"Tsuchikage-sama, if we do this… it might be reckless," Fūga said, frowning as he carefully weighed his words. Ōnoki's plan truly seemed like a dangerous gamble.
Ōnoki waved a hand, cutting him off. "Don't jump to conclusions. Listen first."
"Our forces are far from home. Without supply lines, we've already lost. The only question is whether we admit it today or tomorrow."
He paused, his gaze steady. "I never intended our troops to defeat Konoha head-on—that's impossible. Once Kannabi Bridge was destroyed, our defeat was certain. Yet… one opportunity remains. A desperate gamble, a bold stratagem, is our only chance to turn defeat into victory."
As Ōnoki spoke, every gesture radiated authority, confidence, and command. "This all-out assault is a feint. I want Konoha to believe Iwagakure is making a final, frantic push. When they see our main force advancing through the Land of Grass, they'll mobilize their army and leave the Village lightly defended."
"If I'm correct, the Yellow Flash and Body Flicker Shisui will rush to the frontlines, while the Third Hokage stays behind to guard Konoha. At that moment, I will infiltrate the Village personally. Capture the Hokage, and this war is no longer a loss."
Ōnoki delivered his plan with calm precision. Only then did the assembled officials grasp his intent, admiration mingling with awe. To strike at the heart of the enemy and seize their commander—what audacity.
"Tsuchikage-sama, isn't this far too dangerous?" Kitsuchi asked, concern furrowing his brow.
After all, this was Konoha, the strongest Village in the Ninja World.
Ōnoki's confidence did not waver. "Konoha's strength has waned. The Sannin have retired, the White Fang is gone, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's prime is past. If we lure Minato Namikaze and Body Flicker Shisui forward, the prize is within reach."
The officials, swayed by his words, began to see the plan as feasible. Ōnoki's power was formidable; not only was he the only Kage among the Five who could fly, but he had mastered a kekkei tōta that surpassed ordinary bloodline limits. With precise timing, not even Hiruzen Sarutobi could survive a single Dust Release: Particle Style from him.
"One more person must be considered," Han, usually silent, interjected. "The man who sealed me instantly while I was in my partial Tailed Beast form."
The office fell silent. Even Han had been stunned by the technique. None could recall a Sealing Technique that used boulders in such a bizarre yet effective manner. The mysterious individual had trapped Han in his semi-Tailed Beast form without resistance. Beyond Ōnoki, no one in Iwagakure could guarantee survival if they faced that person.
"This man… we know nothing about him," Han continued. "Not his identity, his methods, or even whether he belongs to Konoha. He is an enigma. His power may surpass even Hiruzen Sarutobi."
Ōnoki considered the words briefly, then spoke decisively. "Very well. Let us seize this opportunity to determine whether he truly belongs to Konoha."
The officials, seeing his resolve, offered no further objections and began planning the operation in earnest.
Konoha, night.
After two hours of rigorous training, Ryūjin returned to the Uchiha Clan compound, drenched in sweat and exhausted. Despite the late hour, the grounds were still lively, with groups of Uchiha strolling and chatting. Some even shared quiet, romantic moments.
"Ryūjin, why are you back so late? I heard you left the Village on a mission with Shisui today—was it tough?" familiar voices greeted him as he passed. Ryūjin returned smiles with equal warmth.
"Perfect timing—go wash up, dinner's almost ready," a gentle woman called from inside, beckoning him.
Inside, a stern-looking middle-aged man read a newspaper across the low table. These were Ryūjin's parents: Uchiha Haruo and Uchiha Mayumi.
Following the instincts left by his predecessor, Ryūjin washed his hands and joined them. Mayumi folded the newspaper, fussing over small details as a caring mother would, while Haruo asked briefly about Ryūjin's duties in the Konoha Military Police Force and his training progress. Warmth settled in Ryūjin's chest—this was family, a comforting, grounding presence.
After dinner, Ryūjin retired to his room, closing the door behind him. Only now did he examine his Rinnegan. He was not testing the Six Paths abilities—they were guaranteed. He sought to confirm something different.
The evolution of the Sharingan is well known: Sharingan → Mangekyō Sharingan → Eternal Mangekyō → Rinnegan. The Rinnegan represents the ultimate form.
Now that he possessed it, would the lower stages vanish? During the Fourth War, Uchiha Madara switched freely between Eternal Mangekyō and Rinnegan. Madara's evolution was natural, whereas Ryūjin's had come through the system. Circumstances were different, and he had to verify.
Focusing his will, Ryūjin activated his eyes. The Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan remained within him, yet none of its signature abilities manifested. Genjutsu was the only function available; Susanoo and other powers were absent. In effect, it might as well not exist at all.