Chapter 246: Squeezed

Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito manipulated the Mizukage and controlled Kirigakure for decades.

During those decades, although much was done through the Mizukage as an intermediary, Obito still managed to cultivate some personnel.

He wasn't stupid; he wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket.

But!

These people only made up about 20% of Kirigakure's ninja force.

Not even that much!

Itsuki and Mei Terumi were now working together, investigating and searching through the village's ninja ranks.

Obito's people would soon be exposed.

Even if some managed to hide, most of them would be lost.

Without that strength, Obito's plan would become even harder to execute.

It wouldn't be long before he couldn't even stay in Kirigakure.

"This Uchiha Itsuki, he's like my natural nemesis!"

Obito was feeling a mix of anger and frustration, his killing intent rising, but there was also a hint of defeat.

In truth.

Obito's abilities weren't that strong; the reason Uchiha Madara chose him was more because of his personality than his power.

Now, faced with Uchiha Itsuki.

Obito knew some of Itsuki's tactics from the original story, and when Itsuki used some targeted strategies, Obito was thrown into disarray.

At that moment, Obito's first thought wasn't how to deal with Uchiha Itsuki.

He didn't say it out loud, and he was too embarrassed to admit it, but his first thought was to escape.

He was a little afraid of Uchiha Itsuki.

The Sharingan is also called the "eye that reflects the heart," mirroring one's inner feelings.

Obito's Kamui: one eye represented his desire to escape the world.

The other eye represented his wish to create a new world.

After Rin Nohara's death, Obito awakened his Mangekyō, but that was all!

"Obito!"

Black Zetsu's voice interrupted him, saying, "If you keep hesitating, you'll lose Kirigakure as a hiding place."

"I know!"

Obito's voice turned cold as he said, "It looks like I have no choice but to fight to the end."

Black Zetsu's gaze became strange.

Fight to the end?

Against Uchiha Itsuki?

Do you even have the qualifications for that?

"We're leaving Kirigakure!"

"What?"

Black Zetsu was stunned, his jaw nearly dropping.

You just said you'd fight to the end, but now you're retreating before I've even prepared?

"What do I need Kirigakure for?"

Obito coldly replied, "If Uchiha Itsuki wants it, let him have it. I'm going back to Amegakure!"

Black Zetsu seemed to understand. "Are you going back to deal with Nagato?"

"Exactly!"

Obito's voice was icy. "It's time for the Rinnegan to return to us."

Nagato had lost his trust.

That bastard had teamed up with Uchiha Itsuki and had even started investigating him.

That was why Obito had come to Kirigakure in the first place.

He needed Kirigakure's strength to deal with Konohagakure.

Now that Uchiha Itsuki was here, why should he confront that man head-on?

He could just return and take full control of Akatsuki. Wouldn't that be better?

Black Zetsu nodded.

Once they had the Rinnegan, they could resurrect Uchiha Madara anytime.

"Should we resurrect Madara?" Black Zetsu hesitated. "Everything is getting out of control. Madara's return could benefit us."

Obito glanced at Black Zetsu and said, "No rush. Let me get the Rinnegan back first."

"Alright."

Black Zetsu smiled but secretly grew more cautious.

Did Madara trust Obito?

No.

Did Obito trust Madara?

Hell no!

Maybe Obito had already realized that Rin Nohara's death was connected to Uchiha Madara.

It wasn't that hard to figure out, actually.

So!

He needed to be careful, too.

That bastard Obito had his own plans. Who knew when he might strike?

"Actually…"

Black Zetsu suddenly said, "If you want to cause trouble for Konohagakure, it's simple. The White Zetsu army can be mobilized at any time. Just send a few thousand…"

"No!"

Obito interrupted, "The White Zetsu army must not be used lightly. If we deploy them, the enemy will prepare."

"It's either all or nothing!"

"Understood!"

"How's it going, Mei? The results are pretty obvious, right?"

Itsuki walked over to Mei Terumi with a grin and wrapped his arm around her slender waist.

"You've killed too many people!" Mei said helplessly. "In just two days, you've taken out over 3,000 people, and about 700-800 of them were ninjas."

"Are you blaming me?"

Itsuki sounded displeased.

Mei ignored his tone and said bluntly, "Can you honestly say that you didn't go all out just because they were from Kirigakure?"

"Well…"

Itsuki chuckled. "You know me so well!"

