"According to your instructions, we only reviewed the memories within the last five minutes of their lives. Without a doubt, they all died at the hands of a mysterious man who resembled Kirito. During my analysis, I noticed the mysterious figure using a ninjutsu similar to Kakashi's Lightning Style and Chidori. Based on my assumption, the one who executed these techniques was likely a shadow clone."
As he spoke, Yamanaka Inoichi displayed a recording of Kirito's clone utilizing the Chidori Sharp Spear and Chidori Senbon to mercilessly slaughter dozens of Sarutobi clan ninjas.
Watching the video, which depicted the massacre as effortlessly as cutting through vegetables, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo remained silent, their expressions growing increasingly serious.
"Inoichi, seal these images immediately. I'll send people to recover the bodies of Shinnosuke and the others later. From now on, this is to be classified as Konoha's highest-level secret. No one is allowed to view it without my express permission," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, rising from his seat and addressing Yamanaka Inoichi.
"Understood." Inoichi respectfully acknowledged, packed his equipment, and vanished from the room.
With the curtains pulled open, the room brightened once again. Danzo spoke, "Hiruzen, Kirito once learned Chidori from Kakashi. Given his talent for ninjutsu, it's not surprising that he was able to fully evolve Chidori over the span of a year. All signs point to him. In my opinion, Kirito must have faked his death; otherwise, how could the body just disappear? You need to give the order."
Sarutobi Hiruzen listened but did not respond directly.
He had always been cautious when dealing with external threats while being forceful toward his own people, often hesitating at crucial moments.
He wasn't blinded by rage.
Whether or not Kirito was the one who massacred his entire family, it was now beyond even his control as the Third Hokage, often regarded as the strongest Hokage in history.
Given the level of power this individual exhibited, even if he sent a squad to chase him down, it would be a waste of time.
Konoha had already lost the Uchiha clan, the Sarutobi clan, and the Shimura clan.
It couldn't withstand another devastating blow.
If, due to his wrong decision, Konoha suffered heavy losses again, it would only be a matter of time before his position as Hokage would be compromised.
After thinking things through, Sarutobi Hiruzen came up with a more cautious plan. "Issue an order that Kirito is suspected of killing members of both the Sarutobi and Shimura clans. From this moment forward, he, alongside Uchiha Itachi, will be listed as S-rank traitors."
"Are we just going to let him get away with it?" Danzo asked, his eyes bloodshot, clearly not willing to let go.
"What more do you want?" Sarutobi Hiruzen snapped, his usual harsh demeanor showing. "Let's not forget that Kirito was declared dead in public. Even if he was the murderer, how would you find him? And even if you did find him, could you capture him? He took out my people in a matter of minutes. Do you think you could do any better?"
"This..." Danzo's tone softened immediately upon hearing this.
As much as he loathed admitting it, the strength Kirito had displayed was far beyond what a normal ninja could contend with.
Unless they were prepared to overwhelm him with sheer numbers and sacrifice countless lives, capturing him was near impossible.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, now visibly frustrated, continued, "We need to be careful about this. You know the situation in Konoha as well as I do. The priority right now is stabilizing the village. I'll announce your punishment tomorrow. If you truly care about the village, you'll accept the consequences without complaint. As for Kirito, I'll secretly send someone to follow up."
He planned to spend a large sum of money and issue a reward in the underground network, determined to find Kirito and exact his revenge.
Regardless of whether Kirito was the real culprit or not.
If he's alive, he wants to confront him face-to-face. If he's dead, he wants the body. Either way, they must find out who took his mask and sword to uncover the true murderer behind the massacre of his clan.
The Uchiha clan, the Sarutobi clan, and the Shimura clan had been wiped out.
Two S-rank rogue ninjas now roamed Konoha.
This was nothing short of an explosive revelation.
Uchiha Itachi, S-rank traitor. Crime: the massacre of the entire Uchiha clan.
Kirito, S-rank traitor. Crimes: suspected of slaughtering the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, and the alleged murder of numerous Anbu members of Konoha.
As soon as these two warrants were issued, it sent shockwaves throughout the village, alarming both the ninja forces and civilians alike.
Many could still grasp Uchiha Itachi's actions—given the long-standing tensions between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's ruling hierarchy.
Most people never held much affection for the Uchiha, anyway. There was a widespread perception that they were cold and distant. And with Sasuke surviving as evidence of the massacre, it wasn't hard to believe Itachi was capable of such an atrocity.
But Kirito's case was far stranger.
Not only Kakashi and other members of Anbu who had seen Kirito's body, but even most of the villagers were unwilling to believe it.
It wasn't just a matter of whether he had the power to destroy the Sarutobi clan led by Hiruzen and the Shimura clan led by Danzo.
It was hard to understand what motivation he would even have.
In the eyes of many, Kirito had always been an exemplary ninja—polite, well-mannered, and loyal to the village. He cherished his comrades.
Before he joined the Anbu, during his rise from Genin to Jonin, he was highly respected by the people of Konoha.
Even elite jonin like Kakashi held him in high regard.
It seemed unbelievable that he would suddenly turn into an S-rank traitor.
Of course, this doubt was only temporary.
Konoha's leadership, skilled at shaping public perception, would soon have more than 99% of the population despising Kirito.
They could make white seem black if they wanted.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, having placed a bounty on Kirito's head, had officially branded him an S-rank rogue.
Kirito remained unaware.
And even if he knew, he wouldn't have cared.
Because, by this point, he had already followed Obito to the Akatsuki base in the Land of Rain.
This was a country where it rained for most of the year.
It was also one of the most war-torn regions in Naruto's world.
Located at the crossroads of the Fire, Wind, and Earth Nations, it was often ravaged by war.
Kirito, Obito, and Uchiha Itachi arrived at Amegakure on a small boat.
Perhaps knowing they had visitors, Nagato refrained from using the Rain Tiger Free Technique.
Kirito was grateful for not having to get drenched.
Following Obito, Kirito and Itachi floated along the stream.
"In the organization, everyone calls me Tobi. I'm not a full member yet—just a trainee with no special abilities. In the future, remember to show me some respect," Obito, now in his new orange swirling mask, said as he stood at the bow, arms folded.
(End of Chapter).
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