Chapter 12: Chapter 12 : I'm Still A Child
The Uchiha Massacre
After finishing the so-called "orientation," Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, smiled warmly at the group of fresh academy students. "Today marks your first day at the Academy, and we've prepared a special event for you all. Tonight, we'll conduct an emergency drill simulating an invasion of Konoha. After that, we'll all enjoy a grand feast together!"
"Oh! That sounds amazing! Long live Lord Third Hokage!" the clueless students cheered excitedly.
Even Sasuke seemed interested, his eyes sparking with anticipation.
However, one student stood apart from the rest—Naruto Uzumaki. The blonde simply lowered his head, a sneer playing on his lips.
Nightfall
The Academy's square was alive with laughter, singing, and the warm glow of a bonfire.
Students danced around the flames, enjoying the rare moment of celebration.
However, in the shadows, a dark figure flickered for a brief moment before disappearing.
Moments later, Naruto emerged from a hidden corner, a grin on his face as he seamlessly blended back into the revelry.
Uchiha Compound
Perched atop a telegraph pole, Itachi Uchiha stood with a solemn expression, his gaze lost in the horizon.
He exhaled slowly, as if coming to terms with a weight only he could bear.
Not far from him, two shadowed figures watched his every move.
"Are we really not going to tell him the truth? Isn't this... a little too cruel?" one of them whispered.
The taller figure sighed. "We can't interfere now. If we do, it'll only make things worse for the Uchiha. And besides... Itachi has already made up his mind. Even if we told him, he'd still choose this path. That's just the kind of person he is."
The two figures? None other than Naruto and Shisui Uchiha.
Their mission tonight was simple—secure whatever they could for Shisui's plan and salvage the remnants of their shattered clan.
"It's starting," Naruto murmured.
"Yeah," Shisui agreed, his voice low. His gaze shifted toward the entrance of the Uchiha Police Force headquarters, where a swirling distortion of space signaled the arrival of the man orchestrating the massacre—Uchiha Obito.
"That's him?" Shisui asked.
Naruto nodded. "The strongest Uchiha alive right now. He was behind the Nine-Tails attack, the one who founded Akatsuki in the shadows. And tonight... Konoha hired him and is letting him slaughter his own clan. Ironic, huh?"
Shisui's hands clenched into fists as he watched the massacre unfold.
He turned to Naruto, his voice heavy. "After tonight... I'll head to Amegakure. If Itachi joins Akatsuki, I'll find a way in alongside him. He'll be watching Nagato, and I'll be watching him."
Naruto smirked. "Smart. Keep an eye on that paper master of his too. Konan's got a nice ass, but she's sharp as hell."
Shisui shot him a look but sighed. "You never change."
Meanwhile, Itachi had already begun the slaughter.
"Let's go," Naruto said, standing. "There's nothing left to watch. We have work to do."
Shisui followed without hesitation.
The two swiftly moved through the compound, their steps silent as ghosts. Within moments, they reached the Uchiha main household.
Inside, Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha sat motionless, their backs turned to the door. Their aura was eerily calm despite the bloodshed outside.
Shisui stepped forward and knelt on one knee. "Patriarch."
Fugaku shifted slightly, his voice calm. "I expected Itachi to arrive first."
Shisui stiffened. "You... knew I was alive?"
Before Fugaku could respond, Naruto chuckled. "What, you thought the leader of the Uchiha Clan was an idiot? You're good, Shisui, but not that good. You really thought you could smuggle out clansmen unnoticed? If Fugaku didn't cover for you, Danzo would've had your ass the moment you started moving people."
Fugaku turned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Naruto's presence. "So... the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
Naruto grinned. "That's me."
Fugaku's voice remained steady. "A child like you is pulling the strings behind the scenes? Do you not fear the Uchiha's Sharingan? You should know better than anyone that we can control the Nine-Tails."
Naruto simply shrugged, poking his own shoulder nonchalantly. "You're welcome to try."
There was a pause. Then Fugaku let out a dry chuckle. "You're Bold."
Naruto smirked. "It's one of my better traits."
Shisui, however, remained focused. "Patriarch, what do you intend to do?"
Fugaku exhaled. "Long-term pain is worse than short-term pain. I will let the Uchiha die here tonight... but the true Uchiha will live on. If the survivors remain hidden, they will not be wiped out. That is my final decision."
Naruto's grin faded. "You know, old man, you're surprisingly cool. I almost feel bad for fucking with you now."
Fugaku arched a brow. "What do you mean?"
Naruto reached into his pocket—or rather, his system space—and pulled out two small dolls. "These bad boys are stand-in puppets. A drop of blood, and they'll take on your exact form. They won't have your strength, but they'll be indistinguishable from the real thing."
Fugaku and Mikoto exchanged wary glances.
"Go on," Naruto urged, handing them over. "It's not like you've got a better option."
After a moment's hesitation, Fugaku and Mikoto pricked their fingers and let a drop of blood fall onto each doll.
Instantly, the figures began morphing, growing into perfect copies of the Uchiha couple.
Naruto whistled. "Damn, Mikoto's got a killer body."
Mikoto immediately turned red, while Fugaku's eye twitched in irritation. "You little—"
Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, hey, I'm still a kid~"
Fugaku grumbled but let it slide. "Fine. We'll use them."
Naruto nodded. "Good. Now all you have to do is make a dramatic death scene, and Itachi will never know the difference."
Moments later, Itachi arrived outside the house.
"There's no need for traps. Come in," Fugaku's double said.
Itachi hesitated before stepping inside. "Father."
"I do not wish to fight my own son," the fake Fugaku said. "But I understand your choice."
"Father... Mother... I..." Itachi's voice wavered.
"We understand," the fake Mikoto said gently. "Just promise us one thing."
"Sasuke will be in your care," Fugaku's double finished.
Itachi's hands trembled as he raised his blade. Tears slid down his cheeks as his Mangekyō Sharingan spun violently.
"Don't hesitate. This is the path you chose," the fake Fugaku reassured. "No matter what happens... I am proud of you."
Itachi let out a shaky breath—then plunged the sword forward.
Outside, Naruto and Shisui watched from the rooftops.
Shisui exhaled. "It's done."
Naruto rubbed his chin. "Damn... that was some Oscar-level acting. The whole family deserves awards."
Shisui shot him a look, but even he couldn't deny the surreal nature of the moment.
Then Naruto suddenly slapped his thigh. "Shit! I forgot something!"
Shisui blinked. "What?"
Naruto groaned. "I forgot to steal more eyeballs from the police force!"
Shisui sighed. "...You really never change."
Naruto grinned. "Damn right I don't."
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Give me power stones 💪 💪 💪 💪