The moment trouble broke out among the Uchiha, anxiety swept through Konoha.
It couldn't be helped. The Uchiha Clan had left far too deep an impression on the major ninja clans. Even though Jin Uchiha's emergence over the years had softened some people's views of them, everyone still instinctively grew nervous when things actually erupted.
Those were two Susanoo!
Older ninja had a fear of this jutsu etched into their bones. The younger ones had never witnessed it firsthand, but simply looking at those two towering figures in the distance was enough to make their hearts tremble.
Of course, not everyone was eager to intervene.
The Inuzuka Clan, the Aburame Clan, and the other shinobi clans that had already joined the Uchiha Alliance had received word the night before. Now they merely watched from the sidelines, with no intention of getting involved.
In southern Konoha, inside the Inuzuka Clan compound near the Konoha Military Police Force, Inuzuka Ichiro was having tea with the Aburame Clan's head in a tearoom atop a three-story building.
He turned toward the two enormous figures at the edge of the Forest of Death and couldn't help letting out a long sigh.
"Even seeing Susanoo again, I still find it unbelievable."
"The Uchiha really do have a frighteningly deep foundation as a great clan."
Shibi Aburame followed his gaze, a smile on his face.
"This isn't necessarily a bad thing for us."
"Since we can't enter Konoha's inner circle, and the Uchiha happen to be under attack, now is precisely the time to make allies. By taking their side early, we'll naturally gain more."
He paused, then continued, "Compared with the village's higher-ups, I'd rather trust the Uchiha to keep their word."
"They may be arrogant, but they consider deceiving their allies over something like this