Actively Attacking and Countering Customers
Faced with the imminent threat to the survival of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Yue's strength had already been proven, ensuring that no further unexpected developments would arise.
In a remarkably short period, an elite Uchiha force of nearly three hundred shinobi—each at least of Chūnin level—had gathered before Uchiha Yue.
Moreover, this number was only limited by the urgency of the situation. Given more time, even more clan members would have assembled, potentially doubling their numbers and further solidifying their strength.
Witnessing the sheer number of elite warriors at his command, Uchiha Yue couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride. The Uchiha clan was, without a doubt, the most formidable family in Konoha.
"Excellent! It seems that everyone understands the gravity of this moment," Uchiha Yue declared, his voice filled with determination. "Today, we prove to the world that the Uchiha are not to be trifled with! Not even the Hokage can destroy us!"
As his words echoed, the assembled shinobi responded with fervor.
"I swear to follow our leader!"
"Uchiha will prevail!"
"I swear to follow our leader!"
"Uchiha will prevail!"
The chant grew in intensity, their conviction shaking the air around them.
Uchiha Yue let out a triumphant laugh. "Hahaha! Good! Then let's turn this into a full-scale uprising! Forward!"
Seeing the imposing presence of the Uchiha forces, Uchiha Kagami laughed lightly before giving a decisive order.
The moment his command was issued, he wasted no time and personally led the charge against the Konoha forces led by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
However, despite initiating the attack, Uchiha Kagami did not neglect the defense of the Uchiha clan's stronghold. He had already arranged for a second unit to remain behind, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
As the battle unfolded, another group of Uchiha shinobi, though equal in number, were clearly of inferior quality compared to the main assault force.
---
Time passed.
Thanks to Danzo Shimura's covert operations, Konoha had prior knowledge of the Uchiha's movements and had prepared accordingly. As a result, Sarutobi Hiruzen's forces were not caught off guard and managed to respond swiftly.
As soon as Hiruzen's ninja squad reached the outskirts of the Uchiha district, Uchiha Kagami and his elite unit intercepted them. Both sides came to a halt, and a tense silence settled over the battlefield, the air thick with the weight of an imminent conflict.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Uchiha Kagami.
"So, you are Uchiha Kagami?" Hiruzen said, his voice calm yet filled with genuine admiration. "To reach such a level at your age… truly impressive. And more so, to have the patience to remain in the shadows, honing your skills without drawing attention."
A smirk played on Kagami's lips as he responded, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"Heh, Third Hokage, there's no need for unnecessary pleasantries. Bringing such a large force to the Uchiha district—is this just a casual visit?"
Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression of admiration, Uchiha Yue felt only disgust. His stomach churned, and he couldn't help but sneer before speaking.
"Hmph! Hiruzen, you dare to stand there and act righteous? You and Danzo have manipulated the village from the shadows for far too long."
"Uchiha Yue! You raided the Hokage's archives, stole classified documents, and trespassed into the Root headquarters. The Scroll of Seals has been compromised. Do you realize the gravity of your crimes?"
Before Hiruzen could respond, Shimura Danzo stepped forward, his one visible eye narrowing coldly. His voice was sharp, filled with authority and menace.
"You will be taken into custody. If you resist, the entire Uchiha clan will suffer for your recklessness. Do you truly wish to be the one responsible for their downfall?"
At Danzo's words, murmurs rippled through the Uchiha behind Yue. Some hesitated, others exchanged uneasy glances.
"Hmph! Danzo, do you take me for a fool?" Uchiha Yue scoffed, his eyes locking onto the elder's covered right side. "You speak of crimes, yet your own corruption seeps through the very fabric of Konoha. The stench of stolen Sharingan clings to you—you think I can't sense it?"
The tension in the air thickened as Yue's accusation struck home. The Uchiha behind him stirred again, whispers turning into murmurs of suspicion.
Danzo's face darkened, but he quickly masked his reaction. "Ridiculous. Your silver tongue won't save you."
"You can't even deny it," Yue shot back. "How many of our clan's eyes have you taken for yourself? You stand there, pretending to be Konoha's savior, while you strip my clan of its birthright!"
Danzo's hands clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. For a moment, he was silent—an uncharacteristic hesitation that only fueled the suspicion in the air.
Hiruzen's gaze flickered between them, a deep frown settling on his face. He knew the truth, yet even he hesitated to speak it aloud.
The confrontation had only just begun.
"Lord Third Hokage, I have strong reason to believe that Shimura Danzō was involved in the massacre of my Uchiha clan and has taken their Sharingan for himself. I demand that he remove the bandages on his body immediately for examination. As Hokage, you must take responsibility and make a decision!"
Uchiha Yue's sharp gaze locked onto Danzō, who was now caught in a difficult position. His usual arrogance had faded, and he seemed momentarily at a loss. Seizing the opportunity, Uchiha Yue turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen, pressing him for an answer.
The gathered Uchiha behind him quieted at his words, their Sharingan eyes fixed intently on the Third Hokage, waiting for his response.
Cough. Hiruzen cleared his throat, his expression neutral but his mind calculating. "Uchiha Yue, Danzō is the leader of Root and an advisor to the Hokage. He would never act recklessly or engage in anything outside the village's best interests."
"Furthermore, this is neither the time nor place for such an accusation. We are here to investigate the attack on the Hokage building. I ask for your full cooperation in this matter. The Scroll of Seals contains highly dangerous Forbidden Techniques—recklessly using them could lead to self-destruction, even death."
Sarutobi's words, though measured, carried an underlying warning. He cast a sidelong glance at Danzō before resuming his composed stance.
"Hmph! Is the Third Hokage protecting Danzō?" Uchiha Yue's voice was sharp, unyielding. "I have already stated my claim—if you insist on dismissing it, then bring forth concrete proof to refute me. Otherwise, even if you are Hokage, I will not stand down!"
Seeing Sarutobi avoid addressing the core issue while maintaining a façade of fairness, Uchiha Yue was unimpressed. He pressed on, determined not to let the Hokage take the moral high ground so easily.
If Konoha was to be reshaped, the Uchiha had to remain the victims—oppressed and forced to resist, not portrayed as rebels or traitors. At the very least, prolonging this confrontation would buy more time for his clan to relocate and prepare.
The sheer size of Konoha's forces dwarfed the Uchiha. If an all-out war erupted now, even with his strength, protecting everyone was an impossible task. Every second gained was crucial.