"Uncle Fugaku, be careful."
Yusuke's tone was unusually serious.
"The higher-ups in Konoha aren't clean. They're capable of anything."
"While I'm away, send me updates about the village regularly. If anything changes, I'll return immediately."
This campaign would take more than half of the Uchiha's elite forces.
For the first time in years—
The Uchiha compound would be dangerously empty.
Yusuke had no illusions.
Danzo had been restless for a long time.
And while Danzo preferred direct methods—
The Third Hokage was far more dangerous.
Danzo used open spears.
Hiruzen preferred hidden arrows.
The Hokage controlled logistics—food, weapons, medical supplies.
A single "accident" in supply lines could sabotage the entire front.
That was where the real danger lay.
"Don't worry."
Fugaku nodded firmly.
"I'll hold the rear."
Over the past months, Yusuke's influence had changed Fugaku's view of Konoha's leadership entirely.
He had once been a compromiser.
But he had always cared deeply about the Uchiha's future.
He had walked battlefields before.
He had led the clan.
If he chose to stay behind, it was with purpose.
Guard the compound.
Monitor supplies.
Watch the Hokage Tower closely.
The higher-ups wouldn't act immediately at the start of war—that would be suicidal.
But if Yusuke began winning too decisively?
If the Uchiha's prestige rose too fast?
Then their hands might move.
Restraining the Uchiha had always been policy.
And policy didn't disappear just because war broke out.
Two Days Later
Three thousand shinobi assembled at Konoha's main gate.
Hiruzen stood there with the two advisors to see them off.
Before departure, the Third Hokage approached Yusuke with a gentle smile.
He placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Yusuke, this campaign will be difficult."
"Be cautious at the front."
"Defeat Kumogakure—but ensure your own safety as well."
"Minimize casualties. Bring as many comrades home as possible."
His expression radiated concern.
But behind that warmth—
He would not have minded if Yusuke and Kumogakure destroyed each other.
Without Yusuke, controlling the Uchiha would become simple.
Install a compliant puppet leader.
Stability restored.
Not every Uchiha was as troublesome as the Flame Demon.
If the Uchiha returned to manageable status—
Handling the Hyuga would be easy.
From the leadership's perspective—
The battlefield would be the cleanest place for Yusuke to fall.
But killing him would not be simple.
Even Kumogakure would struggle.
Hiruzen's thoughts tangled.
Uchiha Yusuke… truly difficult.
Yusuke responded with a polite, equally artificial smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Third Hokage-sama."
"As a shinobi of Konoha, it is my duty."
Inside, however, he sneered.
My safety matters?
If I die on the battlefield, that would be your happiest outcome.
After brief pleasantries, Yusuke turned to face the army.
"This campaign will strike Kumogakure hard and raise Konoha's name!"
"Move out!"
With that single command—
Three thousand shinobi surged forward like a tide.
Words meant little.
Steel and blood would decide the truth.
Kumogakure was coming fiercely.
This war would not be gentle.
Yusuke moved through the forest canopy, leaping from tree to tree.
Not too fast.
Occasionally stopping to survey terrain.
Even though the front lines were still distant, adaptation began now.
As Supreme Commander, he needed intimate understanding of both land and troops.
The Hyuga, led by Hiashi, took the vanguard.
Their Byakugan made them ideal scouts.
Behind them marched the Uchiha.
Then the Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, and other secret-technique clans.
Not far from Konoha—
Uchiha Shisui suddenly moved up beside Yusuke.
"Clan Head…"
His expression was conflicted.
He hesitated.
This war—
He had not wanted to participate.
Yet both Yusuke and the Third Hokage had chosen him.
Shisui felt torn.
He was Uchiha—
Yet he had been instructed by Hiruzen to monitor Yusuke.
He could not understand it.
Yusuke had never betrayed Konoha.
He was strong, yes.
He had ambition.
He wanted to become Hokage.
But so did many.
Was that a crime?
Why was it different when the Uchiha clan head desired the position?
Were the Uchiha not comrades of Konoha?
Despite doubts, Shisui had not forgotten Hiruzen's instructions.
As a descendant of Uchiha Kagami—
He had been deeply influenced by the Will of Fire.
Since departure, Shisui had been visibly distracted.
Yusuke had noticed immediately.
But he did not expose it.
Instead, he smiled lightly.
"Shisui, you don't look well."
"Something on your mind?"
Shisui stared directly at Yusuke, as if trying to read his soul.
"Yusuke-nii…"
"Why did you push this war forward?"
"You've been on the battlefield before."
"Don't you understand how cruel war is?"
A faint curve of irony touched Yusuke's lips.
"Cruel?"
"Heh…"
"Before we departed… the Third Hokage spoke to you, didn't he?"
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