Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi dragged their exhausted, wounded bodies as they hurried all the way back to Konoha.
After passing through layer upon layer of checkpoints and verifying their identities, they did not pause for even a moment before heading straight for the Hokage Building. Their expressions were grave and their steps hurried, as if an urgent crisis awaited resolution.
"Ying, can you still hold on?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked worriedly as he looked at Uchiha Ying's weakened state.
"Stop talking and move. The village is in danger," Uchiha Ying replied through gritted teeth.
Before long, they arrived before the Hokage Building and, without hesitation, pried open the door to the Hokage Office.
A series of "knock, knock, knock" sounds rang out, especially jarring in the quiet corridor.
The door was suddenly pushed open. Tobirama Senju frowned slightly as he looked at the two intruders.
Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi's clothes were somewhat torn, and they bore injuries all over their bodies. They had clearly gone through a fierce battle.
Tobirama Senju asked in a deep voice, "What happened? You both came back injured."
Uchiha Ying clenched his teeth and said angrily, "Teacher Tobirama, after we returned from the exams, we were pursued by Kumogakure. Those damned Hidden Cloud Village ninjas were utterly unscrupulous.
"They suddenly attacked and caught us off guard. We fought with everything we had, but they outnumbered us and were not weak. If we had not given it our all, we might not have made it back alive to report this to you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi added with fury on his face, "That's right, Teacher. Those Hidden Cloud Village ninjas were far too arrogant. They had no regard whatsoever for the rules or morality between ninjas. We were on our way back when they suddenly attacked us. Their ninjutsu came down like rain, and many of our comrades were injured."
A sharp glint flashed through Tobirama Senju's eyes. He knew this was no trivial matter and that they had to respond as quickly as possible.
Tobirama Senju knitted his brows tightly. His sword-like eyebrows seemed ready to pierce the air, while a fierce light shone in his eyes like a blade in a cold night, chilling anyone who saw it.
He clenched his jaw as rage blazed within him. "Kumogakure dares to be so bold. It seems they want to start a war. Hmph, they are overestimating themselves."
His voice was low and authoritative, full of pressure. "Send out the order. Strengthen the village's defenses. Every sentry post must receive additional manpower, and patrols must become more frequent.
"Where are the ANBU? Have them move out as well and focus on patrolling the outskirts of the village." Tobirama Senju looked at Uchiha Ying.
"Yes, Teacher," Uchiha Ying answered.
"Also, send out reconnaissance squads to closely monitor Kumogakure's movements. Do not overlook the slightest disturbance.
"Furthermore, immediately gather the medical ninjas and treat the injured ninjas as soon as possible. Make sure they regain their combat strength in the shortest time possible."
Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi straightened their backs. Their eyes were incomparably resolute, as though eternal flames burned within them.
Uchiha Ying clenched his fists and said, "Yes, Teacher Tobirama. We will make Kumogakure pay for what they have done.
"Their provocation will not succeed. Konoha's honor cannot be violated."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded solemnly as well. "We will give it everything we have to protect Konoha. If Kumogakure dares to invade, we will make sure they never return."
The atmosphere inside the Hokage Office was heavy and solemn, like the stillness before a storm.
Everyone's hearts were filled with tension and worry, but even more than that, they were filled with unwavering resolve.
A coming storm seemed to be quietly gathering, its surging undercurrents suffocating.
Konoha's ninjas also began making intensive preparations amid the tense atmosphere, ready to face the crisis that might be coming.
The medical ninjas swiftly sprang into action, carrying medicine and equipment to wherever the injured ninjas were.
"Quick, someone come over! There's a critically wounded person here!" a medical ninja shouted.
"Stabilize his injuries first. Use hemostatic bandages," another medical ninja directed.
They expertly treated wounds and performed healing ninjutsu, bringing hope and comfort to the injured.
Meanwhile, the ninjas responsible for defense remained utterly focused at their posts. Their vigilant eyes swept their surroundings, missing not the slightest suspicious sign.
"Watch the surrounding forest. Send a signal immediately if anything happens."
Patrol teams moved through the village's streets and alleys. Their footsteps were orderly and powerful, as if declaring to their enemies that Konoha could not be violated.
