"Well then, let's draw lots," Fugaku Uchiha said.
"Let's see which lucky nation or village will be the first example Konoha makes."
"Of course," he added, shaking the box lightly, "if any nation starts a war with us before we act, we'll hit them first. Otherwise, we'll go with the result of the draw."
Everyone: "…"
The box was transparent. They could all see the slips inside. This wasn't a random draw—it was just a polite excuse to choose a target.
"Please, Tajima-senpai." Hashirama handed the box to Uchiha Tajima.
Tajima looked inside, selected a slip, and unfolded it.
The Land of Grass.
"Grass Country?" A few people looked surprised. Knowing the Uchiha, they'd expected Tajima to pick something like the Land of Lightning—the strongest opponent.
The Uchiha loved defeating powerful enemies.
"Out in the world, we walk by the principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust," Tajima said solemnly. "In the shinobi world, loyalty and justice come first."
"Just now, Madara pointed out that our comrades from Konoha—specifically the Uzumaki—are still imprisoned in the Land of Grass."
"Every second we delay, those captives remain in danger. But if we move quickly, we may still save them."
"Konoha cannot let our former allies suffer in silence. That's why I chose the Land of Grass."
He folded the paper Itachi had passed him and set it aside.
"…"
Hashirama and Tobirama looked awkward. That statement felt like a subtle jab at the Senju Clan's own failures in upholding justice.
After all, they had once promised that the Second Hokage position would go to Madara. Instead, they broke that promise and elevated Tobirama—and ultimately, Hashirama had stabbed Madara in the back and seized the Nine-Tails.
If not for Sarutobi and Danzo turning against each other, the Uchiha—who had already been forced to the outskirts of the village—might have followed the Senju and Uzumaki into extinction.
Sarutobi Hiruzen closed his eyes.
That comment felt directed at him.
As if accusing him of betraying the Senju, ignoring the alliance with the Uzumaki, and turning a blind eye to their suffering—leading to this very disaster.
"Thank you, Tajima-senpai." Kushina bowed deeply in gratitude.
"No need," Tajima replied. "You're Itachi's mentor—and a fellow Konoha shinobi. Helping each other is what we do."
"Besides, the Uchiha are a clan of compassion. We've always taken pride in unity and mutual support."
"I remember Minato once told me… Uchiha Obito—yes, our Obito—was the kind of kid who helped elderly women cross the street. A kind-hearted boy. A real loss to the village."
"But sadly, due to someone's poor leadership, that good child was forced into war too young… and died on the battlefield."
Tajima sighed with regret.
Hiruzen: "…"
No need to name names. We all know who that 'someone' is…
Kakashi, meanwhile, thought of Rin… and Obito. Not only had he failed to protect Rin, but Danzo had even stolen the eye Obito entrusted to him.
"We'll vote for the Land of Grass too," said Hashirama and Tobirama after exchanging a glance.
The Uzumaki were distant relatives of the Senju—and longtime allies of Konoha. If the Uchiha were stepping up to defend them, how could they not?
"What a coincidence! I drew the Land of Grass too!" said Inuzuka Tsume, pretending to be surprised.
Ino–Shika–Chō trio: "…"
Shameless suck-up.
"I also drew Grass." Hiashi Hyūga smiled politely.
This was the first draw, and everyone had a vote.
Unsurprisingly, everyone chose the Land of Grass.
After all, it was a small, weak nation. If not them, then who?
Being weak… was a sin in itself.
Especially when you had the nerve to offend Konoha.
Did they think they could run? No way.
They'd already said it: "Whoever offends Konoha, no matter how far—they will be punished."
And Grass Country was right next door.
If they weren't the target, then who?
"Anyone have anything else to add?" Tobirama, acting as meeting chair, addressed the room.
The Uchiha all shook their heads—no further comments.
As for when Fugaku would officially assume the Hokage position, they still needed to pick an auspicious date.
This would be the first Uchiha Hokage. Everything had to be perfect.
Also, Tajima and his sons had located the entrance to the Moon—and found a castle there, populated and active.
The Uchiha needed to return and discuss how best to claim it as their clan's future stronghold.
Some were delighted, others devastated.
The Inuzuka, Aburame, and Hyūga Clans were thrilled. Under Hiruzen, the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance had held most of the power. Now, the tide had turned in their favor.
Meanwhile, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio wore expressions like they were attending a funeral.
"I have a question," Hiruzen suddenly opened his eyes.
"Keep it to yourself!" Tobirama snapped.
"I can't. If I don't say it now… the daimyō's forces will be knocking on our gates!" Hiruzen said.
"The daimyō?" Hashirama frowned. "Aren't Konoha and the daimyō's court supposed to be united in purpose?"
"Why would they attack us?"
"What did you do now that has everyone up in arms?"
"I… I sent Asuma to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja. To keep an eye on the daimyō," Hiruzen mumbled.
"Get to the point," Tobirama growled, his expression darkening.
"The point is… Asuma may have assassinated the rest of the Guardians. Danzo discovered the plan, and he might inform the daimyō. If that happens… Asuma could be executed," Hiruzen admitted.
"That's it?" Hashirama's face darkened.
"Yes," Hiruzen nodded.
"Little monkey, stop messing around…" Hashirama shook his head. "Daimyō wouldn't dare. Unless he has a death wish, he won't touch Asuma. He'll treat him like royalty."
From Hashirama's point of view, Konoha represented the military strength of the Land of Fire. The daimyō handled the economy. The two sides were interdependent.
Unless the daimyō had lost his mind, he would never dare raise a hand against the village.
Then—BOOM!
A deafening explosion rocked the entire village. The ground trembled violently. Konoha shook to its foundations.
In an instant, the Hokage Building was reduced to rubble and ash.
Several Susanoo avatars erupted simultaneously, shielding the people inside the room.
Hashirama's face turned grim.
When he looked up, he saw a small red figure standing atop the Hokage Rock. Behind her were nine crimson tails, glowing ominously.
She looked to the sky—gathering a swirling black sphere of chakra in her mouth.
She was about to fire.
"A jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails?" Kushina's expression shifted in alarm.
"A Tailed Beast Bomb?!" Hashirama's face went dark.
BOOM!!
Another Tailed Beast Bomb launched—straight toward the heart of Konoha!
"Quick! Stop it!"
"We can't let it destroy the village!" Uchiha Tajima shouted.
The Uchiha hadn't even taken the Hokage seat officially yet—if the village was wiped out, they'd be left with nothing.
"On it!" Tobirama vanished with a shunshin, reappearing right beside the Tailed Beast Bomb. He placed a hand on it, activated Flying Thunder God, and disappeared again.
A moment later, a massive explosion detonated in the nearby forest. A fiery red mushroom cloud lit up the night sky.
Just then, a figure staggered into view, drenched in blood, gasping in horror.
"L-Lord Hokage! It's bad… The daimyō's forces have broken through!"
"The Twelve Guardian Ninja… have invaded!"