Chapter 82: The Truth Behind Kagami's Death – Danzo's Betrayal

"My Hyūga clan will send 300 shinobi, including 30 jōnin!"

"The Nara clan stands ready!"

"So does the Aburame..."

Following the initiative of the major clans and the leadership of the Third Hokage, representatives of nearly every Konoha clan pledged their support. Under Hiruzen's coordination, the combined forces of the clans amounted to over 6,000 shinobi. Including ANBU, Root, and civilian ninjas, the total military strength surpassed 14,000—an army unlike any Konoha had ever seen.

Yet not all would be dispatched immediately.

"Thank you all for your support," Hiruzen said. "As the war has not yet fully erupted, we will not deploy the full force. Elite reconnaissance squads will be dispatched to the borders of Kiri, Kumo, Suna, and Iwa to monitor their movements. But the main direction—our first strike—will be in the Land of Rain."

He paused, eyes sweeping across the room.

"This first battle will set the tone for the war. We must demonstrate Konoha's might, lest the other villages see us as weak. We will strike Amegakure decisively and subjugate them. Let this victory keep the other great villages in check.

"As Hokage, I appoint Shimura Danzo as Commander-in-Chief for the Rain campaign. Under his command will be 4,000 elite shinobi, including members of the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, Mitokado, Uchiha, Senju, Uzumaki, Ino-Shika-Chō, and Hyūga clans, along with specialized sensory units. The rest of you will remain on standby."

Once the meeting dispersed, Hiruzen approached Lady Hikari Uchiha in private.

"Thank you for your support, Lady Hikari. Given the strength of the Uchiha, I'd like to appoint Uchiha Jun as Danzo's deputy commander. What are your thoughts?"

Uchiha Jun—son of Uchiha Kagami, husband to Hikari's sister Chiyo, and father of Shisui—was a respected warrior. The Third had chosen him deliberately, hoping to ease tensions with the Uchiha and use him to manage their deployment under Danzo.

"Jun?" Hikari smiled faintly, her eyes unreadable. "Of course."

Pleased by her acceptance, Hiruzen gave a brief nod and left.

Later, at the Uchiha residence, Hikari gathered with Chiyo, Mito Uzumaki, Aminara, Mikoto Uchiha, and others to discuss their role in the coming war. Though outwardly calm, the air was heavy with unease.

Aminara, a close ally of Hikari and Gin, had been working discreetly with the Uzumaki for years. With help from Mito and Kushina, he had carefully nurtured the clan's recovery, using Gin's talent in fūinjutsu to rebuild their strength.

"Jun... he's Kagami's son, isn't he?" Mito asked, glancing at Chiyo.

"Yes," Chiyo replied with a solemn nod.

Mito frowned. "Kagami once had a close relationship with Hiruzen. He was strongly influenced by Tobirama and always prioritized the village over the clan. I'm afraid that mindset might have passed to Jun… especially after Kagami's death. Hiruzen practically raised him. Are you sure we can trust him in a battle where Danzo has command? What if he turns against us?"

"I understand your concern," Hikari said calmly. "Jun was brainwashed by both Hiruzen and Danzo. But after signing a contract with Gin, he saw the truth—about the past and the future. He knows what's coming for the Uchiha and for his son. He's on our side now… and he's playing the role of a loyal pawn to gather intelligence. This war gives us the perfect opportunity."

Chiyo's eyes burned with quiet fury. Her Sharingan flared to life.

"Hiruzen wants to use my husband to destroy the Uchiha elite?" she hissed. "Then we'll turn the tables. We'll use this information gap to crush the elite units of the Sarutobi, Shimura, and their cronies. And if fate allows—Danzo dies on the battlefield. Let this be revenge for Kagami!"

Everyone went silent at the intensity of her words. Hikari placed a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder.

"Easy. We'll get our justice. Just not recklessly."

Chiyo took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm sorry… I lost my temper."

"It's alright," Mito said softly, though her eyes remained sharp. "But you're saying… Kagami was killed by Hiruzen and Danzo?"

Chiyo nodded. "After Gin's contract, the truth became clear. Danzo stole Kagami's Mangekyō Sharingan and tampered with his memories. The manipulation was so deep that even we didn't notice for years. But once Jun signed the contract, the genjutsu shattered—and the truth returned."

Mito's jaw clenched. "So Danzo not only murdered him, but also desecrated his legacy? Unforgivable."

Tobirama had intended Kagami to be a bridge between the Uchiha and the village—a symbol of balance. His murder by Danzo, and the systematic erosion of his ideals, had perverted everything Tobirama had worked for.

"If not for your countermeasures, Hikari," Mito said grimly, "I'd regret bringing the Uzumaki to this village. They harm their own people with no remorse."

Minato, who had silently observed the conversation, felt a deep sickness in his gut. The revelations shattered his faith in the Third. He no longer believed Hiruzen was worthy of being Hokage.

"Danzo still possesses Kagami's eye," Hikari muttered, lips curling with disdain. "But he doesn't know that Jun is with us. He thinks we'll fight his war while he consolidates power. No. We'll strike at the heart of his support—Shimura, Sarutobi, their puppet elders—and we'll make it look like Danzo's doing. Once the chaos unfolds, the truth will surface. The Hokage's position will become untenable."

"One resignation is not enough," Chiyo added. "They must lose their influence, their elite forces, and the resources they hoarded. If I had my way, I'd crush their clans entirely—but we need to avoid civilian backlash. There must be precision."

Mito nodded. "Agreed."

"So be it," Hikari said. "I will summon the full Uchiha council. We move as one."