Evil Uchiha Itsuki

"Pfft!"

In mid-air, Itsuki spat out a mouthful of blood, crashing heavily onto the ground.

So, it was a Sage!

A Sage using natural energy!

No wonder Itsuki hadn't sensed Jiraiya approaching.

He had let his guard down.

Itsuki hadn't expected Jiraiya to attack so decisively.

This was partially his own fault, as he somewhat trusted Jiraiya.

"Now's the time!"

Several loud shouts echoed out.

Immediately after, four people appeared at the corners of the arena.

Hiruzen Sarutobi!

Danzo Shimura!

Jiraiya!

And the last one… was none other than the Kazekage, Rasa!

They quickly performed hand signs, and within moments, it was done.

Ninja Art: Four Red Yang Formation!

Sizzling!

Four ninjas, each with chakra levels at the Kage tier, had combined to create the strongest barrier!

The Four Red Yang Formation!

The four of them stood in the north, south, east, and west, channeling their chakra to form a rectangular barrier of red, translucent flames, sealing off Itsuki, Hinata, and Naruto from the outside world.

"We did it!"

They couldn't help but celebrate.

They had trapped Uchiha Itsuki. Now, the next step…

"Cough, cough!"

Itsuki coughed twice, and to the shock of everyone present, slowly got up, shook his head, and sneered, "Impressive, truly impressive!"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, I underestimated you. In my mind, do you know what I always thought of you as?"

"Rotten!"

"Old!"

"Hypocritical!"

"Weak…"

The veins on Hiruzen Sarutobi's forehead throbbed.

With a grim expression, he glared at Itsuki. *Is this really how bad I've become?* *I'm supposed to be the strongest Hokage!*

"And yet, you managed to surprise me!"

Itsuki stared coldly at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "You actually acted decisively, which is part of why I got caught. I truly didn't expect you'd dare attack me now."

He turned his gaze towards Jiraiya but didn't say much.

Itsuki had long suspected that Jiraiya would eventually make a move against him.

Turning to Orochimaru, Itsuki simply said, "Sensei, what are you doing?"

*Sensei?*

Everyone around them, still reeling from the sudden turn of events, was stunned by Itsuki's address.

Even the Sand ninjas were shocked!

*The Kazekage is Itsuki's teacher?*

Orochimaru let out his characteristic raspy laugh.

With a slight shake, his true form was revealed. He said, "Itsuki-kun, I'm sorry."

Shocked gasps erupted all around.

*Orochimaru!*

*It's Orochimaru!*

*How could it be him?*

The Sand ninjas, in particular, were completely dumbfounded.

It was at this moment that Temari finally understood why Itsuki had whispered those words to her before leaving.

"Listen!"

Temari whispered to Gaara and Kankuro, "Uchiha Itsuki told me that we need to protect ourselves. The Sand might be betrayed, especially you, Gaara… because of that thing inside you…"

She left the rest unsaid.

Gaara's face was twisted with rage, showing no sign of concern.

Kankuro was already on high alert.

*Great!*

*It doesn't matter whether I say it or not!*

With Orochimaru's identity revealed, Itsuki glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, noticing their lack of surprise, and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"You both knew?"

"Of course!" Orochimaru answered Itsuki's question, saying, "Although we have our differences, when it comes to dealing with you, Itsuki-kun, we believe we can work together."

"Heh!"

Itsuki chuckled, saying, "I had no idea I was so powerful that I could make all of you team up, even persuading Orochimaru-sensei to abandon attacking Konoha. You've also made the Third Hokage abandon his pursuit of rogue ninjas."

Orochimaru fixed his intense gaze on Itsuki, saying, "Itsuki-kun, your body is absolutely worth it."

"I see!" Itsuki nodded, "Orochimaru-sensei wants my body, and the other three just want me dead. You've truly formed a perfect alliance."

"But I'm curious. Do you really think you can kill me with just this...?"

Itsuki froze for a moment, instinctively glancing at Naruto.

"Naruto! Uzumaki Naruto!"

"The Four Red Yang Formation?"

Itsuki was visibly stunned.

This time, he was genuinely shocked.

He looked at Jiraiya in disbelief and said, "You plan to use Naruto, to use the Nine-Tails against me? Jiraiya-sensei, I can accept that you'd attack me because of our differing stances, but you're actually willing to use Naruto?"

Jiraiya's face turned pale, but he remained silent.

"Heh, haha!"

Itsuki shook his head in disbelief, saying, "Are you kidding me? Jiraiya-sensei, this is Naruto, Minato's son. Wasn't Minato your proudest student? Didn't you always feel guilty about him?"

"You felt guilty toward Minato, toward Kushina, toward Naruto… but in the end, you're going to destroy Naruto? Is this how you express your guilt?"

Jiraiya replied solemnly, "Itsuki, I'm a ninja of the Leaf."

Itsuki couldn't help but laugh, laughing so hard that tears nearly came out.

"A ninja of the Leaf?"

"A ninja of the Leaf, and this is how you act?"

"You're truly amazing!"

"I'm sure Hashirama and Tobirama would be proud of you all!"

"That's enough!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted, "Let's do this! Finish him off!"

They would kill Uchiha Itsuki in front of everyone!

Using the Nine-Tails!

Then, with the Four Red Yang Formation containing the Nine-Tails, they would figure out how to seal it again.

As for who would be the next Jinchuriki, they had a plan: Danzo!

The original Jinchuriki, Naruto, would likely die when the Nine-Tails was released. No one could be sure what would happen, but it was highly probable.

That's why they had Danzo as a backup.

Everything was under their control!

"Attack? Do you really think the Nine-Tails will listen to you?"

Itsuki sneered, but his eyes drifted toward Naruto.

The Four Red Yang Formation was known as the strongest barrier.

The barrier was surrounded by red flames, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

Moreover!

The barrier had a strong offensive ability!

Anyone who touched the barrier walls would be burned by the flames.

Most attacks would be ineffective against the barrier, which was strong enough to withstand a Tailed Beast Bomb from the Ten-Tails!

Thus!

Even Itsuki would have difficulty breaking free from the barrier.

Once the Leaf released the Nine-Tails…

What would happen when the Nine-Tails met an Uchiha?

The Nine-Tails, known for its destructive power, wouldn't hold back against ordinary ninjas, let alone an Uchiha.

Fight!

Fight to the death first, and deal with the aftermath later!

That was how the Leaf planned to handle Itsuki!

As for Hinata…

She didn't matter!

To them, she was just another Hyuga. Whether from the main branch or a side branch, it made little difference in the eyes of the Hokage.

The only concern was whether the Byakugan would be exposed.

Would it?

Absolutely not!

After the battle, there wouldn't even be a trace of Hinata left.

Besides!

There were rumors that Itsuki had feelings for Hinata, so trapping her in the barrier might even yield better results!

Everything was connected, step by step!

No wonder they were called the leaders of the ninja darkness and the strongest Hokage!

Itsuki smiled.

He gave them a thumbs-up!

(End of Chapter)