Chapter 159: Obito: "My disguise has been exposed!" – Iizumi & Konan (7,000 words)

Mitarashi Anko and Uchiha Izumi had parted ways. Walking home alone, Konoha Rin suddenly sensed an unnatural stillness around her—no barking dogs, no meowing cats. Not a single sound broke the silence.

Her eyes narrowed instantly. She knew this atmosphere all too well.

Back when the Third Hokage had sent several Anbu Ninjas to shadow her, the air had felt exactly like this—dead, watchful, suffocating.

Konoha Rin stopped in her tracks, standing alone in an empty alley, her body swallowed by the shadows of night.

She spoke into the air:

“Wasn’t the investigation into me already concluded? I was cleared of any ties to Orochimaru, wasn’t I?”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than figures emerged from the darkness—six Leaf Village shinobi, each wearing grotesque masks.

But when Konoha Rin saw their masks and uniforms, she froze.

“…Root?”

She realized these weren’t Anbu Ninjas.

They were members of the Leaf Village Root Organization.

Something was wrong.

The Third Hokage had only ever deployed Anbu for her surveillance. Why now—suddenly—was Root involved?

And if she remembered correctly, Root had been handed over to Tsunade Konoha.

“Mitarashi Anko,” a mature female voice spoke from one of the masked figures—clearly a woman. “As a Leaf Village shinobi, you must not withhold vital information from the village. Lady Shizune offers you one final chance. Take it.”

Before Konoha Rin could respond, the Root ninja pressed on:

“Where is Orochimaru?”

Mitarashi Anko’s breath caught.

How did they know about Orochimaru?

Had she and Uchiha Izumi been overheard during their conversation?

Two seconds of silence passed.

Then, in a flat, unwavering tone:

“I have nothing to say.”

She believed Uchiha Izumi would kill Orochimaru.

But if she handed him over to the Third Hokage—or to Tsunade Konoha and the village elders—there was a real chance they’d see value in him. They might keep him alive, exploit him, use him.

That was something she could not allow.

“Mitarashi Anko!” One of the Root ninjas stepped forward, voice sharp with anger. “Do you realize what you’re doing? The Leaf Village poured resources, time, and effort into raising you—into shaping you into a top-tier genin. Lady Shizune, the Hokage—they’ve placed their trust in you! Don’t you feel even a shred of gratitude?”

“Did you forget the Fire Nation’s Will taught in the Academy?”

Konoha Rin frowned.

“I haven’t forgotten the village’s kindness. I’m repaying it in my own way—by making the Leaf Village better. I’m not like Uchiha Itachi. I don’t slaughter entire clans. I only punish the village’s Evil Offenders in the name of Absolute Justice.”

She paused, then added:

“You don’t need to waste your time trying to extract anything from me. If you want intel, go ask Iizumi.”

“If he wants to tell you, he’ll tell you. If he doesn’t… then you shouldn’t know.”

A soft, aged voice drifted from behind her.

“Then what if I were to ask you?”

Konoha Rin’s pupils contracted.

She turned.

There stood Tsunade Konoha, flanked by two Root guards, slowly approaching from the darkness.

Tsunade Konoha stopped ten meters away.

The distance was deliberate. The tension palpable.

Her wrinkled face remained expressionless, but her eyes—sharp, calculating—locked onto Konoha Rin.

“Konoha Rin,” she said, voice dry as dust. “It was I who persuaded the Third Hokage to stop investigating you. You should know better than to betray that debt. Hand over Orochimaru’s location—now.”

Konoha Rin exhaled slowly.

Then, she laughed—quietly, bitterly.

“Wow. What a grand spectacle.”

Her voice dropped, cold and firm:

“The Ninja Way I once believed in was swift, decisive, ironclad. I said nothing to say. So I will not say anything.”

Tsunade Konoha sighed.

“The new generation of Leaf elites… they’ve all been brainwashed by Uchiha Izumi.”

She stared directly into Konoha Rin’s eyes.

“If this were Danzō, you’d be dead already—your corpse used to extract secrets. But I’m not him. I don’t relish cruelty. I won’t harm you unnecessarily.”

The words fell like a blade.

And instantly, a swarm of black snakes slithered from beneath Konoha Rin’s sleeves.

She smirked—eager, cruel, yet her gaze remained guarded.

“Don’t think I’m so easy to catch. Orochimaru altered my memories, yes—but I still remember everything he taught me.”

