Chapter 32: Itachi’s Choice

At that moment—

Just outside the Root's base.

"Lord Danzo!" A figure in an Anbu uniform knelt on one knee.

Danzo Shimura, the leader of Root and leaning on his cane, immediately asked, "Is there any movement from the Uchiha clan?"

"Not for the time being. Lady Tsunade has unexpectedly returned to the village, forcing them to delay their coup plans."

"That's only temporary. The Uchiha clan's ambition won't end here."

Danzo's cold gaze settled on the kneeling figure. "Itachi, tell me your answer."

The kneeling Anbu raised his head. His face, still youthful and handsome, bore faint tear lines, while his eyes glowed a menacing crimson.

Within those blood-red eyes, three black tomoe circled one another in perfect symmetry, shining brightly.

"For the sake of the village, sacrifices are necessary."

"Discontent with the village, constantly planning a coup to seize power—such a clan cannot be allowed to remain."

Danzo gazed down at the Uchiha prodigy before him and spoke softly, "But you still have a choice... If you're willing to eliminate the rest of the Uchiha, removing any threats to the village, your younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha, can live."

"Yes, I've made my decision."

After listening to Danzo's words, Itachi's expression was devoid of emotion. He replied, "Tonight, I will personally end the Uchiha clan."

Yet…the left hand pressed against his knee clenched, veins bulging.

It showed that, deep inside, he was far from calm.

"Then, it's in your hands."

---

Half an hour later.

Behind the Uchiha clan's grounds.

In an empty forest.

"Come out."

Arriving at the spot, Itachi spoke in a low voice.

A ripple twisted through the air before him, and a masked figure appeared.

The masked man observed Itachi's cold face and said calmly, "It seems you've made your decision."

Strangely enough, the single eye revealed through his mask was also a Sharingan, glowing red.

"I need your help."

Itachi's gaze was resolute as he spoke.

At only thirteen, his slightly youthful voice carried a chilling edge. "Take the western guard division. It's yours."

"No problem, I could use a little exercise."

The masked man tilted his head, cracking his neck with a faint grin.

"Remember, do not harm Sasuke. He is my 'backup pair of eyes,'" Itachi said coldly.

"Don't worry, I won't touch your brother… What time?"

"Eight tonight."

"Good."

---

Dusk.

A dark, windy night.

The moon was unusually round.

Yet the entire Konoha Village was gripped by an inexplicable, oppressive atmosphere.

Just outside the Konoha Village hospital—

Kiyoshi and Tsunade both felt the shift in the air.

"Hm?" Tsunade stopped in her tracks, her brows furrowed slightly.

"What's wrong, Lady Tsunade?" Shizune, unable to detect the unusual atmosphere, looked at Tsunade in confusion.

"It's coming from the Uchiha district. A large number of shinobi have surrounded the area, and their chakra isn't weak. Something might be happening."

Kiyoshi shrugged, glancing at Tsunade. "Tsunade-nee, should we go check it out?"

With his keen sensory abilities, Kiyoshi had already noticed the strong chakra sources surrounding the Uchiha grounds, practically sealing it off.

It was clear, the entire clan's territory had been quietly surrounded by Anbu. Not even a fly would be able to escape.

"The Uchiha?" Tsunade murmured, a deep frown crossing her face.

"What?" Shizune gasped in shock.

She recalled what the Third Hokage had mentioned in passing to Tsunade days ago, warning that the Uchiha clan had become restless.

Could this be related?

"Let it go. We don't need to get involved in their nonsense."

Tsunade's brow slowly relaxed, and it was clear she had no intention of intervening.

Coming from the Senju clan, Tsunade had little fondness for the Uchiha, much less the desire to meddle in their affairs.

She turned to Kiyoshi. "You've had a long day. Go get some rest."

"Understood, Tsunade-sensei."

"See you tomorrow, then!"

Kiyoshi nodded earnestly, bidding farewell to Tsunade and Shizune before heading toward the Ishikawa residence.

"So, it's finally happening?"

Yet, no one noticed the faint smile tugging at Kiyoshi's lips.

He wasn't some hero bent on rescuing anyone. From the start, he had planned to reap whatever benefits he could from the situation.

As he passed through an empty corner, Kiyoshi moved discreetly.

Unknown to anyone, beneath his feet—

Thick root-like vines, as solid as steel needles, pierced through the ground, growing at visible speed and forming small, thin figures one by one.

Soon after, these figures began stealthily moving underground toward the Uchiha district.

And those small figures, transformed, one by one, into pale bodies.

It was unmistakable. They looked like White Zetsu clones.

The Mayfly Technique!

The Substitute Technique!

Finally, the abilities he had absorbed from the White Zetsu clones were proving useful.

"Since the clan's fate is already sealed…"

"The Uchiha clan's legacy… I'll gladly claim it."

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