CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 196 : MEET UCHIHA SASUKE!

After a while, the blood-red glow in Uchiha Haru’s eyes faded, and his vision gradually returned to normal.

"Flying Thunder God..."

"Interesting."

Just moments ago, Haru had closely examined the Mangekyō Sharingan belonging to Uchiha Shisui—the one harboring the top-tier genjutsu, Kotoamatsukami. Though it was only a cursory inspection and far from full comprehension, he could still sense the immense power concealed within the eye.

Even someone as formidable as Uchiha Haru had to be cautious. That alone spoke volumes about how terrifyingly strong Kotoamatsukami truly was.

And with that realization came a bold new idea.

Currently, Kotoamatsukami forced unwavering loyalty to Konoha on anyone it affected. But what if... the illusion at its core could be rewritten? Modified and repurposed?

Could he bend such a godlike genjutsu to his own will?

Of course, it was just a hypothesis. The actual process would be immensely difficult—perhaps even impossible for most. But to Haru, it was at least worth exploring.

With that, he carefully preserved Shisui’s eye, keeping it intact and safe for future study.

As for the other Sharingan implanted into Danzo’s stolen right arm—Haru took them as well. These eyes belonged to the Uchiha Clan. No matter what, they couldn’t be allowed to fall into foreign hands or be left to rot as grotesque trophies.

After finishing all that, Haru used a powerful Fire Release jutsu to incinerate the remains of Danzo and everything in the vicinity. He erased every trace, leaving nothing behind.

He didn’t do it for himself—but for Kakashi.

If it ever came to light that Haru had assassinated Danzo, and with people knowing how close he was to Kakashi, rumors would spread. Accusations. Suspicions. It would damage Kakashi’s already delicate position as Hokage.

For the sake of his old friend, everything needed to disappear—silently, cleanly, and completely.

Once the deed was done, Haru returned to Konoha.

It hadn’t been long since he’d left to confront and kill Danzo. When he returned, the state of the village hadn’t changed much.

Under the guidance and coordination of Kakashi, Might Guy, Kurenai Yuhi, and others, the villagers were already deep into rebuilding. The scars of the attack still lingered, but the rebirth of the Hidden Leaf was already underway.

In the midst of ruin, Konoha still pulsed with quiet strength and tenacity.

A resilient village. A will that could not be crushed.

"Teacher!"

The call broke Haru’s contemplation. Kimimaro, Chojuro, and Uzumaki Karin ran toward him, faces beaming despite the wreckage around them.

They had been looking for him.

"Yeah." Haru nodded, his expression softening. He looked over his three students and asked gently, "Are you all okay?"

Kimimaro stepped forward first, his tone calm and collected. "We’re fine. Though this crisis was severe, we’ve reached the point where we can protect ourselves."

"Yeah! Teacher, you don’t have to worry!" Chojuro added quickly, clenching his fists.

Karin nodded as well, her usual sarcasm replaced by earnestness.

In this Chūnin Exam, their teacher—Uchiha Haru—had overwhelmed every opponent, his performance bordering on mythical. As his disciples, they couldn’t afford to bring him shame.

"Good," Haru replied, clearly pleased.

These three genin from the Hidden Mist Village were still young. They lacked experience, and their power hadn’t yet matured. Compared to seasoned Chūnin and Jōnin, they were clearly outmatched.

But to possess such conviction and determination at their age? That alone set them apart.

Haru believed firmly: these three would become the pillars of the Mist in the future.

After offering them a few words of encouragement, Haru turned to Karin, whispering a few additional instructions. Then, he prepared to take them back.

With Konoha in the middle of upheaval, Haru no longer had the time or energy to watch over them. The Chūnin Exams were effectively over. Their purpose in coming to Konoha had been fulfilled.

There was no longer any reason to linger.

But before leaving, Haru knew he had to speak with Kurenai Yuhi.

No matter what happened, the bond he had formed with her wasn’t something he could just abandon without a word. That would be beneath him—irresponsible.

He instructed Kimimaro, Chojuro, and Karin to wait nearby while he went alone.

Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Haru instantly teleported to Kurenai’s location.

When he appeared, he found her speaking with several other ninja—some familiar, some less so.

Of course, "unfamiliar" was a relative term. Haru had lived in Konoha for a long time. Even if he was a loner by nature and avoided close connections, it was impossible not to recognize a few faces.

And the familiar ones? Very familiar indeed.

Among them stood Might Guy—radiating the same explosive energy no matter the situation.

He was one of the few people Haru truly respected in the Hidden Leaf.

And beside him... Yugao Uzuki.

Counting it up, Uchiha Haru had been in Konoha for quite some time. Yet he had never encountered this cold and beautiful kunoichi during his stay. Even before leaving the village years ago, he hadn’t seen her up close.

