Late at night, the medical facilities in Konoha were brightly lit. Busy medical staff hurried between the halls and wards, doing everything they could to save every life.
What should have been a peaceful night had turned tense because of an unexpected disaster.
The Uchiha Clan, once one of Konoha's proudest clans, had now suffered a calamity unlike any before.
Nearly the entire clan had been slaughtered. Only two people had survived: Uchiha Ruri and Uchiha Sasuke.
Uchiha Ruri lay quietly in a bed in Konoha Hospital's top-tier ward, her eyes vacant and lost.
Her thoughts seemed to cross the boundaries of time as she tried to search her original body's memories for clues.
Being transported to this unfamiliar world after being hit by a truck and losing her life had already left her shocked and helpless.
"Coming into the timeline at this point is so awkward. I arrive and immediately see little Sasuke bawling his eyes out. It's just too tragic."
"This body's also really weak. At this level, I have no idea how I'm supposed to deal with the Fourth Shinobi World War."
"This is only Genin-level strength. You expect me to take on Itachi Uchiha with my Tomoe eyes open, using just one hand?"
Ruri sighed helplessly to herself. She looked around and realized she was in a spacious, brightly lit hospital room.
The medical equipment beside her gave off a faint hum, as if underscoring how unfamiliar and alien this world was.
Even so, despite being in such a strange place, Ruri still felt a hint of warmth.
The medical ninja's superb skills had healed her wounds one by one, and her body was gradually regaining its strength.
Ruri looked down at herself and couldn't help laughing wryly.
This body was so frail, and looked just like a girl's. Her fair arms were slender and long, nothing like what she had imagined a man's body would be.
But Ruri knew that there was no point complaining about it now.
She had to accept reality and adapt to her new identity and surroundings as quickly as possible.
Ruri took a deep breath, trying to calm her turbulent emotions. She knew she was facing a huge challenge.
Just then, the hospital room door was gently pushed open, and a small figure hurried inside.
Ruri looked up and saw little Sasuke rushing in, his eyes full of worry.
"Big Sister Ruri, you're finally awake!" Little Sasuke's voice trembled, as if he were afraid of losing someone important. He ran to the bed and stared intently at Ruri, afraid to miss even the slightest change in her expression.
Ruri felt a warmth in her heart. She could sense how much little Sasuke cared for and depended on her.
"I'm fine. Your big sister recovers quickly, little Sasuke. Don't worry about me." Ruri smiled gently and reached out to softly pat Sasuke's head.
Her smile held a maternal warmth, as if she were soothing the wounded child in her own way.
Feeling the warmth of Ruri's hand, little Sasuke's unease and fear gradually began to fade.
He looked up at Ruri, determination shining in his eyes, as if to say, "As long as Big Sister Ruri is okay, I'm not afraid of anything. I'll work even harder to deal with that enemy."
The poor kid had lost his entire family. Now, all he had left was me.
Ruri sighed softly. She knew that she was a transmigrator in this world, but also a survivor of the Uchiha Clan—and one of the people closest to Uchiha Sasuke.
Hearing Sasuke's low, resolute voice, she listened as he said, "Big Sister Ruri, I swear I'll get stronger and make that man pay for what he did tonight."
Ruri gripped Sasuke's hand tightly, determination shining in her eyes. "You're right, Sasuke! We'll get stronger together and make him pay dearly."
Ruri also felt a trace of worry. She knew Itachi Uchiha's strength was unfathomable, and defeating him would be no easy task.
Besides, she was still injured. Itachi's Kunai had pierced her waist. Though the medical ninja had treated her, the pain still lingered.
"Ugh... So this is what it feels like to have your kidney stolen... Itachi... You really are something, wiping out your own entire clan with your own hands."
Seeing Ruri hurt, Sasuke immediately panicked. He hurriedly took out a medical kit and tended to her wound.
"It's okay, Sasuke. It's just a minor injury." Ruri forced a smile, trying to put Sasuke at ease.
But her pale face and furrowed brows made it hard to hide her pain.
Sasuke looked at Ruri, filled with worry and anger. He knew Big Sister Ruri had been hurt entirely because of that man—Itachi Uchiha's cruel actions.
Itachi had not only massacred the clan, but had also mercilessly stabbed Big Sister Ruri. A grudge this deep had to be avenged!
