Chapter 124-125: Konoha Year 56 — The Curtain Rises
"Time really flies…"
Snow fell gently over Konoha as the new year arrived.
Haruta stood atop a balcony, watching flakes drift down onto the rooftops below.
The year wasn't unfamiliar to him. In fact, it was one of the most chaotic years in shinobi history.
And he couldn't help but wonder:
Was there something wrong with Uchiha Itachi's head?
Looking back, the outcome might have been inevitable—but if certain steps had been taken, things didn't have to turn out like they had in the timeline he remembered.
"Konoha… already gave the Uchiha a warning."
They let Itachi, the clan heir, into the surveillance center—to see firsthand that the entire Uchiha clan was under constant watch.
That wasn't a casual decision.
That was Konoha telling Itachi: We know exactly what your clan is up to.
It was a chance to change course. A warning. One the Uchiha ignored.
And yet… it seemed Itachi might have never said a word.
Just like how he later joined Akatsuki—but never passed on meaningful intel.
Every single Akatsuki member had to be handled by Naruto's team, without help.
Even Nagato—Jiraiya had to die just to uncover the truth.
"Is that how it led to Shisui's death?"
Haruta extended his hand, letting a snowflake land softly in his palm.
From Konoha's point of view, the Uchiha ignored their warnings.
Then Shisui foolishly revealed the secret of his dōjutsu—Kotoamatsukami—which only drew Danzo's greed.
Danzo, who already hated the Uchiha, made his move.
The higher-ups, aware of Shisui's terrifying genjutsu, couldn't accept such power existing unchecked.
Danzo simply seized the opportunity—and Shisui paid the price.
"If that's how it went down, then this Itachi guy…"
Haruta let out a long sigh.
He didn't even know what to say anymore.
Because when it came to judging Itachi Uchiha, there wasn't a single nice word that came to mind.
"Hey."
A voice broke the silence behind him.
"Why are you out here alone?"
Just as Haruta was deep in thought, a voice echoed beside his ear. He turned his head and saw Hikari walking up to the loft with quiet, deliberate steps.
"It's lively downstairs. Aren't you going to join them?"
"What about you?" Haruta raised a brow. "Didn't you run up here too?"
He asked with a trace of amusement, but didn't bother answering her question directly. After all, it wasn't like he could just say, 'I'm analyzing a psychopath's behavior.'
"Just thinking about some things," Hikari said calmly. "Though I suppose they're not very appropriate for this time of year. Better to think alone."
"That so?"
Hikari gave a small nod and didn't press further. Instead, it was Haruta who turned and gave her a curious look.
"Say... you hate the Uchiha clan, don't you? You want that clan wiped out—am I wrong?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Hikari turned to look at him. She didn't speak, but there was fire burning deep in her eyes.
Haruta didn't mind. He casually waved his hand, scattering a flake of snow, and slowly began to speak again.
"But have you ever really thought about something? There's good and bad in everyone. A clan's direction has always been shaped by those at the top.
The ones below follow orders—some out of loyalty, some out of fear, and some because they have no other choice. And from what I know, whether it was the Senju or the Uchiha in the past... or even now... it's the same.
There are elites, there are shinobi, and there are civilians. The ties between them are loose at best. Within the clan are elders and children too.
I'm not saying they're all innocent. But when it comes to the clan's decisions, they have no say in it. So do they deserve to die too?"
Truthfully, Haruta had been wanting to say this for a long time.
There just hadn't been a good moment—until now. Everything had reached this point. Soon, the name Uchiha Itachi would spread across the shinobi world, and he might even end up as infamous as Danzo.
Haruta needed to know what was going on in Hikari's mind. He was still planning on using her against Uchiha Obito.
Especially with her Mangekyō Sharingan—that ability of hers was beyond broken. If he didn't understand what was in her heart, things could go sideways.
And besides, Shisui and Kabuto's plans were already set. The curtain was about to rise.
"Innocent ones, huh?"
Hikari went silent for a moment, then gave Haruta a cold, almost mocking smile.
"Then what about me? Am I an innocent one too?"
"You are. Same as me."
Haruta nodded calmly, no hesitation in his voice. And that made the flames in Hikari's eyes blaze even hotter.
"If we're both innocent—then why the hell do we have to bear the sins of others?
Why us, Haruta?! Tell me—why the hell is it us?!"
