Year 4 A.N.B. March 12 ~ 8:35 A.M ~ Home
Menma stirred in his sleep, the gentle rhythm of his breaths filling the quiet room. The soft sun filtered through the window, casting a serene glow over the sleeping figure.
Suddenly, a weight landed on his futon, jolting Menma awake. He blinked blearily, trying to make sense of the sudden intrusion.
"Naruto?" Menma mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What are you doing?"
Naruto's face hovered above him, wide-eyed and eager. "Menma, wake up! We're late for training with the others!"
Menma groaned, realizing he had overslept. He sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Late? How late is it?" He asked rhetorically as he glanced at the clock, noticing it to be around eight in the morning.
Menma felt a headache coming. All this planning and training late in the night had taken a toll on him and he still hadn't had the time to tell Naruto how they probably wouldn't be able to meet up anymore. Hikari would, at least for now, stay hiding at their training location until Shisui manages to understand how their abilities would be able to work together and what they would decide for the Uchiha's fate.
There is also the fact that Shisui was trying to take things calmly and he agreed.
It would be dangerous to rush things especially since he was almost completely acting by himself inside the village. His body was still small and he was a long way into becoming a real trained shinobi and Hikari, even though she was strong, most of her powerful abilities relied on her Mangekyo such as Tsukiyomi and Amaterasu but using those would only weaken her visual prowess and it was dangerous to let her presence be known in the village.
Shisui was alone in this; they had to be careful...
Not understanding his brother's quietness, the blond Namikage decided to break the silence.
"What is it Menma? Are we not going today?"
"Naruto, listen to me ok? We probably won't be able to take training sessions anymore at least for now"
Menma watched as Naruto's small frame trembled with suppressed emotion. The image from his bright blue eyes reflected the turmoil inside.
"N-Naruto, I'm sorry," Menma began softly, getting up to be at eye level with his brother. "But we can't meet up for training anymore. It's too risky."
Naruto's bottom lip quivered, his young face contorted with frustration. "B-but why, Menma? I-I wanna keep training with you and the others!"
Menma's heart sank at the sight of his brother's distress. He knew Naruto wouldn't understand the full extent of the danger, but he couldn't risk their secret being discovered.
"I know, Naruto. I want to keep training too, but we have to be careful. Some people wouldn't understand what we're doing."
Naruto sniffled, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "B-but I don't wanna stop training Menma. Why now when I was getting close to the others?"
Menma's chest tightened at Naruto's resolve. "Hey, it's not like we will stop training completely. Trust me, we just won't be able to meet up in the bunker; we'll still train by ourselves in our homes."
Naruto looked up at Menma with watery eyes, his trust unwavering despite his confusion. "O-okay, Menma. I'll trust you."
Menma forced a reassuring smile, hiding the weight of his guilt. "Thank you, Naruto."
As Naruto nodded, Menma couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his chest. With the Uchiha soon to decide their fate, he knew their separation was inevitable, but it didn't make it any easier for Naruto to bear. They have kept a close relationship with Fugaku's family and their clan for a while now so it wouldn't be easy for him.
Bringing up a reassuring smile on his face, he asked, "So, how about we take the day off and play a bit?"
Naruto's face immediately, lit up with excitement, his previous frustration evaporating at the suggestion of a day filled with fun. "Really?!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with delight.
Menma chuckled at his brother's enthusiastic response, relieved to see Naruto's mood-lifting so quickly. "Yeah, really," he confirmed, ruffling Naruto's unruly hair affectionately. "We could use a break from training, don't you think?"
Naruto nodded eagerly, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Definitely! What should we do first?" he asked, practically bouncing with anticipation.
Menma followed his enthusiasm close behind, a warm feeling of contentment settling over him as he enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with his brother. For now, they would put aside their worries and responsibilities, at least while they still could...
Year 4 A.N.B. March 13 ~ 10:20 A.M ~ Konoha's Commercial Center
After spending some time with his brother, Menma decided he would visit some ninja tools shop and see what they had new in store. He had thought to gather some scrolls to make some tests with the summoning contracts.
