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After several days of standoff between Konoha and the Cloud Ninja on the border of the Land of Frost and the Land of Lightning, several high-ranking Konoha Jonin—including the newly recovered Aki and Sarutobi Hiruzen, as well as Shimura Danzo, who was forcibly recalled—finally arrived at the front lines.
At that moment, Uchiha Hui was in the Second Hokage's tent, standing before him and saying respectfully, "Lord Hokage, I came today to discuss something with you."
The Second Hokage looked at the serious-faced Uchiha Hui and replied coldly, "I've always found it strange—why is it that every time we're at a critical moment in a war, the Uchiha clan starts causing trouble? They never help, and instead stir up problems in the rear. Don't try to tell me the Daimyo's death had nothing to do with your clan!"
Uchiha Hui quickly explained, "I honestly didn't know anything about that! I was on a mission in the Land of Wind at the time—you know that, Lord Hokage! And honestly, a lot of people in the Uchiha clan are against me. Since I'm not from a pureblood Uchiha line, some of the elders don't follow my orders."
The Second Hokage thought for a moment. "Alright then—state your reason for coming."
After hesitating, Uchiha Hui said, "Someone's been stirring up trouble within the Uchiha—encouraging them to do things that go against Konoha."
The Second Hokage snorted and cut him off mockingly, "Just say you're rebelling—don't try to dress it up as 'disruptive behavior.' You think I don't know what's going on? The Uchiha clan has been grumbling ever since Madara's time. You really came all this way just to report that?"
Uchiha Hui, a little embarrassed, finally said, "I'd like to take Aki back to Konoha so he can learn the Uchiha clan's secret techniques."
"The secret base under that restaurant, right?"
Uchiha Hui thought to himself, So all our movements really are under the Second Hokage's watch… he even knows about the secret base.He nodded and said, "Aki's almost ten now. In a couple of years, once he completes his rite of passage, I plan to pass the clan leadership to him. He has the purest Uchiha bloodline—maybe the clan will actually listen to him, unlike me."
The Second Hokage nodded. "It's best for Aki to train in the Uchiha's genjutsu arts anyway. I don't want him learning from me—my illusions are designed for assassinations. They're not suited for him. My goal is to mold Aki into Konoha's third powerhouse—someone who can influence the entire ninja world. Once this war with the Cloud ends, take him home."
"Senju Tobirama really chose a fortress of a spot to set up camp, huh?"On top of a mountain, the Second Raikage stood next to a big white-haired man, using a telescope to observe the Konoha camp nearly a kilometer away.
The white-haired man asked, "Why don't we go closer? A kilometer's too far to get a good look."
The Second Raikage shook his head and asked, "Do you know what Tobirama's best known for?"
"Water Style? No wait—he's also known for being a taijutsu beast. Oh, or was it genjutsu? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe he's just an all-around monster?"
The Raikage chuckled. "Whether it's the late Uchiha Madara or the so-called God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju—they all lacked one thing Tobirama excels at: sensory techniques."
He glanced sideways and continued, "Tobirama's sensory range is practically limitless. He could detect enemies from thousands of miles away. Right now, this distance is the only safe range where he won't immediately detect us."
Then he looked back toward the Konoha camp and said, "Tobirama will probably launch an attack on the Land of Lightning any day now. We should head back and prepare."With that, he leapt off the mountain.
The next day, the Second Hokage gathered all the Konoha Jonin squad leaders for a war council.
Inside the meeting tent, after confirming everyone had arrived, Tobirama spoke:"The Cloud Ninja Village is a military-driven powerhouse—second only to us. We can't take them lightly. I've already mobilized all our ANBU combat units. Right now, Konoha's strongest are gathered here. It's time we made some real progress!"
He stood and pointed at a map."Sarutobi Hiruzen, you'll lead 500 ninjas as the vanguard and charge straight into the Land of Lightning. Eliminate all resistance—no prisoners."
Hiruzen nodded firmly. "Understood, Sensei!"
Then Tobirama turned to Danzo. "Shimura Danzo, you and Uchiha Kagami will take 1,000 ninjas and block any retreating Cloud ninja led by the Kinkaku and Ginkaku brothers in the Land of Frost. ANBU will assist you."
Danzo and Kagami both stood and bowed. "Yes, sir!"
"I'll take command of the remaining 2,000 ninjas and follow the vanguard at half a day's distance, directing the full-scale assault."
Then, turning to all the Konoha ninjas, Tobirama declared:"Since the founding of Konoha over a decade ago, we've never lost a war. And today's battle will be no different—we'll crush the Cloud and return victorious!"
The Konoha ninjas roared in unison, "Victory! Victory! Victory!"
Back on the mountain, the white-haired man watched Konoha's forces begin to move. He turned to a fellow Cloud ninja and said, "Report to the Second Raikage—Konoha's on the move. I'll take the Special Assault Squad and launch a surprise attack to slow their advance!"
