Kapitel 241: CH - 236 Attack began!

The Uchiha clan's rebellion presented a formidable challenge for Konoha. After all, Despite their disadvantageous position, they possessed considerable strength, unhampered by Itachi's absence and Obito's hidden agenda like the original. Therefore, Konoha had to swiftly quell the uprising to maintain peace, considering the Uchiha's capabilities.

Yet, despite their resilience, the Uchiha found themselves outnumbered against the combined might of Konoha's ANBU and Root forces. With Shisui's defection and the clan leader's efforts to contain him, the Uchiha ninjas faced dire circumstances. The barrier further complicated their predicament, effectively trapping them within their own territory.

If the situation persisted, the Uchiha clan would inevitably meet its demise. From the outset, the Uchiha's rebellion was destined to fail. Kakashi, assuming temporary leadership, surveyed the struggling Uchiha clan and the intense battle of giants unfolding above. He couldn't help but sigh at them, "Such terrifying power..."

However, as his eyes returned to the Uchiha clan's devastated territory, a pang of pity welled within him. After all, the Uchiha clan was Obito's family. If Obito were to discover the Uchiha clan's annihilation, it would undoubtedly weigh heavily on him. Unfortunately, the die had been cast from the moment the Uchiha clan rose in rebellion. This time, even the ordinary clan members would bear the brunt of the consequences.

"Captain, we haven't found any hidden Uchiha clan members or Lord Danzo, but..." A nearby subordinate's voice interrupted the moment, "We've found Uchiha Itachi!"

Kakashi snapped back to attention at the news, slightly taken aback. He turned to observe Itachi, who had been brought in by the ANBU, his countenance betraying a sense of solitude and weariness.

This junior was no stranger to Kakashi. A prodigy of the Uchiha clan, Itachi had spent time in ANBU after graduating from the academy, earning accolades from the Hokage himself.

Pausing briefly, Kakashi addressed Itachi, his tone laden with regret, "I'm sorry, Itachi. The Uchiha..." But before he could finish, Itachi interjected.

"It's not Konoha's concern." Itachi's calm voice cut through the air as he shook his head, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene. He closed his eyes briefly, his words laden with resignation. "This is the Uchiha clan's choice. They have tarnished our clan's honor."

Itachi never anticipated that his father would opt for rebellion. Did he not comprehend the repercussions this decision would have on both Konoha and the Uchiha clan? With a complex expression, Itachi glanced upwards at the two colossal energy beings, murmuring softly, "Mangekyo..." Had his father also awakened those eyes?

Beside him, Kakashi lapsed into silence, observing Itachi's conflicted demeanor. Yet, time pressed on, and the urgency of quelling the rebellion loomed large. If this news spread to other ninja villages, Konoha would face dire consequences.

Thus, not long after, Kakashi broached the topic directly, his tone grave, "Itachi, are you aware of any secret passages or hidden chambers within the Uchiha clan's compound? Lord Danzo is in their custody, along with other concealed clan members. This poses a grave threat to the village's safety. Your assistance is imperative in resolving this crisis."

"I..." Itachi faltered momentarily at Kakashi's request, his eyes closing once more as he wrestled with conflicting emotions.

Observing Itachi's demeanor, Kakashi sensed the weight of his internal struggle. After a brief pause, he offered a conciliatory gesture, "I understand, Itachi. You should rest for now. With your cooperation and Shisui's, I believe the Third Hokage will consider granting the Uchiha clan another opportunity."

However, before Kakashi could finish his reassurance, Itachi's demeanor shifted abruptly. His gaze turned steely as he demanded, "Where is Sasuke?"

Taken aback, Kakashi responded, "Sasuke? I'm sorry, but we haven't located him yet."

Without hesitation, Itachi pressed on, his tone firm, "I wish to negotiate with the village."

"Negotiate?" Kakashi echoed, perplexed by Itachi's sudden change in demeanor.

"Yes," Itachi affirmed, his gaze lingering on the fallen Uchiha clan members with chilling resolve. "I will guide you to the Uchiha clan's hidden chambers and even assist the village in taking over the Uchiha clan's assets after all of this is over. However, In return, the village must agree to a single condition."

