Chapter 120: Sorry, Naruto. Sorry, Sasuke.
"Very well, we'll do as you suggest," Elder Uchiha Shihu finally said, though somewhat helplessly. "After all, the Hokage entrusted the village to you. You should decide."
Mikoto nodded in agreement. "Assistant Nara, Fugaku left me a message before departing. He said he wished to discuss matters with you when he returned. I trust your judgment, so we Uchiha will fully cooperate."
Hearing this, Nara Shikaku allowed a rare smile. "Thank you both for your trust. Please rest assured—Hokage-sama left the village in my hands, and I swore not to let anything happen to Konoha. I won't let him down."
Determination shone in Shikaku's sharp eyes.
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After settling immediate plans with Elder Shihu and Mikoto, Shikaku began to make arrangements. Mikoto soon departed in haste, escorted by the First and Second ANBU teams—personally led by Kakashi Hatake.
They were to establish a defensive line within the Uchiha district, supported by members of the Hyūga clan providing reconnaissance with their Byakugan.
If Jiraiya or Orochimaru approached Uchiha territory, the Hyūga would detect them immediately.
Meanwhile, Shikaku himself led the remaining three ANBU squads, joined by Hyūga Hiashi and Elder Shihu, toward Pansi Cave. His plan was simple: confront Jiraiya directly and tell him the truth—that the Hokage was not in the village.
If Jiraiya truly sought Fugaku, then let him take his grievances to the border.
From what Shikaku knew of the Sannin, Jiraiya would not drag innocent villagers into his personal vendetta. Orochimaru, however, was another matter. Still, if Jiraiya could be kept out of the fight, the Uchiha and Konoha forces would only need to deal with Orochimaru.
Glancing at the ten ANBU trailing behind, Shikaku still felt uneasy. Against two of the Legendary Sannin, this might not be enough. So he summoned additional reinforcements—the elite shinobi of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans.
Surrounded by this formidable force, Shikaku felt somewhat reassured as they moved swiftly toward the old Asakusa district.
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Back in the Uchiha compound, a large clay bird descended smoothly onto the training grounds. Deidara leapt off first, stretching and loosening his shoulders. "Hah! Spacious enough to land, un!" he remarked, glancing around.
Behind him, Uchiha Itachi, Yakushi Nono, and Kisame Hoshigaki also disembarked.
"Let's go see Father first," Itachi said, leading the way.
It was late, and Itachi knew his father well—Fugaku rarely worked overtime as Hokage. At this hour, he should already be home.
But just as they left the training ground, familiar voices rang out.
"Nii-san!"
Turning, Itachi saw his younger brothers, Sasuke and Naruto, sprinting toward him.
A rare smile touched his lips. He raised a hand in greeting.
The next instant, both boys charged forward like wild foals.
Sasuke slowed upon noticing the strangers with his brother, but Naruto didn't hesitate. He darted past Deidara, Nono, and Kisame, and flung himself onto Itachi's leg.
"Big Brother Itachi! You're finally back! Where did you go to play?" Naruto looked up with wide, curious eyes.
Itachi crouched, gently ruffling his blond little brother's hair. "We traveled very far. The land there is nothing but bare, rocky mountains." He traced a circle with his hands for emphasis.
"Wow! That sounds amazing! I want to see bare mountains too!" Naruto exclaimed, eyes shining.
Ever since Shizune had told him about the wonders outside the village, Naruto had been itching to explore.
"Sorry, Naruto. Maybe next time," Itachi said softly, still smiling.
But Sasuke scowled, jealousy flaring. "Tch! Naruto, that's my privilege! Brother should only do that with me!"
He shoved himself between them, clinging stubbornly to Itachi's other leg. "Nii-san, you promised last time to teach me ninjutsu! Let's go train right now!"
Itachi's smile faltered. "Sorry, Sasuke. I'm busy at the moment…"
Seeing Sasuke's crestfallen face, guilt tugged at him. He had already disappointed his brother too many times. After a pause, he added, "How about this? You and Naruto wait at the training ground. Once I've spoken to Father, I'll come find you both."
Sasuke's eyes lit up—but only for a moment. "But, Nii-san… Father isn't home."
Itachi froze. His father, still working at this hour? Impossible.
Naruto pouted, muttering, "Uncle's away on a trip. He hasn't been home for days."
Itachi's expression darkened. A bad premonition gnawed at him. He turned sharply to Sasuke. "What happened?"
Sasuke scratched his head. "I don't know. But Kaa-san should. You should ask her."
Itachi's heart tightened. He had long feared that other villages might strike at Konoha during a moment of weakness. If his father had indeed left the village, then the situation was dire.
Teaching ninjutsu no longer mattered. He needed answers.
"Sorry, Sasuke, Naruto. I can't train with you today. Stay here and practice—I'll make it up to you next time."
Just then, the clan gate opened. Mikoto entered with several ANBU in tow, Kakashi Hatake at their head.
Relief washed through Itachi. His timing had been perfect—something major had indeed happened.
"Kaa-san!" Itachi called, striding quickly to meet her.
Mikoto's eyes widened with joy. "Itachi! You're back—just in time!"
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