By the time Uchiha Su returned to the Hidden Mist, he learned that Hōzuki Gengetsu had already assembled the Hidden Mist forces and led them toward the Land of Hot Springs.
Seto Toru had been right—there was no denying it. Iwagakure had dispatched a massive army of Ninja to intervene in the ongoing conflict. The scale of the operation left Uchiha Su with a sinking feeling in his chest.
"Why didn't you stop him?" Su asked, his voice unusually tense.
Uchiha Nami, his ever-loyal secretary, shook her head helplessly. "We couldn't stop him, Young Clan Head. No one—except you—can stop the Mizukage. Not even the Elders could. Once the Mizukage makes a decision, it is absolute. That is the way of the Hidden Mist."
Su frowned slightly. He knew Nami spoke the truth. Hōzuki Gengetsu was not like other Kage. Even in situations that would leave most leaders panicking, he remained calm and composed, calculating outcomes in advance.
"Before leaving, the Mizukage told me not to worry," Nami continued, her voice softening. "He said you, Young Clan Head, don't need to continue leading the Ninja into the Land of Hot Springs. As Mizukage, since the enemy's shadow has already moved, it is his responsibility to confront them—soldier against soldier, general against general."
Su's crimson eyes darkened slightly as he absorbed her words.
"Additionally," she added, "the Mizukage told me he has considered every possible outcome of this battle with the Tsuchikage. He is prepared to accept any result. He has foreseen the future of the Village, and even if he dies, he will have no regrets. His confidence is unshakable."
Uchiha Su exhaled slowly, feeling a complicated mixture of admiration and apprehension. Though he had spent little time with Hōzuki Gengetsu, he could see the Mizukage's exceptional nature clearly. This was a leader who shouldered responsibility without shifting blame, a rare combination of wisdom and courage.
Furthermore, Gengetsu had been willing to delegate authority. After accepting the Uchiha Clan into the Hidden Mist, he had never attempted to suppress them. Even when Su's actions had caused chaos among the Ninja Clans, including the Hōzuki, Gengetsu had stood firm, defending the Uchiha when it mattered most. Without his support, Su would never have been able to coerce loyalty or resources from the other clans so effortlessly.
"If that is the Mizukage's wish, I am willing to accept it," Su said quietly, his voice carrying both respect and determination.
He paused and recounted to Nami his recent trip to the capital of the Land of Water.
"Every three days, documents will arrive from the capital. Once you review them and confirm there are no issues, we will issue the orders."
Nami nodded, understanding. "Since you have become Seii Taishōgun, Young Clan Head, it is time for you to succeed as Clan Head. The clansmen have long complained about the delay. They all hope you will assume the position soon. That way, the Uchiha remaining in Konoha won't have an easy time choosing a rival Clan Head."
Su's expression was calm, though a faint trace of exasperation lingered. He knew the weight of this was more than ceremonial. Becoming Clan Head would solidify his legitimacy, and in his mind, this position held more importance than even the political authority of Seii Taishōgun.
Nami continued, "When you were appointed Young Clan Head by Lord Madara, the entire Ninja World witnessed it. Now, with Lord Madara gone for so long, it is only right that you officially succeed. The clansmen will feel justice has been served."
Su considered her words. Konoha's Uchiha had already begun selecting a new Clan Head under pressure from the Second Hokage. For the Hidden Mist Uchiha, this was intolerable. How could they accept an illegitimate leader, someone with neither universal recognition nor true military prestige?
"This must happen tomorrow," Su decided, his voice firm. "The ceremony will be simple, unlike the elaborate rituals for Seii Taishōgun. That title is important, yes, but Clan Head… that is personal. That represents the heart and pride of our people."
"Very well, Young Clan Head," Nami said, bowing slightly. "I will handle the invitations."
Su paused, thinking carefully. "Don't forget to send one to the Mizukage on the front lines. I hope he can return in time to attend. It would mean a lot to me."
Nami hesitated, then asked, "Should we send one to the Uchiha in Konoha?"
Su's lips curled slightly. "Send it… whether they come or not is their choice. They agreed once to my position as Young Clan Head. It is only right to inform them."
"And the Second Hokage?" Nami asked cautiously.
"Send it," Su replied, his teeth grinding. "If he dares to attend, he will have the courtesy of witnessing the rightful succession."
Nami's final question lingered. "What about your former companions in Konoha, Young Clan Head?"
"Send those too. And why are you asking so many questions?" Su's tone was tinged with annoyance.
Nami sighed. "Alright, alright, I understand. I will see to it. No further questions." She bit her lip, tempted to ruffle Su's hair playfully, but restraint won out.
"Also," she added, "Taira Ryōsei returned two days ago. As expected, he failed to assassinate the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. However, he left behind traces linking Konoha to the operation. Yesterday, I sent emissaries to the Daimyo to see if he wishes to accept the protection of our Uchiha Clan."
Su nodded, considering the implications. "If he accepts, negotiate terms beneficial to both nations. Goods from Hidden Mist should be allowed entry to the Land of Fire. Trade and exchange will strengthen both countries."
Nami continued her report, detailing the current situation in the Village. Su listened carefully, interjecting with questions from time to time, ensuring he grasped every detail.
Meanwhile, in the Konoha Hokage Office, Senju Tobirama paced angrily.
"So that Uchiha brat, Uchiha Su, had people slander me?" he muttered, clenching his fists. "He claimed I colluded with Seto Toru, eldest son of the Land of Water's Daimyo, to assassinate the Daimyo? And that Su arrived just in time to stop me, but the Daimyo died anyway?"
Tobirama's laughter was sharp, filled with disbelief and fury. "When the Daimyo died, Uchiha Su was still in the Land of Fire. It's a blatant lie! And now he sends me an invitation to his ceremony as Uchiha Clan Head?"
Danzo frowned. "Hokage-sama, will you attend?"
"Danzo, are you an idiot?" Tobirama barked. "Of course not! How could I possibly go?"
A knock interrupted their conversation. "Knock, knock, knock."
Tobirama straightened his robe. "Come in!"
Uchiha Shū, the Hokage's aide, entered swiftly. "Hokage-sama, I am here to request a leave of absence for a period of time," he said solemnly.
He glanced at the invitation left on the desk. Comparing it to previous documents, it was clear this one was far more refined, written with care, and undoubtedly by Uchiha Su himself.
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. Even the presentation of an invitation could convey power and intent. Every stroke of the brush, every character, was a reminder of Su's authority and meticulous nature.
Shū waited patiently, recognizing that the Hokage's next words could shape the response to Su's audacious claim.
Tobirama's lips tightened. This brat… daring to call himself Clan Head and send invitations as if the entire Uchiha lineage answers to him. And yet… He shook his head, anger and admiration mingling in equal measure.
Even at this moment, the young Uchiha had managed to unsettle the Hokage of Konoha, simply through careful planning and audacious action.
Hidden Mist's Uchiha, under Su's leadership, were no longer merely a clan—they were a force to be reckoned with, one capable of shaping the political landscape of the entire Ninja World.
And Uchiha Su… he was just beginning.
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