Chapter 165: Iizumi and Orochimaru! Chaos in the Leaf Village (7,000 words)

Kushina stared at Tsunade Konoha with wide, incredulous eyes, her voice dripping with pointed implication:

"Not only are the Root Ninja who harmed you a child—those who did the damage are guilty of evil. But so too are the ones who orchestrated it, who permitted and directed such violence."

"Every single one of them must pay the price they deserve. And this isn’t some arbitrary rule changed by Absolute Justice—it’s the real, ironclad law of the Fire Country!"

Her gaze locked onto Tsunade Konoha once more.

"Old woman," she said without hesitation, "as the leader of Root, you allowed your subordinates to harm others. Under Fire Country Law, even if you didn’t lift a finger, you’re still an accomplice."

"I suggest you go visit the Uchiha Police Force—right now."

"And as for your little gang of troublemakers who attacked him…"

"They’ll need to report to the Investigation Corps. You have two choices: turn yourselves in voluntarily, or I’ll throw you in myself."

Kushina’s unflinching words, blunt and merciless, sent Tsunade Konoha trembling from head to toe.

She had already backed down. She had even agreed to release the prisoners! Then why was Kushina refusing to let go?

Was this any different from how Uchiha Iizumi relentlessly pursued her prey—like a rabid dog refusing to release its grip?

Was this Zetsu’s attempt to imitate Iizumi’s relentless obsession?

"Kushina… don’t push this too far," Tsunade Konoha gritted out, drawing in a sharp breath. "Even if I surrender myself to the Uchiha Police Force, do you really think the Investigation Corps would keep me? Do you think Uchiha Fugaku would dare lock me in the Leaf Village Prison? You’re just wasting your breath—nothing you say will change a thing!"

Huh?

Wait…

Tsunade Konoha’s expression darkened.

She had been so focused on resisting that she hadn’t even realized—Kushina had just made her feel guilty.

She had actually started believing she was guilty.

"Oh? What’s there to be afraid of, huh?" A sly, mocking voice cut through the air.

"Sure, Sōyǎn Fugaku might not dare keep you or throw you in prison—fair enough. But me? I’m not scared of you, old hag."

A sudden voice—unnatural, inhuman—echoed through the clearing.

At that moment, figures began to flicker into view from every direction, closing in from all sides.

Tsunade Konoha spun around, her eyes narrowing.

One after another, Uchiha Police Force ninja emerged from nowhere, surrounding her and the Root Ninja like a steel trap.

Each Investigation Corps ninja was fully armed—weapons strapped to their backs, scrolls and Explosive Tags at their waists, a few even summoning their Summon Beasts.

It looked less like a police operation and more like an army preparing for war.

And then she saw it—a plump, orange cat perched on the shoulder of one of the officers.

The cat looked disheveled, its fur matted with leaves and twigs, as if it had just sprinted back from the forest edge straight to the Investigation Corps for help.

"Uchiha Iizumi’s Ninja Cat!"

Tsunade Konoha didn’t know the cat’s name—Tachibana Jiro—but she knew exactly who it belonged to.

That cursed cat had been out of the village with Iizumi!

How did it get back so fast?

And if it was here…

Did that mean Iizumi was back?

Her body tensed instantly.

"Don’t bother looking," Tachibana Jiro panted, catching its breath, its fur still ruffled. It fixed Tsunade Konoha with a cold, feline stare, its sharp teeth bared.

"Take care of you? I don’t need Iizumi-sama’s help. I’ve got this."

A few yards away, Shin’zaku Sage watched the scene unfold, raising an eyebrow.

It turned to Jiraiya.

"Little Jiraiya… is this how things usually are in your Leaf Village? Honestly, the chaos here feels worse than it did during the last Ninja World War."

Jiraiya let out a bitter chuckle.

"I don’t even know how the village got this bad. I only just returned a few days ago, by chance."

Shima Sage added, its voice calm but sharp:

"This looks like a clash of ideologies. Throughout Ninja World history, ideological conflicts are the hardest to resolve."

"It’s not until one side is utterly destroyed that such conflicts end."

"Without total annihilation… the conflict will only escalate into violence. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing now."

Shima Sage turned to Jiraiya.

"Little Jiraiya, if you don’t step in and stop this farce, they might actually start fighting."

