After Ryosuke departed, Fugaku immediately began mobilizing the Uchiha clan's forces.
The clansmen had long prepared themselves for such an eventuality and responded swiftly to the clan head's orders. As for the lack of support from Konoha's higher-ups—well, the proud Uchiha clan never counted on it in the first place.
This time, Uchiha Itachi did not participate in the campaign and remained behind in the village.
They selected 100 chūnin and 15 jōnin to participate in the operation. A portion of the clan, naturally, had to stay behind to protect the compound and maintain the functioning of the Konoha Police Force.
Fugaku specifically invited the Grand Elder to oversee clan affairs during the absence of key members. The elder didn't refuse; when he learned that Ryosuke himself was going to participate in the upcoming battle, he couldn't hide his concern. He solemnly urged him to prioritize his safety above all.
The Hyūga clan, on their part, dispatched 50 chūnin and 10 jōnin to the frontlines.
The allied forces from both clans assembled outside the Konoha gates.
At Fugaku's command, the army set off in formation, advancing steadily toward the border between Konohagakure and Kumogakure.
As soon as the joint forces had moved out, a hidden ANBU agent—none other than Hatake Kakashi—emerged from the shadows and hurried back to report to the Third Hokage.
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, puffing slowly on his pipe. When he saw Kakashi enter, he immediately asked, "Has the Uchiha clan departed?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. I confirmed with my own eyes—Uchiha Ryosuke is among them."
Hiruzen's heart lifted.
Danzo had already informed him that a message had been sent to the Fourth Raikage, offering certain concessions in exchange for 'eliminating' a problematic individual.
He was confident the Raikage wouldn't refuse.
Though some village interests would be sacrificed, it would be worth it if they could get rid of Ryosuke—especially if a significant portion of the Uchiha clan fell in the battle.
Afterward, Itachi and Shisui—both of whom were loyal to the Hokage—could be positioned to take control of the Uchiha from within. That would significantly ease tensions between the village and the clan.
As for the Hyūga clan?
They'd chosen to side with the Uchiha rather than obey the Hokage. Perhaps it was time they learned a lesson too.
Kakashi, meanwhile, hesitated. He was conflicted. As an ANBU, his loyalty was to the Hokage—but as someone who'd seen too much, he couldn't shake the feeling that something about this situation was wrong.
After a long pause, he finally voiced his concern. "Hokage-sama, is it really wise to send just two clans to handle an assault from Kumogakure?"
Hiruzen, annoyed, masked his displeasure with a smile and answered in a calm voice, "The Uchiha and Hyūga are the village's strongest clans. Their strength is sufficient. There's no need to worry."
Kakashi knew better than to argue further. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
He turned and left, leaving Hiruzen alone to glance down at a personnel list Danzo had provided. It contained names like Aburame Torune—a rare prodigy from the Aburame clan—and Yamanaka Fū, a genius with exceptional mind-transfer abilities.
Two fine prospects.
Danzo had done well this time. Hiruzen resolved to hand them over as promised.
Several days later, the allied Uchiha-Hyūga forces neared the border between Konoha and Kumogakure.
Fugaku ordered the troops to make camp, preserving strength for the coming battle.
Inside a large command tent, Uchiha Fugaku, Ryosuke, and Inaho waited in silence. The Hyūga clan head had taken a few elite clansmen to perform reconnaissance.
Given the power of the Byakugan, none in the tent questioned the efficacy of the mission. The Hyūga's ocular prowess far exceeded even the Sharingan in long-range surveillance.
Roughly an hour passed before Hyūga Hiashi returned.
This time, he had personally led the scouting team—proof of just how seriously he took this mission. After all, their combined forces were outnumbered, and one wrong move could result in total annihilation.
Hiashi's Byakugan was superior even among his clan. Most Byakugan users could detect chakra signatures within a 1-kilometer radius, but his range extended even farther.
However, the information he brought back only deepened the gloom inside the tent.
Fugaku stood and asked, "Hyūga-dono, what did you find?"
Hiashi didn't delay.
"Kumogakure has sent about 300 shinobi—twice our number."
"But more concerning is their high-end power. Both the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchūriki are here. And the Fourth Raikage himself has also arrived."
Silence fell.
Inaho's expression turned grim.
The Eight-Tails was said to be the strongest tailed beast after the Nine-Tails. Years ago, the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki had gone head-to-head with the Fourth Hokage—Minato Namikaze—and only narrowly lost.
Four years had passed since then. No doubt, he had grown even stronger.
The Two-Tails Jinchūriki was also feared, known as a "perfect Jinchūriki"—someone who had fully mastered their tailed beast.
And the Raikage? That was an elite Kage-level powerhouse—known for brute force, blinding speed, and unmatched taijutsu.
Hiashi's tone was steady, but his eyes betrayed his worry. "I can hold off the Raikage. Fugaku-dono, I trust you can engage one of the Jinchūriki."
"But that still leaves the other. What's our plan?"
"If we split forces to face all three threats, every front becomes a losing battle."
Fugaku nodded slowly. "You're right."
He turned to Ryosuke. "What do you suggest?"
All eyes shifted to the young Uchiha.
To Hiashi, Ryosuke was clearly someone of significance. Fugaku wouldn't defer to just anyone. To Inaho, Ryosuke was the heart of the Uchiha's rising faction—the one who'd kicked that mysterious black-robed man during the Nine-Tails attack.
Ryosuke scratched his chin, visibly unbothered.
Hiashi's calculations were sound—except he forgot one thing.
They had him.
"I'll deal with the second Jinchūriki," Ryosuke said calmly, as if he were discussing a training match.
The others were stunned.
Hiashi narrowed his eyes. "You're confident?"
Ryosuke met his gaze. "Completely."
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