As soon as Nara Shikaku finished speaking, a sharp exclamation rang out from outside.
"Yuri! This is the Nara Clan's compound! You can't just barge into a ninja clan's territory without warning!"
Shikaku frowned and followed the sound, only to see two female ninjas rudely intruding into the Nara Clan's grounds. One of them he didn't recognize, but the other he identified instantly.
—Yuri Kurenai!
Shikaku knew Kurenai's father, Yuri Shinku, an elite Konoha ninja who had sacrificed himself during the Nine-Tails incident. In a way, Shinku had been Shikaku's senior. His displeasure softened slightly at the sight of Kurenai.
With patience, he asked the younger ninja, "Kurenai, what brings you to the Nara Clan?"
Realizing her breach of etiquette, Kurenai immediately bowed in apology before hurriedly asking, "Uncle Shikaku, is Asuma… is he here?"
Shikaku nodded. "He is."
"And he…" Kurenai clung to a sliver of hope.
Shikaku's reply was curt. "Dead."
After a pause, he added, "If you want to see Asuma's body one last time, follow me."
Kurenai froze, dazed.
She barely registered following Shikaku through the Nara Clan's compound. Only when she saw the row of broken bodies covered in white sheets did she snap back to reality. Among them, one body lay uncovered—Sarutobi Asuma's.
Kurenai fell silent.
Asuma had been her childhood friend, someone she'd known for years. Just yesterday, he'd been alive, joking with her in his odd way. Now, he was a cold corpse. The stark contrast left her mind in turmoil.
The female ninja beside Kurenai gasped at the sight of the massive charred hole in Asuma's chest. "How could Uchiha Akainu be so cruel to a ninja from her own village?"
Yamanaka Inoichi, standing nearby, shot her a cold glance. "Only those with kind hearts and upright morals deserve mercy. For someone twisted, steeped in sin, no cruelty is too much."
The female ninja was left speechless by Inoichi's sharp retort.
Kurenai stammered, "Asuma… steeped in sin?"
Inoichi's tone was icy. "Has anyone who died by Akainu's hand ever been innocent?"
Kurenai had no response.
Rumors had spread through the village, prompting her to rush here to see Asuma's body. She knew why Uchiha Akainu had killed him, but a lingering hope had driven her. Now, that hope was gone. Taking a deep breath, her eyes filled with confusion.
Like many, she believed Uchiha Akainu's hands were clean of innocent blood. She'd even grown intrigued by Akainu's "Absolute Justice," especially after recent rumors improved her view of the so-called "Uchiha Plague God." But to think that this "Absolute Justice" she admired had struck down someone so close to her…
Kurenai stared at Asuma's body, murmuring, "Asuma, why did you do it?"
Clearly, she believed no one fell to Akainu's blade without reason. Perhaps Asuma had strayed onto a dark path.
Her lips pressed together, her emotions a tangled mess.
---
"Teacher Akainu, they say you killed the Hokage's second son today."
Naruto was stunned when he heard the village rumors, rushing to find Uchiha Akainu for answers. Gasping for breath, he leaned on his knees before looking up at her.
"It's true," Akainu said, her face still tinged with indignation. "Sarutobi Asuma gathered the Twelve Guardian Ninjas, forming a temporary assassination squad led by him to kill Senior Akainu outside the village. If Senior Akainu weren't so strong, he might've been taken out."
She paused, then added, "Senior Akainu is fine, but Jiro the cat was badly injured. When I saw him, he was covered in wounds. The group trying to assassinate Senior Akainu showed no mercy."
Naruto was floored.
He'd sensed some ideological clashes between the Hokage and Teacher Akainu, but he never thought it would escalate to violence. In his presence, the Hokage had always seemed tolerant, even accepting of Akainu's unique sense of justice. And while Akainu could be harsh with words, she never openly defied the Hokage.
Conflict between people was normal, right? Naruto had hoped one day the Hokage might embrace Akainu's "Absolute Justice," and they'd reconcile. But after today's events, could reconciliation ever happen?