Us, huh... a good choice of words.
"You're right," Haruta murmured. "I've asked myself the same question."
He watched Hikari, her emotions clearly stirred, but she wasn't flying into a fit like he'd feared. That, at least, gave him some peace.
"Eventually, I started wondering... maybe it's fate? Maybe fate picked us to do something—so that others like us wouldn't suffer the same way?
I know. Sounds stupid. When we were suffering, where was fate then? Who helped us?
But later, I heard a saying. It was a bit cryptic, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense."
Haruta looked at her seriously. Inwardly, he was thanking something else. He didn't really believe in what he was saying. But he had to try and change Hikari's mind.
"What saying?"
Hikari took a deep breath and finally asked. Haruta walked to her side, smiled, and recited it slowly:
"When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on someone, it first tests their will, exhausts their strength, starves their body, breaks their spirit, and frustrates their plans—so that they may grow in resolve and gain the ability to bear the burden."
"I imagine, in your era, that sort of thing makes more sense. We've suffered. But we're still standing.
Maybe Heaven's waiting for us to do something. Or maybe... that's just how I choose to see it.
Also—just so you know—it won't be long before the Uchiha are reduced to ashes.
I told you I'd help you. And I think... you'll see that moment with your own eyes."
Haruta gave her shoulder a light pat, then turned and made his way down the stairs.
He'd said what needed to be said. Time to go find Yugao and deepen their relationship a bit.
After all, the new year had come—and he was sixteen now.
---
A new year. New hopes. Everyone dreamed of a better tomorrow.
And the Uchiha clan was no exception.
Inside the Naka Shrine, Uchiha Fugaku looked over the gathered elite of the Uchiha clan, a strange haze clouding his thoughts.
These shinobi represented the top of the clan. The purpose of today's secret meeting? Finalizing plans for rebellion.
If there were any other choice, Fugaku would've avoided this path. But the truth was, in his eyes, Konoha had backed them into a corner.
His "good son" hadn't revealed much of the inner workings of the Konoha Council. Even the intel from within the ANBU was laughably limited.
That told Fugaku one thing: his son was being isolated in the ANBU. Information? Out of reach.
Whatever message he hoped Itachi could pass along... it probably wouldn't make it.
And Shisui's death? A warning, plain and simple. But such a brutal warning would not pacify the Uchiha—it only poured fuel on the fire.
Shisui had been a bridge. Konoha destroyed that bridge. The message couldn't be clearer.
"Clan Head," Uchiha Yatsushiro spoke up quietly. "I say we strike the moment the date's set. The people are on edge. They're at the brink."
"I understand." Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
He knew he was indecisive at times. He knew the clan's rage had swept him along. But he had anger in his heart too.
He thought of the past... of Shisui's death. He knew—this time, there could be no going back.
"But if we move, we move properly. No half-measures. Is everything I asked for in place?"
If they were going to rebel, they needed to do it right. No mistakes allowed.
"Clan Head, the prison's been prepped."
Uchiha Inaho stepped forward.
"I've cut a deal with the death row inmates who hate Konoha. I'll unlock the cells when the time comes, and they'll lead the charge.
As for those still loyal to the village—they'll stay locked up. No chances."
"And the follow-up?"
Fugaku nodded. The Military Police controlled the prison. The inmates weren't ANBU-level material, but they'd do.
"I promised them freedom," Inaho said with a cold smile. "But... well, we all know how that'll play out."
The cake was only so big. Whether those thugs would even survive? That was their problem.
"Clan Head, I've also been quietly hiring mercenaries—stray shinobi and bounty hunters," said Uchiha Tekka. "Pricey, but they'll be good cannon fodder. Enough to draw the ANBU's attention."
For all their arrogance and madness, the Uchiha were still professional shinobi. When it came to planning—nothing was left to chance.
"Good," Fugaku nodded.
Their numbers were limited. What they lacked most was expendable troops. No way would he let his own kin be used like that.
Let the outsiders die. His clan had a different mission—take out Konoha's Four Giants directly.
Mercenaries? Perfect for the job. They fought for ryo, not loyalty. Let them die—who cared?
Especially when one particular shinobi in ANBU gave them all nightmares.
"Clan Head... should we contact the Akatsuki?"
Yatsushiro hesitated, then asked.
"They're all missing-nin, but some of them know Konoha inside-out. Orochimaru. Uchiha Obito.