The Cloud ninja hesitated. "Sir, didn't the Raikage explicitly order you not to act alone? If something happens to you—"
The white-haired man cut him off with a grin. "There's nobody in this world who can break through my defense—not even the Second Hokage!"
And with that, he leapt straight toward the Konoha camp.
Aki watched his father, Uchiha Hui, from afar and muttered to Hiruzen, "What the hell's my old man doing in the vanguard? Doesn't he know how dangerous that is?"
Hiruzen gave him a side-eye and replied, "You're one to talk. You volunteered to come to the front line with me! Your dad's probably here just to keep you safe. I heard from our teacher that once you turn twelve, you'll take over as clan leader. Your old man was planning to take you back soon."
Aki rolled his eyes. "No way I'm becoming clan head at twelve. That's how you end up like grumpy old Sasuke's dad or even the Second Hokage—all stiff and boring."
Hiruzen sighed, "Man, you really don't know how lucky you are."
Just then, a violent earthquake shook the ground in front of the Konoha vanguard. A massive chasm opened up, cutting them off. Hiruzen's face turned serious. "What the hell's going on?"
Aki crouched down, pressed his index finger to the ground, and activated a sensory jutsu. A moment later, his eyes hardened. "We're surrounded. Cloud ninjas. At least 3,000 of them—coming from every direction."
Hiruzen scanned the area quickly and made a call: "Everyone fall back to higher ground! We hold our position there and wait for reinforcements. Change of plans—move out!"
Under his swift command, the Konoha vanguard started retreating toward the mountain.
The white-haired man looked toward the Konoha camp and asked, "So the Kinkaku brothers really pulled out of the Land of Waterfall?"
The Cloud ninja beside him answered, "Yes. The Stone Ninja didn't pursue, so the Kinkaku unit made it here first. Our main army is engaging Konoha's forces in the Land of Frost."
The white-haired man laughed. "Tobirama's gonna die here today! With me, Kinkaku, and Ginkaku together—there's no way he's making it out alive. Tell the Raikage we've got this handled. All he needs to do is wait for our victory!"
Then, red light exploded in the sky. The white-haired man grinned. "Looks like Kinkaku and Ginkaku have arrived. Time to show Konoha what Cloud's made of!"
He charged straight into the Konoha camp. "Hell Assault—Four-Finger Thrust!"
The Second Hokage was just issuing orders when he suddenly felt a huge surge of chakra.What the hell? This feels like the Nine-Tails…
He knelt down, touched the ground with his finger, and began scanning the area with his sensory technique.A minute later, he opened his eyes in shock."Damn it, I forgot about those two bastards… Madara should've killed them back then. Now they're a disaster waiting to happen!"
He stood up and barked orders at the nearby ANBU. "Get your captain! Tell him to lead a thousand men to reinforce the vanguard!"
The ANBU nodded and ran off.
Tobirama turned to the rest. "We're under attack! Everyone—follow me!"
He stormed toward the camp gate.
In the distance, a white blur flew in and smashed the gate to pieces. Standing in the wreckage, the white-haired man saw Tobirama calmly watching with arms crossed."I've been waiting for you, Cloud punk," Tobirama said coolly.
The white-haired man charged straight at him. The surrounding Konoha ninja launched attacks—ninjutsu, kunai, shuriken—but none of it even scratched him.
Tobirama chuckled, "You really do have some skill, barging into my camp solo."
He stepped forward, formed a jutsu: "Water Style: Hard Vortex Water Blade!"
A spear of water materialized in his hand. He hurled it at the white-haired man, then followed up by drawing his sword—the Raijin Blade. "Flying Thunder God Slash!"
The water spear hit and knocked the man back, and before he could recover, Tobirama's slash cut across his abdomen, sending him flying.
As he flew, the man jammed one hand into the ground to stop himself and fired off a jutsu:"Lightning Style: Black Panther!"
Dark lightning surged from his body and formed a black panther that pounced at Tobirama.
Tobirama stabbed it with his Raijin Blade—and the blade absorbed the lightning. Then he swung it again, and a black panther made of lightning shot out in return.
The white-haired man smashed the panther apart with one hand, eyeing Tobirama's blade."That sword of yours… absorbs lightning and sends it back? Impressive."
Tobirama smirked, "And your body—able to withstand both my water spear and my slash without a scratch? You've got my respect. Name yourself."
Just then, a massive chakra cannonball fell from the sky.
Tobirama dodged just in time. The explosion left a crater nearly twenty meters wide. Two more figures landed beside the white-haired man—each with a kanji written on their shoulders: one for "Gold" and one for "Silver."
The man with "Gold" laughed at Tobirama, "Long time no see, Senju Tobirama!"
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "Kinkaku. Ginkaku. I didn't expect you two to show up this fast. Back then, you weren't even worthy of dying by my brother's or Madara's hands. Guess I underestimated you."
Kinkaku roared, "Tobirama, you bastard—today's the day you die!"
"....."