Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou-Chapter 285: Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou []

Shirou nodded solemnly. "All departments must heighten their vigilance. At the same time, the Anbu, Root, and Police Force should each secretly prepare an elite squad ready to respond to emergencies at any moment."

"Konan, go immediately and summon Namikaze Minato. He's the only one who has fought this person before."

"Understood!"

As Konan left to release the messenger hawk, Uchiha Mikoto, the head of the Police Force, cast a silent glance at everyone else. While the others were reluctant to directly address certain issues, Mikoto, being an Uchiha, had no such reservations.

"Hokage-sama, the mysterious individual has been secretly contacting Konoha's criminal, Shimura Danzo, and there have been signs of rebellion from the Sarutobi clan and two others for over two years now. We must prepare for the worst!

I even suspect that the mysterious figure is manipulating these three clans from behind the scenes."

Her words caused the already grim expressions of the group to darken further. Shirou, noticing Mikoto's demeanor, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye.

Mikoto was truly sharp. After learning about the situation with the Uchiha in the other world, she became more critical of the three clans.

Of course, this suspicion was something no one could confirm.

After a moment of contemplation, Shirou spoke firmly:

"The mysterious figure possesses space-time ninjutsu and might target the Nine-Tails again. Strengthen the covert protection of Sasuke. We absolutely cannot allow another Nine-Tails disaster to occur."

"Understood!"

The leaders of each division—Anbu Chief Senju Nawaki, Intelligence Chief Hyūga Hizashi, Barrier Division Chief Uzumaki Kushina, Medical Division Chief Senju Tsunade, and Police Force Chief Uchiha Mikoto—nodded in unison.

Although Shirou didn't say much, preparations were already in place. If the three clans made any sudden moves, they would be annihilated immediately.

"Hizashi, don't forget to inform the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans to be ready. I trust they'll make the right decision."

As Shirou's voice echoed in the room, Hyūga Hizashi showed a deferential expression. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

As the others left with their respective tasks, only Tsunade, Mikoto, Kushina, and Shirou remained in the office. Kushina, ever playful, teased:

"Ho-ka-ge... sa-ma..."

She deliberately dragged out the words, making Shirou shake his head with a smile.

"Kushina, while we're working, use proper titles. But since we've finished discussing business, I'll let it slide this time."

Despite being the leader of the Uzumaki clan and head of the Barrier Division, Kushina still acted like a playful girl around him.

With a mischievous smile, she walked up to him, pouting slightly. "Anata, I knew you'd spoil me. After all, I'm the Hokage's wife."

"Alright, let's discuss the serious matter now."

Shirou shook his head and gradually adopted a more serious expression.

"The mysterious figure's space-time ninjutsu is too enigmatic. Even the barriers Kushina personally set up were easily bypassed. And now, the person left in the prison isn't Danzo anymore."

"Damn it! The bait was taken!"

Kushina was the first to show dissatisfaction, while Tsunade, standing nearby, smirked coldly and said:

"At the very least, we've finally uncovered clues about this mysterious person after all these years."

"And Asuma may not be trustworthy. At the very least, he didn't report his contact with the mysterious figure!"

The four of them, discussing both Sarutobi Asuma and the mysterious figure, all wore solemn expressions.

After some thought, Shirou murmured, "Perhaps Asuma has already prepared for the worst. The mysterious figure might be his last bargaining chip."

Just like Uchiha Itachi in the original timeline—joining a secret organization alone to protect his younger brother, while simultaneously serving as a warning to the village.

...

In a hidden forest belonging to the Sarutobi clan.

"Heh heh, Danzo, how does it feel to breathe fresh air again?"

A long-haired man wearing a tiger-patterned mask—Uchiha Obito—spoke in a hoarse voice, his exposed Sharingan brimming with mockery.

Under the effects of Kamui's space, a heavily bandaged Shimura Danzo took a deep breath. Looking up at the Hokage Rock in the distance, his single remaining eye burned with boundless hatred.

"Damn it! Konoha has fallen into the hands of the accursed Uchiha!"

The Hokage Rock bore four faces, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's sculpture remained faceless. Beside it stood the distinct visage of Uchiha Shirou.

This sight filled Shimura Danzo with endless hatred and rage.

