Chapter 135: with translation of chapter title

The moonlight was hazy.

In the deep night, the Leaf Village had already bid farewell to its bustle; only the Police Department personnel were still patrolling the streets.

The Cloud Village's envoys have been in Leaf Village for almost a week; during that week, Leaf Village not only hosted the Cloud envoys properly but also actively held talks with them.

Honestly, Leaf Village is still reluctant to go to war.

Who would be willing to act rashly when development can proceed smoothly? Moreover, the three wars would heavily drain Leaf Village's mid‑ and low‑rank ninjas, and that loss is not easily replenished.

In contrast, Cloud Village, although the Third Raikage fell in the three wars, actually suffered little loss among its mid‑ and low‑rank ninjas.

Alas, the Fourth Raikage is ambitious, and Cloud Village has that unruly temperament.

They are dissatisfied with Leaf Village occupying the most prosperous land in the world and its current prestige, and always want to do something about it.

Unexpectedly, the negotiation process could only be described as magical!

Although various reasons made the talks last nearly a week, the whole process went so smoothly that people began to question their own lives.

Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Hiu have both been promoted to senior positions in the Police Department over the past three years.

All Cloud Ninja immediately nodded; this time they came to Leaf Village with their own mission, and they were already prepared.

But this time, his expectations were clearly dashed.

That demeanor seemed entirely for the sake of peace.

Cloud Village almost fully accepted the series of conditions presented by Leaf Village; although they bargained, in the end they would accept as long as Leaf Village remained firm.

All Cloud Ninja shouted, and the next moment they drew their weapons and charged straight at the Security Department personnel!

Outside the inn where the Cloud envoys were lodged, members of the Security Department faced off with the Cloud Ninja, and Uchiha Shin frowned and asked.

The Cloud Ninja muttered softly, and in the next instant his figure vanished from the spot.

A Cloud Ninja, his face full of grief and anger, shouted loudly, and the other Cloud Ninja also let out roars!

It's not only that their abilities are outstanding, but also because they are sufficiently driven.

But he still chose to come over; only this way could he ensure that the problem in his own hands wouldn't arise.

Uchiha Shin is still very sensitive; he has already sensed that something might be wrong.

However, on the surface the Security Department still needs to guard, and the natures expressed by the two are completely different.

"Yes, sir, we are ready!"

The Cloud Ninja sighed lightly; he knows what fate awaits everyone on this journey, but for the village they are willing to give anything!

"We came in good faith to negotiate, for the peace of the ninja world, yet what are you doing!"

But such a situation does not reassure Leaf Village's leadership at all; when things go awry, there must be a monster.

Everyone can vaguely sense that something is off, yet no one knows how Cloud Village intends to light this powder keg.

——

"Is everyone ready?"

Obviously, it's just a Shadow Clone Jutsu!

——

"May I ask what you want?"

Their action was so decisive that it left Uchiha Shin dumbfounded.

The Cloud Ninja nodded, looked up at the sky, and then waved his hand broadly.

"Stop the nonsense; is this the attitude of Leaf Village?"

A Cloud Ninja roared, simultaneously drawing his carried weapon and shouting loudly.

When the words fell, all Cloud Ninja moved out together, their silhouettes so resolute.

"My side should be about the same now, I guess."

"Hand over my ninja head; is this how Leaf Village treats us?"

"Ninja head?" Uchiha Shin frowned. "What exactly is going on? Explain clearly so I can handle it."

"Yes!"

"Leaf Village has arbitrarily detained our ninja head, ignoring our yearning for peace.

"Yes!"

However, he remained restrained, though those Cloud Ninja had no such intention.

We will leave here immediately and take this intelligence back!

Everyone obeyed the order: break through!

But no one expected this group to go mad in the middle of the night, forcing Uchiha Shin to come and see the situation.

After these Cloud Ninja entered Leaf Village, covert operatives were secretly following them.

"Proceed according to plan, depart!"

In the Uchiha and Police Department, where the motto is "If you can't do it, get lost; there are plenty of people to do it", the two have always been far ahead, as can be seen.