"Understood," Jiraiya said, drawing in a deep breath. He was already planning how to make both sides back down—when suddenly, a hand landed heavily on his shoulder.

The weight nearly knocked Shin’zaku Sage off his perch.

Jiraiya froze. The grip was ironclad, forcing his shoulder down.

He turned, stunned—only to see Kushina.

"Jiraiya," she said, her voice flat, emotionless.

"If you stand against Justice… our friendship is over. Don’t let these two grotesque toads warp your worldview."

"Grotesque… toads?"

Shima Sage’s eye twitched violently at the insult.

"Ungrateful little brat," it snapped. "Do you even know how the Slug Sage raised you?"

"Who are you to judge the Slug Sage?" Kushina shot back, unimpressed. "Even the Great Toad Sage himself wouldn’t dare speak like that."

Shima Sage’s eyelid spasmed uncontrollably.

Seeing the danger, Shin’zaku Sage leapt forward, grabbing Shima Sage by the arm.

"Calming down, calm down—don’t waste energy on such a small-minded child."

Then it turned to Kushina.

"Little Kushina, we’ve done nothing to corrupt your worldview. On the contrary, our guidance is what made you the hero of the Ninja World."

"Hero of the Ninja World… by sneaking into women’s bathhouses?" Kushina casually probed her ear.

Jiraiya timidly interjected:

"…That was for research."

Before he could finish, the hand on his shoulder slammed down—crushing his wooden sandals into splinters.

Kushina’s cold gaze locked onto the two toads.

"Your old-fashioned ways—your centuries-old philosophy—no longer apply. Neither the Slug Sage nor the Great Snake in the Dragon’s Lair ever interfered in the Ninja World with their own will."

"Because they understood the world is always changing. To impose outdated ideals would risk unpredictable consequences."

"If disaster struck, they’d never forgive themselves."

"But you—Mount Myōgaku—you’re constantly meddling in every corner of the Ninja World."

"I’m starting to wonder… is it you who’ve caused every major war? Is your interference the source of all the evil in the Ninja World?"

The sudden accusations—first crushing, then suddenly shifting—left Shin’zaku Sage visibly shaken.

Jiraiya, caught in the middle, broke into a cold sweat.

Kushina had been attacking Tsunade Konoha just moments ago… and now she turned on them?

Was it because the Uchiha Police Force had arrived? Had she realized she no longer needed to intervene?

…

Meanwhile, Tachibana Jiro’s side of the confrontation remained tense.

The Uchiha Police Force had completely surrounded the Root Ninja.

Several Investigation Corps ninja had drawn their swords.

Their eyes—dozens of Sharingan—burned red, locking onto the Root members.

Tsunade Konoha’s scalp prickled.

Even without the full force of the Investigation Corps, at least half had arrived.

That cat… had that much influence?

No—Iizumi had that kind of influence.

This wasn’t about the cat. It was about him.

…

"Things… are getting out of control," the Orochimaru’s Student, hidden in the shadows, muttered.

He signaled immediately.

One of his Anbu subordinates nodded, then bolted away to inform Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Within moments, the Anbu found the Third Hokage, reporting everything in detail.

"Understood," Hiruzen said, his expression calm. "Tell Orochimaru’s Student to stop the conflict."

The Anbu hesitated, still standing rigidly.

He didn’t move.

Hiruzen saw it.

"You know the strength of his squad isn’t enough to stop both sides. I’m not asking him to hold them back alone. I’m telling him to inform little Chun that I ordered her to stand down."

"Kushina, Jiraiya, Iizumi’s Ninja Cat, and the Uchiha Police Force are all involved. Let Chun and her Root go to the Investigation Corps. Tell her… even if she’s imprisoned, I’ll get her out. She doesn’t need to be angry."

The Anbu exhaled in relief.

With just one squad, trying to stop this chaos would’ve cost them their lives.

So the Hokage had foreseen this.

He wasn’t surprised.

He was prepared.

No wonder he was the Third Hokage.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Hiruzen watched the Anbu vanish into the distance.

Then, softly, he whispered:

"Kakashi…

After all my… irrational actions, you should’ve figured it out by now."

…

"Kakashi Captain," an Anbu ninja whispered.

"I’ve found something. A member of the Hiruzen Clan has been actively stirring unrest. In normal times, such passion would be expected—but this man is… too eager. Too consistent."