With them, maybe we can counter that Wood Release user better…"
Haruta's Wood Release was terrifying. The man had defeated Obito in front of their very eyes.
Of course, they believed Obito lost because one of his Mangekyō eyes was in Kakashi's possession.
Why he never retrieved it? Who knew. He'd had plenty of chances.
Not that it was their place to question him. It wasn't their eye, after all.
"No," Fugaku said after a moment's thought. "Forget the Akatsuki. They attract too much attention. Konoha's watching them closely. It'll make our movements harder."
"But we still have Itachi. Don't forget—it's not just Haruta with power."
"Itachi?" The others exchanged glances, their expressions clearly uneasy.
None of them trusted the clan head's precious son.
Ever since he joined ANBU, he'd ghosted the clan—skipping meetings, withholding intel.
Some of his actions had even sparked conflict. But since he was Fugaku's son, they couldn't say much.
Now, though? Their survival was on the line.
"Clan Head, with all due respect, Itachi—"
"I know," Fugaku interrupted. "You don't trust him. But he's my son!"
He sighed heavily.
"There may have been... misunderstandings. But right now, we can't afford them. We need his power."
He paused, voice steady.
"I'll handle it. I promise, he won't let us down. So enough. Don't bring this up again."
As Fugaku finished, silence fell over the room.
No one spoke. But in the end... they had no choice but to believe him.
---
"Seriously? We have to work on New Year's Day?"
At the crack of dawn, Haruta left the house with Yugao and Karin, yawning the whole way. His mood wasn't exactly cheerful.
Working first thing in the morning? Yeah, not great.
"You lazy bum." Yugao gave him a light shove. "Karin's heading back to class. Don't set a bad example."
"You've had more than enough time off. Now it's time to work, and you're still whining. Honestly."
"What worker ever complains about too much vacation?" Haruta said with a grin, reaching out to hold Yugao's hand.
Truth was, he had no missions lined up, and the Uchiha situation was still murky.
If things were clearer, he'd be way more motivated.
"Be careful—Karin's right here."
Yugao didn't pull her hand away, but she shot a glance at Karin.
To her surprise, Karin had her head down, thick glasses glinting. She hadn't looked their way once.
Really? Even now? Yugao sighed inwardly.
Year 56 of the Hidden Leaf.
Haruta was sixteen now.
And Yugao's sense of crisis... was growing stronger by the day.
"By the way, what's up with the teacher lately?"
Haruta didn't care what Yugao was thinking. Holding her hand, he asked curiously.
"They used to scold me for always staying home buried in archives. Now look at them, dragging Hikari along too. Do they really think it's that easy to find the information they're after?"
"It's your fault. Once the door was opened, how could they possibly stop?"
Yugao pursed her lips and stared helplessly at this 'culprit' who remained utterly clueless.
Ever since Haruta gave Tsunade and the others a starting point, they had been digging non-stop through Konoha and Senju clan archives.
But it was a massive undertaking, not something that could be wrapped up easily.
Still, it wasn't all bad. At least Tsunade hadn't been spending her days at the card parlor lately, nor had she been drinking herself into a stupor.
Of course, it did affect their lives in other ways—like meals never being on time anymore.
"But hey, works out great for us, right?"
Haruta winked at Yugao, making her blush instantly. She couldn't hold back her reaction.
"Ah! Big bro, big sis!"
Fortunately, they were already approaching the Ninja Academy.
Just then, several voices rang out from ahead, drawing Haruta and Yugao's attention.
Looking up, they saw a spiky-haired blond kid dashing toward them.
Behind him was a pineapple-headed boy with a lazy expression, and a chubby kid munching curiously on a bag of chips.
Not only that—Haruta also noticed a few more familiar faces walking toward them from nearby.
"It's you, Naruto."
Haruta ruffled the little blond's hair and looked around at the small group. Even he couldn't help but sigh inwardly—time really flies.
"Big bro, big sis, what are you guys doing here?"
Naruto was visibly excited to see them. Though they met from time to time, Haruta and Yugao always helped him out a little, making life more bearable.
Haruta often teased him about ramen, but never once made him pay.
Even so, their meetups weren't that frequent, which made Naruto treasure every one of them.
But just as he was feeling all warm and fuzzy, he suddenly froze when he spotted Karin.