But with the village negotiating with Cloud Village, he cannot easily sabotage these matters; he can only be patient.

Under the moonlight, the Cloud ninja leader stared seriously at his subordinates and spoke in a low voice.

Tonight the Cloud people suddenly caused a commotion; such a thing Uchiha Shin could not trust at all.

After Sheng Sheng Juan defeated a group of capable and ambitious clan members, they naturally rose to high positions.

"Thank you all for your hard work; the village will not forget us."

Not only him, but other Police Department personnel were also a bit stunned at that moment, though they are all rigorously trained members.

Swoosh—

Even though Uchiha Shin holds a high position, he has never ceased training himself.

He drew his Ninja Sword almost instantly, and in an instant knocked a Cloud Ninja that rushed at him down.

He did not activate his own Sharingan, and likewise did not aim for a vital spot.

However, what struck him as unbelievable was that this Cloud Ninja in front of him seemed to feel none of his goodwill at all.

He quickly sprang to his feet, ignoring his ninja sword, and directly thrust a kunai at his chest.

"Crazy!"

Uchiha Xin cursed under his breath, then quickly performed a body substitution technique.

At that very moment, he heard the sound of metal clashing behind him, accompanied by a scream.

At this moment, Uchiha Xin realized the seriousness of the situation.

"These people are all crazy!"

No matter who let out that scream, he knew things were spiraling out of control.

After all, blood had already been shed; he could not ask his own people to stop, and he would even prefer that these Cloud Ninja see blood rather than his own side!

When it comes to internal strife, the Uchiha are unsurpassed, but when it comes to protecting their own, they are more protective than anyone.

"Attack, try to keep them alive!"

Although it might cause trouble for Yuzhi, and even cause trouble for the Leaf Village.

But no matter what, let's first deal with the situation at hand!

Thinking this, Uchiha Xin's eyes instantly turned scarlet; his ninja sword showed no mercy as he fiercely slashed at the Cloud Ninja before him.

"Huh?"

Yet what slightly surprised him was that this Cloud Ninja actually showed a faint smile on his face.

The next instant, this guy outright abandoned his defense, letting the ninja sword pierce straight through his body!

More importantly, he used his last strength to wipe the smile from his face, turning his expression into terror.

Afterwards, he widened his eyes and gradually ceased breathing.

Damn it, they were deliberately throwing away their lives!

Uchiha Xin furiously cursed in his heart, these people were deliberately coming to pit the Leaf Village, to pit their guard corps!

The battle lasted less than a minute before ending, with everyone ceasing fire.

Smelling the sharp tang of blood in the air and seeing the corpses littering the ground, everyone fell silent.

What lay before them looked nothing like a battle; it was more accurately a massacre!

At that moment, Uchiha Xin's head was buzzing as well; he felt these Cloud Ninja shouldn't be ninjas—they were better suited to be actors.

"My lord, what should we do now?"

The other members of the Police Department also came to their senses, seeing the corpses strewn about, they too realized they had been set up.

But now they felt a chill run down their spines, knowing something major had happened!

"Don't panic, stay calm."

Uchiha Xin took a deep breath, then slowly spoke.

"Immediately inform Lord Yuzhi that something major has happened on our end.

Also, notify the Dark Division and the Hokage—understood?"

"Yes, my lord!"

——

"Release her, and I'll give you a way to live!"

Within the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hizashi glared murderously at the black-clad man who had kidnapped his daughter before him.

He never expected that they merely noticed something wrong at the hotel where the Cloud Village ninjas were stationed, shifted their attention there, and ended up having his own home robbed!

Behind Hyuga Hizashi, Hyuga Hiza also stared grimly at that black-clad man.

He knew he was in trouble this time, because he was now the person responsible for clan security!

Since joining the Police Department, over three years he gradually rose to become an area administrator.

Although he knew this had something to do with his Hyuga connections, and both the Leaf Village and the Uchiha had given them this favor, he himself had also been exceptionally diligent.

