"Hokage-sama, urgent intelligence!"
"The forces of Sunagakure are massing at the border. Several vanguard units have already entered deep into the Land of Fire!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, listened to the ANBU's report and took a long drag on his pipe.
"After the Third Kazekage went missing a few years ago, our Land of Fire and the Land of Wind have clashed more than once."
"And now they're massing a major force. Are they planning to start a full-scale war?"
"Hokage-sama, I must also report that Iwagakure's forces have gathered in great numbers at Kannabi Bridge. They look set to invade the Land of Grass."
The Land of Grass was a small nation, but it lay at the crucial border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, serving as a vital buffer zone between two great powers.
"It seems both countries have coordinated this," Hiruzen said grimly. "What of Kumogakure and Kirigakure?"
"No reports from them as of yet, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen set down his pipe and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Summon the Council of Elders and Orochimaru. We're holding a war council immediately."
...
Hokage's Office, War Council Chamber
Hiruzen raised his pipe and took a deep breath before speaking.
"Based on our intelligence, both Sunagakure and Iwagakure have begun large-scale troop movements along our borders. What are your thoughts?"
Koharu Utatane snorted.
"Their intent is clear. They're preparing for war."
"Bah, war or not, Konoha fears no one," Shimura Danzo said, as rigid and defiant as ever.
Hiruzen didn't argue with him. Instead, he turned to Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, your thoughts?"
"Sensei, while Danzo-sama's words have merit, they are too simplistic."
"So far only Suna and Iwa have moved. But the moment war breaks out, Kumo and Kiri will seize the opportunity. Against two powers, Konoha can hold its own. Against all four? Impossible."
Hiruzen nodded slowly.
"Then what would you propose?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a faint smile.
"First, deploy forces to the borders at once to show our resolve. Second, open negotiations with Kumo and Kiri. If we can forge an alliance, Suna and Iwa will find themselves trapped, and the threat will vanish."
"Very good. We'll proceed as you suggest."
"Orochimaru, you'll lead the force to the Land of Grass. I leave Iwa's front to you."
"As for Suna, Hatake Sakumo will command that front."
Hiruzen paused, deep in thought.
"Kumo and Kiri... hmm..."
Danzo spoke up.
"Let the Uchiha handle it. They're part of Konoha. It's time they served the village."
"But the Uchiha mainly use Fire Style. Against Kirigakure's Water Style, they'll be at a disadvantage."
"Have you forgotten the Second Hokage's teachings, Hiruzen?"
After a long pause, Hiruzen relented.
"Fine. The Uchiha will go. And send the Hyuga as well. Their Byakugan can see through the Hidden Mist Technique."
"Koharu, Homura, logistics will be your responsibility."
"Understood. We won't let the village down," the two elders said in unison.
...
The meeting adjourned.
Hiruzen immediately summoned Uchiha Fugaku.
After a lengthy discussion, he convinced the Uchiha clan to deploy to Kiri's border.
Fugaku returned to the Uchiha compound and gathered his clan's leaders at the Naka Shrine.
"The Third Hokage wants us to station at the Water Country border. If Kiri declares war, we are to act as the vanguard. Reinforcements will follow. What do you all think?"
Fugaku spoke directly, laying bare the Hokage's request.
"Hmph. Ever since Kagami died, the Hokage has stopped seeing us as part of Konoha. I oppose this."
The speaker was Uchiha Homura, an elder of the clan, his face red with anger.
Kagami Uchiha had been a trusted jonin, one of the Second Hokage's elite guard alongside Sarutobi, Danzo, Homura, Koharu, and others.
Kagami had embodied the Will of Fire and earned the Second Hokage's rare trust.
The Uchiha believed that, had Kagami lived, he might have become an elder himself, elevating the clan's standing.
But instead, he'd died on a routine intel mission.
When his body was recovered, his Sharingan was missing — both eyes gone.
And Danzo had lost an eye on that same mission.
The implications were too much for the Uchiha to ignore.
They formed an investigation team to uncover the truth, but the Hokage and Danzo swiftly shut it down.
"This is just another scheme from the village leadership!" added another elder, Uchiha Tensan.
"Exactly."
"That's right."
Voices of dissent filled the room.
"Everyone, calm down," Fugaku said.
"As a condition for this mission, we will demand the right to participate in the election for the Fourth Hokage."
"And after the war, we want two positions in the ANBU."
The room fell silent.
"Do you trust the Third to keep his word?" Homura asked.
Fugaku smiled confidently.
"The ANBU positions are trivial. He won't break that promise. As for the Hokage seat, if we earn glory on the battlefield, not even they can stop us. Our honor will carry us."
"This is one of our few chances. I say we seize it. I believe in our clan."
Homura considered this, then nodded.
"Very well. You are our leader. We will follow. For the Uchiha!"
"For the Uchiha!"
The clan erupted in determination.
"Good. From this day, we form the Uchiha War Corps. Prepare to move out immediately."
"Yes!"
...
Meanwhile, Aoi Ren's team finally received their next mission.
[ 250 - 1 Extra Chapter ]