Chapter 81 – Council of Shadows: The Jonin Summit and the Hidden War

An hour after the call to assembly, the conference hall at the Hokage building stood filled with Konoha's elite. Jonin leaders, clan representatives, and key strategists filled every seat. Tension crackled like static in the air.

Among the attendees, Uzumaki Mito, Uchiha Hikari, and Uzumaki Aminari sat side by side—silent, composed, and watchful.

"The rats are well informed… You've heard what this is really about?" Mito asked Hikari telepathically, utilizing the silent chakra-mind transmission technique refined through six months of Sharingan meditation.

Senju intelligence, partially rebuilt thanks to her, Tsunade, and the Uchiha's support, was still far from its former glory. Uzumaki surveillance was only just beginning to recover.

"It's about Amegakure's invasion into the Land of Fire," Hikari replied swiftly. "But it's not just Rain—Iwagakure and Sunagakure are backing Hanzo from the shadows. After years of silence, they want another world war—and the Third and his inner circle are jumping at the opportunity. We'll play their game… but it's time for the next phase of our plan."

Words were dangerous here—even whispers could be overheard by trained shinobi. Chakra communication was the only safe method.

Mito nodded solemnly, replying telepathically,

"They've waited for this war just like we have. Let them start it… but we'll make sure they drown in the blood they spill. We'll target the elites—Sarutobi, Shimura, and their lapdogs—on the battlefield. Let them bear the guilt and bloodshed. Meanwhile, our forces will earn victories, respect, and favor. Afterward, it'll be easier to dethrone the Third... and cast them all into the void."

"Agreed." Hikari's chakra buzzed with cold intent. "And during the chaos, we'll extend our hand to the other villages—quietly restore order in Kumo, Kiri, Suna, and Iwa. Once the flames settle, it'll be easier to reshape Konoha and bring true balance."

The Uchiha Clan was now formidable—hundreds of elite jonin wielding Three-Tomoe Sharingan, with more rising. If not for the youth of many, their strength would rival any era. Fortunately, the vast majority of elite jonin were contracted under Uchiha Gin's leadership, with funding and training sustained through access to the Pirate World. Many had already surpassed traditional Kage-level thresholds.

"Logically," Mito agreed. "But can we take on the likes of Ōnoki and the Third Raikage ourselves?"

In just three years, Hikari and Mito had grown monstrously powerful. With resources from the Pirate World and techniques passed down by Gin, their strength rivaled that of Vice-Admirals, if not higher. Their control over Conqueror's Haki was nothing short of sublime—a natural evolution of their iron will.

"Gin's strength is already at the Kage pinnacle," Hikari smirked inwardly. "He's refined his body and spirit beyond anything Konoha has seen. He could stand toe-to-toe with Ōnoki or even Hiruzen. And with Tsunade now also at peak Kage-level… we must let Gin shine in this war. Let him earn the people's trust—then he can take the Hokage seat. Otherwise, he'll never be accepted."

That was the plan: install Gin as Hokage post-war. The prestige of the title would elevate him in the eyes of the public and the village's shinobi—crucial for guiding them to the next era, and eventually, into the Pirate World.

"Yes. Then we don't act unless necessary. Let the old ghosts fight it out. If Madara or Black Zetsu moves, we'll decide then."

Mito understood those dangers well. Over the past two years, both Black and White Zetsu had been spotted around Konoha, particularly near the Uchiha compound. She and Hikari had long since prepared a custom sealing technique specifically designed to trap Yin-Yang-based beings like Zetsu. Should it come to it—they'd be ready.

At that moment, the doors to the chamber opened. Hiruzen Sarutobi, flanked by Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, entered.

All fell silent as the Third Hokage took the center stage. His gaze lingered on Mito, Hikari, and Aminari before addressing the room:

"You've been summoned for one reason. The Land of Rain, under Hanzo the Salamander, has invaded our borders—taking over a dozen border villages and killing more than ten of our shinobi. The Daimyō is enraged. We must respond with force. After discussion with my advisors, we have decided—Konoha declares war on Amegakure. We will reclaim our land, and bring Hanzo to his knees. The world must know—Konoha is not to be trifled with!"

