Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 180 Still Water! You, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, have also betrayed us?

Star City, night.

This city, which rose rapidly under the rule of the Asura, remains brightly lit even at night.

Unlike the tranquility of Konoha, the nights in the Star Capital possess a vibrant, forward-moving energy.

In the core area of ​​Star City, a domed building constructed of black basalt is brightly lit inside, exuding a cold, unnatural tranquility.

This is Menma's exclusive research and command center. In the huge space, apart from the complex three-dimensional star map composed of pure chakra floating in the center and slowly rotating, only a few strange instruments connected to unknown circuits emit a low hum.

Mianma stood in front of the star map, his posture upright.

He wore his signature three-eyed fox mask, which appeared unusually serene in the pale blue light, except for his deep blue pupils, which were so sharp they seemed to pierce the stars.

He extended his index finger, a tiny point of light gathering at its tip, and gently touched a node on the suspended star map.

The node lit up instantly, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and an invisible wave that could be perceived by specific souls spread out in an instant.

This is a chakra network constructed through "Tsukuyomi" and "Eight Thousand Spears," transcending distance and ignoring barriers, issuing a silent summons.

Before long, the air rippled like water, and a figure dressed in a dark turtleneck outfit seemed to emerge directly from the shadows.

Uchiha Hikari remained aloof, her delicate and cold face expressionless. When she appeared, the air seemed to carry a chilling, sharp aura.

But in those Mangekyou Sharingan eyes that gazed at Menma, there was a hint of gentleness that was almost imperceptible.

Immediately afterwards, the side door opened, and the figure of Whirlpool Vanilla emerged from it.

She wore a modified red Vortex Clan outfit that allowed for easy movement, over which she wore a Star Ninja-style vest. Her long, bright red hair fell smoothly down her back, and her expression was gentle yet capable, exuding a mature charm that came with the passage of time.

Almost simultaneously, the heavy metal door slid open silently.

Kaguya Kimimaro walked in. The boy's figure was as straight as a javelin, his long gray hair hung down his shoulders, and his face still had a sickly pallor. His transplanted Byakugan occasionally flashed a sharpness belonging to a warrior race.

Finally, in the shadows of a corner of the laboratory, space distorted slightly, and the figure of Uchiha Shisui appeared.

His expression was tinged with an inescapable complexity, concealing deep worry and a barely perceptible struggle. His newly transplanted Sharingan with three tomoe eyes warily scanned the cold surroundings and the members gathered there, who could be considered the core fighting force of the Land of Stars.

He knew that those who could be summoned here were the most trusted and sharpest forces of Shura.

"Sir." The men bowed in unison, their voices echoing in the empty operations room.

Even Uchiha Shisui bowed slightly.

Menma's gaze slowly swept over the four people through the white three-eyed fox mask.

He turned around, and with a flick of his finger, he drew a line on the chakra star map. The star map instantly changed, focusing and magnifying, finally settling on the model of the ninja world planet.

The sphere, suspended high on the outside of the model, was deliberately enlarged and emitted a cold moonlight.

"I have summoned you all because I have a mission that requires you to accompany me." Menma pointed to the magnified moon.

His voice was deep, yet it clearly pierced through the hum of the instruments.
Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly surprised.

Shura's strength is undeniable. He single-handedly launched a surprise attack on Konoha and Kumogakure, causing a great disturbance before managing to retreat calmly. In fact, apart from Uchiha Shisui, the other three knew that Shura had also been to Kirigakure, taking advantage of the Kaguya clan's rebellion to bring back Kimimaro and Haku.

"The moon?" Uchiha Hikaru's cool voice carried a hint of surprise.

Even with her background, this is simply unbelievable.

"This mission is to launch a surprise attack on the Otsutsuki clan, who live inside the moon," Menma continued.

Uchiha Shisui's pupils contracted sharply as he looked at the figure in the main seat with disbelief.

Moon?

The Otsutsuki clan?
This is completely beyond their understanding of the ninja world!

Mianma didn't give them time to process the information, continuing in a calm yet unquestionable tone, bombarding their understanding like a torrent.

"The Otsutsuki clan on the moon are descendants of Hamura Otsutsuki, the younger brother of the Sage of Six Paths, and the main branch of the Hyuga clan. A thousand years ago, Hamura led a portion of his clan to migrate to the interior of the moon to guard the seal. They consider themselves the 'watchers' and 'guardians' of the ninja world, viewing it as a defiled place and intending to 'purify' it."

"For some reason, after they lost their Byakugan, their fighting style was very different from that of the ninja world. They relied on the special eye technique 'Giant Tenseigan' formed by the fusion of countless Byakugan. They could manipulate gravity and repulsion and control a puppet army. Their chakra was ancient and powerful and should not be underestimated."

Menma briefly recounts the origins of the Otsutsuki clan on the moon, as well as their history of splitting due to ideological differences, ultimately leading to the war between the main family and the branch family.

