The infiltration of spies among the major Shinobi villages had become a critical issue. Konoha had suffered a significant attack, the Shimura clan was annihilated, and the devastating loss of Root operatives spread swiftly across the Shinobi world.
Simultaneously, the name of the Immortal Organization began making its way into the ears of high-ranking officials across the villages.
While the exact strength of the organization remained a mystery, the capabilities displayed by the Uchiha ninja who assaulted Konoha alone shocked many. After all, he had confronted none other than Fifth Hokage Tsunade—renowned for her monstrous strength—and still walked away. Even more alarming was that the attacker was reportedly unarmed during the encounter.
As more information about the confrontation circulated, several analysts noticed the similarities between Uchiha Kiyoshi's techniques and the unknown assailant involved in a recent battle within the Land of Fire. Investigations deduced that Uchiha Kiyoshi had participated in that battle as well.
Among the hidden villages, Sunagakure had the most thorough analysis. Gaara—who had previously been attacked by Deidara and lost both Shukaku and his position as Kazekage—had gathered extensive information about both Deidara and Obito. Using Konoha's latest reports, Suna's intelligence department drew significant conclusions.
To them, it was beyond belief. Deidara and Obito had successfully infiltrated Suna and abducted a Jinchūriki, yet Uchiha Kiyoshi had managed to fight off—and even defeat—such formidable enemies.
As time passed, intel on Uchiha Kiyoshi continued to surface. A significant portion of this came from Danzo himself, who had leaked every bit of information he possessed on Uchiha Kiyoshi, hoping the combined might of the Shinobi world would turn against him.
Whether it was age or desperation, Danzo's plan backfired in more ways than one.
Had Uchiha Kiyoshi known, he would've probably scoffed and muttered, "Seems Hashirama cells can't fix a rotting brain."
Currently, the five great Shinobi nations had gathered substantial intelligence on Kiyoshi's fighting capabilities: his massive Susanoo-like transformation, his Qi Yuan Slash, and a devastating Lava-Style Fireball technique.
The revelation that an Uchiha possessed Yōton (Lava Release) raised many eyebrows. Rumors suggested that he had activated the Sharingan during his appearance in Konoha, indicating dual bloodline inheritance.
Until now, only Terumi Mei had been known to wield two kekkei genkai. Now, there was another.
Interestingly, Uchiha Kiyoshi had also gained another alias—Uchiha Cloud. Many believed this name had been spread by Orochimaru, though his motive remained unclear.
Regarding the Immortal Organization and Uchiha Cloud, all villages except Konoha adopted a cautious wait-and-see approach. After all, neither Uchiha Cloud nor the Immortal Organization had displayed overt hostility toward them. Engaging in conflict with an unknown force, especially one that included space-time ninjutsu users, would be recklessly foolish.
Hence, the consensus was to observe silently and prepare.
As Uchiha Cloud's fame spread, whispers of a surviving Uchiha began to stir hearts across the Shinobi world—especially those with vested interests.
Among them were Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke.
"I wonder what Uchiha Itachi is thinking now," pondered Uchiha Kiyoshi, deep within a secluded cave in Konoha's mountains. He'd been gathering external intel and could not help but wonder how Itachi felt upon learning another Uchiha had survived—and begun walking the path of vengeance.
Would he feel regret for not eradicating all traces of the clan? Or something else entirely?
Despite vanishing after the attack, Kiyoshi had not left Konoha. Instead, he had hidden in an isolated corner of the village, blending in as an ordinary villager while continuing to gather intel.
His goal for returning to Konoha had been intel collection. While the black market did offer extensive information, it came at a steep price.
His operations in the past few days had been highly effective.
As for failing to kill Danzo, Kiyoshi bore no regret. Taking down Danzo wasn't easy—those stolen Sharingan weren't just for show. To eliminate Danzo, one had to either sever his arms or kill him multiple times to bypass Izanagi. Accomplishing this was nearly impossible with Tsunade and Jiraiya obstructing him.
Still, Kiyoshi had achieved plenty: Danzo's operatives were eliminated, and much of Root's infrastructure crippled. For now, it was enough.
Vengeance was a dish best served methodically.
Let Danzo fester in fear, tormented by the knowledge that a space-time ninjutsu user was lurking—watching his every move.
And indeed, Danzo felt that pressure.
Two days after the incident, once his nerves settled, Danzo recognized the imminent threat looming over him.
A space-time user was hunting him—not like the masked man who relied solely on Kamui, but someone genuinely powerful, versatile, and lethal.
Danzo knew a lot, especially about the Sharingan. And he dreaded the possibility that Uchiha Kiyoshi had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
If that were the case, then Kiyoshi likely possessed two exclusive Mangekyō techniques. The fact that they remained unexposed only heightened the dread.
"I can't sit still," Danzo muttered.
After much deliberation, he decided to relocate Root's base nearer to Konoha's residential district. Though this increased the risk of exposure, proximity ensured faster reinforcements. He knew that even Tsunade and Jiraiya—despite their contempt—would act to protect Konoha.
Additionally, the base's barrier was reactivated full-time, with layers capable of disrupting space-time techniques. Though hastily implemented, it served as an effective alarm system.
Unbeknownst to him, however, Uchiha Kiyoshi's space-time jutsu lacked teleportation. With the barrier in place and chakra sealed off, infiltration was currently impossible.
Over the coming days, Uchiha Cloud vanished. The Immortal Organization, newly thrust into the spotlight, faded into obscurity once more.
Those curious about the organization found themselves puzzled, uncertain of its intentions.
Among the interested parties, none were more proactive than the Akatsuki. With both Deidara and Tobi having fought Kiyoshi, they had the most firsthand experience with his abilities.
In fact, they believed their intel was more complete than Konoha's.
While the villages were unsure whether Uchiha Cloud possessed the Mangekyō, Akatsuki had confirmed it. Tobi had verified it himself. According to his analysis, one of Kiyoshi's abilities seemed to involve omniscience—or at least extraordinary perception.
Still, not all views within Akatsuki were aligned.
Tobi, aware of Kiyoshi's understanding of the Uchiha Massacre, harbored deep hostility. Deidara, having suffered defeat, shared the sentiment.
Uchiha Itachi's opinion, however, remained unknown.
Nagato, Akatsuki's true leader, viewed Kiyoshi as a potential ally. Their mutual grudge against Konoha created a possible common ground. Although aware of Tobi's animosity, Nagato kept his thoughts to himself, silently planning to explore collaboration with Kiyoshi.
While the Shinobi world slowly reeled from these changes, Konoha began to shift internally.
Voices began stirring—whispers fanned by certain individuals with agendas.
"Did you hear? The Shimura clan was wiped out because of Danzo-sama. Some say it was revenge."
"Yeah, I heard that too. Danzo's made too many enemies."
"Right? I heard he trained private soldiers—elite ninjas to do his dirty work."
"That's not even the worst of it. Apparently, those Root ninjas never help when Konoha's in danger. They just act in Danzo's interest, even sabotaging missions."
"Exactly. Remember the Nine-Tails' attack over a decade ago? I heard he hindered the Uchiha from stepping in. If they had helped, fewer people would've died… maybe even the Fourth Hokage…"
As that last villager's voice trailed off, another leaned in and added quietly...