Madara Uchiha's words were like a poisoned dagger, piercing precisely into the most vulnerable part of the Konoha ninjas' hearts-"That Jinchūriki is an outsider," "She has nothing to do with you," "Why risk your lives for her?"
These words stirred enormous ripples in the hearts of those who already doubted the "will of fire."
"How can you say that?"
A low voice, thick with suppressed anger, rang out from the crowd.
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a middle-aged ninja stepping out of the crowd, a ninja blade clenched in his hand.
A deep sword scar ran across his face from his left forehead to his right cheek, left by a mission many years ago. His gaze was firm, his steps steady, like a moving mountain.
"Even if that woman used to be an outsider, she's joined our Hidden Leaf Village now. She's one of us! How could we abandon her?"
His voice rang like a great bell, echoing through the night sky.
"If we did that, would we be any different from the Sarutobi Clan?"
At those words, much of the whispering in the crowd instantly fell silent.
The Sarutobi Clan.
That name had become almost taboo in Konoha now.
Not because it could not be spoken, but because saying it was simply too shameful.
"Exactly!"
Another voice rang out, and a young Jonin stepped out of the crowd. His face still held traces of youth, but a light long absent burned in his eyes.
"If I did exactly what the Sarutobi Clan did, then as a Konoha ninja, I'd truly be too ashamed to go on living."
He walked over to Minato, then turned to face his wavering comrades, his voice ringing with conviction:
"Fifth Hokage, we support you in fighting him to the end! Konoha will