Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou [184]

The Second Day, at the Border of the Land of Hot Water.

Inside the camp, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stood behind the dim light, his face extremely grim. In a burst of anger, he slammed the table.

"Koharu! How could you be so foolish?! Tsunade and the others are holding the rear on the front lines, yet you only sent such a small number of reinforcements?!"

Turning to Koharu, her face pale, stammered nervously:

 "Hiruzen, I did it for the village. Tsunade used border defense as an excuse before, and I was also worried about the border…"

However, seeing Koharu's cowardly expression, Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed the table again in fury. He was furious—how could she still think about eliminating political opponents at such a critical moment?

It turned out that after their escape last night, Koharu had intercepted several supporting ninja troops.

"Hiruzen, I didn't expect this to happen…"

Looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen's dark expression, Koharu was visibly frightened.

 "I thought their losses would be heavy this time. Who would've thought…"

If Tsunade's elite ninja corps, composed of the finest from various clans, had suffered heavy losses, there would be no need to explain. After all, the major clans would have been weakened as well. But the problem was—they didn't! That group of elites returned alive.

"Hiruzen!"

At this moment, Shimura Danzo entered the tent with a grim expression. Ignoring Koharu's pleading gaze, he looked directly at Sarutobi Hiruzen and said in a deep voice:

 "Uchiha Shirou has awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan! Don't tell me you didn't know this news. And last night's declaration—what is the Uchiha planning? A coup? Or are they dissatisfied with us?"

"Hiruzen! This is no small matter now. The Mangekyo—and on top of that, the sinister speech that bewitched ninjas from the major clans…"

Danzo's voice was filled with both anger and greed.

 "The uncontrollability of the Uchiha, especially the pain caused by the last Mangekyo to Konoha—we absolutely cannot allow such dangerous and evil power to emerge in Konoha again!"

Danzo had always despised the Uchiha, especially the terrifying power of the Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Danzo! This is wartime! Are you trying to throw Konoha into chaos now, or force these clans to unite and launch a coup?!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed the table in anger and glared at Danzo. The Kumogakure Collapse Plan was already bad enough, but now, one disastrous event was piling onto another.

The Mangekyo Sharingan, the Uchiha, and space-time ninjutsu—each one was a headache-inducing, deeply troubling existence. But did he even have a choice now?

"Hiruzen!"

Danzo's face darkened as he rasped:

 "I understand. This is the last piece of intelligence from our spies in Kumogakure. The Third Raikage and the Eight-Tails appeared behind us because Kumogakure has mastered a space-time ninjutsu technique called the Heavenly Transfer Technique…"

"More importantly, the Third Raikage has already contacted the other ninja villages to convene a Four Kage Summit…"

Danzo handed over the bloodstained, darkened intelligence report, proving that their senior spy in Kumogakure had been discovered and killed.

The space-time ninjutsu mastered by Kumogakure immediately reminded them of the Second Hokage, who died in the Land of Lightning. It was likely that during that time, Kumogakure had obtained part of the space-time ninjutsu data.

However, the more pressing issue now was the final piece of intelligence.

"The Four Great Ninja Villages United!"

At this moment, the image of the four major ninja villages joining forces loomed in the minds of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, and Koharu. This brought back memories of the brutal First Shinobi World War.

It could be said that the First Shinobi World War caused the greatest pain to the ninja world. That war had pushed the five great villages to the brink, requiring twenty years of recovery to bounce back. It was evident how much damage the war had caused.

Otherwise, there wouldn't have been an opportunity for smaller ninja villages to develop. Villages like Amegakure wouldn't have risen during that time either.

"Hiruzen, the Mangekyo, space-time ninjutsu—the Uchiha have hidden far too deeply. If it weren't for the current crisis, we wouldn't have known. And this time, the Uchiha's rhetoric about reform…"

After reading the intelligence from Kumogakure and considering the severe consequences of the current plan, Koharu spoke reluctantly about a critical issue:

 "This time, these major clans are likely to truly side with the Senju and the Uchiha."

"Reform!"

Danzo, deeply biased against the Uchiha, muttered darkly:

 "This is clear ambition."

As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his temples, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"We can understand the passion of the younger generation. We were like that once. But now, I am the Hokage of Konoha. On my shoulders rests the future of over 30,000 Konoha ninjas in the Land of Fire!

In the face of turmoil in the ninja world, impulsiveness cannot solve anything. And I believe all Konoha ninjas…"

As Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice echoed, Koharu seemed to understand something. She nodded solemnly:

 "I understand, Hiruzen. The bigger picture comes first."

This was not the time to clash with the major clans.

Danzo snorted coldly, leaving behind a single sentence before departing:

 "Hiruzen, this time the ninja world will inevitably be thrown into turmoil. Root needs someone to command it. I'll head back now."

As Danzo turned and left, Koharu hesitated, then finally spoke:

 "Hiruzen, given the situation, this was all an intelligence failure…"

"I understand. The temporary retreat of the Kumo Ninjas means the next war will only be fiercer. We should return and prepare to face this storm that will sweep across the ninja world."

As Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice echoed, Koharu also retreated with a heavy expression.

The failure of the Kumogakure Collapse Plan not only dragged Sarutobi Hiruzen off his pedestal but also caused a significant decline in their prestige. The repercussions in the ninja world would undoubtedly lead to even more severe consequences.

"Minato, what do you think about this matter?"

After a long silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen, shrouded in shadows, muttered hoarsely. A golden figure appeared before him.

Namikaze Minato looked at the deeply shaken Third Hokage and said solemnly:

 "Lord Third, the technique used by Uchiha Shirou was indeed the Second Hokage's space-time ninjutsu, not the legendary Mangekyo dojutsu. Moreover, in battle…"

After Minato's detailed report, the Third Hokage slowly raised his head, revealing bloodshot eyes hidden in the shadows.

"The Second Hokage's space-time ninjutsu… The Senju clan secretly passed down the village's forbidden techniques to the Uchiha without permission. Minato, do you think this is fair?"

"And this so-called fiery reform rhetoric—reform requires bloodshed! His current arrogance stems from his narrow focus on his clan. But as Hokage, what I see is all of Konoha, not merely the Senju and Uchiha!"

In front of Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen's low voice seemed to justify something.

As someone deeply influenced by the Will of Fire, Namikaze Minato, who came from a civilian background, inherently viewed the existence of clans as an obstacle to Konoha's development.

This was a fundamental issue. Minato, despite his good character, could not understand the natural sense of honor that the Senju and Uchiha felt for their clans.

From a young age, Minato received different education and ideals. Growing up under the Third Hokage's Will of Fire and being personally mentored by him after graduation, his worldview revolved around the 30,000 Konoha ninjas, the majority of whom were civilians.

The great clans only accounted for a small portion. Was it wrong for the Hokage to weaken the clans and stabilize Konoha?

Thinking about this, Minato took a deep breath and said solemnly:

 "The Hokage must take responsibility for all of Konoha. While I agree with part of Uchiha Shirou's rhetoric—that is, protection—I disagree with his narrow-minded view of protection!"

At this point, Minato's expression became resolute. He was a true inheritor of the Will of Fire. Whether it was the clans or civilians, they were all people he sought to protect.

It can be said that Minato Namikaze inherited the Will of Fire from both the Third Hokage and the First Hokage. What he seeks to protect is the entirety of Konoha, not just one family or one person.

On the other hand, Uchiha Shirou's ideology and rhetoric have already revealed his true intentions: he intends to protect those he deems worthy, rather than inheriting the Will of Fire passed down by the First Hokage. Tsunade is well aware of this distinction, but she also knows that the ideology of her grandfather, the First Hokage, was ultimately a failure.

"Minato, the fact that you think this way truly comforts this old man!"

Upon seeing the resolute look in Minato Namikaze's eyes, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, revealed a gaze filled with both relief and complexity. He wanted to prove that he wasn't wrong.

"Minato, starting today, the village will fully support your mastery and refinement of the Second Hokage's space-time ninjutsu. I hope you won't disappoint me."

Hearing the Third Hokage's acknowledgment and support, Minato nodded resolutely.

"This is the village's top-secret information on the Sharingan's Mangekyō. Once you've read it, you'll understand my concerns."

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples in exhaustion, his hoarse voice revealing his weariness:

"The instability of the Uchiha clan, combined with space-time ninjutsu… Perhaps, in the future, only you, Minato, will be able to maintain balance…"

With the emergence of the Mangekyō Sharingan and space-time ninjutsu, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already sensed that the Uchiha clan was slipping out of control. Thus, he needed someone to act as a counterbalance, and that person was Minato Namikaze—a ninja equally skilled in space-time ninjutsu.

...

Iwagakure.

"Third Tsuchikage-sama, this is a scroll from the Raikage of Kumogakure, along with urgent intelligence reports from our spies…"

In the office of Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, went from initial shock to an expression dark as iron. Finally, he slammed the two intelligence scrolls heavily onto his desk.

Under the tense gazes of the Iwagakure Jōnin gathered around, it took a long moment before the oldest of the Five Kage, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki, slowly uttered a single sentence:

"Konoha truly is a cradle of geniuses!"

Jealousy mixed with bitterness—no one could understand the envy and frustration boiling within Onoki's heart.

"Flying Thunder God, Mangekyō! The threat posed by Konoha is too great!"

The intelligence detailed Uchiha Shirou's battle against the Third Raikage, where he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan to protect his comrades. This alone made Onoki take the report very seriously.

"However, the fact that the Third Raikage fought to such an extent, and even with three times the number of troops, the Kumogakure forces couldn't defeat Konoha—it's not because Kumogakure is incompetent, but because Konoha's foundation is far too strong."

Onoki handed the intelligence scrolls to his subordinates while lowering his voice and speaking gravely:

"Konoha's threat is immense. On the surface, it may seem like we're only slightly behind them in military strength, but in terms of high-level combat power—especially Kage-level forces capable of standing on their own—Konoha surpasses all the other hidden villages combined!"