Especially, over these years in the Police Department, he actually felt his acceptance of the department was hardly less than that of his family!

In the Police Department, everyone respects him, and although there are clear superiors and subordinates within the department, daily relations among everyone remain good.

Everyone works hard, and everyone advances based on their own merits.

Even if clan ninjas occasionally give a little backdoor help, it's only slight.

Such an atmosphere is far better than the innate superiority enjoyed by the main house born within the Hyuga clan over the branch families!

With this feeling of his, he also guided and recommended many Hyuga branch family members to join the Police Department.

Perhaps precisely because of this, his standing within the Hyuga clan has indeed risen considerably, and the clan has entrusted him with patrol duties.

But he never imagined that tonight such a thing would happen, and he truly cannot shirk responsibility!

"Release her, and I'll be allowed to leave alive?"

The Cloud Ninja leader kept his disguise, sneering contemptuously.

"Don't joke, you Hyuga people would let me leave alive?

Would the Leaf Village let me leave alive?"

"What exactly do you want? Say it."

Hyuga Hizashi seemed to have reached the limit of his patience, staring at the black-clad man before him and asking in a low voice.

"At least you can live, rather than being surely doomed!"

"Really?"

The Cloud Ninja leader snorted coldly, then his eyes behind the mask suddenly narrowed.

"Actually, you've wasted your effort—I truly never even considered leaving alive!"

As the words fell, he raised the kunai in his hand with force and thrust it at Hinata, who was unconscious in his arms.

Hyuga Clan Rizu and Hyuga Clan Richa were instantly startled, and both almost instinctively lunged forward.

Hyuga Clan Rizu reacted even faster, his chakra‑filled palms striking Geluoya hard.

Just as the kunai was about to pierce Hinata, the Cloud Village leader's sharp kunai suddenly halted, stopping before Hinata's neck.

Boom.

Hyuga Clan Rizu's palms instantly struck the guy, and with a muffled thud he was flung backward, crashing heavily into the wall.

He stared at the black‑clad man lying on the ground, lifeless, then glanced at Hinata, who was caught by Hyuga Clan Richa.

Hyuga Clan Rizu's expression turned grim; he had a bad feeling.

"Take off his mask."

He ordered immediately, and when he and Hyuga Clan Richa saw the pale, blood‑less face beneath the mask, both of their expressions grew somewhat ashen.

They both knew that things were really going to go bad now! —

"What do you think those guys will do?"

At Yuzhi's house, Hikari asked Yuzhi with a curious expression, while Zhisui sat nearby watching.

During this week, he and Kakashi had been investigating the approximate locations of the spies hidden within Leaf Village.

At the same time he was also monitoring the negotiations; although the current progress seemed promising, he was not that naive.

Leaf Village appeared peaceful, but in reality it was actively preparing for war; clearly Leaf Village did not trust Cloud Village.

"I have no idea what those lunatics are planning,"

Yuzhi shrugged; he really wasn't sure.

In the original story they had a hand in the Hyuga clan; how it would turn out he still wasn't clear on, but after thinking he suddenly smiled.

"Anyway, we just need to do our own part; besides, whatever they do is the same to us,"

"Indeed, no one can say what those lunatics will do,"

Hikari's attitude toward those Hyuga people was also indifferent, and as she said, who can truly grasp a lunatic's thoughts.

She looked at Yuzhi, thought for a moment, then smiled and asked,

"Now I'm more curious about what you plan to do, and what we should do,"

"Simple enough, this time there happen to be two battlefields,"

Yuzhi smiled and nodded, one hand around Hikari's waist, then said with a grin,

"On one battlefield I'll act under the identity of 'Flame', and on the other I'll act as myself,"

"Senior, do you mean you'll use 'Madara Uchiha' then?"

Zhisui reacted quickly, and being fed dog food by the two in front of him made him a bit embarrassed, but he was already used to it.

"Of course, for me there are certain powers I can't unleash; using the 'Flame' identity is much easier,"

Yuzhi nodded; he already had a plan for this operation.