So in that bustling market, amidst the crowd, Menma's heightened senses picked up on a subtle irregularity. A figure, seemingly inconspicuous, lingered in the periphery. The person's gaze, however, didn't wander like that of a casual shopper; instead, it meticulously followed the flow of activity around the stores.
Menma, trusting his instincts, subtly altered his path, weaving through the market stalls and testing if the watcher's gaze would follow. As he glanced at different merchandise, he noted that the mysterious observer maintained a consistent interest in the stores.
This unusual behavior triggered Menma's suspicion. While not wanting to reveal that he noticed, he made a mental note to inform Shisui later.
The more he looked around the stores, he realized that the network of informants from Danzo might be more extensive than he initially thought.
'I guess I won't be able to get stuff from the stores anymore...' Menma thought as he noticed carefully placed seals on the doors and probably on any other entryways they had.
...
As Menma took the way to return home, he tousled patiently through the road, he once again, felt that strange feeling from the market.
'Impressive... even though I've been doing my best to cover my tracks, Danzo is carefully watching over every nook and cranny of the village. He's probably already suspicious of the small thefts around the stores and questioning as to why the Uchiha clan is so close with the Jinchurikis of the village' Menma thought as he felt a presence following him carefully from a distance.
'I'll have to get into contact with Shisui through other means from now on. I guess I can use a combination of shadow clone and transformation; they're an edge nobody else possesses.'
Year 4 A.N.B. March 13 ~ 12:35 P.M ~ Bunker
"What's going on? I got your message from the crow." Shisui asked with concern as he arrived.
"Guys, Danzo's already starting his activities on closely monitoring the activities on the market and myself. I could only move from my home once I felt the presence from the root member finally had gone away."
"What? So soon?" Hikari asked.
"Yes, and I'm afraid we'll have to change how we move and meet from now on."
Year 4 A.N.B. October 8 ~ 8:35 A.M ~ Bunker
"So, as you said months ago, tomorrow will be the day Danzo will order this Ne member, Kinoe, to take Kakashi's eye?" Shisui asked.
"Yes and he'll join the regular Anbu after the incident," Menma replied.
"Shouldn't we use this opportunity to expose Danzo to the light? Maybe the Hokage could—" Hikari tried to assert but was interrupted.
"I've said this numerous times, the Hokage is conniving with Danzo's activities; he won't take action against him."
Shisui walked back and forth, furrowing his brow, concern etching lines on his face. "I'm worried about Itachi. If he joins the Anbu, he'll be in Danzo's grasp."
"Then we need to act fast. The longer we wait, the greater the risk," Menma spoke, feigning urgency. He wanted the plan executed as fast as possible and this was an opportunity to push Shisui into it.
"How much time do we still have before he's taken in?"
"Around a year and six months. It should be after he accomplishes a mission with you to assassinate Mukai Kohinata," Menma replied.
Shisui arched a brow, "Mukai? Why will the village order his demise?"
"According to what I know, Mukai was found to be a traitor feeding information to the hidden mist."
"I see..." Shisui replied, his gaze darkening upon the prospect. "The world of shinobi doesn't ever change, does it?" He asked, almost as if pleading for something.
"Don't keep your hopes up in a world where child soldiers are raised to fight wars," Menma replied. "So... are you eager to execute the plan now?" Menma asked.
"Maybe..." Shisui considered but Menma was losing his patience.
"Shisui...! The longer this takes, the village and the Hokage suspicions of the Uchiha will increase, shortening the effectiveness of a large-scale genjutsu. We cannot afford to waste any more time, Danzo is already taking precautions on my late-night side trips, imagine what he will do once he starts suspecting that there is something more to our meetings"
Shisui glanced at Hikari as if asking for an opinion.
"He's right you know." She answered as if she read his mind.
"Fine, just give me two days to investigate what you just told me about Kakashi and Mukai. I want to see if everything is aligning with your predictions, then, I'll give you a plan."
Menma sighed deeply. "Alright..."
Year 4 A.N.B. October 10 ~ 11:20 A.M ~ The bunker
As Menma entered the bunker, he found Shisui and Hikari engaged in a hushed conversation. Clearing his throat to announce his presence, he approached them with a concerned expression.
"Hey, what's going on?" Menma asked, his brows furrowing in worry. "How are the plans progressing?"
