https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-527-The-True-Bombing-of-Your-Ancestral-Tomb-/12943214/
Chapter 528: Horror Story: Numerous Uchiha Have Escaped!
Chapter 528: Horror Story: Numerous Uchiha Have Escaped!
"What? You're saying the number of Uchiha corpses doesn't match?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at the ANBU kneeling at the door, his drowsiness vanishing in an instant.
There was no choice; this news was too shocking.
Last night, it was believed that the entire Uchiha Clan had been dealt with by Uchiha Itachi, leaving only Uchiha Sasuke.
However, due to the explosion, it became extremely challenging to count the bodies. With so much happening, they hadn't focused on this task.
But now they realize the number of corpses is off?
Even if the bodies were destroyed by explosive tags or buried, it shouldn't be difficult to estimate the count.
After all, those explosive tags were placed throughout the Uchiha Compound, not on the bodies themselves, so it's unlikely they could have been completely destroyed. At the very least, they should have a rough idea of the number.
If one or two were missing due to the explosion, it might be understandable, but if the number is significantly higher, how could Konoha not have noticed?
"Yes, there are several hundred missing!"
The ANBU agent bowed and reported.
If it weren't for the seriousness of the matter, they wouldn't dare disturb the Hokage, who had just retired for the night.
"Immediately inform the Council Elders to gather at the Hokage Tower!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen instantly grasped the implications of this intelligence and issued the order.
The situation was grave! If the Uchiha Clan had been annihilated, leaving only Uchiha Sasuke, it would have been easier to handle.
But if there were more survivors than just Sasuke, and numerous Uchiha had escaped, then this 'sole' survivor would no longer be definitive proof.
If it were just that, it would be fine, as Konoha could simply deny the existence of these escaped Uchiha and engage in a propaganda war with them.
The problem is... vengeance! These Uchiha would undoubtedly harbor deep-seated hatred towards the village.
After last night's annihilation, although the village didn't directly participate, anyone with a sound mind could guess that the village had tacitly approved of the incident.
Otherwise, it would be unbelievable that not a single person entered the compound to check during such a prolonged period.
Not to mention, those poisonous mists couldn't have been created by Uchiha Itachi alone.
With all these inconsistencies, it was clear that something was amiss.
In this case, the escaped Uchiha could very well be avengers.
Thinking of the future, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a chill down his spine, knowing there would be numerous Uchiha harboring resentment towards Konoha.
Although they had been suppressing the Uchiha and easily controlling their powerful members, it was only because the Uchiha were part of Konoha and under his command as the Hokage.
If they truly became enemies, it would be extremely dangerous.
With this in mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly changed into his uniform and prepared to head to the Hokage Tower.
As he passed through the living room, he saw his youngest son enjoying tea.
"Asama, your performance last night was impressive. If you're willing, you can join the ANBU and assist me. Think it over and give me your answer later!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen praised him while extending an invitation.
Since Asama's return from the Guardian Ninja mission, he seemed like a changed person. Not only had his rebellious attitude vanished, but he also displayed exceptional talent and effort. This allowed Sarutobi Hiruzen to entrust him with important tasks and even consider bringing him into the ANBU to share some of the burden.
It could be said that Sarutobi Hiruzen now regarded Asama as the hope of the Sarutobi Clan, which explained his significant change in attitude.
Of course, Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't entirely satisfied with everything.
He noticed that Asama rarely visited Sarutobi Asuma.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was extremely pleased with Asuma, the daughter of Sarutobi Asuma, so he silently approved of their interactions.
However, now that Asama had returned, he hadn't been in contact with her, which naturally worried Sarutobi Hiruzen.
In the end, he didn't say more but left the house.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen's departure, Asama put down his teacup and looked up, his eyes gleaming with unconcealed malice and hatred.
Yes, Asama had truly changed.
Ever since that incident, he despised this filthy world, and he vowed to become stronger and take revenge on the world once he became the Hokage.
