Thirty percent of the puppet teams were wiped out, dealing a severe blow to Sunagakure's strongest force. The puppet corps had always been one of their trump cards, and now, their effectiveness on the battlefield was drastically reduced. This shift in power heavily influenced the ongoing war.
Even in the original timeline, Hatake Sakumo hadn't eliminated this many puppet users. His battlefield reputation was terrifying, but this? This was on another level.
The real difference lay in Uchiha Kiyo's involvement.
Unlike others, he showed no hesitation in eliminating enemy ninjas. The influence of his Sharingan was evident—it amplified his combat instincts, making him an unstoppable force. The cycle was simple: kill, collect spoils, move on to the next fight. There was barely any downtime.
His mastery of Yang Release: Vitality Cultivation Technique gave him exceptional recovery abilities, ensuring that he rarely suffered from chakra exhaustion. He was relentless, and even Hatake Sakumo, despite his elite stamina, found himself struggling to keep pace with Kiyo.
This time, their return to base was not because of exhaustion on Kiyo's part—but because Sakumo was at his limit. He needed rest, and Uchiha Kiyo, understanding this, didn't argue.
Their battle achievements were staggering.
Even Orochimaru, who had been closely monitoring the front lines, hadn't expected such overwhelming success from his student and the White Fang of Konoha.
"Thirty percent of their puppet teams…"
The mere thought made him smirk in amusement. The psychological impact alone was immense. Puppet users would now fear facing those two on the battlefield. The tide of war was shifting.
The moment Uchiha Kiyo and Sakumo returned to Konoha's main camp, Orochimaru summoned Kiyo.
"Impressive work." Orochimaru's voice was cold, but there was undeniable satisfaction in his tone. "I heard that you've begun training in Wind Release. While I believe your clan has already provided you with numerous Wind-style techniques, I won't be giving you just any jutsu."
Orochimaru pulled out a scroll and handed it to him.
"These are my personal research notes on nature transformations and ninjutsu development. Since you're working toward mastering all five elements, this should serve as a useful guide."
Kiyo's eyes flickered with excitement as he caught the scroll.
Orochimaru's research notes—this was invaluable.
While the Third Hokage was known as the Professor of Ninjutsu, Orochimaru's understanding of jutsu mechanics and his scientific approach were far superior. His knowledge extended beyond mere application—he dissected jutsu, understood their essence, and reshaped them to perfection.
Even the Edo Tensei, the technique that revived the dead, had been refined under his genius.
Kiyo knew that this scroll contained something more valuable than just Wind Release insights. It held the logic behind ninjutsu development, something that even the Third Hokage had failed to fully grasp.
He quickly stored the scroll away.
"I'll read it later. For now, I need to focus on my next step."
His expression turned serious.
It was time for the plan to begin.
It was a shame—he had just begun developing a real friendship with Sakumo, and now he had to deceive him. But in this game of survival, there was no room for hesitation.
This time, Kiyo was the one operating in the shadows.
Hatake Sakumo's fate in the original timeline was tragic—he was driven to suicide, manipulated by the hidden hands of Konoha's corrupt system. It wasn't a glorious warrior's death; it was suffocation by politics, betrayal, and dishonor.
Unacceptable.
Uchiha Kiyo refused to let history repeat itself.
If his own "death" could alter Sakumo's fate, even slightly, then it was worth it. Maybe, just maybe, he could push Sakumo toward a different path—one where he wouldn't be broken by Konoha's twisted morals.
But first, Kiyo had to disappear.
The world of shinobi was a dangerous place, and without Super Kage-level strength, staying in the open was a death sentence. The biggest threats didn't come from enemy villages—they came from within Konoha itself.
The higher-ups would never allow a neutral force to exist. If you weren't aiming for the Hokage seat, you were a threat.
Look at Hatake Sakumo.
He had no interest in power, yet he was still destroyed by Konoha's own people.
That's why I must vanish.
Madara Uchiha had done it. He faked his death and pulled the strings from behind the scenes. Kiyo would do the same.
He would become a chess player in this war-torn world.
If Sakumo continued on the same path, Kiyo would step in again. Whether by faking Sakumo's death, manipulating events, or outright eliminating the corrupt elements responsible, Kiyo would find a way.
Maybe… maybe I should change the story again.
The thought was thrilling.
If he could interfere with fate, rewrite the tragedy that was Hatake Sakumo, what else could he change?
For now, though, his priority was setting up his "death."
He needed an opportunity—an excuse to operate alone.
It wouldn't be long before Konoha's power struggles caught up to him. He needed to act before they did.
That night, as he finalized his escape plan, he finally allowed himself to rest.
---
Meanwhile, within the depths of Konoha's Root Division, Danzo seethed with rage.
"Blood-Eyed Shura…" He spat the name like venom, crushing the intelligence scroll in his grip. "I didn't expect this brat to rise so quickly."
This was unacceptable.
The Uchiha had always been a problem, but this one? This one was a growing disaster. At only fifteen years old, he was already near Kage-level.
If he wasn't stopped now…
Danzo clenched his fists, jealousy flashing in his one remaining eye.
"I'm eliminating a threat to Konoha," he convinced himself. "Uchiha are a plague. No Uchiha should ever reach the level of a Kage."
He would have Kiyo erased.
And unlike his usual subtle assassinations, this time, he was willing to get his hands dirty.
---
Elsewhere, within the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage read the same intelligence report.
Unlike Danzo, he wasn't consumed by jealousy. He wasn't blinded by personal hatred. But he was torn.
Kiyo's potential was terrifying.
He was a double-edged sword—immense power, but if unchecked, he could become a danger.
And then there was Danzo.
Sarutobi sighed.
Sooner or later, Danzo will make his move.
And just like before…
He would stay silent.
This was Uchiha Kiyo's evaluation of him—Hiruzen Sarutobi was an accomplice through inaction.
And in some ways… that was even worse than outright betrayal.
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