Over a thousand shinobi gathered.
Every single one—Sarutobi clan members.
Hiruzen stood at the front and cleared his throat.
"Our clan has received a highly confidential mission."
"Each of you is to bring all valuables and keep them on your person."
"We depart after nightfall."
The clan members exchanged confused glances.
A mission… that required carrying family wealth?
It sounded less like deployment—
And more like evacuation.
"Clan head… must we really bring everything?" someone asked cautiously.
"Yes. All of it," Hiruzen replied firmly.
"Prepare immediately."
Evening — Konoha Police Building, Second Floor
Drake sat by the window.
Several clan heads accompanied him.
Wine had been poured.
Drake held tea.
"Come," Uchiha Fugaku lifted his cup, "the Hokage drinks tea, we drink wine."
The others stared at him.
…Was that your line to say?
Fugaku blinked—realizing his mistake.
Drake chuckled.
"You're too sensitive."
He raised his teacup toward Fugaku.
"Our friendship isn't bound by formalities."
Relief washed over Fugaku's face.
Drake then addressed the others.
"This is after-hours. Don't treat me as Hokage right now."
The atmosphere lightened.
"Regarding the memorial," Drake asked casually, "any suggestions for timing?"
"That's for you to decide," Fugaku replied.
"I've never handled one before. I'd value your advice."
Aburame clan head spoke up.
"There will be light rain tomorrow. It would suit the occasion."
Drake raised a brow.
"You can predict rain?"
"Through the insects," Fugaku explained.
"I see."
Drake nodded.
"Tomorrow it is."
Rain for mourning.
Perfect atmosphere.
Suddenly—
Drake looked out the window.
A faint smile curved his lips.
"Hm. The Third."
Fugaku's expression shifted.
"He's taking his entire clan out of the village?"
Hiashi frowned.
"Why so many?"
"Because," Drake replied calmly, "I assigned him a mission."
All eyes turned to the Fourth Hokage.
Drake set down his cup.
"I won't hide it."
"The Third allowed the Senju to decline into near extinction."
"He drove Sakumo Hatake to suicide."
"He tolerated Orochimaru's illegal experiments."
"He retreated from the frontlines while other clans bled."
"He signed humiliating treaties externally and purged rivals internally."
He pointed toward the street below.
"Have you ever seen the Sarutobi clan on the battlefield in force?"
"Yet they've grown to this size."
"Tell me—should they exist as they are?"
Smash!
Fugaku slammed his cup down.
"The Fourth speaks truth!"
Nara Shikaku nodded slowly.
"Yet to eliminate them, a legitimate reason is required."
Drake smiled.
"Already prepared."
He placed a scroll on the table.
They opened it.
Silence.
"…You sent the Sarutobi to attack Kumogakure?"
"That's vicious."
"Not vicious," someone countered. "It's poetic."
"The Third sent the Senju to the front."
"Now the Fourth sends the Sarutobi."
A murmur of approval spread.
Using a man's own methods against him—
Fair.
Shikaku's eyes narrowed.
"They won't march to Kumogakure."
"They'll defect."
"Exactly."
Drake remained calm.
Hiashi suggested, "We could monitor them."
"No need."
Drake's tone was steady.
Shikaku stared at him.
"…You're fishing."
Drake met his gaze.
"Danzō is irrelevant."
"I'm fishing for Madara."
Understanding dawned across the room.
The Sarutobi were bait.
"What if they don't seek Madara?" Shikaku pressed.
Drake looked at him as if mildly disappointed.
"If they don't seek Madara…"
"Who else could they turn to?"
Silence.
Every great village knew—
Whoever sheltered the Sarutobi would become Drake's next target.
No one would dare.
Hiashi laughed.
"You'd welcome another village taking them in."
"Then we'd have justification," Fugaku added, "to march."
Shikaku sighed.
"…I stand corrected."
Drake waved it off modestly.
"I'm still young. I have much to learn from my seniors."
The others almost choked on their drinks.
Meanwhile — Sarutobi Compound
Night approached.
Hiruzen stood before his gathered clan.
He had no illusions.
Drake had stripped him of all internal leverage.
Left him one path:
Rebellion.
And rebellion meant only one viable ally.
Madara.
He whispered quietly:
"Danzō… I'm coming."
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