THE EVIL OF UCHIHA BYAKUYA

Is the Uchiha clan strong?

Yes—undeniably so.

Their kekkei genkai, the Sharingan, is among the most revered dojutsu in the ninja world. With their formidable genjutsu, perception, and fire-style ninjutsu, the Uchiha have long stood as one of Konoha's most elite clans. In one-on-one combat, few could match a skilled Uchiha.

It's because of their strength and pride that the Uchiha clan had earned the reputation of being the strongest clan in Konoha. But this time… they were expected to face the full might of Sunagakure—alone.

Neither Akimichi Choza nor Yamanaka Inoichi could believe such a scenario.

"For a single clan to fend off an entire village's offensive… it sounds suicidal," Choza muttered, frowning deeply.

"But," Nara Shikaku interjected thoughtfully, "what if they succeed?"

Both Choza and Inoichi turned to him, expressions tightening.

"If the Uchiha truly repel the Sand's assault," Shikaku continued, "it won't just change the course of the war—it will upend the balance of power in the village."

Yamanaka Inoichi's expression darkened. "The Uchiha won't forget how they've been marginalized by the higher-ups all these years…"

Choza nodded grimly. "If they come out of this with a victory, Hiruzen-sama and the elders will be under intense pressure. The clan's prestige will skyrocket, and they might demand retribution."

The three of them knew well how strained the relationship had grown between the Uchiha and the Konoha leadership. The distrust, the surveillance, the isolation at the village's edge—it was all coming to a head.

"In that case…" Inoichi narrowed his eyes. "You're reaching out to them now, aren't you?"

Shikaku nodded. "It's only logical. If they lose, we report everything to the Hokage and act per protocol. But if they win… we can't afford to be seen as their enemies."

Choza crossed his arms. "Then this mission might shape the future of our clans."

"We'll need someone level-headed and trusted by all sides to do it," Inoichi added.

"I'll handle it myself," Shikaku said calmly.

"You're serious?" Choza and Inoichi looked at him in surprise.

Shikaku gave a rare smile. "This isn't the kind of gamble you entrust to just anyone."

"…Then I'm coming too," Inoichi said firmly.

"And what's a 'Ino-Shika-Cho' formation without me?" Choza added with a grin.

And so, the trio decided to accompany the Uchiha to the battlefield—prepared to witness history, whichever way it turned.

At the Uchiha compound, the clan was already abuzz with tension.

"Lord Byakuya, are we really taking on the Sand Village's offensive by ourselves?" asked Uchiha En, a sharp-eyed jōnin.

"Of course," Byakuya replied coolly. "What, are you scared?"

"Scared? Never," En said quickly, though there was unease in his eyes. "But… it's the entire Sand Village. Even we can't take this lightly."

"The Uchiha do not retreat," Byakuya said. "You gather the squads. I'll handle the rest."

Byakuya wasn't arrogant—he was simply confident. After unlocking the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he had surpassed even most Kage in power.

He knew the legends—how Uchiha Madara once stood alone against an army and crushed Iwagakure's elite forces.

And now, he intended to carve his own legend.

"I understand," Uchiha En said, bowing. "I will have the forces ready."

Not long after, Tsunade arrived at the compound, her face grim.

"Byakuya, you can't be serious," she said sharply. "You're going to lead the Uchiha alone against the Sand's full attack?"

"I am," he answered without hesitation.

"You idiot," she snapped. "This isn't some training exercise. This is war. And even the strongest clan can bleed when the numbers are overwhelming."

Byakuya didn't flinch. "That may be true. But this is our decision. We'll fight for Konoha—and for our clan's dignity."

"Do you intend to lead the Uchiha clan to their deaths?"

Tsunade's voice was sharp, her brow furrowed in frustration as she stared at Byakuya.

To her, his actions were reckless — the kind of arrogance born from inexperience. He had never truly witnessed the brutality of the previous Great Ninja Wars. A single clan, no matter how powerful, could not stand against the might of an entire village. Not for long.

"You're worried about me, Tsunade?" Byakuya replied with a smirk. "I never thought a proud daughter of the Senju clan would show concern for someone from the Uchiha."

"Idiot!" Tsunade snapped. "You're still joking at a time like this?"

"Of course I know what I'm doing," Byakuya said, his voice firm now. His smirk faded, replaced by resolve. "I'm guiding the Uchiha clan toward its rightful rise."

"You..." Tsunade's shoulders sank. "You're really impossible."

Then she sighed.

"Count me in for tomorrow's operation."

Byakuya blinked. "You want to fight alongside the Uchiha clan to defend the Will of Fire?"

"Don't get the wrong idea." Tsunade turned, walking away. "I just don't want to see you die like a fool."

Byakuya smiled, watching her leave.

"Still... you'll be proud of that decision, Tsunade."

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