Chapter 55: Minato’s Shadow, Obito’s Wanted Notice!

Chapter 55: Minato's Shadow, Obito's Wanted Notice!

"So that's how it is..."

Inside the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura both had somber expressions.

Beside them, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were also frowning deeply.

Standing below them were Haruta and his team, as well as Uchiha Fugaku.

Haruta had just publicly laid out his analysis—a series of logical deductions that all pointed to Uchiha Obito as the true culprit.

And considering the classified nature of this information, even if Fugaku didn't want to be here, he had no choice but to attend.

But now, as Haruta reiterated his reasoning, the "Four Elders of Konoha" all felt a chill down their spines.

What unsettled them most wasn't just the conclusion—it was Haruta's precise understanding of the Sharingan's mechanics.

As Konoha's leaders—and as disciples of the Second Hokage—they had all studied Tobirama's research.

Haruta was just an Anbu, originally from Root, yet neither Hiruzen nor Danzo had ever shared this information with him!

"This kid… he figured all this out just by comparing two different cases?"

His ability to analyze and deduce was already impressive, but on top of that, he even managed to predict Obito's possible location?

Wasn't that just a little too absurd?

---

"Are you… certain about this?"

After a long silence, Hiruzen finally spoke.

"Hokage-sama, this is just speculation."

Haruta immediately shook his head.

Of course, he was 100% sure—when you reverse-engineered the answer, there was no way the conclusion could be wrong.

But he wasn't stupid enough to outright admit it.

**"However, I believe the likelihood is very high.

We've all read Obito's records. As a child, he wasn't particularly bright, but he was undeniably a kindhearted person.

His bond with Kakashi and Nohara Rin was incredibly deep.

If those bonds were suddenly shattered, the emotional trauma would have been unbearable.

It's entirely possible that he suffered a complete mental breakdown.

At this point, we can't even consider him the same Uchiha Obito we once knew."**

---

Danzo nodded in agreement, then sneered as he glanced at Fugaku before speaking coldly.

**"Hmph. The purer someone's heart, the faster they fall into darkness when they experience a severe emotional shock.

The stronger the collapse, the more extreme their transformation will be—especially when…"**

"Ahem! That's enough! Don't say another word!"

Before Danzo could finish, Hiruzen cut him off with a tactical cough, glaring at him.

Was he seriously about to say that in front of an Uchiha?!

Was he trying to provoke them into rebellion right here, right now?!

Did he actually want the Uchiha to snap and start a coup on the spot?!

---

"It seems Haruta's analysis is highly plausible."

Hiruzen chose to ignore Danzo and instead changed the subject.

"Regardless of who it is, once they are consumed by hatred and resentment, they are capable of doing things they never would have imagined."

"We should try to contact Kirigakure and see if they have any relevant intelligence."

Homura Mitokado spoke up, smoothly diffusing the tension.

"However, Kirigakure seems to be in complete disarray. It will be difficult to get any concrete information from the Land of Water."

"That's true… but I do have some reports from my subordinates."

Danzo didn't seem fazed by Hiruzen's glare and continued speaking as if nothing had happened.

**"It appears that the 'Blood Mist' policy is still in effect—and may even be expanding.

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to obtain any detailed intel beyond that."**

---

"That policy is still ongoing?"

Koharu Utatane, who had been silent until now, looked surprised.

She shook her head.

"It certainly produces highly capable shinobi, but their methods are far too cruel."

There was no denying that Kirigakure's ninja were exceptionally well-trained.

However, the price of that training was unthinkable.

A single class of academy students would only produce one or two graduates—and the graduation exam?

A fight to the death.

Only the sole survivor was allowed to become a ninja.

That level of brutality was beyond comprehension.

"It seems we'll need to conduct a deeper investigation into Kirigakure."

Hiruzen sighed.

But this was going to be difficult.

Kirigakure had completely closed itself off, making it extremely difficult to gather intel.

And during the Third Great Ninja War, their actions in Uzushiogakure had been beyond ruthless—barely distinguishable from wild beasts.

Conducting an investigation in such a closed-off and hostile environment was going to be a nightmare.

But no matter how difficult it was, they couldn't let Obito go free.

They had to pursue him, no matter the cost!

---

**"We'll issue a high-priority wanted notice for Uchiha Obito throughout the Land of Fire and its surrounding regions.

That way, he'll believe our focus is here—allowing us to discreetly infiltrate Kirigakure."**

Hiruzen's expression hardened with determination.

Then, he turned to Fugaku.

**"Clan Leader Fugaku, I hope you will continue to cooperate with us during this period.

This is not just Konoha's concern—it is also the Uchiha clan's problem. I'm counting on you."**

"The Uchiha will provide full cooperation."

Fugaku didn't refuse.

He knew he had no choice.

Because Hiruzen was right—

This wasn't just Konoha's battle.

It was also a battle for the Uchiha's reputation and survival.

But even as he agreed, his gaze subtly shifted toward Haruta.

And it wasn't just him.

The "Four Elders of Konoha" all cast sideward glances at Haruta as well.

**This kid… it wasn't just his combat talent that resembled Namikaze Minato.

Even his analytical thinking and strategic insight carried Minato's shadow...**

---

Outside the Hokage's Office

"Kakashi-senpai, are you alright?"

Leaving the Hokage's Office, Haruta and his team had completed their current mission—for now.

Unless Kirigakure made a move, there wouldn't be much else for them to do.

At the very least, they needed to ensure safe entry and an escape route before heading in.

Haruta wasn't too concerned for himself—he had Flying Thunder God.

But there was no way in hell he was going in alone to face Obito!

Right now, he was feeling incredibly satisfied.

Obito had tried to set him up, but he had completely turned the tables—exposing everything about him!

"Let's see how you keep scamming people now, Obito! I just took everything from you!"

However, while Haruta was in high spirits, Kakashi was the opposite—he had been completely silent.

Seeing this, Haruta couldn't help but ask again.

---

"Sigh… I didn't expect things to turn out this way."

Kakashi let out a bitter chuckle, touching his covered eye.

**"But I still believe… we need more investigation.

I need to understand this situation better.

But don't worry—I'm a shinobi of Konoha. I know what I have to do."

With those words, Kakashi said no more.

But deep down, his determination had never been stronger.

**"Obito… you were the one who pulled me back before.

Now it's my turn.

No matter what—it's my duty to bring you back!"**

---

"Kakashi-senpai… is he going to be okay?"

Yugao whispered with concern.

Haruta, however, had no words.

"Damn that bastard Obito… really knows how to mess with people's emotions…"

Just then, his system interface refreshed—

[Hidden Mission Completed: Expose Uchiha Obito's Identity (2)]

[Mission Rating: A]

[Reward: 3 Free Points]

Haruta's eyes lit up instantly!

"I won't deny it—Obito is a damn gold mine!"