Chapter 235: Itachi's Conviction
Jiraiya's rage intensified with every word. With a sharp crack, his fist pulverized the desk. He pointed at the assembled crowd, roaring:
"You're the ones twisting truth into lies!"
"To launch an aggressive war, to oppose me—you'll stoop to anything!"
"The Uchiha clan lost so many powerful fighters—you don't mention that at all!"
"Murdering village comrades—and you actually dare to—"
"Enough, Jiraiya." Before Jiraiya could finish, Kazuma arrogantly interrupted. "What you describe are naturally crimes Uchiha Itachi committed."
"But we recognize merit as merit, crime as crime. They cannot be conflated."
"Achievements deserve reward. Errors deserve punishment. Only through clear accountability can the village command respect."
"Unlike you—driving wedges between the village and its people through unfairness."
"I now acknowledge Itachi's achievement in eliminating the Uchiha clan. I recognize his actions as upholding righteousness over blood ties, bringing tremendous benefits to the village."
"Naturally, Itachi also committed crimes by killing village comrades. He must be punished."
"Therefore I sentence him to..." Kazuma paused briefly before deciding, "...redeem himself through meritorious service to the village."
"Itachi, do you accept this judgment?"
Itachi immediately prostrated himself, responding respectfully:
"I accept completely. I will devote the remainder of my life to serving and atoning to the village."
"Haha, exactly right!"
Kazuma beamed, bending to help Itachi up. He pulled him close affectionately, then raised his head with a smile toward Jiraiya.
He didn't need to say another word—his meaning was perfectly clear.
Damn them!
Fury blazed through Jiraiya's heart. He grew increasingly certain he must stop Kazuma and his cohort from their reckless course, or Konoha Village would be destroyed beyond recognition!
Realizing further words were useless, he leaped outside, shouting loudly:
"Don't think having Itachi means you can defeat me!"
"For this village's future, I absolutely will not yield!"
"Hmph!" Kazuma's lips curved mockingly. He patted Itachi's shoulder, speaking simply: "Itachi, now comes your moment to prove yourself."
"Whether we can successfully proceed with Konoha Village's revival depends entirely on whether you can defeat Jiraiya."
"I understand." Itachi nodded solemnly, also leaping outside to stand facing Jiraiya.
Jiraiya instinctively glanced downward toward Itachi's feet, shouting: "We can't fight properly here. Let's go outside the village!"
Both figures shot forward simultaneously, racing toward the village outskirts.
Kazuma and the others exchanged glances before hurrying after them.
By the time they reached the Valley of the End, Jiraiya already stood atop Gamahiro's head, his summoning's massive form colliding head-on with Itachi's Susanoo.
The toads of Mount Myoboku were remarkably overpowered—those massive specimens rivaled Tailed Beasts in size. Facing Susanoo directly, they showed not the slightest weakness.
Amid thunderous explosions, enormous waves surged beneath their feet, rushing outward in all directions.
Gamahiro pressed his massive body tight against Susanoo. Jiraiya and Itachi stared at each other across the gap, close enough to touch.
Jiraiya pressed his palms together—clearly preparing Sage Mode. His true fury had been roused. He was prepared for a fight to the death.
Yet even now, Jiraiya wanted to persuade Itachi one more time, unwilling to let him continue down this mistaken path.
"Itachi, turn back! Stop letting yourself be used!"
"That Kazuma is no good person. His character resembles Danzo's—he cannot be trusted!"
"Is having utility not desirable?" Itachi controlled Susanoo, kicking Gamahiro back forcefully while roaring loudly.
"In this life, everyone must find their position."
"From when I was very young, I understood my place clearly."
"I always knew Lord Hokage was using me. I knew Lord Danzo's hatred for the Uchiha clan. But..."
"I didn't care!"
Susanoo raised its sword high, slashing viciously toward Jiraiya.
"While they used me, naturally I was also using them."
"They used me to eliminate the Uchiha clan. I used them to preserve village peace and prevent war."
"But I failed to complete the mission!" Itachi's chakra fluctuated violently. His Mangekyo pattern spun rapidly in his eyes—clearly his emotional state was extremely unstable, his voice thick with self-loathing.
"I failed to eliminate the roots completely. I let that bastard Uchiha Yasushi escape, which led to all those tragic consequences later."
"After the Third Hokage's death, I lost all utility value."
"Because Lord Jiraiya didn't acknowledge my achievements and wouldn't use me for anything."
"A shinobi without utility has no reason to live."
"But now..." Itachi raised both arms, cheering loudly, "Lord Kazuma has arrived!"
"Unlike you, he understands a shinobi's meaning. He's willing to use me again."
"For me, this is wonderful news!"
Jiraiya was shocked once more by Itachi's twisted thinking. He stammered:
"Itachi, a shinobi's purpose should be protection—not being used by others!"
"Who poisoned your mind with such dark logic?"
"Moreover, didn't you always want the village to have peace?"
"If I can't stop Kazuma, the village will plunge into war again. Many people will die!"
Itachi pursued Gamahiro relentlessly, slashing wildly. His attacks never ceased. Blades clashed with erupting sparks and tremendous explosions. Shockwaves rolled outward in all directions, churning the lake's surface until it seemed ready to boil.
But the fierce combat didn't affect Itachi's fervor whatsoever. The fanatical emotion on his face didn't diminish in the slightest.
"I detest war because it harms the village, kills many people, shatters families, and causes suffering."
"However, if this war benefits the village, brings abundant resources, helps families eat their fill, and accelerates the village's return to prosperity..."
"Then why should I refuse it?"
"What?" Jiraiya was shocked by Itachi's blunt selfishness, simultaneously enraged by his foolishness and ignorance.
"Itachi, how can you think this way?"
"You only see war's benefits for Konoha Village. But what about the people in those small shinobi villages?"
"People from small villages are human too!"
"What crimes have they committed to deserve such unprovoked calamity?"