The first to block Sarutobi Hiyu were not the Uchiha.
It was the ANBU.
Five or six masked operatives descended in an instant, landing before Hiyu's revenge force.
"Clan Head Hiyu, what are you doing?!"
"Move!"
"The Hokage has explicitly ordered—"
"Out of my way!"
The ANBU exchanged glances but stood firm.
"Apologies. We are under Hokage-sama's orders."
"If you wish to pass… you will have to step over our corpses."
"You think I won't?!"
Hiyu had already lost all reason.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi meant nothing to him now—let alone the Hokage's subordinates.
The ANBU understood that clearly.
But they could not disobey their orders.
"Go inform the Hokage!"
"Yes!"
Two ANBU vanished instantly.
The remaining operatives drew their weapons.
Hiyu sneered.
"Since you want to die…"
"Then I'll grant it!"
"Kill!"
—
Nearly thirty Sarutobi shinobi advanced openly through the village.
It was impossible not to draw attention.
The other clans watched in silence.
Hyūga. Ino–Shika–Chō. Inuzuka. Aburame.
They all understood what this meant.
If the Sarutobi and Uchiha clashed openly—
It would mark the beginning of civil war within Konoha.
And one critical question lingered in everyone's mind:
Was this merely Sarutobi Hiyu's personal revenge?
Or did the Hokage stand behind him?
No one could say.
Three ANBU fell beneath Hiyu's blade.
The Sarutobi force continued marching toward the Uchiha district.
—
The Uchiha, responsible for maintaining village security, noticed immediately.
Uchiha Fugaku's heart sank.
Hiyu had openly defied Hiruzen—
and brought elite shinobi to attack the Uchiha.
This was war.
Uchiha Yashiro wiped sweat from his brow.
"Clan Head… we must decide now!"
"If we retreat, the Uchiha will be doomed!"
"But if we fight… there will be no turning back!"
Fugaku hesitated.
He was no reckless hawk.
He knew open rebellion meant their chances of victory were slim.
But what would retreat accomplish?
Behind him stood Uchiha Tekka, Uchiha Inabi, and Uchiha Yashiro—
elite jōnin and the backbone of the Police Force—
waiting for his command.
One order could decide the clan's fate.
"Clan Head!"
Fugaku clenched his jaw.
"…Move."
"We meet them in battle."
The headquarters erupted in fury.
"Yes, Clan Head!"
They marched out.
—
On the banks of the Naka River, the two forces finally met.
The tension was suffocating.
Fugaku inhaled slowly.
"Hiyu."
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Enough talk!"
"Hand over Uchiha Chiba!"
"Or face the wrath of the Sarutobi clan!"
The Sarutobi shouted in rage.
The Uchiha roared back instantly.
"You dare trespass on Uchiha territory?!"
"Then fight!"
"Do you think we fear you?!"
Fugaku raised a hand, silencing his clan.
"Is this the Hokage's order?"
Hiyu roared.
"Does it matter?!"
"Then it is not."
"Entering Uchiha territory without sanction is a declaration of war."
"Hiyu."
"Are you prepared for that?"
"Hand over that beast!"
"Or drown in Sarutobi fury!"
Fugaku's anger finally ignited.
"Very well!"
"Let Sarutobi blood stain the Naka River red!"
War stood seconds away—
Then—
A figure descended between the two sides.
Uchiha Chiba.
Behind him, Aoki and Yamafū followed.
"Chiba…"
Hiyu's eyes burned with hatred.
"Uchiha Chiba!"
"You dare show yourself?!"
"Today you die for Jiro!"
Fugaku frowned.
"Chiba, step aside."
"This is no longer just about you."
Chiba glanced back calmly.
"No."
"One man's deed."
"One man's burden."
"I said before I did not fear dragging the Uchiha into war."
"That remains true."
"But this is separate."
"Clan Head…"
"Allow me."
Fugaku's heart tightened.
"Chiba—"
"Aoki. Yamafū."
"You will not interfere."
"But Captain—"
"That is an order."
"…Yes."
Hiyu laughed coldly.
"At least you show some spine."
"I will kill you myself!"
The two stood facing each other as the wind swept across the riverbank.
Chiba spoke flatly.
"Sarutobi Hiyu."
"Abuse of authority."
"Shielding a criminal."
"Entering Uchiha territory."
"Assaulting the Police Force."
"Punishable by execution."
"You arrogant brat!"
Hiyu's hands formed seals instantly.
"Fire Release: Blazing Flame Technique!"
A blazing white inferno erupted, roaring like a dragon toward Chiba.
"Chiba!"
"Captain!"
Chiba did not retreat.
"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Technique!"
The flames collided violently—
But Hiyu's hands flashed again.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
A massive water dragon surged forward, swallowing Chiba's flames and charging toward him with unstoppable force.
Fugaku's expression changed.
"As expected of the Sarutobi clan head…"
"Chiba…"
"What will you do?"
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