Under the leadership of Sarutobi Hiruzen, countless Anbu and Konoha ninjas surged toward the Uchiha compound.
"Barrier Technique – Four Violet Flames Formation!"
Four masked barrier ninjas swiftly took position at the cardinal points of the compound. With synchronized hand seals, blazing violet walls of chakra erupted, enclosing the Uchiha district in a massive barrier.
"Barrier activated successfully!"
"Move to phase two!"
"Roger!"
At Hiruzen's command, Konoha's forces split into coordinated squads and charged inward—only to be greeted by a rain of shuriken, explosive tags, and ambush tactics.
"Ambush!!"
"Hold the line—we have superior numbers! Press forward!"
Despite the ambush, Sarutobi's elite retained discipline under fire. However, the casualties mounted quickly, particularly among the under-prepared Sarutobi clan jonin.
Unbeknownst to many, Byakuya had already anticipated Hiruzen's betrayal. All non-combatants had been evacuated to the Uchiha rear mountain. The combat-ready Uchiha warriors—sharpened by war—lay in wait.
At the frontlines, a figure emerged from the shadows, eyes glowing with cold fury.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen!" Byakuya's voice thundered. "You, the Hokage, attack your own villagers. Will you now claim the title of rogue ninja!?"
"You—damned Uchiha Byakuya… You and your clan threaten the Will of Fire! The Uchiha must be purged!"
Byakuya narrowed his eyes. "Then I'll show you the Will of Fire… executed with justice."
In an instant, he vanished. When he reappeared, his foot was already crashing into Hiruzen's guard.
"Boom!"
Hiruzen barely crossed his arms in time. The sheer force sent him skidding across the battlefield, crashing through a wooden wall before rolling to a stop, coughing blood.
"Hiruzen! We'll assist!"
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado—once revered as the Second Hokage's elite students—charged recklessly toward Byakuya, kunai drawn.
"You decrepit relics… Be gone."
"Susanoo."
A spectral blue ribcage instantly formed around Byakuya, extending into a massive palm. With a flick, the hand swept the two elders off their feet.
"Crash! Crash!"
Blood burst from their mouths as they slammed into debris, groaning.
"So much for the Second Hokage's legacy," Byakuya sneered. "Political rats rotting in their power."
"But do you think you can block my attack so easily!?"
Byakuya said coldly, a surge of intense chakra erupting from his body once again. His Susanoo roared to life, its form becoming even more refined and menacing. The ethereal armor glowed with violent power, its energy density increasing severalfold.
"Crack!..."
The dense wooden restraints wrapped around Susanoo started fracturing rapidly under the immense pressure.
"Koharu! Homura! Don't just stand there! Get out of here—now! I can't hold him back much longer!"
Danzo's voice was hoarse but urgent.
Startled, the wounded Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura scrambled to their feet and limped toward Danzo. Despite their injuries, they knew better than to question him in a moment like this.
Just then, with a final shattering sound, the wood binding Susanoo splintered into nothing. Byakuya's chakra surged again, causing the ground beneath them to quake.
"That was close… I thought we were done for," muttered Homura, pale with fear.
"Yes… If not for Danzo's Wood Release, we'd be corpses by now," Koharu added, trembling.
As they moved beside Danzo, both of them noticed his right arm. Their eyes widened when they saw multiple Sharingan embedded in it, and the faint glow of Wood Release still lingering along his forearm.
"Danzo… You actually fused Hashirama's cells and the Sharingan?" Koharu asked in disbelief.
"This is incredible… With those powers combined, we can definitely defeat Byakuya!" said Homura, a flicker of hope in his voice.
Danzo scowled. "Don't be naïve. I may have assimilated the power of the First Hokage and the Uchiha… but I can't maintain this state for long. The chakra load is far too unstable."
He clutched his arm tightly, sweat dripping down his forehead as the Sharingan spun wildly.
"Then we must end this quickly," came a firm voice.
Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived just in time, the Adamantine Staff formed from Enma gripped tightly in his hands. His expression was grave. He knew what they were facing.
"Danzo, Koharu, Homura... stand back. From here on out, I'll face him."
The Third Hokage's tone left no room for argument.
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