At this point, Onoki's expression turned bitter with envy.

"Even if the four major villages joined forces, the total number of Kage-level combatants would likely only match Konoha's. And the most critical factor—space-time ninjutsu!"

"Two! Konoha now has not one, but two individuals who have mastered the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God technique!"

Onoki furiously slammed his hand on the desk. "Immediately issue a statement to the ninja world condemning Konoha's actions of recklessly provoking war! Not only are they completely thoughtless, but they've also gone mad enough to implement a 'Kumogakure Collapse Plan!'

"We, Iwagakure, strongly denounce Konoha's actions. Furthermore, our spies have uncovered evidence that Konoha doesn't just have collapse plans targeting Kumogakure and Sunagakure—they've made plans for every major village in the ninja world…"

As a cunning old fox, Onoki wouldn't miss the chance to throw dirt on Konoha. Yet, deep in his heart, he was alarmed and even suspected that Konoha might have drawn up a similar plan against Iwagakure. Resolving himself, he decided that Iwagakure must conduct a thorough investigation to ensure its safety.

...

Inside a dark cave.

"Lord Madara, regarding Konoha's 'Kumogakure Collapse Plan'… ultimately…"

As White Zetsu reported on the state of the ninja world, particularly the decapitation strategy within the Kumogakure Collapse Plan, Uchiha Madara revealed an expression of boredom.

"The Raikage of Kumogakure might be somewhat interesting, but unfortunately, this is already the limit of ordinary ninjas. As for the so-called strongest Third Hokage…"

At this, Uchiha Madara let out a mocking sneer.

"I truly don't understand how Konoha chooses its Hokage. To think they'd choose someone like that."

Imagining how that white-haired fool would react upon learning how weak his chosen Hokage was, Madara's lips curled into a playful smile.

Perhaps this would be entertaining!

Meanwhile, White Zetsu tilted his head, still unable to grasp human emotions.

"Lord Madara, later on… Uchiha Shirou awakened the Mangekyō…"

Hearing that Shirou had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, Uchiha Madara merely gave a faint smile, as if this had all been within his expectations.

After all, he had chosen this individual. If Uchiha Shirou hadn't been able to awaken the Mangekyō, Madara would have started to doubt whether he had made the wrong choice in the first place.

However, upon hearing about Shirou's declaration and the recognition he had received from Tsunade and many of Konoha's Kekkei Genkai clans, Uchiha Madara burst into the unique, crazed laughter of the Uchiha.

"Hahaha! Hashirama, your granddaughter, and all those Kekkei Genkai clan ninjas of Konoha—they've all acknowledged a Uchiha…"

This news excited him far more than learning about Uchiha Shirou's awakening of the Mangekyō.

Back then, his ideals had been rejected, and he had been ostracized during the Hokage selection process. When he left Konoha, not a single person had followed him. It had always been the deepest pain in his heart.

Now, Uchiha Shirou had gained the recognition of Konoha's Kekkei Genkai clans and Tsunade herself. Wasn't this a slap in the face to both Hashirama and that detestable white-haired fool?

In the darkness of the cave, Uchiha Madara couldn't help but let out the Uchiha clan's signature manic laughter.

"Ahahaha… Hashirama, if you had given me more time, I could have perfected my path. Your childish ideals were wrong—a mere game of house played at the expense of the entire ninja world…"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Madara's eyes grew moist. Uchiha Shirou had inherited his youthful ideals and, under Madara's hidden guidance, had forged a path even more refined than his own.

It was as if Madara was seeing his own younger self. Hashirama had proven through practice that Madara's ideals were wrong, but Madara's vision had yet to be fully realized.

Now, Uchiha Shirou was him! Completing his vision in the ninja world was the continuation of his and Hashirama's unfinished battle.

"Hashirama! This time, I won't lose!"

Watching Madara's frenzied laughter, White Zetsu tilted his head. Once the aging and dying Madara had calmed down, Zetsu finally spoke.

"Lord Madara, with the current state of the ninja world, the Third Raikage of Kumogakure is preparing to convene a Four Kage Summit…"

Madara, now composed, displayed a domineering smile.

"A Four Kage Summit? Perfect. Let the ninja world have another great war. While weakening their strength, I also want to see how much of a storm Uchiha Shirou can stir…"

This almost confirmed that Uchiha Madara would manipulate Kirigakure into starting a war.

The major villages were too strong, which was detrimental to his plans. After all, Nagato, with the Rinnegan, was too weak. At the same time, this war would fan the flames, accelerating the progress of Uchiha Shirou.

Two birds with one stone—why not?

In the dark, cold cave, a lonely old man sat on an icy stone chair, muttering to himself:

"Young one, I, Uchiha Madara, have acknowledged you. Don't disappoint me… Before the Infinite Tsukuyomi, I hope to see your figure standing at the peak of the ninja world…"