The Monster Revives, an Ant's Apology Goes Unheard [Happy Year of the Rabbit!]

With the outsiders gone, a measure of peace returned to the rainforest.

"Chief, are we really going to prepare for war against the Uchiha Clan?"

One of the Sky Ninja stepped forward, unable to contain his excitement and unease.

Their new chief might be a frail-looking girl, but she was also the student who had inherited Lord Shinnō's teachings.

"No."

"You've all seen the power of that clan's leader. He isn't someone ordinary people can stand against."

"As long as he's around, nothing will happen to the Uchiha Clan."

Amaru's answer left the Sky Ninja shaken and deeply unwilling to accept it.

"Then why did you say what you said, Chief?"

"Have you already forgotten Lord Shinnō's will?"

A Sky Ninja from the most militant faction stepped forward and challenged her. He had never accepted such a young girl as their chief. Only the former chief's wishes, and the presence of that terrifying ninja, had kept him from saying so.

If she had upheld their former chief's ambitions and led them to conquer the world, spreading the Sky Ninja's name, that would have been another matter.

But now she meant to abandon even revenge.

He could not accept a leader with no experience, no ambition, and values so at odds with his own.

His words set off a wave of discontent. Many of the Sky Ninja behind Yu Zhi looked just as dissatisfied.

"Fine."

"Then take the whole organization to the Land of Hot Water and get your revenge right now."

"I won't stop you."

Amaru pulled the fortress key, threaded on a cord, from her clothes and held it out to the ninja calling for battle and revenge.

At the sight of the brass key resting in the girl's slender palm, an eager, greedy light flared in the man's