A moment later, a figure wearing a conical hat arrived with a large group of people.
"Lord Third!"
"Lord Hokage!"
Cries of reverence immediately rang out.
The man who had arrived was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the current Hokage.
He moved to the front and looked up at the meteorite ahead, a shadow of unease and gravity crossing his eyes.
"Fugaku!"
The Third Hokage called out sharply.
"Lord Hokage!"
Fugaku stepped forward, his expression grave.
"Was it them?"
The Third Hokage asked.
Fugaku hesitated briefly, then nodded.
Who would believe that a meteorite falling like this was an accident? Yet the idea that one of those two men had caused it was equally difficult to accept.
Could this meteorite also be a form of ninjutsu?
Fugaku was shaken.
If it truly was ninjutsu, then which of them had unleashed it?
The Third Hokage took a deep breath and adjusted the conical hat on his head before looking ahead with a solemn expression.
"Everyone, prepare for war!"
Those words sent a shudder through everyone on either side.
"Who exactly is Xia Le's enemy?"
Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha, asked gravely, his hand resting at his waist.
"We haven't confirmed his identity yet, but..."
Fugaku's voice grew low.
"It's very likely that legendary man!"
Sakumo's heart jolted. "Who?"
"Madara Uchiha!"
Fugaku drew a breath, his expression grim.
He knew all too well what would follow once he spoke that name.
That man's name had become almost taboo in the village. His return would put the Uchiha Clan first in the line of fire, at the very center of the storm.
It might even lead to far worse consequences.
"What?"
Sure enough, several startled cries rang out through the woods almost the instant the name left his mouth.
Fugaku turned his head slightly