Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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Barbecue restaurants were especially popular today, thanks to the election of the Fourth Hokage. Many businesses were running big promotions, and despite the crowd, Muzan and his group managed to secure a table.

"I'm starving!" Anko exclaimed as they sat down. "You better be ready to spend some serious cash today."

The aroma of grilling meat filled the air, making Anko eager to start. Just as she was about to dig in, someone shoved her from behind. Anko nearly fell face-first onto the hot grill, but Muzan swiftly grabbed her collar, pulling her back just in time.

As Anko regained her balance, Muzan's eyes narrowed at the group that had just barged in and taken the newly vacated seats. It wasn't their rudeness that caught his attention, but their identity.

The Uchiha clan.

As Konoha's official police force, the Uchiha were responsible for maintaining order during the Hokage's election. Their personalities often clashed with others, and today seemed no different.

"That was close," Anko muttered, still feeling the heat from the grill. She shivered slightly as Muzan steadied her. Glancing at the group that nearly caused her to get burned, she glared. "That could've scarred me for life!"

In frustration, Anko kicked the grill aside. "You bastards! How dare you ruin my meal!"

One of the Uchiha, his two-tomoe Sharingan spinning, smirked arrogantly. "Watch your mouth! You're in our way."

They had done it on purpose, intending to provoke anyone associated with the Hokage faction. Muzan could easily see through their ploy.

"You're going to regret that," Anko snapped, her temper flaring.

The Uchiha who spoke launched a flying kick at her, but before it could connect, Muzan intercepted him. Moving faster than the Uchiha could track, Muzan grabbed his leg and twisted it violently.

"AHHH!" The sound of bones snapping was followed by a scream of pain.

The other Uchiha in the group quickly gathered, glaring at Muzan. They belonged to a militant faction within the Uchiha clan, and recent tensions had only escalated after rumors spread about the Uchiha's potential threat to the village. An incident involving the clan leader's wife had only deepened the animosity.

Recognizing Muzan and Anko as followers of Orochimaru, they were eager for a confrontation.

"You'll pay for that!" shouted another Uchiha, brandishing a kunai. He threw it, but Muzan easily deflected it with his own blade, sending the kunai clattering to the ground.

Muzan's expression darkened. He hadn't expected the Uchiha to be so bold as to use weapons in the village, where such acts were strictly forbidden.

Seeing the kunai attack fail, the Uchiha began forming hand seals, preparing a Fire Release jutsu.

"So, you want to play with fire?" Muzan's voice was cold as he watched. He gripped his sword tightly and, with a swift motion, hurled the injured Uchiha into his companion.

The impact disrupted the jutsu, and Muzan immediately closed the distance between them. Flames erupted from his blade, slashing through the air toward the Uchiha.

The Uchiha barely dodged, but the sparks from Muzan's attack caught on the injured one's clothes, setting them ablaze.

A third Uchiha hesitated, unsure whether to engage Muzan directly. He pulled out a kunai but seemed reluctant to make the first move.

"How dare you challenge the pride of the Uchiha clan!" one of them roared. "Even if you're Orochimaru's disciple, we'll arrest you for this!"

"Arrest me?" Muzan's voice was laced with disdain. "You two are barely jounin level, even with your Sharingan. Let's see if you can back up your threats."

The Uchiha didn't need a second invitation. Both formed hand seals, their Sharingan spinning as they prepared to unleash jutsu.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

The narrow street erupted in flames as both Uchiha launched their attacks. The Great Fireball expanded, while the Phoenix Flower Technique scattered smaller fireballs. It was clear they were attempting to overwhelm Muzan with sheer firepower.

But Muzan didn't flinch. He knew if the flames spread, they could cause significant damage to the village.

"Water Style: Water Wall!"

A torrent of water erupted from Muzan's hand, forming a protective barrier that doused the flames. Steam filled the air, obscuring the view, but Muzan remained calm, knowing the Uchiha would have a harder time seeing through the mist.

"Anko, Kurenai, stay back," Muzan warned, his voice low but firm. "Don't let them catch you off guard."

Muzan wasn't worried for himself, but for his friends. The Uchiha were known for their powerful genjutsu, and he had to ensure neither Anko nor Kurenai would fall victim to it.

However, Muzan was no ordinary opponent. His resilience to genjutsu, due to his unique physiology, made him a difficult target, and his sharp senses allowed him to track the Uchiha's movements.

"They're preparing another attack," Muzan noted, feeling the shift in the air as the Uchiha began forming more seals.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

The Uchiha launched another barrage of flames toward Muzan. The narrow street only amplified the intensity, but Muzan remained steadfast.

"The water wall won't be enough," Muzan thought quickly, knowing he needed something stronger. "I'll have to counter the fire directly."

As the flames closed in, Muzan's chakra surged. "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"

A massive water dragon burst forth, its roar echoing down the street. It collided with the Uchiha's fire, the sheer force of the water extinguishing the flames and scattering the Uchiha.

Stunned by Muzan's powerful jutsu, the Uchiha quickly grabbed their injured comrade and retreated to the rooftops.

The battle had caused the restaurant's patrons to flee in terror. A clash between high-level ninjas was not something ordinary people could stay and watch without fear.

"Anko, Kurenai, stay close," Muzan ordered, scanning the area for any lingering threats. "They might try something sneaky."

He knew the Uchiha, known for their cunning and visual prowess, wouldn't give up so easily. Their genjutsu might be strong, but Muzan's unique abilities made him a hard target.

As the mist cleared, Muzan saw the Uchiha regrouping on the rooftops, their eyes fixed on him.

But Muzan wasn't intimidated. "Come at me if you dare," he challenged, his voice steady. "But know this: I won't go easy on you."

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