"Moreover this makes it easier for me to seize the tailed‑beast chakra; the key question now is how many jinchuriki they'll deploy.

Besides that, there may still be some unstable factors emerging."

"Akatsuki?"

Hikari had indeed gone to the Rain Country with Yuzhi, and she immediately realized something.

Moreover this intel came from the Rain Country, making it hard to say whether the Akatsuki Organization would act; this is indeed an unstable factor.

"Those people, indeed troublesome."

Zhisui couldn't help but frown at that; although he didn't act as much as Yuzhi and the others, the information he gathered was substantial.

"Yes, but whether they'll move is uncertain; Dayemu often hires them,"

Yuzhi shrugged, thought for a moment, then continued,

"So I'll judge based on the actual situation; most likely I'll face them with my strongest stance,"

Yuzhi's strongest stance is the masquerade 'Madara', which Hikari and Zhisui both knew, though Hikari couldn't help glancing at Yuzhi.

She always felt that her evil fiancé was being deliberate.

The Akatsuki Organization's appearance, unsurprisingly, was together with that Dayemu guy.

And that Dayemu seemed to have a psychological shadow regarding Madara Uchiha; even after two contacts over three years ago, some things were evident.

As a result, the guy kept using Madara Uchiha's identity to punch Dayemu hard, which made Hikari, to some extent, unable to help but make a few snide remarks about Yuzhi's wickedness.

"As for then, I think we'll all go together, whether using the masquerade or our true identities,"

While Hikari was internally sniping, Yuzhi spoke again.

"Do you remember the first time we used this identity to cause trouble and what we got? I think this time can be the foundation for me taking another step forward..."

One more step forward, and that's the Hokage.

Yuzhi has been waiting a long time since receiving this mission, though he is still in the process of building reputation and accumulating strength.

But he also needs to achieve one thing: to become indisputable, so that even with the Third Hokage still alive, the next Hokage would be his.

In fact, even without this war, Yuzhi could eventually reach it by gradual accumulation, but he wants it more stable and indisputable.

"Besides, Danzo is stirring things up; who knows when it will erupt, even if Danzo is currently relatively honest,"

With this thought, a contrast is needed; the stronger Madara Uchiha is, the more important Yuzhi and his two companions become.

Then, by then their status will become ever more indisputable!

"Minister, something's wrong, an incident!"

While Yuzhi, Zhisui, and the others were talking grandly, a commotion suddenly arose outside the door.

Zhisui glanced at the two still stuck together, then immediately stood and walked toward the outside.

But after a short while, he returned with a composed expression.

"What's wrong?"

Hikari pushed Yuzhi aside and asked curiously.

"Senior, there's really a problem."

Zhi Shui's expression turned sour; after a while he sighed, gave a wry smile, and asked.

"Senior, you said before that war could be started with laundry detergent; so if it's a slandered person, how should they refute it?"

"This question?"

There was no need to ask; Yuzhi guessed what had likely happened.

As for Zhi Shui's question, Yuzhi stood up and said calmly.

"When others doubt you, my answer is that you had better actually have it.

When you truly have it, others won't doubt you; and when you don't, others will doubt you.

No matter how you rebut, they'll probably come, because they know you can't."

Just as now, Cloud Village wants to act, and Leaf Village gives a response.

He has never approved of Sarutobi Hanzan's method in the original work; it seemed to seek peace and saved many lives.

But in fact, the hidden repercussions become even greater; if not for the fourth war bringing forth saviors like Naruto and Sasuke.

It probably won't take many years before the ninja world turns on itself—

"Is it already done?"

Cloud Village, inside the Raikage Building.

The burly Fourth Raikage looked at the Tu Tai before him and asked in a deep voice.

"Yes, it's already done; our people died at the hands of the Hyuga and Uchiha."

"Alas, what a pity for them."

The Fourth Raikage said in a muffled, hollow tone, though such words felt somewhat out of place coming from the issuer of the order.

In reality, he truly didn't want to carry out this opportunity; for him, it would be fine to strike directly.

But having been Raikage for so long, he also knows some matters require a pretext, which will benefit them later.

