Chapter 80

The truth is truly challenging to one’s worldview.

Even after accepting Luo Fu’s account, his longstanding beliefs still made Tsunade instinctively want to defend the Six Paths Sage she once admired.

Luo Fu sighed softly and said, “Itachi’ve treated everything I just told Itachi as nothing but a pure story. The death of Ōtsutsuki Hamura on the moon—more accurately, he didn’t die of old age; he perished after exhausting his second life force.”

He paused slightly and added, “In fact, Ōtsutsuki Hamura was killed by his mother, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, but was revived by his brother, the Six Paths Sage, using a Sage’s talisman from Mount Myōboku. Yet chakra and natural energy are fundamentally two different things. Before his revival, Hamura couldn’t even enter Sage Mode—so is the revived him truly still a pure Ōtsutsuki?”

Tsunade froze, remembering that Luo Fu had indeed mentioned how the Six Paths Sage and his brother Hamura rebelled against their mother, only for Hamura to die at her hands.

So it seemed Hamura had likely died long ago, revived only by the Sage’s talisman—a process that clearly severely damaged his life force, making it impossible for him to possess the long lifespan of a true Ōtsutsuki.

“Itachi don’t need to wonder why the Six Paths Sage is still alive. Itachi only need to know he possesses the power to interfere with the ninja world at any moment—even, if he wished, to monitor every single movement within it.”

“If the Six Paths Sage in the Pure Land truly has such power, then your story doesn’t hold up at all?”

Luo Fu smiled faintly, watching Tsunade’s stubborn expression, and said with amusement, “Why wouldn’t it hold up?”

“Itachi just said that before being sealed, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya used Yin-Yang Release to create a third child—this being, known as Black Zetsu, has spent a thousand years sowing hatred between the Senju and Uchiha, hoping to produce a descendant with a Rinnegan capable of breaking the seal. If that’s true, the Six Paths Sage couldn’t possibly have missed it.” Tsunade felt she had finally found a flaw in Luo Fu’s tale.

Luo Fu looked at Tsunade with pity and said, “Yes, even from the Pure Land, the Six Paths Sage could have noticed his brother’s existence at any time. So why didn’t he interfere? Why did he allow his brother to continuously stir up conflict and hatred among his descendants, leading the Senju and Uchiha into a thousand years of slaughter? Why?”

“It’s because… it’s because…” Tsunade’s face grew darker; emotionally, she simply couldn’t accept it—the great Six Paths Sage of legend, the truth now appearing as a villain who had deceived every ninja in the ninja world for a millennium.

But that didn’t mean Tsunade was truly foolish.

On the contrary, she quickly realized: the Six Paths Sage had clearly been aware of every move made by his brother, born of Yin-Yang Release.

Yet he deliberately did nothing.

The only explanation was that Black Zetsu’s actions were precisely what the Six Paths Sage wanted to see.

Once this was confirmed, the label of “treacherous” clung to the Six Paths Sage forever.

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Tsunade finally spoke, “Then tell me about Itachi now. I admit—the Six Paths Sage is no good. He’s manipulated the entire ninja world for a thousand years, accumulating unimaginable chakra. But what about Itachi?”

“Me?” Luo Fu smiled calmly. “If Ōtsutsuki Kaguya is the source of all chakra in this world—whether the Six Paths Sage, Ōtsutsuki Hamura, or countless later ninja—all merely branches extending from that root, like the trunk and limbs of a great tree, then I am like a cutting taken from one of its branches, replanted to grow into a new sapling.”

“Itachi have another God Tree?” Tsunade stared at Luo Fu in shock.

In Luo Fu’s story, the God Tree was the origin of all power—even Ōtsutsuki Kaguya became the progenitor of chakra only after consuming its fruit.

Since Luo Fu described all chakra beneath Kaguya as branches of a tree, and compared himself to a cutting, didn’t that mean he possessed another God Tree?

“Besides the Ten-Tails God Tree, there is indeed another God Tree in the ninja world—but it is not in my possession. I do not have a God Tree.”

At this moment, Tsunade had no interest in anything else—her entire focus was on Luo Fu’s mention of the second God Tree.

