Hyuga Mirai was a savior to the Uchiha clan. If he hadn't stopped Uchiha Itachi, who knows how many ordinary clan members would have died by that traitor's hand? Mirai also prevented the rampage of the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki. Otherwise, Uchiha Fugaku had already prepared to risk his life against the beast.
No one minded a shadow clone interrupting—Mirai was their lifesaver and was also sent by the Kaikō Trade Association to pick them up. Besides, what he said was entirely reasonable.
In shinobi wars, ordinary people are usually spared. Even during the chaos of the Second Great Ninja War, civilians were targeted covertly, never openly.
But Uchiha Itachi, who deliberately killed civilians—his own people, no less—was beyond madness. And the worst part was, he believed he was right.
"Itachi, you bastard! My neighbor used to teach his kids to look up to you, and you murdered their whole family... sob..."
This ordinary Uchiha man broke into tears. He had been friends with that neighbor for over ten years, yet Itachi killed the entire family, even their young children.
The Uchiha clan, ostracized by Konoha, had become almost a village within the village. Most knew each other well and valued emotional bonds, even with neighbors and friends.
Of the 132 people Itachi killed, many had strong personal connections. Among them were elderly in their seventies and children just a few years old—all slaughtered by this madman.
More and more clan members joined in cursing Itachi. Though they were just civilians, the collective anger even made Fugaku's heart tremble.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Mikoto, now released, sat helplessly on the ground. Kushina, seeing her friend in such pain, felt deeply concerned. If it had happened to her, she might have been even more helpless.
Kushina gently tugged on Hyuga Mirai's sleeve, intending to ask quietly what to do next. But before she could speak, Mirai misunderstood and, thinking she was too injured, placed a hand on her shoulder and used Medical Palm Technique to heal her.
It was easy for Hyuga Mirai to spare a bit of attention; he didn't even need to use his Spirit Clone Technique for something this minor. At the same time, he was quite amused watching Uchiha Itachi being denounced by his entire clan.
But this wasn't enough. Mirai could tell Itachi held no attachment to the Uchiha clan. His mindset had shifted—thinking like a Hokage meant standing above the Uchiha, judging them from that perspective. Believing the clan threatened Konoha's peace, he raised his blade without hesitation.
That is the so-called Hokage mindset.
Terrifying. Chilling.
Peace is important, but some things are more important—especially when what Itachi protected wasn't peace itself, but the village of Konoha.
Claiming to think like a Hokage was giving him too much credit. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi had broader vision than him. Deceived by Danzo, Itachi's perspective was far too narrow.
The scolding from civilians might sadden Fugaku and Mikoto, but it wouldn't change Itachi's beliefs. Only when Sasuke was involved did his thoughts waver slightly—but not enough to shake his devotion to Konoha.
Fugaku looked heavy-hearted. He had failed the clan's trust. If only he had detained Itachi a day earlier, perhaps none of this would have happened. He bore at least half the blame for the civilians' anger.
"This is all my fault as clan leader. I won't make excuses for Itachi's actions, but—"
He couldn't bring himself to plead for mercy. Compared to the number of people Itachi killed, any words would ring hollow.
The others still wore expressions of rage. If he dared defend Itachi now, even as the clan head, he'd be torn apart.
Just then, a Zetsu burst from the ground beside Itachi, grabbed him with a grin, and said, "Since it's such a mess, why not let me handle him? Catch!"
With that, Zetsu hurled Itachi through the air. At the same moment, Obito Uchiha appeared in a nearby tree and caught Itachi perfectly.
As Itachi flew, more Zetsu emerged and attacked Uchiha Teika and others to create a diversion, hoping to let Obito escape with Itachi.
Obito, having caught Itachi mid-air, activated Kamui and smiled. "Finally got my chance. Not a total failure after all."
"You think I don't exist?"
