"Uncle Fugaku, you must be careful. The higher-ups in Konoha are dark-hearted—they're capable of anything."
"While I'm away at war, send me updates about the village at regular intervals. If anything changes, I'll return immediately."
Akihito spoke to Uchiha Fugaku with utmost seriousness.
This campaign would take more than half of the clan's elite forces. The Uchiha district would be emptier than ever before.
He couldn't guarantee that someone like Danzō—who was always itching to make a move—wouldn't seize the opportunity to strike at the Uchiha.
Of course, the Third Hokage also had to be guarded against.
Danzō's schemes at least came openly.
Hiruzen, however, excelled at hidden arrows.
Though he cared deeply about his public reputation and wouldn't act blatantly, he held absolute authority as Hokage and controlled all logistical support for the army.
At any moment, he could trip Akihito up behind the scenes.
Extra caution was necessary.
"Don't worry, Akihito."
"With me holding down the rear, nothing will go wrong."
Fugaku nodded solemnly.
After Akihito's recent guidance, he had developed a completely new understanding of the Konoha leadership under Hiruzen.
Though once inclined toward compromise, he still deeply valued the rise and fall of the Uchiha clan.
That sentiment had even passed on to his younger son, Sasuke.
Even after the clan's annihilation in another timeline, Sasuke had remained obsessed with restoring the Uchiha's glory.
It was a belief he clung to as the core of his life.
Fugaku had fought in wars and led the clan. Since he had chosen to stay behind, he knew exactly what needed to be done.
When two armies clashed, provisions—food, weapons, medical supplies—were of utmost importance.
If those faltered, the frontline would suffer immediately.
Beyond guarding the clan, Fugaku's most critical task was to keep a close eye on Konoha's leadership.
They were not to be given any opportunity to tamper with supplies.
Of course, the leadership wasn't foolish.
At the start of the war, they wouldn't dare act recklessly—it would be digging their own grave.
But if Akihito led the army to clear advantage, then their attitude would become far less predictable.
Suppressing the Uchiha was their long-standing policy.
If the Uchiha showed unexpected growth, those men would grow restless.
A little sabotage then?
Perfectly normal.
Two days later, the three-thousand-strong shinobi coalition assembled.
At Konoha's main gate—
Hiruzen stood with the two advisors to see the army off.
Before departure, the Third Hokage approached Akihito with a warm smile.
He patted him on the shoulder and spoke earnestly.
"Akihito, this expedition will be arduous."
"Once at the front, be cautious in all things."
"Defeat Kumogakure—but also ensure your own safety."
"Minimize losses as much as possible, and bring more of our comrades back safely."
On the surface, Hiruzen appeared deeply concerned.
In truth, he would have preferred Akihito to clash with Kumogakure until both sides were crippled.
Without Akihito, controlling the Uchiha would become much easier.
Install a puppet clan head loyal to Konoha, and all their current worries would vanish.
After all, not every Uchiha was as troublesome as "Flame Demon" Akihito.
Once the Uchiha were brought firmly under control, dealing with the Hyūga would be effortless.
In the eyes of Konoha's leadership, dying gloriously on the battlefield would be Akihito's best possible ending.
Of course, with Akihito's abilities, Kumogakure eliminating him would be no simple task.
Thinking of that gave Hiruzen another headache.
Uchiha Akihito was truly difficult to handle.
In response to the Third Hokage's honeyed words, Akihito returned a polite, equally hollow smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Third Hokage-sama."
"As a shinobi of Konoha, this is my duty."
Outwardly calm, inwardly he sneered.
My safety matters too?
How laughable.
Isn't my death on the battlefield exactly what you're hoping for?
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Akihito turned to face the assembled army.
"This campaign will strike Kumogakure hard and elevate Konoha's prestige."
"Army—move out!"
With Akihito's command, three thousand shinobi surged forward toward the front lines.
No amount of rhetoric mattered.
In the end, strength would decide everything.
Kumogakure had come aggressively.
A fierce battle awaited Konoha.
Akihito leapt through the trees, not overly fast, occasionally pausing to observe the terrain.
Though the frontline was still distant, adapting to the environment in advance was essential.
As supreme commander, he would be responsible for strategy and troop deployment.
He needed a thorough understanding of the forces under him.
The Hyūga, led by Hiashi, took the vanguard, handling reconnaissance.
The Uchiha followed closely behind.
After them came the Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, and other secret-technique clans.
Not far from Konoha, Uchiha Shisui suddenly stepped forward to walk beside Akihito.
"Clan Head…"
Shisui hesitated, clearly conflicted.
Truthfully, he hadn't wanted to participate in this war.
Yet both Akihito and the Third Hokage had selected him during troop assignment.
Shisui felt lost.
He couldn't reconcile his identity.
He was an Uchiha—
Yet he had accepted Hiruzen's orders to monitor Akihito.
He didn't understand why Konoha's leadership would do this.
Akihito's methods might be forceful, but he had never shown any sign of betraying Konoha.
Shisui believed Akihito's dream was the same as his own—to become Hokage.
Many in Konoha shared that aspiration.
Was aspiring to be Hokage wrong?
If others could pursue that goal, why couldn't the Uchiha clan head?
Were the Uchiha not comrades of Konoha?
Though filled with doubts, Shisui had not forgotten the Third Hokage's instructions.
As a descendant of Uchiha Kagami, he had been deeply influenced by the Will of Fire.
Since their departure, Akihito had already noticed Shisui's troubled expression.
He simply smiled, pretending not to notice.
"Shisui, you don't look well."
"Something on your mind?"
Shisui stared straight at Akihito, as if trying to peer into his heart.
"Akihito-nii… why did you stir up this war?"
"You've been on the battlefield before. Don't you understand how cruel war is?"
A faint trace of mockery curled at Akihito's lips.
"Cruel?"
"Heh…"
"Before we departed, the Third Hokage spoke to you, didn't he?"
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