Acting without cause only brings a bad reputation.

When there's a cause, even if everyone knows they acted deliberately, at least having such a pretext makes future negotiations easier.

At the same time, it also motivates the ninja within their own village.

"Lord Raikage, now is not the time for regret, but to decide the next steps."

Tu Tai looked at the Fourth Raikage, and couldn't help but shake his head silently; he had proposed this plan and felt reluctant.

But now that things have come to this, further deliberation is useless; handling the aftermath and winning this war is the best consolation for those pioneers.

"Indeed."

The Fourth Raikage nodded, and his expression immediately grew serious.

"How are the troops arranged, and does Leaf Village have any new response?"

"They're probably still considering, but it's highly unlikely they'll agree."

Tu Tai smiled; the conditions they proposed were more than just harsh, they were basically coercing Leaf Village to turn hostile!

How Leaf Village ultimately chooses is entirely up to Leaf Village itself.

"Give them a week, and also tell Ooyagi that we're moving."

The Fourth Raikage nodded, then stood up and continued.

"I'll go to the front myself, force Minato Namikaze out; I haven't avenged the last grudge yet!"

During the Third War, he and Killer Bee teamed up but were driven back by a single Minato Namikaze; that humiliating disgrace still lingers in his mind.

Although he truly respects Minato Namikaze, respect is respect; they belong to different ninja villages and are both Kage.

Differing stances have already forged them as inevitable enemies, and on top of that he harbors a lingering obsession.

"I will personally reclaim what was originally the ninja world's fastest!"

Tu Tai's face turned sour upon hearing the Fourth Raikage's words; why do these Raikage after each other...

The Third was the same, and now the Fourth as well; why don't they learn any lesson?

"This, might be a bit too—"

"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing; I won't act recklessly."

Seeing Tu Tai's grim face, the Fourth Raikage patted his shoulder firmly and then laughed.

"As a Kage, I've never considered personally guarding the rear.

My father could stay behind for his subordinates, and that Second Hokage bastard could stay behind for Sarutobi Hanzan that monkey.

How could I be weaker than them? I can't afford that shame, and with Cloud Village watching, I'm at ease.

"It's my honor."

Tu Tai gave a helpless smile; gaining trust is good, but this Raikage is being far too reckless.

"Also, for this operation I'll bring the wooden man, so Killer Bee you must show me properly."

At that moment, the Fourth Raikage suddenly whispered.

"The last operation took him along and drove him mad, but the last time wasn't a war; this time the situation is different.

"Leaf Village's Sharingan must be guarded; unless it's a crisis, you must not send him to the battlefield, understand?"

"Understood."

【138】 This time Tu Tai looked considerably more serious, nodded earnestly and said.

Tu Tai this time seemed considerably more serious, and he nodded seriously and said.

"I won't disappoint you, Lord!"

—

"These bastards."

Leaf Village, inside a conference room of the Hokage Building.

Yuzhi, Hikari, Zhi Shui, and Kakashi sat together, looking at the negotiation agreement that Cloud Village had privately handed over; he couldn't help but mutter a curse.

He didn't even know whether he was scolding Cloud Village for being too clever, or scolding that more people were being dragged into this mess by Cloud Village.

"Indeed, they're a bunch of bastards."

Zhi Shui, sitting nearby, let out a cold snort and added a curse of his own.

"They even dragged the Police Department into the mess, really."

The Police Department this time suffered an unexpected disaster, facing a group of suicide‑willing lunatics; no one could handle that.

Moreover, they seemed to think the matter wasn't big enough, offering a very simple negotiation agreement.

Pay compensation, hand over the culprit!

If it's just about paying, Leaf Village could at most treat Cloud Village as a stinky beggar who ran into the Land of Fire.

Leaf Village, backed by the wealthy Land of Fire, doesn't lack this bit of begging money at all.

Then they'll toss a few coins your way; just don't go too far.

But handing over the culprit is purely their overt scheme.

Their purpose is to plant a mine.

"No wonder the original story targeted the Hyuga."