"Danzo, over the past eight years, the Uchiha have extended their influence into every corner of Konoha—even the ninja academy and the Jonin advisors. Even if you resist, you're unlikely to succeed now."

Uchiha Obito's words were meant to provoke, and Danzo responded with a cold, sinister laugh:

"You freed me just to have me help you deal with Uchiha Shirou. Or are you saying you can't defeat him yourself?"

Danzo wasn't naive. Both he and Obito had a common enemy, which was why Obito had released him.

However, as Danzo schemed about using Obito, the latter let out a mocking laugh.

"Danzo, Danzo, you're still dreaming of using me to take back Konoha. You're such a fool, consumed by your obsessions."

"Enough, Danzo. No matter your ambitions, remember our agreement."

"Don't worry. I have nowhere else to go now. I'll join your Akatsuki organization and fulfill my end of the deal."

With a hoarse voice and the ripples of Kamui's space, Shimura Danzo's solitary, hate-filled eye remained fixed on the Hokage Rock, as if he wanted to engrave this moment into his memory.

His obsession never wavered:

Konoha can lose anyone, but as long as Shimura Danzo remains, he is Konoha!

Danzo didn't care about anything else. Throughout his life, neither the village's casualties nor the deaths of Hokage had ever moved him. His heart had long been consumed by paranoia.

As Kamui's ripples faded, Shimura Danzo finally disappeared. Obito, still wearing his tiger-patterned mask, sneered mockingly.

"Asuma, it seems things have spiraled out of your control."

Obito's taunting voice echoed as the weathered figure of Sarutobi Asuma emerged from behind a large tree. His expression cold, he silently glared at Obito.

"Isn't this what you were expecting? This is the perfect opportunity to weaken Konoha's strength."

"No, no, all of this is the fault of lacking power. If you had absolute power back then, there wouldn't have been any need for the Uchiha to join forces with the Senju for a coup. You could have overthrown your father's regime and built your own... yourself."

"If you hadn't manipulated the Nine-Tails, the three clans wouldn't have fallen to this state."

"Haha, what an ironic joke. I remember the higher-ups of Konoha already denied this matter, didn't they? Now, the issue with your three clans should be harming your villagers, coveting their Kekkei Genkai, and conducting human experiments..."

In a secluded forest, the masked Uchiha Obito mocked with sarcasm, while inwardly filled with apprehension toward the now-powerful Uchiha Shirou.

This was why he sought to recruit Danzo and Sarutobi Asuma, especially Danzo, who held countless forbidden jutsu belonging to Konoha. Danzo could undoubtedly become a valuable asset to the Akatsuki organization.

As for what Sarutobi Asuma was plotting, Obito was well aware. He merely wanted to use the situation to gather information about Konoha.

The bustling Konoha was teeming with merchants from various countries of the ninja world every day.

The oppressive atmosphere within the Sarutobi clan starkly contrasted against Konoha's prosperity and peace.

...

At the foot of the Hokage Rock stood a grand and imposing castle.

"Little Sasuke's training is going well. He can already skillfully wield the Adamantine Staff of the Saru Clan."

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On the lawn of a massive estate, an eight-year-old Sasuke of this world was drenched in sweat, excitedly expending chakra as he swung the Adamantine Staff in his hands.

The movements were vigorous and powerful. Watching this scene, Shirou laughed with satisfaction:

"Little Second Pillar is pretty good. With his naturally strong chakra, he can summon the Saru Clan's spirit beasts without any concerns."

However, under the bright sunlight, this scene made Sasuke—who had come to report everything while wearing his ANBU mask—twitch the corners of his mouth in speechless silence.

To think that in this world, he had been playing with a stick since childhood. No wonder he ended up with the nickname "Second Pillar."

He hadn't even imagined that in this world, he was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The terrifying chakra that once belonged solely to Naruto Uzumaki was no longer exclusive to him.

This strange feeling brought an inexplicable sense of comfort to his heart.

"Big Second Pillar, what do you think of Little Second Pillar's taijutsu? Isn't it far better than yours was at his age?"

Looking at Sasuke, Shirou teased. However, when Sasuke's eyes caught a figure approaching with a tray of refreshments and a gentle smile, his eyes reddened.

