Faced with Shuoye's unwavering gaze and the firm stance of the Uchiha clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally let out a long sigh and slowly nodded.
"Very well. I accept your conditions."
"The Uchiha main hall may return to the center of the Hidden Leaf Village."
"But I hope you will use this opportunity to coexist peacefully with the other clans and safeguard this village together."
Danzō Shimura's expression darkened further.
His teeth clenched.
Fury and resentment churned within him.
Yet he understood—
Any further protest would be useless.
He could only watch as Hiruzen made the decision.
Shuoye gave a soft chuckle and nodded in satisfaction.
"There we have it."
"The Uchiha are more than willing to contribute."
"As long as the Hidden Leaf Village offers us the respect and treatment we deserve, we will give our all."
He turned to leave.
But before stepping out, he paused.
"Danzō-sama."
"Clinging too tightly to the past… often costs more than you realize."
Danzō's expression shifted subtly.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado looked equally uneasy.
Hiruzen gently placed a hand on Danzō's shoulder.
"We all act for the village's future."
"Sometimes, sacrificing the small self achieves the greater good."
"Once the Uchiha take the battlefield… the results will speak for themselves."
"Humph."
Danzō snorted coldly.
Sacrifice the small self?
Why not sacrifice yourselves first?
Once the Uchiha fall—
Hiruzen, you're next.
And that blade called Shuoye…
Perhaps I can wield it as well.
Back at the Uchiha compound—
Shisui Uchiha and the others gathered around Shuoye, their expressions grave.
"Shuoye… are you truly taking 'Edge' to the battlefield?"
"Can they really withstand the Hidden Cloud Village?"
Shisui spoke first.
His voice carried the faintest tremor.
He knew the brutality of war.
He feared for their people.
Shuoye shook his head lightly.
"Shisui. Your mindset has not fully shifted yet."
"We are Uchiha."
"Our name was forged on battlefields."
"Our reputation was carved in blood."
His gaze swept across the room.
"If the Uchiha wish to rise again—"
"It will not be through retreat."
"It will be through killing our way forward."
"The battlefield is the finest training ground."
"Only there will 'Edge' be tempered in true combat."
"Only there will our strength leap forward."
He paused, voice lowering.
"And do not forget."
"The Sharingan awakens most readily amid life-and-death danger."
"It is born from survival instinct."
"Armament Haki is no different."
"It requires constant tempering to grow."
Silence fell.
The Great Elder and Shisui reflected on the clan's history.
Their former glory.
Their ancestors who had fought for honor.
Then Shuoye spoke again.
"Tell me…"
"How did the Senju clan disappear?"
The question struck like cold steel.
The Great Elder's breath hitched.
The Senju.
Gone.
Not with collapse.
Not with catastrophe.
But quietly.
Gradually.
As though erased by unseen hands.
As though someone had steadily wiped away their legacy.
The Great Elder inhaled deeply.
His gaze hardened.
"You're right."
"We cannot repeat the Senju's fate."
"If the Uchiha are to rise—"
"We must possess the courage to face everything."
"I support your decision."
Shisui nodded as well.
"Then let us prove the Uchiha's strength on the battlefield."
Shuoye smiled faintly.
The Hidden Cloud Village…
Perhaps he would meet a few old acquaintances there.
Days later—
The battlefield was a living nightmare.
Relentless clashes consumed the land.
The air was thick with smoke and despair.
The shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village fought desperately—
But against the tide-like assault of the Hidden Cloud Village—
They were faltering.
Hyūga Yūto stood at the front line.
His eyes were bloodshot.
"Reinforcements…"
"When are they coming?"
His voice was hoarse.
He asked a nearby shinobi.
The answer came cold.
"No word yet."
Hyūga Yūto clenched his jaw.
Anger twisted his expression.
The situation was critical.
But retreat—
Was not an option.
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