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

Chapter 255 The Curtain Falls on the Theater
The chill along the banks of the Naka River did not dissipate with the departure of Shura, but the intense pain in Itachi Uchiha's eyes and the turmoil in his heart were far colder than the river water.

He covered his face, and tears of blood seeped through his fingers, trickling down and dripping onto the slightly withered grass in early spring.

The words Shura spoke before leaving echoed repeatedly in his mind like a ghostly whisper, constantly eroding his once unwavering faith.

Is the "right" principle you firmly believe in and are willing to sacrifice everything for truly your own choice?

The masked man who called himself "Uchiha Madara"...

He lingered outside the village like a ghost, and what was the purpose behind his invitation to join that so-called organization?
Or was he, from beginning to end, merely a pawn manipulated by a more skilled player, who personally tolled the death knell for his family?

The intense pain came not only from the backlash of the mind, but also from the overuse of the Mangekyou Sharingan.

My vision began to blur, and I kept hearing a ringing in my ears.

He staggered to his unconscious brother's side, and looking at Sasuke's face, which was still contorted in pain even in his nightmare, an unprecedented sense of confusion and powerlessness gripped him.

He slowly knelt down, his trembling hand gently stroking Sasuke's forehead, trying to smooth the furrowed brows, only to find that he couldn't even offer this small comfort.

Meanwhile, the main battlefield in the Uchiha clan's territory has been transformed into a true inferno.

The three towering Susanoo became the absolute rulers.

Uchiha Hikaru's crimson Susanoo was like a burning god of vengeance, each swing of his massive chakra katana unleashing a terrifying storm that tore the earth apart; Shisui's emerald green Susanoo was like an agile forest guardian, his massive spiral sword precisely striking down Konoha Jonin attempting to organize their formation, clearing obstacles for the retreat; while Fugaku's deep blue Susanoo, though somewhat subdued, was as steady as a rock, firmly protecting the flanks of the surviving Uchiha clan members' retreat, resisting long-range ninjutsu attacks from afar.

Fugaku knew that this was the last time he would act as the clan leader to protect his people.

Under the pressure of Susanoo, the Konoha ninja's lines completely collapsed.

Even with Hiruzen Sarutobi personally overseeing the operation and elite Jonin from various clans fighting valiantly, individual bravery seemed utterly insignificant in the face of such near-mythical power.

The surviving Uchiha ninjas unleashed astonishing fighting power. Their coordination with the Star Ninjas became increasingly seamless. Fighting and retreating, they forcefully pushed the battlefield away from the burning clan territory, gradually approaching the core area of ​​Konoha Village.

"Don't panic! Reinforce the formation! Ranged ninjas, provide cover!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was hoarse as he swung his Vajra Staff to deflect a giant shuriken that was aimed at him, but more attacks came from all directions.

Nara Shikaku's Shadow Imitation Technique attempted to control the ninja's physical body within Susanoo several times, but the massive chakra entity itself strongly interfered with the Shadow Technique, and all attempts failed, resulting in mental injuries from the backlash.

Akimichi Choza's Multi-Size Technique lost its former intimidating power in front of Susanoo. The giant palm slammed onto the chakra armor, only causing a ripple, while he himself was shaken so badly that his arm went numb.

Yamanaka Inoichi's Mind Transfer Technique was even less able to penetrate the dense, almost tangible barrier of Yin Release chakra.

"Lord Hokage! Their objective is to evacuate! Forcibly stopping them will result in too many casualties!" Shikaku used Shadow Flicker Technique to dodge an area-of-effect attack and landed next to Hiruzen Sarutobi, urgently saying. His face was covered in dust, and he was breathing rapidly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware of this, but he understood even more clearly what letting these traitors, especially the Uchiha survivors with such terrifying power, leave meant for the future of Konoha.

He gritted his teeth, his gaze sweeping over the Konoha ninjas whose eyes already showed fear and exhaustion, and finally he could only roar heavily, "Pursue! We can't let them get away so easily! Hiashi! Shinnosuke! Lead the team and hold them off!"

Hyuga Hiashi's Byakugan veins bulged. He could clearly see his cousin Hizashi in the retreating ranks. He was filled with mixed emotions, but there was no time to hesitate. He led the Hyuga clan's elite troops in an attempt to flank them.

The ANBU captain, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, remained silent, his eyes cold beneath his mask, leading his most loyal ANBU squad like a sharp dagger piercing the rear of the retreating group.

Uchiha Hikaru stood in the crystal on Susanoo's forehead, his scarlet Mangekyou Sharingan coldly watching the pursuers.

