Konoha's Preparations for War and Tobirama's Fury!

Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi dragged their exhausted, wounded bodies as they hurried all the way back to Konoha Village.

After passing through multiple checkpoints and verifying their identities, they did not pause for even a moment before heading straight for the Hokage Building. Both wore grave expressions and moved with urgency, as though an extremely pressing matter needed to be resolved.

"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 in front of the Hokage Building and, without hesitation, pried open the door to the Hokage Office.

A series of "knock, knock, knock" sounds seemed especially jarring in the quiet corridor.

The door was violently pushed open. Tobirama Senju frowned slightly as he looked at the two intruders.

Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi's clothes were somewhat tattered, and both were wounded in several places. 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 furiously, "Teacher Tobirama, after we returned from the exams, we were pursued by Hidden Cloud Village. Those damned Hidden Cloud ninjas were utterly unscrupulous.

They suddenly appeared and caught us off guard. We fought back with all our strength, but there were too many of them, and their strength could not be underestimated. If we had not fought with everything we had, we might not have made it back alive to report this to you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi also wore an enraged expression as he added, "Yes, Teacher. Those Hidden Cloud ninjas were far too arrogant. They completely disregarded the rules and principles between ninjas. We were on our way back when they suddenly attacked. Their ninjutsu rained down on us, and many of our brothers were injured."

A sharp glint flashed through Tobirama Senju's eyes after hearing this. He knew this was no trivial matter and that they had to respond as quickly as possible.

Tobirama Senju's brows were tightly furrowed, those sword-like eyebrows seeming ready to pierce the air. A fierce light shone in his eyes, like a blade in a cold night, sending chills down one's spine.

He clenched his jaw as rage blazed in his heart. "Hidden Cloud Village dared to be this bold? It seems they want to start a war. Hmph, they're overestimating themselves."

His voice was low and imposing, full of pressure. "Pass down the order: strengthen the village's defenses. Every sentry post must receive more personnel, and patrols must increase in frequency.

"Where are the ANBU? Have them mobilize as well. Focus on patrolling the area surrounding the village." Tobirama Senju looked toward Uchiha Ying.

"Yes, Teacher," Uchiha Ying replied.

"At the same time, send out reconnaissance squads to closely monitor Hidden Cloud Village's movements. Do not overlook even the slightest disturbance.

"Also, immediately gather the medical ninjas and treat the injured ninjas as soon as possible. They must recover their combat strength in the shortest time possible."

Uchiha Ying and Hiruzen Sarutobi straightened their backs, their eyes incomparably resolute, as though everlasting flames burned within them.

Uchiha Ying clenched his fists and said, "Yes, Teacher Tobirama. We will definitely make Hidden Cloud Village pay for what they have done.

"Their provocation will not succeed. Konoha Village's honor cannot be violated."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded solemnly as well. "We will give it everything we have to protect Konoha. If Hidden Cloud Village 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 brewing, its surging undercurrents suffocating.

Konoha Village's ninjas also began making intense preparations amid the tense atmosphere, ready to face the crisis that might arrive.

The medical ninjas moved quickly, carrying medicine and equipment to wherever the injured ninjas were located.

"Quick, someone come! There's a severely wounded person here!" a medical ninja shouted.

"Stabilize his condition first. Use hemostatic bandages," another medical ninja instructed.

They skillfully treated wounds and performed healing ninjutsu, bringing hope and comfort to the injured.

Meanwhile, the ninjas responsible for defense remained fully focused at their posts, their vigilant eyes sweeping the surroundings without overlooking a single suspicious sign.

"Watch the surrounding forest carefully. Send a signal immediately if anything happens."

Patrol teams moved through the village's streets and alleys, their footsteps orderly and powerful, as though proclaiming to their enemies that Konoha Village could not be violated.

"Stay alert, brothers. We can't let Hidden Cloud Village take advantage of any opening," the patrol captain said.

The entire Konoha Village was immersed in a tense yet orderly atmosphere as it waited for Hidden Cloud Village's next move.

Hatake Sakumo returned home, still carrying the exhaustion and dust of battle on his body.

Hatake Yuntian had long been waiting inside. When he saw his good son return, joy immediately blossomed in his eyes.

He quickly stepped forward, his face full of pride and relief.

"Impressive, son." Hatake Yuntian's voice was full of pride. "I heard you came back with first place in the Chunin Ninja Exams, bringing 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 and he noticed that his son was injured.

His expression changed instantly. Frowning deeply, he asked with concern, "But how did you get hurt? What happened?"

His eyes were full of worry as he reached out and gently touched Hatake Sakumo's wound, as if doing so could ease his son's pain.

A complicated emotion welled up in Hatake Yuntian's heart. He was proud of his son's achievements, yet his heart ached deeply over his injuries.

He secretly made up his mind to take good care of his son and help him recover as quickly as possible.

Hatake Sakumo looked at his father's concerned eyes, lowered his head slightly, and said lightly, "Father, we only encountered a little trouble on the way back from the exams.

"Hidden Cloud Village suddenly attacked us, but we did not let them gain any advantage."

"Hidden Cloud Village? They've gone too far! Was anyone seriously injured? How did you deal with them?" Hatake Yuntian asked anxiously.

"We're all right. Everyone resisted together, and we managed to break through," Hatake Sakumo answered.

Hatake Yuntian frowned, concern flashing through his eyes. "Hidden Cloud Village actually dared to be this arrogant. It seems the situation is growing more tense.

"It's good that you're fine. 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, no one knows when danger may 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 missions will be waiting for you."

Hatake Sakumo answered, then turned and headed toward his room. He silently swore that he would make Hidden Cloud Village pay a heavy price for what they had done.

Uchiha Clan Grounds...!!!

"Bastards! Hidden Cloud actually dared to injure members of my Uchiha Clan!" Uchiha Inabi glared furiously, blazing rage burning in his eyes.

He looked at his wounded son, pain and fury intertwining until his emotions nearly spun out of control.

"Gather our people! Go to the border and intercept the Hidden Cloud 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 resolve.

"Father, we can't act rashly. The Hokage hasn't given any instructions yet," a member of the Uchiha Clan urged.

"Instructions? My son has been injured, and you still want to wait for instructions? Hidden Cloud Village must pay the price!" Uchiha Inabi roared.

He paced back and forth, unable to quell the fury in his heart. "This time, I'll personally take the field! I'll let Hidden Cloud Village's people know that anyone who dares touch my Uchiha Clan will pay a painful price!"

He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, as though he wanted to vent every shred of fury in his heart through them.

A moment later, the Uchiha Clan members swiftly sprang into action.

"Move faster, everyone. Prepare your weapons and ninja tools."

"This time, we must let Hidden Cloud Village see what we're capable of."

Some prepared weapons while others organized ninja tools, every face filled with severity and anger.

Everyone knew that this was a battle concerning the clan's honor and dignity. There could be no retreat whatsoever.

Uchiha Inabi stood in the center of the courtyard, watching his busy clansmen with cold, unwavering eyes.

He seemed to see the fierce battle that was about to come, to see Hidden Cloud Village's ninjas collapsing under their assault.

He silently swore that he would make Hidden Cloud Village regret their reckless actions beyond measure.