“Attack. Don’t kill her. Capture her. Use Genjutsu to break her.”

Tsunade Konoha didn’t waste another word.

She knew these people were lost to Absolute Justice. No point in arguing with the deluded.

Words were useless. They’d only scream their nonsense in her ears.

She turned away.

The six Root ninjas surged forward—drawing their ninja swords, but not slashing with the blades. Instead, they swung the flat of the blades, striking with brutal precision.

Konoha Rin moved instantly.

Her sleeves unleashed a flurry of black snakes—like arrows fired from a bow, lashing out at the Root ninjas.

As they deflected the serpents with their sword backs, Konoha Rin bit her thumb and slammed her palm onto the ground.

“Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu!”

---

Across the Leaf Village, in the quiet backroom of Ichiraku Ramen, the Hyūga Main Family sat in tense silence—Zetsu-still, their faces frozen in quiet dread.

Hinata had set down her ramen bowl, her posture rigid, her small face etched with anxiety.

Every time a customer entered or exited, all eyes snapped toward the door.

The regulars began to feel uneasy—like they were being watched by ghosts.

Normally, the shop’s owner’s daughter, Shōbu, would have stepped in to calm them. After all, the Hyūga Main Family’s presence was disrupting business.

But they’d paid too much.

Just Hinata, the girl with the Byakugan, had already consumed over fifteen large, extra-sauce bowls—nearly twenty.

Then—her eyes snapped wide.

She gripped Hanabi’s hand so tightly it made the younger girl wince, tears welling in her eyes.

But she bit her lip, remembering her sister’s warning: Don’t say anything.

‘He’s here!’

Keizuke Hyūga took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the door.

He didn’t dare meet the newcomer’s eyes.

Instead, he rose slowly, voice trembling with forced dignity.

“…Iizumi-sama, the Hyūga Main Family is all present.”

He’d been forced to call the man who’d imprisoned nearly all of them—his family—“sama.”

It was humiliating. A betrayal of the Hyūga name.

If only he’d had the courage…

“If you have any commands, the Hyūga Main Family will serve with all our strength.”

His words were polite. His heart screamed betrayal.

He feared one wrong move—one misstep—and he’d become the first member of the Hyūga Main Family to be condemned to the clan’s history of shame.

Uchiha Izumi didn’t waste breath.

He spoke plainly:

“The Main Family will stay at an inn on Fourth Street for now. The room has been booked for a full year, paid for by the Leaf Village Uchiha Police Force. Do not return to the Hyūga compound.”

He paused.

“Kushina, one of the Sannin, is staying there too. I’ve spoken with her. She’ll look after you.”

The Hyūga elders blinked.

“Meow.” Tachibana Jiro, lounging beside the counter, added with a smirk.

“Let me clarify: ‘looking after’ doesn’t mean babysitting. No special privileges. No favors. Don’t misunderstand.”

He tilted his head toward Izumi.

“Uchiha Iizumi isn’t doing this out of kindness. He’s worried about you. The Branch Family has some… unstable elements. Some extremists might target you—especially women and children.”

“His concern? To prevent a tragedy. That’s why he’s arranged this safehouse. And he’s placed Kushina, one of the Sannin, to keep the troublemakers in line.”

Keizuke’s eyes widened.

So that’s why…

He had felt uneasy lately. The compound wasn’t safe.

Two days ago, he’d noticed strange glances from some Branch Family members—nervous, hostile, almost hungry.

Even as a Main Family upper-rank ninja, he’d felt chilled.

If the Branch Family wanted to strike, and the Main Family couldn’t use the Cage of Birds Seal… it would be easy.

A little poison in the food. One by one. The last of the Main Family wiped out in silence.

That’s… what he’s protecting us from?

The Hyūga Main Family stared at each other.

It was surreal.

Just the day before, Izumi had slaughtered their family members.

Now, he was shielding them.

Was this… real?

“Meow.” Tachibana Jiro’s voice cut through the silence.

“Uchiha Iizumi doesn’t judge people by status. He judges by morality. You’ve heard the rumors about him. Haven’t you realized yet? He sees good and evil—not clan or rank.”

Keizuke froze.

Then—slowly—he understood.

We’re the good ones.

He swallowed hard.

After a long silence, he bowed.

“…Thank you.”

It was agreement.

It was survival.