"Mom..."

But when he saw the Uchiha Mikoto of this world place the tray in front of Shirou with a face full of gentle smiles, he snapped back to reality.

"Sit down. Have something to eat first, then continue training."

Sasuke's expression naturally didn't escape Shirou's notice. However, Shirou only smiled and pointed to a spot nearby.

"Yes, Shirou... sensei."

Sasuke hesitated but eventually addressed Shirou as sensei. After all, Shirou had been teaching him ninjutsu, and...

At the same time, Sasuke's gaze kept darting toward this world's version of his mother. Uchiha Mikoto, as gentle as ever, simply smiled warmly.

"Sasuke, this world may be different, but the Uchiha clan will always be your family."

Family!

When Mikoto said this word with her warm smile, Sasuke's heart trembled.

This word felt so distant—so distant that he had lost everything when he was eight years old. He never thought he would experience it again in this world.

Mikoto, truly deserving of being Shirou's capable partner, displayed a smiling face while skillfully pulling at Sasuke's heartstrings.

"No matter which world you're from, as long as you're a Uchiha, the Uchiha clan will always have your back."

As she said this, Mikoto seemed to think of something and looked placidly at Shirou with a smile.

"Honey, you've handed over all the clan matters to me. Although Big Sasuke has joined your tutelage, he's just arrived and seems to be financially strained. At his age, undergoing such intense training... even the pay from the ANBU..."

Mikoto's reminder made Shirou realize something. He glanced at the awkward Sasuke.

In this world, after joining Konoha, he naturally couldn't act recklessly, which had left him financially constrained.

Seeing this, Shirou smiled and nodded. "Mikoto, all the clan matters are up to you. You decide."

The harmonious scene between the couple left Sasuke both embarrassed and speechless.

For some reason, he didn't feel any resistance or aversion in his heart.

This world's mother was still as gentle as ever—and happy.

"Since that's the case, as a three-tomoe Sharingan clan member with jonin-level strength, he can be allocated... housing and..."

With Mikoto's warm smile, Sasuke, who had done nothing since arriving in this world, was suddenly showered with benefits.

While he felt at a loss, he also felt the warmth of family again in his heart.

Mikoto's sharp mind ensured that she didn't go overboard. She didn't give too much but instead provided the standard benefits of being a Uchiha clan member.

After all, with ninja-level investigative skills, giving too much would seem insincere. Treating him as a normal clan member made Sasuke feel genuine warmth.

When Kushina returned, Mikoto—smiling warmly—went to chat with her in the castle. The closeness of their relationship left Sasuke looking hesitant to speak.

"What? Do you think I'm just using strength to suppress them?"

Noticing Sasuke's expression, Shirou revealed a nostalgic smile. His next words left Sasuke speechless.

"Mikoto awakened her Mangekyo Sharingan for me!"

Just that one sentence left Sasuke completely silent.

A smart person like him could deduce everything from that. The awakening of the Mangekyo, the timing...

That meant in this world, his mother had awakened the Mangekyo before Uchiha Shirou but had willingly stayed in the background.

And this wasn't his world. Yet, when his peripheral vision caught the happy smile of this world's mother, Sasuke also smiled, letting go of everything.

"Shirou-sensei, please take care of me!"

Letting go of his past burdens, Sasuke bowed respectfully. Shirou smiled in satisfaction.

"I've got a good sense of your strength. You're skilled in everything, but you're a bit lacking in every aspect. Your true specialty is speed, so I'll teach you my lightning-style body techniques."

"And since you've lost your Curse Mark, your strength has significantly decreased. Three days from now, go to the Hokage's office. Tsunade will provide a better Curse Mark formula. This new Curse Mark will also guide you toward training in Sage Mode..."

At this stage, Uchiha Sasuke's strength had already reached Kage level. To grow stronger, he only needed to specialize in one or two areas.

By enhancing speed with lightning-style body techniques and advancing the Curse Mark toward Sage Mode, he would avoid becoming overly reliant on incomplete methods while allowing his future Mangekyo Sharingan abilities to stack and grow even stronger.

This was the proper way to train, rather than dabbling in a bit of everything. Mastering every skill often left one weaker in the long run, as the truly useful abilities turned out to be the ones they had specialized in.