Seeing Sarutobi Shinnosuke leading his elite ANBU troops charging towards them recklessly, she snorted coldly.

"Amaterasu!"

The black flames silently ignited on the right arm of Sarutobi Shinnosuke, who was charging at the forefront. The pain, enough to incinerate everything, made him groan and his movements instantly became distorted.

"Captain!" the ANBU behind him exclaimed.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke was also a decisive person. When he realized that he could not extinguish the strange black flames, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. He took the ninja sword with his left hand and swung it down without hesitation, actually severing his right arm at the shoulder!

The severed arm was instantly engulfed by black flames and turned into ashes.

The intense pain nearly made him faint, but he forced himself to continue fighting.

However, in the instant he was slowed by the excruciating pain, a green phantom swept across the battlefield like a gust of wind!
It's Shisui!
The emerald green Susanoo did not move, but its main body, using the Illusionary Body Flicker Technique and the Sharingan's insight, seized the fleeting opportunity and was already close!
puff!

The cold ninja sword pierced precisely into Sarutobi Shinnosuke's abdomen and emerged from his body!

Sarutobi Shinnosuke's body stiffened abruptly. He looked down in disbelief at the blade that had pierced through his body, then struggled to look up at the familiar yet icy Sharingan eyes before him.

“Uh… Uchiha… Shisui…” he uttered the name with difficulty, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Shisui's eyes were filled with complex emotions, but he showed no mercy in his hands, suddenly drawing his ninja sword and spraying a spray of blood.

He didn't look at the fallen enemy again; his figure vanished once more, returning to Susanoo.

"Shinnosuke!" Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing his eldest son severely injured in the distance, was furious and tried to rush over, but was forced back by a sweeping attack from Fugaku's deep blue Susanoo.

At this time, most of the Uchiha survivors and the Star Ninja had successfully evacuated to the edge of the Konoha Village protection barrier.

Uchiha Hikaru glanced back at Konoha, which was engulfed in flames and filled with cries of agony, his eyes haughty and cold.

She quickly formed hand seals again, and a massive amount of chakra condensed.

"Fire Escape·The Great Fire Extinguishes!"

This fire jutsu attack is on a scale far beyond what ordinary people can imagine!
It didn't spew out from the mouth, but rather condensed and erupted from in front of that deep red Susanoo!
A massive wave of fire, like a tsunami, appeared out of nowhere, carrying an aura of annihilation, and surged toward the pursuing Konoha ninja army!
The area was so vast that it covered almost the entire street, and the scorching heat instantly scorched the trees in the distance!
"Defend! Defend now!" Hiruzen Sarutobi roared hoarsely, taking the lead in unleashing Earth Release: Earth Wall. Other ninjas skilled in defensive ninjutsu also gave it their all.

"Tu Dun·Tu Liubi!"

"Water Escape·Water Formation Wall!"

Earthen walls and water walls rose from the ground, attempting to block the apocalyptic waves of fire.

boom--! ! !
The raging waves crashed against the combined defensive line, instantly evaporating large amounts of water vapor and causing the earthen walls to crack and melt under the intense heat!
Screams rose and fell as many ninjas' defenses were breached in an instant, and they were engulfed in flames.

When the flames finally subsided, what remained was scorched earth and the wailing of the wounded.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in rags and leaning on his Vajra Staff, was panting. He looked up and saw that Uchiha Hikaru and Shisui's Susanoo had already taken off into the air, like two dazzling but dangerous shooting stars, and quickly disappeared outside the Konoha barrier, never to be caught again.

"Quick! Medical team! Save people!" Nara Shikaku suppressed his shock and helplessness and loudly directed the survivors to rescue the wounded.

Hiruzen Sarutobi staggered to his eldest son's side. The medical ninja was desperately trying to save him, but the fatal wound in his abdomen and the excessive blood loss from his severed arm were causing Shinnosuke Sarutobi's life force to rapidly ebb away.

“Father…I’m so sorry…” Shinnosuke looked at his father’s aged and sorrowful face, but before he could finish speaking, his head lolled to the side and he lost all life.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wept uncontrollably, tightly embracing his eldest son's still-warm body, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Just then, another ANBU ninja appeared in a flash, reporting with a somber voice: "Lord Hokage... the Captain-Commander's wife, the captain of the second ANBU squad... sacrificed herself to cover her comrades in the previous battle..."

The successive blows were like heavy hammers, slamming into Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.

The eldest son and his wife both died in battle...

