Naruto: I, who fooled the ninja world, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 379 Well done! Fifth Hokage! (Combined chapter 4k5)

The chill of the night seeped quietly into the tranquil Japanese-style room through the thin paper window.

A table lamp cast a soft glow, casting two shadows on the tatami mat.

In Uchiha Shisui's simply furnished guest room, Uchiha Izumi knelt before a low table, holding a letter in her hands. By the light of the lamp, she softly read aloud:

"Brother Zhishui, greetings."

"Evening classes have just ended here, and it's quiet at night, so I'll write a letter."

"Studying at the Daming Prefecture was more fulfilling and unique than I had imagined. The courses covered a wide range of topics, and what was taught here was not ninjutsu or taijutsu."

"It's the economy, the law, history, and even the culture of other countries, and how to deal with other large and small countries. These are things I didn't come into contact with at the Ninja Academy."

"Even I found it difficult to understand and gave me a headache when I first encountered it, but Naruto's insights into these subjects are very profound and often surprise me."

"Yesterday, when the teacher was explaining the changes in ancient trade routes in the ninja world, I was still trying to piece together the story, but Naruto was already able to supplement it with extra geographical information from his textbooks. The teacher was quite surprised..."

“We lived very close to each other. Every day, when I couldn’t figure out the homework assigned by the teacher, I would go to him for help. He could easily analyze the complex relationships between interests clearly…”

"And the day before yesterday, I found a case about the mediation of border frictions during the Second Shinobi World War, but the relevant records are very obscure, and the demands of all parties are entangled and difficult to resolve."

"I couldn't figure it out even when I was up until midnight. I always felt like there was a layer of fog between us at the key point. Then, the next morning, Naruto showed me his well-organized notes."

"I didn't expect that he would not only clarify the relationships between the various forces using diagrams, but also write down several possible solutions. I even felt that it was better than the answer the teacher gave..."

"Discussions with him are very efficient. Usually, I ask a question, he pauses for a moment, and then says a few simple words, which always hits the nail on the head. I learn a lot from him..."

"The longer I stay here, the more I learn, and I realize the difference between governing a country and governing a village. It's true that you can't govern a country simply by pursuing power."

"Therefore, I understand even more now why you went to such lengths to obtain permission from the Third Generation Lord to allow me to come to Daming Prefecture..."

"I have to admit that Naruto is better than me in this respect, but I don't think he is an obstacle to me becoming Hokage. He is more like a scholar than a ninja."

"If possible, I would like to cooperate with him. Perhaps we can make Konoha, and even the entire Land of Fire, a better place..."

"It's late at night. Everything is fine here, so don't worry about me. Please give my regards to the people of my tribe."

"—Sasuke's Pen"

After reading the letter, Uchiha Izumi gently put it down and said with a touch of emotion, "Sasuke's studies are really complicated. Just listening to them gives me a headache."

"However, it seems that he and Naruto Uzumaki are getting along better and better. I never expected that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki would be so excellent and reliable."

As she spoke, she raised her head and looked at the figure in front of her.

Uchiha Shisui sat quietly, his eyes covered by a black silk cloth, his face calm, even too calm, without the slightest hint of the gratified smile that should have been there.

"What's wrong, Shisui-nii?" Uchiha Izumi keenly noticed the other's expression and asked softly.

Uchiha Shisui seemed slightly startled, as if awakened from deep thoughts. He shook his head: "No, it's nothing."

In fact, having lost his sight, his other senses became exceptionally sharp, allowing him to clearly hear the emotions flowing beneath the calm narration contained between the lines.

He could hear Sasuke's growing trust and unreserved approval of Naruto, and even a hint of barely perceptible reverence mixed in with that approval.

This might be a comforting friendship for others.

But for the Uchiha clan, especially for Sasuke who carries a deep-seated blood feud and is destined to gain power through blood and hatred, this is by no means a good thing.

The Sharingan is a cursed eye; the more it loses and the deeper its pain, the greater the power it gains.

If Sasuke wants to gain more power, he must lose more.

Given Sasuke's sentimental nature, even for the sake of power, he would never willingly betray the clan he cherishes.

But now, on his most cherished list, besides his clansmen, there is one more name.

——Uzumaki Naruto.

"If in the future..."

Uchiha Shisui sighed silently in his heart, forcing himself to shake these worries out of his mind.

It's too early to think about these things now. I just hope it doesn't really come to that.

He composed himself, turned back to face Uchiha Izumi, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Izumi, for calling you here so late."

"I'm a little too worried about Sasuke living alone."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Izumi immediately shook his head: "It's alright, Shisui-nii."