"She's...?"
"She's an upperclassman—and she has the same surname as you. Uzumaki. Didn't I tell you that before?"
Shikamaru arrived with Choji in tow. The chubby boy nodded emphatically.
"Yeah, he did tell you. You just didn't listen."
"Did he?"
Naruto scratched his head, letting out an awkward laugh. Truth was, he hadn't really paid attention—or maybe he never cared in the first place.
Thanks to Haruta and Yugao's guidance, Naruto hadn't exactly become a model student, but he no longer pulled pranks that made people hate him.
He cherished the friends he had now—Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba, and even Shino, who was quiet and often kept to himself, but incredibly loyal.
Then there was Sasuke—someone he didn't really get along with, but they weren't exactly enemies either. As for the rest, Naruto didn't pay much attention.
What shocked him was realizing this little girl was someone from Haruta's household!
"Idiot."
A feather-light voice floated over from behind, instantly snapping Naruto out of his thoughts. He didn't even need to turn—he knew who it was.
"You bastard, Sasuke! What the hell are you saying?!"
"Che."
Sasuke let out a cold snort but didn't step forward. His eyes shifted awkwardly away. Of course, he recognized Haruta. That's why he didn't dare get closer.
How could he forget—the man who disciplined his big brother during the exam.
"Good day, senpai."
Sasuke seemed timid, but the one escorting him—Uchiha Izumi—wasn't the least bit shy. She walked over with a bright smile.
She hadn't forgotten Haruta's beatdown of Itachi back then, but that was in the past now.
"Long time no see. Didn't expect to run into you here, senpai."
"You're... Itachi's friend, Uchiha Izumi, right?"
Haruta pretended to think for a moment before snapping his fingers and smiling.
"I remember Itachi mentioned you before. You were at the exam too, weren't you? Can't believe you've grown up so much."
"Senpai, you're not that much older than me, you know..."
Izumi chuckled, unlike the brooding Itachi who always kept things bottled up. Then something seemed to click for her.
"Speaking of which, do you see Itachi often?"
"Yeah, I do. Aren't you from the same clan? Shouldn't you see him even more?"
Haruta shrugged, then looked at Sasuke with some confusion.
"Also, why are you the one bringing him here? Shouldn't his parents—or Itachi himself—have come?"
"Father and Mother are busy. So is my brother. Not everyone's as carefree as you."
Sasuke muttered with a pout, but then his voice turned firm.
"Besides, I believe in my brother. If it were another exam, he'd totally beat you!"
Haruta nearly laughed out loud at that. Itachi still acted incredibly respectful around him.
So why was this kid talking like he had no fear at all?
"Hey, bastard! What did you just say?!"
Before Haruta could respond, Naruto was already throwing punches, ready to argue with Sasuke again.
Karin stayed quiet. Though she thought Sasuke was handsome, his words had clearly ticked her off too.
"Alright, Naruto."
Haruta pressed down on the blond head with one hand, then after a moment's thought, smiled slyly.
"Maybe you're right. But I can see one thing clearly."
"What is it?"
Sasuke flinched a little, while Izumi sighed. Haruta's words made Sasuke instinctively ask.
"You and your brother must be really close."
Haruta's eyes gleamed, and his grin widened.
"I believe your bond will never change."
---
Inside the Uchiha Compound—
After Izumi dropped Sasuke off at school, Uchiha Fugaku called for his eldest son, Itachi.
He had arranged this meeting on purpose. There were things he needed to say—privately.
Especially given the current situation.
"Father, if you have something to say, please make it quick. I'm heading back to the ANBU."
Itachi stood respectfully, bowing slightly as always. His demeanor remained calm and obedient.
But in that respectful posture, Fugaku could still feel a sense of distance.
"Itachi, you should know where our clan currently stands."
Fugaku sighed. He couldn't even remember when the distance between them began. But that wasn't important now.
"There are things we cannot change. Even if I don't want to do this, can we really go against the will of our entire clan?
All of this—it's because Konoha has gone too far. They never truly trusted us!"
"Trust, huh..."
Itachi shook his head, offering no answer. From his perspective, the clan's actions were the very thing that undermined that trust.
"Do you know the root of it all?"
Fugaku continued, needing to make his point clear.
"Konoha was founded by the Uchiha and the Senju. True, Uchiha Madara's departure hurt the clan.
