**Chapter 98: The Era of Chaos**

Itsuki left, feeling quite satisfied. 

Twenty-five million ryō! 

*Tsk tsk tsk!* 

He never imagined that Danzo would be worth so much! 

It was as if every inch of his skin was glowing! 

That was the aura of money! 

Itsuki suddenly came up with a plan. 

What if he kidnapped Danzo, then demanded ransom from the Third Hokage? How much would the old man give for the person he cared about so much? 

He was curious! 

Why not take action? 

Who cares if it works or not? There's nothing to lose by trying. 

Who knows, maybe for the sake of true love, the old man would sell everything he had! 

Itsuki left with the money, grinning from ear to ear. 

At Kurenai's house. 

Itsuki, looking displeased, said to Kurenai, "Why aren't you at the crematorium? Why do you always think about coming back home? You're not officially married into the Uchiha clan yet, but you're always running back to your family. Is that right?" 

Kurenai rolled her eyes at him and scoffed, "I can't even be bothered with you. You spend all your time hanging around coffins. Is that really comfortable?" 

The most outrageous part? He even insisted on doing certain things on top of the coffin. 

Sometimes, he'd even get into the coffin. 

*What the heck!* 

He's crazy! 

Kurenai couldn't take it anymore. 

Every time, it gave her goosebumps. 

"Very comfortable!" 

Itsuki nodded earnestly and said, "Don't you feel the coolness? It's a gift from nature." 

"Get out!" 

Kurenai cursed, annoyed, then looked at the money Itsuki was carrying and frowned, "Money? You seem to be really desperate for cash lately." 

Asuma Sarutobi had left her a good amount of money. 

Kurenai had given all of it to Itsuki. 

Every year, she also handed over most of the profits from her shop to him. 

On top of that, Itsuki was an outstanding ninja who had completed numerous missions. 

High-ranking ninjas could easily make money. 

As his partner, Kurenai knew that Itsuki would also rob bandits and other scoundrels during his missions. 

He even targeted corrupt wealthy people. 

Another steady source of income. 

Recently, he had sold a large quantity of explosive tags, almost draining all of the Uchiha clan's liquid assets. 

Money! 

He was doing everything he could to gather money. 

But why? 

When asked, Itsuki would only say one simple thing: *"Money is a good thing!"* 

Kurenai looked at Itsuki's calm expression and had a feeling she knew what was going on. 

Itsuki's dissatisfaction with Konoha, combined with his massive stockpiling of wealth, could only mean a few things. 

After thinking it over, Kurenai made a decision in her heart. 

… 

**February** 

The Hidden Sand Village accused Konoha, claiming that the Uchiha and Hyuga clans had entered their territory in large numbers and caused conflicts, leading to many deaths in the Sand Village. 

The Sand demanded an explanation from Konoha. 

In the same month, 

The Hidden Rock and Hidden Sand villages deployed large numbers of ninja troops at their borders, putting them in a standoff. 

**March** 

The Hidden Cloud Village sent emissaries to Konoha to initiate talks. 

At the same time, the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Rock villages clashed several times along their borders, with tensions rising to the point where they could barely control the situation. 

The Hidden Mist Village remained isolated, closing itself off from the rest of the world. 

Faced with these developments, Konoha responded quickly by deploying large numbers of ninja to its borders. 

Their goal wasn't to defeat the enemy, but simply to defend themselves. 

At the same time, Konoha actively sought talks with the other ninja villages. 

An unusual atmosphere soon enveloped the entire village of Konoha. 

The investigation into Danzo's actions seemed weak in the face of a potential war. 

The Third Hokage issued an order, demanding that Danzo atone for his crimes through meritorious deeds. 

…

"Heh, that's funny. The Third Hokage, huh? You little punk, screw you and your grandmother."

Nanga Shrine.

Itsuki casually tossed aside the information he had just received.

Next to him sat Fugaku, Sōgi, Setsuna, and Itachi.

They were the decision-makers of the Uchiha clan.

