Chiba.
Itachi appeared somewhat surprised, but Chiba had been aware of this for a long time, so he wasn't taken aback.
Then Obito began to act eccentrically, speaking in an exaggerated tone.
"By the way, you three hail from the same hometown. What a memorable reunion!"
Itachi seemed to recall his promise to the Third Hokage about infiltrating the Akatsuki organization and engaged in conversation with Orochimaru.
Chiba stared at the immense Gedo Statue, feeling a sense of puzzlement.
Why hadn't it collapsed?
Shortly after, Pain and Konan took the stage.
Chiba observed the two, feeling a slight sympathy towards these individuals treated as mere tools.
Pain displayed no emotions whatsoever, resembling a lifeless shell.
Konan, on the other hand, possessed a certain beauty. Chiba acknowledged her presence with a slight nod.
Konan paused for a moment, then nodded back, silently positioning herself behind Pain.
In a deep voice, Pain spoke:
"The Akatsuki organization's objective is the true peace of the ninja world. Akatsuki seeks to replace the five great ninja nations and govern the world."
"To achieve this, we recruit exceptional ninjas, regardless of their origins or past experiences."
Itachi's Sharingan narrowed as he remarked, "What an ambitious goal."
Chiba shrugged nonchalantly, "As long as it enhances my strength, I couldn't care less."
Pain nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, as long as you fulfill the missions assigned by the Akatsuki organization, you are free to pursue your own desires."
"Chiba and Itachi of Konoha, welcome to the Akatsuki organization!"
"Let us defy Konoha with even greater force!"
After an impassioned speech from the second-in-command, Chiba and Itachi proceeded with the Akatsuki initiation ceremony.
They took out their Kunai and engraved the mark of rebellion onto their Konoha Forehead Protectors.
The symbol of their defiance!
Next, they had to choose a ring.
Chiba opted for a green ring, which would later be Deidara's ring, but he quickly severed the attachment.
As he wore it on his finger, he felt a sense of satisfaction.
Itachi chose the scarlet ring.
The formal team induction ceremony organized by Akatsuki came to an end.
Pain's tone became less rigid as he continued, "Akatsuki conducts its operations in pairs, so you will also be assigned your own partners."
"The only member currently without partners is Hidan who acts independently."
"Jūzō Biwa and Itachi will form a team, while Chiba, for now, will accompany Hidan!"