His vision went black, and he nearly fainted. He barely managed to stand up thanks to his strong willpower, but his back looked incredibly hunched and desolate.

In the shadows in the distance, Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden snake eyes gleaming with excitement and amusement: "What a magnificent ending! What do you two Hokage think? This bitter fruit, nurtured by Konoha itself, must taste quite good, right?"

The once cheerful face of Hashirama Senju, resurrected through the Impure World Reincarnation, was now replaced by deep pain and bewilderment. He murmured, "Monkey... Konoha... how could it have become like this..."

Tobirama Senju maintained his cold expression, but his sharp eyes were fixed on the direction where Uchiha Kage had disappeared. He sneered, "The evil power of the Uchiha will ultimately be the greatest calamity!"

Orochimaru chuckled lightly: "Hehe, if there is an even more interesting 'show' next time, I will definitely invite you two to come and watch again. Well then, please excuse me for taking my leave."

After saying this, he formed a hand seal and released the Impure World Reincarnation.

The bodies of the First and Second Hokage gradually turned to dust and dissipated, leaving only Hashirama's long sigh and Tobirama's cold gaze before finally returning to nothingness.

Orochimaru himself transformed into a group of small snakes, silently burrowed underground, and disappeared.

Only scattered dust drifted slowly to the ground. The fire in the Uchiha clan's territory was still burning, turning half the sky red.

Danzo Shimura did not participate in the pursuit. He stood on a relatively intact high wall, his one eye scanning the ruins with a gloomy expression.

Deep down, he was filled with apprehension about the power of Uchiha Hikaru and Shisui, and even more so with an indescribable fear of Shura, who had never truly made a move yet controlled everything.

"Lord Danzo." Ryuma Aburame appeared silently behind him and reported in a low voice, "We have searched thoroughly. Not a single Uchiha clan corpse was found."

"Including those that Itachi Uchiha had previously eliminated, they should all have been taken away by the Hoshinobi during their retreat. In addition, the archives of the Konoha Police Department and many secret scrolls in the Nakagawa Shrine were also looted."

"What?!" Danzo turned around abruptly, slamming his cane on the ground, so angry he almost vomited blood.

He had originally hoped to take the opportunity to collect a large number of Sharingan eyes to make up for the loss of Shisui's eye and continue his research.

Now, not only did they fail to obtain a single Sharingan, but they also lost the Root's stronghold and their secrets were exposed. It's like they've lost both their wife and their army!
His face was ashen, and his single eye gleamed with resentment and unwillingness.

Next, he will face pressure from Hiruzen and the entire village.

Deep within the Uchiha clan's territory, the Fugaku family's residence remains relatively intact.

Itachi Uchiha carried the still unconscious Sasuke on his back and staggered back.

He pushed open the sliding door and was stunned by what he saw.

His parents, Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha, did not evacuate with the Hoshi Shinobi.

They were dressed neatly and knelt upright on the tatami mats in the living room, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

The room was spotless, a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction outside.

“Father…Mother…” Itachi’s voice was dry and hoarse.

Fugaku raised his head, and his Mangekyou Sharingan, which once contained majesty and ambition, was now filled with only calmness and deep weariness.

"You're back, Itachi." His gaze swept over the blood and tears still wet on Itachi's face, then looked at the unconscious Sasuke on his back, a barely perceptible pain flashing in his eyes.

"Why don't you go with Shisui and the others?" Itachi couldn't help but ask.

Fugaku slowly shook his head, his voice low and firm: "I am a failed clan leader, and I have no face to face the clansmen who trusted me. I have entrusted the future of the Uchiha clan to Shisui."

He paused, then looked at Sasuke with loving eyes: "As for Sasuke... that Shura didn't take him away. Perhaps he had ulterior motives, or perhaps it was fate's arrangement."

"But where can he go? I'll use my life to give the village an explanation and let him stay in Konoha." Fugaku knew that Itachi's deal with the Konoha leadership was to save Sasuke's life.

But now things have turned out like this, so many Konoha ninja have died, Sasuke...

"As the son of a clan leader whose rebellion failed, and as the younger brother of... the executioner who slaughtered his clan, if he went to the Land of Stars, his situation might be even more difficult than in Konoha. Here, at least... the Third Hokage might still give him a way out in order to preserve the name of the Uchiha orthodoxy."

"The more rampant the Land of Stars becomes, the safer Sasuke will be."

Mikoto silently got up, carefully took Sasuke from Itachi's back, and took him back to his bedroom to settle him in.

