ATTACK (II)
The sun dipped low over the Hidden Leaf Village, casting long shadows across the Yamanaka compound. Inside its largest chamber, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Seated around a circular table were the three most influential figures of the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance: Inoichi Yamanaka, Shikaku Nara, and Choza Akimichi.
Inoichi's piercing gaze swept across the room, his golden hair catching the flickering candlelight. "Every date, location, situation, and mission detail is meticulously documented in these pamphlets," he began, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "It made our initial verification process straightforward. Although we haven't yet verified all the information but from verified information, I'm inclined to believe the rest is equally accurate."
Shikaku leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes half-lidded, as though already calculating a dozen moves ahead. "Everyone was aware of the Senju clan's eventual decline," he said, his tone measured, "but we—and the other clans—chose to feign ignorance. Their dominance over Konoha was suffocating, and their fall allowed our clans to grow stronger. Now, the same can be said about the Third Hokage. His grip on Konoha, after years of rule, has been unyielding. But these pamphlets—this information—they've fractured that grip. Hiruzen Sarutobi is losing his hold over the village."
Choza, towering even while seated, crossed his muscular arms. His frown deepened as he added, "Indeed, he's losing control, but I never expected Senju Tsunade to be this ruthless. She manipulated both Sarutobi brothers—Asuma and Shinnosuke—into attacking the Daimyo's family, only to position herself as the savior. What a cunning plan. The manner of their deaths, blown apart by explosive tags, is a clear message from her. She's made her intentions obvious—this is revenge."
The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the crackle of the fire. Inoichi tapped his fingers against the table, his mind racing. Turning to Shikaku, he asked, "What should we do? In a matter of days, Tsunade will arrive in Konoha. That's when the cold political war between teacher and student will begin. What stance should our clans take in the coming upheaval?"
Shikaku straightened slightly, shaking his head. "I don't think there will be a cold political war. I'm certain Tsunade's first move will be to attack the Root base and attempt to kill Danzo."
Choza frowned, his heavy brow furrowing. "Why is that? Despite her strength and influence, she alone isn't enough to destroy Root or kill Danzo."
Shikaku nodded. "You're right—she alone isn't powerful enough. But do you think Tsunade would come unprepared? The Senju clan may have faded, but she was trained extensively by its elders. They taught her the arts of war and politics. She knows that acting alone would be foolish. I believe she has powerful allies backing her."
Hearing this, both Choza and Inoichi nodded, then exchanged worried glances. Choza spoke again, his voice grave. "Who are these allies? I don't think it's Jiraiya. He's an idealist. Unless Konoha is on the brink of destruction, he won't intervene. He's too consumed by his search for the Child of Prophecy to concern himself with Konoha's internal politics—even knowing the hardships his godson is enduring."
Inoichi chimed in, "If not Jiraiya, then perhaps Orochimaru? He has ample reason to side with Tsunade. Nawaki was his student, besides Orochimaru was most favoured to become the Fourth Hokage. Then there's his betrayal by Hiruzen and Danzo. Those wounds don't heal easily."
"True," Shikaku acknowledged. "Orochimaru might support her, but even the two of them together wouldn't be enough to eliminate Danzo—not when Hiruzen will undoubtedly step in to protect him."
Inoichi frowned, his brow creasing in thought. "What do we do then? Do we align with one side or stay neutral?"
Shikaku's voice was firm. "We stay neutral. As long as Konoha isn't destroyed or gravely weakened, our clans won't take sides. I believe the other clans will adopt a similar stance, except for the Uchiha and Hyuga clans."
Inoichi raised an eyebrow. "The Uchiha are predictable, but the Hyuga? What would drive them to act?"
Shikaku explained, "It's all because of those pamphlets. They exposed the truth about an incident that brought shame to the Hyuga clan. Hizashi Hyuga's death, whether it was voluntary or coerced, is now seen as an injustice. That stain on the Hyuga clan. Moreover, the pamphlets revealed that Danzo secretly provided Kumogakure with a map of the Hyuga compound. With that kind of betrayal, I'm certain the Hyuga clan will demand justice."
The other two men nodded solemnly, their expressions grim.
---
Almight darted across rooftops, his movements silent and precise. Enhanced by enchantments that rendered him invisible and suppressed all noise, along with few others, he was a ghost in the shadows.
Stopping atop a building, Almight pulled out a pair of binoculars and focused on the ninja academy ahead. His targets were there.
After confirming his objective, he disappeared again, reappearing moments later on a sturdy tree branch overlooking a training ground. A group of students sparred under their instructor's watchful eye.
Glancing at his watch, Almight saw there was still time. He settled onto the branch, waiting patiently.
----
HYUGA CLAN
As Senju Tsunade and her mysterious entourage disappeared into the distance, Hiashi Hyuga sighed heavily.
"I hope you fulfill your promise, Lady Tsunade. Hizashi, I am finally going to get justice for you," he muttered under his breath. His tone carried a mix of hope and resignation.
Straightening his posture, his face became expressionless as he turned to his subordinates. "Gather all ninja with elite Chunin-level strength and above. We are going to demand justice."
---
UCHIHA CLAN
Uchiha Fugaku stood before an assembly of his clan's elite ninjas, his commanding presence radiating authority.
"Today," he declared, his voice ringing with determination, "the Uchiha clan will execute justice—not just for ourselves, but for all the wrongs inflicted upon this village. This is our moment to rise."
The assembled shinobi erupted into a chorus of agreement, their Sharingan blazing with anticipation. Altough Fugaku could feel some resentful looks directed towards him by Uchiha's that he beat earlier.
At his side, Mikoto Uchiha whispered, "Are we ready for this, Fugaku? Once we act, there's no turning back."
Fugaku's expression hardened. "We've been ready for years. The village is in turmoil, and these pamphlets have exposed the cracks. This is our chance to secure our future."
The tension in the Uchiha compound was thick, the air practically crackling with unspoken resolve.
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