If their conflict turned to violence, or even mortal enmity, where would Naruto stand?
His young mind struggled to process it, lost in confusion.
---
In the Fire Country's capital, the Daimyo paced anxiously, clutching a letter. He unfolded it repeatedly, scrutinizing every word before carefully folding it again. The letter, delivered by a ninja crow from one of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas, informed him the assassination plan was underway.
"Eleven guardians against one Uchiha ninja… that should be enough, right? Asuma was so confident when we discussed it…" The Daimyo tried to calm himself.
He knew little of ninja strength, only that elite ninjas outranked regular ones, and eleven elite ninjas should overpower one. Plus, their mission included bringing back his second son's body from Konoha. The Daimyo clung to the belief they wouldn't fail.
After all, Asuma was the Hokage's son. Even if Asuma couldn't handle the Uchiha, wouldn't his father, Hiruzen, step in?
Trying to dismiss his unease as mere anxiety, the Daimyo held onto hope.
---
Time passed, and night fell.
The Fire Country, still recovering from the Third Shinobi War, carried a sense of desolation in its towns. But one place stood apart, untouched by the war's shadow, glowing brightly even at night.
Tanzaku Street.
Casinos, bars, and entertainment dens filled the town with a lavish, intoxicating allure, luring even ninjas into its decadence. It was a true "city that never sleeps."
Bandaged and limping, Jiro the cat looked up at a brightly lit signboard. "Just looking for a place to rest, and we end up here," he mused. "Lord Akainu, how long ago was it when we last came to Tanzaku Street?"
"Nine years," Uchiha Akainu replied. "During the height of the Third Shinobi War."
Jiro's eyes lit up. "Meow, nine years is a long time for a cat like me. But now that you mention the war, I remember! You killed those two here, didn't you? And you and Sarutobi Shinnosuke had your falling out here, too?"
"Yes," Akainu said coolly. "They fell into darkness, and only death could atone for their sins. Shinnosuke was their sensei, so it's no surprise we clashed after I dealt with them."
Akainu showed no trace of sorrow or regret. He'd seen too many comrades fall into darkness and had ended them himself, becoming numb to it. He stepped into Tanzaku Street, Jiro hurrying after him.
"I remember," Jiro continued, "you didn't just kill those two. You practically bathed Tanzaku Street in blood that night. Dozens died, at least!"
Akainu's voice was low. "Not enough."
Jiro blinked, startled.
"There were far more than dozens of villains hiding in this den of excess," Akainu said. "But Shinnosuke stopped me too soon. I'd only blunted one blade before he intervened to halt my justice. Nine years ago, my 'Absolute Justice' wasn't fully honed. Now, it's time for the evils of the shinobi world to fear me."
"Tonight, no one will stop justice."
Akainu's chilling words didn't shock Jiro—they energized him. His wounds seemed to hurt less as he followed.
---
In Konoha, a shout rang out: "The Hokage's awake!"
As Sarutobi Hiruzen stirred, a nurse rushed out to alert others. Soon, Mitokado Homura, Koharu Utatane, Kakashi, and others filed in, their faces heavy as they looked at the aged Hokage on the bed.
"Kakashi," Hiruzen rasped, "I was hoping you'd tell me everything I heard was just a nightmare."
Kakashi lowered his gaze. "Hokage-sama, what you heard today wasn't a dream."
Hiruzen's eyes drifted to the ceiling. "Cruel, Kakashi. Not even a kind lie for an old man?"
Kakashi stayed silent. The Hokage's voice betrayed the weight of his emotional blow, tinged with defeat.
Koharu spoke darkly, "Hiruzen, Asuma's body is with the Nara Clan. Inoichi's examining its memories. If we find Asuma did nothing against Konoha and Uchiha Akainu killed him brutally, Konoha won't tolerate a butcher who slaughters innocent ninjas. You understand me, don't you?"
Hiruzen was quiet for a long moment before turning to her. "I believe Asuma wouldn't betray Konoha. That boy was rebellious, never calling me 'Father,' just 'old man.' But his defiance was against the village's politics, not Konoha itself. He'd give everything to protect it, to eliminate any threat."
