"Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Itachi—obey orders!"
Uchiha Ran stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the three.
"Yes!"
The three bowed simultaneously.
"Each of you will lead one hundred Uchiha jōnin. Guard all routes leading into Konoha from the outside. During the coup, ensure no external force takes advantage of the chaos to attack the village and cause civilian casualties."
"Understood!" ×3
Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Shisui immediately withdrew to change equipment. This mission was no simple task—three hundred Uchiha jōnin were essentially the clan's entire elite force. They would be facing foreign enemies head-on.
If no enemy came, all would be well. But if they did, losses would be inevitable.
Still, it was worth it.
Nara Shikaku suddenly stepped forward.
"Clan Chief. The Ino–Shika–Chō alliance is willing to contribute one hundred and fifty jōnin. We will commit our full strength to help you protect Konoha."
This was a gamble.
If he didn't bet now, there would be no chance later.
Adding flowers after success could never compare to offering help in the snow.
If Uchiha Ran succeeded, the Ino–Shika–Chō would rise with him.
If he failed, they would fall together.
This was no longer the Konoha of the First and Second Hokage. It was surrounded by wolves hungry for gold, land, and resources, while parasites inside the village devoured it from within.
Uchiha Ran nodded.
"Very well. Divide the one hundred and fifty into teams of three. They will be split into three groups and coordinate with Uchiha Fugaku to defend the village."
Orders were issued immediately.
Nara Shikaku would remain by Ran's side as chief strategist.
Akimichi Chōza would serve as his shield.
Yamanaka Inoichi would handle interrogation and intelligence.
Hyūga Hiashi stepped forward.
"The Hyūga Clan will provide two hundred jōnin."
"Good," Ran replied.
"One hundred and eighty will follow me and participate in the coup. The remaining twenty will be assigned to the village defense teams as scouts."
Hyūga Hiashi wanted to say more, but fell silent when he met Ran's eyes.
Ran understood the Hyūga's strengths and limitations. Most excelled in close combat. Assigning too many to village defense would expose them to hidden threats. These clans trusted him—he would not squander their lives.
Other clans were far more cautious, sending only ten to twenty percent of their forces.
Ran did not mind.
Their contribution was still strength—but when rewards were distributed, they would receive far less than the others.
"Return to your clans," Ran said calmly.
"Prepare your equipment. We march on the Hokage Building in thirty minutes."
The clan heads departed at once.
Uchiha Ran returned to his residence and summoned the system.
"Deploy: Warring States Red Armor. Uchiha Flame Fan."
"Confirmed."
Golden light flashed.
When it faded, Ran stood clad in crimson armor—the war armor worn only by clan leaders during the Warring States Period.
Uchiha Tajima.
Senju Butsuma.
Uchiha Madara.
Senju Hashirama.
Its craftsmanship had vanished after the founding of Konoha.
Now, it was worn once more.
Ran studied his reflection and nodded. Something was still missing.
The next instant, a massive gunbai descended from above.
Without hesitation, Ran raised his right hand and caught it.
Muscle memory—borrowed from Madara himself.
He turned back to the mirror, a faint smile on his lips.
"Now it's complete."
Ten minutes later, Uchiha shinobi gathered in the courtyard.
When they saw him, an elderly clan member collapsed to his knees.
"Madara… Lord Madara has returned…"
The others froze.
Ran lifted his head. His presence pressed down like a mountain, stealing their breath.
"Don't recognize me?" he said calmly.
"I'm Uchiha Ran."
Reality set in.
It was Ran—but the resemblance was unmistakable.
Then Uchiha Zōyi arrived, stared at him, and screamed in terror.
"Uchiha Madara!"
He had seen that figure in his childhood.
The same armor.
The same fan.
The same overwhelming aura.
This time, Ran did not explain.
Someone else did.
The confusion ended.
Before departing, Ran spoke.
"This battle decides whether the Uchiha reclaim power."
"Whether Konoha sheds its rot."
"Whether we stand at the peak of the shinobi world once more."
"I, Uchiha Ran, swear to overthrow the criminals who destroyed Konoha's strength—and build a powerful village anew."
He raised the gunbai and infused it with chakra.
With a single sweep—
A violent wind roared through the courtyard.
When it subsided, every gaze burned with reverence.
The Uchiha gunbai—the true clan treasure.
The proof was undeniable.
One by one, the Uchiha placed a hand to their chest and knelt.
"For the glory of the Uchiha!"
------
Enjoying the story?
Get ahead of everyone else!
Read up to 60 advance chapters right now on my Patreon, with early access, daily updates on all novels, and more perks for supporters.
👉 patreon.com/TheLazy_sage