Chapter 129: Uchiha Setsuna Falls! The Hyūga Clan! (The Eight-Thousand-Chapter Arc)

Some members of the Uchiha clan had indeed committed extreme acts in pursuit of awakening their eyes. For instance, Uchiha Fugaku once threw his four-year-old son, Uchiha Itachi, onto the battlefield just to force him to awaken.

That was the ultimate extreme. At the time, Fugaku’s actions had shocked many within the clan.

Yet, it was precisely this ruthlessness that cemented his position as Clan Head—proving his unwavering resolve and capacity for decisive action.

But no one expected that someone would go even further.

That man was none other than Uchiha Setsuna, the clan’s elder.

If Uchiha Iizumi’s words were true, then Setsuna’s actions weren’t merely about “capacity”—they were something far worse.

Something that defied the very laws of this world.

A living beast.

It was no wonder the dozen or so radical Uchiha youths surrounding him stared at Setsuna with such unsettling eyes.

“Uchiha Iizumi!” Setsuna knew he couldn’t stay silent. If he did, even those who weren’t openly hostile would never truly stand by him.

Coldly cutting through Iizumi’s words, Setsuna snapped:

“Your so-called ‘eyes that see past evil’—even if they truly perceive something, who can guarantee what you say is what you saw?!”

“If you cannot prove it, then your accusations are nothing more than slander against an elder of the Uchiha clan! A baseless lie used to attack me!”

His words silenced the others for a moment.

What if, indeed, only Iizumi possessed such a power?

Then he could falsely accuse anyone he wanted—no one else could ever prove him wrong.

Iizumi, unmoved, replied coldly:

“Cut off your head and send it to the Yamanaka Clan for inspection. Then you’ll know if I’m lying.”

Setsuna: “???”

For some reason, he saw several clan members suddenly light up with realization.

No! They actually agreed with that?

Damn it—what kind of madness was this?

If my head were cut off, even if I were proven innocent, I’d still be dead!

And worse—Setsuna didn’t even believe he was innocent.

That made it worse.

Before he could protest further, Iizumi continued:

“Are you going to protect such a criminal of evil?”

His thumb pressed against the hilt. A gentle push, and the blade—silver and gleaming—slid out a few centimeters.

His voice grew colder, the air thickening with dread:

“I don’t have time to wait. Step back in twenty seconds. Twenty… nineteen…”

The countdown echoed in their ears, sending chills down their spines.

Behind him, Uchiha Iizumi placed her hand on her blade.

If Iizumi moved, she would follow without hesitation.

No matter how many stood before them, she would not retreat.

Perched on her shoulder, Tachibana Jiro arched his back, fur bristling, sharp fangs bared.

At the back, Mitarashi Anko inhaled sharply.

She finally understood why “Uchiha Setsuna” sounded so familiar.

And now she knew—exactly what Iizumi intended.

He was going to kill the clan elder.

In the name of Absolute Justice.

Anko’s expression hardened. This was a test.

A trial not just for Iizumi, but for her.

And the others—every single one present—were elite Uchiha shinobi.

The tension was unbearable.

This was about to turn into bloodshed.

“Uchiha Iizumi!”

At the word “fourteen,” a Zetsu warrior loyal to Setsuna stepped forward, gritting his teeth.

“Setsuna Elder was going to lead our clan into a glorious future! He was going to overthrow the Leaf Village’s Hokage, place the Uchiha at the helm, and end the discrimination once and for all!”

“Your so-called ‘Absolute Justice’ is just your personal justice. Root doesn’t care about our clan! I don’t know why anyone would follow it—but I don’t!”

His words brought a flicker of relief to Setsuna’s aged, stormy face.

Years of grooming these young radicals had earned him their loyalty.

Their respect.

It wasn’t something a few words from “Absolute Justice” could erase.

The ones swayed by Iizumi’s ideals?

They were unfaithful.

“We all oppose this! You’re using a false excuse to attack Setsuna Elder! I say—you’ve miscalculated!”

“We’ll die before we let you harm our clan! And we’re not alone—we’re ten—”

“One.”

Iizumi’s voice cut off.

No matter what they said, it was all noise.

He only cared about their actions.

And they had already chosen wrong.

Suddenly—

Iizumi’s eyes transformed into a pair of crimson, swirling three tomoe.