Around them were some of the well-known and powerful Uchiha jōnin.

Shisui was among them.

They had the right to listen and offer suggestions.

"The Third Hokage talks a good game, but not only did he not punish Danzo, he's actually helping the Root regain its strength."

"Public punishment, secret reward!"

"Hiruzen, you're going to regret this."

Upon hearing those words, the faces of everyone present became grim, including Sōgi and Itachi. Even Sōgi harbored intense killing intent toward Danzo. If there was a chance to take him out... he'd consider it.

Itachi, on the other hand, was the opposite.

According to the agreement between Fugaku and Itsuki, Itachi had started getting involved in clan affairs. True to his word, Itachi followed Itsuki's advice, refraining from jumping to conclusions and viewing everything with an open mind.

It was during this time that he began to notice many problems—within the clan, and outside as well.

Indeed, there were many issues within the Uchiha. There were many Uchiha members that Itachi wished he could kill.

But still!

The Uchiha had suffered a lot of injustice.

In simple terms, they had been blamed for many things without being given a chance to explain.

They had contributed much, yet received little recognition.

This pushed the more hot-headed Uchiha further into the shadows.

They all knew it.

They understood everything!

But still!

Their pride wouldn't let them bow their heads.

The Uchiha—fearless and unyielding!

At that moment, Itachi was finally starting to understand the depth of the Uchiha clan.

His doubts about the Third Hokage were growing stronger.

So many things! So many events! They didn't match up with what the Third had told him!

Someone was lying.

But who?

He didn't want to think about it, nor did he dare to.

He remembered Itsuki advising him before he became deputy clan leader, "Don't trust anyone. Use your own eyes to see the world."

"The Third…"

Itachi sighed inwardly as he slowly opened his eyes. The Mangekyō Sharingan flickered briefly in his pupils.

His visual powers had grown even sharper.

"We need to be ready."

Fugaku spoke slowly, "The Fourth Great Ninja War is likely to break out."

As he said this, he gave Itsuki a glance.

Itsuki's presence could always be felt at the center of the potential flashpoints for this upcoming war.

Not obvious, but there, like a shadow.

Itsuki, what are you really planning?

"The Fourth Great Ninja War?"

Itsuki chuckled and said, "Why do I feel like there's not much chance of it happening?"

"What do you mean?" someone asked.

Itsuki smiled and said, "I have a lot of faith in the Third Hokage."

That old man would rather cede territory than go to war.

War is dangerous. Winning is one thing, but what if they lost?

You could say the Third is terrified of war.

If you want to be cynical, Itsuki even thought the Third was afraid of dying. Otherwise, why didn't he fight on the battlefield?

At least during the Second Great Ninja War, he fought a few times.

In the Third Great Ninja War, he barely appeared at all.

Don't give me that "coordinating from behind the scenes" excuse. The other village leaders all fought.

Why are you so special?

Konoha fought four villages at once, and they fought back with only two or three.

"What?" The people around looked suspicious.

What's your game this time?

Even Setsuna was tempted to say, "At this point, just stay out of trouble."

"Everyone, be prepared!"

Fugaku stood up.

As the leader of the Uchiha clan and head of the Konoha Military Police Force, he was a high-ranking figure in the village.

He had more accurate intelligence about the current situation.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Except for Itsuki, who didn't seem to care.

There was no way a war would start—unless the Raikage slapped the Hokage across the face in public.

"Report!"

An Uchiha ninja entered and said, "Clan leader, elders, the envoy from the Hidden Cloud Village has arrived. The talks are about to begin."

"I understand," Fugaku replied, then turned to Itachi. "Come with me."

"Yes," Itachi said as he stood up.

Fugaku glanced at Itsuki with a complicated expression.

He was one step away from asking, "Are you going to stir up trouble again?"

Itsuki grinned at him and said, "The Hidden Cloud, huh? That's one arrogant village. Clan leader, make sure you hold your ground."

(End of Chapter)