If they weren't his own people, killing them was naturally more enjoyable.

"Itsuki!"

Mei said seriously, "Just because they aren't from Kirigakure doesn't mean I feel no burden. But think about it: I am from Kirigakure."

"You're from Kirigakure, but do you know any of them personally?"

Itsuki sneered and released her, saying, "And let's not forget, you were the one who asked me to act in the first place. Now suddenly I'm the bad guy? That's hilarious."

Mei's expression changed slightly. She quickly said, "Don't be mad. I just…"

"You're just thinking like the Mizukage, right?"

Itsuki's tone was calm. "Mei, you're my woman, and I'll help you. But you can't have it all. You can't take all the good stuff, push the bad onto me, and still expect me to deal with your complaints. When did you become like this?"

Mei fell silent.

After a long pause.

She sighed helplessly, "For the past few years, I've been thinking like a Mizukage. My view of the village has changed. Itsuki, I was wrong."

"Admitting your mistake is half the battle won!" Itsuki chuckled.

"What does that mean?"

"It means if you admit you were wrong, you owe me compensation!"

Itsuki stepped forward again, wrapping his arm around Mei's waist. "Come on, Mei, show me how you're going to make up for it."

"This is the Mizukage's office!" Mei's cheeks flushed as she reminded him.

"Even better!"

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

"The Mizukage has gone crazy! Everyone, charge with me!"

"If we don't fight back, we'll all die! Overthrow Mei Terumi! Master Genji is our savior!"

"Master Genji is the true Mizukage!"

"For Master Genji!"

Just as Itsuki and Mei were getting intimate, the sounds of battle cries interrupted them, catching their attention.

Mei's expression instantly turned icy.

She pushed Itsuki away, dressed herself quickly, and walked out of the office.

Itsuki was equally furious.

Being interrupted at a moment like this? Any man would be angry.

He was definitely in the mood to kill someone!

"Obito, you bastard. I swear, I'm going to beat the crap out of you!"

"Isn't your thing playing with poop?"

Itsuki's face twisted with dark intent.

This was Obito's last desperate move.

He scattered all his people, causing chaos and destruction throughout Kirigakure.

And!

It seemed like Uchiha Itsuki's earlier antics had set a bad precedent.

Now, everyone liked using explosive tags!

These people were throwing explosive tags everywhere, blowing up buildings left and right.

In short: "Uchiha Itsuki, you want Kirigakure? Fine, I'll give you a ruined one."

Destruction was easy. Building a village was hard.

Let's see if you can rebuild one!

When Mei arrived, the sight nearly made her spit blood from anger.

"Just melt them all down!"

Terumi Mei coldly threw down her words and began to rampage.

This time, the people of Kirigakure truly witnessed what it means to be a "she-dragon."

Lava Release: Dissolving Monster Technique!

In the original story, this technique even dissolved Uchiha Madara's Susanoo.

For these ordinary ninja, not even their bones would be left behind.

Whoever she grabbed, she sprayed with acid, and they disappeared instantly, as if using the Body Flicker Technique.

Chojuro and Ao also arrived but had no chance to intervene.

They watched helplessly as the acid engulfed one person after another. Amidst their piercing screams, they melted into liquid and completely vanished.

Crushing!

A complete and utter crushing.

Terumi Mei wandered through the village. Anyone she encountered couldn't last more than two rounds in her hands.

This is the power of a Kage-level ninja!

When Itsuki was in Konoha, he could take on an entire group, even with many Kage-level opponents, without a hint of worry.

That was because Uchiha Itsuki was too strong, not because the Kage-level opponents were weak.

A Kage-level ninja versus regular ninjas—it's an absolute crush.

Those rare close battles only happen against someone like Kakashi, who is near Kage-level.

Kakashi, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, they are all close to Kage-level.

Shibi Aburame is even called the perfect ninja, proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu.

It's not just about challenging a Kage; even a moment of carelessness could bring a Kage-level ninja down.

*Whoosh!*

Itsuki appeared too.

He didn't join the battle. Instead, he stood atop the tallest building in Kirigakure, closed his eyes, and quietly sensed the surroundings.

Itsuki didn't understand what Obito was trying to achieve with such a big commotion.

Whatever he was doing, once Itsuki found him, it would all be over.

Itsuki was strong enough now to handle whatever came after taking down Obito.

