In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat at his desk, his face deeply furrowed.
The search for Uchiha Shisui had been unsuccessful, and so far, there were no traces of him.
All signs indicated that Uchiha Shisui, who had been completely loyal to him and was his strongest asset, was most likely dead.
This was a reality he was unwilling to accept, but now, even if he refused to believe it, he had no choice.
"Even if they both possess the Mangekyō Sharingan, should Uchiha Fugaku really have been able to kill Shisui?"
He couldn't comprehend it.
Uchiha Shisui's Body Flicker Technique was second only to the Second and Fourth Hokage.
Even if Uchiha Fugaku had also awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he shouldn't have been able to kill Uchiha Shisui.
But the harsh reality suggested that Shisui was dead—killed by Uchiha Fugaku.
"Could it be that Uchiha Fugaku's eye technique restrains Shisui's Body Flicker Technique, preventing him from escaping?"
He considered the unique abilities of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Could Uchiha Fugaku have awakened an ability that directly countered Shisui's speed, leaving him no chance to escape?
"Damn it..."
Anger surfaced on his face.
Not only had he failed to eliminate Uchiha Fugaku, but he had also lost his best fighter to him—something he had never anticipated.
Uchiha Fugaku had hidden himself too well.
Despite having such tremendous power, he had remained submissive for years under his and Danzo's suppression, making them lower their guard.
As a result, Danzo disappeared, and he had also lost his strongest warrior.
Bang, bang, bang!
Hurried footsteps approached, followed by urgent knocks on the door.
He frowned and spoke.
"Come in!"
An Anbu ninja quickly entered, presenting a scroll with both hands.
"Hokage-sama, urgent news from the Daimyo's mansion!"
"Urgent news from the Daimyo's Prefecture? Uchiha Fugaku is there right now… Could it be…"
The Third Hokage quickly took the scroll, signaling the Anbu to leave.
Once the Anbu ninja exited, he broke the seal and decoded the message.
The next moment, his face turned pale, his hands trembled, and the scroll fell to the ground.
"How could this happen? How could this happen?!"
His eyes went blank, his face filled with grief, and his voice trembled—a mix of denial and dread.
The scroll stated that his second son, Sarutobi Asuma, had gone missing the previous night and was presumed dead.
Losing his son in his old age—his pain was immeasurable.
"Uchiha Fugaku..."
A roar escaped from his throat, his eyes burning with hatred.
Uchiha Fugaku had appeared in the Daimyo's mansion, and shortly after, his son vanished—undoubtedly murdered.
There was no need for evidence—he knew this was Uchiha Fugaku's doing.
Revenge.
He had sent Uchiha Shisui to kill Uchiha Fugaku.
In retaliation, Uchiha Fugaku had killed his son.
This was payback.
He hated—hated Uchiha Fugaku and hated himself.
He hated Uchiha Fugaku for killing Asuma.
He hated himself for being fooled by Uchiha Fugaku's deception for so many years, failing to eliminate him sooner.
"Uchiha Fugaku… I want you dead..."
The Third Hokage gritted his teeth, his voice icy.
A wave of killing intent erupted from his body.
The cold aura filled the entire office, the temperature plummeting.
Outside, the Anbu guards shuddered.
Even through the door, they could feel it.
The Third Hokage had been angry often recently.
He was no longer the calm, wise leader they had known for years.
He was becoming a different person.
Whatever Uchiha Fugaku had done—it had driven him to the edge.
…
In the Iwai residence, Uchiha Fugaku attended the coming-of-age ceremony of the Iwai clan leader's eldest son.
Many distinguished families attended, and even the Daimyo had sent gifts—a testament to the Iwai family's status in the Land of Fire.
This was why Uchiha Fugaku had chosen to strengthen his ties with the Iwai family.
"I wonder if the Third Hokage has received my gift yet?"
A smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth.
By now, the Third Hokage should have received the news about Asuma Sarutobi's disappearance.
He was sure that the Hokage was enraged, likely destroying his office in fury.
No matter how composed a person might be, losing a child would make them lose control.
He could already imagine the scene.
This was revenge.
The Third Hokage had sent Uchiha Shisui and Anbu to kill him.
Now that they had crossed the line, he had nothing to hold back.
He had killed Sarutobi Asuma as payback.
"Clan Leader Iwai, the three of us will depart tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality over these past few days."
Uchiha Fugaku approached Iwai Yoichi.
"Patriarch Fugaku, why don't you stay a few more days in the Daimyo's Prefecture?"
Iwai Yoichi, his face flushed from drinking, extended a warm invitation.
"No, the Konoha Military Police Force is busy. I must return as soon as possible."
Uchiha Fugaku declined.
He needed to return to Konoha immediately.
Asuma Sarutobi was dead—the Third Hokage would not let this go.
He had to prepare for the inevitable retaliation.
But, more importantly—
With Uchiha Shisui's death, Uchiha Itachi would soon awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
He needed to return before that happened.
"Since Patriarch Fugaku is busy, I won't insist."
Iwai Yoichi nodded with regret.
"By the way, something happened today. There was some disturbance in the Daimyo's Prefecture."
Uchiha Fugaku asked casually.
"One of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas mysteriously vanished last night, causing a commotion."
Iwai Yoichi said.
"Oh?"
Uchiha Fugaku feigned curiosity.
"What exactly happened?"
"There was a lot of blood in his room. He is likely dead."
Iwai Yoichi explained.
"Has the culprit been found?"
"No."
Iwai Yoichi shook his head.
Uchiha Fugaku subtly nodded.
After confirming that he had left no loose ends, he lost interest in the matter.
Although the Third Hokage would know that he was responsible, as long as there was no evidence, the Third Hokage couldn't do anything.
As for the Third Hokage's hatred?
It didn't matter.
They had already crossed the line.
(End of this chapter)