Shinigami in the Ninja World

Hatred and anger.

Sasuke's entire chakra trembled.

The sword at his waist emitted a sharp, soul-piercing hum, resonating with his intent as a new power began to take shape.

"I will destroy Konoha," he repeated, his eyes wide with determination.

His resolve was strong enough to make him willing to sacrifice his life.

The reason he voiced this intention was that, in the last remnants of his rationality, he remembered what Naruto had said before leaving Konoha. He wanted to see how Naruto would respond.

"The Third Hokage is already dead, and Danzo's soul is here." Naruto gently touched the table, summoning a scroll with a wave of his hand. "There are still some accomplices in Konoha, and I'll give you the list shortly."

"As for Obito Uchiha... I'll find him."

Sasuke was taken aback.

Naruto shook his head. "Why would I?"

"Konoha destroyed your family."

Avenging one's family is a completely justifiable cause.

"Thank you," Sasuke nodded.

"But I have a question I want to ask you," Naruto said softly.

Sasuke's expression grew serious.

"Do you want to destroy the village of Konoha, or do you want to destroy the idea of Konoha's existence?"

Sasuke blinked, confusion clouding his face. "What's the difference?"

"If you want to destroy the village," Naruto explained, "then go ahead."

"But maybe a year later, or perhaps even sooner... a new village will rise from the ruins."

"There will still be a Hokage."

"Kakashi-sensei wasn't involved in their crimes. If you don't kill him when he tries to stop you, he'll still be Hokage."

Sasuke shook his head, feeling as though this course of action would be a futile effort.

"Then I want to destroy the idea of Konoha's existence," he said, clenching his fist.

The masterminds were already dead, and only a few "participants" remained, whom he would kill. But...

Naruto's words made him realize something.

"As long as Konoha continues to exist, the true cause behind the Uchiha massacre will also continue to exist."

Naruto looked at Sasuke. "If that's your goal... then destroying the village alone won't be enough."

"Why not think about what it is that allows Konoha to continue existing?"

Sasuke was stunned.

The reason Konoha continues to exist?

He recalled some of the things Naruto had said before—that he was no longer a ninja.

He also remembered some of the things Orochimaru had mentioned occasionally.

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Naruto was someone who had transcended "worldly matters." His outlook far surpassed everyone else's.

"Is it because of the support from the Daimyo?" Sasuke thought for a long time before giving this answer, though he wasn't entirely sure of it.

Naruto shook his head. "If the Daimyo dies, he'll just be replaced by another."

"If the Land of Fire is destroyed, another nation will take its place."

Sasuke was bewildered.

"The true cause of all this is the ninja system itself," Naruto continued.

He paused briefly, then smiled and shook his head. "Honestly, I find it hard to understand."

"How is it that those who are stronger, those who are part of more violent organizations, are ruled by people like the Daimyo, who hold titles but no real power?"

Sasuke understood, nodding thoughtfully.

So, if he wanted to change things, simply destroying a village called "Konoha" wouldn't be enough.

He would have to target something much deeper.

But how to do that, he wasn't sure yet. He didn't have a clear, concrete plan in mind.

However, this change in goals didn't affect his desire for revenge.

He wouldn't let go of those who played a part in the Uchiha massacre.

After asking Naruto for the list, he set off immediately.

During this time, Konoha was not faring well.

Danzo was dead, Root had disbanded.

The Hokage had lost his Sharingan.

The Hyuga clan was showing signs of distancing themselves from Konoha, and behind them stood Naruto Uzumaki, making it difficult for the village to take any strong measures.

Their strength had taken a significant hit.

What was even more troubling was the investigation from the Land of Fire.

They were digging into everything—finances, personnel structures, and other matters, big and small.

The Daimyo was particularly concerned about anything related to Naruto.

In the Hokage's office...

"The Daimyo usually doesn't interfere much with the village's affairs," Kakashi said, frowning. "Why is he so forceful this time?"

He had thought that after Danzo's death, stripping the "advisors" of their power would go smoothly.

But...

He hadn't expected the Daimyo to intervene so heavily.

The two remaining advisors' powers hadn't diminished; they had actually grown. Those two had practically become the Daimyo's representatives.

"It's because of Naruto, I'm sure," Shikaku said, shaking his head.

Kakashi tapped his fingers on the desk. "Do you think the Daimyo's urgency to convene a meeting of the five great nations' Daimyos is related?"

He was worried.

Not for himself, but for Naruto.

The investigation and the meeting were connected, and that connection made him uneasy.

Shikaku remained silent, saying nothing.

