Chapter 69: Beneath the Mask
"Wood Release... Haruta?"
Everyone present stared at the sharp wooden spikes extending from Haruta's arm, along with the vines that continuously assisted him in battle.
For a moment, their minds buzzed, unable to comprehend the situation—because what was happening right now was simply too surreal!
"Yamato, you..."
The Third Hokage quickly regained his composure, his gaze lingering on Haruta for a moment before shifting to Uchiha Obito, who also seemed to be using Wood Release.
He turned his head sharply, looking at Yamato, who appeared equally stunned.
"Hokage-sama, it's definitely Wood Release," Yamato said softly after snapping out of his daze.
"And it's not just Haruta — that Konoha rogue ninja, Uchiha Obito, is also using Wood Release."
"Wood Release..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened slightly, a flicker of anger hidden in his gaze.
Wood Release was Konoha's spiritual totem—an ability belonging to their village!
Yet now, it seemed like just anyone could use it?
Yamato's case was understandable — he was selected by Orochimaru as a child for his experiments and was the sole survivor.
But what about Haruta?
Why could he use Wood Release?
Could this be another one of Danzo's secret experiments?
"Or perhaps… this has something to do with what he mentioned before about his chakra feeling strange during his visit to the Medical Corps?"
Hiruzen caught onto the crucial point, but these matters needed further investigation.
At the very least, Haruta was still one of Konoha's own—it wasn't necessarily a bad thing that he had this power.
But why could Uchiha Obito use Wood Release too?
"Hokage-sama, we should assist Haruta," Yamato spoke up again.
"His Wood Release seems extremely unrefined, like he's relying purely on instinct to fight. But… his Wood Release appears to be stronger than mine."
"Instinctive... stronger than you?"
Hiruzen looked at Yamato in surprise. He didn't have Wood Release himself, so there were things he simply couldn't understand.
"Yes. Haruta's Wood Release is more powerful than mine," Yamato replied in a low voice.
"But there's something unusual about it — his Wood Release carries a unique aura, a strange power…
"It feels alive, like his Wood Release has its own life force. It's entirely different from mine.
"Also, he doesn't seem to know how to control it—he's just letting the power manifest on its own."
Alive… and uncontrolled?
Hiruzen's eyes flashed with a sudden realization.
"Prepare to move — we're going to support him."
He raised his hand, but then added with a stern voice:
"Remember — not all Uchiha are enemies. Our target is Uchiha Obito. Don't get confused!"
He had already noticed Uchiha Shisui standing silently on the sidelines, clearly prepared for battle. It was obvious enough to Hiruzen who was friend and foe.
"Understood, Hokage-sama!"
The surrounding ninja responded in unison, but just as they were about to act, the battlefield shifted once again.
"Damn it..."
Obito, still locked in combat, was growing increasingly frustrated.
He hadn't expected Haruta to be this tricky.
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique was already a huge headache — though, to be fair, it wasn't an exclusive ability. His former teacher, Minato Namikaze, had used it as well.
And since Minato had marked him, it was only natural for Obito to be on edge.
But this brat could also use Wood Release?
"Is he an experiment? Or maybe… from the Senju clan?"
Obito couldn't figure it out, but there was no time to dwell on it.
He continued phasing in and out with Kamui, blending reality and illusion, all while weighing his options for retreat.
There was no point dragging this fight out — Haruta was like a flea, constantly slipping away with the Flying Thunder God.
And with Minato's mark still on him, he was at constant risk of being ambushed.
Even though he used Wood Release defensively, it wasn't his primary combat technique, and his proficiency with it wasn't particularly high.
Mistakes could be made.
Plus, there was Shisui — he hadn't forgotten about him.
And thinking about Shisui only fueled Obito's rage.
All his persuasion, all his speeches — yet it took Haruta a few words to undo everything?
"Planning to run?"
At that moment, Haruta's voice suddenly rang out.
"Then again, it makes sense. The Third Hokage is already on his way, and you can't do anything to me — so running like the rat you are is the smartest choice."
"Shut up!"
Obito's eyes flared with fury — he didn't want to hear another word from Haruta.
He didn't even know why — every time this bastard spoke, it made his blood boil.
"Just admit it — you're nothing but a sewer rat."
Haruta pressed the attack, his face full of mockery.
Around them, the Anbu had already taken their positions, encircling the battlefield.
The Third Hokage advanced slowly, no longer wearing his red Hokage robe — he was now clad in his combat armor.
And more Uchiha had arrived as well.
The fight had clearly drawn attention — their compound wasn't far from here.
"Or maybe you're just a pathetic fool — one who fell into darkness over Kakashi and Rin, constantly running away from reality."
"I said, shut up!"
Obito roared, his attacks growing even more ferocious, though his eyes darted warily around.
He had already spotted Kakashi in the crowd — and his Sharingan, the one Obito had given him, was changing.
"That eye… Mangekyo?"
Obito's heart sank.
At that moment, he felt a strange ripple in space — his expression instantly darkened.
"Damn it, that eye..."
"Now, Shisui!"
Sensing the distortion, Haruta's Flying Thunder God mark flared to life.
He teleported beside Yugao in a flash.
"Senior, lend me your blade."
With a swift motion, he drew Yugao's short sword and reappeared right in front of Obito.
He wouldn't risk getting too close — one wrong move into Kamui's dimension, and he'd have to rely on Kakashi to save him.
He wasn't about to let that happen.
"Kotoamatsukami: Radiance!"
Shisui had been waiting for this moment.
The instant Obito's focus wavered, Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan unleashed its full power — an invisible force crashing into Obito's mind.
Within his mental world, a massive sun, etched with Shisui's Mangekyo pattern, radiated a blinding light.
Obito felt as if his very soul was being scorched.
"Aaah!"
A low growl of pain escaped his lips.
In that instant, Haruta's blade flashed.
The mask split cleanly in two — and for the first time, Obito's true face was laid bare for all the gathered shinobi to see.
"Hello there, Uchiha Obito… and wow, you're ugly."
…