At the Uchiha compound, no sooner had Uchiha Akihito returned home than Uchiha Fugaku came looking for him.
"Akihito, what exactly are you planning?" Fugaku asked in a low voice. "Why suddenly provoke a war with Kumogakure?"
Since taking office, Akihito's series of reforms had been nearly flawless in Fugaku's eyes.
Only this—this push toward war—felt abrupt.
He had heard that the Third Hokage had already found a way to stabilize the situation.
Akihito openly opposing the village leadership could not possibly be a whim.
Akihito fell silent for a moment before replying steadily,
"The Hokage's seat isn't won so easily."
"The Uchiha need war to earn enough prestige."
Fame and merit were forged on the battlefield.
Without his achievements in the Third Shinobi War, could a civilian-born Namikaze Minato have become Fourth Hokage so smoothly?
Hatake Sakumo had once worn the Hokage's half-cloak for the same reason.
Fugaku was quiet for a long time. Then he placed a firm hand on Akihito's shoulder.
"As long as you have a plan, that's enough."
"The Uchiha will support you with everything we have."
That Afternoon — Hokage Office
The Third Hokage once again summoned the Kumogakure delegation.
This time, however, they were not invited to sit.
They were no longer honored guests.
No one could predict what they might do if their demands were refused.
"Oh? No need for such a grand reception," one Kumo jōnin sneered, swaggering straight toward Hiruzen with open arrogance.
He had already received word from the Raikage.
Konoha would not dare go to war.
The Fourth Raikage. Two perfect jinchūriki.
Kumo's military power now stood at the peak of the shinobi world.
And Konoha?
An aging Third Hokage. The Sannin scattered.
What strength remained?
"Impudent!" an ANBU guarding the Hokage barked. "This is Konoha. Show respect!"
Konoha had already resolved not to yield.
Strength had to be shown.
Only then might Kumo hesitate.
Hiruzen stepped forward calmly.
"Konoha does not abandon its comrades."
"Your demands are unreasonable. We will not comply."
His voice was steady.
Hyūga Hiashi followed.
"Kumogakure has no shame—attempting to kidnap my daughter and then shifting the blame."
"You owe the Hyūga an explanation."
"Otherwise, we will not shrink from war."
Hiruzen did not promise justice.
But Hiashi understood—honor would be reclaimed only on the battlefield.
Akihito stepped forward as well.
"Clan Head Hiashi is correct."
"The mastermind behind this incident should personally come to the Hyūga estate and apologize."
The room froze.
The mastermind?
Who else but the Fourth Raikage?
The Kumo envoy's face contorted.
"You… you dare—?!"
Hiruzen frowned slightly.
The demand was excessive.
But not unreasonable.
Kumo had erred first.
Was asking for apology wrong?
The Kumo envoy's voice grew venomous.
"So Konoha still hasn't bled enough."
"You'll regret this."
He turned sharply to leave.
And at that instant—
"Uchiha Style: Sun Halo Dance."
Steel flashed.
Flame followed.
Three arcs of burning blade-light cut through the air.
Before anyone could react—
Heads fell.
The Kumo jōnin collapsed in flames.
Only a single chūnin remained standing, frozen in terror.
Silence.
Utter silence.
Even the Konoha elites were stunned.
Akihito sheathed his sword slowly.
"If we've already torn away pretenses," he said mildly, "there's no reason for them to return alive."
Hyūga Hiashi nearly laughed aloud.
That was satisfying.
Now let's see if Konoha's leadership still dares to beg for peace.
The two village elders exploded.
"Uchiha Akihito! What have you done?!"
"To attack a delegation in the Hokage's presence—seize him!"
They even gestured for ANBU to move.
Akihito merely smiled.
"Have I erred?"
"They are enemy shinobi."
"Should we allow them to return and slaughter Konoha's forces later?"
"I eliminated hostile combatants. What is improper?"
His tone was gentle—almost pleasant.
As if he had not just decapitated three men.
Hiruzen was silent for several long breaths.
Then he spoke.
"Akihito. Youth must not act so rashly."
"This time… we will let it pass."
"Do not repeat it."
The elders stiffened.
But the Hokage had spoken.
Akihito immediately bowed slightly.
"I accept the Third Hokage's guidance."
Hiruzen then turned to the lone surviving Kumo chūnin, who had collapsed to his knees in terror.
"You may return."
"Convey Konoha's answer to the Raikage."
The chūnin staggered away.
War was now inevitable.
And everyone in that room understood one thing clearly—
Uchiha Akihito had not lost control.
He had forced the village's hand.
There was no path left but forward.
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