Yuzhi was also curious in the original, wondering why Cloud Village wanted the Byakugan.

They didn't know if it was due to racial traits; each of them was strong and skilled in taijutsu.

Even though their combat style is flamboyant, they use a Lightning Release chakra mode that stimulates the body to achieve ultra‑fast movement.

No matter how you look at it, the Sharingan still has the edge over the Byakugan, right?

Could it be that they think randomly grabbing a Uchiha member has a high chance of encountering someone without an awakened eye?

Now Yuzhi seems to have figured it out: apparently there's a mastermind behind Cloud Village!

"Clearly they've already analyzed the Third Hokage's personality and also know that Leaf Village and the Uchiha are extremely at odds."

How to describe the Third's personality? Sometimes it's indeed quite abstract.

Moreover, in the original, right after the three wars, the Hokage died in Obito's "Filial Piety," unable even to use the Nine‑Tails.

In such circumstances, if you push a bit, the Third would likely compromise.

Since the Uchiha and Leaf are already at odds, instead of triggering this time bomb directly, they'd rather plant another hidden Leaf mine!

The Hyuga is clearly that hidden mine; if the two great eye‑jutsu families both turn against Leaf, Leaf will be in big trouble.

In fact, the Hyuga's hidden mine is powerful enough to affect the entire Leaf ninja clan.

Of course, this also relates to the Third and others' self‑destruction, as the Uchiha and Leaf, Tuan Zang let themselves run wild.

When the Chunin Exams came, every ninja clan instantly learned a new Ninjutsu.

"Stealth."

If you don't die, I won't come out; the rest is up to you!

Now, the relationship between Leaf and the Uchiha is far from ordinary; Leaf isn't as weak as imagined.

Thus they decisively set a single target: not only the Hyuga, but also the Uchiha.

Either fight, or pay compensation and hand someone over; you decide.

"Everyone, have you all seen Cloud Village's negotiation agreement?"

Just as Yuzhi muttered inwardly, Minato Namikaze stood up and shouted loudly.

"Their ideas and demands are truly excessive; we cannot let them have their way!"

"Indeed."

At this moment, the Third Hokage also stood, speaking in a low voice.

"We really can't blame the Security Department, nor the Hyuga; they came with purpose.

For that purpose, they had long prepared; these guys are truly admirable.

But their malice is also evident; fortunately we prepared in advance."

Having said that, the Third Hokage paused, turned to look at Minato Namikaze, who took a deep breath and then spoke seriously.

"We don't wish to spark a war, but Cloud Village's aggression has left us with no choice.

Therefore, in the name of the Fourth Hokage, I declare that Leaf is, from this day forward, in a state of war!"

War status is a very dangerous definition.

Especially when announced by Minato, the Hokage, it's even more so.

This almost defines their subsequent conduct guidelines and tone, and also defines everything they now have to face.

To put it bluntly, the war has begun at this very moment—

"Are we really going to war?"

Leaf Village, within the root base.

Tuan Zang looked at the document in his hand, involuntarily falling into contemplation; for him, war is an opportunity.

Think about it: while the whole village prepares for war, if he suddenly causes trouble, he has a great chance of seizing the Hokage seat!

But doing so also has a drawback: the Leaf front line would inevitably be hit.

"What should I do?"

Tuan Zang murmured, recalling how his treatment changed after Minato Namikaze rose to power; a fire of anger was indeed spreading inside him.

Especially since this meeting wasn't announced to him, he understood clearly that he was being gradually kicked out of the core circle.

Such matters are truly intolerable; now he is merely a titular Hokage assistant!

Power is like a house; position is everything. The closer you are to the center, the more valuable your assets become.

Danzo once controlled everything because he was close enough to the Third Hokage that his voice could always reach the Third's ears.

Moreover, the crucial point is that the Third was his childhood friend, his classmate, and his close confidant.

Thus he was confident enough to influence the Third Hokage, and even in the future he could be sure he could sway this old friend, provided he did not cross his bottom line.