---

Land of Rain.

Konan stood atop a cliff, her back to the storm-lit horizon.

Behind her, a pair of pale, flawless paper wings unfurled—white as snow, elegant as angelic wings—lifting her into the air.

In the gaze of Biwa Jūzō, she soared over the ravine, landing gracefully on the other side.

The wings collapsed behind her, re-forming into delicate sheets beneath her feet—keeping her pristine, untouched by the rain-soaked mud.

Seeing her arrive so boldly, so unafraid—Biwa Jūzō realized it was true.

This woman is a clone.

If she were the real Konan, she wouldn’t dare approach the Molten Release Beast alone.

Unless she knew—she knew—it was just a Wood Clone.

His mind spun.

“Clone.”

It was too much.

“Your mission,” Konan said, her amber eyes fixed on him, “was to gather intelligence. Not to betray Akatsuki and bring him here.”

She tilted her head slightly.

“You were warned when you joined. Betrayal comes with a price beyond imagination. In that moment, death might be a mercy.”

“Hey, hey—” Biwa Jūzō waved a hand. “Don’t go slapping your paranoia onto me. Did you ever say I couldn’t bring him?”

He paused, then added, voice firm:

“And even if you did—look. The man who holds the secrets of the Uchiha Sharingan is standing right in front of you. Isn’t that what you’ve been chasing?”

He exhaled.

“Wouldn’t it be better if you learned the truth now? Isn’t that the goal?”

His voice cracked with defiance.

“Or are you afraid? That this Leaf shinobi—this Molten Release Beast—is too much for you?”

“Let’s be honest. I’ve exceeded my mission. So don’t tell me Akatsuki abandons its new members like this!”

Konan stared at him.

Then, without a word, she turned to the Wood Clone.

“Even here in the Land of Rain, I’ve heard your name. The Daimyō of Fire Country has spoken of you. The Uchiha prodigy from the Third Ninja War. The founder of Absolute Justice. The man who killed the Daimyō and walked away unscathed from the Capital City.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“You are not just a name. You are legend. Rumors say you’re being compared to Uchiha Sharingan—the clan’s ancient ancestor. Some believe you’ll become the second Uchiha Sharingan.”

She paused.

“From what I’ve learned… Uchiha Sharingan has been obsessed with you. He’s been investigating you—personally. That tells me one thing.”

Her voice dropped.

“You know something about him. Something he doesn’t want known.”

She stepped forward.

“Make a deal. Akatsuki will kill anyone you want—anyone within our reach.

In return… you give us the secrets of Uchiha Sharingan.”

Silence.

Rain began to fall.

Konan didn’t shield herself. The drops soaked her black-and-red robes, clinging to her skin. Her hair, tied in damp strands, clung to her pale face.

Biwa Jūzō felt the tension thicken. His heart pounded.

Me? Nervous?

The Seven Swordsmen?

This is ridiculous.

The Wood Clone finally spoke—calm, emotionless.

“I don’t need Akatsuki to kill anyone.

But if you must trade for information… then let me offer a condition.”

His gaze locked with Konan’s.

“All of Akatsuki’s core members. They must die. One by one. Their heads on a pike. Only then would that be a fair exchange.”

Konan’s expression flickered—just once.

A flash of irritation.

But before she could speak, the Clone continued.

“…However. If simply exposing his secrets would hurt him, make his life miserable… then I’d be delighted to do it.”

He smirked—just slightly.

“If that so-called ‘fanboy’ dies… well, even better. As long as he doesn’t die by my hand—but in a fight between Evil Offenders, I’ll be satisfied.”

“And besides… the truth about Uchiha Obito? It’s not even secret anymore. Not even information. It’s common knowledge.”

Konan froze.

The words hit like a thunderclap.

“Uchiha… Obito?!”

The Clone glanced at Biwa Jūzō.

“Tell her.”

“…What? Me?”

Biwa Jūzō’s face paled.

She’s looking at me now. She thinks I know—and I didn’t report it.

He swallowed.

Then, in a shaky voice, he told everything.

Konoha Rin’s eyes widened.

Her mind raced.

So… that’s it?

The man she’d sworn to protect—the one she’d believed was the true Uchiha Sharingan—was just a Leaf Village genin?

A child?

And the one who’d fooled her—Nagato—was just a ninja apprentice?

The truth was staggering.

Yet… she believed it.