The blade in his waist, already partially drawn, slid free in an instant.

Before anyone could react, a flash of silver slashed through the air—a crescent moon arc cut through the space.

Pshhh—

The young Uchiha’s face froze in shock. His head burst upward, spraying blood like a fountain, splattering those nearby.

“Mewww!!”

Tachibana Jiro launched from Iizumi’s shoulder, using the momentum to leap onto a mid-level Uchiha ninja.

His body swelled instantly.

Boom!

The Uchiha ninja was crushed beneath him, bones snapping audibly.

“AAAAAAHHHHHH!”

The scream of the crushed man snapped the others into reality.

He’d really killed someone!

A Uchiha ninja’s pupils contracted—instantly activating his two tomoe Sharingan.

He drew his blade, blocking in a flash.

Clang!

Steel clashed. Sparks flared—faint, but unmistakable.

The ninja glared at the girl who had nearly impaled him.

“Uchiha Iizumi!”

“Ninja Art: Dual Shadow Snake Hands!”

Anko acted instantly.

She formed seals in a blur—her sleeves burst open, and several white snakes slithered out, lunging at the two Uchiha.

The battle erupted in a single breath.

Those loyal to Setsuna gritted their teeth and drew their blades.

But some of the radicals hesitated—quietly stepping back, trying to avoid the conflict.

Seeing this, Setsuna seethed.

His liver burned with fury.

But now wasn’t the time.

“Stop this monster from slaughtering his own kin! I’m going for help!”

As he turned to run, he spat venomous words.

Yes—he was fleeing.

At his age, with his failing body, he knew he wouldn’t last long.

If he were younger, he’d have fought.

But he was old.

Running was rational.

…

Outside the Uchiha compound, Uchiha Fugaku stood alone.

He heard the chaos within.

He smelled blood.

Through the cracks in the gate, he glimpsed the scene.

He hadn’t expected it—but his suspicion had been confirmed.

Iizumi had struck at Setsuna.

The boy had grown strong.

Powerful enough to defy even him, the Clan Head.

Even the radical elder.

Logically, he should have stormed in—stopped the bloodshed.

Iizumi would kill.

More than one person would die.

But as he thought of Setsuna—of the man who’d pushed for rebellion, who’d tried to drag the Uchiha into ruin—Fugaku paused.

Iizumi’s actions were monstrous.

But so were Setsuna’s.

Either one gone meant a calmer future for the clan.

Fewer fools leading them into disaster.

So Fugaku stood still.

Silent.

“…I’m not a worthy clan head.”

He whispered it.

Then chose to watch.

And ordered no one to approach.

…

“Fire Release: Dragon Flame Technique!!”

A roaring inferno shaped like a dragon’s head surged toward Iizumi—

But in an instant, it was shattered by a torrent of lava.

The force of the eruption swallowed a Uchiha jōnin whole.

He died before he could even activate Izanagi.

Dozens of radicals were scattered.

Some fled.

Others were pinned down by Tachibana Jiro, Iizumi, and Anko.

Few remained to stand in Iizumi’s path.

Half his body bathed in molten rock, the other half gripping his sword, Iizumi moved like death incarnate.

One hand pierced through a Uchiha’s chest.

The other drove his blade deep into a second’s heart.

Two down.

His Sharingan shifted—three tomoe to Mangekyō.

A single glance.

Genjutsu flared—his target froze.

Pshhh.

Another fell.

Five Uchiha dead.

Iizumi broke through.

His gaze—calm, unblinking—locked onto the direction where Setsuna had vanished.

He followed.

…

“Huff… huff…”

Even breathing hard made Setsuna gasp.

His old body ached.

He’d never been so humiliated—running through his own compound, chased by a fanatic child.

Damn it!

A man of his stature, fleeing like a coward…

He shoved aside a Uchiha civilian who dared block him.

“Get out of my way!”

Where could he go for help?

To the Leaf leadership?

No. They’d rather kill him than save him.

There was only one choice left.

Fugaku.

Fugaku wouldn’t want the Uchiha clan to clash with the village.

He wouldn’t want him to fight Iizumi.

If he combined his strength with Fugaku’s… it would be enough.

He prayed the young radicals would hold Iizumi off—just a few more minutes.

Even three would be enough.

“Ow… oh god…”

The civilian he’d shoved groaned, trying to rise.

