CHAPTER 251

The Truth About the Uchiha

The skeptical reaction from the Konoha ninja present was within Kakashi's expectations.

As the Third Hokage who had ruled Konoha for decades, Sarutobi Hiruzen's image as a wise and just leader was deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people. Even though his decisions in recent years had been controversial, many still believed in his good intentions.

However, his inaction and reluctance to confront the corruption within Konoha's leadership had led to irreversible consequences.

If bringing down the Third Hokage were easy, Kakashi wouldn't have waited until now—until Naruto extended an invitation—before choosing to expose the truth.

After a brief pause, Kakashi continued:

"The third matter concerns the truth about Uchiha Night. It was Uchiha Itachi who wielded the blade against his clan that night—but behind it lay the tacit approval and orchestration of Konoha's highest authorities..."

As Kakashi lowered his voice, every ninja in the room focused intently, eager to hear the truth behind the infamous massacre.

Though his words were shocking, they only fueled their curiosity.

Tsunade's expression shifted multiple times as she listened. She wanted to interrupt, but Jiraiya's firm gaze stopped her. His reaction left her uncertain—was Kakashi acting under Jiraiya's orders?

After all, in the two years since becoming Hokage, Jiraiya had changed, gradually evolving into a leader who understood the weight of his position.

While Tsunade remained composed, a Sarutobi-clan jonin panicked. Ignoring Anbu's attempts to restrain him, he rushed toward Kakashi and shouted:

"Hatake Kakashi, what you're saying is nothing but baseless rumors! Lord Hiruzen would never do such things!"

"A rumor?"

Kakashi smiled faintly but said nothing, observing the Sarutobi jonin, whose voice grew louder in desperation:

"You weren't even there that night! You were on a mission to guard the Jinchūriki! How could you possibly know what really happened? Do you have any idea how hard Anbu fought to prevent a catastrophe?"

"You don't know a thing! You're just a traitor who has turned his back on Lord Hiruzen!"

By the end of his outburst, the jonin was visibly shaking. He had to silence Kakashi—if the truth got out, their standing would be ruined.

Kakashi, unfazed, replied calmly:

"You're right—I wasn't there. But there is someone who knows far more than I do. It's time for him to reveal the truth."

Kakashi's gaze shifted toward a figure in the crowd. Following his line of sight, the gathered ninja noticed a shinobi in Uzushio Village attire, his face partially concealed by a mask.

Many among the Anbu recognized him—the mysterious Uzushio Murakami Shinobi, the one who had unleashed a blue giant during the recent battle against the tailed beast.

A realization struck them: could that blue giant have been Susanoo?

Only those who possessed the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan could wield such a technique. If that was the case, then this so-called Uzushio shinobi could only be…

Before anyone could speak, the man stepped forward. In front of the gathered shinobi, he slowly removed his mask, revealing a face hardened by time.

Then, looking directly at the Sarutobi jonin, he introduced himself:

"I am Uchiha Shisui. I once served in the Third Hokage's Anbu. And I know the truth behind Uchiha Night."

A stunned silence filled the room.

Many of the ninja present recalled that Shisui had vanished nearly eight years ago. Yet here he was, standing before them as a shinobi of Uzushio Village.

Whispers spread through the crowd.

Rumors had been circulating in the black market for years—stories about Uzushio Village's deep ties with Konoha, its surprising rise to power, and its mysterious origins. Some believed it was nothing more than a hidden extension of Konoha, designed for strategic expansion.

The heads of the Aburame, Nara, Yamanaka, and Hyūga clans exchanged serious looks.

They knew more than most.

They understood that Uzushio Village's foundation was intertwined with Uchiha and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. The events of the recent Chūnin Exams had only reinforced this fact. If Uzushio hadn't intervened, Konoha's losses would have been devastating.

Still, one question lingered in their minds: was Uzushio truly an independent entity, or was it a means for Uchiha and the Jinchūriki to return and claim power?

Meanwhile, the Sarutobi jonin snapped out of his shock. He opened his mouth to denounce Shisui as a rogue ninja, but the moment he met Shisui's gaze, his words died in his throat.

Fear gripped him.

Something in Shisui's eyes warned him—if he spoke another word, he wouldn't leave this room alive.

Ignoring the frightened jonin, Shisui turned to address the assembled shinobi. His voice was steady, his tone resolute.

"Let me tell you the truth about what happened eight years ago. After the Nine-Tails attack and the village's budget cuts, Uchiha began considering a coup to secure our place in Konoha's future. Our clan sought leadership—we wanted to become the Fifth Hokage."

His blunt admission surprised many. The Uchiha's dissatisfaction with the village leadership was no secret, but hearing Shisui openly confirm their plans only made his words more credible.

After all, at the time of the massacre, Sarutobi Hiruzen was only acting as Hokage. The current Fifth Hokage, Jiraiya, had not inherited the title through the usual means.

Shisui continued:

"In an effort to maintain peace, both Uchiha Itachi and I worked as Anbu under the Third Hokage. We tried to prevent the worst. But then my Mangekyō Sharingan was exposed—and Danzo took my eye."

The room fell into a tense silence. Everyone knew of Danzo's ruthless methods, but few had ever heard Shisui's side of the story.

"If I hadn't been found by Lord Mianma that night, I might have ended my own life. But because I survived, I was able to see the truth for what it was."

Shisui's Sharingan spun for a brief moment before he closed his eye and continued:

"Not long after, under Danzo's orders, Uchiha Itachi was tasked with carrying out the massacre in the name of maintaining Konoha's peace."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"To prevent further bloodshed, I left Konoha with those who remained of my clan. We found refuge under Lord Mianma in Uzushio Village. There, Uchiha was given a new home—and a new purpose."

He met the eyes of those around him, his voice unwavering:

"I will not deny that Uchiha once considered a coup. But before we could even act, Konoha's highest authorities—led by Danzo and sanctioned by Uchiha Itachi—chose to slaughter us instead."

Shisui took a deep breath.

"And as for the Third Hokage? He did nothing to stop it. He simply allowed it to happen."

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