Before Kakashi could inquire about the condition, Uchiha Setsu, who had temporarily assumed command and was still engaged in fierce combat, seemed to have heard enough. He fixed Uchiha Itachi with an angry glare and rebuked, "Uchiha Itachi! How dare you? Do not forget, you are also an Uchiha!"

Setsu had already anticipated the clan leader's plan to conceal ordinary clan members and numerous ninjas. Initially, he harbored some resentment, firmly believing in the success of their rebellion. How could the Uchiha clan, as descendants of the legendary Uchiha, falter?

However, witnessing Konoha's swift response and the immediate activation of the barrier even before their rebellion even began, coupled with the betrayal of Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui, the truth dawned upon them. Konoha had never placed trust in the Uchiha clan; they had been under surveillance all along.

This realization shattered their confidence. At this moment, they understood that the Uchiha clan had lost. As an elder of the Uchiha clan, Setsu's initial resentment towards those who had concealed themselves dissipated. Now, his only hope was that Fugaku would hide them more discreetly, even if it meant leaving Konoha, as long as the Uchiha clan could survive.

"It's precisely because I am an Uchiha that I'm taking this stand," Itachi asserted coldly, meeting their furious gazes with steely resolve. "I aim to avert this tragedy. You've besmirched the Uchiha clan's honor. Our downfall was inevitable from the outset."

"Uchiha Itachi!" His ruthless words provoked a chorus of anger from the Uchiha clan members, their eyes flashing with fury.

Yet, Itachi paid no heed to their outraged cries, shifting his attention to Kakashi. "There are only a few hidden chambers and underground passages belonging to the Uchiha clan. I believe that the ANBU's investigation will uncover them shortly. However, if the search takes too long, Danzo may..."

"I will convey your request to the Hokage. I believe that with your cooperation, along with Shisui's, the Hokage may reconsider the Uchiha clan's fate," Kakashi assured Itachi, understanding the gravity of the situation. After all, He, himself couldn't bear to witness all of Obito's family meet such a dire end.

However, as he glanced at the colossal energy beings, doubt clouded his mind. "What about the hidden Uchiha ninja..."

"They are few in number, and their prowess pales in comparison to these combatants," Itachi stated coldly, unmoved by the hostile glares from his clan members.

Some Uchiha clan members even made aggressive moves towards Itachi, seeking to silence him and protect their secrets, but they were swiftly restrained by the ANBU.

Undeterred, Itachi pressed on, "Regarding the Mangekyo... It's already a feat to awaken three pairs. Rest assured, I am well acquainted with every Uchiha ninja. Don't worry, The remaining ninjas beside the ordinary clan members in hiding cannot exceed twenty, and none possess the strength of Shisui or my father."

"Itachi! You traitor!" His words reignited the fury of the Uchiha clan members, who branded him a traitor once more.

"Is that so?" Kakashi let out a breath of relief at Itachi's reassurance, paying little mind to the angry Uchiha ninja surrounding them. After a brief pause, he began, "There are no more strong..."

However, before Kakashi could finish his sentence, a sudden eruption shattered the tense atmosphere. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" A colossal fire dragon materialized, its ferocity shocking everyone present.

All eyes turned towards the towering figure of the blazing dragon, their disbelief evident as they beheld the unexpected phenomenon.

"How long has it been? Where is Madara? Where is Hashirama? How long have I been slumbering?" A deep, aged voice resonated through the air, punctuated by fits of coughing.

"Huh? I never imagined... witnessing the awakening of the Mangekyo by the younger generation. Truly, a boon for the Uchiha clan!" Amidst the chaos and bewilderment, hearty laughter echoed, further confounding the assembled crowd.

An elderly Uchiha ninja? And those names... Madara? Hashirama? These names evoked a sense of deep familiarity among those present. As the aged voice reverberated through the air, an involuntary gasp escaped the lips of everyone within earshot. Who could this mysterious figure be?

Kakashi, his expression twisted with anguish, exchanged a glance with Itachi, who mirrored his bewilderment. Inwardly, Kakashi wrestled with whether to voice his thoughts. 'Didn't you just claim that the Uchiha couldn't possibly harbor such formidable individuals anymore?'

Meanwhile, Itachi found himself equally bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. 'Don't stare at me like that. I'm just as clueless! Who on earth is this person?'