The two advisors shot Hiashi unmistakably threatening looks.
The decision to make him Supreme Commander was the will of Konoha's upper leadership.
If he knew what was good for him—
He would accept it immediately.
And yet…
Hiashi acted as though he hadn't seen a thing.
He continued calmly.
"The Uchiha are committing the largest number of shinobi this time. Clan Head Yusuke serving as Supreme Commander would be what everyone expects."
"Wouldn't you agree?"
The advisors nearly twisted their mouths in anger.
Refusing the position yourself was one thing—
But openly campaigning for Uchiha Yusuke?
The growing signs of cooperation between the Uchiha and Hyuga were dangerous.
That spark needed to be extinguished immediately.
Hiruzen gave a subtle glance.
Koharu Utatane instantly stepped forward.
"Hiashi, what is this behavior?"
"Doesn't the Hyuga pride itself as Konoha's strongest clan?"
"And now you shrink before the Uchiha?"
Homura Mitokado added fuel.
"The Byakugan is no inferior bloodline to the Sharingan."
"In every aspect, you are no weaker than Yusuke."
"Humility is admirable—but sometimes one must not yield!"
"Since Hiruzen has chosen you, do not decline."
Hiashi remained expressionless, though inwardly he sneered.
The same old divisive tactics.
Did they take him for a naive child?
"Yes. I specialize in dojutsu just like Yusuke."
"But beyond that—"
"He excels in ninjutsu and swordsmanship as well."
"That is something I cannot match."
The advisors were cunning.
But Hiashi was no fool either.
They claimed the Byakugan was equal to the Sharingan?
Fine.
He would accept that premise.
But Yusuke's strength wasn't limited to ocular power.
He wielded no-hand-seal Fire Release.
He possessed flying-slash sword techniques.
There was no counterargument for that.
Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly.
If Hiashi insisted on refusing—
He would have to settle for the next option.
He decided instantly.
"Very well. If Hiashi will not accept, then the position of Supreme Commander will go to Uchiha Fugaku."
"Fugaku is experienced in warfare and has served as Uchiha clan head."
"He will surely lead us to victory."
If the Uchiha could not be kept from power—
Then at least choose someone controllable.
But the moment Hiruzen finished speaking—
Fugaku stood up.
"Third Hokage-sama."
"I will remain in Konoha to oversee the Police Force."
"I cannot go to the Kumogakure battlefield."
…
Hiruzen froze.
You, Uchiha Fugaku… are you openly lying down on the job?
It was outrageous.
At that moment, it felt as though a thousand wild horses were trampling through his mind.
Hiashi refusing.
Fugaku declining.
Both were infuriating beyond measure.
Hiruzen fell silent.
He himself could not go to the front lines.
Jiraiya refused to return.
Danzo, Homura, and Koharu were unsuitable.
Surely Konoha could not face war leaderless?
After a long breath to steady himself—
Hiruzen spoke.
"Yusuke."
"The position of Supreme Commander is entrusted to you."
"I hope you will not disappoint everyone."
Yusuke smiled faintly and nodded.
"Please rest assured, Third Hokage-sama."
"I will lead our forces and give Kumogakure a lesson they will never forget."
Hiruzen offered public encouragement—
But privately, his thoughts were different.
Kumogakure had the Fourth Raikage.
And two perfect jinchuriki.
They would not be easily crushed.
Yusuke understood that calculation perfectly.
The chessboard was set.
Now it depended on whose moves proved superior.
Hiruzen hoped Kumogakure would weaken the Uchiha.
The Uchiha, meanwhile, intended to climb over Kumogakure to gain prestige.
Risk and opportunity always walked hand in hand.
The meeting adjourned.
Soon, only Hiruzen and the two advisors remained.
Homura tapped the table irritably.
"What is Hiashi planning? Is he trying to ally with the Uchiha?"
The Hyuga had always been obedient to the leadership.
This shift was troubling.
Koharu added sharply,
"It seems he resents us for nearly sacrificing his brother. He cannot be fully trusted anymore."
Homura sighed.
"Has he strayed from the Will of Fire as well?"
One Uchiha was already enough trouble.
If the Hyuga joined them—
Sleep would become a luxury.
Hiruzen remained composed.
"Hiashi alone cannot dictate the Hyuga's stance. The clan elders will not allow open hostility toward Konoha's leadership."
"The real issue is still the Uchiha."
The three continued their quiet scheming.
Uchiha Compound
The moment Yusuke returned, he convened a clan meeting.
War was imminent.
Preparation was essential.
Seated at the head, Yusuke looked down at his clansmen.
"This war, the Uchiha will deploy fifty jonin and two hundred chunin."
"I will personally lead the force."
"Uncle Fugaku and the remaining members will defend the compound."
"Those who wish to go—step forward."
Volunteers surged instantly.
"Clan Head Yusuke—Uchiha Tekka requests to fight!"
"Uchiha Inabi requests to fight!"
"Uchiha Yashiro requests to fight!"
…
The Uchiha did not fear battle.
The required numbers were quickly filled.
Yusuke raised a hand.
"That's enough."
"Defending the clan is equally important."
"I will select from the volunteers. Those not chosen will remain under Uncle Fugaku's command."
The meeting adjourned.
Soon, only Fugaku remained.
"Yusuke… be careful."
Fugaku's tone was heavy with concern.
The battlefield was no place for recklessness.
The Uchiha would face enormous risks.
They needed to guard not only against enemies—
But against "allies" as well.
Yusuke had fought before.
But this situation was far more complex.
The position of Uchiha clan head attracted envy and hostility alike.
Open attacks were easy to defend.
Hidden arrows were not.
Yusuke nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry."
"I have never lowered my guard."
He already knew—
Many would stir in the shadows during this war.
But he did not fear it.
In fact—
He welcomed the opportunity to test strength against those hidden hands.
Want More? Get up to +60 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ https://www.patreon.com/aureliusstudios
➤ +300 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
Thanks for the support!