"This raid mission," Menma's voice broke the heavy atmosphere with its decisive tone: "is to locate its core area, the 'Reincarnation Chamber,' assess its war potential, obtain key intelligence, and, if necessary, eliminate the threat."

Then, Menma said solemnly, "After years of war, the Otsutsuki clan on the moon has dwindled to almost nothing. There should still be two clan members left, along with a large puppet army. However, there are two mysterious powerful figures on the moon. Although they are not currently able to interfere in the mortal world, it is possible that one of them will try to talk to me."

Two... mysterious powerful figures who cannot interfere in the present world?
A powerful figure who even Shura takes seriously and gives special instructions to?!

Just how powerful is it?!
How did Shura learn of these secrets?
Menma's gaze fell on Uchiha Hikaru: "So, Hikaru, your fighting strength is the key to fighting against the Otsutsuki clan on the moon in case I'm not around."

Sensing Menma's attention, Uchiha Hikaru slightly raised his head and nodded emphatically.

Mianma then looked at Xiangcao: "Xiangcao, prepare more sealing scrolls, especially powerful seals for energy bodies and puppets."

"Yes!" Vanilla was eager to try.

Finally, his gaze swept over Kimimaro: "Speaking of which, the Otsutsuki clan on the moon are also the ancestors of your Kaguya clan. Cherish this mission."

"Yes, sir!" Kimimaro replied solemnly, knowing that he was the weakest in this mission and therefore attached great importance to this opportunity.

"Furthermore," Menma paused, his gaze turning to Shisui with a meaningful look, "this time, the head of the Hyuga branch family, Hyuga Hizashi, will be accompanying us. He, along with the Hyuga branch family, will be members of the future Land of Stars."

This statement was like a bomb dropped into deep water.

"What?!" Uchiha Shisui could no longer remain silent and exclaimed in shock!
He suddenly looked up, his Sharingan with three tomoe in his pupils shrinking slightly, his face filled with extreme shock, even overshadowing his horror at the "moon" and the "Otsutsuki clan"!

Parents of the Hyuga branch family?

Defecting from Konoha?
Join the Star Kingdom?
How can this be? !
The Hyuga clan, especially the branch family, has always been regarded as the least likely ninja clan to betray Konoha because of their "Caged Bird" curse seal!

Is it because of that cruel "caged bird"?

The thought flashed through Shisui's mind, and a chill ran down his spine.

If even the Hyuga branch family, known for its loyalty and discipline, is like this... then what about the Konoha clan...?

A strong urge made him want to send the message back to Konoha immediately!

But reason and cold reality instantly sobered him up.

This is the heart of Star City!
He was surrounded by the unfathomable Shura, Uchiha Hikaru whose eye techniques were several times stronger than his, the Uzumaki clan leader who was skilled in sealing techniques, and that Kaguya boy who exuded a dangerous aura!
Since Shura dared to speak frankly to his face, he wasn't afraid of him escaping. Any unusual move he made would be tantamount to courting death!

Shisui could only clench his fists; this sense of powerlessness caused even his new Sharingan to tremble slightly.

The very foundation of Konoha was being eroded in ways he could not even imagine.

The gaps inside Konoha were once again laid bare before him.

A knowing and indifferent glint flashed in Uchiha Hikaru's eyes. She had no feelings for Konoha, and her feelings for the Uchiha clan were only because Menma needed them.

In her eyes, the Hyuga branch family's separation from Konoha was nothing more than a withered branch naturally falling from a rotten tree.

Vanilla Uzumaki remained calm, but her eyes held a hint of relief at the Hyuga branch family's liberation from constraints.

Kaguya Kimimaro, however, paid no attention to any of this. His focus was solely on the "battle" and the "enemy," and his white pupils burned with fighting spirit.

"The mission is clear, prepare immediately," Menma gave the final instruction.

The three men solemnly accepted the order: "Yes!"

Uchiha Shisui roughly guessed the other party's purpose in bringing him along, and could only respond accordingly.

--------

Valley of the End.

The enormous waterfall, like an inverted Milky Way, roars as it plunges into the deep pool, stirring up a misty spray that reflects a mesmerizing halo under the moonlight.

The two colossal stone statues of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, each a hundred meters tall, stand facing each other across the water, silently standing on both banks of the rushing river, like unchanging monuments, telling the legend and hatred of that decades ago.

Several figures stood silently atop Madara Uchiha's stone statue, as if appearing out of thin air.

Mianma stood at the forefront, his black robe fluttering in the night wind. His gaze, hidden beneath the mask, pierced through the mist and looked at the stone statue between the pillars opposite.

Uchiha Hikari stood to Menma's left, the night wind ruffling her dark clothes. Her Mangekyou Sharingan shone like two cold, eerie stars in the darkness, warily scanning the rushing river below and the dark jungle on the opposite bank.

