"Uchiha... Madara?" Itachi Uchiha frowned deeply. Every member of the Uchiha clan knew this name. He was the one who led the clan to help create the village with the Senju clan, the First Hokage. He was also the only and greatest rogue ninja ever produced by the Uchiha clan.
"Do you think I would believe that? Madara Uchiha was killed by the First Hokage years ago," Itachi Uchiha said.
"Whether you believe it or not does not matter to me," Obito Uchiha said with a smile behind his mask. "However, as your senior, I will still help you when you need it."
With that, Obito Uchiha disappeared without a trace.
"Space-time ninjutsu?" Itachi Uchiha's expression became even more serious as he looked at the place where Obito Uchiha had vanished.
After Obito Uchiha left, Itachi Uchiha had no mood to return and rest. He turned and rushed toward the Sarutobi clan residence.
At the entrance of Hiruzen Sarutobi's home, Itachi Uchiha hurried forward and said to the guards, "Please announce my arrival. I have urgent matters to report to the Third Hokage."
"Captain Itachi?" Seeing his anxious expression, the guard realized something serious must have happened and quickly went inside to report.
Not long after, Hiruzen Sarutobi came out wearing pajamas. Seeing Itachi's face, his heart tightened. Had the Uchiha clan rebelled?
"Hokage-sama, I apologize for disturbing you so late," Itachi said with a bow.
"There is no need for formalities, Itachi. What happened at this hour?" Hiruzen asked calmly.
Itachi glanced at the guards standing nearby.
"Come with me," Hiruzen Sarutobi said. He felt slightly relieved. It seemed this visit was not about a direct rebellion by the Uchiha clan.
After entering a secret room, Hiruzen asked, "Tell me. What happened?"
"Earlier, I encountered someone who also possesses the Mangekyō Sharingan," Itachi Uchiha said. "He called himself Uchiha Madara."
"What?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was shocked.
"He uses space-time ninjutsu. His body can become intangible. My attacks had no effect at all," Itachi continued.
"He was wearing a strange mask, wasn't he?" the Third Hokage asked sharply.
"How did you know?" Itachi asked in surprise.
"Because I have seen him before," Hiruzen said seriously. "During the Nine-Tails attack six years ago, the enemy the Fourth Hokage fought was this masked man."
Itachi's eyes widened.
"What did he say to you?" Hiruzen asked.
Itachi reported their entire conversation without hiding anything.
After listening, Hiruzen rubbed his temples. "Why did that man appear at such a critical time?"
"Third Hokage, was he really Madara Uchiha?" Itachi asked.
"Impossible," Hiruzen said. "I personally witnessed Madara Uchiha's burial while following the Second Hokage."
"Then who is he? Is his appearance related to the clan?" Itachi asked.
"It should not be that serious," Hiruzen replied. "If the Uchiha clan knew about him, with three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, they would have rebelled already."
Hiruzen looked at Itachi and said, "I will discuss this with Jiraiya tomorrow. Keep this matter secret. The village cannot handle more chaos right now."
"Yes," Itachi replied.
The next day, after hearing about Itachi's experience, Jiraiya became extremely serious.
The man responsible for his disciple's death had reappeared at such a time. This troubled him deeply.
At the same time, thinking about Naruto being within the Uchiha clan made Jiraiya restless.
Meanwhile, Isshin-kai members related to Touhuan Uchiha received formal invitations early that morning.
As Touhuan Uchiha was planning the evening banquet, Inahi Uchiha knocked on his office door.
"Captain, Jiraiya's assistant is here to see you," Inaho Uchiha reported.
"Is that so?" Touhuan Uchiha narrowed his eyes.
[Why would Jiraiya come at this time? Has my plan been exposed?]
Despite his doubts, Touhuan Uchiha remained calm. "Let him in."
"Understood," Inaho replied and left.
After he left, Touhuan Uchiha created two shadow clones and sent them to Ryūchi Cave to gather Sage Chakra. If Jiraiya came with hostile intent, he needed to capture him instantly and prevent him from summoning the two Toad Sages.
After making preparations, Touhuan Uchiha calmly prepared tea and waited.
Soon, Jiraiya hurried into the office.
"Lord Jiraiya, does a mission require the Security Department's help?" Touhuan Uchiha asked.
"Touhuan, where is Naruto?" Jiraiya asked anxiously.
"Naruto?" Touhuan Uchiha relaxed slightly. "At this time, he should be attending the Ninja Academy."
"Ah... right," Jiraiya said, realizing his mistake.
"Why have you come in such a hurry? Has something happened to Naruto?" Touhuan asked.
Jiraiya hesitated before saying, "Last night, the masked man who caused the Nine-Tails incident seven years ago appeared again."
"What?" Touhuan frowned.
"He has the Mangekyō Sharingan and claims to be Uchiha Madara," Jiraiya said, watching Touhuan closely.
Touhuan's expression changed. "Does Lord Jiraiya suspect the Uchiha clan?"
"That's not what I meant," Jiraiya said quickly.
"What exactly do you want from the Security Department?" Touhuan asked coldly.
"I want to take Naruto away and personally protect him for a few days," Jiraiya said.
"Do you believe the Uchiha clan cannot protect a child? Or that we would release the Nine-Tails?" Touhuan replied firmly.
"Touhuan, I do not doubt the Uchiha clan," Jiraiya explained. "Naruto is too important. That enemy can control the Nine-Tails. I want to send him to Mount Myōboku."
Touhuan nodded. "Naruto was entrusted to us by Kakashi. You should ask for his opinion."
"I will," Jiraiya agreed.
After contacting Kakashi through messenger frogs, Pakkun soon returned with Kakashi's reply.
Kakashi agreed to send Naruto to Mount Myōboku.
"I understand," Touhuan said. "Please take Naruto after school today."
"Touhuan, I truly did not mean to offend the Uchiha clan," Jiraiya said apologetically.
"I understand," Touhuan replied calmly. "Concern can cloud judgment."
"Then I won't disturb you further," Jiraiya said and left.
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(End of Chapter)