"It's not just you, all of us, many people in the clan care about Sasuke. He now carries the future and hope of the entire Uchiha clan..."

boom! !

Before she could finish speaking, a deafening explosion suddenly rang out from a direction not far from the tribal territory, shattering the tranquility of the night.

A violent tremor struck, causing their residence to shake violently. Teacups on the low table clattered as tea spilled out.

Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Izumi's expressions changed simultaneously. Without the slightest hesitation, their figures blurred instantly, and the next moment they appeared one after the other on the roof of the mansion.

A chilling wave emanated from afar, causing their clothes to flutter.

Like them, the previously silent Uchiha clan territory has now been awakened.

One after another, figures emerged from their respective houses, landing on rooftops, courtyard walls, or open spaces. Everyone's gaze turned in surprise and uncertainty towards the direction from which the explosion came.

There, above a grove of trees, ominous flames and thick smoke rose.

Even more chilling is that, by the light of the fire, one can clearly see countless twisted and grotesque black trees growing and spreading wildly at an abnormal speed!
"What is that?" A low, surprised voice rang out among the Uchiha clan members.

Just then, several figures appeared instantly on the rooftop where Shisui and Izumi were.

The leader was none other than Uchiha Yakumi, who was now the head of the Uchiha clan.

"Shisui."

His expression was grave, his gaze fixed on the distant black forest. He said to Shisui in a deep voice, "Those things, could they be Wood Release techniques?"

"Should we send people over to provide support?"

"..."

Uchiha Shisui, his face covered by a black cloth, faced the direction of the explosion. Although he couldn't see it, he could feel the chakra fluctuations coming from that area.

Full of vitality, yet incredibly twisted, mixed with a chilling aura.

Shi Shui remained silent for a long time, his mind racing as he weighed the options.

If it were the former Uchiha Shisui, he would have chosen to provide support without hesitation.

But now, he has changed. He no longer lives for himself; his life is for Sasuke and for the Uchiha clan.

He knew that Wood Release held a very special significance for Konoha, and the connection between the Uchiha clan and Wood Release was even more sensitive.

Now that Hyuga Kumokawa has taken office, the Uchiha clan has finally gained a chance to catch their breath and begin to rebuild some trust and prestige within the village, but they are still walking on thin ice.

We must never rashly interfere in matters directly related to "Wood Release." Any unnecessary actions could arouse suspicion from the higher-ups and push the family into the spotlight once again.

"No, I think we don't need to get involved directly for the time being."

Thinking of this, Shisui shook his head and said calmly, "The current Hokage is Hyuga Kumokawa. With his strength and methods, there are very few situations that he cannot handle."

"We'll send people to approach cautiously first and investigate the situation thoroughly, but we shouldn't intervene rashly." Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yakumi understood Shisui's concerns, nodded, and gestured behind him. Several clansmen behind him understood, disappeared, and stealthily headed towards the scene of the incident.

Almost at the same moment they left, a dazzling white light streaked across the night sky like a shooting star, hovering above the black forest.

The figure was clad in a pure white divine robe, with white wings spreading behind it. Against the backdrop of the pitch-black night, it resembled the moon descending to earth, incredibly striking.

"As expected, Hyuga Kumokawa is very fast."

Although Uchiha Shisui was blindfolded, he could sense the powerful and familiar chakra with exceptional clarity, and he breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"With him here, the situation should be under control."

However, his relaxation lasted only a moment.

The next moment, Hyuga Kumokawa's cold voice came clearly from afar, reaching the ears of every Uchiha clan member who was listening intently.

They heard a name.

"Shimura Danzo, as an advisor to Konoha and the former Hokage's assistant, you have repeatedly violated taboos..."

The Uchiha clan members were instantly shaken.

and many more!

Who?
Danzo Shimura?

However, before they could recover from their shock, Hinata Kumokawa's verdict caused their expressions to change drastically.

"First crime: You secretly restarted the first-generation human cell experiments, desecrating our predecessors and disregarding human ethics!"

"Second crime, you coveted the bloodline limit of your fellow villagers, stole the Sharingan from the Uchiha clan and the Byakugan from the Hyuga clan, and trampled on the village's laws..."

"Your crimes are unforgivable!"

"Anbu, heed my command! Slay this scoundrel and eradicate the remaining poison of Konoha!"

Hyuga Kumokawa, the Hokage, is publicly pronouncing a verdict and ordering the execution of Shimura Danzo.

Danzo not only stole Wood Release, but also the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan.
The sudden news was so shocking that all the Uchiha clan members who heard it, including Uchiha Shisui, were stunned.

"Stop the water!"

An uncontrollable low shout suddenly came from beside him, and Uchiha Shisui subconsciously turned his head towards the direction of the Uchiha medicine smell.