"He’s always the first to rouse the clan when spirits are low. Every word he speaks targets Uchiha Iizumi and Absolute Justice. He even encourages others to complain to the Hokage."

"I don’t trust him."

The Anbu was from the Yamanaka Clan.

And now, the Anbu weren’t all loyal to the Hokage.

At least not the ones tied to the Inuzuka-Nara-Yamanaka Alliance.

"Question him," Kakashi said, exhaling slowly.

"Bring him in. Use Yamanaka Clan techniques to extract his memories."

Just then, another Anbu arrived in a rush.

"Captain! We intercepted an Anbu Messenger Pigeon!"

He held out a palm.

A small, pale gray pigeon lay there—its feathers marked with a strange, twisted seal.

"The seal is meant to destroy the message," the Anbu said. "But I broke it in time."

Kakashi took the pigeon, studying the seal.

Then, without warning, he grabbed the bird’s head and ripped it off.

He tore the body in half with his bare hands.

A tiny scroll dropped out.

Kakashi caught it mid-fall—then tossed it to a subordinate.

"Take it to the Sealing Division. Extract the information without breaking the scroll."

"Yes, sir!"

He wiped blood from his hands.

"Someone’s been playing dirty. So this is the Hokage’s move? Letting the village fall into chaos… and the real enemy did make a mistake. Left a trace."

Not long after, the first Anbu returned—dragging a unconscious Hiruzen Clan ninja.

The Yamanaka Anbu activated his clan’s secret technique, reaching into the man’s mind.

But after just ten seconds, he gasped—his eyes widening in horror.

He pulled back immediately.

—BOOM—

The man’s head exploded like a ruptured watermelon.

Brain matter splattered across Kakashi’s face.

"...A trap?" Kakashi’s tired eyes flickered with shadow.

"Oops. Killed a Hiruzen Clan ninja. That’s going to be hard to explain to the Hokage."

He rubbed his temples.

But then he sighed.

"At least I’ve confirmed it—some members of the Hiruzen Clan are involved."

He didn’t want to dig into this darkness.

He feared that if he saw too much of the village’s rot… he’d lose the last shred of hope.

But the Hokage had entrusted him with this.

And the Hokage had few others left.

Most of the Zetsu were dead—slaughtered by Absolute Justice.

…

Orochimaru’s Student returned in a rush, relaying Hiruzen’s order.

He froze.

The Hokage… was forcing Tsunade Konoha to bend to Absolute Justice?

That would infuriate her.

Even if the Hokage promised to free her soon… the resentment wouldn’t vanish overnight.

But then he thought—who was the weaker target here?

Absolute Justice?

No. That would risk provoking the Uchiha Clan.

Root?

They were his people.

The perfect target.

Orochimaru’s Student took a deep breath.

He led a few Anbu members forward, blocking the path between the Investigation Corps and the Root Ninja.

"Everyone," the Anbu-masked Orochimaru’s Student said, voice low.

"Let’s not fight among ourselves in the Leaf Village."

He turned to Tsunade Konoha, lowering his voice.

"Advisor Chun… the Hokage’s message is clear. You must step back. For now. Because if Root and the Investigation Corps clash, Root will lose."

Tsunade Konoha blinked.

"...What?"

For a moment, she thought the Hokage’s brain had split in two.

He’d told her to arrest Absolute Justice supporters.

Now, when she was in trouble, he refused to send his Anbu… and instead told her to yield?

It was absurd.

Before she could speak, Orochimaru’s Student leaned in.

Whispered something that made Tsunade Konoha’s face darken.

"...He really said that?"

She stared into the distance, voice hollow.

"Even after everything… he said that?"

"Indeed, Advisor Chun. The Hokage’s orders are clear. Please… endure this hardship."

"Hardship?" She let out a cold, bitter laugh.

"For the Leaf Village… yes. I’ll endure it."

But she didn’t argue further.

She was an advisor, not a leader.

Even with Danzō’s Root, she didn’t have Danzō’s freedom.

A command from the Hokage—she had to obey.

She glared at the row of Investigation Corps ninja, their Sharingan blazing.

Then, through clenched teeth:

"Hmph. Just the Investigation Corps?"

"I don’t need your help."

"I’ll go myself."

Each word was dragged from her throat.

The rage was unbearable.

"Damn," Tachibana Jiro muttered, ears flicking.

