Chapter 157: Are You Crazy?

Considering that time might become a problem, Kazuki didn't intend to strengthen his control over Danzo. Under the influence of Kotoamatsukami, Danzo was completely loyal to him anyway.

After conveying his intentions, Kazuki walked back to the clan's territory alone.

As he walked down the streets of Konoha, the once bustling area was now eerily quiet. Many people kept their doors and windows tightly shut. Even those few who were outside moved cautiously, as if afraid of being noticed.

Seeing Konoha, once lively, now in such a state, Kazuki couldn't help but shake his head. While Hiruzen was too lenient, he was still a better choice for Hokage than Danzo.

Danzo was too selfish, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. Compared to the more considerate Hiruzen, power in Danzo's hands would only turn into a blade that harmed his own people.

This was evident from the fates of Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Itachi, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Uchiha Clan, and many others.

"I hope things won't continue to get worse," Kazuki muttered.

As he hoped, although Danzo's methods were ruthless, his loyalty to Kazuki remained intact. He carried out Kazuki's orders without delay, ensuring that Konoha's Anbu no longer acted recklessly, capturing or killing people at will. Gradually, Konoha returned to its previous vibrancy.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Itachi and Kisame, who had been hiding in the shadows for days, finally stepped out to gather information.

"This new Hokage of Konoha sure is ruthless, going so far as to slaughter so many innocent people just to find us," Kisame said with a twisted grin.

Uchiha Itachi remained silent, his expression unreadable. He knew Danzo's methods better than anyone. This man was extremely dangerous and not someone that should be in charge of Konoha.

"Sasuke... are you okay?" Itachi thought to himself. With Kisame by his side, he couldn't openly inquire about Sasuke, but his concern was evident.

"Itachi, there's a Konoha ninja!" Kisame's voice cut through the silence.

As they spoke, a young Konoha ninja approached them from the opposite direction. Itachi assessed the young man and, not sensing any immediate threat, said calmly,

"Relax, I don't detect any ambush nearby. He's probably just passing by."

Kisame grinned. "I'm not nervous. It's just been a while since I had any action. Seeing a young ninja makes my hands itch."

Itachi gave Kisame a look before continuing to walk forward without a word.

The young Konoha ninja stopped in front of them instead of walking past. Tension filled the air as Itachi and Kisame faced off with the newcomer.

Just as Kisame was about to make a move, the young ninja's eyes suddenly changed.

"Sharingan?!" Itachi exclaimed, realizing something was wrong. He was about to warn Kisame, but it was too late, Kisame was already caught in a Genjutsu, immobilized.

Itachi activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, attempting to break free of the illusion, but his efforts were in vain. The Genjutsu was too powerful.

In the next moment, Itachi found himself trapped in a Tsukuyomi world. Bound to a cross, he looked up at the unfamiliar face of the young ninja.

"Who are you?" Itachi asked.

Kazuki smiled slightly, conjuring a kunai from thin air. "One question, one stab. Do you really want to know the answer?"

Itachi hesitated for a moment. "Fine."

As soon as Itachi agreed, Kazuki stabbed him in the heart. The searing pain of his heart being pierced overwhelmed Itachi—it was a feeling of true death.

Reviving again, sweat dripped down Itachi's forehead as he glared at Kazuki, waiting for an answer.

Kazuki smiled and said, "I'm just a Konoha ninja."

"..." Itachi was silent, then asked, "Are you Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Second stab," Kazuki said, and Itachi grimaced as he was stabbed again.

The pain was intense, and Itachi couldn't help but reflect on his past. Was this how his own victims felt under Tsukuyomi? Now, the tables had turned, and he was the one suffering.

"Are you part of the Uchiha Clan?" Itachi asked.

"Third stab," Kazuki said, smiling. "No."

"How did you get the Sharingan?" Itachi pressed.

"Fourth stab, it's a gift from the system," Kazuki replied.

"...System?" Itachi was puzzled, unsure what Kazuki was talking about.

"What's the system?" Itachi asked, only to be stabbed again.

Kazuki grinned, "Fifth stab, it's like a cheat code."

Itachi was speechless. Was this some kind of joke? What system? Why was this man speaking in riddles?

"Are you one of Danzo's subordinates?" Itachi asked, trying to regain his composure.

"Ninth stab," Kazuki replied, smirking. "No."

"But why did you stab me again?" Itachi protested. "I haven't even asked a question."

Kazuki smiled knowingly, "You just did."

"Are you crazy?" Itachi's frustration was evident, as he struggled with the physical and mental pain.

Kazuki stabbed him several more times and then said, "I don't plan to kill you."

Itachi, panting heavily, asked, "Then why stab me?"

Kazuki simply gave him a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying the torment.

This entire encounter seemed like a twisted game to Kazuki, and Itachi realized that this man was indeed a lunatic.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg