Chapter 468: Uchiha Itachi: Aizen?
Just as Uchiha Obito was preparing to use genjutsu to control the daimyo of the Land of Frost,
A figure wearing a conical hat and a black cloak stood at the outskirts of Konohagakure.
"One more step, and you'll trigger the defensive barrier."
Uchiha Itachi extended his pale hand from beneath his cloak and reached toward the air in front of him.
Zzzzt—
A crackling sound, like electricity, rang out alongside flickering arcs of energy.
Behind him, Kisame Hoshigaki wore a peculiar expression and said, "Hey hey, Mr. Itachi, didn't you say the barrier would be triggered? I hope it doesn't end badly."
Strapped to his back was a massive, jagged-bladed sword.
It was the core of Kisame's strength—an evolved version of the original Samehada, reforged and fused with part of his soul. A violet-colored weapon.
A special water-element Zanpakutō.
[Shinigami], a true Tier 2 power—Kisame could now release a brief Bankai.
He was roughly Tier 2 (Commander-level).
Uchiha Itachi beside him was even stronger—Tier 2 (Gold-level), one of the highest-tier players in the entire Samsara Game.
So,
Even though Itachi triggered the barrier, Kisame wasn't worried in the slightest.
Even if Konoha, a major faction, had gold-tier players on standby, they could still walk away safely.
"Relax. The outermost layer is a sensory barrier. It just sends an alert—no danger."
Itachi's tone was calm and assured.
Now both had defected from the Akatsuki and become fugitives, constantly hunted. After traveling across the ninja and pirate worlds, Itachi had finally decided to return to Konoha.
After all, Konoha, though seemingly impregnable, was currently under siege by several major villages.
During the Evil God incident,
Because Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen broke an agreement, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure had all stationed elite players and ninja squads on the borders of the Land of Hot Water to blockade it.
Konoha was strong, but still in its early days after relocating to the Land of Hot Water. Only two [Hokage Gratitude Festivals] had been held. They lacked deep infrastructure.
If this went on,
There was no guarantee the other villages wouldn't wear them down over time.
So Itachi decided to return to Konoha—and once again be the blade that defended it.
Kisame, unconcerned, added, "Still, I can't believe the Hokage had the guts to provoke the Four Great Nations—plus the Navy Alliance. If he's getting torn apart now, he deserves it…"
He stopped when he met Itachi's icy stare.
He shrugged, saying no more.
Unlike Itachi,
He had little emotional attachment to any place—not Konoha, not Kirigakure, not even Akatsuki. Itachi was one of the few men he followed willingly.
He hadn't expected that this seemingly cold and heartless man had always carried Konoha in his heart.
We're more alike than I thought.
Kisame lowered his head slightly. In the stillness of night, he could still recall the faces of everyone he'd killed—enemies, comrades, and innocents alike.
His executions had seemed effortless, like cutting grass—
But in his dreams, Kisame could still clearly remember each of their expressions, movements, and voices.
"It wasn't Lord Hiruzen's fault."
"Is that so?"
Kisame looked at Itachi's cold expression, surprised.
Then he started thinking.
Even someone like him—blunt as a club—would never provoke four nations after they helped Konoha.
The Hokage's behavior was suspicious.
In the Samsara Game, there were plenty of abilities capable of controlling someone. It was plausible that the Hokage had been possessed or replaced.
As expected of Itachi.
He had seen through the manipulation of the Hokage from afar. Unfathomable as ever.
Kisame's respect for Itachi deepened.
"It wasn't Lord Hiruzen's fault. It was the fault of the Four Nations and the Navy Alliance!"
Itachi thought to himself, "The Evil God's attack was a disaster for the whole ninja world, and yet those four nations exploited it, blackmailed Konoha, and then demanded exorbitant reward points. In my eyes, they've signed their own death warrants."
And when their threats failed, they even dared to blockade the Land of Hot Water. Shameless beyond reason.
Now that he was back, Itachi would kill them all.
Half a minute later,
A figure swiftly approached.
Kisame warned, "Mr. Itachi, elite player incoming."
This was Konoha territory. The person made no effort to conceal their presence—clearly an act of deterrence against intruders.
"Don't act rashly, Kisame."
Itachi took a breath and looked calmly at the vigilant Konoha ninja standing nearby.
"I am Uchiha Itachi. I seek an audience with Lord Sarutobi Hiruzen."
The newcomer wore a [Shadow Organization] uniform, and his body radiated intense fire chakra.
He was an elite player who had raised his Fire Release to Tier 2.
But—
Itachi frowned as he studied him. "It's been a full thirty seconds since the barrier was triggered. And you're only arriving now? Has the Anbu's efficiency deteriorated this much?"
With this level of sloppiness, how could they protect the village?
Back when he served in the Anbu…
"Uchiha Itachi? The wanted criminal?"
The fire-nature ninja frowned as well, stepping back to increase the distance.
Itachi was a notorious international criminal.
Even before the Samsara Game, he had massacred the Uchiha clan, defected from Konoha, and joined the infamous terrorist group [Akatsuki].
After the Samsara Game began, he became a ghost—ambushing the Raikage, attacking Navy officers…
His crimes were too numerous to count.
And now he dared to return—claiming to seek the Hokage?
"Yes, I am."
Itachi's expression didn't change. "But the truth isn't what you think. I must speak with the Hokage."
He felt no guilt.
Everything he had done was for Konoha. Even those attacks on players had been under secret orders from the Hokage, all to redirect corrupted monsters toward Konoha's [Shadow Organization].
"Wait here."
The fire ninja frowned and chose to stall the "criminal," quickly contacting his team.
...
Elsewhere,
In the Hokage's office, Shimura Danzo stood at the window, overlooking Konoha, when he received the report.
His expression stiffened.
The massive glass window behind him had been custom-made by craftsman players.
He knew well that such a window could expose the office and increase the risk of assassination.
But Danzo insisted.
So he could stand here as Hokage—and gaze upon the thriving village below.
"Uchiha Itachi… has returned?"
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