He couldn't see the shock, anger, ecstasy, and almost ferocious expression on Uchiha Yakumi's face at that moment, as if years of pent-up resentment had finally found an outlet.

However, Shisui could hear the heavy, rapid breathing in Yaowei's voice, and the intense urge in his tone to tear Shimura Danzo to pieces with his own hands!

"Did you hear that? Shisui!" The voice, hoarse with the smell of medicine, cried out, "Danzo! It's that old scoundrel Danzo! He actually dared to covet our clan's Sharingan!"

Without needing to say anything more, even a calm mind was filled with turbulent waves.

Back then, the Uchiha clan faced such a difficult time surviving in Konoha. While internal problems certainly played a role, Danzo's behind-the-scenes instigation, suppression, and surveillance were also indispensable!
The Uchiha clan has never forgotten this blood debt and humiliation, and now, he even dares to reach for the Sharingan.

"He must die!" Yao Wei practically gritted his teeth as he forced out the three words, "Danzo must die!"

Without a doubt, these words also reflect the sentiments of all Uchiha clan members at this moment.

However, just as the crowd was filled with indignation, Uchiha Shisui forcibly suppressed his surging emotions.

"Calm down, it smells like medicine."

He took a deep breath, his tone regaining its composure: "Don't forget, the current Hokage is the Fifth Hokage, Hyuga Kumokawa, not Sarutobi Hiruzen."

“Since he has already ordered Danzo to be killed, he will not show any mercy.”

"This is Konoha's trial and reckoning with Danzo, not our Uchiha clan's vigilante revenge."

"If we rashly intervene now, we will only give others ammunition to criticize us and get involved in unnecessary trouble."

"I believe the Fifth Hokage will give Konoha and our Uchiha clan the due explanation."

Upon hearing this, most of the tribesmen who had been blinded by anger calmed down.

Most of the surviving Uchiha clan members, including Uchiha Izumi, were former doves.

If the current Hokage were still the indecisive Hiruzen Sarutobi, they would absolutely not believe that the old man Hiruzen Sarutobi would have the heart to kill Danzo.

However, Hinata Kumokawa is different!
They had already deeply experienced the iron fist and decisiveness of this fifth generation leader; he truly lived up to it, treating enemies with the cruelty of winter and comrades with the warmth of spring.

Therefore, even the most infuriating smell of medicine gradually calmed his violently heaving chest.

All the Uchiha clan members held their breath, their eyes fixed on the distance.

When they saw Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly appear to block their way, their hearts tightened, and some even couldn't help but curse under their breath.

"That damned old bastard!"

When they saw Hyuga Kumokawa make another move without hesitation, everyone felt an overwhelming surge of excitement and joy.

"Good! Well done, Fifth Hokage!"

Finally, watching the dazzling golden light descend like divine punishment, completely erasing the cold, evil chakra aura below...

In the distance, silence returned.

Danzo...is he dead?
This thought crossed the minds of all the Uchiha clan members, and their tense bodies suddenly relaxed, their expressions complex and indescribable.

There is the exhilaration of avenging a great enemy, the disbelief and disorientation, and the relief of having a huge weight lifted from one's heart after many years.

Hyuga Kumokawa actually killed Shimura Danzo right in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen!

That guy is a complete madman...

However, just as the Uchiha members relaxed and were filled with complicated emotions, Uchiha Shisui frowned deeply.

"Shisui-nii?" Uchiha Izumi, who was standing next to him, noticed his unusual behavior and, recovering from her brief moment of excitement, asked, "What's wrong?"

Uchiha Shisui shook his head: "I feel like I've forgotten something very important, but I just can't remember it right now..."

The feeling was like having grasped the end of a thread but being unable to untangle the tangled mess behind it, which frustrated him.

Just as he was deep in thought...

Snap! Rumble!

The roof beneath their feet trembled violently, and not far away, the ground within the Uchiha clan's territory was violently ripped open by a tremendous force!

Countless thick, black tree roots, like demonic hands reaching out from the depths of hell, burst forth from the earth, instantly destroying houses and coiling around the terrified Uchiha clan members.

"what!"

A piercing scream instantly tore through the night sky, plunging the once relatively peaceful Uchiha clan territory into chaos and panic.

At that moment, Uchiha Shisui finally realized what he had forgotten.

"Izanagi!" he said hoarsely. "It's Izanagi!!"

Danzo not only stole the Sharingan, but also the forbidden techniques of the Uchiha clan!

(This is today's chapter. There are still over 5,000 words to go. It's a scheduled update. I'm paying off my daily debt of 10,000 words, lol.)

(End of this chapter)