Soon after, she returned to the living room, knelt down beside Fugaku with her back to Itachi, and said in a gentle yet resolute voice, "Itachi, Sasuke... I'm entrusting him to you."

Fugaku closed his eyes and slowly said, "Do it, Itachi. Remember to leave these eyes of mine for Sasuke."

Itachi's body trembled violently, the immense pain almost tearing him apart.

He looked at his parents, who were resolutely facing death, and knew he had no choice.

This may be the parents' last wish, and also the ending they chose for themselves to maintain their final dignity.

He raised the ninja sword in his hand with trembling hands, the cold blade reflecting the firelight burning outside the window.

"Father... Mother... I'm sorry..." Tears mixed with blood streamed down his face again. He gritted his teeth, hardened his heart, and stabbed Fugaku in the back with precision and speed.

Fugaku's body trembled, he groaned, and fell forward, his blood quickly staining the tatami mat beneath him.

His eyes were fixed on the direction of Sasuke's bedroom, and finally lost their sparkle.

Itachi drew his ninja sword, and blood dripped from the tip.

He turned to his mother, whose eyes were closed, tears mixed with blood streaming down his face, and raised the knife in his hand again.

At this critical moment!
call out--!
Several golden chains suddenly burst through the wooden sliding door on one side and shot into the room at an astonishing speed!

A chain precisely deflected the ninja sword that Itachi was thrusting down, producing a crisp metallic clang!

The other chains, like gentle tentacles, quickly wrapped around Mikoto's waist and, to her astonishment, suddenly dragged her backward!
"Mother!" Itachi was horrified and immediately tried to snatch his mother back.

But the golden chains were incredibly powerful and faster, instantly dragging Mikoto out of the house and disappearing into the dark corridor.

"Who?!" Itachi was both shocked and furious, and immediately dashed out of the courtyard.

Under the moonlight, two figures dressed in black robes and wearing white fox masks stood there, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

The mysterious man who had bound Mikoto with the Vajra Lock nodded to another person, then quickly left with Mikoto.

The other person exuded a powerful aura, faced Itachi, and raised the kunai in his hand.

"Give Mother back!" Itachi roared, his Sharingan instantly activating as he charged forward, kunai in hand.

Dangdang Dangdang!
Sparks fly!

The two fighters moved with lightning speed, exchanging blows more than ten times in an instant.

The opponent's taijutsu was extremely skillful, with concise and efficient movements. Every block and dodge was perfectly timed. What alarmed Itachi even more was the opponent's incredible speed, which put him under pressure using only taijutsu.

Moreover, the opponent seemed to be extremely familiar with his Uchiha fluid jutsu and the fighting style of the Konoha Anbu, and could often predict his movements one step ahead!
Due to exhaustion from the series of battles and his concern for his mother, Itachi was unable to break through the opponent's defense for a time.

"Who exactly are you people?! Are you the Uzumaki clan of the Star Ninja?" Itachi questioned sharply, the golden chains immediately reminding him of the red-haired Uzumaki woman on the battlefield earlier.

The masked man did not answer, but his attacks became increasingly fierce, clearly aiming only to delay.

Itachi felt his mother's presence rapidly fading away, and he was frantic with worry, but he couldn't shake off this formidable opponent.

On the other side, Mikoto, bound by golden chains, moved swiftly through the ruins and alleyways of Konoha.

She tried to struggle, but found that the chains were not only incredibly strong, but also suppressed her chakra, making it impossible for her to break free.

A sense of despair began to spread.

Soon, they broke through Konoha's protective barrier and arrived in the forest outside the village.

The mysterious man finally stopped and gently placed Mei on the clearing in the woods.

Mikoto looked at the other person with suspicion and uncertainty, preparing for the worst.

However, the other party slowly loosened the chains.

To Mikoto's astonishment, the man reached out and slowly removed the white fox mask from his face, revealing a pale face covered with eerie cracks, like porcelain that would shatter at the slightest touch, and long, dazzling red hair that shone like flames...

A familiar voice, which she thought had long since passed away, rang out softly, tinged with a hint of hoarseness and emotion:
"It's been a long time, Mikoto."

Moonlight shone on her face, and Mikoto's pupils suddenly contracted, her breath caught in her throat, and she covered her mouth in shock, almost unable to believe her eyes.

"You...you are...Kushina?!"

[PS: I'm currently stockpiling chapters. I'll be releasing a large batch on Monday, guaranteeing at least 20,000 words, and then I'll test my limits.]

(End of this chapter)