Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 163: All Just Shadow Clones, What's There to Fear?

"Battle sounds are coming from this direction—it's two shinobi from other villages… wait, that's—"

"Scorch Release!"

"Could it be... Pakura-sensei?"

Several Sand shinobi rushed to the scene, their gazes locking onto the duel between Obito and Pakura. Their focus fell immediately on the latter, and their expressions froze in disbelief.

Among them, a young kunoichi stared wide-eyed, her face betraying shock and confusion.

Though the woman's appearance had changed significantly, the unmistakable Scorch Release chakra emanating from her made the identity clear in an instant.

"Pakura-sensei, is that really you? Are you alive?"

Maki's voice trembled, her disbelief evident as she gazed at the unexpected reunion with her former mentor.

Pakura had been a hero of Sunagakure, a formidable shinobi whose exploits were widely celebrated. Yet, she had disappeared under mysterious circumstances during a mission in Iwagakure and was later declared dead by the village elders.

Maki had come to terms with this long ago, never imagining she'd see her teacher alive again.

"Maki?"

Pakura raised an eyebrow, surprised that her former student was the first to arrive. But she quickly composed herself, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Let's make this simple—consider us allies for now," she said smoothly before vanishing and reappearing behind Maki in a flash.

Gripping Maki by the shoulder, Pakura effortlessly carried her out of the scene, leaving the other Sand shinobi bewildered.

Seeing no trace of their former hero or her student, the remaining shinobi turned their attention to Obito.

"Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you responsible for Shukaku's rampage?" one of the squad leaders demanded, their weapons ready.

Obito, standing amidst the rising dust and chaos, didn't even flinch at the accusations. His expression was blank, but his gaze carried a hint of disdain.

The blood-red of his Sharingan gleamed ominously, causing the squad leader's pupils to constrict.

"Sharingan... Are you from the Uchiha clan?"

And not just any Sharingan. The intricate pattern in his eyes made it clear—it was the legendary Mangekyo Sharingan. Could this all be part of some hidden Konoha conspiracy?

---

Not far away, Shukaku continued its rampage unabated.

The ground trembled as its massive tail swept across the battlefield, demolishing everything in its path. Entire rows of buildings collapsed under the onslaught, leaving only clouds of dust and debris.

Sandstorms erupted continuously from the massive beast, covering the sky and choking the air, turning Sunagakure into a scene of utter devastation.

Obito glanced briefly at the chaos as Shukaku was being lured toward the village outskirts by some Sand shinobi.

The pathetic state of Sunagakure was no longer worth his time. His initial plan to release Shukaku had proven to be a waste of effort—or rather, it played perfectly into Hyuga Fuji's hands.

A black swirling vortex appeared around Obito as the shinobi prepared for a confrontation. But before they could act, Obito vanished into thin air, leaving not even a trace.

"He's gone..."

"What do we do now, Captain? How are we supposed to report this?"

The squad leader took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain composed.

"Notify Elder Ebizo immediately and increase the village's security level. Report that a Mangekyo Sharingan user from the Uchiha clan has infiltrated the village," he ordered.

His voice was filled with urgency. "Shukaku's rampage and the Scorch Release incident must also be reported to the elders."

"Yes, sir!"

---

Inside the Wind Shadow Office conference room, Elder Ebizo paced back and forth, visibly distressed. Finally, he stood up decisively.

"No, I must go myself—"

"Elder Ebizo!"

A group of senior advisors quickly surrounded him.

"You are the village's backbone right now. If you engage with Shukaku, there's a risk of something happening to you. If that happens, Sunagakure will truly collapse!"

"..."

Ebizo let out a deep sigh and sat back down reluctantly.

Perhaps it wasn't as severe as they made it seem, but the truth was that Sunagakure currently had no one more suitable than him to lead.

Though the village had been preparing for the Wind Daimyo to gradually take over its administration, Ebizo knew his role as a mediator was crucial to ensuring a smooth transition.

As Ebizo mulled over the situation, the shinobi who had encountered Obito entered the conference room. Their report caused the elders to collectively pale.

---

Meanwhile, in Sunagakure's intelligence department and even the homes of certain elders, strange disturbances began to occur.

---

In a pitch-black room somewhere in the village, a group of shinobi gathered around piles of collected documents. The air was heavy with tension as they silently processed the truth before them.

It was finally a female ninja who broke the silence.

"The truth about Pakura-sama's mission is all here—everything, from start to finish. What are your thoughts?"

The room remained quiet for a moment longer before a burly male shinobi spoke coldly.

"We've all known Pakura-sama's character. She worked tirelessly for this village, always putting its well-being above her own. And this is how they repaid her? What else is there to say?"

"Exactly," another ninja agreed. "Pakura-sama gave us time to think, and we can't let her down now."

One hesitant shinobi finally voiced a concern. "But betraying the village..."

"Betraying the village?" the female ninja interrupted angrily. "What village? The elders who sided with the Daimyo are the real traitors. If not for their actions, Sunagakure wouldn't have become this weak, unable even to suppress Shukaku!"

Her voice was filled with frustration as she continued.

"Those traitors only care about selling out the village to the Daimyo for personal gain. They dream of titles and prestige while abandoning us to fend for ourselves. Why should we remain loyal to people like them?"

The burly shinobi stood and declared, "She's right. The Daimyo's takeover of the village is inevitable. Loyalty to Sunagakure no longer matters. Strictly speaking, we swore loyalty to the Kazekage. If the Fourth Kazekage were still alive, would any of us still follow him after learning the truth?"

He paused, letting his words sink in before delivering the final blow.

"Pakura-sama is a symbol of hope. Her return proves that her benefactor has the power to defy death itself. And don't tell me none of you have lost loved ones..."

The room fell silent once more, but the eyes of its occupants burned with newfound determination.

---

"Advisor Koharu, Sand shinobi are still waiting for our response. Should we—"

"There's no need to respond."

Within Konoha's embassy, Utatane Koharu waved dismissively at her subordinate, gazing out the window at the chaos engulfing Sunagakure.

"No matter what happens today, it's best if we remain uninvolved."

"Understood," the shinobi replied, bowing slightly before retreating.

As for Sand's claims of encountering a Mangekyo Sharingan user? Explaining it would only invite unnecessary complications. Feigning ignorance was the safest course of action.

If Sunagakure's mess spiraled out of control, so be it.

After all, everyone stationed at the Konoha embassy were just split clones. What was there to fear?

(End of Chapter)