Chapter 172: Chapter 173 : Pre-war Meeting
As they journeyed onward, there were no signs of anyone's arrival or departure. Gazing at the forest ahead, which seemed to twist like a coiling dragon, the Anbu had been investigating all night, yet they discovered nothing.
"Oh? This is actually happening. Could it be that ninjas are engaged in combat?"
Tobirama shook his head. The ninja world has been in turmoil lately. Kirigakure and Iwagakure were locked in an intense battle, and there was a significant chance that it would impact Konoha.
The declaration of war from the Sand Village was likely just a provocation and a constraint, but the true concern lay with Kumogakure.
Presently, the Cloud forces led by the second Raikage were already pressing into the territory. Ginkaku and Kinkaku's troops had surged ahead, taking the lead in traversing the Land of the Hot Water and arriving at the Land of Moon.
The Golden Horn and Silver Horn troops were skilled in pursuit. Possessing the bloodline of the Sage of Six Paths, they could manipulate the five legendary ninja tools with mastery.
Their strength surpassed that of ordinary shinobi, and they were known as the "Twin Lights in the Clouds." They were also dubbed as "the most nefarious felons in history," having committed numerous atrocities.
According to intelligence from the frontlines, as Ginkaku and Kinkaku's forces passed through desolate grasslands, they left behind scorched earth, death, and looting in the villages they encountered—even women and children were not spared.
These two ruthless figures, acting as the vanguard for Kumogakure, had little baggage, having plundered it all from the country on the way. Their might was no less than that of Konoha's elite forces.
"Hmph, powerful enemies outside, lurking threats within the village. Have we made any progress in the Uchiha matter?"
Tobirama massaged his temples, his weariness showing. Only when he assumed the role of Hokage did he truly understand the immense pressure Hashirama had been under.
"There's been no headway so far. It's likely those Uchiha who disappeared were incapacitated almost instantly. We can't rule out the possibility that the enemy is exceedingly formidable or that there's a traitor among us."
A report delivered with somber tones.
"Humph! I can't fathom what these people are up to." Tobirama snorted in disdain.
"Sensei, in truth, Uchiha Ken, the grandson of the third Uchiha elder at that time, had plenty of motive. According to the principle that whoever benefits the most in the end becomes the master of the tomb, he is the sole beneficiary."
Danzo analyzed, "Of course, we can't dismiss the notion that this might be Uchiha's scheme; perhaps they have other objectives…"
Danzo's gaze shifted to Uchiha Kagami beside him, leaving his thoughts unfinished.
Uchiha Kagami sighed inwardly. While his intentions were all in service of the village, his delicate status kept him from participating in certain matters. Any mention of Uchiha was bound to stir suspicions, so he refrained from discussing topics linked to his clan.
"Let's not get bogged down in these details."
Tobirama shook his head. "No matter what, the Uchiha clan is a cornerstone of Konoha, and everyone should treat them accordingly."
Tobirama's statement left those present in reflective silence. Danzo, in secret, sneered.
"As the Uchiha clan stands as the village's pillar, they naturally bear a responsibility to contribute in this war. Kagami, what are your thoughts?"
Tobirama gave his apprentice a fleeting look.
"When Konoha faces a crisis, the Uchiha clan should naturally step up. I'll return to the clan to rally everyone for the righteous cause to protect Konoha."
Uchiha Kagami brushed aside the odd glances from others as he spoke resolutely, clarifying his stance.
"Furthermore, it might be prudent to scrutinize Uchiha Ken. Regardless of his connection, I'll assign him to the battlefield for training."
Uchiha Kagami added. He held no bias against Uchiha Ken, but felt it best to keep him away from certain complexities. Displaying his prowess on the battlefield could prove beneficial.
"That's your charge." Tobirama's demeanor turned slightly more somber, nodding with approval. However competent his disciple was, he still bore the weight of being an Uchiha—no matter his aptitude, he couldn't transcend that status.
Danzo found himself surprised, yet deep within, he scorned Uchiha Kagami.
To forsake familial interests for righteousness was admirable, yet unacknowledged, especially when that sense of righteousness was manipulated by a few with biases. Tobirama was evidently aiming to diminish the Uchiha clan's power, a maneuver Uchiha Kagami was well aware of.
