Saving the Uchiha clan starts with becoming the clan leader.

A scream so brief it was almost a hallucination.

The Root ninja standing opposite Sogen vanished without a trace, leaving no remains but a half-melted sword, burned through the floor by the intensely hot flames, which fell into the soil below.

Not just people,

Even the screens, walls, and buildings behind people were reduced to ashes by this move.

This is the Fire Sword.

One of Zongxian's signature techniques is to seal all the flames into his sword, swing it once, and when it's over, burn everything it hits to ashes with explosive flames.

This move has no upper limit to its power.

The stronger the sealed flames, the greater the power. The only problem is that the longsword in hand has a limit to the flames it can withstand. Even the ability of "Knights Don't Die Bare Hands" can only give him the attributes of a D-rank Noble Phantasm at most, and cannot break through to a higher level.

[Chapter 63. Obito's Unforgettable Feelings (Seeking votes! Seeking recommendations!!)]

The sword technique that incinerated a person completely shocked the Root ninjas. Their remaining instincts caused them to feel a strange fear of that terrifying power, so much so that they were unable to move for a moment due to fear. A brief moment of stiffness would normally be harmless, but the Root ninjas, with their qualities, almost instantly extinguished that fear.

however,

At this time, in this setting,

This brief period of stiffness was enough for Shisui, Hiashi Hyuga, and the others to accomplish a great deal.

Even Shisui showed no mercy or hesitation at this moment. The small katana in his hand flashed through the air, mercilessly reaping the lives of the Root ninjas. Even the Jonin could not withstand Shisui's blade.

[Body Flicker] Shisui's speed in reaping lives within a small area may not be much slower than that of the deceased Fourth Hokage.

With the addition of Hiashi Hyuga and his Jonin-level Hyuga clan ninja who served as both bodyguards and attendants, the three of them keenly seized the brilliant opportunity created by Sogen and instantly killed more than half of the remaining five survivors.

Only two people remained alive.

Unfortunately, by this point, the two, having lost even their numerical advantage, were no match for Sogen, Shisui, Hyuga Hiashi, and their group. Their status as Jonin could not change their fate of defeat and death. As for their companions who had not yet made a move, they had no hope.

I never thought I would survive when I started this mission, which was a mission with a certain death sentence.

The battle lasted less than half a minute from start to finish.

Root's three elite squads were thus wiped out.

The speed was so fast that Aburame Ryoma, who was gathering information on the treetop, frowned deeply. As expected of the Uchiha, they were indeed strong to the point of despair. Despite making such a great sacrifice, they had not gathered much useful information.

These are all things that Uchiha Mugen had already revealed.

The ridiculously powerful shuriken throwing technique, and the unique Uchiha-style swordsmanship that could completely obliterate a person—these were things that Sogen had already revealed on the battlefield. Naturally, they were not difficult for those with ulterior motives to collect and master. Given Root's power and influence, it was naturally qualified to learn about these materials.

Before the operation, Ryoma Aburame had already conveyed information about the target of the operation to all the personnel involved.

Including the twelve who led the charge,

They were also aware of some of Zongxian's methods.

However, knowing is one thing, being able to do it is another. To put it more simply, my mind understands, but my hands and feet have no idea what to do. I know that Zongxian's shuriken throwing technique can shatter rocks and steel, but the problem is that they simply don't have enough time to dodge.

Also, there's the Uchiha-ryu: Great Fire Sword.

That's an unsolvable move; you either dodge it or take it head-on. There's no other way to counter it, at least Ryoma Aburame doesn't have any good ideas.

"Proceed according to the original plan."

A new order has been issued.

Aburame Ryoma knew he wasn't exactly a quick-witted person who could apply knowledge to new situations, and he wasn't very confident in his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. At this point, rather than giving orders haphazardly, it was better to continue with the original plan. After all, this time, Gen's elite forces had come out in full force, and their human resources were extremely abundant.