**Uchiha Itsuki**

**Age: 17**

**Ninjutsu: Level 7 (7%)**

**Taijutsu: Level 6 (39%)**

**Genjutsu: Level 7 (33%)**

**Kekkei Genkai: Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan {Eye Power: Level 7 (84%)}**

**Chakra: 24 units (23%)**

**Ninjutsu Skills:**

**Fire Release**

**Great Fireball Technique: Level 7 (27%)**

**Phoenix Sage Fire Technique: Level 7 (25%)**

**Dragon Fire Technique: Level 7 (54%)**

**Water Release**

**Water Bullet Technique: Level 7 (10%)**

**Water Dragon Bullet Technique: Level 7 (11%)**

**Lightning Release**

**Earth Release**

**Sage Mode: Level 7 (90%)**

**Flying Thunder God: Level 7 (27%)**

**Chakra: 242,307 points!**

All his stats remained the same, except his eye power had increased to Level 7 (84%). Lately, Itsuki had been focusing all his efforts on enhancing his eye techniques.

Level 8!

He needed to reach Level 8 eye power soon.

He wondered if his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan would evolve into the Rinnegan at Level 8.

If he attained Level 8 eye power and enhanced his Sage Mode to Level 8...

What then? Even Uchiha Madara wouldn't be an issue. He could punch his way into the Pure Land and grab Hagoromo Otsutsuki by the neck to demand answers.

"It's almost time," Itsuki thought to himself. "Madara, I'm not afraid of you anymore. And soon, I won't fear the Sage of Six Paths either."

Bloodline Collection!

The ultimate power above all Kekkei Genkai!

"Hmm?"

After sensing the area, Itsuki frowned slightly.

He still couldn't locate Obito!

It must be said, Obito's Kamui was the perfect defense. No matter what attack was used, nothing could hurt him.

Just like now, even Itsuki's sensing jutsu couldn't find him.

"Never mind!"

Itsuki gazed into the distance. If Obito was determined to hide, there was no way to find him.

However, as long as Kirigakure's plans continued, Obito would eventually reveal himself.

*Whoosh!*

In a flash, Itsuki appeared next to Terumi Mei.

"Lady Mizukage, how's it going?"

With a grin under his mask, Itsuki looked at Terumi Mei.

"It's almost done!" Terumi Mei replied coldly. "A bunch of fools. Did they really think invoking the name of Genji would help? Isn't that right, Genji?"

She turned her head toward a shadowy figure nearby. There stood an elderly man.

Itsuki glanced at him and immediately recognized it as a water clone.

As for the real Genji...

He was hiding!

Itsuki sensed around again but still couldn't locate him.

Not bad!

This old fox had some serious skills.

He must have been deeply rattled by their last encounter.

"You're joking, Lady Mizukage," Genji responded, displeased by Terumi Mei's public rebuke.

This was the Mizukage he had groomed, and now she was openly defying him.

But...

Genji glanced at Uchiha Itsuki and swallowed his pride, forcing a smile. "You are the Mizukage, acknowledged by the ninja of Kirigakure and the feudal lord. I am old, and I don't know how long I'll last before joining the First Mizukage. The title of Mizukage is yours, without a doubt. There's no need for such suspicions."

"You're too kind. Though you're old, Kirigakure still needs you," Terumi Mei replied respectfully. "Your contributions to the village are known by all. With you here, Kirigakure remains stable."

Is she telling me to die already?

Genji gave Terumi Mei a long look.

Should he be surprised that she's Uchiha Itsuki's woman?

So ruthless!

Things had barely settled, and she already wanted full control, to become the true Mizukage.

If Itsuki heard this, he'd laugh.

An old man treating the Mizukage as a puppet, and now he's upset?

Pushing her into the Mizukage position...

Did he really think no one would notice he was using her as a scapegoat?

How could he expect any loyalty?

After the last bit of chaos was resolved, Kirigakure finally calmed down.

Terumi Mei and Itsuki had discussed lifting the village's isolationist policy and opening up to the world.

The Blood Mist Village had to be eradicated for good!

They also planned to form an alliance with Konohagakure!

Kirigakure was now too weak and needed a strong ally to maintain its position in the ninja world.

Itsuki was more than happy to oblige.

An alliance with Kirigakure would benefit Konohagakure greatly.

Of course, Itsuki knew this would provoke certain people.

(End of Chapter)