"Izumi-sama’s Mangekyō Sharingan… went unused."

It guessed—Third Hokage’s invisible hand had forced her to back down.

After all, only Iizumi-sama and the Third Hokage could truly control Tsunade Konoha.

Kushina?

She could only push her back.

Around Tachibana Jiro, the Investigation Corps ninja exchanged glances.

"That’s… the Leaf’s advisor. And now the new leader of Root. And she’s bowing to Justice?"

A mid-rank Investigation Corps ninja breathed in sharply.

"See? Joining Absolute Justice… this is the future of the Uchiha Clan!"

"Whether we overthrow the Hokage or live in peace… neither will bring back the Uchiha’s glory. Only Iizumi-sama’s Absolute Justice can restore it!"

A nearby Uchiha ninja glared at him.

"Your Justice isn’t pure. Iizumi-sama won’t accept you."

"Pure?" The man faltered.

The other said flatly:

"You still don’t understand Absolute Justice. It must be absolute. No compromise. No distractions. Only one purpose—Justice. Only one goal—eradicating evil in the Ninja World."

"Your talk of the Uchiha Clan’s future? That’s weakness. That’s petty ambition.

You’re thinking like a clan member. Not a true believer."

"Call it lack of vision. Or lack of capacity."

As the Uchiha ninja whispered among themselves, Tachibana Jiro’s feline face twitched.

"…Huh."

"Looks like a few of them do have the potential."

It mused quietly.

…

"Looks like we don’t need to act," Yamana Haiichi said from a distant rooftop, exhaling.

Beside him, Akimichi Teizou sighed.

"Kushina-sama really is siding with Absolute Justice… Does that mean she’s on our side?"

Nara Shikaku nodded.

"As long as we don’t cross Justice’s red lines… we’re allies."

If anyone had been watching, they would’ve been stunned.

Behind the three clan leaders—pig, deer, butterfly—stood hundreds of ninja.

Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi.

One word from Haiichi, Shikaku, or Teizou—and they’d storm the Root’s detention site to rescue Uchiha Sasuke and Hyūga Neji.

But from their observation…

It seemed they wouldn’t need to.

Teizou turned to Shikaku.

"Do you think the Hiruzen Clan incident is tied to Iizumi?"

"Absolutely," Shikaku replied.

"Someone’s trying to stir conflict between the Hokage and Iizumi. They want the Third to crush Absolute Justice."

"The mastermind must hate Iizumi deeply. Once we follow that thread… we’ll find them."

He paused.

"The Third isn’t fooled by such tricks. He’s using this chaos to expose the real enemy."

"He’s playing the long game."

Shikaku shook his head.

"If Iizumi were here, we wouldn’t need any of this. He’d sniff out the truth in minutes."

Haiichi nodded.

"If he were in the village, no one would dare try such a reckless move."

Teizou sighed.

"The Leaf Village… it’s more complicated than I thought."

…

While chaos raged in the Leaf, Uchiha Iizumi and three other Uchiha Jonin had traveled over a hundred kilometers away.

Then—Uchiha Iizumi stopped.

The others halted with him.

"It’s time to part ways," Iizumi said simply.

They understood.

They hadn’t come to hunt Orochimaru with him.

Iizumi had given them a different mission:

Hunt Merchant Kado.

"Got it," one said.

They knew—if Iizumi was going after Orochimaru alone, it meant he had confidence in his own strength—equal to that of the San-nin.

The four split.

Iizumi vanished into the distance, moving without pause—no rest, no hesitation.

Until afternoon.

He stood atop a mountain peak, the cliff below plunging into endless mist.

Suddenly—his right hand flicked.

A shuriken shot out—thwip!—piercing a hidden green serpent.

At that moment, Iizumi turned his back to the abyss.

He took two steps back—then stepped into nothing.

He fell.

Free-falling for a hundred meters—then, a narrow cave appeared in the cliff face.

And within it—a ninja, no forehead protector on his head, eyes wide with shock.

Uchiha Iizumi’s Kunai—connected by a thin steel wire—slammed through his throat.

He yanked hard.

Iizumi was pulled into the cave.

The dead ninja tumbled over the edge—their positions swapped.

When his feet touched ground, Iizumi’s eyes had changed.

The Sharingan—red, spinning—burned with cold precision.

"Orochimaru…"

"Found you."

…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end