Shouts erupted around the room:

"How dare Ame challenge us! Hanzo or not, we'll crush them!"

"A demigod? He's about to bleed like any man!"

"Let the flames of war teach them a lesson!"

Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. He raised his hand once more.

"But this is not just about Amegakure. Our intelligence confirms this invasion is backed by Iwa and Suna. This war will not remain isolated. If we weaken ourselves, Kumo and Kiri will strike. We must prepare for a four-front war. The ANBU and rural shinobi forces are insufficient—we need the clans to contribute."

Eyes narrowed. The true motive was now clear. Hiruzen had used this war to force the clans into sending their best to the front lines—leaving their roots exposed. He wanted to bleed the great clans dry, then rise from their ashes.

Some supported the call, some hesitated, others remained silent. But none dared openly defy him.

Then came the numbers.

"As Hokage and head of the Sarutobi Clan, I'll send 500 shinobi, including 20 jonin," Hiruzen declared.

"The Shimura Clan will send 400, including 18 jonin," Danzo followed.

"The Utatane Clan offers 50, with 5 jonin," Koharu added.

"The Mitokado Clan will contribute 50, with 9 jonin," said Homura.

All eyes turned to Hikari. The Uchiha Clan was the strongest in the village—everyone waited.

Hikari smiled faintly.

"The Uchiha Clan will send 300 shinobi, including 80 jonin."

A stunned silence followed.

"Eighty jonin?! That's..."

"Impressive! The Uchiha don't hold back!"

"Fewer in number, but stronger by far."

Indeed, Uchiha jonin were monsters—nearly all possessed Three-Tomoe Sharingan, their physical prowess trained to perfection. Most had already surpassed traditional jonin limits.

Hiruzen and Danzo narrowed their eyes.

"She's protecting their youth… not risking the weak. But why? Doesn't she know that war awakens the Sharingan?"

They didn't understand. Gin had already proved that the path of spiritual growth, physical discipline, and purified chakra could awaken the Sharingan—even without life-or-death trauma. The battlefield was no longer necessary.

"Fools…" Hikari thought. "Consider me soft now—but when the truth emerges, you'll understand too late."

Mito followed suit:

"The Senju Clan will send 30 shinobi, 15 of them jonin. I think everyone understands why. We've spent the past years unifying our civilian and side branches. The main branch was nearly destroyed in the last war. These are the last of our active elite."

It was a clever half-truth. In reality, Mito had already revived much of the Senju through covert methods—sending over a hundred shinobi to the Pirate World for accelerated growth. Their power remained hidden, sealed until the time was right.

Hiruzen knew about her efforts—he'd monitored them—but couldn't stop her. Not without violating Konoha's founding principles. And what could he say? That she wasn't allowed to train civilians? That she couldn't prepare for the next generation?

So he watched, and plotted.

"Thank you for your support, Lady Mito," the Third said smoothly.

Inwardly, he and Danzo counted the days until they could eliminate the remaining Senju elite in battle—after which the clan's revival would be but an illusion.

Finally, all eyes turned to Uzumaki Aminari.

Without standing, she replied:

"The Uzumaki Clan will contribute 200 shinobi, including 20 jonin. We suffered greatly during the fall of Uzushio. This is our full support."

Considering the Uzumaki numbered around a thousand—only half of them active ninja—this was a significant contribution. Made possible only by Senju and Uchiha support, and the cultivation pills and chakra medicine developed by Gin's researchers.

"Your loyalty is appreciated," Hiruzen said, bowing his head slightly.

But behind the pleasantry lay cold calculation. He intended to bleed every clan that defied his rule. And once the war ended—sweep away their remnants like leaves in the wind.

Little did he know… the storm would claim him first.

End of Chapter 81