Shisui exchanged a glance with Hikari before turning his attention back to Menma. "We've been discussing our options," he replied, his tone serious. "And we've come to a decision."
"Before you tell me what it is, let me tell you that I noticed some of Danzo's attention to the stores had been wavering. The same can be said about their watchful eyes over me," Menma interjected, sharing his observation before Shisui and Hikari could respond.
Shisui nodded in understanding, acknowledging Menma's observation. "That's good news," he remarked, his expression relaxing.
Hikari's eyes widened in realization. "Then we need to act quickly," she declared, her voice firm with determination. "We can't afford to waste this opportunity and delay the plan any longer; the time is now!"
"So? What have you two decided?" Menma asked curiously.
Hikari spoke up, her voice resolute. "We've decided that the Uchiha clan should leave the village and find a new place to live," she explained, her eyes reflecting determination.
Menma's eyes widened in surprise at the bold declaration. "Leave the village?" he repeated, processing the news. "But why?"
Shisui sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's been quite some time that everything you've prophesized has been fulfilled so I've decided to take action before things escalate," he explained, his expression grave. "We can't risk staying here any longer, especially after everything you told us about him"
Hikari nodded in agreement. "Exactly. If we want to ensure the safety of our clan, we need to act quickly. We don't know what that madman could do if his paranoia starts to kick in again" she added, her gaze unwavering.
Menma nodded in agreement, recognizing the urgency of the situation. "Agreed. We'll need to accelerate our preparations and execute the relocation as soon as possible," he affirmed, his mind already racing with strategies.
"Have you two decided where the relocation place will be?"
"That's not with me, the region has taken quite a shift since I've last been around. I'll leave that to Mr. Big here." Hikari declared and Shisui gasped.
"Well, I suppose there's no avoiding it," Shisui sighed, his tone tinged with resignation. "I've considered the possibility of the Uchiha clan relocating to another village, but quickly dismissed it. It would only invite the same problems we face here, sooner or later. Our only options seem to be staying at the Uchiha hideout or searching for a new region for us to settle in."
"Isn't the hideout a bit cramped for the entire clan?" Menma inquired.
Shisui took a deep breath, exhaling heavily. "Yes, it is. But what other choice do we have? Our clan never anticipated having to uproot ourselves from the village."
As Menma pondered their options, a sudden sensation prickled at the back of his neck. It was the unmistakable feeling of being watched or followed—a sensation that hinted they were not alone.
Halting mid-sentence, Menma's demeanor shifted abruptly, signaling to Shisui and Hikari to be vigilant.
Drawing upon his sensory abilities, Menma detected movement near the bunker's entrance whoever it was had employed a jutsu to conceal themselves.
Invisible no more, the figure darted away, only to meet a kunai to the stomach courtesy of Shisui. The invisibility dissipated, revealing a masked figure in a dark cloak—undoubtedly one of Danzo's root operatives.
Breaking her silence, Hikari exclaimed in shock, "What have you done?!"
"What else could I have done?" Shisui retorted.
"Why didn't you use genjutsu on him?" Menma interjected.
Shisui gestured toward the fallen figure, indicating his eyes were sealed shut. "Danzo's operatives are no amateurs. He likely sent a sensor-type."
"He could still have been influenced by Kotoamatsukami, even if that's the case," Hikari pointed out, chastened.
"And waste my ocular prowess when we'll need it most? Don't forget, we'll have to use it on the entire clan," Shisui countered, shaking his head.
"This is a problem. Danzo will undoubtedly notice and retaliate now that one of his operatives has been eliminated," Menma observed, his concern evident.
"Then we have to execute the plan tonight!" Hikari exclaimed urgently.
"It's not just that. We'll need to broaden our targets beyond just the Uchiha clan to include Danzo and the entire foundation," Menma declared, catching the two Uchiha off guard.
"What?! I can't possibly cast genjutsu on the entire clan, let alone the foundation!" Shisui protested, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"Leave wiping the foundation members' memories to me and my Yachihoko. I'll make sure Danzo discards this guy's credentials inside the foundation and never think about it again. Concentrate your Kotoamatsukami on steering the clan's destiny toward departure. But there's a hitch: to activate the engraved Kotoamatsukami, I'll need a substantial amount of chakra. I can take some from the villagers with my Yachihoko but theirs is not powerful enough to use it at full potential," Hikari explained, her brow furrowing with concern.