Then—strong fingers gripped his arm.

He was pulled up effortlessly.

Stunned, he opened his mouth to thank the stranger—

Then froze.

“Left, right?” Iizumi’s voice, cold and flat, reached his ears.

Gulp.

The man swallowed hard.

Nodded frantically.

No lies. No hesitation.

He was surprised.

The infamous “Uchiha Plague,” the terror of the clan—wasn’t so terrifying after all.

He even helped him up.

But before he could react, the man was gone.

Vanished.

“What… what just happened?”

He clutched his arm, dazed.

“That man… looked just like Setsuna Elder…”

Wait.

“Uchiha Iizumi…?”

“He’s chasing Setsuna Elder…?”

He stood frozen.

…

Meanwhile, Setsuna slowed slightly—panting—his face twisted with rage.

“Damn extremist brat… After this, I’ll—”

He stopped.

A hot breeze brushed his back.

The scent of sulfur cut through the air.

Setsuna’s breath caught.

He turned—just in time to see a flash of cold light.

His vision blurred.

A chill ran down his neck—like ice gliding over skin.

He reached up.

His fingers came away wet.

Warm.

Blood.

His eyes widened.

A red line spread across his throat.

Blood dripped down.

His head tilted.

Thud.

His head rolled off, tumbling across the ground, spinning before coming to rest—eyes wide, unseeing, fixed on Iizumi.

The world went silent.

【Ping! You have successfully eliminated a “Red Mark” criminal! Your Chakra has been slightly enhanced! Congratulations—you’ve obtained: “Full Sharingan power from Uchiha Setsuna’s youth!”】

Iizumi wiped blood from his blade.

Sheathed it.

His gaze swept the street.

This was the heart of the Uchiha Compound.

On both sides stood civilians, and members of the Uchiha Investigation Corps.

At least a dozen clan members had witnessed him kill a fellow Uchiha in broad daylight.

One of the Investigation Corps recognized the head.

His eyes widened.

“…That’s…?”

He stared at Iizumi.

Then—frozen—saw Fugaku standing at the corner.

Had the Clan Head finally intervened?

Iizumi had killed an elder.

Fugaku would have to act.

But Fugaku stood still.

He just… stared.

Their eyes met.

Then Iizumi spoke, voice flat:

“If you want to explain… go to the Yamanaka Clan.”

He didn’t look at the corpse.

Didn’t spare it a second glance.

As if a clan elder meant nothing.

Then he turned and walked away.

Only when his back disappeared did Fugaku step forward.

Slowly.

Silently.

He stood over Setsuna’s headless body.

Blood soaked his shoes.

“Setsuna… when you saw Iizumi as your enemy… did you ever think this day would come?”

Fugaku whispered.

“I did.”

Watching the man who had tried to force him down—just days ago—now reduced to a corpse…

Fugaku felt hollow.

“Absolute Justice…”

“Truly extreme.”

He looked at the silent, stunned faces around him.

He knew the truth couldn’t be hidden.

The entire clan would know soon.

That Iizumi had killed Setsuna.

And as Clan Head, he had done nothing.

No words. No action.

His standing would drop even further.

He sighed.

No one in the Uchiha clan would understand.

His silence was the only way to prevent chaos.

If he fought Iizumi now, the clan would fracture.

The village would descend into turmoil.

But…

Maybe someone did understand.

Like Itachi.

He would.

…

Just as Fugaku had feared—rumors spread.

The news shook the entire Uchiha clan.

The most respected, oldest radical elder—killed in the street, beheaded by Iizumi.

Some refused to believe it.

But when they ran to the scene, they fell silent.

Setsuna’s body lay in the road.

Headless.

Blood dried and thick.

His final expression—rage, disbelief—etched into his face.

Others rushed to his home.

The place was a warzone.

Nine bodies lay there—Uchiha radicals, all dead.

An elder arrived in a fury.

He glared at the surviving radicals.

“What happened?!”

“He was supposed to protect Setsuna! Why are you alive and they’re dead?!”

“Where’s Setsuna? Where’s the body? Where’s Iizumi?!”

The young radicals said nothing.

They were the ones who’d hesitated.

The ones who hadn’t fought to the death.

And so, they lived.

“Answer me!” the elder roared—raising his hand to strike—

But a young radical seized his wrist.

“Elder,” he said, voice firm.

