All the major and minor factions of Konoha rushed toward the location of the dark purple barrier.
Some of the smaller groups didn't really understand what was going on, but they knew how to follow the crowd. The Aburame, Hyūga, Inuzuka, and the Ino–Shika–Chō clans had all mobilized.
So what was there to hesitate about?
Hurry and follow!
If there's any benefit to be gained, maybe we can grab a piece of it too.
...
Inside the barrier,
Shimura Danzō stood with his Root subordinates, staring up at the sky-covering barrier.
"Hmph, how utterly brazen."
Danzō let out a cold snort.
Evil Uchiha… do you really think you can touch me here? This is Konoha. Trying to act against me here is nothing but a fool's dream.
"Danzō-sama, this appears to be the barrier insects of our Aburame clan, a technique that's nearly lost."
Aburame Tatsuma spoke up from the side.
"What? Don't tell me your Aburame clan is planning a rebellion as well."
"I wouldn't dare, Danzō-sama. Besides, I haven't returned to the clan in a long time. But I've heard that the previous generation's barrier insect user passed away before the village was even founded. The technique was on the verge of being lost… I never expected the Uchiha to be able to produce so many of them."
"The previous one is dead? Then who is the current generation's user?"
"According to the clan records, this generation's heir of the barrier insects should be Aburame Shiken."
"Aburame Shiken, hm? A good seedling. He belongs in Root. Tatsuma, after today, bring him into Root."
"Yes, Danzō-sama."
Aburame Shiken: ??? Why am I being targeted? What does this have to do with me?
...
Outside the barrier,
Uchiha Kamito was issuing orders.
"Second Division, set the fire."
"Understood."
"Third Division, maintain the barrier's defenses."
"Understood."
"Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Divisions—keep a close watch on any criminals that try to escape from this mountain."
"Understood."
"I'd like to see just how many criminals a small mountain like this can hide."
That was his stated reasoning.
But in truth…
Shimura Danzō, I'll collect some interest from you first.
"Second Division, move out."
"Yes!"
A hundred members of the Second Division stepped up to the barrier.
With a quick hand seal from Kamito, large openings appeared before them.
As expected of Kamito.
The Second Division captain, Uchiha Sora, shouted:
"Prepare—begin!"
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
...
A hundred massive fireballs slammed down at once,
Instantly setting the entire mountain ablaze.
"Retreat!"
After releasing the fireballs, every member of the Second Division stepped back.
Kamito released his hand seal, and the barrier instantly restored itself to perfect condition.
High temperature, furnace-like heat, thick smoke, oxygen depletion… Danzō, enjoy this grand feast.
Watching the raging inferno, a faint smile curled on Kamito's lips.
Meanwhile, as the other Uchiha carried out their tasks, their eyes were filled with admiration when they looked at him.
Damn, following Kamito is awesome. If he says burn a mountain, we burn a mountain. When have we ever been able to do something like this before?
The only way to lead a group of Uchiha… is with someone even more Uchiha than they are.
...
Inside the barrier, the flames roared.
Deep underground, Shimura Danzō let out a cold laugh.
"Foolish. Such petty tricks, and you think you can shake my Root headquarters?"
The base Danzō had built with enormous funds was not something a mere barrage of fire techniques could destroy.
"Danzō-sama, this is bad! The oxygen levels in the air are rapidly decreasing. If this continues, we may suffocate to death soon!"
A researcher from Root rushed over in panic.
He had observed the oxygen levels in the base steadily dropping. Thinking of the fire outside, he immediately realized the danger and rushed from the lab to report.
"What?! So I still underestimated these evil Uchiha. Tatsuma, organize the men to put out the fire. We're going out to see what these Uchiha think they can do to us."
"Yes, Danzō-sama."
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
"Water Style: Water Trumpet!"
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!"
"Secret Technique: Insect Sphere!"
"Human Bullet Tank!"
Suddenly, countless black-clad shinobi surged out, unleashing jutsu to extinguish the flames.
"The rats have come out of their holes."
Kamito muttered.
"Kamito-sama, the criminals have appeared. Shall we act?"
The Third Division captain, Uchiha Yake, reported.
"Didn't I say you only act when I give the order?"
"My apologies, Kamito-sama."
"Extra night training."
"Yes, Kamito-sama…"
Yake wished he could slap himself. Trying to show initiative got him punished—now he'd be getting beaten during night training.
...
By now, the fire inside the barrier had been extinguished.
Shimura Danzō emerged with hundreds of men.
A rough estimate—around three hundred Root shinobi.
Looks like that battle against the Hidden Mist's Yuki clan really took its toll, Kamito thought.
Separated by the barrier, the two sides stared at each other.
When the Uchiha saw that the person inside was Shimura Danzō, their fists unconsciously clenched.
Among Konoha's leadership, the one who treated the Uchiha with the most open hostility was none other than Danzō.
If Kamito gave the order, many Uchiha wouldn't hesitate to "donate" an eye to Danzō.
Izanagi isn't a Mangekyō-exclusive technique. The requirements aren't that strict—anyone can use it, as long as they're willing to sacrifice an eye.
Root forces were also ready to move.
At a single command from Danzō, they would charge forward without hesitation.
Both Shimura Danzō and Uchiha Kamito had fiery tempers.
Neither would back down.
At this tense moment—
Crack.
As if both sides were about to unleash everything and perish together—
Just kidding.
At the sound, everyone turned toward its source.
"Chōza… did you really have to eat chips right now?"
"Sorry, Shikaku."
Since they were exposed, there was no point hiding anymore.
Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza stepped forward with members of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans.
"Well… just pretend we were never here. You guys can continue, okay?"
Both sides silently stared at them.
As if to say—do you really think that's possible?
Kamito, however, gave Shikaku a long, thoughtful look.
What a clever man.
He doesn't want to offend Konoha's higher-ups, nor lose ties with us—so he steps out voluntarily. Nicely played, Shikaku. Chōza isn't the type to misread a situation like this.
The appearance of the Ino–Shika–Chō was like poking a hornet's nest.
The Aburame clan,
The Inuzuka clan,
The Hyūga clan,
And many smaller clans—
Kurama, Yūhi, Mitarashi, and others—
All began to appear.
Even quite a few civilian shinobi arrived.
Among them was the man known as the "light of the civilians," Namikaze Minato, who brought several civilian jōnin with him.
"Everyone—stand down!"
Because it took time to gather Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, the Konoha higher-ups who had moved first ended up arriving last.
When they finally got there—
Why are there so many people?
Is Konoha holding some kind of grand assembly?
A bad feeling suddenly rose in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.
Maybe… coming here today was a mistake.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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