"Why didn't you mention that earlier?!" Shisui demanded, feeling slightly exasperated.
Hikari shot him a scowl. "Maybe if you didn't interrupt me every three seconds, I wouldn't have overlooked that detail."
"What?!" Shisui exclaimed in disbelief. "You were the one who couldn't keep quiet while I was explaining the operation!"
"What did you say?!" Hikari countered, her voice rising.
"You two!" Menma interjected, stepping in to diffuse the tension.
"Menma-kun?" Shisui inquired, curiosity coloring his tone.
"I'm an Uzumaki, and we're renowned for our vitality and chakra reserves. You'll probably get the chakra you need if you use me," Menma offered with a reassuring smile.
"Let me check your chakra levels. Menma-kun, come over here," Hikari instructed.
Menma approached her, and Hikari took his hand, activating her Mangekyo Sharingan to assess his chakra reserves. As she delved into his chakra network, her expression shifted to one of confusion.
"Hmm..." Hikari hummed thoughtfully. "What is this?" she asked, perplexed.
"What's wrong? Is it enough?" Menma inquired, growing concerned.
"Menma-kun, why do you have two distinct types of chakra? And why is one of them so dark?" Hikari queried, a hint of unease creeping into her voice.
"Oh, that's because I'm a Jinchuriki, host to a Tailed Beast," Menma explained casually.
"A Tailed Beast? Can we tap into its chakra reserves?" Hikari asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Unfortunately, the elephant in the room is not very friendly so, no."
"What's an elephant...?" Hikari asked, not familiar with the animal.
"We're running out of time here. The root operative's body will start decomposing soon if we don't hurry. Is his chakra sufficient or not?" Shisui interjected, his tone urgent.
Hikari shook her head regretfully. "Unfortunately, I don't think so."
"Damn!" Menma exclaimed frustratedly.
"But it was nearly enough. Do you know anyone else from your clan who could help us out?" Hikari suggested.
Menma looked down, he knew where this was going. He didn't want to involve Naruto in this. He was already exposing him to training before the time and now exposing him to this too?
Shisui placed a hand on his shoulder, "Menma-kun, I don't need a Sharingan to read your mind to know what you're thinking. It is the only option left"
Menma dismissed his hand. "I know."
Hikari looked between the two, her expression reflecting her confusion. "What's going on?"
"Menma-kun's only remaining Uzumaki relative is his younger twin brother," Shisui explained, prompting Hikari to widen her eyes in realization.
"Look, I don't know what is like to have a twin but, this plan is already risky enough as it is. Remember that Shisui's eye will have to be reflected on the moon for a period to cast the genjutsu and that's why we'll do it at a time where usually most people in the world will be asleep." Hikari spoke, attempting to reassure the figure of a kid before her.
"Menma-kun, I know you don't want to expose him to all this but there is a way around it."
"He's still too little... how can you suggest that...!" Menma spoke, angrily, his tone almost accusatory. "You not using genjutsu to hypnotize my brother, Shisui!" Menma retorted.
"I won't," Shisui reassured him, crouching down to Menma's eye level and placing both hands on his shoulders. "You're his brother, and I trust you'll find a way to keep him safe from our actions," he added, offering Menma an encouraging smile that left him deep in thought.
"I think I know what to do..." Menma murmured, his mind racing with possibilities.
As he stood up, a familiar sensation washed over him. Memories of his past life came flooding back—the grueling military training, the countless hours of drills, and the unforgiving discipline. He remembered the harsh lessons learned, the pain endured, and the unwavering determination that had been instilled in him.
Flashback - Military Training Camp
The unforgiving sun beat down on the training grounds, casting long shadows over the assembled recruits. Menma stood among them, his body tense and bruised from the relentless drills. The general, a towering figure with a stern expression, paced back and forth in front of the group, his presence commanding and intimidating.
