Naruto: This Uchiha is too Evil - Chapter 36

The rumor that the Uchiha clan had five thousand ninjas evolved into claims that they had over a dozen pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan and hundreds of Jonin. Eventually, there were even whispers that Uchiha Madara was still with the clan. This terrified many other clans, causing their legs to go weak and their smiles toward Uchiha ninjas exceedingly obsequious. Even Hyuga ninjas began to bow their heads when encountering Uchiha ninjas.

They couldn’t compete. The Uchiha supposedly had summoned their ancestor. What could they do against that?

Of course, this was only for those who believed the rumors. Those who didn’t think that the Uchiha had five thousand ninjas became even more hostile towards them, seeing the Uchiha as nothing but troublemakers. What started as a small matter snowballed because too many people discussed it. Now, the people of Konoha were gathering to talk about it.

In the Hokage’s office, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt his headache return after just one day of relief. Reading the reports from the Anbu, he felt his mind pounding. Uchiha! Always Uchiha! In some sense, Danzo wasn’t wrong. These Uchiha were a menace!

If possible, he would love to eliminate them. What peace Konoha would have without the Uchiha! Unfortunately, that was impossible. Just a few days ago, the attack on Uchiha Itsuki and Uchiha Shisui and the loss of their Mangekyo Sharingan had caused the Uchiha patrols to increase rapidly. Anyone entering the Uchiha compound could feel the gaze of the Sharingan upon them.

Moreover, the Uchiha was now a powder keg, ready to explode. Hiruzen had ordered several Anbu to gather information, but they were beaten nearly to death and thrown out. The Uchiha hadn’t held back at all. They might have been killed if not for knowing they were from the Root.

The severely injured Anbu members conveyed the Uchiha’s current state. Even elders like Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado didn’t dare mention eliminating the Uchiha.

And now, this.

“What use are you?” Hiruzen angrily slapped the reports on the table, his body trembling with rage. “You can’t even suppress a simple rumor. What can you do? Just retire already!”

Homura’s eyebrow twitched furiously. It felt like that comment was directed at him. As an elder, he was responsible for intelligence. The rumor about the Uchiha having five thousand ninjas was his responsibility to suppress.

“Calm down, Hiruzen,” Koharu said slowly. “This situation is strange. Someone is fanning the flames.”

“That’s obvious!” Hiruzen’s face was dark. This incident reminded him of the past. A similar situation had occurred before, causing a massive rift in the village. The trust had eroded, and mission casualties had increased. The Will of Fire had become a joke at that time.

Hatake Sakumo was responsible for that. Resolving that incident had cost Hiruzen immense effort and resources. The main issue was rumors. Danzo had manipulated rumors to attack Sakumo, but they had spiraled out of control, backfiring and driving Sakumo to his death. The renowned Konoha White Fang had been lost because of it.

And now, it was happening again—uncontrollable rumors.

“Immediately, right now!” Hiruzen pointed at the Anbu, gritting his teeth. “Take care of this. I don’t want to hear any more rumors. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!” The Anbu responded promptly and hurried out.

“Hiruzen,” Koharu hesitated once the office was empty except for the three elders, “is there any chance that the Uchiha really do have five thousand ninjas?”

Hiruzen turned to her, disbelief in his eyes. Her words hit him like a thunderbolt.

“Koharu, do you actually believe that?”

Was this his advisor? An advisor to the Hokage of Konoha?

What had he found to help him?

God! Konoha, I almost feel sorry for you!

Who in their right mind would believe the Uchiha had five thousand ninjas? Did they forget the Uchiha’s total population? They should have a rough idea even if they don’t know the exact number. Currently, the Uchiha has around one thousand to twelve hundred ninjas, including those on the borders and missions.

Five thousand?

Hiruzen covered his face, pain etched on his features. He didn’t even know what to say. Koharu, I want to slap you hard! Twice, on the same side of your face!

Koharu’s face reddened with embarrassment. Was it that absurd?

“Hiruzen, who do you think is behind this?” Homura suddenly asked. “It feels familiar to me, this method.”

Hiruzen paused, then clenched his teeth. Danzo… That bastard. Even under house arrest, he couldn’t behave.

Hiruzen stormed towards the Anbu prison. Danzo had a private cell there. Sometimes, he had to stay there because he caused too much trouble, and even the Hokage couldn’t let it slide. Over time, it had practically become Danzo’s second home.

After Hiruzen left, another Anbu rushed in.

“What is it?” Koharu and Homura immediately straightened, their expressions stern.

“Um, it’s about Uchiha Itsuki…”

“What now?” they snapped in unison, jumping to their feet.

Itsuki wasn’t short on money. As a genius, Jonin accumulated countless merits during the Third Great Ninja War. His fame would have surpassed Shisui’s if he hadn’t been suppressed. Even though it was wartime, missions weren’t free. After returning to Konoha, he completed numerous A and even S-rank missions. A-rank missions ranged from 200,000 to 1,000,000 ryo. S-rank missions started at a million ryo. Plus, the many B-rank missions were completed along the way. Even with the village taking a cut, his earnings were immense.

He had also inherited a substantial legacy from Kagami, almost all of which had gone to Itsuki. Shisui had no intention of competing with Itsuki over the inheritance. He even entrusted Itsuki with some mission rewards for safekeeping because Itsuki claimed he loved money.

Hiruzen and his advisors had assessed Itsuki’s wealth while planning against him. At least fifty million ryo! With such wealth, opening a shop? For more money?

“What kind of shop? What’s he planning now?” Koharu demanded harshly. They were already troubled by Itsuki. If they could have, they would have eliminated him long ago.

“Well, it’s… a funeral parlor.”

“A funeral parlor?” Koharu and Homura were both stunned, standing up abruptly.

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