Chapter 121: Itachi — Carrying Out Shisui's Last Wish and Protecting Konoha's Peace
With her eldest son at her side, Uchiha Mikoto finally felt at ease.
At that moment, Kakashi raised his hand, and the Anbu ninjas dispersed like shadows.
These weren't ordinary shinobi but Jonin of the Uchiha Clan. Returning to their clan grounds was like returning home. Within moments, they had established hidden posts — a guard every three steps, a watch every five.
Even without the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan to assist, they were confident no one could slip past their iron defenses.
Twenty pairs of fully matured Sharingan were no trivial matter. Even a Kage-level enemy would be forced to pay a steep price.
Uchiha Itachi stepped forward, his expression tense. Now that the Anbu had spread out, he quickly asked,
"Kasan, what's going on? Sasuke told me Father left the village. Did another shinobi village attack?"
Mikoto shook her head gently. "Don't be anxious, Itachi. Let me explain slowly."
Seeing her calm demeanor, Itachi realized things weren't as dire as he feared. Still, the sheer number of Anbu redeployed made him uneasy.
Mikoto continued, her voice steady:
"Two days ago, a spy reported that Kumogakure had sent a large force to attack our border outpost. Your father worried the defenses might not hold, so he personally led reinforcements."
Itachi frowned. "What's the situation at the border now?"
Mikoto's expression faltered. "I don't know yet. No word has returned."
Itachi pressed further. "Then why have the clan's Jonin been called back?"
Mikoto sighed softly. "Because Jiraiya and Orochimaru have returned. As disciples of the Third Hokage, they came seeking revenge against your father. Right now, they're in Pansi Cave."
Her eyes narrowed. "I went to the Hokage Building for counsel. The Great Elder suggested striking first, but Assistant Nara Shikaku argued against it. He said engaging them would cause needless casualties. With the movements of the other villages unclear, it's best to preserve our strength. And since your father is away, even if they seek revenge, they won't find him here. The Anbu were recalled to defend against any sudden assault on our clan."
Itachi's gaze sharpened. He remembered those two vividly. By the time he was four years old, Jiraiya and Orochimaru had already commanded entire battlefronts in the Third Great Ninja War. Their reputations as Sannin were well-earned.
"So that's why…" Itachi murmured, understanding at last.
Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Why not move first? If we know their location, we could prevent them from choosing the battlefield."
Mikoto shook her head. "Nara Shikaku believes it's wiser to wait. He's confident Jiraiya won't harm the village. It's Orochimaru who concerns him."
Itachi considered her words. Conservative, yes — but not unreasonable. He knew Jiraiya to be a man of deep conviction, someone who embodied the Will of Fire. It pained him that such a man now stood opposed to his father.
If only we could all stand together as Konoha shinobi, protecting the village side by side…
He sighed quietly.
Then his expression hardened with resolve. "Kasan, let me join the defense. I won't allow anyone to harm the village. This is Shisui's last wish — to protect Konoha's peace."
Mikoto's heart swelled with pride. She nodded. "Very well. Speak with Captain Kakashi and take your place. I'll bring Sasuke and Naruto home."
Itachi inclined his head. "Understood." Turning, he addressed Kakashi respectfully. "Kakashi-senpai, I'll be counting on you."
…
Meanwhile, Nara Shikaku and his group had reached Pansi Cave.
The restaurant bustled with life; patrons entered and left in groups, unaware of the storm about to break.
Shikaku asked quietly, "Tokuma, what do you see?"
Beside him, Hyuga Tokuma activated his Byakugan, scanning the interior. His eyes froze on two overwhelming chakra signatures.
"They're here," Tokuma said grimly. "Those massive reserves could only belong to Jiraiya and Orochimaru."
Shikaku's eyes narrowed. "Good. Five will come in with me. The rest wait outside. If there's trouble, join us immediately."
Unlike the aged advisors Homura and Koharu, Shikaku and Uchiha Shihu still possessed the strength of elite Jonin. With their leadership and eight Jonin beside them, even the Sannin would struggle to take them down unnoticed.
Besides, Shikaku judged Jiraiya unlikely to initiate a full-scale fight. The real danger lay in Orochimaru.
Shihu gave a short nod, selecting five Jonin to accompany them.
Tokuma led the way, his Byakugan locked on the glowing chakras deep within the restaurant.
As they walked, Shikaku allowed himself a small smile. "Shihu Advisor, this Pansi Cave is a clever enterprise. Seems your clan's younger generation knows how to turn a profit. Is there still room for investment?"
Uchiha Shihu chuckled lightly. "Assistant Nara, you jest. It's only a small business experiment. But if you truly wish to invest, I'll have the boy speak with you later."
"Hah. Forget it. The Nara already have their hands full with the medicine trade." Shikaku waved dismissively.
At that moment, Tokuma stopped. "They're inside. That table up ahead."
The group's expressions hardened.
Shikaku looked across the restaurant. A tall, broad-shouldered man with white hair sat beside a pale, snake-like figure.
Even without introduction, he knew instantly.
Jiraiya of the Sannin. Orochimaru of the Sannin.
---