"Listen up, maggots!" the general barked, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. "You are here to become soldiers, not whimpering children. Your feelings, your fears, and your weaknesses have no place here. If you think you can survive with emotions holding you back, you are sorely mistaken."
He stopped in front of Menma, glaring down at him with cold, calculating eyes. "You," he snarled, pointing a finger at Menma. "Do you think this is a game? Do you think your soft heart will save you on the battlefield?"
Menma swallowed hard, his past life flashing before his eyes. The countless hours of grueling training, the pain, the discipline—he remembered it all too well. He straightened his posture, determination flickering in his eyes.
"No, sir," Menma replied, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at his insides.
The general's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Good. Because out there, on the front lines, hesitation means death. Sentimentality will get you killed, and it will get your comrades killed. You will follow orders without question, without emotion. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" the recruits echoed in unison.
The general continued his tirade, his voice dripping with venom. "In this camp, we break you down to build you back up. We strip away your weaknesses and forge you into weapons. You will endure pain, you will face your fears, and you will emerge stronger. Those who can't handle it will be left behind."
Menma clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his past and present colliding. He knew he had to suppress his emotions, to harness the strength and resolve he had cultivated through years of hardship. The harsh words of the general were a bitter reminder of the path he had chosen—a path that required unwavering focus and a heart of steel.
As the general moved on to berate another recruit, Menma took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. He would protect Naruto, even if it meant becoming a weapon himself. He had the training, the experience, and the willpower to do whatever it took.
"Emotions are a luxury I can't afford," Menma thought, his mind steeling against the lingering doubts. "I will not falter. I will not fail."
...
"Focus," he told himself, feeling the mental shift as he shed his hesitation. His emotions, once a tangled web of fear and doubt, began to unravel. The calculated, methodical mindset of a soldier replaced them, sharpening his resolve.
Menma took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his responsibilities settle onto his shoulders. He recalled the countless missions where failure wasn't an option, where survival depended on his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. This was no different.
He looked at Shisui with a steely determination in his eyes. "I will protect Naruto," he said, his voice steady and confident. "No matter what it takes."
Shisui nodded, seeing the change in Menma. "I knew you had it in you. Just remember, you're not alone in this. We all have a role to play."
Menma clenched his fists, feeling the surge of determination flow through him. He knew that this was his chance to make a difference, to use his skills and experiences to safeguard his brother and his village. The emotional weight that had once held him back was now replaced by a cold, calculated focus.
As he turned to leave, his mind was already working through various strategies and contingencies. He would use every lesson learned from his past life to navigate this new challenge, and he would not allow emotions to cloud his judgment.
"Stay strong, Naruto," he whispered to himself. "I'll be the shield that protects you from the darkness."
With renewed resolve, Menma stepped forward into the unknown, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. He was determined to prove that his past had not been in vain and that he could rise above his fears to become the protector his brother needed.
Year 4 A.N.B. October 10 ~ 11:50 P.M ~ Konoha outskirts
"So, did you take care of them?" Menma asked, his tone edged with urgency.
"Yes, I handled the two traitors posing as Kagen," Shisui replied, his voice steady despite the weight of their mission.
"Remember, the ringleaders like Yashiro must be permanently hypnotized due to their ties with the masked man. Tekka and Inabi are also part of the radical faction; we can't afford to overlook them," Menma emphasized.
"Why not just eliminate them?" Hikari interjected, her voice tinged with frustration.
Shisui shook his head. "My Kotoamatsukami can only issue one command per target. If we were to dispose of them, it would raise too many questions among the other Uchiha they're connected to. We targeted the impostors because they had no close ties within the clan and served as mere pawns for Danzo's schemes."
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Shisui, evident in the furrow of his brow and the tension in his voice. "I can't believe this has escalated to the point I'm about to help to put my whole clan into hypnosis..." he admitted, a hint of dread in his tone.
"It's a good thing we are doing this while it's still early. If we were to take action closer to the original date of the Uchiha massacre, it would be a lot more suspicious if they were to suddenly give up the idea of a coup d'etat." Menma asserted.
"But what about the masked man himself? Shouldn't we also deal with him?" Hikari asked.
