Ryosuke spoke calmly and clearly.
"Based on the intelligence brought back by the Hyuga clan head, the enemy's forces are double ours. On top of that, they've brought two tailed beasts and even the Fourth Raikage himself."
He paused, letting the severity sink in.
"The situation is extremely urgent. I propose this: our two clan heads take on the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki. I will try to eliminate the Two-Tails Jinchuriki first, and then support the others."
Everyone in the tent went silent for a moment.
Even though Ryosuke had estimated his own power to be at least Kage-level—perhaps even beyond—it was still just an estimate. It was better to remain cautious in matters of war. Among the three major threats, the Two-Tails seemed the most manageable target.
Hiashi, the head of the Hyuga clan, looked visibly surprised. Was this young Uchiha seriously claiming he could take down a tailed beast's jinchūriki on his own?
But Hiashi quickly dismissed the thought that Ryosuke was just boasting or putting on a show of bravery. No one would joke in a life-or-death war meeting like this.
Even Fugaku didn't object.
It was becoming increasingly clear to everyone that this young man wasn't just strong—he was potentially the strongest among them.
Hiashi couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness. His own daughter, Hinata, was still timid and soft-spoken, far from ready for war. Among the younger generation, only his nephew Neji could be considered a true genius. But being from the branch family, Neji wasn't someone the elders would allow to inherit the clan's leadership.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha produced prodigies like Ryosuke and Shisui—numerous and powerful.
Hiashi finally spoke up.
"If Ryosuke is confident in defeating a Jinchuriki, then let him take on the Two-Tails. I'll handle the Fourth Raikage. He's a taijutsu user, and our Hyuga clan specializes in that as well. I believe I can hold him off."
"Fugaku, as the Uchiha head, should be able to influence the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki using the Sharingan. Even if we can't win outright, we can create openings. If Ryosuke defeats the Two-Tails and comes to assist us, we might just win—or at least avoid total defeat."
His logic was sound, and for the first time in hours, the group felt a glimmer of hope.
The sheer pressure of the battle plan started to lift. The future of Konoha—and of their clans—might rest in the hands of this new Uchiha powerhouse.
Fugaku nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, the Sharingan's genjutsu can suppress tailed beasts to some degree. If Ryosuke is the strongest among us, then he should engage and defeat the Two-Tails quickly, then support us. Victory will be within reach."
He turned to Ryosuke, eyes sharp and serious.
"Ryosuke, the outcome of this war is in your hands."
Ryosuke gave a small nod. This was exactly what he'd been preparing for. Now he'd get the chance to truly test his strength against a real jinchūriki—and prove that he was no ordinary Uchiha.
At that moment, Fugaku looked to Hiashi.
"Then it's settled. Also, I must trouble the Hyuga Clan to reinforce our perimeter security. Let the main force rest tonight. We'll face the Cloud Village at dawn."
Hiashi nodded. Surveillance was their specialty, and no one could compare to the Byakugan when it came to reconnaissance.
Meanwhile, at the Cloud Village's forward camp on the border.
The Fourth Raikage had already received reports of the Konoha joint force's arrival. Thanks to spies, he now confirmed what the letter had said—it was only two clans, the Uchiha and the Hyuga.
The Hyuga were easy to identify by their distinctive white eyes. The Uchiha, despite their standard-issue green flak jackets, all bore the unmistakable fan crest on their backs.
The Fourth Raikage smirked.
So the letter wasn't a lie after all.
Just these two clans? What a foolish decision by Konoha's leadership. This was his chance to wipe out two of their strongest bloodline clans in one strike and cripple their military strength.
He issued a command to his soldiers:
"Everyone rest up. Tomorrow, we kill."
The next morning.
The joint forces of the Uchiha and Hyuga began their march toward the open plains of the border region. Thanks to the Hyuga's Byakugan, they were confident in their route—no chance of an ambush, and the terrain was open and perfect for combat.
Soon enough, the two armies met.
The Uchiha and Hyuga stopped a short distance from the Cloud forces, facing off across the field.
Fugaku stepped forward, voice loud and sharp:
"Fourth Raikage! You've brought an army to our borders. What is the meaning of this? Do you seek war again?"
The Raikage didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he studied the two clans before him. Just as expected, their numbers were low. His side had superior numbers, including high-tier ninjas—and, more importantly, Jinchuriki. There was no way they could lose.
He finally responded with a sneer.
"Konoha killed our peace envoy and has yet to give Cloud a proper explanation. We are simply here to seek justice. Don't think Cloud can be bullied."
He then offered a fake compromise:
"If you hand over Hyuga Hiashi and that Uchiha brat—Ryosuke—we'll retreat immediately."
It was, of course, a lie. He had no intention of retreating.
If he could force them to hand over two of their strongest assets, it would weaken Konoha's morale and eliminate key threats before the battle even began. A win-win.
But for the Uchiha and Hyuga, there was no choice.
They would fight.
And in the minds of everyone present, one truth had solidified: this was no ordinary battle—it was a war that would shape the power balance of the entire shinobi world.