Danzo's Countdown to Death.

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As Kirito suddenly attacked, Uchiha Itachi, standing nearby, did not hesitate for a moment.

His normally dark eyes quickly transformed into the three magatama of his Sharingan. His gaze locked onto the masked Uchiha Obito in the corner.

Everything happened so suddenly that no one had time to react. Why had the two of them attacked so unexpectedly?

Even Obito, who was still processing the recent information, was caught off guard.

As expected, Obito's figure was soon frozen by Itachi's Genjutsu, unable to move.

Meanwhile, Kisame ignored the sharp pain in his chest and advanced toward Uchiha Madara. His arm slightly raised, he seemed ready to strike.

The whole scene shocked everyone present. What had just happened? Why had they attacked Uchiha Madara? Were they trying to get themselves killed?

Questions filled the minds of everyone in the cave.

Just as confusion swept through the group, Kisame's hand reached Madara's mask.

In response, Uchiha Madara suddenly broke free from the Genjutsu. Without hesitation, his exposed red eye activated Kamui, creating a vortex to evade Kisame's attack. His body immediately vanished.

But the next second, a vortex appeared again, and Madara reappeared in front of everyone, his hand still outstretched toward Obito's mask, now frozen in midair.

This series of rapid actions snapped everyone out of their shock. A man with slick gray hair, lavender eyes, and a forehead protector around his neck stepped forward slowly—Hidan, an important member of the Akatsuki organization.

His expression was one of amusement as he glanced at Kisame and Itachi.

"What's going on with you two?" he asked.

His words seemed to echo the confusion of the rest of the group. Everyone exchanged questioning glances.

Deidara, ever the sly one, smirked and spoke up. "You two better give us a good explanation, or we'll turn you into art."

A murderous intent lingered in his eyes.

Itachi, unfazed, glanced coldly at everyone in the cave, his gaze returning to Uchiha Madara, who had dodged their attack.

Kisame took the lead in explaining. "This guy's been calling himself Uchiha Madara, but he wears a mask. If he's Madara, why hide his face?"

The question hung in the air, making everyone pause. Deidara and Hidan, whose eyes were filled with suspicion, froze, their thoughts turning inward.

The others in the cave shared similar doubts.

Looking at Uchiha Madara, the silence was palpable.

Kisame's voice rang out again, his sharp tone cutting through the air. "Why does Uchiha Madara wear a mask? If his true face were shown, even a ninja village would tremble. There's no way Madara wouldn't reveal it if he was really him."

He paused, letting the words sink in. "Think about it carefully…"

The cave fell silent, the members of Akatsuki now considering Kisame's words. The legendary Uchiha Madara, a man powerful enough to rival the god of the ninja world, Hashirama Senju, would never be so secretive unless there was something to hide. Yet, despite his strength, he had never shown anything beyond the power of his Sharingan.

No one had witnessed his full abilities firsthand, making Madara a mysterious figure, one that had remained largely unseen even within their ranks.

Would the true Madara be so elusive, so secretive?

As the group pondered this, their eyes turned toward Obito, waiting for an explanation.

Nagato, the leader of Akatsuki, furrowed his brow, while Konan, her light blue paper flower fluttering gently, exchanged a brief glance with him. There was uncertainty in their expressions.

They knew more about Madara's power than anyone else in the room, yet Kisame's words planted seeds of doubt in their minds. After all, they had never seen the face under Madara's mask.

At that moment, Black Zetsu, who had been silent up until now, moved. His mutated form appeared in the center of the cave, his voice cutting through the tension with a strange, unsettling laugh.

"Hehehe..."

The black-and-white figure emerged from the ground, drawing everyone's attention as it spoke up to smooth things over for Obito.

"You want to see the true face of Uchiha Madara?" Black Zetsu began. "No one can see it. Who are any of us to demand such a thing? If he weren't Madara, why would he have the Sharingan? Only Uchiha Itachi and Madara himself can use the Mangekyō Sharingan."

He continued, attempting to reassure everyone. "Don't forget that Madara once used his eye technique to control the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. What more proof do you need?"

Black Zetsu's words seemed to calm the doubts, and those who had questioned Madara's identity slowly nodded in agreement. The matter seemed settled.

Obito, however, remained still, his face concealed beneath his mask. He walked to a nearby stone bench, his eyes calm, but his mind racing.

The thought of his plan being exposed lingered in the back of his mind. Black Zetsu's interference had been timely, but there was still much to do.

Nagato, ever the stern leader, allowed the moment to pass without comment. His cold gaze swept over the room, particularly focusing on Kisame and Itachi for a moment.

"This matter ends here," he said coldly, asserting his authority.

Everyone, sensing the finality in his words, fell silent, but the doubt still lingered in the air. Kisame and Itachi exchanged a glance, both silently agreeing that their suspicions about Madara had grown stronger.

Without another word, they left the cave, their mission clear: to continue gathering information and to keep their options open. They had no intention of rushing into any allegiances just yet.

Once outside the Rain Village, Uchiha Itachi retrieved the Den Den Mushi that Kirito had given him before their departure. Kisame looked at Itachi, curious about his actions.

"That guy, Uchiha Madara, didn't kill us," Kisame remarked, his voice low. "Maybe Chu Feng's intel is right after all."

Itachi's red eyes lingered on the Den Den Mushi, contemplating their next move.

"We're not ready to join any side just yet," Itachi said after a pause. "But we should maintain a friendly relationship with Chu Feng. He's more unpredictable than we thought."

After a moment's hesitation, Itachi dialed the Den Den Mushi.

"Hello, Moshi Moshi," a calm voice came from the other end.

"We're not joining your forces yet, but we're open to business," Itachi replied evenly. "We can offer you assistance in ways that others can't."

Chu Feng, on the other end, smiled knowingly. "Good, I've got a task for you. Take care of Shimura Danzo, the leader of the Konoha Village Root."

Upon hearing Danzo's name, Kisame and Itachi exchanged looks. They knew the Root well—Danzo was dangerous, but for two people like them, dealing with him wouldn't be impossible.

"We'll handle it," Kisame said after a moment. "And we'll do it for free, as a token of goodwill."

Itachi nodded, confirming their agreement.

Chu Feng, satisfied, responded, "Perfect. I'll be looking forward to the results."

After ending the call, Itachi and Kisame exchanged a look. Their path was clear: they had work to do, but the bigger game was just beginning.

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