Rewinding time a bit.
Inside the Uchiha clan compound, everything had already been arranged inside and out.
Various fireworks, streamers, everything was prepared.
Every clan member's face was brimming with excitement and pride.
The Uchiha had been on a downward path for many years.
It wasn't until Uchiha Rengoku burst onto the scene that the situation was immediately reversed.
Rengoku was approachable and liked to mentor his clanmates.
The key was that his strength was almost at the pinnacle of the ninja world.
This time, after repelling external threats and defeating the AB combo, he had used that reputation to become a senior advisor of Konoha.
Now, when the Uchiha took missions, they could pick first; the hospital was under construction; and they didn't need to look at others' faces anymore.
Rengoku's succession as clan head was truly what everyone hoped for.
Although this was an internal Uchiha affair, all the notable figures of Konoha came to attend.
The Hyuga clan head and the three elders of the main family, the Ino-Shika-Cho clan heads, the Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu were all present.
Uchiha Fugaku stepped onto the stage and, after saying a few words, got to the key part.
"…I, Uchiha Fugaku, hereby step down from the position of clan head."
"Uchiha Rengoku shall formally succeed as the clan head!"
"WOOOAH!"
"CHEERS!"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Fireworks erupted.
Rengoku walked out surrounded by the crowd. Behind him followed Itachi, Sasuke, Karin, and others.
On the other side, Kaori led Ryuri, walking behind.
Gaara's position was farther back. In Sunagakure, they didn't have large clans like this, so a clan succession ceremony wasn't this grand.
He had never seen such a lively scene before.
'This place is really nice.'
That's what Gaara was thinking.
Rengoku walked up beside Fugaku.
Originally, this segment required passing the Uchiha fan to Rengoku.
But the fan had already been forcibly taken by Madara, and its whereabouts were currently unknown.
Fugaku stepped down from the main position, allowing Rengoku to step up.
"""Clan head!"""
Fugaku and the other Uchiha all bowed toward Rengoku.
Although it was a simple gesture, when all the clan members did it together, the scene was incredibly grand.
Rengoku bent down in return, completing the ceremonial etiquette.
["Ding!..."]
At this moment, Fugaku's bond also leveled up to fourth rank, fourth star.
However, Rengoku didn't rush to open the star. He planned to save it for later.
"Thank you to all the clan members for your support. Since I, Uchiha Rengoku, have taken the position of clan head…"
"I will lead the Uchiha to once again reach the summit of the ninja world."
While Rengoku was giving his speech, suddenly a terrifying explosion sound came from the distance.
Rumble!
A huge purple mushroom cloud exploded in the distance.
A powerful shockwave hit their area, anyone who reacted slowly staggered and fell.
Those with strong abilities immediately gathered chakra at their feet.
Everyone present had no idea what had happened and were all startled.
The Third Hokage's heart skipped a beat, 'Could it be…?'
The Hyuga clan reacted the fastest; Hiashi and the three elders all activated their Byakugan.
After just a moment, Hiashi turned pale and reported to the Third Hokage beside him.
"Hokage-sama, the explosion occurred in the direction of the prison. The affected area…"
Hiashi paused and said, "Is very large."
The Third Hokage didn't bother greeting anyone and disappeared in a flash toward the prison direction.
Other ninja clans also bid farewell to Rengoku and immediately headed that way.
Hiashi whispered something in Rengoku's ear, then left with the others.
At this moment, except for the Uchiha, all the Konoha attendees were like their hair was on fire, rushing toward the source.
Rengoku's face was filled with astonishment.
But he didn't remain idle either, "All combat personnel, full gear change. Do not bring weapons, bring ropes and other rescue-useful tools and move out immediately."
"Itachi, stay in the clan with the elders and maintain order. Get Kabuto and Nono over here."
"Yes!"
Everyone already knew something had happened in the village, but the details were still unclear.
All the Uchiha attending the succession ceremony were combat personnel, but most weren't wearing combat gear.
Everyone quickly left to change equipment.
"Kaori, take Ryuri and withdraw first."
"Sasuke, take Karin and Gaara home first."
"Master! I want to help too," Sasuke was visibly eager.
Especially seeing his older brother Itachi discussing personnel arrangements with the second and third elders.
"Master! I want to help too!", Karin's face also lit up with excitement.
Rengoku glared at the two of them, "You're not allowed to go!"
"Especially you, Karin."
Sasuke and Karin both deflated instantly.
After issuing his orders, Rengoku darted toward Konoha at high speed.
———
Rengoku was extremely fast.
He even quickly caught up to the tail of some other ninja clans.
Hiashi had already whispered the situation to Rengoku earlier.
A massive explosion had occurred in Konoha, centered on the prison.
The area of impact reached one-sixth of the entire village.
When Rengoku arrived at the scene, he realized the situation was far more complicated.
The central zone was completely destroyed, with all surrounding buildings flattened.
Inside, no one knew who had been killed by the blast.
Those wounded by the shockwave were everywhere.
The collapse of outer buildings caused many villagers to suffer misfortune.
Many were buried alive.
This place felt like hell, with constant moans of the dying.
"Help… me…"
"Help…"
Many people died after barely uttering a few words.
The Third Hokage had already started organizing rescue efforts.
Other clans continued dispatching ninja to dig people out from the rubble.
Rengoku didn't join in the general rescue but instead dashed toward the explosion's center.
The Third Hokage, seeing Rengoku's movement, didn't issue more commands and quickly told Koharu and Homura, "I'll leave this place to you."
Then he led a few elites to dash into the center.
When Rengoku reached the central zone, he saw Danzo carrying a little girl, trying to escape.
Danzo's face was pale with patches of black and blue; his eyes filled with madness.
'Gone!'
'Everything's gone!'
'My Root personnel, my researchers, my lab—'
All turned to nothing in an instant. He didn't even know how many of his subordinates were still alive.
He didn't have time to undo the seal on his right hand and only survived by using Izanagi with his right Sharingan.
After reviving, the frightened Danzo immediately undid the seal on his hand.
And discovering that Hotaru was still alive, he instantly grabbed her.
With such a major incident in Konoha, he knew, he was finished.
No matter what, there was no way he could survive this.
All he could do was carry Hotaru and try to escape.
The explosion center was completely empty, and Danzo's figure was quickly spotted by Rengoku.
Likewise, Danzo also instantly noticed Rengoku and formed several seals with his hands immediately upon doing so.
Rengoku's gaze was deep, and without saying a word, he lunged forward.
He didn't bring weapons or a ninja tool pouch.
But for Rengoku, none of that mattered.
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