The Uchiha district was brightly lit, decorated with lanterns and banners, radiating celebration in every corner.
Outside, the atmosphere was even more lively.
It felt as if the entire Konoha village had been touched by this joyous occasion. After all, today was the wedding of a truly important figure. Those unaware of the hidden truth simply came to enjoy the spectacle, to share in the festive energy.
For a time, the streets and alleys were filled with laughter, cheers, and endless chatter.
But in stark contrast to this lively scene—
Beyond the Uchiha district, countless shadows lurked silently.
They wore animal-like masks, their expressions completely hidden. Some concealed themselves in darkness, while others stood atop rooftops, observing from above.
Yet all of them shared one thing in common.
They were like emotionless machines—
Waiting.
The noise outside didn't affect them.
The celebration within didn't interest them.
Their only purpose—
Was to wait for orders.
"Any word from Lord Danzo yet?"
A man wearing a horned demon mask spoke, his voice deliberately sharp and snake-like, sending chills down anyone who heard it.
"No. Keep waiting."
Among them, only one man stood without a mask.
Dressed in a black cloak, wearing dark sunglasses, his face marked by a strange purple pattern—he spoke briefly, then fell silent once more.
"Heh… I really wish you'd talk more, old partner."
The masked man chuckled strangely, his cold, snake-like gaze fixed firmly on the Uchiha district.
More specifically—
On the grand Uchiha courtyard.
That place had already gathered the strongest forces Konoha could offer—at least on the surface.
"I wonder…"
"What kind of surprise you'll bring me…"
"Ryujin…"
Inside the Uchiha courtyard—
Danzo sat in his seat, visibly restless.
If a fight had already broken out, it would have been easier to handle. But this—
This silence, despite the overwhelming number of people present—
Was suffocating.
It made someone as suspicious as Danzo feel like he was sitting on needles.
And as if things weren't bad enough—
Neither Ryujin nor Tsunade, the main figures of today's wedding, had appeared yet.
Danzo's thoughts spiraled.
Was this all part of Ryujin's plan?
Was he already trapped in some invisible scheme?
The sudden harmony between the Uchiha and Senju clans only made things worse.
What if—
Ryujin had already won over other clans as well?
The more he thought—
The more uneasy he became.
Beside him, Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed Danzo's agitation.
He sighed quietly but said nothing to calm him.
Instead, he turned toward Hatake Sakumo and spoke in a low voice.
"If a battle breaks out later… do your best."
"But if you sense danger—take the others and retreat immediately."
Sakumo listened carefully.
He didn't let pride cloud his judgment.
Ever since hearing that Ryujin had defeated Hanzo of the Salamander—
He already knew.
He was no match.
There was a massive gap between someone at the edge of Kage-level—
And a true Kage-level monster.
Even as the famed White Fang of Konoha—
He couldn't ignore that reality.
And Ryujin?
A clan leader before the age of twenty.
His strength.
His methods.
His mindset.
None of it matched his age.
If he were truly ordinary—
The Uchiha clan would never have accepted him.
Sakumo sighed inwardly.
Even so—
This battle had to happen.
The arrow was already on the string.
Anyone with clear eyes could see it.
This marriage was a declaration—
A union between Uchiha and Senju.
A direct challenge to Konoha's balance of power.
And if that balance was already broken—
Then why not rebel?
The Uchiha had Kage-level strength.
Why should they fear the Third Hokage?
"Clan Leader!"
Suddenly—
A loud voice echoed from outside the courtyard gates.
It rang through the entire compound.
All eyes turned.
At the entrance—
A figure appeared.
Dressed in a magnificent red robe, wearing a golden-trimmed crown—
Elegant.
Composed.
Dominating.
Ryujin.
Behind him stood the Uchiha elders—
Powerful figures of the clan—
All respectfully positioned at his back.
And in that same instant—
Something shocking happened.
The entire northern side—
The Uchiha and Senju factions—
Stood up simultaneously.
They faced Ryujin—
And bowed.
"Clan Leader!"
"Lord Ryujin!"
Their voices rang out in perfect unison.
Respectful.
Absolute.
Even when the Third Hokage arrived—
They had never shown such respect.
For a moment—
The southern faction led by Hiruzen—
Froze.
Their expressions stiffened.
Standing felt wrong.
Sitting felt worse.
It was awkward.
Oppressive.
Because they understood.
This—
Was a show of dominance.
A deliberate display.
A warning.
And Ryujin?
He simply stood there—
Smiling.
Not once did he signal them to stop.
Danzo's eyes darkened.
He understood immediately what Ryujin was doing.
Just as he was about to stand and react—
Hiruzen's hand stopped him.
The Third Hokage pressed him down gently—
Then rose to his own feet.
Facing Ryujin—
A trace of guilt flickered in his eyes.
But he still smiled.
"Ryujin… long time no see."
Then, he slightly bowed his head.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Ryujin."
Sakumo followed.
Standing beside Hiruzen, he nodded respectfully.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Ryujin."
Seeing this—
The rest of the southern faction had no choice.
One by one—
They stood.
Imitating the same gesture.
"Greetings, Clan Leader Ryujin."
The voices weren't loud—
But together—
They formed a powerful scene.
Grand.
Heavy.
Oppressive.
Ryujin's smile deepened.
But then—
His gaze shifted.
It landed—
On one man.
Even as everyone else stood—
Even as everyone acknowledged him—
Danzo—
Remained seated.
Unmoving.
Unaffected.
Like a rock—
Against the storm.
Ryujin slowly opened his mouth…