He looked at Aoyama Ryuyun with pleasant surprise.
Was he actually going to support Hiruzen Sarutobi?
Nara Shikaku's gaze, however, was skeptical. He had a feeling Aoyama Ryuyun wouldn't agree.
Sure enough, reality turned out exactly as Nara Shikaku expected.
"Hmm! The battle situation on the Hidden Cloud Village side has reached a critical point. Wait for another half a year—after that, I'll definitely go and support Hokage-sama!"
"..."
They were speechless.
He was blatantly fooling them, treating them like fools.
Did he really think they didn't know the Hidden Cloud front hadn't seen a real battle in months?
A "critical moment"? He could at least have come up with a more convincing excuse.
"Do you have any objections?"
Aoyama Ryuyun smiled thinly at the ninja standing before him.
Simply put—if they dared to object, he would dare to kill them.
"...No, we don't!"
Who would have the guts to speak up?
They exchanged bitter smiles, gave curt bows, and withdrew in silence.
After they left, Aoyama Ryuyun's face darkened again.
"So annoying. Can't those idiots from the Hidden Mist Village be a bit more competent and just kill Hiruzen Sarutobi already?!"
"..."
Fortunately, Nara Shikaku had long since grown used to his commander's personality.
Even hearing such comments, he didn't bat an eye.
Still, part of him couldn't shake the feeling that Hiruzen Sarutobi might eventually try something against Aoyama Ryuyun.
But when he recalled Ryuyun's overwhelming power, Shikaku dismissed the thought with a shake of his head.
With that gap in strength, even if Hiruzen schemed, it would be meaningless.
---
"Did he really say that?"
In the Hidden Mist Village's command room, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was grim as he listened to his subordinate's report.
A year of war had hardened him; the gentle old Hokage now exuded a killing aura that could chill the air.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. Not only did he refuse support, but before we left, he also said…"
The ninja hesitated, unsure if he should repeat it.
"Speak." Hiruzen's voice was low and sharp.
"Yes! Before leaving, Aoyama Ryuyun said—'Hokage-sama, why aren't you dead yet!'"
"..."
Anger flickered in Hiruzen's eyes, but only for a moment.
He already knew—so long as he still lived, Aoyama Ryuyun would never lend his aid.
"You may leave."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
After the ninja departed, silence returned to the room.
Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his fists, veins bulging across his forehead, muttering Ryuyun's name through gritted teeth.
---
"Hokage-sama!"
Uchiha Fugaku's voice came from outside as he entered the room.
Hiruzen immediately forced his anger down, his face softening into an amiable expression.
"Ah, Fugaku! How is the battle situation?"
Fugaku didn't notice his earlier fury and answered solemnly, "It's still a stalemate. With our current strength, we can't completely overcome the Hidden Mist forces."
"Sigh… This time, we truly owe much to the Uchiha Clan."
"Hokage-sama, you flatter us."
Hiruzen smiled gently. Of course, as long as he still needed the Uchiha Clan, there would be no hostility in his tone.
"By the way," Hiruzen continued, "I heard your clan has produced a remarkable young ninja?"
At this, Fugaku's stern face softened with rare pride.
"Yes! That child Shisui's talent is exceptional."
Although only a year out of the Academy, Shisui had already faced the brutality of war and displayed astonishing prowess.
His Sharingan had reached the three-tomoe stage, and his incredible speed had earned him the name Shisui of the Body Flicker.
"Truly remarkable," Hiruzen said approvingly. "After the war ends, let Shisui join the Anbu."
"This…" Fugaku blinked in surprise, then broke into a delighted smile.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
Did this mean the Hokage finally acknowledged the Uchiha?
Was he truly willing to integrate them into Konoha's core structure?
It seemed that the good days of the Uchiha Clan were finally beginning.
Seeing Fugaku's joyous expression, Hiruzen smiled and nodded warmly.
But inwardly, his eyes were cold.
What a terrifying clan… So young, yet already this powerful.
His words of acceptance were merely strategy—meant to stabilize the Uchiha and drive them to fight harder at the front.
---
"Hokage-sama is truly remarkable," Fugaku added, his tone filled with admiration.
"You not only raised the Sannin but even your grand-disciple, Minato Namikaze, has already made a name for himself!"
In just a year, Minato had earned the title Konoha's Yellow Flash and was now active on the Iwagakure front.
Though not yet strong enough to alter the course of the war singlehandedly, his reputation had already begun to spread across nations.
"Yes… Minato, he—"
Hiruzen began to nod with pride, then suddenly froze mid-sentence.
Something seemed to click in his mind.
"Hokage-sama?" Fugaku looked puzzled. "Is something the matter?"
"It's nothing, Fugaku. You may leave. I have some matters to attend to."
"Understood."
Though confused, Fugaku bowed respectfully and exited the room.
Once alone, a faint smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
"That's right… I still have Minato Namikaze."
A year of constant warfare had nearly made him forget the disciple who had mastered Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Since the Hidden Cloud front is so peaceful…"
An idea took shape in his mind, and Hiruzen's smile deepened.
You refuse to support me? Fine.
That doesn't mean I can't send someone to you.
Without hesitation, Hiruzen took up a scroll and began writing orders.
When he finished, he handed it to an Anbu kneeling before him.
"Go. Assign Minato Namikaze to the Hidden Cloud Village battlefield—and send Aoyama Ryuyun to the Iwagakure front."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
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