Chapter 76: Forget Fear, You Will Be Protected by Me

Chapter 76: Forget Fear, You Will Be Protected by Me

Due to the clan's decline, internal conflicts within the Kurama clan were also significant.

Although not comparable to the Uchiha clan's radical faction, there was similarly a hawk faction opposing the Third Hokage.

That is, clansmen close to the Hokage faction, and clansmen hoping to break away from Konoha.

However, after Kurama Yakumo's birth, the Kurama clan's hawk faction hadn't held much sway.

After all, as long as Kurama Yakumo grew up systematically, their Kurama clan could rise again, regaining their past glory.

There was no need at all to leave Konoha and cut their losses in time.

But recently, due to Kurama Yakumo's physical condition, making it very likely she couldn't become a ninja,

The hawk faction's voice within the Kurama clan resurfaced.

Kurama Murakumo was from the Kurama clan's dove faction; his younger brother, Kurama Unkai, was the leader of the hawk faction.

He now held absolute advantage in both prestige and power.

That's why Kurama Murakumo had so anxiously requested help from the Third Hokage and Yūhi Kurenai.

But unfortunately...

"Yakumo, with Konoha's current strength, it's already impossible to cure your congenital defect."

Kurama Unkai looked at Yakumo: "I know you also wish to possess that kind of all-powerful strength. Since that's the case, why not let this gentleman..."

Kurama Unkai paused, then looked towards Menma nearby.

Menma shook his head upon seeing this, saying nonchalantly: "A name is merely a codename. You can call me Ame-no-Minakanushi."

Ame-no-Minakanushi. In the Japanese mythological system, Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami exists as the origin god.

Meaning 'Master of the Center of the Universe', representing the fundamental root of the universe. Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami is also the head of the 'Three Gods of Creation' (Zōka Sanshin) and the 'Five Separate Heavenly Deities' (Kotoamatsukami).

This also represented Menma's ambition.

-- To sit high above the heavens, controlling everything beneath.

Hearing the codename "Ame-no-Minakanushi", everyone present was momentarily stunned.

This world had no legend of Ame-no-Minakanushi; the same thought merely arose in their minds simultaneously.

Since it's a codename, does that mean...

Could there be a powerful, mysterious organization behind this masked man?

Come to think of it, how could a powerhouse of such strength be an unknown wandering ninja?

Just don't know what kind of organization it is, how many people as strong as him there are, and what this masked man's status within the organization is.

For a moment, countless thoughts raced through Kurama Unkai's mind.

Perhaps... it's really worth a try.

"Father!"

Nearby, Kurama Yakumo also trotted forward, supporting her father.

She bit her lip, saying resolutely: "I want to try."

Although Kurama Yakumo was still young, having grown up under the expectations of her family and parents, her mind was already very mature.

By observing the situation and the conversation between everyone, she finally made her own choice.

Although becoming a ninja was once merely a dream instilled in her by her parents, now it was the only goal driving her forward.

If she lost this goal, she wouldn't even know how to live on.

Live like an ordinary person, writing and drawing every day, just drifting along waiting for death?

"No! I don't want that kind of life!"

Having witnessed the power of ninja, having possessed great talent, she simply couldn't be content with ordinariness.

Nearby, Menma and Yakumo met eyes. The corner of his mouth beneath the mask couldn't help but lift.

"Your gaze is excellent. Remember your current will."

He raised his hand and patted Yakumo's head.

Then he leaned down, whispering meaningfully beside her ear: "Although I said you'd become my weapon, I will not restrict you."

"When the time comes, whether to leave or stay, you don't need to care about others' opinions. You must make your own choice."

Menma's tone was laced with amusement, his words full of confidence and ease.

He didn't lack power. What he lacked were people who could always stand behind him.

If Yakumo was only after power, then she wouldn't walk with him to the end, and he likewise wouldn't force her.

But Menma was confident.

After Yakumo saw a vaster world, she would no longer be satisfied with the status quo.

This kind of child, always yearning to strive upwards, was precisely the talent he needed.

"Just as I said before, if one can only pray for someone to save them like a plant waiting for timely rain from heaven, I will not save such a person."

Menma smiled: "But if it's someone struggling to survive on their own..."

"Forget fear, forget death. You will be protected by me."

...

Inside Konoha's ANBU Headquarters.

Among the ANBU members, Uchiha Itachi's figure appeared quite small.

He wore the ANBU uniform on the outside, and underneath, an ordinary ninja outfit with the Uchiha clan emblem. A samurai sword (tantō) was strapped to his back, his long hair tied up.

With age, the tear troughs on Itachi's face became more pronounced, making him appear even more serious and gloomy.

Questioning, curious, disgusted...

All sorts of gazes were fixed on Itachi, and Itachi likewise noticed these looks.

"The conflict between ANBU and the Police Force is growing..."

Uchiha Itachi's heart sank. After completing his mission handover, he wanted to leave.

"Uchiha Itachi."

A voice suddenly called him from behind.

Hearing the familiar voice, Itachi turned, saying respectfully: "Senior Tenzō."

Tenzō, wearing a mask, looked at him and said calmly: "You have a new mission next. Come with me, I'll take you to the mission location."

Finished speaking, ignoring Itachi's thoughts, he walked straight past him.

"A new mission?"

Itachi frowned.

Although somewhat puzzled, he didn't say much, just silently following behind Tenzō.

Until the two arrived at an underground space.

Only then did a look of shock appear on Itachi's face.

This was an almost completely sealed underground space. Though people came and went, the atmosphere was extremely heavy and oppressive.

Looking at the various masks faintly illuminated, each with a different design, Uchiha Itachi's breath caught involuntarily.

Before these ANBU members were surveillance screens.

And the images on the screens were places he was all too familiar with.

Over a dozen surveillance screens, from the streets within the Uchiha clan grounds to the outside of the Naka Shrine, were actually all under ANBU surveillance.

Tenzō stood behind Uchiha Itachi, his blank eyes scanning him up and down, then spoke: "This is your mission location."

"From today onwards, you and these people will be responsible for the twenty-four-hour surveillance of the Uchiha clan."

After stating the mission, Tenzō lowered his voice and explained: "You should have some understanding of the Uchiha clan's current situation, so I won't explain further."

Hearing Tenzō's words, Itachi suddenly felt a chill run through his entire body.

"The Uchiha clan's situation... has always been within ANBU's grasp."

And those fools in the clan are still clamoring in broad daylight about launching a coup.

(End of Chapter)

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