[Then Fugaku Uchiha began laying out the plan for that night:]
["Tonight, I, Fugaku Uchiha, and my son Itachi Uchiha will personally lead five Elite Jonin as our spearhead and clear a path for the clan!"]
["The Second Elder and Third Elder will command all other fighters. Protect the women, children, and noncombatants, and follow close behind!"]
[Finally, his gaze fell on the Four Elders. His voice grew heavy with respect. "The Four Elders... will lead the clan members who volunteer to stay behind and cover our retreat!"]
[The Four Elders stepped forward together, their aged bodies standing straight. There was no hesitation in their eyes, only the resolve of men ready to die for their cause.]
[Stifled sobs rose from the crowd, mingled with even fiercer shouts.]
["You have half a day!" Fugaku's voice thundered through the hall. "Go home and prepare the supplies you need! Be at your best, and assemble here at seven tonight!"]
["Tonight, we will carve out the Uchiha's future with our own blood and strength!"]
["Dismissed!"]
[Everyone knew that night was destined to be stained with blood.]
[The scene shifted to a forest in Konoha.]
[Itachi Uchiha stood among the trees in his ANBU uniform, a white animal mask marked with red covering his face. He seemed to be waiting for someone.]
["Well, this is rare! Konoha's 'Rising Star' actually asked to meet a dangerous man like me."]
[Obito Uchiha emerged from the trees, amusement in his voice as he studied Itachi through the single eyehole in his mask.]
[Itachi Uchiha did not turn around. He kept his gaze on Konoha. "Help me slaughter the Uchiha clan at five tonight."]
[Obito Uchiha gave a cold snort. "In such a hurry? Looks like that old man Danzo is pressing you hard!"]
["As agreed, I'll help.