But as Minato Namikaze rose to power, he found himself drifting farther from the core of that power!

"Instead of having to cling to the center, why can't I become the center myself?"

That is Danzo's belief, and he shares a flaw with the Third: an unwavering conviction that he alone is right.

A ninja needs a ninja way, needs oneself; his own belief is perfectly fine.

But he overlooked one thing: his overconfidence had turned into arrogance.

And moreover,

Getting close to power makes some people mistakenly think they possess it, and Danzo is exactly like that!

"Alas!"

After a while, Danzo suddenly sighed again.

He truly wanted to strike hard now and reclaim everything that was his, but the problem is that this time the situation is genuinely different.

"Hizashi has gone to the front lines, and I am also a Leaf Village ninja."

Years ago, Sarutobi Hizashi's actions were approved, leading him to become Hokage; this is Danzo's mental anguish.

And the definition of a Leaf Village ninja has always remained in Danzo's mind; it is something he will never forget!

"Why does it have to be at this moment!"

Danzo, angry, punched the table before him, and in an instant the table shattered into fragments.

He silently stared at his hand, then at the broken table, and finally shook his head and made a decision.

"Even if I become Hokage, I cannot inherit a shattered Leaf Village, and if the Leaf loses, I won't be comfortable as Hokage either."

As if persuading himself, he murmured softly, and his heart was set.

He can use any means, even strike his own people, but sometimes he must weigh the pros and cons.

The Leaf is his Leaf; reclaiming it is his rightful duty, but he absolutely cannot take a broken Leaf!

"Moreover, now that we truly act, it will hinder my future ascent to the Hokage seat."

After deciding in his heart, Danzo finally shook his head; for a moment he could not tell whether he acted for the Leaf or for himself.

But at least, if anyone truly dares to threaten the Leaf, he can, when all hope is lost, choose to exchange lives.

Even if, in the original work, he perished together with a great bridge.

"But Minato Namikaze, don't get cocky; you rose to power on Orochimaru's back, then first the Nine-Tails, and later Orochimaru's defection.

Now it has sparked a war; regardless of this war's outcome, do you think your reputation will remain intact?"

Clenching his fist, Danzo immediately turned toward the shadows and spoke.

"Send the notice down, the roots commence action, target—Cloud Village and Rock Village!"

"Understood."

From the shadows, You Nu Ma Long stepped out slowly, lowered his head, and spoke softly.

"Lord Danzo!"

——

"It seems the war is truly about to break out."

A week later, in the Rain Country, inside the Akatsuki Organization's conference room, Orochimaru lightly licked his lips and spoke softly.

"I never expected that after only a few years of peace in the ninja world, war would erupt again; it's truly surprising."

"It's not so much a surprise; it's merely a waste of time."

Sasori's expression was flat, but inside he felt especially displeased.

From his perspective, such a war is meaningless; even if he could gather plenty of materials, who would watch over his experiments?

It fundamentally hinders his progress and his work!

"Tch, your words sound nice, but without these wars where would our income come from? What funding do you have for research?"

Kakuzu, standing nearby, wore an annoyed expression, his eyes fixed angrily on Orochimaru and Sasori.

These two are literally gold‑swallowing beasts; much of the reward they earn from missions has been devoured by those two bastards!

Such a thing is intolerable in Kakuzu's eyes.

From the side, Pi Pa Shi Cang watched these people's 'oral gymnastics' with no interest at all; war or peace mattered to him not at all.

"Everyone, settle down. This mission must be carried out; the Akatsuki Organization needs money, that's all there is to it."

At that moment, a deep voice rang out, and immediately Tendo Pain and Konan entered.

However, behind them, another person's appearance caused Sasori and Orochimaru to glance sideways.

That person was Obito!

Seeing Obito, their thoughts differed little; they merely wondered whether this guy was real or a fake.

"Since the leader says so, I have no objection."

Orochimaru quickly averted his gaze, shrugged indifferently, and said.

"Do whatever needs to be done; after all, war is not new to me."

"Hmph."

Sasori let out a cold hum, indicating his stance.