Even if it costs lives, he will wear down Uchiha Sogen.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the blood-stained room, Obito Uchiha, enveloped by the body of a white Zetsu, silently emerged from a nearby pillar. He lowered his head, his crimson eyes peeking out from the only hole in the vortex mask, filled with deep solemnity and seriousness.

"【Flame Demon】Uchiha Munen?"

Obito Uchiha glanced at the humanoid ashes on the ground, his gaze passing through the holes in the floor to the half-melted sword still steaming, its intense heat not yet dissipated. He then turned his gaze to the four people who had been killed by the shuriken.

He was using his own eyes to verify the authenticity of the information about Uchiha Sogen!

"Obito, what a terrifying guy! His Fire Release techniques are definitely more powerful than yours!" White Zetsu is as unreliable as ever, always speaking his mind as he pleases, without caring about the feelings of the person involved.

Fortunately,

Obito Uchiha nodded in agreement.

"If we only consider fire-style techniques, I am no match for him."

"And this shuriken throwing technique... Obito, is your clan's shuriken throwing technique really that terrifying? It can even cut through steel... It's unheard of! Well, although I haven't witnessed anything like it myself yet!" White Zetsu kept rambling on and on!

Obito Uchiha remained silent.

He was pondering how to deal with Uchiha Mugen, the young clan leader who seemed poised to lead the Uchiha clan back to its former glory. A powerful Uchiha clan did not fit his future plans; decline, decay, and even complete extinction were the best outcomes.

"Dealing with such a terrifying guy won't be easy. The best way is to force Uchiha Sogen into a situation where he has to expend his chakra and eye power. Once his Mangekyou Sharingan goes blind, he will no longer be a threat." Black Zetsu calmly analyzed how to do it for Obito.

"You mean the Mist Ninja?"

"Is there a better option?" Black Zetsu's smile was icy.

"It would be a good result for us if the people from Root could help wear down some of Uchiha Sogen's eye power. Judging from the current situation, Root is definitely no match for Uchiha Sogen! Rather than hoping that these people will create a miracle, we should start preparing for what's to come as soon as possible."

"No rush, I want to see if Uchiha Sogen can use the eye techniques of the Mangekyou Sharingan." Uchiha Obito hadn't forgotten that Uchiha Sogen had awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan. Compared to anything else, he cared more about the Mangekyou Sharingan.

"That works too!"

He picked up the Kaleidoscope Sharingan.

Black Zetsu didn't continue to persuade Obito. To be honest, he was also quite curious about what kind of eye technique Uchiha Sogen had awakened. As an old ghost who had lived for a thousand years, he had spent most of his long life either secretly observing the Uchiha clan or the Senju and Uzumaki clans.

For a thousand years.

He had witnessed many Mangekyou Sharingan with extraordinary abilities. Although there had been instances of identical eye techniques, the Uchiha clan always brought him new surprises every few decades. He didn't know exactly how many abilities the Uchiha clan's Mangekyou Sharingan possessed.

[Chapter 64. Dancing! (Seeking votes and investments!)]

The killings continued.

Zongxian and the others have already left Songzhuting.

However, the Root ninjas continued to advance, fearlessly blocking Sogen's and his group's escape route. Human life became the cheapest commodity here, and crimson blood and grayish-white ashes paved their path, mixing into a murky mess.

A group of four,

Zongxian stood at the very front.

The intricate web laid out by the ninjas, who were like sharp blades tearing through the roots.

"Uchiha Style: Great Fire Sword".

This domineering and unparalleled move could not be blocked by ordinary means. Even the strongest Root ninja who was skilled in Earth Release: Hardening Technique could not withstand this strike that was enough to incinerate steel. The scorching flames directly cremated the opponent, saving even the need for firewood, leaving only ashes to be scattered by the wind.

Following closely behind Sogen was Shisui. Even though everyone had agreed to overthrow the Third Hokage together, it didn't mean that Sogen would entrust his back to Hyuga Hiashi with peace of mind. Hyuga Hiashi and his bodyguard were both at the very end of the group.

