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(A/N)
Hey Guys, the Lazysage here, first of all as you all would have noticed the daily updates have been irregular these days as my exam was going on, But my exam is finished today so I will be updating regularly daily and also I will also be updating the advance chapters daily and orderly for each tier on patreon from now on so if you wanna read ahead of everyone you can join my patreon.
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Inoichi Yamanaka was momentarily stunned.
He could swear that when he offered Fu Yamanaka the liaison position, he genuinely had no intention of asking anything in return. Yet seeing Fu react this way made his chest tighten with an inexplicable ache.
Unfortunately, that hesitation fell into Fu's eyes as something else entirely.
So it really is like this, Fu sneered inwardly. As expected, he came only to take advantage of me.
The heads of the great clans never acted without benefit. Compared to that, Aburame Torune was far too straightforward. At least Shibi Aburame was willing to take Torune back. Low-key as Shibi was, he truly protected his clansmenâno one could deny that.
Inoichi finally spoke, his tone carrying a trace of weariness.
"You've misunderstood, Fu. I only wanted to bring you home. I arranged for you to serve under the Hokage because I was afraid you wouldn't accept otherwise. As for spying or passing along informationâI never considered that, not even once."
Fu studied Inoichi's eyes, but they were difficult to read. After a moment, he gave up trying to discern the truth.
Meeting his gaze directly, Fu said calmly, "If that's the case, then I'll compete fairly for the position of liaison between the Yamanaka Clan and the Hokage. But one thing is certainâthe clan shouldn't expect a single word from me regarding Uchiha Ran."
"This is a matter of principle," Fu continued, straightening his posture. "The foundation of being a person⊠and a shinobi."
Inoichi nodded slowly.
"Then when everything settles, I'll recommend you for selection among those serving at the Hokage's side. With your strength and ability, I believe you'll be chosen."
Fu didn't respond. He neither accepted nor rejected the words. Confidence in himself required no reassurance.
---
Outside the Root base, Uchiha Ran had just emerged when he was met by a group of familiar figures.
At the front stood Shikaku Nara, alongside Akimichi Choza, Hiashi Hyuga, and several elite members of the Uchiha Clan.
"Welcome back, Lord Ran," Shikaku said, cupping his hands. "The internal unrest in the village has been quelled. All Root members have been apprehended and imprisoned, awaiting judgment."
From this moment on, the difference in status was clear. Uchiha Ran already stood at the summit, while they were now his subordinates.
Ran raised a hand lightly.
"Clan Head Nara, there's no need for such formality. I'm still a junior of the Uchihaâhow could I accept such a salute?"
Despite his words, his gaze remained calm and lofty, as if weighing something unseen.
Shikaku, however, remained kneeling on one knee.
"Lord Ran, you are about to assume the position of Hokage. Age means nothing. Back then, Hiruzen Sarutobi became Hokage at fifteen or sixteen."
"Your strength, judgment, and ideals all surpass his. You are worthy of being Hokage."
At his signal, Akimichi Choza immediately knelt as well.
"That's right, Hokage-sama. Konoha has suffered under DanzĆ for far too long. Though you are young, your vision and power are beyond comparison."
"I'll even say this plainlyâHiruzen Sarutobi was not your equal."
Ran chuckled softly.
"You're really pushing me into this, aren't you? I'm barely this old, and you want me sitting in the Hokage's seat already. Isn't that a bit much?"
Hiashi Hyuga stepped forward and cupped his hands.
"If you become Hokage, the Hyuga Clan will support you with our entire strength. Wherever you point, our clan will advance."
"Same here."
"So will we."
"Count us in."
In just moments, more than half of Konoha's major clansâthose with private forces and voting powerâhad aligned themselves behind Uchiha Ran.
After a brief pause, Ran spoke again.
"This can wait. Now that the village is stabilized, what's the situation outside?"
Shikaku stood at once.
"Reporting, Hokage-sama. Sunagakure has deployed forces thirty kilometers outside the village. They're facing Uchiha Fugaku."
Ran clicked his tongue lightly, then swept his gaze across the group.
"The rest of you return for now. Shikaku, Clan Head Hiashiâcome with me. We're heading to the front."
He didn't even ask about Iwagakure or Kumogakure. Knowing his father's cautious nature, Ran was certain Fugaku wouldn't reveal the MangekyĆ Sharingan unless forced into a cornerâwhich went against Ran's intentions.
He wanted the MangekyĆ's power to crush the enemy's morale outright.
Shikaku's eyes lit up. This was the perfect chance to see what kind of leaderâand strategistâUchiha Ran truly was.
Compared to Ran, Hiruzen Sarutobi could only be described as disastrous in Shikaku's eyes. Political maneuvering aside, the way Hiruzen had squandered forces during the Second Great Ninja War was something Shikaku could never understand.
Winning or losing, reparations were paid either way. Meanwhile, Konoha starved.
It made no sense.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Shikaku said firmly. "This time, I'll ensure losses are minimized and preserve Konoha's strength to the greatest extent possible."
Ran stopped walking and looked at him strangely.
"Losses? What losses?"
Shikaku frowned.
"War inevitably brings casualties. I'll do everything I can to reduceâ"
"There won't be any casualties," Ran interrupted calmly. "I'll break their formation myself."
Before Shikaku could react, Ran grabbed him by the shoulder and shot into the air.
Shikaku's face went pale.
"Thisâthis is insaneâ!"
The wind roared as the landscape blurred beneath them.
---
At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, Sunagakure's forces were already in formation.
At the front stood Rasa, arms crossed. At the center sat Chiyo, wrapped in worn robes, her aged eyes gleaming with sharp light.
War was finally coming again.
And regardless of victory or defeat, Sunagakure would profit handsomely from it.
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