"Sakumo, gather a thousand shinobi troops and have them assemble beneath Kage Rock!" Uchiha Ling gave the order.
"Yes!" Hatake Sakumo did not ask further questions. With a flicker, he left the Hokage Office.
The rock wall that had once symbolized the glory of generations of Hokage now cast a massive shadow in the morning light. Beneath that shadow stood the assembled Leaf army, their killing intent soaring into the sky.
Every shinobi's face was filled with resolve and fanatical faith in Uchiha Ling. Their Hokage was now the strongest in the shinobi world!
Uchiha Ling stood atop a hastily erected platform, clad in a white Hokage robe. Beneath it were the Uchiha fan crest and the red-and-white armband of the Military Police Force.
Namikaze Minato, Hatake Sakumo, and the other core members stood slightly behind him at his side, displaying their unwavering support.
Uchiha's gaze slowly swept over the dense formation below. His calm voice was amplified through chakra, reaching every shinobi's ears with perfect clarity:
"The nobles of the Land of Fire have lived in comfort for too long. They have long forgotten who bled on the borders, who used their lives to defend the peace and prosperity of this land. They take our sacrifices for granted, and even seek to treat the spoils we won with blood as tribute they can demand at will!"
Suppressed anger began to stir through the crowd.
"Just yesterday, the Feudal Lord's envoy came with that laughable arrogance, demanding that the Leaf hand over seventy percent of the reparations and seeking to 'crown' my position as Hokage as though bestowing charity." Uchiha Ling's voice suddenly turned cold, like an arctic wind.
"He was wrong. The Will of Fire shall not be insulted! The Hokage's dignity shall not be bargained away!"
Uchiha Ling