Fugaku's Request, Danzo's Ambition

Ryosuke finished speaking and turned to leave.

He left behind the members of the Hyuga Clan, all of whom wore expressions of shock.

"Big Brother Ryosuke."

Hinata was still holding the rabbit doll she had won at the amusement park.

A gratified smile appeared on Hyuga Hiashi's face.

"That child is truly remarkable."

"Hinata, I'm sorry. Father forgot that today was your birthday. What gift would you like?"

The two Hyuga clansmen watched this scene in utter astonishment.

They had never seen their clan head display such a smile or attitude before.

Even less had they ever heard him say the words "I'm sorry" to anyone.

Could it be that the words of that child really held such weight in the clan head's heart?

"Hinata doesn't want anything. I just wish Father could spend more time with me."

Hinata shook her head obediently.

Hyuga Hiashi stroked Hinata's hair, a troubled look appearing on his face.

It was not a difficult request, but in these extraordinary times, it felt like an extravagant wish.

Hyuga Hiashi had clearly already received the warning from the Third Hokage.

War was approaching, and as the head of Konoha's strongest clan, how could he possibly have the time to stay home and keep his child company?

Walking halfway home, Ryosuke dispelled his Shadow Clone Technique.

Instantly, a wave of exhaustion and a flood of information rushed into his body.

That old fox, the Third Hokage, is actually sending three children to fight against the Anbu of the Cloud Ninja? Isn't this just a scheme to escalate the conflict between the Uchiha and the village?

Even if the Third Hokage used "minimizing casualties" as his excuse, did that justify using the Uchiha as sacrificial lambs?

But in the Third Hokage's heart, the safety of Konoha was far more important than that of the Uchiha.

This sudden shift in the timeline also made Ryosuke feel deeply uneasy.

Although he knew that war was the fastest way for him to increase his strength, it also meant immense risk.

Especially since their opponents this time were the Anbu of the Cloud Ninja.

The Cloud Ninja's Anbu were not much inferior to those of Konoha.

And Itachi and Kakashi were both veterans of the Anbu.

Thinking of this, Ryosuke felt a headache coming on.

With the moon hanging high above the treetops, he finally returned to Sasuke's house.

As soon as he entered, he saw Fugaku, who was rarely home, sitting on the sofa with his arms crossed.

Uchiha Mikoto was still busy in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was kneeling at Fugaku's feet with his head bowed.

The corner of Ryosuke's mouth twitched. What had Sasuke done this time?

This was the trouble that came with having a genius brother, wasn't it?

His parents held him to the standards of a genius as well.

"Ryosuke, it's good that you're back. You've already heard about it, haven't you? The Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning are going to war."

Fugaku turned his head and stared coldly at Ryosuke as he spoke.

Ryosuke nodded.

It seemed that Fugaku was already aware of Team One's visit to the Hokage.

"This war is an opportunity for our Uchiha Clan. Not only can it foster a large number of experts within the clan, but the village's control over us will also weaken."

Fugaku continued.

Ryosuke nodded again; he had already vaguely guessed what Fugaku was going to say.

"You have an Anbu commission now, don't you? I have only one requirement for you: monitor the Third Hokage's movements at all times. If there is any intelligence involving our clan, you must notify me immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Ryosuke replied.

"Alright, let's eat."

Uchiha Mikoto walked out of the kitchen and said to the three of them with a smile.

Ryosuke found this meal to be completely tasteless.

Returning to Sasuke's room.

Sasuke's expression appeared incredibly dejected.

"Brother Ryosuke, is there going to be a war?"

Ryosuke remained silent, which Sasuke took as confirmation.

"Father says that one can only become a true man after being baptized by the fires of war. I want to participate in this war, too."

Sasuke suddenly clenched his fists and said to Ryosuke.

The current Sasuke had no idea what war truly was; his heart was entirely filled with the desire to earn his parents' approval.

Ryosuke felt a pang of heartache for Sasuke.

Yet, he did not know how to change the boy's mindset.

"When Sasuke grows up, you will be able to become a man. War is not a good thing; you must protect yourself."

Ryosuke stroked Sasuke's head as he spoke.

"What about you, Brother Ryosuke? Will you be joining the war?"

Sasuke looked up and asked.

Ryosuke sighed and pointed to the ninja headband on his arm.

"I am already a ninja, and ninjas are born for war. But I will be fine, don't worry."

It took quite a bit of comforting for Ryosuke to put Sasuke's mind at ease.

Late at night, Ryosuke lay alone on the floor, unable to fall asleep.

Just then, a strange bird call came from outside the window.

Ryosuke got up to look outside and saw a man wearing a bird-face mask crouching on the windowsill, gesturing a sign at him.

Itachi? Or Obito?

No, it should be someone from Root.

Ryosuke stood up carefully, making sure not to disturb Sasuke.

Then, he opened the window.

"Lord Danzo sent me to notify you to attend a meeting. There is a new mission for you; here is the address."

After the bird-faced man finished speaking, he vanished from the spot.

Ryosuke looked at the note in his hand and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Now, he truly understood the distress Itachi must have felt before the night of the clan's annihilation.

Back then, Itachi was caught between the Anbu and the Uchiha clan, constantly pressured by both sides.

And now, Ryosuke had to endure pressure from three different directions.

He composed himself, then had a Shadow Clone Technique take his place in the room.

As for himself, he headed to the meeting place with Danzo.

It was located in a dense forest between Konoha and the Uchiha clan's district.

Danzo had two Root ninjas by his side.

Ryosuke stepped out from the shadows.

"You're here," Danzo said without turning his head.

"Lord Danzo, what are your orders?"

"I have heard of the mission the Hokage gave your Team One. Remember, your mission is to protect yourself. If the others fall into danger, you are not to intervene."

Danzo said coldly.

"Furthermore, if they die in battle, you are to bring their Sharingan back to me."

Ryosuke's brow furrowed.

He had expected Danzo to give him some shady assignments, as that was what Root did.

But he hadn't expected him to be so direct, ordering a child of the Uchiha to harvest the eyes of his own kin.

Was this a test for him? The sinister nature of his intentions and his greed for the Sharingan were evident.

"Do you have a problem with that?"

Danzo finally turned around to look at Ryosuke.

"No, but I cannot guarantee that I will survive. After all, the opponents are Cloud Ninja Anbu."

Ryosuke had no intention of throwing his life away for the man, not even if it were a test.

"Rest assured, I have sent people to protect you from the shadows. The Sharingan must never fall into the hands of outsiders," Danzo said with a grimace.