Leaving Konoha

The new Shadow Space is very close to the Hokage Building, less than two hundred meters away in a straight line.

The exterior is an ordinary storefront facing the street, purchased just a few days ago, with Uchiha Izumi handling the transaction.

Uchiha Arashi never intended to truly leave Konoha. He needs to remain in Konoha to observe every move of the Konoha ninja in real-time and intervene at the most opportune moment to dismantle the current power structure of Konoha from within. Of course, if there were a sufficiently strong reason, flattening Konoha directly would not be out of the question.

But that requires a massive number of readers to provide him with the Power of Recognition, allowing him to replicate the powerful abilities of other worlds.

Relying solely on the native power of the Ninja World, it is too difficult to suppress Konoha, unless one could reach the level of Madara Uchiha in his prime.

Konoha's advantage lies in its wealth and large population, which allows for the collection of a sufficient amount of the Power of Recognition.

While other places have many people, they lack the prosperity for people to have the energy to read books, leaving them to rely on word-of-mouth storytelling. However, this does not conflict with settling in Konoha; a two-pronged approach is the best choice.

"When should we start the next step?"

Uchiha Izumi brought him a new set of clothes and asked with her back turned.

"Right now. The Daimyo is still in Konoha, and he has attracted a great deal of Konoha's attention. I can take this opportunity to leave Konoha and head to the Capital of Fire to complete the final preparations... By the way, is the money still enough?"

"Enough. Even with all of us, we'll be fine for another year."

Izumi is now the head steward of the "New Uchiha," managing the finances, which is why she was the one to purchase the property.

"While I'm away, you can try going out, acting as the proprietress of the bookstore, and let the neighbors get used to you."

"Mm."

Izumi nodded, her face turning as red as a big apple from an angle Uchiha Arashi could not see.

Proprietress... that's just too, too embarrassing!

"You are already proficient in the method of entering and exiting the Shadow Space. You must maintain it at all times. If your identity is exposed, return to the Shadow Space immediately to hide. The new space is more concealed, making it harder for Konoha to crack, and that time will be enough for me to rush back... Do not use your ocular jutsu lightly; save it for more critical moments. You must have felt it, right? The feeling of your vision declining."

Uchiha Arashi said while changing his clothes.

"I felt it. My vision is not as good as it used to be."

Izumi raised her hand to cover her left eye.

Yomotsu Hirasaka, one of her Mangekyo ocular jutsus.

She had only used it simply twice before, and as a result of those two times, her vision had already slightly deteriorated.

"As far as I know, there are only two ways to avoid blindness: either evolve into the more advanced Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, or obtain Hashirama Senju's cells. The former requires a blood relative's Mangekyo, which is something neither of us can do, so all we can pursue is Hashirama Cells."

This is also a problem Uchiha Arashi has been thinking about recently—how to reduce or even eliminate the risk of blindness.

After much thought, Hashirama Cells are easier to obtain.

Whether it is Orochimaru or Danzo, both have large amounts of material in their hands, and Orochimaru has even created a special arm by relying on the unique constitution of Shin Uchiha.

This is one path.

The other path is to search for White Zetsu. Because Obito has White Zetsu, he can use Kamui at will, something Uchiha Arashi has envied for a long time.

"In any case, that's it. You all be careful these next few days and try not to attract Konoha's attention. Wait for me to return."

Uchiha Arashi said after changing his clothes.

Izumi turned around and looked at Uchiha Arashi, who looked no different from usual.

"Are you leaving now? Why not rest for the night first?"

"It will be more convenient to leave now while Konoha hasn't fully reacted. Of course, I have Kamui and can leave at any time, but to avoid complications, it's better to finish the important things first."

The high-intensity use of the Mangekyo previously was indeed a huge burden on his body.

However, fortunately, he can draw on natural energy. While using his ocular jutsu, he also used natural energy to strengthen himself. It is far inferior to Sage Mode, but it is a fact that the overall burden has decreased.

"You... take care on the road."

Izumi opened her mouth.

She still had a lot to say, but when the words reached her lips, that was all she said.

"Don't worry, Sister Izumi, I will come back safely. I can't bear to leave you here alone for a long time."

Uchiha Arashi said with a grin.

Izumi's face turned red again, even though she had just suppressed it.

"Don't talk nonsense. There are other younger brothers and sisters; they are waiting for you too."

"Perhaps."

Uchiha Arashi smiled noncommittally, then activated his ability, letting shadows cover his body and disappear.

Outside.

The ninja of Konoha had already taken action.

After the capture operation failed, the Third immediately ordered increased surveillance on all important streets in Konoha, and a large number of patrol ninja were added near the gates and walls.

When Uchiha Arashi arrived at the wall and looked up to see the guards stationed every three steps and sentries every five steps, he couldn't help but let out a soft breath.

"I've really poked a hornet's nest this time. Good thing I have Kamui."

The dojutsu activated, manifesting a gateway in the air. Uchiha Arashi stepped through, officially leaving the borders of Konoha.

This time, he was heading to the Capital of Fire, carrying the documents provided by the Daimyo to secure a legitimate identity for himself.

However, before that, he had to visit an old friend.

The Empty District was a completely abandoned residential area. Long, long ago, it had been one of the primary settlements for the Uchiha, but now it had become the territory of the Ninja Cat Clan.

"Long time no see, Granny Cat."

"Oh, it's little Arashi. It has been a while. I didn't expect you to actually survive."

"Surprised?"

"A little. When Konoha strikes, it is always a thunderous blow. Everyone else died, yet only you survived. It seems you truly have some unique skills."

Granny Cat puffed on her pipe, observing Uchiha Arashi through the smoke.

She was the leader of the Ninja Cat Clan, and the Ninja Cat Clan had long collaborated with the Uchiha clan, making them, at best, half-allies.

It was just a pity that in the face of a major event like the Uchiha clan's extermination, the Ninja Cat Clan truly had no way to provide assistance.

Ninja cats were not adept at combat, and Konoha itself would have blocked the news. Even if the Ninja Cat Clan had been lucky enough to obtain intelligence, it would have been very difficult to deliver it to the Uchiha.

Uchiha Arashi was well aware of these things, so he had not come to hold anyone accountable, but rather for a different purpose.

"Granny Cat, is the Ninja Cat Clan still willing to cooperate with the Uchiha?"

"Of course, I have never refused."

"Good. Then please, give me some intelligence regarding Orochimaru."

Uchiha Arashi stared at Granny Cat and spoke slowly.