Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 48

The morning dawns, and the tension within me grows with every passing moment. I take a deep breath, carefully tending to my swords, arranging my kunai pouch, and tidying my apartment until it's spotless. Everything I do feels like a ritual—an unspoken farewell to the life I am leaving behind.

When the time comes, I make my way toward the Hokage's building. Today, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will deliver an important speech. The streets gradually fill with villagers, and shinobi gather on the rooftops, ready to hear the words of their leader. I position myself at a distance, unnoticed but with a clear view of the scene.

The Hokage steps before the assembled crowd, his expression calm and full of wisdom. His voice rings out across the square, strong and clear, filled with the dignity of a man who loves his village and its people.

"Citizens and shinobi of Konohagakure," Hiruzen begins, his voice authoritative yet warm. "Today, we stand here together—in peace, in unity. We have faced many challenges, and yet there are many more to come. It is the responsibility of each of us to carry the Will of Fire forward, to protect our home, and to make it a place where future generations can live in safety and harmony."

He pauses briefly, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "The students of the academy, our next generation, are the heart of this village. They are our future, and it is up to us to teach them the strength, courage, and wisdom they need to continue the legacy of Konoha."

A faint smile graces Hiruzen's lips, and pride ripples through the gathered shinobi and villagers alike. "I thank each and every one of you—the shinobi who protect our village day and night, and the villagers who form the foundation of our community with their hard work and faith. You are the reason this village is so strong."

He raises a hand, his voice growing more resolute. "Let us continue to work together to build a future we can all be proud of. A future where we overcome every hurdle together, just as we always have."

I take a deep breath. The moment has come. As the Hokage continues speaking, I leave my hidden perch and leap toward the roof of the building with precision I didn't know I possessed.

I land on the railing of the building. In an instant, my lightning chakra flows into my blade, and in one swift, deadly motion, I pierce Biwako's heart. She shouldn't have felt anything, I think, as the reality of my action hits me like a powerful gust of wind.

But there's no time to dwell on it. Before anyone can react, I turn and slash at the Hokage's torso. The cut is precise but non-lethal—a calculated strike to convey the intended message. As I prepare to attack again, my strike is intercepted by Itachi, his Sharingan blazing like fire in the sunlight.

"What is the meaning of this, Yukari!" Kakashi's voice rings out, laced with fury and disbelief.

I leap back to gain distance, finding myself now at the center of the roof, surrounded by shinobi with weapons drawn.

"I've had enough!" I shout, my voice laced with feigned rage. "You all live in peace at the expense of others—on the suffering of others, on their pain!" I glance at the horrified faces around me, forcing myself to maintain the mask I wear. "But that's none of your business, Commander," I add coldly.

The shinobi don't hesitate. They charge at me, but I am ready. Instead of fleeing immediately with my Tenku Senko no Jutsu (Heavenly Lightning Step), I choose a different strategy.

I throw several kunai high into the air, each one precisely launched. In the next moment, I leap over the attacking shinobi, using the airborne kunai as stepping stones to propel myself even higher, until I soar far above Konoha's streets.