Because only then did everything make sense.

Why Uchiha Sharingan had been so obsessed with Izumi.

Why he’d sent her to investigate.

It wasn’t because Izumi was powerful.

It was because he was real.

And the man pretending to be Sharingan… was just a fraud.

The silence stretched.

Rain fell.

Konan stared at the Wood Clone.

Then, quietly:

“You traveled all the way from the Land of Fire… just to tell me this? No trade. No reward. Just to make Obito suffer?”

She shook her head.

“I don’t believe it. Deep down… I know you’re not here for him. You’re here for us.”

She paused.

“Even if you don’t say it… I know you’re not just a man with a code. You’re a storm. And storms don’t come for small things.”

She turned to Biwa Jūzō.

“I still don’t trust you. Your mission is void. You’ve done too much—too much.”

Biwa Jūzō blinked.

What?

After I almost died in the Leaf Village?

She’s still punishing me?

But then—she didn’t banish him.

That meant she wanted him.

She needed a bridge.

He was no longer a swordsman.

He was a messenger.

A tool.

A voice.

She’s using me to talk to Izumi.

Biwa Jūzō realized it.

Then—just as he watched—Konan’s back erupted with new wings.

But before she could fly—

A kunai screamed past Biwa Jūzō’s ear.

It struck Konan’s throat—perfectly.

The clone’s body shattered into paper.

She was gone.

“Letting someone like you—someone who treats lives like toys—walk away unscathed… even as a paper copy… that’s just disgusting.”

The Wood Clone spoke, voice cold.

Konan’s paper form crumbled to the ground.

Then—slowly—she reformed.

“…Impressive.” Konan breathed, collecting the fragments. “You ended my paper clone before it even reacted. You’re stronger than I thought.”

She exhaled.

“He’s here.”

---

Deep within the Akatsuki base in the Land of Rain, Konan stood in the dark cavern.

Her paper clone’s memories flooded her mind—crisp, violent, overwhelming.

She clenched her jaw.

After a long silence, she spoke.

“He came.”

Nagato looked up from his seat.

“The one who killed your clone… was Uchiha Izumi?”

Konan nodded.

“Exactly as the initial reports said. Cold. Unyielding. Arrogant. I don’t know what he wants.”

She recounted the entire exchange.

Nagato’s brow furrowed.

“He gave you the truth… for nothing?”

“Not nothing,” Konan corrected. “He wanted Obito exposed.”

She turned, her voice sharp.

“Uchiha Sharingan is dead.

The man we’ve been working with? He’s a Leaf genin. Uchiha Obito.”

A pause.

Then—cold, quiet fury.

“So a child—a genin—stood before us… and told us what to do?”

Her voice trembled with betrayal.

“Biwa Jūzō told me… Obito is Jiraiya’s grandson. His teacher? Minato Namikaze. He’s our junior.”

She spat the words.

“No matter his reasons… he lied. He lied to us. That’s unforgivable.”

Nagato was silent.

Then—Konan added:

“Biwa Jūzō… he revealed Obito’s abilities. He pointed out his weaknesses.”

Her voice dropped.

“He told us everything.”

She looked at Nagato.

“He’s no longer hiding.”

---

Meanwhile—Land of Rain.

Uchiha Obito returned to the base, heart pounding.

He’d felt it—the suspicion. The watchful eye of that woman.

If he hadn’t come back, she’d have thought he was running.

She was investigating Izumi.

That meant she’d started to doubt him.

So he had to act—calm, unbothered, dismissive.

After all… the real Uchiha Sharingan wouldn’t care about some Leaf Village ant.

“Hmph.” He exhaled.

“I was too hasty. I caused a chain reaction. Kuro Zetsu’s still recovering. And Itachi… he’s dead.”

Five seconds of silence.

Then, he adjusted his mask, pressed his fingers to his throat—just in case—and stepped into the chamber.

“Old man,” he said, voice raspy, “I’ve been to the Timber District. Investigated the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.”

He paused.

“While I was gone… did we recruit a new member?”

Nagato looked up.

Konan looked at him.

“…Yes,” she said flatly.

“An Uchiha shinobi. Might be someone you know.”

Obito froze.

“Who?”

His voice stayed steady.

“Uchiha Obito.”

Konan stared.

The room went silent.

Rain fell outside.

And somewhere—deep in the shadows—a clone watched.

The game is just beginning.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end