But none of us chose to betray the village with him. We stayed. We fought, bled, and helped build Konoha into what it is today!
And what did we get? Suspicion. Fear. Ever since the Second Hokage, we've been treated like enemies.
They fear we'll become another Madara!
They never saw us as one of them!
Now, our demands aren't even outrageous—we just want what rightfully belongs to us. We're fighting for the future of the Uchiha!
Do you understand now, Itachi? This is our righteous battle!"
Fugaku spoke with passion. And in many ways, he wasn't wrong.
If you ignored the Uchiha's own mistakes, everything could indeed be blamed on others.
"Fear, huh..."
Itachi whispered. Suddenly, he remembered the letter Shisui had left behind—revealing everything about Danzo.
From that letter, it became clear that Danzo had long been orchestrating the Uchiha's downfall.
Itachi had doubted it before, but with his father's words echoing now, he realized Danzo had done a lot more behind the scenes than he imagined.
But none of that mattered now.
He shook his head and spoke.
"Father, I understand what you're saying. But this matter... it won't be easy. And—"
"You're talking about Haruta, the Wood Release ninja?"
Fugaku cut him off, misreading his hesitation. His voice remained calm.
But in the next second, his eyes changed—morphing into the Mangekyō Sharingan!
"Those eyes...!"
Itachi's eyes widened for the first time. He had never imagined that his father possessed that kind of power.
Fugaku had always come off like a regular Uchiha—proud, but not particularly formidable.
Maybe it was his high status keeping him out of battle. Maybe time had dulled his edge. Even with the nickname "Evil eye Fugaku," few took it seriously anymore.
But who could have known—he'd hidden it this well!
Mangekyō power surged forth, and Itachi was instantly dragged into a genjutsu world.
"The clan will prevail."
Fugaku's voice echoed through the illusion, surrounded by a chaotic battlefield.
"We'll minimize damage to the village. Our goal is decapitation—removing those who pose a threat.
The rest? They'll fall in line. Most of them will side with whoever wins.
You're ANBU. We need your strength.
Haruta is a big problem, but his defenses toward ANBU are likely weaker.
For the future of the clan—for our future—I need you to do what must be done.
Not just him—I want intel on the Hokage too.
The opportunity is here. Victory is within reach.
This is our moment, Itachi. We cannot afford to miss it again.
It's time to restore our name. Time to reclaim what's ours.
You know what you must do—don't you, Itachi?"
Inside the illusion, Itachi saw it all—him using special means to eliminate Haruta, while ANBU was tied down fending off foreign attackers.
Inside the village, the prisoners rioted, breaking free and clashing with Konoha's forces.
Flames engulfed the streets, smoke filled the air. The Uchiha rose through the chaos, taking the Hokage Tower—and with it, their victory.
Uchiha Itachi stood frozen in place, his breath stuck in his chest.
The Uchiha might win. But at what cost?
How much blood would they have to spill to get there?
Was any of it… truly worth it?
He closed his eyes, unable to keep watching. The ruined village before him was like a blade twisting into his heart.
And yet, in this moment, something within him clicked.
No more confusion. No more hesitation.
He raised his head and looked his father in the eye, voice steady and firm:
"I understand now, Father. This time… I won't let anyone down."
---
"Were you mocking them just now?"
Yugao looked at Haruta suspiciously as they walked side by side toward the ANBU headquarters.
She'd heard his conversation with Sasuke clearly—too clearly. On the surface, it sounded like encouragement, but… something about it just didn't sit right.
"Why are you always overthinking things?" Haruta raised an eyebrow in mock offense. "Do I look like someone that bad?"
"Spreading rumors like this about me… truly heartbreaking, senpai."
"Yeah, yeah." Yugao rolled her eyes, lips twitching in amusement. "So what do I have to do to heal your broken heart?"
"That all depends on your sincerity. I'll be stopping by tonight."
"You little bastard."
Yugao shook her head and gave up arguing. But to her chagrin, the lack of resistance only made Haruta act more brazenly.
He'd gotten far too skilled at teleporting into her room in the middle of the night with Flying Thunder God.
At first, she was terrified, worried Haruta would try something truly reckless.
But over time, she realized he never forced her into anything. Sure, he was shameless, but the moment she refused—he'd stop immediately.
It was just like the saying: the first time's awkward, the second time you're used to it.