"For now, he poses no immediate threat. His plans won't come to fruition for at least thirteen years. Besides, I have no idea where his hideout is and even if we knew, we would have to waste Shisui's visual prowess to beat that guy."
"We've already wasted too much time waiting for nightfall. Danzo must have already dispatched more spies to the area where the other root were eliminated."
"Danzo knows how to deal with the Sharingan even if he has to use extreme measures. It is time to free the Uchiha from his tyranny and discrimination once and for all!" Shisui spoke with determination.
"That fossilized relic must be weaving his deceitful webs in the shadows of the Konoha council chambers as we speak, hoping to ensnare that doddering Hiruzen into his schemes.
Little does he know what fate has in store for him. By the break of dawn, their clandestine conclave will be but a footnote in the annals of village affairs, a mere guise for the grand upheaval that awaits," Menma mused, a mischievous glint sparkling in his eyes as he envisioned the impending disruption.
...
As Menma led Naruto through the outskirts of the village, the young Uzumaki bounced with excitement, eager to discover what kind of training exercise his brother had in store for him. Menma wore a reassuring smile, concealing the weight of the task ahead.
"Alright, Naruto," Menma began as they reached a secluded clearing surrounded by trees, "today's training is a bit different from our usual routine. We're going to work on something very special that only you can help with."
Naruto's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Really? What is it, Menma?"
"It's a secret technique that I've been practicing, but I need your help to make it even stronger," Menma explained, his tone carefully crafted to instill a sense of importance in his younger brother.
Naruto's chest swelled with pride at the thought of contributing to his brother's training. "I can help! What do you need me to do?"
Menma gestured towards the center of the clearing, where Shisui and Hikari stood waiting. "See those two? They're going to help us with the training. But here's the catch: I need you to close your eyes and focus your chakra while I guide you through the exercise."
Naruto nodded eagerly, trusting his brother completely. "Okay, Menma! I'm ready!"
With Naruto's blind trust in place, Menma led him closer to Shisui and Hikari, weaving a tale of teamwork and camaraderie to shield him from the truth of their mission.
As they joined hands in the center of the clearing, Menma whispered a silent prayer for their success. 'Don't worry, it will be over soon...' he thought, hoping that Naruto's innocence would remain untouched by the darkness that loomed on the horizon.
Hikari branded both with the marking of her Mangekyo Sharingan. "We're ready," she spoke, signaling Shisui to start.
Shisui activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, and through the branding he received from Hikari before their arrival, his chakra network connected to hers.
As Shisui activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, a wave of intense pressure washed over him, causing his eyes to bleed from the strain. With Hikari's branding linking their chakra networks, the connection sparked to life, threading their energies together in a delicate dance of power.
Menma watched with a mixture of concern and determination, knowing that every moment counted in their risky endeavor. He silently urged Shisui to endure the pain, his gaze unwavering as he held Naruto's hand tightly, anchoring him to the moment.
Despite the physical toll, Shisui remained steadfast, channeling his chakra with precision as he focused on the task at hand. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he struggled to maintain the connection, the weight of their mission pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket.
Beside him, Hikari mirrored his resolve, her eyes alight with determination as she channeled her own chakra into the intricate weave of their shared genjutsu. With each passing moment, the strain mounted, threatening to unravel their carefully constructed plan.
As their combined chakra reached its peak, the moon above the clearing began to shift. A dark, ominous red hue spread across its surface, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. The blood-red moon bore the unmistakable engraving of Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan, a symbol of the formidable illusion they had created.
Menma's breath caught in his throat as the genjutsu took hold. The sky seemed to shudder with the power of their combined energies. The intense strain was evident on Shisui's face, but he remained resolute, pushing through the pain to complete the technique.
With a final surge of chakra, the genjutsu was cast, enveloping the clearing in an aura of surreal calm. Menma felt a wave of relief wash over him, the weight of their burden momentarily lifted. The success of their mission was palpable, but so was the toll it had taken on them all.
Naruto's grip on Menma's hand slackened, and his eyes fluttered closed. Menma caught his younger brother as he began to sway, holding him gently in his arms. Naruto had exhausted his chakra, his small body succumbing to the strain of the genjutsu.