"Stay alert, brothers. We can't let Kumogakure find an opening," the patrol captain said.
The entirety of Konoha was immersed in a tense yet orderly atmosphere, awaiting Kumogakure's next move.
Hatake Sakumo had returned home, still carrying the exhaustion and dust of battle.
Hatake Yuntian had been waiting inside for a long time. The moment he saw his beloved son return, joy immediately bloomed in his eyes.
He quickly stepped forward, his face full of pride and relief.
"Wonderful, son." Hatake Yuntian's voice was full of pride. "I heard you came back after taking first place in the Chunin Ninja Exams. You brought great honor to our Hatake Clan. You have always been so outstanding, and I am deeply proud of you."
As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Hatake Sakumo, only for him to notice the injuries on his son's body.
His expression changed instantly. Frowning deeply, he asked with concern, "But how did you get hurt? What happened?"
His eyes were filled with worry as he reached out and gently touched Hatake Sakumo's wounds, as if doing so could ease his son's pain.
A complicated feeling rose in Hatake Yuntian's heart. He was proud of his son's accomplishments, yet deeply pained by his injuries.
He secretly resolved that he would take good care of his son and help him recover as soon as possible.
Hatake Sakumo looked at the concern in his father's eyes, lowered his head slightly, and said casually, "Father, we only ran into a little trouble on the way back from the exams.
"People from Kumogakure suddenly attacked us, but we did not let them gain the upper hand."
"Kumogakure? They have gone too far! Was anyone seriously injured? How did you deal with them?" Hatake Yuntian asked anxiously.
"We're all fine. Everyone fought together, and we managed to break through," Hatake Sakumo answered.
Hatake Yuntian frowned, concern flashing through his eyes. "Kumogakure dares to be so arrogant. The situation is becoming increasingly tense.
"It's good that you are alright. This time, you won first place in the Chunin Ninja Exams and brought honor to the Hatake Clan.
"But you must be even more careful in the future. In these turbulent times, there is no telling when danger will strike."
Hatake Sakumo nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Father. I will be more cautious.
"I will also work hard to improve my strength, protect the clan, and defend Konoha."
The father and son fell silent for a moment. Hatake Yuntian patted Hatake Sakumo on the shoulder. "Go get some proper rest. Once your injuries have healed, even more important tasks will be waiting for you."
Hatake Sakumo responded and turned toward his room, silently swearing that he would make Kumogakure pay dearly for what they had done.
Uchiha Clan Grounds...!!!
"Bastards! Kumogakure dared to injure members of my Uchiha Clan!" Uchiha Inabi glared furiously, blazing rage burning in his eyes.
He looked at his wounded son, who had returned home, and pain and fury intertwined within him, driving his emotions nearly out of control.
"Gather our people! Go to the border and intercept the Hidden Cloud Village ninjas! We must wipe out one of their strongholds and let them know that the Uchiha Clan is not to be trifled with!"
Uchiha Inabi's voice exploded through the room like thunder, full of authority and determination.
"Father, we cannot act rashly. The Hokage has not given any orders yet," a Uchiha Clan member advised.
"Orders? My son has been injured, and you still want to wait for orders? Kumogakure must pay the price!" Uchiha Inabi roared.
He paced back and forth, unable to quell the rage in his heart. "This time, I'll personally take the field! I will make the people of Kumogakure understand that anyone who dares touch the Uchiha Clan will pay a terrible price!"
He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, as though he wanted to vent all the fury in his heart through them.
A moment later, the members of the Uchiha Clan swiftly began to move.
"Everyone, move faster. Prepare your weapons and ninja tools."
"This time, we must let Kumogakure see what we are capable of."
Some prepared weapons, while others organized ninja tools. Every face was filled with solemnity and anger.
Everyone knew that this was a battle concerning the clan's honor and dignity. They could not retreat in the slightest.
Uchiha Inabi stood in the center of the courtyard, watching the busy clan members with cold, unwavering eyes.
He seemed to see the fierce battle that was about to come, and the sight of Kumogakure's ninjas collapsing beneath their attacks.
He secretly swore that he would make Kumogakure regret their reckless actions beyond measure.
Before you continue