Come on—one God Tree gave birth to the Ten-Tails, the combined form of nine Tailed Beasts. Just one Nine-Tails alone could serve as a strategic weapon for Konoha.

What about a complete Ten-Tails?

Tsunade’s current understanding hadn’t reached the point of grasping what a second God Tree might mean for the ninja world; her focus remained solely on the Tailed Beasts.

“Itachi… Itachi’re saying there’s another God Tree in the ninja world?” Tsunade’s voice trembled.

“Yes. I should’ve mentioned earlier that when Ōtsutsuki Kaguya descended upon this world, she had companions—even one, Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, who held a higher status than she. To him, Kaguya was nothing more than a nutrient source prepared for the God Tree after its successful cultivation. But Isshiki never expected to be betrayed by his own offering.”

“So the other one who possesses a God Tree is this Ōtsutsuki Isshiki? But he’s dead, isn’t he?” Tsunade felt the ninja world’s depths were far deeper than she’d imagined.

She even wished, for a moment, that she’d never met Luo Fu, that she’d never learned any of this.

Not knowing would mean no such torment.

“In Kaguya’s eyes, she truly killed Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. But the Ōtsutsuki possess a peculiar ability: they can transform all their essence into something called a ‘Crest,’ allowing them to revive within another’s body. Isshiki escaped death this way—but for a thousand years, he has never fully regained his power.” Luo Fu had no intention of confronting Isshiki just yet.

Though he was indeed covetous of Isshiki’s second God Tree.

But right now, Luo Fu lacked sufficient confidence to defeat Isshiki.

“I think I understand your meaning,” Tsunade sighed bitterly. “In truth, the ninja world is now your chessboard, and we are merely pieces Itachi manipulate at will—like the Black Zetsu Kaguya casually created.”

Luo Fu wanted to say Tsunade was vastly overestimating herself.

With her strength, she had no right to be a player at all. But upon reflection, her words weren’t exactly flattery toward Luo Fu.

After all, Luo Fu had truly forged his own system.

It differed from Kaguya’s chakra, from Jici—or rather, Ōtsutsuki Isshiki’s God Tree—and bore little relation to the entire Ōtsutsuki clan.

Luo Fu was still weak now—but he hid himself well.

Even previously, when the Akatsuki had vaguely sensed the Six Paths Sage’s existence, the Sage never appeared to crush him outright.

Give Luo Fu time, and with his Shared Space and the path he’d already forged, he would inevitably become a true player.

And he believed that day wouldn’t be far off.

Seeing Luo Fu remain silent, Tsunade smiled bitterly, “I guess I was right.”

She sighed deeply. “I’m regretting more and more why I ever picked a fight with Itachi back at that tavern. Now I’m afraid I can’t even escape.”

Gathering herself, Tsunade said, “I know I’m on your boat now—I can’t get off. Neither the Six Paths Sage nor the sealed Ōtsutsuki Kaguya would ever accept me. From the start, those lofty beings never regarded us as anything. Being personally recruited by Itachi is, in fact, my honor.”

Tsunade saw clearly: from the moment she accepted the few drops of his blood, she was irrevocably bound to Luo Fu, with no turning back.

Whether Luo Fu’s story was true or false, one thing was certain: her grandfather, the God of Shinobi Hashirama Senju, and the Shinobi of Destruction Uchiha Madara, possessed powers that defied ninja logic.

If linked to Luo Fu’s tale, everything suddenly made perfect sense.

Whether her grandfather or Uchiha Madara, they were merely tools manipulated by the Six Paths Sage.

Indra and Asura—those two—were the Six Paths Sage’s own sons.

If he could so callously disregard his own sons, could Tsunade possibly expect any special treatment from the Six Paths Sage as a nameless nobody?

Beyond the Six Paths Sage, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya remained sealed, and her tool—the third child born of Yin-Yang Release—was still out there somewhere. To him, Tsunade was no more than grass underfoot.

And as for Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, Tsunade might not even be able to find him.

After counting them all, Tsunade helplessly realized: being valued by Luo Fu, even becoming his tool, was actually a blessing—for at least she wouldn’t die like the ignorant masses, unaware of how or why, living and dying in ignorance.

“I can serve Itachi as my master—but I have one condition.” Tsunade no longer dared to see Luo Fu as merely a Konoha Uchiha ninja.

