The next day, a massive flag bearing the bold character for "mourning" was raised over the Sunagakure camp. The entire army wore white, their faces solemn and dignified. At the same time, a letter was sent to Konoha with just eight simple words:
"Seven days of ceasefire, to honor the fallen."
"Lord Hokage, maybe we should use this chance to—"
Ibiki Morino spoke up, his face dark.
"No."
Chief strategist Shikaku Nara shook his head.
"Jinghang is a master of warfare. We can't rule out the risk of a surprise attack. Besides, the Sunagakure forces are steeped in grief—soldiers fighting in mourning are always the most dangerous. If we strike now, the risks outweigh the benefits."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, agreeing with Shikaku's analysis.
"Shikaku is right. Jinghang might be waiting for us to attack. He's been provoking us, trying to lure us out—there must be a trap. A commander must not let anger dictate his actions."
"So we just sit here for seven days?"
Ibiki sounded frustrated.
"Of course not."
Shikaku replied.
"Lord Choza Akimichi's reserve squad will arrive the day after tomorrow. We can use this time to regroup, reorganize, and draft a new battle plan. After the last fight, I've analyzed the jutsu styles of Sunagakure's top commanders. With our current strength, we can develop targeted tactics. Next battle, we'll have the upper hand."
"Not only that..."
Hiruzen added.
"We should also hold a grand memorial for Might Duy. It will honor the fallen, pay tribute to our heroes, and use Duy's story to inspire our troops!"
"Well said, Lord Hokage."
Shikaku and Ibiki replied in unison.
"How's that plan coming?"
Hiruzen asked.
"It's nearly ready. We're just waiting for a few of my clan members in the reserves."
"I don't want 'nearly'—I want perfection. Once we get rid of Jinghang, this war will be much easier."
A cold glint flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.
Amegakure, Rain Tower
Since his defeat at Moon Lake, Danzo had locked himself in the Rain Tower office, dumping all village affairs on Fugaku Uchiha.
Fortunately, after reclaiming the Night-Howling Sand Sea, Rasa hadn't launched any reckless attacks. Instead, he expanded and fortified the defenses originally built by Konoha. The real reason? They'd run out of explosive tags.
At this moment, Danzo looked haggard and dusty. His hair was a tangled mess, his eyes bloodshot and crusted with sleep, and his whole body reeked of sour sweat.
He stared at the short tanto on his desk, his expression shifting back and forth.
Shing!
Suddenly, as if making up his mind, Danzo grabbed the blade and drew it in one swift motion.
The flash of steel stung his eyes.
"What a fine blade. Hiruzen, you really planned ahead."
Danzo let out a bitter laugh.
After the disaster at Moon Lake, he'd lost four thousand men. Not only did he fail to fill the iron ore gap, he made things even worse. The defeat was humiliating enough, but the real problem was that he'd ruined Konoha's entire strategy against Sunagakure. Now, even his own Northern Army could barely defend itself, let alone attack. Once word got back to Konoha, his fate was sealed. Rather than face disgrace at the hands of the village elders, maybe...
Knock, knock, knock!
"Lord Danzo, may I come in?"
The sudden knock jolted Danzo awake.
He quickly sheathed the blade.
"Who is it? Didn't I say not to disturb me?"
"It's me, Fugaku Uchiha. I have something important to discuss."
Danzo hesitated for a moment.
"Come in."
As soon as he entered, Fugaku Uchiha spotted the blade in Danzo's hand and couldn't help but smirk.
"Lord Danzo, you're Konoha's King of Darkness. Why act like some delicate maiden, ready to cut your own throat at the first setback?"
"Sigh. Moon Lake was a disaster—the Northern Army lost nearly half its men. As commander, I've disgraced the nation and failed my duty. I ought to take my own life in apology."
Danzo spoke sorrowfully, but unconsciously set the blade back on the desk.
"Lord Danzo, victory and defeat are part of war. Besides, you're hardly the only one who's suffered disgrace..."
Fugaku smiled.
"Oh? What do you mean?"
Danzo's interest was piqued.
"This is a report from my contacts with the Eastern Army."
Fugaku handed him a sheet of paper.
Danzo snatched it and read through it, his gaze slowly growing dim.
"Looks like it's just a draw. Hardly a national disgrace."
"Not so."
Fugaku's tone turned grave.
"You know the Eastern Army's reputation—they're Konoha's absolute elite, packed with clan prodigies and ninja far superior to our Northern Army. For such a force to merely draw with Sunagakure is already a defeat."
"So what? At least they still have their strength. I've already lost half my forces."
Danzo's mood remained bleak.
"Half lost or not, our foundation is still here."
"Our foundation?"
"The land beneath our feet."
Fugaku pointed down.
"Jinghang's command is even sharper than Rasa's. I can guarantee Lord Hokage is no match for him."
"So this war..."
"Konoha has already lost this war. But we haven't."
Danzo immediately caught Fugaku's implication, and his face turned cold.
"You want to split the village?!"
Danzo was strict about such principles—especially coming from an Uchiha.
"No, I never meant to divide Konoha. But once this war fails, the one who bears the greatest responsibility will be Lord Hokage. Without question, Hiruzen Sarutobi will be unable to continue as Hokage. When that happens, won't your opportunity come?"
Danzo's expression softened slightly.
"So you'll support me?"
"Of course."
"What can you offer? And what do you want in return?"
Danzo's questions were direct.
"I can provide you with the full support of the Uchiha clan. As for compensation..."
Fugaku smiled.
"I want to change Konoha's prejudice against the Uchiha clan."
"Be specific."
"I want the Uchiha clan to have a seat in Konoha's decision-making circle."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters?
🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world?
✍️ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?
✨patreon.com/DarkGolds