Pain flashed across his face. "But that same drive to protect Konoha at all costs… it led him to cross a line he shouldn't have."
"That line," Hiruzen murmured, "is called justice."
He'd pieced it together. Asuma saw Uchiha Akainu as a threat to Konoha, tricked his father into letting Akainu leave the village, and planned an ambush. But he underestimated Akainu and overestimated himself, despite Hiruzen's warnings.
"Hiruzen!" Koharu snapped. "This 'justice' is just a shackle that extreme Uchiha brat forces on others! Have you been so lenient with him that you've fooled yourself? His justice isn't Konoha's justice, nor yours as Hokage! You let Shinnosuke's death slide, and now Asuma's? How can you be so indecisive? Both your sons, killed by him!"
Her words stirred Hiruzen's dazed eyes, bringing back some focus. His hands gripped the bedsheets, veins trembling.
Just then, Inoichi, Shikaku, and Choza entered.
"Hokage-sama," Inoichi began, cutting to the chase. "Of the eleven Guardian Ninjas, five heads were intact. Using our clan's secret techniques, we extracted their memories. They confirm the Fire Country Daimyo and Sarutobi Asuma planned and executed an assassination attempt on Uchiha Akainu. The Daimyo sought revenge for his son's death. Asuma had two motives: he believed Akainu's 'Absolute Justice' threatened Konoha, and he wanted vengeance for his brother."
Inoichi placed a scroll on the table. "This contains all the memory intel. This was a meticulously planned murder."
He met Hiruzen's gaze. "In other words, this was a criminal act against a lawful enforcer."
Hiruzen tore a corner of his bedsheet. Koharu glared at Inoichi. "What are you saying? Asuma, a criminal? A mastermind? Even the Daimyo involved? And Uchiha Akainu's the victim? Inoichi, do you stand by this?"
"I do," Inoichi said firmly.
He continued, "Hokage-sama, Advisors Koharu and Homura, the Yamanaka Clan stands with reason. From Asuma and the others' memories, Akainu is in the right."
Homura realized the Yamanaka Clan was firmly allied with Akainu, ready to uphold his "justice" in his absence. But why? Akainu wasn't one to trade favors, and supporting him offered no clear gain. Were the Yamanakas mad?
Before Koharu could retort, Shikaku stepped forward, hands in his pockets. "I agree with Inoichi. Asuma was in the wrong. Teaming up with outsiders to assassinate a fellow Konoha ninja… even by village law, that's grounds for execution."
Inoichi glanced at Shikaku gratefully. "And doesn't Akainu, ambushed by eleven elite ninjas, have the right to self-defense? His actions were reasonable, legal, and aligned with Konoha's Will of Fire."
The room's atmosphere shifted. All eyes turned to Choza, who sighed. "Ino-Shika-Cho has always been united. Inoichi and Shikaku's stance is mine too."
Koharu's face darkened. Homura was at a loss for words. Hiruzen fell silent.
The tension was palpable. Kakashi, glancing around, regretted staying. The room felt like a quagmire.
Hiruzen's voice was hoarse. "So, the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi Clans all think this way… and likely the Uchiha Clan too?"
He realized other clans might share Ino-Shika-Cho's view. A Hokage's son conspiring with outsiders to kill a fellow ninja wouldn't sit well with the village, even if Asuma believed it was for Konoha. His actions were too extreme, his reasoning flawed.
Hiruzen exhaled heavily. "I'm tired. Let me rest."
"Hiruzen…" Koharu pressed, but he repeated, "I'm tired."
Frustrated, Koharu saw his indecision resurface. If it were Danzo, he'd have mobilized all of Konoha to hunt Akainu down.
As everyone left, Koharu lingered, staring at Hiruzen. "Your only son, and Akainu's not in Konoha. His Lava Release won't threaten the village now. Isn't this the perfect chance? Are Inoichi, Choza, and Shikaku enough to sway you, to make you ignore the deaths of both your sons? You'll regret this, Hiruzen."