Of course, although he was at the end of the line, it cannot be said that Hiashi Hyuga was taking advantage of the situation.

The Byakugan's intelligence-gathering ability, with its 360-degree field of vision, is clearly superior to the Sharingan. He not only saw attackers from the sky, the ground, the forest, and the water, but also spotted individuals using secret techniques, predicting their moves and informing Zongxuan in advance.

"Front left."

Hiashi Hyuga shouted loudly.

"Magic Shiranui."

The power of his eyes shone brightly in his scarlet pupils.

Zongxian turned his gaze to the bushes to his left and met the eyes of the enemy hiding among them, who was forming hand seals. His powerful eye force directly invaded the bushes, and the illusory flames that did not exist in the real world began to burn fiercely in the enemy's mind. The pain that directly affected his mind instantly rendered him powerless to resist.

Immediately afterwards, a shuriken was thrown, ending the opponent's life.

next second,

"Watch out, left and back, right..."

The information provided by Hyuga Hiashi abruptly ended.

He encountered an enemy with whom he had a very poor affinity. A swordsman skilled in Wind Release techniques attacked him. As fellow villagers, the Root members clearly knew how to deal with the Hyuga clan's Byakugan and Gentle Fist. This formidable enemy put Hyuga Hiashi in a difficult battle, forcing him to focus on the immediate fight and leaving him unable to provide Sogen with any further information.

It wasn't just Hyuga Hiashi who was struggling; his Jonin-level bodyguard was also entangled with a similar opponent. His situation was even worse than Hyuga Hiashi's, with multiple injuries. If it weren't for Hyuga Hiashi and Shisui taking care of him, he would probably be dead before he could break out of the Pine Bamboo Pavilion.

just,

Even Shisui is now facing an attack from several Jonin-level experts.

The Root ninjas who surrounded him fought fiercely, using a life-or-death combat style that put Shisui in an extremely difficult situation. In particular, there were also experts in Earth Release techniques who coordinated from a distance, constantly changing the terrain and landscape, which to some extent limited the flexibility of Shisui's Body Flicker Technique.

"Tsk!"

Zongxian clicked his tongue.

Having dealt with the enemies on his flanks, he quickly surveyed the surroundings, taking in the entire situation.

It must be admitted that the Root team that Danzo meticulously trained was no pushover at all. Each member was strong and skilled in battle, fearless of death, and the team cooperated well, advancing and retreating in an orderly manner. Moreover, there were quite a few users of secret techniques mixed in among them.

"This can't go on!"

Zongxian pondered to himself,

He still had enough strength to continue fighting, as Samehada could provide him with a constant supply of chakra to replenish his energy. However, Shisui and Hiashi Hyuga did not have the stamina for a long battle. If they could not quickly decide the outcome, break through the encirclement, or have reinforcements arrive, Hiashi Hyuga would probably perish here.

In the past, he wouldn't have cared whether Hiashi Hyuga lived or died.

However, after the meeting at the Matsuchiku-tei, they realized the Hyuga clan's—no, to be precise, Hyuga Hiashi's—hatred towards the Third Hokage. It would be a waste to let Hyuga Hiashi die here, since such an opportunity to overthrow the Third Hokage was extremely rare.

However, resolving the current crisis and rescuing Hiashi Hyuga will not be an easy task—without using the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Lord Ryoma, the Kuroi squad is completely wiped out, the Tsuruta squad is completely wiped out, and only Captain Nozawa of the Nozawa squad survives with serious injuries... Squad 17... Squad 29..." The masked Root ninja reported the statistics, and the long list of casualties made Aburame Ryoma raise his eyebrows.

Even though they had anticipated that this operation would result in staggering losses.

However, when he actually saw the extremely tragic casualties, he couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart. But in the blink of an eye, his heart returned to calm. Having experienced the bloody war of the Ninja World War, which was comparable to a meat grinder, this scene was not frightening to him. He was just a little heartbroken about losing so many people.

"Changhe, how is the situation now?"

Aburame Ryoma asked his companion from the mountain tribe.