Gazing solemnly at Luo Fu, Tsunade took a deep breath. “I want Itachi to give Shizune a chance. I know—though she’s always by my side, her strength isn’t inferior to that of a regular Jonin. Even before beings like Itachi, Jonin and ordinary people are nearly identical—but Shizune can still be of some help.”

After understanding everything through Luo Fu’s account, Tsunade wanted to give Shizune a choice.

And Luo Fu, naturally, was eager to expand his own system.

Especially since Shizune had followed Tsunade so long, she was at least a competent tool—capable of aiding Luo Sen in expanding his system.

Without hesitation, Luo Fu nodded. “Fine—but it depends on whether Shizune is willing.”

“Send me away,” Tsunade said, her expression desolate, no longer interested in further conversation.

After learning the truth, she knew clearly: in this level of struggle, she was nothing more than a tool.

She was a ninja—and ninja were tools. So she might as well accept the role of a competent tool.

A ninja as a tool has no right to question a mission; thus, as Luo Fu’s tool, she must not presume to dictate to him.

As the Tsukuyomi space dissolved.

Tsunade’s attitude toward Luo Fu changed dramatically.

In every gesture, she now clearly treated Luo Fu as her master.

Returning to their previous resting place, she saw Shizune waiting anxiously—and her heart warmed.

“Shizune, I’m back!”

“Tsunade-sama.” Kato Shizune’s tone carried unmistakable relief.

Clearly, Shizune had feared Tsunade might vanish without a word.

“Shizune,” Tsunade said solemnly, “I’m giving Itachi a choice now.”

Confused, Shizune asked, “Tsunade-sama, are Itachi planning to return to Konoha?”

“It has nothing to do with Konoha,” Tsunade shook her head. “But this decision may affect your future. I urge Itachi to consider it carefully.”

“Tsunade-sama, Itachi have to tell me what I’m choosing first,” Shizune said helplessly.

“Itachi saw—I awakened Wood Release. But this was all made possible by Luo Fu’s help. I want Itachi to accept his help, just as I did. But if Itachi do, we’ll be bound to him forever—this bond surpasses even the village. Think about it—if Itachi don’t wish to, Itachi may refuse!”

Tsunade’s words were vague.

But having served Tsunade so long, Shizune sensed the gravity in her tone.

After brief thought, Shizune nodded firmly. “As Itachi have, I choose to accept Luo Fu’s help.”

“Are Itachi certain?” Tsunade hesitated. “For certain reasons, I can only tell Itachi: refusing this choice may not be a bad thing.”

“No need,” Shizune said resolutely. “Wherever Tsunade-sama goes, I go.”

Tsunade sighed softly and looked at Luo Fu. “Help Shizune.”

Luo Fu nodded and gave Shizune a few drops of his own blood.

Yet he did not wait for her to awaken—he immediately bid farewell to Tsunade and the others, even declined Tsunade’s offer to return to Konoha together, and set off alone toward Konoha.

In Konoha, the Hokage Tower.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smoked heavily from his pipe.

Glancing at Minato Namikaze seated in the Hokage’s chair, he said, “The Uchiha have always been an unstable element in the village. Though Luo Fu chose to abandon his Uchiha kekkei genkai and instead became the second great master of swordsmanship after the White Fang, he remains an Uchiha—that cannot be changed.”

“Indeed, the Uchiha are inherently evil,” Danzō Shimura said without hiding his malice. “I recommend minimizing rewards for this Uchiha Luo Fu. His swordsmanship, according to our intel, has little to do with Konoha. Also, in his last mission, he didn’t truly complete it. Though Sunagakure did report the death of the Blaze Release user Ye Cang, we still lack direct evidence proving she was killed by Luo Fu.”

“Minato,” Shizuka Tōnami said earnestly, “we elders won’t harm the village. Sarutobi served as Third Hokage for so long; Danzō and the rest of us have always faithfully supported him. Our vigilance toward the Uchiha isn’t without reason.”

Two deputies, one elder, plus a former Hokage—Minato’s base was shallow, lacking even a single loyal core subordinate.

