After returning to the village from the Five Kage Summit, Third Hokage quickly convened Konoha's high-level council. The goal was simple: discuss the village's role in the newly proposed ninja coalition army. But everyone understood what this really meant—a full-scale war was about to erupt.
The information shared during the summit shocked the council. Not only was the Rain Village rising in power, but Akatsuki's members were revealed to be overwhelmingly strong—each one with Kage-level strength.
People were still stunned by the mention of Uchiha Obito. Despite Konoha deploying Uchiha forces to stop him during the Nine Tails incident, they failed. That alone was humiliating. But now, there were even more monsters in Akatsuki.
Kakuzu, for instance, had reportedly fought the First Hokage and survived. How could anyone claim he was weaker than Obito?
Then came the real nightmare—Akatsuki's leader held the Rinnegan, and could even suppress top fighters. Many speculated he was as powerful as Madara Uchiha himself.
Adding in Orochimaru and Kakuzu, it became clear that the combined power of Akatsuki was on par with the five Kage themselves. But that led to another issue—can every Kage afford to leave their village unprotected?
Just because the villages formed an alliance didn't mean everyone had pure intentions. In the ninja world, betrayal was often one mission away.
"Alright," Third Hokage said, lightly tapping the desk to quiet the chatter, "You all understand the situation. Let's focus on what matters—who are we sending to join the alliance, and who will lead them?"
His tone was firm. The Five Kage had already committed to this operation. Backing out wasn't an option.
As much as this war worried him, Hiruzen knew that defeating Akatsuki was the best outcome for Konoha, especially considering the damage they'd already caused.
But as the council looked around, many clan leaders had the same expression—uneasy and cautious. They didn't want their clans used as fodder.
It was true that even Kage-level fighters could be overwhelmed by numbers, but only if they weren't people like Obito. Against someone like him, throwing bodies wouldn't help.
"Third Hokage," said Nara Shikaku, the voice of strategy in Konoha. "Some of the forces we posted along the border can be recalled. But to face an enemy like this, our forces must be structured wisely. I suggest small tactical units, formed based on clan strengths. That way, they can support each other in battle."
It made sense. Konoha had plenty of ninja, thanks to the village elders' previous recruitment drives. They didn't lack manpower—just elite power.
In forming the coalition, Konoha had to prove itself. Sending weak Jōnin would not only make the village look bad, but insult the other villages. Everyone had to contribute their best—or risk disrespect.
The issue was clear: Konoha had many ninjas, but very few elite ones.
The Sarutobi clan was versatile with elemental ninjutsu, but outside of Hiruzen himself, they lacked overwhelming force.
The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans were brilliant in teamwork, but not meant for front-line brawls.
The Hyuga clan, though powerful with Byakugan, had limited destructive power and weren't in full agreement with the village leadership right now.
As Hiruzen looked around, his eyes fell on Andrew, who was leaning back in his seat, calmly staring at the ceiling.
If Uchiha participated, none of these problems would exist.
The Uchiha clan still had unmatched power and discipline. Andrew, head of the Uchiha, was more than strong—he was a symbol. The ideal leader for Konoha's coalition squad.
With a heavy breath, Third Hokage made his move.
"Elder Andrew, Obito was once a member of your Uchiha clan. Do you not intend to participate in this war?"
Everyone turned. The room quieted.
Andrew didn't move. He didn't even look at Hiruzen.
"Obito was removed from our clan records long ago. He has nothing to do with us now."
His voice was calm. "We don't hold a tailed beast, so we're not Akatsuki's target. There's no reason to involve ourselves. Our Uchiha clan is growing fast—we prefer peace."
He rejected the invitation coldly.
Third Hokage tried again, carefully.
"Still, Obito has brought shame to the Uchiha name. He's the reason people look at your clan with suspicion. Aren't you concerned about that?"
Andrew finally turned his gaze toward him. "Obito has already died once—by my own hand. He survived through Izanagi, yes. But a death is still a death. The score is settled."
Then he paused.
"If we're really going to talk about grudges… Konoha should also bear responsibility for the years of mistrust and slander the Uchiha suffered. Do you want us to settle that too?"
The room fell dead silent.
"Should I go door to door," Andrew continued, "and show the villagers what it's like to die unfairly, like they made us do?"
Hiruzen froze. The others looked away.
Andrew stood.
"Uchiha will not take part in this. This is your war, not ours. If you want to chase ghosts, go ahead. Just don't drag us into it."
He turned and walked toward the door.
"But if you try… if you dare bring Uchiha into this mess, don't be surprised when I start digging up old sins."
The cold in his voice was terrifying.
And with that, Andrew left the meeting.
Everyone remained seated in stunned silence.
The tension in the air was suffocating. Someone had to breathe—but no one dared.
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