Chapter 138
As long as the Konoha higher-ups, upper-level Ninja, and lower-level Ninja were willing to believe that the Uchiha Clan deserved to die, then this clan would surely perish.
"Including your sister, who knows nothing…"
When his sister Sako was mentioned, Itachi-kunfelt a sudden sense of helplessness.
Because no matter what, he did not want his lovely sister to be harmed.
So… "Then, Itachi, what is your answer?"
"Gah… gah…"
Itachi-kun let out a terrifying groan, suppressing his anger and hatred.
However, his rationality told him that at this moment, instead of dwelling on the death of his best friend, he should first plan for his own future.
Clearing his name, returning to the Village, and letting everyone know the truth was what he should do right now.
"That's right, Itachi."
Danzo revealed a satisfied smile.
"Now, let's get back to the main topic. Regarding the matter of you being framed by the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, Uzumaki Naruto…"
Through Danzo's description, Itachi-kun learned more details about how he was framed.
And he was instantly horrified.
Because not only he and Shisui, but even Danzohad been deceived by him.
"It's quite laughable, for an old man like me, the 'Shadow of the Ninja World,' to be toyed with by a child…"
Danzo's smile grew colder.
"If such a menace were to grow up, what would happen to your clansmen, to this Village of Konoha… and even to your sister?"
Danzo's wickedness was visible to the naked eye.
And there wasn't much room for his wickedness to grow.
But Uzumaki Naruto's wickedness still had immense potential for growth.
When Uzumaki Naruto gradually grew up and became an adult, by then… perhaps the entire Ninja World would fall into his malevolence.
Just thinking about that future made Itachi-kun's scalp tingle.
"Therefore, Uzumaki Naruto… must die."
Danzo said softly.
"He… must die. For Konoha, for the Uchiha Clan, for yourself, for your sister…"
Seeing Itachi-kun gradually accept this point, Danzo nodded in satisfaction.
"Then, Itachi, act. Everyone's future depends on you…"
Danzo said with deep emotion, as if Itachi-kun was the savior of all.
Itachi-kun, who originally wanted to return to Konoha, was swayed by Danzo's deception and turned his blade towards Naruto.
Because he realized that compared to his own reputation and whether he returned to the Village… the most important thing was not to leave Naruto, this menace, in the world… Chapter 82. Infiltrating Izumi's Home. Itachi-kun: What's wrong with Hazuki-Auntie?
Late at night… the Uchiha Clan Compound.
By some strange impulse, Itachi-kun did not go directly to Naruto's house, but instead went to Izumi's home.
Because, besides his sister Sako, the only one he couldn't let go of was Izumi, who was both a clansman and his lover.
Izumi's ethereal figure flashed through his mind.
A surge of impulse welled up in Itachi-kun's heart.
"Izumi…"
He whispered his lover's name, then quickened his pace.
With the power boost from his Mangekyo Sharingan, Itachi-kun easily infiltrated the house.
The ordinary civilian house was faintly outlined in the night.
The lit lamps inside indicated that Izumi and her mother were still awake.
As he approached the house, Itachi-kun felt a slight sense of relief, and a warm feeling enveloped him.
He swallowed, and after confirming that no one was around, Itachi-kun slowly raised his arm, and finally… knocked on the door.
Knock, knock.
Silence.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but everything around him suddenly seemed to grow quiet.
It might sound strange, but Itachi-kun just felt that it was even more silent around him… A moment later, someone opened the door.
Creak… Izumi's beautiful face appeared from behind the door.
"Itachi?"
Izumi looked surprised, and Itachi-kun was sure it wasn't an act.
At least, he thought it wasn't.
Faint yellow light emanated from inside the courtyard, illuminating Izumi's figure.
With her back to the light, Izumi's face was in shadow.
Her dimly outlined slender figure made Itachi-kunfeel a little parched.
This beautiful young woman before him was the girl who had always believed in him.
Itachi-kun decided to talk with her for a while and tell her everything.
"Itachi, I heard about what happened to you…"
Izumi suddenly looked sorrowful, which pained Itachi-kun's heart.
Standing at the doorway, Itachi-kun immediately explained, "Izumi, listen to me, I am not the culprit in this matter…"
"Ugh~."
As Itachi-kun was explaining, a sudden noise came from the residence inside the courtyard.
"??"
Itachi-kun stopped speaking, his eyes subconsciously looking inside.
Being pursued and as skittish as a startled bird, he was extremely sensitive to any noise at this time.
"What's wrong, Itachi?"
Izumi gazed at Itachi-kun, her tone gentle and sad, seemingly completely unaware of the reason for Itachi-kun's abnormal reaction.
Perhaps… it was just the sounds of daily life, Itachi-kun thought.
After all, Izumi's mother was just an ordinary civilian woman, not a Ninja, so she couldn't constantly regulate her actions.
And isn't it normal to make some noise when cleaning or tidying up a room?
"Izumi, listen to me…"
Itachi-kun looked back at Izumi, but as he continued to speak, the noises inside became more frequent… and stranger.
This made Itachi-kun involuntarily change the subject and ask, "How is Hazuki-Auntie?"
"Mom is fine, very fine." Izumi nodded, her tone very ordinary.
However, Itachi-kun felt that something was wrong.
But he couldn't pinpoint it.
"Izumi… I want to… see Hazuki-Auntie…"
Remembering that civilian woman, who was even gentler than his own mother Mikoto, Itachi-kunwas often cared for by her warmth.
He was supposed to continue his life with Izumi and marry her… then Hazuki-Auntie would be his mother-in-law.
Such a gentle Hazuki-Auntie would surely bring more warmth and love to his heart.
She would be like… a second mother.
"Alright."
Izumi smiled beautifully, and the change in her expression magnified Itachi-kun's unease.
Because although Izumi's expression was normal, her reaction was not right.
"Mom might be changing clothes, Itachi, please wait a moment…"
Click.
Izumi closed the door, blocking Itachi-kun outside.
About a few minutes passed.
Itachi-kun heard footsteps, and then… the door opened again.
"Pant… pant…"
Uchiha Hazuki's gentle face appeared before Itachi-kun.
Although it was dark, her face was still very clear.
Additionally… Itachi-kun acutely sensed many things that were amiss.
Hazuki-Auntie was panting, covered in sweat, as if she had just been busy.
A brand new house kimono enveloped her body, as if she was trying to hide something.
And more importantly… "Itachi-kun, it's you."
Uchiha Hazuki grinned, revealing a gentle smile.
However, those large, beautiful eyes, just like her daughter Izumi's, had lost their liveliness.
Her unfocused, lifeless eyes stared at Itachi-kun, seemingly looking through him into the void.
Although she was smiling, she looked like a soulless doll.
"Hazuki… Auntie…"
Itachi-kun uttered these words with difficulty.
His gaze involuntarily shifted downwards, and finally… rested on the side of Uchiha Hazuki's mouth.
Something was stained on her pink lips.
It looked like a golden, curly, slender… strand of hair?
"!"