She'd been dragged along by sheer momentum… and somehow, now, it all felt normal.
As for that "sincerity" he kept talking about, Yugao had stopped asking. Who knew how a perfectly decent word could sound so dirty coming from him?
"You really need to get your mind out of the gutter," she sighed. "Have you forgotten the Three Taboos of a shinobi? And that's not how you're supposed to use Flying Thunder God! Aren't you afraid the Second and Fourth Hokage will come back and scold you?"
"My sensei said to learn from Lord Jiraiya. I'm just doing deep research," Haruta said solemnly—too solemnly.
"As for the Second and Fourth… I imagine they'd want me to go even harder."
"Ugh, I'm done with you."
Yugao smacked him lightly on the arm and walked into the ANBU building.
Haruta started to follow, but suddenly paused.
Now? Of all times?
Pretending he needed the restroom, he veered off. The moment he shut the door, he summoned a Wood Clone.
His real body disappeared without a trace.
When he reappeared, he was standing deep in a forest outside the Land of Fire. Before him stood Konan, already dressed in her Akatsuki cloak.
She wasn't alone.
Pain—no, Tendo Pain, the puppet of Nagato—was there as well.
"You're bold," Haruta said as his sensory abilities swept across the area. Only after confirming they weren't being watched did he speak again.
"You're not worried about Konoha tracking you? Or your own allies catching on? Very impressive."
"Relax," Nagato's voice came from Pain's mouth, calm and steady. "Obito is tied up with other matters. Besides, these are not our real bodies."
Haruta's eyes narrowed. That explained it.
The Akatsuki had a unique forbidden technique—Shōten no Jutsu, or Demonic Statue Possession Technique—which allowed them to project their chakra and consciousness into sacrificial bodies.
A one-time use jutsu. Once the chakra ran out, the body collapsed.
Really is a convenient jutsu, Haruta mused, but he quickly returned to the matter at hand.
"So? Why summon me here? Don't tell me Uchiha Obito's finished mobilizing already?"
"He has," Konan answered seriously. "With his assistance, all of our agents have slipped into the Land of Fire. We're only waiting for the signal."
"According to him, this time… the ones making the first move will be your Uchiha clan."
"…The hell?" Haruta blinked. "He is Uchiha. What's he trying to do—wipe out his own clan before someone else can?"
Nagato didn't get it either. He tried to stay silent, but couldn't help muttering: "That man… I truly don't understand him."
"Don't bother," Haruta said, not caring in the slightest. "The stronger an Uchiha is, the more of a lunatic they become."
He thought for a moment, then added, "Lately, the Uchiha have been showing signs of rebellion. Obito probably plans to use the chaos to benefit himself… or help someone achieve their goals."
Itachi's betrayal hadn't yet come to light, so Haruta couldn't say too much. But at this stage, it was all but confirmed—Itachi had made up his mind.
His words left Konan and Nagato visibly puzzled.
Wait… the Uchiha are rebelling?
But Obito hates Konoha—why would he help it?
And if Haruta's guess was right… Obito was helping someone for his own gain?
"Who could it be? Surely not another Uchiha?" Konan frowned.
"Unlikely," Nagato replied. "If we move, the entire clan could be annihilated. No matter how heartless the Uchiha are, helping destroy themselves is too far."
"Who knows?" Haruta shrugged. "You might see him again someday."
He remembered the scene of Itachi and Nagato supporting each other during the war, brought back via Edo Tensei. He wasn't about to get into all that.
"Obito's trying to pull someone into the Akatsuki. You'll figure out who soon enough."
"Does he think Akatsuki is some kind of trash dump?" Konan muttered in frustration. Still, she looked up at Haruta seriously.
"Then let me ask you—what result do you want from all this?"
Haruta smiled. It was the kind of smile that hinted at heavy decisions made long ago.
"I want one thing—and only one thing."
He looked them in the eye.
"No matter what happens, the final outcome must be this: I will be the one to resolve both the Uchiha and Akatsuki incidents.
And in the official record, the Uchiha never rebelled."
"The only traitor… will be the one Obito's helping. The Akatsuki? Just mercenaries paid to do a job."
"Someone has to pay the price. Someone has to be the hero."
"If I become that hero, it strengthens our future cooperation. The more influence I hold… the more power I have to shape things."
"So—what say you, honored guests from the Land of Rain?"
...
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