CHAPTER 254
Uchiha Madara's Corpse
"Take back what belongs to you?"
Many villagers of Konoha were stunned upon hearing this. A nearby ninja quickly clarified, "Naruto is referring to the Uchiha clan's confiscated land and assets, as well as the belongings left behind by the Fourth Hokage."
However, skepticism lingered.
"Does Naruto really not intend to stay in Konoha? Wouldn't becoming Hokage be better than leading Uzushiogakure?"
"Maybe he was too disillusioned by the village," another murmured. "The fault lies with the Third Hokage. If only he had handled things differently..."
"But if he takes these things back, what happens to Konoha's reputation?"
"Now is not the time for pride. Without Naruto and Shisui, Orochimaru's plans might have succeeded. Maybe we should focus on appeasing Naruto-sama rather than worrying about appearances."
Despite the hushed conversations, Konoha's shinobi heard every word.
Sarutobi Asuma's face darkened. He clenched his fists but knew he couldn't order his clan to silence the villagers—he could only stand there, helpless in his growing frustration.
Nearby, Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged uneasy glances. Their focus, however, was drawn to the spinning chakra sphere between Naruto's fingers—a Rasenringu (Spiral Wheel).
Jiraiya knew its destructive potential. If Naruto unleashed it here, Konoha would suffer devastating losses. The elite jonin might survive, but countless shinobi and civilians would be reduced to nothing.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jiraiya softened his tone.
"Minato and Kushina's property, along with Uchiha's seized assets, are stored in the Anbu vault. We will return them immediately. However, some of the property has been misappropriated by the Sarutobi clan."
"Konoha will address this matter. We can discuss further cooperation later. For now, let the funeral continue—after all, the Third Hokage was my teacher and Minato's master."
At Jiraiya's response, Naruto withdrew his chakra and glanced coldly at the Sarutobi clan before reaching for Shisui's hand. In the blink of an eye, the two vanished from the Hero Monument.
The events of the day would have lasting consequences. Though Hiruzen Sarutobi had sacrificed himself to ensure favorable treatment for his clan, the exposure of his past decisions had placed them in an irreparable predicament.
---
The Funeral of the Third Hokage
The funeral proceeded swiftly despite the earlier tension. The coffin was lowered into the ground, though some whispered doubts lingered—was the Third Hokage's body even inside? The Byakugan was unable to see through the coffin's seals, leaving the truth unknown.
One certainty remained: Konoha would intensify its study of the Edo Tensei (Reanimation Jutsu).
With the ability to summon deceased shinobi using their DNA, the village could secure powerful allies in times of crisis—though at the cost of desecrating the dead.
Meanwhile, another revelation sent ripples through Konoha—Naruto Uzumaki was officially recognized as the leader of Uzushiogakure.
Though the village elders attempted to suppress the news, it was only a matter of time before it spread throughout the shinobi world.
In Iwagakure, the aged Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, felt a growing unease. With so few elite shinobi left in his ranks, he couldn't afford to ignore Naruto's rise in power.
In Kumogakure, the Fourth Raikage's furious roar echoed through the Raikage's office as he slammed his desk, shattering it into pieces. Another maintenance bill would follow.
Both villages reached the same conclusion: Konoha and Uzushiogakure's growing influence was a threat that could not be ignored.
---
A Shadow Over the Land of Grass
Elsewhere, in the Land of Grass, Uchiha Obito crouched outside Kusagakure, his Sharingan scanning the bustling village below.
Following Nagato's occupation of the region, there had been no significant resistance. Instead, the partnership between the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass had strengthened both nations. Rainfall from Amegakure irrigated the once-barren lands, improving agriculture and raising the standard of living.
But to Obito, this was a problem.
The better Nagato's rule, the less likely he would support the Moon's Eye Plan.
Even the more self-serving members of Akatsuki—mercenaries, assassins, and bounty hunters—were growing restless. They had joined for personal gain, not to build a stable government.
Obito had considered sabotaging trade routes to create instability but feared tipping off Nagato. He had other plans—plans that required Nagato's Rinnegan.
A rustling from below signaled the arrival of Black Zetsu and several White Zetsu clones.
As they emerged from the ground, Zetsu delivered a crucial report from Konoha.
"The leader of Uzushiogakure is Uzumaki Naruto."
Obito's expression flickered.
"Naruto? He's still just a kid. And yet, years ago, I barely managed to capture him. How could he have risen so quickly?"
He had once feared that the leader of Uzushiogakure might be Minato Namikaze, causing him to keep his distance. But now, knowing it was Naruto, he realized that fear had been misplaced.
Black Zetsu's voice was calm but calculating.
"Naruto may be the reincarnation of Asura Ōtsutsuki. Only Asura or Indra's reincarnations could attain such rapid growth."
Of course, he withheld this speculation from Obito. There were greater truths hidden in the shadows—truths Obito was not yet ready to learn.
As for Konoha's internal conflicts and the fallout surrounding the Sarutobi clan? Neither Black Zetsu nor Obito had much interest.
The Moon's Eye Plan was the only goal that mattered.
After a long pause, Black Zetsu changed the subject.
"I have obtained the Edo Tensei technique. Are the preparations for Madara's body complete?"
Obito's expression soured.
"It's nearly done. But why bother? We can just use any living sacrifice to resurrect Madara."
Black Zetsu's tone sharpened.
"If we are to restore Madara-sama to his peak strength, a proper vessel is essential. Our enemies are formidable. Nagato fully controls the Rinnegan, and Naruto has mastered the Nine-Tails. Even Madara will struggle against them."
Obito scoffed.
"Maybe Madara isn't as powerful as we thought..."
His words were dismissive, but deep inside, he had his own doubts. He had no desire to remain under Madara's control. For years, he had sought a way to free himself from the elder Uchiha's influence.
But right now, with the situation spiraling out of control, reviving Uchiha Madara was his only viable move.
With that decision made, Obito led Black Zetsu into the depths of a hidden cavern. Inside, the final preparations for Uchiha Madara's resurrection awaited.
The Return of a Legend Draws Near.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters