Aozora sprang into action and hurried downstairs.
On the way, he asked, "Kyudai, why did the Clan Leader summon me so urgently? What happened?"
Aozora was still on leave—normally Fugaku wouldn't call him back unless something serious was up.
Kyudai shook his head. "I don't know either. The Clan Leader just received a secret report and immediately sent me to find you."
Aozora's brow furrowed.
No time for explanations—that's how urgent this must be.
"What could've happened?"
Thinking about the message hawk used specifically for emergency reports, Aozora had a rough idea.
They arrived swiftly at the Police Force headquarters and went straight into the Chief's office.
As soon as Fugaku saw them arrive, he immediately handed Aozora an intelligence report and said, "We've received the latest intel—three hours ago, Iwagakure launched a surprise attack against the Land of Fire's border."
Upon hearing this shocking news, Kyudai stood there in disbelief, but Aozora remained calm.
The ninja world had never been isolated, nor had it ever been compassionate.
The consequences of Danzo's defection were here. Previously content to watch from the sidelines like predators waiting for the perfect moment, Iwagakure now saw Konoha as vulnerable—and struck boldly into the Land of Fire.
According to the report, the attack force was led by Kitsuchi, the son of the Third Tsuchikage. Also among them was Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki known as the Steam Release Ninja.
"Hidden Cloud and Hidden Rock attacking together! This won't lead to another Great Ninja War, right?"
Kyudai inhaled sharply, fearing a dangerous situation reminiscent of the recently-concluded Third Great Ninja War.
At first, only one ninja village attacked the Land of Fire. That escalated into Konoha fighting alone against other villages, eventually turning into a full-scale war across the entire Ninja World.
Though occupied with their duties in the Police Force, the Uchiha didn't take part much in that war. But they still remembered just how brutal the Third Great Ninja War had been.
Back then, because so many ninja died, new memorial stones were erected in the cemetery every day. There was always someone crying somewhere in Konoha.
Quickly scanning through the report, Aozora asked, "Chief, what are your orders?"
Fugaku's expression was complicated—mixed feelings of disgust toward war and burning eagerness to achieve merit.
He had already anticipated such circumstances, secretly dispatching a team of Uchiha members to scout along the border, which is why they obtained frontline intelligence in such a timely manner.
Fugaku said, "War has become unavoidable. I believe this is our opportunity—the Uchiha's opportunity."
"No!"
After disagreeing firmly, Aozora looked at Fugaku and spoke clearly, word by word: "This isn't the Uchiha clan's opportunity—it's your personal opportunity. It's your chance to become Hokage!"
People are not made of stone; they all have hearts and feelings.
Initially, when Aozora became Fugaku's assistant, he did so purely to help protect the clan, trying to prevent the Uchiha massacre from happening too early.
Yet during his time serving as Fugaku's aide, he felt genuine care and consideration from Fugaku.
Ninjutsu, kinjutsu—he gave out both without holding anything back. He approved leaves of absence whenever requested, and continuously considered promotions and raises for Aozora.
Although advancement wasn't something Aozora personally desired, he clearly recognized Fugaku's concern, realizing Fugaku truly treated him like a junior protege.
In that case, Aozora wouldn't mind helping Fugaku achieve his dream—becoming the Hokage.
Fugaku stiffened slightly at those words, and Kyudai—who had just finished reading the report—also turned to Aozora in surprise.
"Commander, your current strength is already on par with the Hokage's—what you lack are achievements and reputation. The invasion by Iwagakure is a disaster for Konoha. But if you intend to contend for the Hokage seat, this is undoubtedly your best opportunity!"
Fugaku remained silent for a long time after hearing this, then determination flashed in his eyes.
"Aozora, please help me strategize!"
Aozora gave a small smile, nodded, and said, "Let me break it down for you..."
Inside the Hokage office,
Sarutobi Hiruzen received the intelligence report carried by a message hawk and immediately summoned Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado.
After reading the report, Homura spoke angrily: "Onoki has wolfish ambitions—he dares to invade our Land of Fire!"
Utatane Koharu responded, "What's the point of rehashing this now? We need to focus on how to respond! Kitsuchi possesses formidable strength—even Minato would struggle to defeat him. Han is also an extremely powerful ninja—even without entering Tailed Beast Form. In addition, the elite force gathered by Iwagakure cannot be underestimated either."
After Utatane Koharu detailed the enemy's strength, the Hokage's office fell into silence.
Eventually, Homura frowned and complained, "It's all Danzo's fault—if he hadn't committed defection from the village, how could Onoki dare act so boldly?"
Onoki was a master of waiting for the perfect moment—letting others do the fighting first. During the Third Great Ninja War, the Tsuchikage had waited until the final stage before entering the battlefield—first defeating Hidden Cloud, then ambushing Konoha. Had it not been for Namikaze Minato's unexpected rise, Iwagakure would have surely reaped the victory fruits of the Third Great Ninja War.
Upon hearing this, Sarutobi and Utatane Koharu shook their heads—they resented Danzo deep down too—but what good were words now?
Still, they understood why Homura complained. Although numbers mattered greatly in ninja battles, quality was more crucial. That was precisely why Konoha had managed to hold its own against multiple hidden villages for years.
However, since Danzo's defection, the Hokage faction no longer had any Kage-level experts besides the Third himself.
As old as the Third was now, going into battle himself was inappropriate. Should he fall at the front line, it would cause an even graver crisis for Konoha.
But without a Kage-level expert standing ready in reserve, they certainly wouldn't withstand the Iwa forces led by Kitsuchi and Han.
Eventually, Sarutobi spoke, "I propose appointing Shikaku as commander and Nobusuke as deputy commander to lead a team of Jonin against Iwagakure."
Homura frowned, "The Ino–Shika–Cho trio can barely handle either Kitsuchi or Han—but what about the other? Nobusuke is strong, yet he cannot match the remaining one."
Utatane Koharu nodded as well, looking questioningly at Sarutobi.
Nobusuke's current strength equaled theirs at their peak—approaching the Kage level. He could hold his ground briefly, but prolonging the battle inevitably meant defeat and death.
Sarutobi replied, "I will send Shisui to the front line as well."
"Shisui the Teleporting Flash..."
Homura pondered for a moment before shaking his head: "Hiruzen, you know exactly how powerful a Kage-level expert is. Even with Shisui, we can resist only temporarily."
Thus, Sarutobi reluctantly explained, "[Shisui has awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.]"
"What?!"
Koharu Utatane was taken aback.
Homura Mitokado reacted instantly, exclaiming, "Two Mangekyou!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, "Shisui is different—he has the Will of Fire. He can be trusted."
Homura shook his head, saying, "Hiruzen, that's a cursed power!"
Hiruzen hesitated briefly before replying, "Shisui is currently the only Uchiha truly loyal to the village. If even he is treated with suspicion and distrust, then the Uchiha will grow cold toward Konoha."
Upon hearing this, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane sighed deeply. Given how bad things were with external threats, they had no choice but to keep the Uchiha calm.
Thinking for a moment, Homura smiled slightly and said, "If Shisui Uchiha can be counted on, we might barely manage to resist Iwagakure. Thereafter, Nobusuke's reputation will surely soar."
But Koharu wasn't quite as optimistic. She slowly responded, "Do you really think the Uchiha will just sit back and allow us to promote Nobusuke?"
Instantly, the Hokage's office fell into silence again.
After a while, Homura chuckled, "Koharu, you're overthinking it. The Uchiha don't know anything yet. We'll simply announce the appointment directly—by then, they probably won't even have time to react."
After thinking it over, Koharu replied, "I hope I'm worrying too much, then."
Sighing, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Let's leave it at that! I'll send Anbu to notify everyone else to come discuss matters!"
The three Elders continued working out details while dispatching Anbu to deliver messages, summoning Konoha's top leadership for an emergency meeting.
Shadowy figures darted through Konoha, spreading word that the Hokage had called an urgent meeting.
As villagers and ninja observed these dark silhouettes leaping across rooftops and gathering toward the Hokage Tower, their expressions turned grim.
Receiving the Anbu's message, Fugaku quickly arrived at the Hokage Tower with Kintai and Aozora.
Without stopping, the three proceeded straight to the meeting room on the third floor, quietly waiting in their seats for the meeting to begin.
The Meeting Room setup was the same as when Aozora last attended, except there were now two extra seats added to the front row designated for Konoha leadership.
As more high-ranking officials arrived, quiet murmurs filled the chamber, speculation about the meeting's purpose spreading among them.
"Any idea why we've been summoned for an emergency session?"
"Probably Hidden Cloud has ramped up attacks again!"
"That makes sense. Those Hidden Cloud shinobi never give up. Barely past the New Year, already causing trouble!"
...
Clearly, most of the ninja hadn't considered Iwagakure bold enough to launch an attack.
Aozora shifted his gaze toward the "Ino–Shika–Cho" alliance leaders. Their solemn expressions suggested they either suspected or already knew about the Rock threat.
Before Aozora could continue observing further, the three Elders and two additional Elders entered the room pushing the door open.
As the five Elders took their seats, the entire chamber fell silent at once.
Directly addressing everyone present, Hiruzen Sarutobi announced, "Four hours ago, Iwagakure launched a surprise attack upon our border in the Land of Fire."
At this sudden grave news, shocked expressions formed across the room, voices rising in protest and questions.
But Hiruzen silenced them with a single raised hand. He continued, "According to intelligence from the Front Line, the invading Iwa force is led by Kitsuchi, consisting of nearly a thousand ninja—mainly elite Chunin."
Without giving anyone a chance to react, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in an unmistakable tone. "Time is short. After discussing with the Elders, I've decided to appoint Shikaku Nara as commander and Nobusuke Sarutobi as deputy commander, leading a group of elite ninja to rush to the Front Line and intercept Iwagakure."
Torifu and Guai exchanged glances. What did he mean by saying 'after discussion with the Elders'? Weren't they both Elders?
However, for the sake of the bigger picture, they didn't point out the flaw in Sarutobi's words.
The news of Iwagakure's attack hit like a ton of bricks, leaving everyone inside the Meeting Room stunned.
Still half-dazed, they listened as Sarutobi issued his firm, decisive orders—suddenly giving them a bit of confidence and readying them to act.
Fugaku had worn the same expression the entire time. He turned toward Aozora and sighed inwardly, admiring his precise planning.
Then Fugaku stood up and shouted, "Hold on!"
His powerful, deep voice echoed through the entire meeting room, snapping everyone back to full alertness.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane instantly darkened in expression.
Homura Mitokado said, "Commander Fugaku, please refrain from interfering with this meeting. With the current emergency at the Front Line, every second counts."
Fugaku calmly lifted his eyes. "Now that things have come to this, what we should do isn't panic and act recklessly, but carefully consider before making the right decision. This is exactly why this High-level Meeting was held. Otherwise, what's our purpose here—to just take orders?"
Hiruzen said sincerely, "Under normal circumstances, we would certainly consult with everyone. However, given the urgency at the Front Line, gaining even one minute could be crucial. Therefore, after consultation with several Elders, we've decided to dispatch a team to attack Iwagakure first."
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane expressed agreement one after another. Guai observed the scene and added, "In such an emergency, the Hokage has the power to make independent decisions!"
"Well said, Elder Guai!" Fugaku nodded, then loudly declared, "But I believe the Hokage's order is highly inappropriate. It won't only fail to resist Iwagakure's attack—it might even lead to the loss of our village's elites."
As soon as Fugaku finished speaking, the meeting room erupted into chaos.
"What?"
"Fugaku, what are you talking about?"
"How could that be? Where's the problem with the Hokage's command?"
"…"
Without even needing Sarutobi or others to speak, people started condemning Fugaku on their own.
Sarutobi raised his hand slightly and said, "Fugaku, explain yourself! Show me where I went wrong!"
His humble attitude instantly earned favor among many present.
Fugaku remained expressionless and replied coolly, "I don't know whether the frontline intel was never sent, or if it was the Hokage's oversight—but why hasn't the intelligence about Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, participating in the attacking force been mentioned?"
At the mention of a Jinchuriki joining the battle, the room exploded again.
"The Five-Tails Jinchuriki?"
"Han, the Steam Release Ninja?"
"Is that true, Hokage-sama?"
"…"
Facing the questioning stares from below, Hiruzen Sarutobi solemnly nodded. "I…"
Before he could even start speaking, Aozora shouted from the floor, "Why did the Hokage conceal this intelligence? Doesn't the Hokage understand the destructive power of a Jinchuriki?"
"Enough disrespect!"
"Homura said, 'Withholding news of the Five-Tails Jinchuriki's appearance was only to prevent panic. The ninja heading to the Front Line will definitely be informed before the force departs.'"
Homura's explanation slightly eased everyone's concerns, but deep down they still harbored some resentment toward the Hokage.
Fugaku Uchiha nodded in acceptance and turned to ask Shikaku Nara, "Shikaku, can you withstand the combined attack of Kitsuchi and Han?"
Shikaku shook his head. Although Ino–Shika–Cho working together could entangle a single Kage-level opponent, they absolutely couldn't resist two Kage-level fighters.
Homura spoke up, "Fugaku, have you forgotten about Nobusuke?"
"Nobusuke?"
Fugaku frowned slightly and said, "Actually, I find this strange—apart from being the Hokage's son, does Nobusuke have any other impressive achievements or credentials? Why would the Hokage directly appoint him as deputy commander? This concerns the safety of all ninja on the Front Line!"
Seeing skeptical glances coming from everyone present, Koharu Utatane explained, "Nobusuke used to serve in the Anbu, and later became leader of the Shadow Guard Team. During that time he completed 320 B-rank missions, 100 A-rank missions, and 23 S-rank missions. Although he isn't well-known, his abilities are truly remarkable."
When they heard about the number of high-level missions he'd completed, everyone grew a little more respectful—but Aozora then asked, "Anbu mission records? How many of these missions were actually assigned by Danzo?"
"Enough!" Homura Mitokado roared angrily. "Nobusuke is the Third's son. He has never done anything to betray Konoha!"
Aozora shrugged and sat back down, yet among those present, no one could feel any further respect for Nobusuke.
At this moment, Fugaku Uchiha spoke again, "Iwagakure is advancing aggressively. Kitsuchi and Han are both powerful enough to rival the Five Kages. Shikaku and Nobusuke clearly cannot stand against them. If those two become free to act, what awaits our ninja arriving in Konoha will be nothing short of massacre!"
Fugaku's words received nods from the ninja gathered around the room.
The stronger a ninja becomes, the clearer their self-awareness grows—they fully understood the gap between themselves and Kage-level fighters.
Kage-level ninja, especially Jinchuriki—if left unchecked, a single one could slaughter hundreds if not thousands of ninja.
Thinking about the world-shattering destructive power of the Jinchuriki, everyone inside the meeting room momentarily felt powerless.
At this moment, Utatane—who had been silent until now—finally spoke, "Then tell me, Fugaku, what exactly are you suggesting?"
Compared to political control, Ino–Shika–Cho valued above all the safety of their own clansmen.
Such an extremely dangerous mission—he didn't want his people treated like disposable tools, risking total annihilation.
Besides, he could tell that Fugaku had suddenly become active for a reason of his own.
Fugaku swept his gaze across the entire meeting room before loudly declaring, "Fugaku Uchiha... volunteers for battle!"
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