The Uchiha Clan Grounds were completely sealed off.
Aside from the few households where someone was still alive, all remaining property was confiscated and turned over to the state.
The surviving clan members were temporarily removed from the grounds, and Hyuga Hiashi's people dispersed shortly afterward.
ANBU and Root forces moved into Uchiha territory and began clearing the area.
Hiruzen Sarutobi quietly made his way to the foot of a tall building.
A masked figure flashed out and knelt before the Third.
"First, let me thank you. Thanks to you, Konoha avoided a civil war and the village's peace was preserved."
"Yes."
"But even now, my heart is still heavy. In the end, we couldn't find another path."
Itachi Uchiha, kneeling there with his head bowed low, had an incredibly tense expression, his features twisted together. "I'm sorry, Lord Hokage."
The Third waved a hand. "I'm the one who should apologize. From now on, Konoha will treat you as a rogue ninja who slaughtered his clan. Your name will go on the wanted list, dead or alive."
"Only natural."
"Where will you go next?"
As though he knew nothing of Akatsuki, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked casually.
No emotion showed on Itachi's face as he responded:
"I sought help from Akatsuki. I'll keep a close eye on this person, so he doesn't go back on his word and expose everything."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
But inwardly, he dismissed those words entirely—only dead men kept secrets.
Still, this dirty work could not come from his own hands. The two ninjas under Itachi's command were Danzo's eyes, specifically planted to watch him.
After getting away, Itachi slipped into a forest and stared blankly at the pitch-black Uchiha Clan Grounds.
Naruto had merely twisted the thought buried deep in his heart, making him unconsciously lean toward