After a long pause, he was about to speak when an Anbu member suddenly appeared in the room. "Hokage-sama, the rogue ninja Sasuke Uchiha... has forcibly entered the village and clashed with our forces."

"His target appears to be Lord Koharu Utatane and Lord Homura Mitokado."

Kakashi froze.

Sasuke Uchiha? Targeting the two advisors?

Both Kakashi and Shikaku's expressions darkened.

This was bad!

Why would Sasuke target those two? Their current positions made them sensitive figures, and if they were killed, knowing the Daimyo's nature, it could cause a major crisis.

The two of them quickly vanished from the room, heading toward the scene.

Outside a residence, they encountered Sasuke.

"Long time no see, Sasuke," Kakashi greeted him, his tone heavy but still friendly as he tried to maintain a calm demeanor.

Shikaku said nothing, but his gaze fell on the sword at Sasuke's waist, and his expression grew more serious.

That sword... it wasn't a standard ninja blade.

In fact, it reminded him of the type of sword that Naruto Uzumaki carried.

Was Sasuke working with Naruto?

"Kakashi-sensei, long time no see," Sasuke responded calmly.

Kakashi raised a hand and lightly touched his hat. "Sasuke, why have you broken into Konoha?"

"And why are you targeting the two advisors?"

Sasuke responded with conviction, "Revenge."

Kakashi was taken aback.

"It seems Kakashi-sensei really doesn't know," Sasuke said softly, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Naruto brought back Danzo's soul and uncovered the truth behind the Uchiha massacre from his memories."

"Although the one who physically slaughtered the clan was Itachi Uchiha... the plan and its execution were also orchestrated by Konoha."

Kakashi's remaining eye widened in disbelief.

"It was the advisors led by Danzo who proposed it. Even though the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, opposed it, the plan was still carried out with the support of Root, leading to the bloodshed that night," Sasuke continued. "So... I'm here for revenge."

"Every single one of those involved in that incident... I'm going to kill them all with my own hands."

Kakashi turned to look at Shikaku.

Shikaku's expression was grave, but he neither demanded nor opposed anything.

He hadn't been involved in the incident back then.

But with his intelligence, he understood what had happened.

"Kakashi-sensei, are you going to stop me?" Sasuke drew his sword, the blade gleaming coldly.

Kakashi removed his hat. "I'm sorry, Sasuke."

"But I'm the Hokage now."

"Konoha can't afford more chaos."

"Even though I also despise Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, right now... they can't die."

Anbu surrounded them.

Jonin from the Jonin Squad were also gathering.

"I'll be careful not to kill you guys," Sasuke said as he charged forward, his sword aimed at Kakashi.

The battle erupted.

In the Land of Iron.

This was the most unique country in the ninja world. Its armed forces were not composed of "ninjas" but "samurai."

It didn't align with other countries, but unlike small nations like Roran, it had enough strength to defend itself.

As a result, it was the only neutral nation that never participated in wars and was never affected by them.

The five great nations' Daimyos chose this location for their meeting.

Each Daimyo could feel secure here.

It was now the fifth day of the conference.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was irritable, dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep, haunted by the nightmare of losing his status, which lingered in his mind, refusing to fade.

"Don't take advantage of the situation!" he shouted, slamming the table in anger. "I've already told you, this isn't just a matter for the Land of Fire."

"It concerns all of us."

"That guy named Naruto Uzumaki—his goal is to control all of our lives and deaths."

"He's someone who won't follow our orders."

"His existence is already threatening our power."

But the other Daimyos from the four great nations remained indifferent.

The Daimyo of the Land of Wind held up a fan, covering his mouth, partly as a gesture of etiquette and partly as if he were secretly mocking the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. "Of course, you've said that many times."

"But that's just your speculation."

"As far as I know, that ninja named Naruto Uzumaki is only interested in history and myths. He has never done anything to threaten our power."

"You in the Land of Fire and Konoha can't handle your problems, so you want us to help you for free."

"How could that be possible?"

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire ground his teeth in frustration.

Just then, a messenger came up and whispered something in the Daimyo of the Land of Fire's ear.

Whatever it was, it seemed to be quite important, causing his expression to change dramatically.

"Hurry! Show them!"

Following his orders, several ninjas quickly jumped up, pulling down a curtain in the conference room.

A camera started rolling, soon projecting an image on the screen.

The first thing that appeared was Sasuke Uchiha's face.

Immediately after, the sound and picture synced.

"Kakashi-sensei, I won't kill you."

"Destroying Konoha is meaningless."

"I want to end the ninja system."