The nobles repeatedly kowtowed to Xuandou, sobbing so hard they could not speak.
Several old men thought of the vast fortunes they had not managed to take with them and nearly fainted from crying. Only their attendants' support kept them from collapsing.
After a moment of "careful consideration," Xuandou finally nodded slowly.
"Very well. The people of the Land of Lightning are innocent. They must not suffer because of the Raikage's madness alone."
"I have decided to send troops into the Land of Lightning, restore order, and deliver its people from misery!"
The nobles immediately wept with joy, kowtowing and thanking him.
Xuandou rose, sweeping his gaze over everyone present.
"In three days, we march on the Land of Lightning!"
Three days later, at Azure Tide Port.
Three thousand elite Uchiha stood in formation.
They were fully equipped, their morale high.
Xuandou wore dark casual clothes, with the Erotic Gourd and Time-Stop Demon Blade hanging at his waist, calm and composed.
Mabui rode beside him, her dark business attire outlining her curvaceous figure.
She held a thick folder containing maps of the Land of Lightning, lists of nobles, and resource distribution charts.
"Move out!"
Xuandou raised his hand and swept it forward.
The great column set off.
Along the way, the people stopped to watch. Some cheered, some prayed, and others looked worried.
War was about to begin again.
Several days later, at the Daimyo's Residence in the Land of Lightning.
The once-prosperous city was now scarred by devastation.
The streets were littered with traces of battle: burned houses, broken beams, and dried bloodstains.
Xuandou led his troops straight to the heart of the Daimyo's Residence, the Daimyō's Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Palace's vermilion gates had been scorched black, and the golden crest above them had been hacked beyond