The Darkest Konoha

"I think you're quite capable. How about you come and work for me?"

"Follow you? This..." Upon hearing Itachi's invitation, Shisui was at a loss for words. It wasn't that he was struggling with how to agree, but rather how to refuse.

"Grandpa, you..." Itachi looked puzzled as he saw Shisui suddenly invite him.

"Hehe, judging from your hesitant look, you must have refused. It's really embarrassing to be rejected on your first invitation!" Tianqi chuckled, pulled Itachi, and turned to leave.

Originally, he had wanted to take this guy in because he admired his talent, but he didn't expect the other party to refuse. Without his protection, all that awaited Shisui Uchiha was death. Some people are truly destined to die young; there was no way to save him even if he wanted to.

Seeing Itachi's grandfather about to leave, Shisui stood there somewhat awkwardly. As a member of the Uchiha Clan, he was destined never to follow anyone in his life.

When Tianqi had led Itachi five meters away, Tianqi suddenly stopped and said something in a low voice.

"To be or not to be, that is the question. No one in the entire Konoha except me has the ability to change everything, including the so-called Lord Hokage. If your mind changes in the future, come find me at the northern border of the Land of Fire; there lies the true secret of the Uchiha Clan!"

Although he was rejected, Tianqi did not completely cut off all avenues and ultimately left Shisui a way out.

After saying Tianqi opened Space Tunnel and left with Itachi. In his last moments before leaving, Itachi gave Shisui an apologetic look.

"This is Space-Time Ninjutsu! The true secret of the Uchiha on the northern border of the Land of Fire?" Shisui was shocked as he watched Itachi's grandfather use Space-Time Ninjutsu, while also pondering what Itachi's grandfather had said.

No one knows what Shisui was thinking, nor does anyone know his final choice.

On the other side, Tianqi also returned home with Itachi.

"Itachi, Father, you're back."

"Yes, I'm back."

Why has Tianqi been gone for so long?

"It's nothing, I just met a very interesting little genius. I invited him to come and play with me, but the little guy actually refused!"

Upon hearing Tianqi's words, Karura paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha... I never thought that you rejected my second brother back then, but now you're being rejected by this little guy here. How the tables have turned!"

Seeing Karura mocking him, Tianqi's lips twitched. As a true top expert, being rejected was indeed embarrassing, but it only showed that the other party lacked discernment, and it really had little to do with him.

Itachi looked at the woman laughing loudly in front of him with a puzzled expression. His grandfather was a true powerhouse, so how dare this woman mock him?

After mocking Tianqi, Karura bent down to look at the little guy beside Tianqi and asked gently, "You're Little Itachi, aren't you?"

"Uh... I'm Itachi, and you are?"

"How can Itachi be so rude? Quickly greet and pay your respects to Karura!"

Itachi didn't speak immediately but became even more confused. When did he suddenly have a grandmother? Why have all these elders suddenly appeared these past two days? And this person is only around thirty years old, how could she possibly be a grandmother?

"It's alright, Mikoto, the child is still young, there's no need to be so strict. Come here, Itachi, let me take a look!" Karura said, pulling Itachi to her side. After observing him closely, Garuda nodded repeatedly and said, "Hmm, not bad, not bad. He looks like your grandfather's grandson. He's definitely family!"

As he spoke, Karura gave Itachi a big, sweet kiss on the cheek, making Itachi quite embarrassed.

"Alright, alright, stop standing there like an idiot. Let's go out for a meal and check out the changes in Konoha!"

With Tianqi leading the way, the group prepared to head out. Only Itachi, the little guy, hesitated for a moment and said, "Are we going out to eat? Shouldn't we invite Father along?"

Hearing Itachi's words, the three who were about to leave stopped in their tracks. Mikoto quickly stepped forward and covered Itachi's mouth, whispering a warning, "Itachi! If you can't speak properly, then don't speak!"

"That's right, Tianqi, where's your son? Why didn't you invite him when you went out to eat?" Hearing Itachi's words, Karura realized that he hadn't seen Tianqi's son since he arrived.

"Don't worry about that jerk, we'll just go eat by ourselves. He'll come back on his own when it's time!" With that, Tianqi took a step and walked out.

Karura and Mikoto exchanged a glance, then, without saying anything more, took Itachi and followed in Tianqi's footsteps.

As the sun sets and night falls, Konoha is brightly lit, and the night market begins.

The Tianqi family walked along the bustling avenue of Konoha. Karura looked at the lively street and the smiles on people's faces, and she was filled with emotion.

"I never imagined that after so many years, I could still see peaceful people on the ground with such heartfelt smiles. It's truly remarkable."

"Heh, the so-called peace is just an illusion. Konoha is in more danger now than ever before, even more dangerous than during times of war!"

"Father, how could that be? How could Konoha be in danger right now?"

"Heh, I don't believe Mikoto can't see it. What's more terrifying than the war between demons and gods is the human heart. Even without war, everyone starts fighting for interests. Do you know what's most tragic? Those powerful ninjas didn't die on the road to killing enemies and serving their country, but died at the hands of their own people. That's the situation in Konoha now. Everyone is taking sides and fighting for their own interests. If you're not careful, you'll die at the hands of your own villagers..."

This period was arguably the darkest time for Konoha. The various clans, Danzo's Root, and the Hokage's lineage divided up the Konoha's interests. On the surface, things seemed peaceful, but everyone was secretly vying for power. Anyone who dared to stand in their way would be pushed into an endless abyss. This dark period was the one that Tianqi hated the most, without exception!

Upon hearing this, Mikoto also fell into deep thought. People from her large family all knew about these things, but none of them had spoken about them openly like Tianqi had.

"Human nature is indeed a complex thing. If everything is really as you say, Tianqi, then this place is very dangerous!"

"It's not just dangerous, it's extremely dangerous! My son, Uchiha Sen'u, is already standing on the edge of danger. People in high positions are the first to be in danger, yet he doesn't even realize he's in the most dangerous place. He's utterly foolish!"