Beside her, Uchiha Shisui stood with his arms crossed, his figure appearing somewhat stiff. His newly transplanted Sharingan was also activated. His complex gaze swept across the canyon and landed on the direction of the Hashirama statue on the opposite side. He seemed slightly dazed, lost in thought.

Whirlpool Vanilla stood quietly to the right, several specially made sealing talismans in her hands shimmering in the moonlight.

Kaguya Kimimaro stood at the very back, her gray hair fluttering slightly in the wind.

The roar of the massive water flow drowned out all the subtle sounds.

At the same time, outside Konoha Village.

Hyuga Hizashi changed into a set of dark casual clothes that allowed for easy movement, and his aura became more restrained.

He was accompanied by his wife, who was also dressed simply, and his young son, Neji.

Neji seemed a little nervous, holding his mother's hand, as it was his first time leaving Konoha to visit relatives.

Hiashi Hyuga personally escorted them to the village entrance, looking at his younger brother with a complex expression.

The reason given by the spies for requesting leave was "to visit old friends of the Takeri clan and to help Neji relax," which was perfectly reasonable. The time, route, and even when he would return were all clearly stated.

"Go early and return early, sir." Hiashi's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible heaviness.

Richi looked deeply at his elder brother, his eyes containing too many unspeakable things, and finally bowed solemnly: "Yes, clan chief."

Then, he and his wife and children disappeared quickly.

The Bamboo Clan was also located within the Land of Fire. When Hizashi arrived at the Bamboo Clan's territory with his wife and children, he was quickly welcomed by the clan chief. As old friends, they naturally drank a few cups together.

late at night.

After calming his worried wife and sleeping son, Richa quietly left the courtyard where he was staying, leaving behind only a shadowy figure.

Like a cheetah blending into the night, he maximized the power of his Byakugan, evading the guards of the Kaguya clan, and sped towards the Valley of the End.

Using the hidden coordinates left by Shura, Richa arrived precisely at this legendary battlefield.

He took a deep breath, circulated his chakra, and leaped lightly into the air, landing steadily on the broad, thick shoulders of the Hashirama Senju statue in a few bounds.

The night wind ruffled his short hair, and the "Caged Bird" curse mark on his forehead looked particularly glaring in the moonlight.

He steadied himself and immediately activated his Byakugan!

Veins bulged! The powerful Byakugan's X-ray vision instantly pierced through the mist that filled the canyon and the distance of hundreds of meters, accurately scanning the figures on the Uchiha Madara statue opposite!

In the Byakugan's vision, the outline of chakra was clearly visible.

The first thing that caught my eye was that iconic black robe and fox mask—Shura!

The daily change is certain in my heart.

But then, when he saw the people behind Shura, his expression froze instantly, turning into extreme horror!
Two Uchiha?!

The Uchiha clan's chakra characteristics are incredibly distinct, and the shape of one of their chakra claps is so familiar!

Hyuga Hizashi's breath hitched!
That face, those eyes—though the chakra intensity seemed a bit weaker, he would never forget that unique chakra fluctuation pattern, the one he had fought alongside in the Third Shinobi World War!
Uchiha Shisui!
The famous "Shisui of the Body Flicker" who mysteriously disappeared some time ago, a genius of the Uchiha clan, and an elite Jonin trusted by the Third Hokage!
He's actually... still alive!

Moreover, he stood right next to "Shura," in the Star Kingdom's camp!

There's also a member of the Uzumaki clan with warm, abundant chakra and iconic red hair...?!

The last one... a boy whose chakra carried the chilling aura of white bones, that feeling...

He will never admit his mistake!
Is she an orphan of the Kaguya clan?!
The sheer absurdity and shock made it almost impossible for Hima to stand!
The Uchiha genius of Konoha has actually... betrayed us?!
How can this be? !
The presence of Uchiha Shisui here carries a far more terrifying significance than seeing any other powerful figure from the Land of Stars!
This means that Konoha's intelligence may have already been leaked, and even the Uchiha clan may be in need of Shura, just like him?

The Uchiha clan, the Uzumaki clan, the Kaguya clan... and their Hyuga clan!
What exactly is Shura trying to do?
Meanwhile, on the opposite side, above the statue of Madara Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha's gaze also pierced through the mist and landed on Hizashi Hyuga.

When Shisui saw the clear "Caged Bird" curse mark on the other person's forehead and confirmed that he was indeed the head of the Hyuga branch family, his heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer!

He had previously held onto a sliver of hope that it was some kind of conspiracy by Shura...

But now, I'm seeing it with my own eyes!
Hyuga Hizashi really appeared here!
They have truly betrayed Konoha!
The complex emotions in Shizuku's eyes were instantly replaced by a profound pain and a sense of bewilderment at the collapse of his beliefs.

He stared intently at the statue of Hijiri on the opposite side. The two were separated by the surging river, the roaring waterfall, and the invisible chasm called "stance." At the point where their eyes met, an unspeakable shock and bitterness flowed silently.

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(End of this chapter)