The Return of the Itachi

Konoha Village

Hospital Office

Kakashi was reporting the ANBU's findings to the Third Hokage.

"This afternoon, the Uchiha clan territory raised emergency signal flares. Shortly after, all Uchiha elites rushed back to their clan grounds."

"The Uchiha shopkeepers at the snack street reported that enemies had infiltrated their territory. They temporarily shut down businesses and orderly evacuated the villagers.

"Although the Uchiha transportation vehicles at the snack street were halted, the villagers were evacuated in an orderly manner, with no reported casualties."

"Naruto and Sasuke were attacked on their way back to Konoha. All ANBU assigned to protect Naruto were killed."

"At the scene, we found several white humanoid corpses. Upon losing activity, they decomposed into a wood-like material. We suspect this may be related to Mokuton."

Hearing the word Mokuton, the Third Hokage frowned deeply.

"Send Yamato immediately to investigate if it's truly Mokuton."

Kakashi nodded. "I've already sent him to the scene."

The Third Hokage gave an approving nod. Kakashi had shown great growth and reliability, and the Hokage had already been preparing him for greater responsibilities by transitioning him out of ANBU.

"When we arrived, only Naruto was conscious, carrying an unconscious Sasuke. Naruto had a Nine-Tails chakra cloak but remained clear-headed."

"If either Naruto or Sasuke wakes up, inform me immediately. Also, summon the sealing team to check Naruto's seal thoroughly."

"We need to determine the exact cause of the Nine-Tails chakra leakage."

"Yes, sir!"

Otogakure

Uchiha Itachi had just stepped down from the operating table after completing a series of medical examinations.

While Orochimaru was busy reviewing data, Shisui suddenly entered the room.

"Itachi, something's happened in the clan."

Both Itachi and Shisui used summoning ravens to relay messages and avoid communication delays. The sudden news made Itachi's heart tighten.

Shisui wouldn't come in person unless it was urgent.

"When Obito infiltrated the clan territory, he fell into a trap set by the clan leader. However, the clan leader underestimated his strength. Many clan members were severely injured, and the clan leader and Obito ended up in a deadly Sharingan duel."

Shisui didn't hide anything from Orochimaru. After years of collaboration, mutual trust had been firmly established.

Orochimaru remained silent but raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

Fugaku was known for being indecisive. That he engaged in a direct clash of ocular powers with Obito was highly unexpected.

"How is my father?" Itachi's voice trembled slightly.

A Sharingan duel was no trivial matter—turning one's mind into a weapon risked immense spiritual damage or even death.

Shisui quickly reassured him, "Don't worry. Kiyome awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. Thanks to his abilities, the clan leader's condition has stabilized."

Itachi was stunned. While there were many elites in the clan, Kiyome was not someone he'd associate with being in the top tier.

However, Kiyome's talent in sealing techniques had accelerated his growth since unlocking the three-tomoe Sharingan.

It was surprising, nonetheless, to hear he had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Sasuke was also injured, but his wounds aren't life-threatening. He's recovering at the hospital in Konoha."

"To prevent another attack, the clan plans to reverse summon you back. You'll also bring reinforcements to stabilize the situation."

"If needed, I'll return as well," Shisui added.

Itachi turned to Orochimaru. "Orochimaru-sama, I need to return to the village."

Technically, both Itachi and Shisui were test subjects under Orochimaru's research. However, over time, their relationship had developed into a mutual understanding, even camaraderie.

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with satisfaction at Itachi's respectful tone. His tongue flicked out slightly in thought.

He was especially intrigued by Kiyome's Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Itachi, when you return, collect some of Kiyome's cellular samples for me to study."

He handed Itachi a small vial of medicine. "Your body can now handle the strain of the Mangekyō Sharingan, but avoid overusing its power."

Itachi accepted the medicine and prepared to return to his clan.

"In case you overuse the Mangekyō Sharingan, take this—it's the latest suppressive medicine," Orochimaru said, handing a vial to Itachi.

"Shisui will stay here for now. If necessary, summon him back."

Itachi accepted the medicine respectfully. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sama. I'll remember."

With that, Itachi began preparing to leave Otogakure, taking note of which Uchiha clan members were available for the mission.

Uchiha Clan High Platform

Iori glanced at the clock—it was time. He placed a raven onto the summoning circle.

Even though the raven couldn't form hand seals, as long as the summoning circle was prepared and the bird acted as a medium, reverse summoning could be performed.

This intricate technique wasn't something just anyone could do. Only someone like Natsuki, who had mastered sealing techniques, could leave behind such a formation.

"Reverse Summoning Jutsu!"

"Caw! Caw!" The raven let out two cries. The summoning circle on the ground began glowing.

"Boom!"

Itachi, dressed in full combat gear, appeared in the middle of the formation.

"Welcome back, young clan leader," Iori greeted respectfully.

Itachi quickly scanned his surroundings, noticing how much the clan grounds had changed.

"What's the current situation? How is Father? And where's Sasuke? Has Natsuki-senpai been notified?"

"Follow me, young clan leader," Iori replied, guiding Itachi forward while explaining the details.

"Clan leader Fugaku had a head-on clash with the No. 3 target. Both were seriously injured. He was on the brink of death, but Kiyome saved him with the Mangekyō Sharingan."

For ordinary clan members, Natsuki hadn't revealed Obito's identity, referring to him only as No. 3 target.

"Sasuke and Naruto were also attacked near the snack street, but the primary target seemed to be Naruto. Sasuke was injured but is now recovering at Konoha Hospital."

"Konoha's ANBU have been trying to gather information openly, but our clan members have kept them out of the territory."

"Kiyome is still unconscious, several are injured, and the barrier team isn't operational. Nearby, some ANBU are spying on us, but we can't do much about it."

"Elder Youhei is already in contact with Vice Clan Leader Natsuki, and we expect a response soon."

Iori's steps were swift, and before long, they arrived at a sealed room. Inside, life-monitoring equipment was set up, along with several Uchiha medical ninja attending to Fugaku.

While their medical skills weren't top-notch, the equipment allowed them to monitor Fugaku's condition. Thanks to Kiyome's Mangekyō ability, Fugaku's life had been preserved.

Itachi moved closer. Fugaku's face had been cleaned, revealing pale but calm features. His vitals appeared stable.

Meanwhile, at the summoning platform within the clan grounds, a ninja cat appeared and placed its paw firmly on the platform.

"Boom!"

A figure materialized in the center of the platform.

"Where's Kiyome?!" the figure exclaimed loudly.

It was Kiyome's brother, Uchiha Yoruya, who had just been reverse summoned.

Clan members quickly led him to Kiyome's resting area, where he unexpectedly found Itachi.

Yoruya, who had been away on a mission, hadn't encountered Itachi in Otogakure.

"Ah, young clan leader! You're here too!" Yoruya's voice boomed, only for him to suddenly remember that his brother was still resting. He immediately covered his mouth.

At that moment, Kiyome stirred. His eyebrows twitched, and his eyes slowly opened.