Ruri sensed Sasuke's anger and resolve. In a faint voice, she said, "Sasuke, don't act rashly. Calm down first."
Damn it, I couldn't let this kidney grudge go unavenged. I had to make Itachi pay dearly!
Sasuke clenched his teeth and nodded. He knew Big Sister Ruri was right. Acting rashly would only put him in even greater danger.
"Big Sister Ruri, you're right. I have to calm down and get stronger."
"Little Sasuke, Big Sister Ruri will teach you Fire Style tomorrow. Let's feel the power of training together!"
Uchiha Ruri spoke with fiery conviction, determination shining in her eyes.
She knew that Fire Style was the Uchiha Clan's signature ninjutsu. It was not only powerful, but training in it could also greatly improve a ninja's physical fitness and willpower.
"Okay!" Sasuke answered at once, his eyes full of anticipation and resolve.
He had always longed to grow stronger and avenge his clan.
And the Uchiha Clan's secret Fire Style techniques were something he had long aspired to learn.
At the Hokage's residence in Konoha, two important figures—Third Hokage and Shimura Danzō—sat facing each other.
The atmosphere between them seemed calm, but currents of tension ran beneath the surface.
Third Hokage, known as the "Professor of Shinobi," was a beacon of light for Konoha and beloved by its villagers.
Yet at that moment, his face was clouded with worry. He held the list of Uchiha Clan members who had died, and every name filled him with grief.
He took a deep drag from his pipe and slowly exhaled. Smoke spread through the air, as if carrying his sorrow with it.
Danzō sat opposite him, his eyes deep and shrewd, like those of an old fox.
He had long led Root, Konoha's secretive organization, and was skilled at controlling everything from the shadows. He was like Konoha's shadow itself, inspiring both awe and fear.
"Lord Hokage, the Uchiha Clan's downfall is an opportunity for us," Danzō said, breaking the silence. His voice was low and forceful, and every word seemed steeped in scheming.
Third Hokage frowned slightly as he looked at Danzō, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.
He knew Danzō had been plotting something in secret, but he disliked Danzō's methods. However, as Hokage, he also had to consider Konoha's future.
"Danzō, I know what you're thinking. But we can't forget the contributions the Uchiha Clan made in the past," Third Hokage said slowly. "Their downfall is a loss for Konoha."
"Lord Hokage, you're too softhearted." Danzō sneered. "The Uchiha Clan is in the past. What we need to do now is seize the future."
Third Hokage fell silent for a moment, then took a deep drag from his pipe and slowly exhaled.
He knew that the difference between his and Danzō's principles could never be reconciled. But he also understood that, as Hokage, he had to consider what was best for Konoha as a whole.
"Danzō, I hope you understand that Konoha needs peace and stability," Third Hokage said firmly. "Not endless conflict and scheming."
"This time, as agreed, you must disband Root. That was our agreement, Danzō."
"Sarutobi, you've always been like this. You don't understand what Konoha truly is. Hmph!"
Danzō stormed out of the office, and the door slammed shut behind him.
Inside the office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat alone, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes.
Just then, an Anbu member appeared before him and said in a steady voice, "Lord Hokage, one fourteen-year-old girl from the Uchiha Clan survived. She's currently staying at Konoha Hospital with Sasuke. Should we take action and eliminate her?"
Third Hokage glanced at the documents on his desk concerning Uchiha Ruri.
The documents stated that she was an elite Chunin with Lightning, Fire, and Wind chakra natures. She was also the Uchiha Clan's young lady, with a gentle and guileless personality.
Third Hokage took a deep breath. He knew this wasn't a simple matter.
The Uchiha Clan's downfall had already sent shockwaves through Konoha. If they went after the remaining clan members, it would only further destabilize the village.
He had also promised Itachi Uchiha that Sasuke would be kept safe. Who could have expected another complication to arise?
Third Hokage pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his head and looked at the Anbu member. "No. We can't harm her. She's just an innocent girl, and we have no reason to take away her right to live. Besides, I don't believe she poses a threat to Konoha."
The Anbu member nodded. Though he didn't fully understand Third Hokage's decision, he knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi must have his reasons.
He quietly withdrew, leaving Third Hokage alone in the office to ponder.
Third Hokage's gaze fell on Ruri's documents once more. An ordinary girl with modest abilities—that was what the records said before her cheat had arrived.
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