Danzo conceded that Uchiha Kagami was nobler than he, even more altruistic than Sarutobi. Nonetheless, this would only lead him astray!
"Sarutobi, you and Danzo are my strongest disciples. Each of you will lead a contingent to face the onslaught of Kumogakure's two armies."
Tobirama began doling out assignments. "Sarutobi, take your clan's shinobi and the Konoha forces, along with Uchiha Kagami and their elite group, to confront the second Raikage's Cloud ninja army. You'll be the commander, and Kagami will serve as your deputy. You have the capability to handle these invaders, I believe."
"Absolutely, sensei. I'll surely give the invaders a warm welcome, ensuring they realize they've chosen the wrong opponent!"
Sarutobi's countenance shifted from condescension to fervour. His potent aura brushed over them, like a gentle gust of wind. The other disciples felt the awe-inspiring presence emanating from him.
"Damn it, has Sarutobi been honing his skills in secret? How has he grown so formidable!"
Danzo's astonishment remained concealed. In terms of strategy and tactics, he held an edge over Sarutobi, but the latter's personal prowess far surpassed his own—evidently, he was well on his way to attaining Tobirama's level.
In his twenties, Sarutobi was in his prime as a ninja, his power still on the rise. While humble now, he displayed an absence of hesitation and scruples characteristic of future generations. This was the manner of a true ninja!
Uchiha Kagami nodded inwardly, recognizing Sarutobi's character as deserving of protection. With his formidable strength, he was well-suited to lead a coalition that included Uchiha.
"Danzo, collaborate with Ino–Shika–Chō. Lead the remaining Konoha troops, along with Nara and Yamanaka clan's ninjas and your clan's elites, to intercept the Golden Horn and Silver Horn forces. Their acts of mischief must be halted."
Tobirama indirectly commanded. Although individually the Golden Horn and Silver Horn weren't as mighty as the second Raikage, their cooperative prowess was formidable. Tobirama felt a twinge of envy at their synergy.
Danzo's power might be enough to contain one of them, but wrestling with both simultaneously would be nigh impossible. Even if Nara and Yamanaka shinobi volunteered fully, it might not suffice for Ino–Shika–Chō and Danzo to confront them both at the same time.
Logically, Tobirama shouldn't have tasked Danzo with handling both of them. However, a recent unexpected "success" in his experiments had him interested in honing Danzo...
"Sensei, it's absolutely not feasible. The wickedness of the Golden Horn and Silver Horn is known far and wide in the ninja world. Danzo might struggle to confront them!"
Sarutobi was first to express concern, his gaze shifting toward his fellow disciple.
"Humph! Sarutobi, what are you implying? You think you can contend with a village's kage, while I can't handle his subordinates?"
Danzo retorted, stung. If others might hold him in contempt, Sarutobi—questioning his authority—was absolutely intolerable!
"Danzo, that wasn't my intent. I just believed…"
"Enough. No need to debate further; I'll make the final decision." Tobirama cut short their exchange, clapping his hands.
"Enter."
A figure clad in an eccentric wooden mask and a brown cloak walked in. His gaze seemed vacant, yet an undercurrent of violence pulsed through it—a kind of suppressed ferocity, akin to a reined-in beast's nature.
His cloak barely reached his legs, enveloping him entirely, with only the faintest hint of his silhouette visible.
Judging from his presence, he was powerful—certainly no weaker than Danzo.
Kagami Uchiha was even more taken aback. As he scrutinized his cloak, he noticed an odd connection to the skin on his neck.
Could it be that the cloak was an extension of his body, or that it sprouted directly from his flesh?
Who was this man?!
"Genshiro, you're our secret weapon. It would be best to deploy you against the Golden Horn and Silver Horn forces." Tobirama nodded toward the enigmatic figure.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Genshiro's voice was hoarse, unsettling Uchiha Kagami.
What did it mean to "restrain" the Golden Horn and Silver Horn? And could this Genshiro be...?
Confusion clouded the faces of those present, but they refrained from further inquiry.
"Hmph!"
Genshiro looked at Danzo, nodding excitedly, deliberately ignoring Sarutobi.
"This war serves as a test for Konoha and for you. As my disciples, you stand on your own now."
Tobirama's gaze swept over his disciples, his smile tinged with pride.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone