Konoha, Assemble

Upon seeing Kazashiro enter the room, Bai, dressed in a light pink sleeveless yukata, greeted him with a broad smile.

"Brother Kazashiro, please sit down, the sandwich will be ready soon."

Although the two had lived together for several years, Kazashiro always felt at a loss whenever Bai greeted him warmly.

Kimimaro was standing nearby, stood up at the opportune moment and pulled out a cushion from under the table.

Yamato and drinking, and didn't even bother to say hello.

"Yamato, I remember you're currently working in the inspection department of the Internal Affairs Department, right?"

A playful smile appeared on Kazashiro's lips as he inexplicably asked Yamato, who was munching on a rice ball.

"Yes, yes..."

Yamato swallowed the food in his mouth, and seeing Kazashiro, he felt a chill in the warm morning air.

Kazashiro smiled, for life and death were uncertain.

"It's nothing, keep eating."

Kazashiro still had a smile on his face, indicating to Yamato he didn't need to be nervous.

In reality, he was thinking about who Yamato's direct supervisor was, and when it was time to work, he would send a message to that person, Yamato increasing Yamato's workload.

The imperial edict summoning Kazehaku by the Kazashiro arrived in Konoha two days later than Tokugawa Shigenami's secret letter.

Along with this came the news that Tokugawa Shigenami never emerged from the palace after meeting the daimyo.

"It seems the Daimyo has accepted the Dawn Organization's overtures and is ready to challenge us."

Uchiha Itachi was somewhat nervous.

The two sides eventually reached this point, even though Kazashiro had anticipated that it would happen sooner or later.

Compared to his disciples, Kazashiro's expression was much calmer.

"Whether it's Artificial Human or Yaowan, as long as it's not Ōtsutsuki himself who takes action, there's still room for maneuver."

The so-called Artificial Human could defeat Asuma, but he might not be able to defeat other elite ninjas of Konoha.

"Should we still go to Daming Prefecture to pay our respects as required by the Daimyo's Mansion edict?"

Shikaku had been deep in thought, seemed to have come up with a solution, but before speaking, he wanted to know Kazashiro thought.

"The capture of Tokugawa Shigenami proves that they know we know about Artificial Human, and we also know that they know we know about it. Even so, the Daimyo's Mansion still issued an edict, which means..."

After speaking at length, Kazashiro paused to catch his breath. "Both sides have revealed their hand; Daimyo's Mansion will be the place for our decisive battle."

At this point, he suddenly shook his head. "The word 'final battle' is a bit inappropriate; it's more like a mini-boss battle."

"They probably also intend to wipe us out in one fell swoop."

Shikaku guessed that the opponent's decision to fight openly was aimed at wiping out the well-prepared Konoha in one fell swoop.

"It's also possible that they want to take advantage of Konoha's weakness to attack us again." After several years of experience, Uchiha Itachi has become qualified for his position in the decision-making level.

"Let's take a gamble. There's only one Artificial Human. I'm more inclined to believe they want to wipe us out in the Daimyo's Mansion."

Kazashiro has made his decision.

Is there really only one?

Shikaku, but still didn't voice his question.

Five days later.

"Your Highness, the Fifth Hokage has arrived outside the city. Only two guards are visible. After comparing them with the encyclopedia, we have confirmed that they are Jonin Shirakumo Hayama and Jonin Uchiha Inabi."

Soldiers under the command of the Daimyo's Mansion reported the currently known intelligence to the Daimyo and nobles.

"Where are they hiding? It's impossible that the Hokage of Konoha would actually come to pay his respects with only two guards, as requested."

A nobleman sternly questioned the soldiers below.

"This..."

The soldier trembled, unsure how to answer the question.

"Alright, those guys are best at delivering fatal blows to the enemy from dark places, so it's normal that we can't find them."

A reasonable nobleman stepped forward and told the other side not to make things difficult for these warriors who only knew how to face the enemy head-on.

"Your Highness, now that the Hokage has arrived, let's depart as planned."

The Grand Councilor was the first to rise and take his leave of the daimyo.

Each generation of Hokage possesses the strength to single-handedly conquer a city, and their battles against the Artificial Human already inflict massive damage.

These nobles naturally wouldn't stay on the front lines and wait to be caught in the crossfire.

As the nobles were retreating, Kazashiro and his group also passed through the city gate under the watchful eyes of the soldiers.

Because of the distance between them, the soldiers didn't even notice that Kazashiro's lips were making small movements.

"Everyone, test the communication equipment."

Uchiha Hikari: "Hmph."

Hiruko: "I am in position."

Jiraiya: "Received."

Minato Namikaze: "I have arrived at the front lines."

Uchiha Obito: "Don't worry, everything is under control."

Yamato: "Coming right away."

Fugaku Uchiha: "It's been a long time since I've left the village on a mission."

Hyuga Hiashi: "Wait a moment."

Unidentified person 1: "..."

Unidentified Person 2: "..."

Konoha, assemble.