shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 51: The Aftermath of Assassination

After surviving their life-and-death battle, Uchiha Tsukiko and his teammates felt as if they had been granted a second chance at life.

Reflecting on the peril they had just faced, each of them was overwhelmed with complicated emotions.

Especially Hyūga Ayane and Yamanaka Chinatsu—they could clearly recall how, in their most desperate moment, Tsukiko had stood before them without hesitation, risking his own life to shield them.

This act of self-sacrifice not only filled them with deep gratitude but also stirred within them a sense of attachment that was difficult to put into words.

As they met Tsukiko's gaze, their eyes held a newfound gentleness and dependence, and their words became increasingly affectionate.

They both understood—Tsukiko was not just their leader, but also their most important protector.

Although Tsukiko noticed the change in their demeanor, his heart at this moment was dominated by a much stronger emotion—hatred toward Shimura Danzo.

"A man born of evil, Shimura Danzo… I must eliminate him."

Tsukiko swore silently. He knew that Danzo's schemes wouldn't stop here—he had to act.

While Tsukiko's squad rested and recovered, Hatake Sakumo, far from the battlefield, had finally managed to contact Konoha's reinforcements.

Leading a large force, he hurried toward the battlefield, hoping to arrive in time to save his students.

However, by the time they arrived—the battle was already over.

The scene before them shocked every Konoha shinobi to the core—

The battlefield was devastated, littered with corpses of enemy shinobi and burning wreckage. The air was thick with the stench of blood and scorched flesh.

"What kind of power could cause such destruction?" The Konoha shinobi were at a loss for words—they couldn't comprehend how Tsukiko's squad had survived such a dire situation.

Hatake Sakumo, seeing his three disciples safe and sound, felt a wave of relief wash over him. He rushed toward them, his voice filled with concern:

"Are you injured? What exactly happened here?"

Tsukiko nodded, giving Sakumo a concise summary of the battle.

He explained how they were ambushed, how he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan at the last moment, and how he used its abilities along with Susanoo to annihilate their enemies.

The moment Tsukiko mentioned "Mangekyō Sharingan", Sakumo and the other Konoha shinobi were deeply shaken.

Sakumo was stunned—his disciple had awakened the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan in the midst of this desperate battle.

His heart swelled with both pride and immense expectations—Tsukiko's strength had reached an entirely new level.

Among the Konoha shinobi, especially those from the Uchiha Clan, the shock was even greater.

"Mangekyō Sharingan… The legendary power of our clan has returned!"

For the Uchiha, Tsukiko was a beacon of hope—not only had he inherited the Wood Release from Hashirama Senju, but he had also unlocked the Mangekyō Sharingan, making him one of the strongest Uchiha in history.

One Uchiha shinobi, overwhelmed with emotion, immediately decided to report this to the clan head, eager to share this glorious news with his people.

After tending to their wounds and resting briefly, Tsukiko's squad set off back to Konoha with the reinforcements.

During the journey, Ayane and Chinatsu's attitudes toward Tsukiko became increasingly intimate.

They stayed close to him, occasionally casting him gentle, concerned glances.

However, Tsukiko remained calm and composed—his mind focused on the bigger picture.

This assassination attempt was just the beginning. There was a deeper conspiracy at play, and he had to be ready.

Returning to Konoha, Tsukiko resolved to continue improving his strength, for he knew greater challenges awaited him.

---

Upon their arrival in Konoha, the squad was immediately sent to the hospital for treatment.

Even though Tsukiko's Sage Body granted him rapid regeneration, he chose to undergo medical treatment to avoid suspicion.

Meanwhile, news of their assassination attempt and Tsukiko's survival spread like wildfire throughout Konoha.

The village was shocked.

A mission that should have been fatal had instead resulted in a counterattack that annihilated an entire enemy force.

Not only that—Tsukiko had awakened the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan.

To the shinobi of Konoha, this was both awe-inspiring and unbelievable.

Yet, along with the awe, came fear and unease.

Many began questioning—

"How was the mission's intel leaked?"

"If someone as powerful as Tsukiko was nearly assassinated, what about the rest of us? Are our missions also compromised?"

A wave of paranoia and outrage began to sweep through the village.

Many shinobi demanded an investigation into possible spies—Konoha's security had to be reinforced.

This pressure eventually reached Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, forcing him to acknowledge the severity of the situation.

---

Meanwhile, at Konoha Hospital—

Tsukiko lay on a medical bed, receiving treatment from Senju Tsunade herself.

The legendary medical ninja had personally taken on his case after hearing about his near-death experience.

Her usually confident demeanor softened as she spoke gently:

"Tsukiko, are you okay? Your injuries aren't minor."

Her hands glowed with green healing chakra, working carefully over his wounds.

Tsukiko enjoyed the sensation, especially the warmth and care in Tsunade's touch.

However, there was one problem—his Sage Body healed too quickly.

To prolong the treatment and enjoy Tsunade's care a little longer, he subtly suppressed his regeneration—a surprisingly difficult task.

"I'm fine, Tsunade-nee… With you here, I feel at ease." Tsukiko smiled, though his mind was preoccupied with hiding his healing speed.

As Tsunade treated him, her hands inevitably brushed against his body.

She couldn't help but notice how well-built he was—his toned physique, his sharp features…

"Why does he have such a perfect body…?" Tsunade mused inwardly, a faint blush creeping onto her face.

She was one of the most stunning women in the shinobi world, yet standing this close to Tsukiko, she couldn't deny a strange, unfamiliar emotion stirring within her.

The atmosphere between them grew subtly warm, tinged with a quiet tension.

Tsukiko, while appreciating the moment, remained vigilant.

Deep down, he knew—

This assassination attempt was just the beginning.

Shimura Danzo's schemes would not end here.

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