"If so, then let's prepare to act."

Pain glanced over everyone present, and did not ask Pi Pa Shi Cang or Kakuzu for their opinions.

These two, one is the most well‑behaved, will flawlessly carry out any mission, a typical Mist Village ninja, while the other is eager to earn a little more.

He therefore saved effort, paused briefly, and spoke directly.

"This time we will enter the Grass Country, the target is Leaf Village, and stationed there is the Third Hokage; he has already set out and reached the destination."

"Third Hokage?"

Orochimaru frowned slightly at hearing this; he truly hadn't expected that Leaf Village contained Ziraiye, Tsunade, and Uchiha Haori among such strong individuals.

His teacher would even take the initiative to strike, coming to the Grass Country.

"To what extent must we achieve it?"

Scorpion glanced at Orochimaru beside him, thought for a moment, and asked proactively.

"Also, will our assistance act alone or together with Rock Village?"

"This time, we will move together with Rock Village."

Nagato quickly gave the answer.

"This time Oonoki also came personally; we will coordinate with them."

"We must, when fighting, cause as much damage as possible to Leaf Village ninja, just as we have done before; any other questions?"

"When do we depart?"

Orochimaru still frowned a bit, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

"Now."

Nagato, controlling Pain, gave Orochimaru a serious look, then softly spoke.

"Do you have any other questions, Orochimaru?"

"Now?"

Orochimaru stared quietly at Nagato; after a while he slowly licked his lips.

"Nothing else, although it's surprising to be so urgent, but…"

"Perhaps this will be an interesting matter; I actually miss my teacher a bit!"

——

"Are you ready?"

Inside Leaf Village, at Haori's home.

Looking at Hikari and Shisui before him, Haori smiled and asked.

"Don't worry, I've been ready for a long time, and you don't need to explain further."

Hikari nodded, raised the Kunai in her hand and said softly.

"If danger arises, immediately use the Flying Thunder God to notify you; you've said it so much my ears are calloused."

"Senior, I've already memorized it."

Shisui also took out a Kunai beside him, nodded seriously; he was also a bit afraid of Haori.

Although they truly worried about their safety, their abilities were certainly not weak.

"Alright, alright, I won't say more."

Haori shrugged, and finally smiled as he said.

"One last thing, be sure not to get the name wrong; from now on, I am Madara Uchiha."

"I am Uchiha Zennai, his ability suits me."

Hikari casually said something nearby; actually she was also curious whether Uchiha Zennai was a junior of those whose eye techniques she had once transplanted.

Otherwise the abilities wouldn't be so uniform, yet she could easily disguise herself, though she still needed to add some material to conceal it.

"Um, senior."

At that moment, Shisui got a bit stuck and awkwardly asked.

"What code name should I use?"

"."

Haori and Hikari were both stunned; after a while Haori incredulously asked.

"Last time, you didn't even pick a code name for yourself?"

"Last time I didn't have time to speak, senior started fighting them, and I…"

Shisui scratched the back of his head; during the last mission with Haori, he was indeed a bit embarrassed.

"Just give yourself one, there are so many Uchiha ninjas in history who excel at genjutsu."

Hikari and Haori looked at him speechlessly; after a while Hikari shook her head and said.

This made Shisui a bit conflicted; he truly didn't know which Uchiha ninjas in history were renowned for genjutsu.

Of course, there are strong genjutsu users; he wanted one that could reach Mangekyou Sharingan level!

And Haori and the others were using the "Villain Senior" name; he at least had to pick a suitable one, right?

After pondering, a name suddenly popped into his mind, and he blurted it out.

"Senior, what do you think of 'Uchiha Shimada'?"

"Hmm, it's fine."

Haori almost reflexively nodded; to him, any name was fine.

But instantly he realized something was off; why did that name sound so familiar?

After a moment, he suddenly turned a dark expression toward Shisui.

"W‑what's wrong, senior?"

"Nothing, I'm thinking whether I should change my code name."

"Um, change it to what?"

"Uchiha Kagami, how is your subconscious?"