Naturally, the top of his list of enemies was the Shell Organization.
He chose to inquire about it from Danzo, and for this, he paid a significant 'price'.
Indeed, he hadn't expected that Danzo and his grandfather... no wonder he never married.
However, Asama felt like he had discovered a new world.
It was precisely because of this that he didn't go looking for Red afterward but instead devoted all his energy and time to improving his own strength.
As the son of the Fire Shadow, he had access to the best teachers and resources, and with hard work, growth was inevitable.
Of course, it was also because his chakra had undergone a qualitative change, and his growth rate was so exaggerated that even with all the effort and resources, it wouldn't be possible to grow this fast.
He took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped his fair right hand.
OCD!
He now had this problem that he never would have thought of before.
You should know that in the past, he was an expert in smoking and bullying... but now, not only did he not smoke, but he couldn't even stand a speck of dirt on his body.
Of course, if it was for a mission, that was another story.
"Shell Organization!"
A fine wind blade appeared in Asama's hand, tearing the handkerchief to shreds as if it were the Shell Organization itself.
On the other side!
The Fire Shadow's office.
Danzo, Konan, and Mizukage Gen had received the notification and arrived early.
None of them complained about being called back after barely having a few hours of rest.
They all understood that if it wasn't an extremely important matter, they wouldn't be summoned, and not even Nara Shikaku, the strategist, was called.
Hiruzen Sarutobi entered the office without the slightest hesitation and spoke up.
"Something's wrong with the Uchiha corpses; there are several hundred missing, and the ANBU are still counting!"
His words were like a cold current, freezing the air in the office.
Everyone fell silent for a moment before digesting this information.
This was a big problem!
The same thought crossed their minds.
If it were just one or two Uchiha, they wouldn't care.
After all, with the Uchiha orphans in their hands, they had the moral high ground. Even if a small number of Uchiha had escaped, it wouldn't be a problem to manipulate or slander them."
But if there were several hundred Uchiha, then a single Uchiha Clan Leader's orphan might not have a louder voice than the other side.
More importantly, the Uchiha's potential was terrifying for Konoha if they were allowed to grow.
"Could it be... the Sky...?"
Konan spoke softly.
"No, it's not possible, absolutely not!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately denied it three times, his eyes radiating a scorching heat that silenced Konan's next words.
Yes, this possibility couldn't be mentioned, not even thought of.
During the Third Shinobi World War, when White Fang was still alive and the Three Shinobi were at their peak, there was no question; they would have directly investigated, and whoever was responsible would have paid the price.
But now?
White Fang's grave was overgrown with grass, one of the Three Shinobi had defected, one had gone missing, and one had wandered far away; none of them were in the village.
Moreover, not only that, but one of the village's pillars, the powerful Uchiha clan, had also collapsed.
At a time like this, how could they, how dare they suspect a force with over two thousand registered ninja and more than one Shadow Rank Powerhouse?
So, Hiruzen Sarutobi's meaning was clear.
No matter what, this matter couldn't and wouldn't be allowed to be connected to the Heavenly Castle.
Of course, even if the conclusion was set, the truth still needed to be investigated.
"Didn't we order Squad 404 to return to the village? Do we need to continue?"
Mizukage Gen stated a fact.
That was that they had issued the transfer order last night after their discussion.
With a ninja's efficiency, the other party might be about to set out on their journey.
If this incident was related to them, then this order was too terrifying.
"No, we can't let them return to Konoha!"
Danzo was the first to voice his opposition.
Yes, he had also thought of the danger.
If this incident was related to them, letting them return to Konoha would be like inviting a wolf into the sheepfold.
"That's right, send the order again, and let them 'station' at the Heavenly Castle indefinitely. They are not to return without an order!"
Konan naturally agreed with Danzo's idea at once.
She also didn't want to see them.
As they were discussing, Kakashi entered the office.
He was in charge of investigating the Uchiha matter and had come to report.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
