Late morning, Hokage's Office.
Outside the window, the once-bright sky had suddenly turned somewhat gloomy. Lead-gray clouds hung low, making it hard to breathe.
The atmosphere in the office was even more grave than last time, permeated by a formal sort of "warmth."
Sarutobi Hiruzen still sat in the broad Hokage's chair. Watching the old Uchiha Clan Head enter, he set aside his pipe trailing wisps of smoke, a kindly smile on his face.
This time, Utatane Koharu sat beside him.
She sat upright with a solemn expression, her gaze resembling that of a kind grandmother next door as she observed every reaction from the Uchiha Clan Head across from her.
The Old Clan Head paid her no heed. He sat calmly in the guest seat, like a mountain that had weathered wind and rain without ever yielding, carrying a deep, steady authority in his silence.
Hiruzen's gaze rested on the Old Clan Head's face for several breaths before he got straight to the point.
"Regarding the Uchiha Clan sending troops east to resist Kirigakure, the village leadership has reached a preliminary decision after careful deliberation."
The Uchiha Clan Head raised his eyes slightly, assuming an attentive posture.
"I would like to hear the details."
Utatane Koharu took over at that moment. Her usually cold, rigid voice had, incredibly, gained a deliberately softened gentleness.
"The Uchiha Clan is unquestionably one of Konohagakure's great bloodline clans, and we understand the determination you all have to serve the village."
She paused briefly, watching his reaction, then continued, "Given the pressing situation in the Shinobi World, and the Uchiha Clan's undeniable ability to stand on its own..."
"Lord Hokage has granted special approval for the Uchiha Clan to independently establish a shinobi force. It will coordinate with the eastern shinobi forces to jointly