Early morning...
Today, shocking news spread throughout the shinobi world from Iwagakure!
Last night, Iwagakure was attacked by unknown individuals, suffering heavy losses.
According to statements released by the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, it appears that a legendary weapon from the Six Paths, passed down for a thousand years in Iwagakure, was stolen. At the same time, the renowned Kamizuru Clan was completely slaughtered.
Based on the scene, the criminal's methods were extremely cruel!!
Tsuchikage Ōnoki solemnly warned all major villages to be cautious, especially regarding a person with the Mangekyō Sharingan who appeared last night...
That person was incredibly strong!!
If not for his short stature, Ōnoki would have suspected it was Uchiha Madara!
Therefore, he reminded everyone...
Be wary of the Konoha... no, the Uchiha Clan!!
At the same time, safeguard your personal belongings to prevent thieves from taking advantage...
...
Konoha...
Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed the intelligence report from the ANBU onto the table and looked at the council of elders. "What do you think?"
After all, Uchiha Madara had been dead for years—how could it be him? As for the Uchiha Clan...
None of them had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan recently!
But...
The terrifying Fire Release techniques and that Mangekyō Sharingan clearly indicated that the attacker was from the Uchiha Clan.
Could the Uchiha Clan be hiding something?
Had they secretly awakened a new Mangekyō user?
"Is the information accurate?" Utatane Koharu frowned as she looked at the report. "Could this be fake news spread by Iwagakure?"
Did Iwagakure even possess a legendary weapon from the Six Paths?
Konoha had fought against Iwagakure for so many years—how had they never heard of this?
"Yes," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Our spies in Iwagakure have confirmed it."
"Last night, Iwagakure was indeed attacked, and one of the assailants possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"But since they wore a mask, their identity remains unknown."
"In that case," Utatane Koharu frowned, "it might not necessarily be the Uchiha..."
But she couldn't continue.
After all, apart from Konoha, no other village had the Uchiha Clan.
And the Mangekyō Sharingan...
Only the Uchiha Clan could possess it!
"Sigh..." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. If this matter wasn't resolved, it would damage Konoha's reputation, especially given the Tsuchikage's insinuations—almost outright accusing Konoha of theft.
But...
Konoha had nothing to do with this!!
"We should consult the Uchiha Clan Head," Utatane Koharu said helplessly. "Continuing to speculate won't help."
"At the same time, we must publicly declare that Konoha is not involved!"
"That's the only option." Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe, his eyes filled with worry. "But this Mangekyō user..."
Could they pose a threat to Konoha?
Ever since the Second Hokage restricted the Uchiha Clan's activities, awakening the Sharingan had become difficult for them, let alone the Mangekyō. Who was this Mangekyō user?
Did they harbor hatred toward Konoha?
These questions were crucial!
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly missed Danzō.
If only he were here now. Danzō would have immediately led Root to arrest Uchiha clansmen, secretly interrogating them one by one to catch the Uchiha off guard.
But...
As Hokage, he couldn't do that. Mental interrogation techniques caused severe psychological damage!!
And arresting people without reason...
Would harm his benevolent image!!
"Where is Danzō now?" Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to the ANBU beside him. "Still in Uzushiogakure?"
"Yes," the ANBU captain nodded. "Danzō-sama is still in Uzushiogakure. He said he wants to investigate Uzushiogakure's true intentions."
"Sigh..." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his forehead. Was his old friend planning something again?
"Order him to return immediately!"
"Yes!"
...
Uzushiogakure...
This morning, the citizens of Uzushiogakure sensed an unusual tension in the air...
The Uzu-nin marched in formation toward a certain location, as if something major was about to happen!
"What's going on?" a young citizen asked his friend nervously. "Why do the Uzu-nin look so serious?"
"Not sure," his friend replied, "but something big must have happened."
"..."
Obviously!
"Wait, isn't that where Yōya lives?" the young man suddenly exclaimed. "Did Yōya break some law?"
He knew Yōya was a refugee who had recently settled in Uzushiogakure. Due to his hard work and physical strength, he had earned enough to buy a house outright. Just a few days ago, he had even gotten married—how could he already be...
In trouble?
"Let's follow them," the young man said urgently. "We need to see what's happening."
He was close to Yōya and hoped his crime wasn't too severe. But...
Given the Uzu-nin's expressions, it couldn't be anything minor!
His friend hesitated but eventually followed. He was also on good terms with Yōya.
"Yōya, what's going on?" A woman in her early twenties looked confused as she watched the Uzu-nin approaching their home. She turned to her husband with concern. "Why are there so many Uzu-nin?"
Clink!
Yōya's glass slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor. He stared blankly outside, a terrible premonition rising in his chest...
He suddenly felt the urge to flee.
But when he glanced at his newlywed wife beside him, he hesitated. If he ran...
What would happen to Hanaka?
"What's wrong?" Hanaka waved a hand in front of his face. "Are you feeling unwell? Maybe you should take the day off."
"I'll take you to see a doctor later."
"Ah," Yōya snapped out of his daze and forced a smile. "It's nothing. Just a bit tired." He crouched to pick up the broken glass. This cup...
What a shame.
It was part of a pair he and Hanaka had bought for their wedding—not cheap at all!
But Hanaka had loved them...
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Be careful!" Hanaka gasped, grabbing his hand. "You're bleeding!" She quickly brought his finger to her lips. "I'll clean this up later."
Yōya watched her silently, then smiled. "It's just a small cut."
"There," Hanaka released his hand, satisfied that the bleeding had stopped. She looked at him seriously. "Yōya, are you hiding something from me?"
"..." Yōya paused before smiling again. "Of course not. Don't worry, I'm just tired."
"But you..." Hanaka bit her lip. "You shouldn't go to work today. Let's see a doctor later." Seeing his reluctance, she frowned. "Listen to me."
"Alright, alright." Yōya chuckled, cupping her face. "I'll listen to you."
As he watched her smile, his heart ached...
If only time could slow down.
But...
I'm sorry, Hanaka.
Maybe soon, I won't be able to see you anymore...
"Attention inside! Naoe Yōya, you are under arrest!"
A loud voice suddenly rang out from outside...