Under the relentless pressure of these elders, Minato, the Fourth Hokage in his ceremonial robe, rubbed his temples. “Third Hokage, Elder Danzō—I understand your concerns. But this war is nearly over. As Hokage now, I must promote ninja based on merit. Luo Fu’s strength and completed missions both meet promotion standards.”

“Then grant him the right to attend Jonin meetings,” Watari Katsuyori said. “The Uchiha are responsible for village security, so they must not be allowed to interfere in village decisions. Honor him, but never grant him authority.”

“No,” Danzō flatly rejected. “Neither honor nor authority. Don’t forget—he’s an Uchiha.”

Minato simply couldn’t understand the depth of hatred Danzō and the Third Hokage held toward the Uchiha.

“In this war, the Uchiha suffered great losses. If the village shows no recognition, even ignores them, I fear it will cause unrest!” Minato said earnestly. “After all, the Uchiha are still members of this village.”

“Minato, Itachi’ve just become Hokage—Itachi don’t yet understand many things. So for now, listen to us elders,” Hiruzen relit his pipe. “Give this Uchiha Luo Fu a single S-rank mission. Also, grant the Uchiha a few Anbu slots. The Uchiha did sacrifice in the war, but others sacrificed too.”

If it were only Danzō, Watari, and Tōnami, Minato might have mustered the courage to argue.

But now Hiruzen clearly intended to make the final decision—further opposition would only create conflict between the Fourth and Third Hokage.

Even after becoming the legitimate Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze was well aware that his position held little real power.

Beneath him, aside from a few Hokage Guards, even the authority over the Anbu remained firmly in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s hands, never transferred.

Under these circumstances, arguing forcefully would only harm the Fourth Hokage himself.

Despite his deep inner resentment, Minato Namikaze ultimately gritted his teeth and agreed to the four elders’ demands.

In the Hokage’s office, they had just concluded their decision on the rewards for Uchiha Luofu and Naruto Uzumaki for this mission.

Inuzuka Kishin, with a senbon between his lips, gently knocked on the door and said, “Hokage-sama, Uchiha Luofu has returned to the village and requests to report the mission’s outcome.”

Before Minato Namikaze could speak,

Hiruzen Sarutobi said directly, “Let him in. Good—we’ve just reached a decision on his promotion and reward!”

Minato Namikaze unconsciously frowned, his frustration deepening.

Moments later, Luofu appeared in the Hokage’s office, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, wearing neither forehead protector nor any Uchiha clan insignia.

Seeing the Konoha F4 and Minato Namikaze gathered together in the office, Luofu couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Senior Ninja Uchiha Luofu, greetings, Hokage-sama.”

Luofu’s demeanor was casual, showing none of the formal etiquette other ninja typically displayed during mission handovers.

After all, even Senior Ninjas were expected to kneel on one knee during mission handovers, to affirm the Hokage’s authority.

But clearly, in Luofu’s eyes, neither Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, nor Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, deserved his kneeling.

“Uchiha Luofu, are Itachi defying the Hokage’s authority?”

To everyone’s surprise, the first to leap out was Danzo Shimura.

He was merely an Elder, commanding the shadowy Root organization—but Luofu’s behavior had provoked Danzo so intensely he nearly jumped out of his seat.

The Hokage position had long been Danzo’s obsession; to some extent, this obsession caused him to unconsciously inflate the Hokage’s prestige beyond all reason.

No one found Luofu’s failure to kneel more intolerable than Danzo.

“I recall my mission had nothing to do with Itachi,” Luofu sneered. “The one who assigned me the mission was the Third Hokage; now, the Fourth Hokage holds office. Naturally, the handover process should be handled differently.”

“Insolent!” Danzo Shimura’s hatred for Luofu deepened at once.

“Enough, Danzo,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said, drawing heavily on his cigarette. “Your mission was indeed assigned while I was Hokage. But if I recall correctly, your original order was to eliminate the Sand Village’s Yosen, the Flame Release user Ye Cang.”

“Correct,” Luofu nodded.

“Though I am no longer Hokage, I remain Hokage Advisor and a member of the Elder Council. I ask Itachi: what exactly transpired during this mission? Is Ye Cang dead or alive? If dead, who killed her? If alive, where is she now?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi was clearly far smarter than Danzo Shimura—at least he didn’t fixate on trivial matters like Danzo did.

(End of Chapter)