The two advisors shot threatening looks at Hyūga Hiashi.
Appointing you as supreme commander was the decision of Konoha's higher-ups.
Know your place and accept it.
However…
Hiashi acted as if he hadn't seen their gazes at all, continuing to feign ignorance.
"The Uchiha are deploying the largest number of shinobi this time. It would be only natural for Clan Head Akihito to serve as supreme commander."
"Wouldn't you all agree?"
The two advisors were nearly twisting with anger.
Declining the position yourself was one thing—but canvassing support for Uchiha Akihito?
The faint signs of cooperation between the Uchiha and Hyūga were a dangerous development. It needed to be snuffed out immediately.
Hiruzen cast a subtle glance. Koharu Utatane immediately stepped forward.
"Hiashi, what are you doing?"
"Doesn't the Hyūga always claim to be Konoha's strongest clan?"
"Why show weakness before the Uchiha now?"
Homura Mitokado added fuel to the fire.
"The Hyūga's Byakugan bloodline is no inferior to the Uchiha's Sharingan. In every respect, Hiashi, you are no worse than Akihito."
"Humility is admirable—but sometimes one must step forward without hesitation."
"Since Hiruzen has chosen you, do not decline."
While Hiashi might not have been the ideal commander, he was certainly preferable to Akihito.
Hiruzen also looked at him expectantly, hoping he would reconsider.
At the same time, he was probing Hiashi's true intentions.
Was this merely repaying a favor—or was the Hyūga truly preparing to align with the Uchiha?
He had to be certain.
Hiashi's face remained expressionless, though inwardly he sneered.
The same old tactic of sowing discord—did they take him for a child?
"Indeed, like Akihito, I specialize in dōjutsu."
"But beyond that, Clan Head Akihito also excels in ninjutsu and swordsmanship."
"That is something I cannot match."
The advisors were cunning—but Hiashi was no fool either.
You claim the Byakugan is no inferior to the Sharingan?
Fine. I'll accept that.
But Akihito's strengths extend far beyond the Sharingan—no-hand-seal Fire Release, flying slashes—
Let's see you argue your way around that.
Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly.
If Hiashi insisted on refusing, he would have to settle for the next best option.
Making his decision swiftly, Hiruzen declared,
"Since Hiashi declines, the position of supreme battlefield commander shall be entrusted to Uchiha Fugaku."
"Fugaku has extensive combat experience and has served as Uchiha Clan Head."
"With him leading, victory is assured."
The decision was made in a single stroke.
If Uchiha control was unavoidable, then at least choose someone easier to manage.
Yet the moment Hiruzen finished speaking, Uchiha Fugaku stood up.
"Third Hokage-sama, I intend to remain and oversee the Police Force."
"I'm afraid I cannot go to the Kumogakure front."
…
Hiruzen froze.
You, Uchiha Fugaku—daring to slack off right in front of me?
This was outrageous.
At that moment, it felt as if a thousand wild horses were galloping through his mind.
Hiashi and Fugaku's behavior was infuriating.
Hiruzen fell into thought.
He could not personally take the field. Jiraiya refused to return for now. Danzō, Homura, and Koharu were equally unsuitable.
Two armies could not clash without a leader.
After taking a deep breath to steady himself, Hiruzen spoke again.
"Akihito, the position of supreme battlefield commander is entrusted to you."
"I hope you will not disappoint everyone."
Akihito smiled faintly and nodded.
"Please rest assured, Third Hokage-sama."
"I will lead everyone to strike Kumogakure hard and give them a lesson they will never forget."
On the surface, Hiruzen offered a few words of encouragement.
Inwardly, however, his thoughts were different.
Kumogakure had the Fourth Raikage—and two perfect Jinchūriki.
They would not be so easily dealt with.
Of course, Akihito understood Hiruzen's intentions perfectly.
The game had begun.
Now it would depend on whose moves were more skillful.
Hiruzen hoped to use Kumogakure to weaken the Uchiha.
The Uchiha, in turn, had the chance to trample Kumogakure and gain immense prestige.
Risk and opportunity always walked hand in hand.
After the meeting adjourned, everyone departed.
Only the Third Hokage and the two advisors remained.
Homura tapped the table, visibly displeased.
"What is Hiashi trying to do? Is he planning to collude with the Uchiha?"
The Hyūga had always obeyed Konoha's leadership.
This time, Hiashi's actions clearly deviated.
Koharu added angrily,
"It seems Hiashi still harbors resentment over us sacrificing his brother. He can no longer be fully trusted."
Homura sighed.
"Has Hiashi strayed from the Will of Fire as well?"
One Uchiha was already enough to give the higher-ups headaches.
If the Hyūga joined them, they would lose sleep entirely.
Hiruzen, however, remained clear-headed.
"Hiashi alone cannot determine the Hyūga clan's stance. The Hyūga elders would never agree to openly oppose Konoha's leadership."
"The real issue lies with the Uchiha…"
The three then fell into further scheming discussion.
Uchiha District.
The moment Akihito returned, he immediately convened a clan meeting.
War was imminent. The Uchiha had to prepare in advance.
Seated at the head, Akihito looked down at the gathered clansmen.
"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 to guard the clan."
"Those willing to go to the battlefield—step forward."
As soon as he finished speaking, volunteers came forward one after another.
"Clan Head Akihito, Uchiha Tetsuya requests to join!"
"Clan Head Akihito, Uchiha Masato requests to join!"
"Clan Head Akihito, Uchiha Yashiro requests to join!"
…
The Uchiha never feared battle. The required numbers were filled quickly.
Akihito raised a hand, signaling the others to stop.
"There's no need for more. Defending the clan is equally important."
"I will select the final roster from the volunteers. Those not notified will remain with Uncle Fugaku."
With that, the meeting adjourned.
Soon, only Akihito and Fugaku remained.
"Akihito, you must be careful," Fugaku said, concern evident in his voice.
The battlefield was no child's play. The Uchiha would face immense risks.
They had to guard not only against enemies—but also against allies.
Though Akihito had seen combat before, the complexity of this situation made it especially dangerous.
The position of Uchiha Clan Head drew countless covetous eyes and hidden schemes.
Open attacks were easy to defend against.
Hidden arrows were not.
Akihito was strong—but not yet invincible.
Akihito nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry. I've never lowered my guard."
He already knew—
This war would stir many into action.
But Akihito had no fear of others making moves.
In fact—
He was eager to test his strength against those lurking in the shadows.
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