"Being Hokage isn't as simple as you think," Hiruzen said quietly. "A Hokage needs the village's support. If I lose that… Shinnosuke understood me. Asuma… he might too."
Koharu gave him a long look, then stormed out, slamming the door.
---
In Tanzaku Street, a rogue ninja stood in a dark alley, counting a stack of 10,000-ryo bills taken from a bloodied man under his foot. "Five million ryo, nice haul," he sneered, grinding his shoe into the man's face. "You won't report this, right? You care about your family, don't you? A ninja can wipe them out easily, no evidence."
The man, bloodied and tearful, begged, "Please, don't hurt me or my family… take the money…"
"What do you mean 'take'? This is my money!" The ninja raised his foot to knock the man out, but a sudden force shifted his leg, slamming it into the wall. A kunai pierced his calf, blood gushing.
Before he could react, a blade flashed.
"Kaizen Keiichi," a cold voice listed. "Two years ago, killed a gambler for two million ryo. A year and a half ago, crippled another for 600,000. A year ago…"
Uchiha Akainu passed the ninja, whose head rolled to the ground. A prompt flashed in Akainu's vision, confirming the kill.
Jiro hopped over the groaning man, checking the ninja's headband. "Meow, a Konoha ninja, not even a rogue. Tanzaku Street's a breeding ground for sin. Lord Akainu, we might have to go all out tonight."
The man on the ground, stunned, stared at the blood-soaked money and whispered, "Lord Akainu… Uchiha Akainu…"
---
A young-looking blonde girl, Tsunade, fumed as she ruffled her hair. "Those cheating pigs ganged up to fleece me! A million ryo, gone in half an hour!"
Her companion, Shizune, sighed. "Lady Tsunade, debts must be paid. You've lost so much, we might not even have lodging money left."
Tsunade waved her off, then froze, slowing her steps. "Blood… a strong smell of it."
Shizune's eyes widened. A figure approached under the streetlights—Uchiha Akainu, dressed as Konoha's Police Force, holding a bloodied ninja blade.
Shizune gasped, stepping in front of Tsunade to shield her from the sight, knowing her fear of blood. As they passed, Akainu glanced at them, and they at him.
Tsunade stopped. "Shizune, doesn't he look familiar?"
Shizune blinked. "Familiar?"
Akainu, meanwhile, told Jiro, "One's Tsunade, one of the Sannin, and the other's Kato Shizune. I met them here nine years ago. Didn't expect Tsunade to still linger in Tanzaku Street."
Jiro's memories surged. "Meow! Nine years ago, they trailed you, taking money from the villains you killed. Tsunade even pointed out her creditors for you to deal with!"
Across the street, Tsunade spun around. "Shizune! That's Uchiha Akainu! The kid who nearly burned Tanzaku Street to ashes nine years ago! My debts were wiped out that night. He's back to… execute justice again!"
Shizune's eyes widened. "Absolute Justice…"
Tsunade, thrilled, ran after Akainu. "Hurry, Shizune! He's gonna take out more villains—maybe my creditors too!"
Shizune scrambled to follow. "Lady Tsunade, wait!"
---
Minutes later, a lavish entertainment venue's doors burst open. A fat, richly dressed man, surrounded by hired samurai, fled in panic. "Run! That murderer from years ago… Uchiha Akainu's back!"
His screams alerted the street, but only locals understood the name's weight, their faces paling.
Akainu stepped out, his blade dripping with more blood. Red text flashed before him. "The corrupt shinobi world breeds endless evil. Nine years ago, I culled a batch. Now, another has grown."
His voice was cold. "I didn't kill enough back then. Tonight, 'Absolute Justice' will bathe Tanzaku Street in blood."
As the samurai froze, Akainu turned away. The fat man suddenly clutched his throat, blood spraying from a shuriken's precise strike. The samurai, stunned, hadn't even seen it thrown.
The crowd gasped. "Murder!"
Tanzaku Street was about to face another night of reckoning.