The two advisors simultaneously cast threatening looks at Hyuga Hiashi.
Making you the overall commander is the decision of Konoha's high command.
Know what's good for you and accept it immediately.
However… Hyuga Hiashi acted as if he hadn't seen their looks at all, continuing to play dumb.
"The Uchiha have deployed the largest number of shinobi this time. It's only natural for Yusuke to serve as overall commander."
"Don't you all agree?"
The two advisors were furious.
Fine if you don't accept it yourself—but now you're canvassing support for Uchiha Yusuke?
The faint signs of cooperation between the Uchiha and the Hyuga were extremely dangerous and had to be snuffed out as soon as possible.
Hiruzen Sarutobi shot a look over, and Koharu Utatane immediately understood and stepped forward.
"Hiashi, what's wrong with you?"
"Doesn't the Hyuga clan always claim to be Konoha's strongest?"
"Why are you showing weakness in front of the Uchiha now?"
Homura Mitokado added fuel to the fire.
"The Hyuga's Byakugan bloodline is in no way inferior to the Uchiha's Sharingan. Hiashi, in every aspect, you're not inferior to Yusuke at all!"
"Modesty is a virtue, but sometimes you must step forward without yielding!"
"Since Hiruzen has chosen you, don't keep refusing!"
Even if Hiashi wasn't the best choice, he was still far preferable to Uchiha Yusuke.
Hiruzen also looked at Hiashi expectantly, hoping he would change his mind.
At the same time, he wanted to probe Hiashi's true intentions.
Was Hiashi doing this merely to repay a favor, or was he truly planning to join forces with the Uchiha?
This was something Hiruzen had to determine.
Hyuga Hiashi's face remained expressionless, but inwardly he sneered.
The same old divisive tactics—do you think I'm a child who doesn't understand anything?
"It's true that Yusuke and I are both skilled in dōjutsu."
"But aside from dōjutsu, Clan Head Yusuke is also proficient in ninjutsu and sword techniques."
"That's something I'm far inferior in."
The two advisors were scheming, but Hiashi was no fool either.
Didn't you say the Byakugan is no weaker than the Sharingan?
Fine, I'll accept that.
But Uchiha Yusuke also excels in seal-less Fire Release and flying sword slashes.
Now what excuse can you possibly come up with?
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
Since Hiashi was adamant about refusing, he could only take a step back.
Having made up his mind, Hiruzen acted decisively.
"Since Hiashi refuses to accept the role, then the position of battlefield commander will be given to Uchiha Fugaku."
"Fugaku has rich combat experience and once served as the Uchiha clan head."
"With him as commander, he will surely lead everyone to victory!"
Hiruzen brought his staff down, decisively selecting Uchiha Fugaku.
Since avoiding Uchiha control was impossible, he might as well choose someone easier to control.
However, the moment the Third Hokage finished speaking, Uchiha Fugaku immediately stood up.
"Third Hokage-sama, I intend to remain behind to maintain the Police Force."
"I'm afraid I won't be able to go to the Kumogakure battlefield."
...
Hiruzen froze slightly.
So this is how it is, Uchiha Fugaku—you're just going to lie flat on the spot?
Absolutely outrageous!
At this moment, it felt as if ten thousand grass-mud horses were galloping through Hiruzen's heart.
Hyuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku were infuriating beyond belief!
The Third Hokage fell into deep thought.
He couldn't personally take the field.
Jiraiya wasn't willing to return anytime soon.
Danzō, Homura, and Koharu were equally unreliable.
With two armies facing each other, Konoha couldn't afford to be leaderless.
Taking a deep breath, Hiruzen forced himself to calm down.
"Yusuke, the position of battlefield commander will be entrusted to you."
"I hope you won't disappoint everyone."
Uchiha Yusuke smiled faintly and nodded.
"Please rest assured, Third Hokage-sama."
"I will lead everyone to strike Kumogakure hard and teach them a lesson they'll never forget!"
On the surface, Hiruzen encouraged Yusuke, but inwardly he harbored different thoughts.
Kumogakure had the Fourth Raikage and two perfect Jinchūriki—how could they be dealt with so easily?
Hiruzen's little schemes were perfectly clear to Yusuke.
The chessboard had been set; now it was time to see whose moves were more skillful.
Hiruzen wanted to weaken the Uchiha using Kumogakure.
The Uchiha likewise had the chance to step on Kumogakure and gain immense prestige.
Risk and opportunity always coexist.
The meeting ended, and everyone gradually left.
Only the Third Hokage and the two advisors remained in the room.
Homura Mitokado tapped the table, his expression indignant.
"What is Hiashi trying to do? Is he planning to collude with the Uchiha?"
In the past, the Hyuga had always obeyed Konoha's leadership, but Hiashi's behavior this time clearly deviated.
Koharu Utatane was equally displeased.
"It seems Hiashi still resents us for wanting to sacrifice his brother. He can no longer be fully trusted."
Homura shook his head and sighed.
"Has Hiashi also strayed from the Will of Fire?"
"This is really not a good sign."
One Uchiha alone was already giving the higher-ups a massive headache.
If the Hyuga joined them, they would truly be unable to sleep or eat in peace.
Hiruzen remained clear-headed.
"Hiashi alone can't determine the Hyuga clan's stance. The Hyuga elders will never agree to openly oppose Konoha's leadership."
"The real issue still lies with the Uchiha…"
Soon after, the three began scheming once again.
Uchiha Clan Compound
The moment Yusuke returned, he immediately convened a clan meeting.
With a major war approaching, the Uchiha had to prepare in advance.
Standing at the head seat, Uchiha Yusuke looked down at everyone and said:
"For this war, the Uchiha will deploy fifty jōnin and two hundred chūnin."
"I will personally lead the force. Uncle Fugaku and the remaining members will stay behind to guard the clan."
"Those willing to go to the battlefield with me, step forward."
The moment Yusuke finished speaking, volunteers poured in endlessly.
"Clan Head Yusuke, Uchiha Tekkai requests to fight!"
"Clan Head Yusuke, Uchiha Inabi requests to fight!"
"Clan Head Yusuke, Uchiha Yashiro requests to fight!"
...
The Uchiha never feared battle. The required number was quickly filled.
Yusuke raised a hand calmly, stopping those who continued to volunteer.
"There's no need for so many to go. Guarding the clan is just as important."
"I will select personnel from the volunteer list. Those not notified will follow Uncle Fugaku and remain behind."
With that, Yusuke dismissed the meeting, and everyone left one after another.
Only Uchiha Fugaku remained.
"Yusuke, you must be careful."
Fugaku said with a worried expression.
The battlefield was no child's play. The Uchiha would soon face enormous danger.
They not only had to watch out for enemies, but also for their own allies.
Although Yusuke had fought in wars before, facing such a complex situation made accidents all too easy.
The position of Uchiha clan head attracted countless covetous eyes and schemes.
Open attacks were easy to dodge—hidden arrows were not.
Yusuke was strong, but not yet strong enough to fear nothing.
Uchiha Yusuke nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry. I've never let my guard down."
He had long anticipated that many would be itching to make moves in this war.
But Yusuke was not afraid of others stirring trouble.
In fact, he was looking forward to crossing blades with those lurking in the shadows.
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