The domineering Uchiha drove the Third Hokage mad!

Inside the Hokage's office, the embers of the pipe in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand flickered, reflecting his ever-changing expression.

Mitokado Yan and Utatane Koharu sat on either side, their expressions also gloomy.

Danzo Shimura stood by the window, gazing with one eye at the distant Uchiha clan territory.

He tapped his cane lightly with his fingers, as if preparing to plot against the Uchiha again!

Mitokado Homura solemnly read, "The Ino-Shika-Cho clan has completely sided with the Uchiha. A total of more than 7000 Konoha ninjas have been annihilated by the more than 3000 Kirigakure ninjas who invaded the Land of Fire. Now, only more than 1000 Kirigakure ninjas have escaped to the Land of Hot Springs."

Koharu, dissatisfied, snorted and slammed her teacup heavily on the table: "They don't care about the Hokage anymore, they only care about their own interests!"

In the shadows by the window, Shimura Danzo's cane suddenly struck the ground, making a dull thud.

A dangerous glint flashed in his single eye: "The Ino-Shika-Cho trio is no longer reliable, and the Hyuga clan is also showing signs of favoring the Uchiha. The war will end soon, and then... Sarutobi... will you really abdicate?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, which swirled into the shape of a fan in the air: "It's too late to talk about this now. The question is... how do we stop them?"

Danzo Shimura turned around, a cold glint flashing in his single eye: "Kirigakure is currently extremely weak. If the Uchiha really manages to invade, they will not only be able to reclaim the 400 billion ryo, but they might even force Kirigakure to cede territory. At that time, Fugaku Uchiha's prestige will completely surpass that of the Hokage."

"Therefore, the war must end before they land," Mitokado Homura said in a deep voice.

Koharu Utatane frowned: "But we can't just order a retreat directly. Besides, even if we did, the Uchiha wouldn't obey."

Shimura Danzo suddenly turned around, his single eye gleaming in the shadows: "How about we get Kirigakure to surrender willingly? We still have 'high-ranking spies' over there."

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

Danzo Shimura slowly said, "We have spies in Kirigakure. We've sent them to contact the higher-ups in Kirigakure and propose peace terms."

Koharu, turning to the next dorm, asked疑惑地问道：“What are the conditions?”

Danzo Shimura said calmly, "Return some of the looted wealth, issue a public apology, and promise not to invade the Land of Fire again. As long as Kirigakure is willing to bow down, we can rightfully declare the war over."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment: "What if Kirigakure refuses?"

Danzo Shimura's voice was icy: "Then let spies spread rumors within Kirigakure, saying that Fugaku Uchiha plans to destroy Kirigakure and the Land of Water."

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The office was completely silent.

Finally, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly nodded: "Danzo, do it according to your plan."

......

Inside the conference room of Nansha City, Uchiha Sanfeng slammed the battle report onto the table.

The numbers on the parchment stung everyone's eyes: 731 killed, 407 captured, and nearly half the enemy escaped.

"Three times the troops were used to encircle and suppress them. Don't you all find this outcome suspicious?"

Uchiha Mitsunori's Sharingan slowly rotated, sweeping over each clan leader present.

Chief Anma's illusion barrier quietly unfolded, isolating him from outside detection.

The Kazami clan chief suddenly stood up: "You mean there's someone higher up secretly sabotaging us?"

Uchiha Mitsunori took out a secret letter from his robes: "Not only that, according to intelligence we just intercepted, Kirigakure has already sent an envoy to Konoha."

Chief Anma narrowed his eyes: "Captain Sanfeng, you might as well speak your mind."

Uchiha Mitsunaga tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his voice low and dangerous: "We're fighting to the death here, while some people, like the one in the Hokage Building, are probably busy making secret deals with Kirigakure."

The Kazami clan chief's pupils contracted: "You mean... Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo deliberately let the Kirigakure ninja go?"

Uchiha Mitsunori sneered: "Otherwise what? Kirigakure is currently extremely weak, making it the perfect opportunity for us to conquer it in one fell swoop. But if the higher-ups suddenly order peace talks, all our achievements and our interests will vanish."

"Ino-Shika-Cho... now is a crucial time, it's time for you all to make your stance clear!"

Everyone in the conference room looked at Ino-Shika-Cho, and the atmosphere became quiet.

Nara Shikaku remained silent for a moment, then finally sighed, "Ino-Shika-Cho... I support the Uchiha."

The war has lasted too long, and the losses suffered by the Ino-Shika-Cho (pig-deer-butterfly) group are also considerable.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's influence was waning, while the Uchiha clan was rising powerfully on the battlefield, forcing everyone to reassess their stances.

Uchiha Mitsunori nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject: "So, Shikaku, what suggestions do you have for the best route to attack Kirigakure?"

Nara Shikaku's finger traced across the map: "The Hidden Mist Village excels in water-style techniques and naval warfare. Crossing the sea from the Land of Waves or the Land of Hot Springs would be too risky. The safest route... is the Land of Whirlpools."

Hiashi Hyuga frowned slightly: "The Land of Whirlpools? That will take two more days."

Uchiha Mitsumine said meaningfully, "It's alright, we lack time, but we don't lack time either. I bet Kirigakure will send an envoy to sue for peace soon, and Hiruzen Sarutobi... will definitely agree."

Nara Shikaku was undoubtedly a highly intelligent person. He pointed out the key point: "Therefore, we must attack Kirigakure before the negotiations begin."

Uchiha Mitsunori stood up, a cold glint in his eyes: "Not only that, issue the order to block all routes to Konoha, and kill any Kirigakure envoys without exception."

……

Three days later, the Konoha ninja army crossed the coast of the Land of Whirlpools and infiltrated the Land of Water.

Waves crashed against the rocks, and the Uchiha Mitsuru stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing at the Land of Water shrouded in blood mist in the distance.

He said in a low voice, "Clan Chief Fugaku, once we invade Kirigakure, the power structure of Konoha... will be completely rewritten."

Fugaku Uchiha's Mangekyou Sharingan slowly rotated in the shadows: "How can you be so sure?"

Uchiha Mitsunori came to his side and whispered, "Everything is arranged. I even took care of the Root's spies."

Just last night, three Mist Village delegations were ambushed and killed on the border of the Land of Fire, with none surviving.

They even dealt with the two groups of Konoha ninjas sent to the Land of Water!

Uchiha Mitsunori's voice was cold and resolute: "Without an envoy, there will be no peace talks. And we... will become the heroes who end the war."

Fugaku Uchiha remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Let's do it."

The waves surged, and 4000 Konoha ninjas, like a black tide, rushed towards Kirigakure.

Meanwhile, in the distant Hidden Leaf Village, inside the Hokage's office.

A member of the ANBU suddenly appeared: "Report! All the liaison teams sent to Kirigakure have lost contact!"

Danzo Shimura said angrily, "Damn it, it must have been the Uchiha! They even dare to kill Konoha's envoys now, they're practically rebelling!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently extinguished his pipe, letting out a heavy, helpless sigh: "Sigh..."

He looked out the window, as if he could already smell the storm brewing.