Attack

The Third Hokage's words sent an uproar through the crowd. Many had guessed that he had called the heads of Konoha's Great Families together over an emergency, but no one had expected war to come so suddenly.

If the defenses in the Land of Rain fell, the enemy could sweep straight across the Land of Fire's mostly flat terrain. The consequences of war breaking out inside its borders were unthinkable.

"You have two hours to gather your people and prepare supplies. Assemble at Konoha Gate in two hours," the Third Hokage said.

"Fugaku, you'll stay in Konoha this time and hold down the Uchiha District," Uchiha Tenjo said.

Fugaku looked at Uchiha Tenjo's composed face and understood his concern. With so many Uchiha leaders away from Konoha, most of the village's senior officials would still be hostile toward the clan.

A powerful ninja had to stay behind to handle any sudden trouble. Either Danzo or the Elders Council might try something at a time like this.

Fugaku had treated his earlier conversation with Orochimaru as a joke. He believed Danzo would only dig himself into a deeper hole.

"Rest assured, Father. While you and the others are away, nothing will change for the Uchiha," Fugaku said.

Uchiha Tenjo nodded. "This sudden war will be a good test of the clan's training over the past year. I hope they won't disappoint me."

"Don't worry, Fugaku. With us old hands around, we won't let anything happen to the Clan Head," an Uchiha leader said.

Fugaku nodded. He had faith in Uchiha Tenjo's strength.

As they left the Hokage Building, figures hurried through Konoha's streets. The village had fallen into a measure of chaos.

Fugaku glanced at the sky and frowned. Traveling after dark was a cardinal mistake for ninja. It left them