Chapter 10: The Murderer is in our Clan

[Note: Read up to Chapter - 60 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]

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Although the task of killing the two elders was difficult, Shin and Souta accepted it without hesitation.

"Don't worry—I'll assign a few others to assist you. Just remember: don't leave behind anything that would expose us," Kanzou warned.

He didn't want anyone to have definitive proof that he had orchestrated the assassination of the elders.

The people from Fugaku's faction are definitely going to suspect him… but as long as they don't have proof, they wouldn't be able to do shit.

And that's exactly what he wants…

"Understood. You can count on us, Kanzou-sama."

In truth, killing the two elders wasn't that hard. The Second and Third Elders of the Uchiha clan may have been powerful in their youth—likely Elite Jōnin at their peak—but they were now older than the late patriarch, Uchiha Douma, and their strength had severely declined. They might not even be as strong as an average Jōnin now.

Given that, Souta and Shin should be more than capable of handling them. The real challenge was doing it without leaving a trace.

"Let's hope they don't disappoint me," Kanzou murmured.

If Kanzou had chosen to do it himself, those two old fools wouldn't have stood a chance—and no one would've known it was him.

But if Kanzou was to take all the matters in his own hands, what would his subordinates do?

If they completed their tasks flawlessly, Kanzou had no intention of being stingy with rewards.

…

[Ding! Ordered the assassination of two elders — reward: 50 Detonating Charms, Evil Value +2000]

About two hours later, Kanzou heard the system notification and knew the mission was a success.

Still, he wasn't entirely satisfied with the reward—it wasn't much.

Looks like he'd have to visit Mikoto again when time allowed.

A few minutes later, Shin and Souta returned.

"Kanzou-sama, the mission is complete. We made sure not to leave any trace," Shin reported.

"Good. I expected nothing less. You both did well. Here—this is your reward: a B-rank Fire Style technique, Great Fire Annihilation. Master it well, and once you're done, burn the scroll."

Kanzou handed over the ninjutsu scroll to them.

"The Great Fire Annihilation?"

The two were thrilled. This was a Fire Style ninjutsu that had been lost to the Uchiha clan—an exceptionally powerful offensive technique.

Although classified as B-rank, in the hands of a skilled shinobi, it could rival even A-rank or potentially S-rank ninjutsu in destructive power.

In truth, the ranking of a jutsu typically refers to its difficulty of mastery. However, higher difficulty often correlates with greater effectiveness and potency, so it's generally true that the higher the rank, the stronger the jutsu.

"Leave for now—and hand over the weapons you used in the assassination," Kanzou ordered.

After dismissing them, Kanzou returned to refining his Chakra.

He had never neglected his daily training. Even before awakening the system, reaching near-Kage-level strength had come from sheer dedication and relentless effort.

After reaching Kage-level, Kanzou's Chakra had increased more than tenfold, not just in quantity, but in quality as well.

Casting the same jutsu with the same amount of Chakra now produces far more destructive results than before.

"I'll need to find a proper place to test Ryūjin Jakka's Shikai soon," Kanzou muttered to himself.

After refining his Chakra, he gently wiped down Ryūjin Jakka.

Now that he had attained Kage-level strength, he was qualified to wield its Shikai. Kanzou believed that, with it, he could even reduce a peak Kage-level opponent to ashes.

…

The following day, Kanzou went to a secluded training ground to practise Chidori and Great Fire Annihilation.

Jutsu purchased from the system didn't require learning—they came fully mastered.

Even if they are of a Nature that the practitioner has no affinity or mastery towards.

As for Ryūjin Jakka, Kanzou held back from testing it. Even its Shikai form remained his trump card—for now, it was best kept hidden.

If Kanzou could maintain Shikai for an extended period, even super Kage-level powerhouses wouldn't pose a threat to him.

But a trump card must never be revealed casually—especially for a shinobi. Exposing your hand is as good as signing your death warrant.

Afterward, Kanzou spent some time training in taijutsu and Kenjutsu. Before he could finish, someone arrived with news: the bodies of the two Elders had finally been discovered.

"Well then…" he chuckled, deciding to stop for today.

…

At the elders' residence, Fugaku stood with a dark expression. His aura was so oppressive that it could make a child cry.

"Who did this? Who dared to murder two elders of the Uchiha clan?" Kanzou's voice rang out with righteous fury. "Such audacity—this captain of the Military Police Force will not rest until the culprit is punished!"

His tone carried just the right amount of outrage and sorrow.

Shin, who knew the truth, couldn't help but admire Kanzou's performance.

'As expected of Kanzou-sama. His acting skills are god-tier.'

"Captain Kanzou," someone asked with suspicion, "you truly have no idea who did this?"

Shinkurou looked coldly at Kanzou.

Although there was no evidence, he strongly suspected Kanzou was behind it.

"If I knew who did it, I would've caught the culprit already," Kanzou replied calmly.

"The two elders dedicated their lives to the clan. Their assassination is an outrage. The one responsible must not be allowed to get away with it."

"Yes," Fugaku added, his eyes fixed on Kanzou with murderous intensity. If looks could kill, Kanzou would've been cut to pieces.

"As the captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, their deaths are a failure on my part," Kanzou said solemnly, ignoring Fugaku's glare and putting on a guilt-ridden expression.

"Captain, don't blame yourself," Shin quickly stepped in, playing along. "The assassins were clearly meticulous and cunning. This isn't your fault."

The two of them worked together so seamlessly, it was like watching a perfectly rehearsed act.

"Everyone, regarding the deaths of the two elders, I suspect the killer is one of our own—someone from within the Uchiha clan," Fugaku said as he stepped forward.

He was certain—absolutely certain—that Kanzou was the one responsible.

Apart from Kanzou, no one would have any reason to murder them.

Well, maybe not an immediate reason…

"Fugaku-sama, please don't speak so recklessly!"

"I don't believe it. The elders must have been killed by outsiders, not one of us!"

"Yes, how could a Uchiha kill the respectable elders?!"

"To blame one of our own… It seems Fugaku has lost his mind…"

"Do you have any evidence to support this, Fugaku-sama?"

"…"

Fugaku's statement stirred unease and resentment among the gathered clansmen. Accusing their own was no small matter.

Shinkurou's expression shifted. He shook his head slightly and muttered to himself, "Fugaku-sama is being too impulsive."

There was no doubt in his mind that Kanzou was behind it. But someone bold enough to assassinate two elders would never leave behind any evidence.

"Start the search. Begin with the Uchiha compound. Even if we have to search the entire Konoha Village, I will find the murderer. I refuse to believe they left no trace behind."

Fugaku glared intensely at Kanzou.

Ninjas are highly skilled in investigation—they can extract valuable information even from a corpse. Fugaku didn't believe for a second that Kanzou could cover his tracks perfectly.

Even if Kanzou didn't do it himself, Fugaku was certain it was carried out under his orders.

And even if Kanzou managed to avoid punishment this time, Fugaku swore to at least take one of his arms.

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[Note: As the R-18 scene, I will post that part separately, one of these days, as Chapter 8.5]

Drop power Powerstonessssssssss!

[Note: Read up to Chapter - 60 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]