A familiar voice suddenly came from behind him. Startled, Obito's Sharingan under his mask saw that the man who'd been beside Kushina had vanished. On instinct, he stopped absorbing Itachi into Kamui and immediately went intangible.
Just then, a massive shockwave smashed the tree beside him, and a ten-meter-wide crater opened up in front from a terrifying Air Palm.
As Obito turned intangible, Hyuga Mirai snatched Itachi and threw him back to Teika.
Teika and the others had already finished off the Zetsu and caught the returning Itachi.
"Looks like we're out of chances."
Obito realized that with Hyuga Mirai present, he could never escape with Itachi. Mirai's terrifying speed rivaled the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God without even needing seals.
With no way to save Itachi and having lost some Zetsu, Obito decisively retreated. He was also injured and needed to recover.
Teika bowed gratefully to Mirai. "Thank you, Hyuga-kun. If not for you, that traitor would've escaped."
"No need. By the way, that guy just now... wasn't he the one who attacked Lady Kushina years ago and released the Nine-Tails?"
Teika's face changed. That man had been invited by Itachi. If what Mirai said was true, then Itachi had asked the mastermind of the Nine-Tails attack to help wipe out the Uchiha?
"Hyuga-kun, is that really true?"
Mirai replied, "Lady Kushina is right there. You can ask her."
All eyes turned to Kushina, still holding Naruto. She had heard the conversation too. Under the gaze of the Uchiha and Mikoto, she could only nod and say, "It was indeed him who attacked me and released the Nine-Tails."
With that, everyone glared at Itachi in fury. This monster had colluded with the very person who brought their clan to ruin—and they hadn't even known!?
"Fugaku! Why didn't you stop that freak just now? Were you trying to let Itachi escape!?"
Teika didn't even call him "clan leader" anymore. If Fugaku hadn't desperately tried to stop the enemy, Teika might have killed him for aiding Itachi's escape.
"I've failed you all. From this moment on, I am no longer the Uchiha clan head. Uchiha Teika will take over."
With that, Fugaku fell silent, lowering his head, awaiting the clan's judgment.
Hyuga Mirai suddenly reminded them, "Sorry to interrupt, but Konoha's forces are closing in. Teika-san, we might not have time to evacuate now."
The secret passage used by the Uchiha wasn't large and couldn't move many people at once. With over 300 gathered here, it would take at least two trips to evacuate everyone outside the village.
But Konoha wouldn't allow that. The village's top three, along with ANBU, Root, and clan forces, were already on their way.
Hyuga Mirai could theoretically kill all Konoha ninjas and escort the Uchiha out. But he'd only act if it was worth it—like if the Uchiha swore full allegiance. Otherwise, acting held no value.
"I see them. Around a few hundred, one kilometer southeast. The two elders, Kushina Uzumaki, and the rogue Hyuga Mirai are all there."
Hiashi Hyuga reported. Originally, four Hyuga squads had been dispatched, but after hearing about Hyuga Mirai, and under pressure from the elders, they expanded to ten squads.
The second and third elders insisted that this was their best chance to capture Hyuga Mirai. The issue of the Caged Bird had long been a thorn in their side. While Kiyo Hyuga had expressed discontent, she lacked the method or strength to abolish it.
But Mirai did have both, posing a grave threat to the Hyuga clan's thousand-year legacy. Even with rising bounties, no one had succeeded in capturing him—because he rarely appeared in the shinobi world.
If they missed this chance, who knew when the next would come?
"Hyuga Mirai..."
Mitokado Homura muttered, then loudly addressed the clan leaders.
"Everyone! Make sure we capture the rogue Uchiha with the Nine-Tails and Hyuga Mirai! If we fail, Konoha will never know peace again!"
The other clan heads nodded. The situation tonight had grown far too dangerous. If not resolved swiftly, even the frontlines in the Land of Rain could be affected.
Soon, hundreds of ninja from various clans arrived near the Uchiha, forming a loose encirclement.
(End of Chapter)