“We protect only the Setsuna who truly cares for the clan.

But someone who does such evil?

He’s not a leader.

He’s not our leader.”

“We didn’t fight Iizumi—that’s our restraint.

Don’t use your rank to bully us.”

“We Uchiha live by strength.

Iizumi is stronger.

He killed Setsuna.

He had reason.

So he was right.”

“Enough. We’ve been fair.”

They walked away.

The elder stood there, stunned.

Then his face twisted.

“Traitors! Cowards! Byakugan dogs!

And that Iizumi—he actually dared—”

He was furious.

But his fear was real.

He was afraid.

…

On the other side, after calming her thoughts, Mitarashi Anko hesitated.

“…Killing an Uchiha elder… and nine of our own…

Won’t the clan leader come after us?”

“Mew, Sōyǎn Fugaku? What’s he gonna do?”

Tachibana Jiro licked his paw, utterly unbothered.

“If he had the guts, the Uchiha wouldn’t be pushed to the edge.”

“Besides… Iizumi-sama stands for Absolute Justice.

What’s he gonna say? That we killed a criminal?”

“If that’s his excuse, then he is the real criminal.”

Anko blinked.

She hadn’t expected a cat to speak so clearly.

And… she agreed.

But—Sōyǎn Fugaku?

She remembered the Clan Head’s nickname was “Fierce-Eyed Fugaku.”

Was this a joke?

Why would he be called “Soft-Eyed”?

She shrugged.

No time for questions.

She took a breath—then looked at Iizumi, bloodied and still.

“…Iizumi… did I pass your first test?”

“…Passable.”

The words she’d waited for.

Her fear melted into joy.

She’d been tainted by Orochimaru.

Now, Justice had recognized her.

Even if only partially.

It was enough.

It gave her a new purpose.

She wasn’t beyond redemption.

“Orochimaru…”

She bit her lip.

Eyes burning with fury.

…

Meanwhile, outside the village.

“Back… finally.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the Leaf gates.

A daze in his eyes.

He’d arrived later than Iizumi—because the Capital City had left a mess behind.

Dozens of nobles had misunderstood their relationship.

He’d had to go door-to-door, explaining, justifying.

“Kill the Daimyō… kill nobles… Absolute Justice…”

None of it fit him.

If he didn’t clear it up now, the misunderstanding would grow.

And it’d never be fixed.

Back at the Hokage Tower, he learned the news.

Uchiha Setsuna—killed by Iizumi.

Just an hour ago.

Hiruzen froze.

“…A welcome-back gift, huh?”

He stood silent for ten seconds.

Then rubbed his temples.

Exhaustion.

Not anger.

Why should he be angry?

Shouldn’t this be celebration?

Good riddance?

Then it hit him.

That’s why Tsunade Konoha hadn’t looked furious.

Hyūga Menji added:

“Hiruzen, this is good for the village. The most radical Uchiha is gone.

The clan will calm down.

Itachi may not act.”

Tsunade sighed:

“But it doesn’t erase the damage.

He killed the Daimyō.

He massacred the Capital City.”

Her eyes met Hiruzen’s.

She didn’t say more.

But he knew.

She blamed him.

For not stopping Iizumi.

But—had he wanted to stop him?

Before he could reply, a Root ninja burst in.

“Lady Shizuka! Hokage-sama! Lord En! The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and Uchiha Fugaku’s second son… they’re in trouble!”

Hiruzen: “!!!”

…

Elsewhere.

Iizumi’s calm eyes flickered.

A rare smile touched his lips.

To Iizumi, Anko, and Tachibana Jiro:

“It seems… Naruto Uzumaki and Uchiha Sasuke gave us a little surprise.”

Tachibana Jiro blinked.

“Those two kids? What happened?”

Izumi frowned.

How did Iizumi know?

He hadn’t seen them since returning.

Unbeknownst to her—

A notification had flashed before Iizumi’s eyes:

【Ping! Your Absolute Justice followers have united to eliminate a “Red Mark” criminal! Your Chakra has increased slightly! Congratulations—you’ve obtained: Bloodline Limit “Byakugan”!】

【Additionally, Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki have received a small Chakra boost!】

“Let’s go.”

The message faded.

Iizumi turned.

"Huh? Where are we going, Senior?" Izumi hurried after him.

“Hyūga Compound.”

…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end