Chapter 91: Noon, December 11th, Konoha Year 56
"Uchiha... Madara?" Uchiha Itachi's brows furrowed deeply. Every member of the Uchiha clan knew that name. He was the one who had once led the clan in founding the village alongside the First Hokage, and also the clan's first—and most infamous—traitor.
"You think I'll believe that? Uchiha Madara was killed by the First Hokage decades ago," Itachi replied coldly.
"Whether you believe me or not doesn't matter," the masked man—Uchiha Obito—replied with a smile beneath his mask. "But as your senior, I'll help you when you need it."
With that, his figure faded into thin air.
"Space–time ninjutsu…" Itachi's face grew even more grim. He stared toward the direction Obito had vanished into, thoughtful.
After Obito left, Itachi found no peace of mind and gave up on resting. He turned and sprinted toward the Sarutobi clan's residence.
When he arrived at Hiruzen Sarutobi's home, he quickly spoke to the Sarutobi clan member standing guard. "Please inform the Third Hokage. I have urgent news to report."
"Itachi-taichō?" The guard noticed Itachi's anxious demeanor and immediately realized something serious had happened. He hurried inside to inform the Hokage.
Soon, Hiruzen himself, wearing pajamas, came rushing out. Seeing Itachi's grim face, his heart sank.
Did the Uchiha finally revolt?
"My apologies for disturbing you so late, Hokage-sama," Itachi said, bowing.
"No need for formalities, Itachi. What happened to bring you here at this hour?" Hiruzen asked after taking a deep breath.
Itachi glanced toward the guards on both sides.
"This way," Hiruzen said, understanding. He led Itachi into the mansion's secret chamber. So it's not an open revolt, at least…
Once inside, Hiruzen asked, "What's going on?"
"I encountered a man tonight… He possesses the Mangekyō Sharingan," Itachi said gravely. "And he called himself Uchiha Madara."
"What?!" Hiruzen was stunned.
"He used space–time ninjutsu. His body could phase out. None of my attacks worked," Itachi explained.
"He wore a strange mask, didn't he?" Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.
"You've seen him before?" Itachi was shocked.
"I have," Hiruzen said, expression dark. "He was the enemy Minato faced during the Nine-Tails incident six years ago. The one who started the disaster."
Itachi's eyes widened.
"What did he say to you?" Hiruzen pressed.
Itachi quickly recounted their entire conversation.
After listening, Hiruzen massaged his forehead, weary. "Why would that man resurface now of all times?"
"Hokage-sama… Could he truly be Uchiha Madara?" Itachi asked.
"Impossible," Hiruzen shook his head. "I witnessed his burial myself. I stood right behind the Second Hokage. He's long dead."
"Then who is he? Could his appearance have something to do with the clan?" Itachi asked.
"I don't think so. If the Uchiha knew about him, they'd have acted by now. With three Mangekyō users, they would've revolted already," Hiruzen said, his eyes sharp. "We'll keep this between us for now. I'll discuss it with Jiraiya tomorrow. The village can't withstand more chaos."
"Understood." Itachi bowed.
——
The next day, Jiraiya's face grew serious upon learning of Itachi's encounter.
The very man responsible for his student's death had returned—at such a critical moment. He couldn't help but fear the implications.
And knowing that Naruto was currently staying in the Uchiha district, Jiraiya became restless.
At the same time, members of the One Heart Society—those aligned with Uchiha Douguang—received formal invitations early that morning.
As Douguang planned the evening banquet, Police Captain Uchiha Daoho knocked on his office door.
"Captain, Advisor Jiraiya has come to see you," Daoho reported.
"Oh?" Douguang's eyes narrowed.
Jiraiya coming here at this time? Has something been discovered?
Though suspicious, Douguang remained calm. "Let him in."
"Yes." Daoho left to fetch him.
Once alone, Douguang created two Shadow Clones and sent them to Ryūchidō to begin gathering Sage Chakra. He wasn't sure why Jiraiya was here, but if things escalated, he needed to be ready to strike before Jiraiya could summon his toads or enter Sage Mode.
Prepared, Douguang sat down and set up tea, waiting.
Soon, Jiraiya burst into his office, visibly anxious.
"Jiraiya-sama, what brings you here? Does the Police Force's assistance require coordination?" Douguang asked with a smile.
"Douguang—where's Naruto?" Jiraiya asked urgently.
"Naruto?" Douguang was surprised—and relieved. So it's about Naruto, not the plan.
"Come now, Jiraiya-sama. At this hour, he's at the Academy like all other children," Douguang said smoothly.
"Ah… right," Jiraiya muttered. In his panic, he'd forgotten that it was still school hours.
"Did something happen to Naruto?" Douguang asked, tilting his head.
Jiraiya, still uneasy, chose to probe. "Douguang-taichō, last night… the masked man who caused the Nine-Tails incident reappeared in the village."
"What?" Douguang's face darkened. That fool Obito—why now? I planned to deal with you after cleaning house here.
"The masked man has a Mangekyō Sharingan. He called himself Uchiha Madara," Jiraiya said, watching for a reaction.
Douguang's expression turned cold. "Jiraiya-sama, are you accusing the Uchiha Clan?"
"That's not what I meant," Jiraiya quickly backpedaled. "It's just… the timing is too dangerous."
"What exactly do you want from the Police Force, Jiraiya-sama?" Douguang asked sternly.
"I want to take Naruto into my care—for now, I'll personally guard him," Jiraiya said.
"Do you think the Uchiha can't protect a seven-year-old child?" Douguang shot back. "Do you think we'd go so low as to use him to release the Nine-Tails and attack the village?"
In truth, with Obito's return, Douguang desperately wanted Naruto gone. But letting Jiraiya take him now would insult Kakashi's trust—and ruin his relationship with the Fourth's old team.
"Douguang, I don't mean to doubt the Uchiha," Jiraiya softened. "But Naruto's identity is critical. The enemy has a history with the Nine-Tails. I want to take him to Mount Myōboku, just for a while."
Seeing Jiraiya soften, Douguang relented. "I understand. But Naruto was entrusted to us by Kakashi. Shouldn't you consult him first?"
"I will." Jiraiya nodded and summoned a message toad on the spot. After writing a letter, he passed it off to be routed through Myōboku and delivered to Kakashi via another toad stationed near the border.
Not long after, Kakashi's ninja dog Pakkun brought back a reply.
Jiraiya and Douguang opened it together. After learning of the masked man's return, Kakashi also agreed with sending Naruto to Mount Myōboku for his safety.
"See? Kakashi agrees," Jiraiya said with a relieved smile.
"Understood," Douguang said. "Then pick him up after school today."
"Um… about earlier, I didn't mean to imply anything, Douguang. I was just worried for Naruto…" Jiraiya looked a bit sheepish.
Douguang gave him a graceful out. "I understand. You're practically Naruto's grandfather. It's only natural to be concerned."
"Exactly!" Jiraiya nodded quickly. "Well then, I won't keep you from your work, Taichō."
And with that, Jiraiya took his leave.
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