THE EVIL OF UCHIHA BYAKUYA

Early the next morning, a large group of Uchiha clan members assembled at Konoha's main gate.

"Byakuya, am I really allowed to join the mission?!"

"Can I actually leave the village!?"

Uzumaki Kushina's voice was filled with excitement. Ever since becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, she had been under constant surveillance by the Anbu. Leaving the village had been out of the question—Konoha had treated her more like a vessel than a person. She had felt caged for years.

So now, hearing that she might finally be allowed to step outside filled her with uncontainable joy.

"Of course," Byakuya said with a faint smile. "You're with me this time."

Alongside Kushina, Uchiha Mikoto also stood among the group. Despite the risks of battle, Byakuya felt they would be safer at his side than under Hiruzen's watchful eyes in the village. After all, the Uchiha clan was already under heavy scrutiny, and trust in the higher-ups had long since eroded.

Kushina had the Nine-Tails sealed within her and could unleash tremendous power if needed. Mikoto, for her part, had awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan and was no novice in combat. Both of them had more than enough strength to survive on the battlefield—especially with him there.

"The danger isn't just on the front lines," Byakuya murmured. "An open battlefield is easier to survive than Konoha's political darkness."

This wasn't just about Kushina and Mikoto. Byakuya intended to lead the entire Uchiha combat force into battle. Any Uchiha who stayed behind would be guarded by the more moderate, clan-loyal members. If they couldn't handle that, perhaps they didn't deserve to stay.

"Yesss!" Kushina cheered, pumping her fist. "I've been waiting so long for this!"

"Kushina," Byakuya said, his tone cautioning, "this isn't a joyride. It's war."

"Haha, I get it," she grinned. "But I'll still get to stretch my legs!"

"Mikoto," Byakuya turned to her, "keep an eye on her."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure she doesn't do anything reckless," Mikoto said as she took Kushina's hand. The two had grown close over the past weeks, bonded by both friendship and frustration with Konoha's system.

Just then, a white-haired man approached swiftly.

"Lord Byakuya, I'm sorry I'm late."

Hatake Sakumo bowed respectfully. "Please allow me to participate in this operation."

By now, the Hatake clan had openly pledged support to the Uchiha. Sakumo knew that if the Uchiha fell, the Hatake would suffer as well.

"Perfect timing, Sakumo," Byakuya replied. "We're glad to have you."

Byakuya didn't necessarily need Sakumo's strength, but his presence validated everything Byakuya had done for him. It was a gesture of loyalty and honor.

Suddenly—

"You bastard, Byakuya!"

A familiar voice rang out. Tsunade stormed over, frustration written all over her face.

"You really plan to take the Uchiha into battle alone against the Sand? Are you insane?"

Byakuya laughed. "What kind of man says 'no' when asked if he's capable?"

"Tch. Just don't get them all killed," Tsunade growled. "I'll handle the medical logistics. I'm more familiar with your clan's medical capabilities than anyone else now."

Tsunade had, over the past month, helped establish a functioning medical system within the Uchiha compound, something previously lacking under Konoha's central leadership.

Before they could continue, three more ninja arrived—Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Chōza, and Yamanaka Inoichi.

"Lord Byakuya!" Shikaku called out. "This is the latest intel on the Sand's movements, sent by the Hokage."

He handed over a mission scroll. "Also, Ino-Shika-Chō formally request to join your unit."

Byakuya narrowed his eyes.

"You three want to join me?" he said flatly. "You're Hiruzen's people. This smells like surveillance."

Although Byakuya was correct—the reason the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans joined the Uchiha's operation was because Sarutobi Hiruzen had ordered them to monitor the Uchiha—Nara Shikaku would never admit it outright.

"You're not here just to keep an eye on us," Byakuya said coldly, his gaze sweeping over them. "You've seen that Hiruzen is finished. You're just looking for the winning side—and now you want to pledge allegiance to the Uchiha."

His words struck like lightning.

Inoichi, Shikaku, and Choza all fell silent. Their expressions stiffened, but none offered a rebuttal.

Because deep down, Byakuya wasn't wrong. If Sarutobi Hiruzen truly lost control of the situation, they had indeed planned to side with the Uchiha. They just weren't ready to admit it.

"…Lord Byakuya, let's focus on the battle plan," Shikaku said, choosing to change the subject tactfully rather than get drawn into the accusation.

Before any further discussion could unfold, another group approached the Uchiha camp. This time, it was a squad of Hyūga clan shinobi.

"Lord Byakuya," the lead ninja said, kneeling respectfully, "Hyūga Hizashi requests to join the operation."

"Hinata's uncle, and the younger twin brother of the Hyūga clan head, Hiashi?" Byakuya remarked with a faint smirk. "As expected from the Hyūga—they know how to hedge their bets."

Standing nearby, Shikaku narrowed his eyes slightly. He understood the message clearly: the Hyūga clan was playing it safe, just as he was. If they truly supported the Hokage, they wouldn't have sent a branch family member to the battlefield. Sending Hizashi meant they could deny full commitment if things went south.

Time passed.

Aside from the Ino-Shika-Chō trio and the Hyūga unit, no other clans joined the Uchiha's campaign.

It was a silent vote of no confidence.

"Tch... So typical of the clans in Konoha," Byakuya thought darkly. "Short-sighted, cowardly parasites."

"Let them cling to Sarutobi. They'll sink with him."

Without another word, Byakuya raised his hand.

"Move out!"

Under Byakuya's command, the Uchiha clan—joined by select allies—marched out of Konoha. Their banners flew high, a symbol of rebellion and conviction, as the era of shadows prepared to swallow the Leaf.

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