Menma cradled Naruto, his heart heavy with a mixture of pride and concern. "Sleep well, little brother," he whispered, feeling the exhaustion in his own limbs. As an Uzumaki, his chakra reserves were slightly higher, but even he was beginning to feel the effects of their efforts.
With Shisui and Hikari by his side, Menma knew they had achieved a significant victory. Yet, he also knew that their journey was far from over. The darkness that loomed on the horizon was still very real, and they would need every ounce of their strength and resolve to face it.
As the blood-red moon hung ominously in the sky, Menma held Naruto close, vowing to protect him and their village from the shadows that threatened to consume them all.
Shisui, his breathing labored and his eyes weary from the exertion, looked at Menma and Hikari. "It is done," he said, his voice a mixture of relief and determination. "By morning, Fugaku Uchiha himself will speak with Hiruzen Sarutobi and take the Uchiha out of the village."
Menma nodded, understanding the gravity of their actions. They had set in motion events that would change the fate of the Uchiha clan and the village forever.
Year 4 A.N.B. October 10 ~ 00:10 A.M ~Danzo's hidden chamber - The Foundation
Danzo sat at his desk, his fingers tracing the edges of the file in front of him. It contained the details of one of his ROOT Anbu who had died earlier that morning. The loss of another operative was always a blow, but in the grand scheme of his plans, it was a mere inconvenience. He sighed and prepared to discard the file, another piece in the larger puzzle of his machinations.
As he moved to place the file into the discard pile, a sudden, disorienting sensation washed over him. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he felt as if the room around him was warping. His chakra took a sizeable decrease, and his body reappeared a few centimeters away from his desk. The Izanagi had been activated!
Danzo's eyes widened in shock as he realized what had just happened. The transcription seal he had placed to automatically activate the Izanagi if he was killed or incapacitated had been triggered. But how? He hadn't sensed any immediate threat, no indication of an attack.
As he recovered from the disorienting effects, his eyes fell on the file he had been about to discard. It was the report of the ROOT operative he had sent to keep an eye on Menma Uzumaki. His mind raced as he tried to piece together why he would even consider discarding such a crucial document. Had he been put under a genjutsu somehow? Was it possible that someone had manipulated him into making such a decision?
"Could I have been influenced?" he muttered to himself, a cold sweat forming on his brow. The idea of being placed under genjutsu without even realizing it was both alarming and infuriating.
As his mind raced, he began to connect the dots. One name surfaced in his thoughts: Shisui Uchiha, a powerful genjutsu user known for his exceptional skills. Shisui had recently grown close to Menma Uzumaki, a development that had not gone unnoticed by Danzo. The possibility that Shisui could be involved in this unexplained event loomed large in his mind, though he had no concrete proof at the moment.
"Shisui Uchiha," Danzo whispered, his voice tinged with suspicion. "Could he have had a hand in this? Is he trying to protect Menma by interfering with my plans?"
"Could he had been so fast as his namesake says, Shisui of the bodyflicker, and quickly have had me under a command and immediately escaped these chambers?" His mind raced the possibilities.
The chamber's dim light flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls adorned with countless scrolls. Each one represented a life taken within the village, a cruel sacrifice for Danzo's twisted ambition. His mind raced with thoughts of the impending threats, knowing that his enemies could be planning something.
"I must move swiftly," he thought, the urgency palpable in his tone. "They believe they can outmaneuver me, but they have no idea what they're up against."
The activation of Izanagi meant that Danzo had narrowly escaped a lethal attack, but it also signaled the beginning of a new, more dangerous phase of his plans. He knew that his enemies would not relent, and the power struggle within the village would only intensify.
"Summon the ROOT," he commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber. "We must move carefully yet with precision and force."
As his loyal operatives gathered, Danzo's mind was already calculating their next move. Each decision, each command, had to be executed flawlessly to maintain his grip on power.
"The time has come," he declared, his gaze steely and unwavering. "We will crush those who stand in our way, and the village will bow to my will."
The air grew heavy with tension, the fate of Konoha hanging in the balance. Danzo's activation of Izanagi was not just an escape from a irreversible fate; it was a declaration of war. The silent revolution had begun, and the village would soon feel the full force of his wrath.
To be continued...