Now that he was back, it wasn’t surprising. Yugao Uzuki was a member of the Anbu—Konoha’s shadow operatives. She rarely showed herself publicly, instead guarding the Hokage and patrolling the darkness of the village unseen.

That was likely why Haru hadn’t noticed her until now.

As he looked at the familiar figure, who had once been so close to him, a strange feeling of intimacy washed over him.

She had changed—Yugao had grown even more graceful, her features sharper, her bearing more mature. And yet, the icy aura that had once merely lingered around her now radiated with undeniable intensity.

"Haru!"

The first to notice his arrival was Might Guy, who, as always, radiated boundless energy and vitality.

As a taijutsu master, Guy’s instincts were keener than most. He could feel pressure and killing intent more acutely than nearly anyone else on the battlefield. It didn’t surprise Haru that Guy would notice him immediately.

At Guy’s shout, the other shinobi present turned their heads.

"Haru!" Kurenai Yuhi exclaimed warmly, breaking into a smile as she quickly approached him.

By now, everyone in the village knew about their relationship. Neither of them had ever tried to hide it. Kurenai never felt the need to be secretive about her feelings for him.

Haru, on the other hand, had noticed something else.

The moment Yugao Uzuki laid eyes on him, her gaze lit up with shock—but it lasted only an instant. Her expression swiftly returned to its usual calm, detached demeanor. She didn’t even greet him.

He didn’t comment on it.

Some things were better left unsaid. He understood, even if he didn’t fully know what had changed.

He had already chosen Kurenai Yuhi.

Yugao and Kurenai were close—entangled in both friendship and trust. To betray one for the other would be disgraceful.

Of course, if neither of them minded...

But he quickly buried the thought.

He noticed the other shinobi nearby eyeing him with a blend of admiration and fear.

That reaction wasn’t new.

Twice now, Uchiha Haru had saved Konoha in times of disaster. The villagers were deeply grateful—but their respect was tinged with unease.

After all, he wasn’t just strong. He was terrifying.

Even the elite among them had rarely seen a shinobi of his level—someone who walked the line between legend and living weapon.

But Haru didn’t care for their stares.

He turned to Kurenai and stated his purpose plainly.

"I’m leaving."

"Leaving?"

Yugao’s expression shifted visibly. But she quickly corrected herself, forcing a faint smile.

"Why... why so soon?"

Haru looked at her gently.

This woman—who had loved him in silence for so long, who had supported and watched over him through danger and bloodshed—he couldn’t bring himself to be cold to her.

"The Chunin Exams are over. Konoha’s just suffered a devastating attack. It’s not the right time for me to stay."

"Oh..." Kurenai’s eyes dimmed with disappointment.

She had known this would happen. All the other village representatives had left after the exams went sideways. Haru staying any longer would only bring complications.

But even so, knowing he had to leave didn’t make it easier.

He leaned in, placing a hand gently on her head, then whispered in her ear, "Don’t worry."

"Keep the Flying Thunder God kunai I gave you. I can return to Konoha anytime to see you."

Even with that reassurance, Kurenai couldn’t help but feel reluctant. After a moment, she looked up again, her voice soft but firm.

"Then you have to come back and see me often."

"Of course," Haru replied without hesitation.

Beside them, Might Guy, Yugao Uzuki, and the other shinobi who had been present took the hint and slowly walked away, giving the couple some privacy.

No one wanted to be the third wheel. And no one wanted to witness this open display of affection—they had enough of that "dog food" already.

Haru and Kurenai strolled side by side through the ruined streets of Konoha.

It would be their last walk together for a while.

The village was scarred—rubble lined the roads, buildings reduced to husks. But there was life beneath the debris. People were rebuilding, pushing forward.

As the two walked, they reached a narrow alleyway—and spotted someone familiar.

Hinata Hyuga.

She had been helping carry supplies and organize reconstruction efforts. When she saw Haru approaching, a flicker of joy brightened her face.

But then her eyes drifted toward Kurenai, who walked closely at his side. That joy dimmed a little.

Still, Hinata remained polite. She greeted her teacher respectfully, then nodded to Haru.

Her tone was sweet, her demeanor as well-mannered and gentle as always. But something about her expression seemed distant.

Perhaps it was disappointment. Or maybe something more subtle.

Neither Haru nor Kurenai dwelled on it.

They continued onward, talking softly as they walked.

Eventually, it was time to say goodbye.

Despite her earlier composure, Kurenai found herself faltering. Even though Haru had promised to return—even though she believed him—watching him leave still hurt.

But partings were inevitable. Some things couldn’t be changed.

Haru gave her one last embrace, then stepped away, heading toward the village gates.

But he wasn’t leaving just yet.

There was still one person he had to see.

Uchiha Sasuke.

He had promised Uchiha Mikoto, Sasuke’s mother, that he would meet him.

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