Meeting refugees on the road was supposed to be a minor incident, yet similar "incidents" happened several more times over the next three days. By the end of it, Itachi had given away all the money he carried, and even the rest of the squad donated quite a bit. After all, compared to these fleeing families, ninjas were practically wealthy. As long as they stayed alive, earning money wasn't hard.
And if they didn't survive the war—money was useless anyway.
Since the first encounter with refugees, Itachi had become noticeably quieter.
On the third day, after their squad finally reached the border front, Itachi suddenly approached Rokuro during a rest break.
"I finally understand why you laughed at me back then."
Rokuro was in the middle of maintaining his tachi. Hearing that, he tilted his head toward Itachi.
"I've laughed at you a lot. Which incident are you talking about?"
Itachi forcibly pressed down his rising blood pressure and spoke as calmly as he could.
"When we were in the Academy—when you mocked me for overthinking philosophy. And when you said Shisui was mentally short."
"Oh, that one. So? You've figured it out? You admit you were being dramatic? And Shisui really was mentally short?"
"Hmph. I admit my perspective was shallow, and yes, I was a bit dramatic then—but Shisui is definitely not mentally short. Everything he did was for the village, for the Uchiha! If not for him, our clan would be suffering far worse right now!"
Rokuro watched Itachi's impassioned expression and didn't bother arguing.
After all, the entire Naruto-world philosophy was built on island-nation thinking. Many people and events that look insane through a worldview—"Why didn't they pick the obvious smarter solution?"—become "reasonable" if judged under that deeply ingrained mix of inferiority and obedience.
"Are kings and nobles born so?" is practically in the cultural DNA. When rulers lead well, many willingly work for the greater good. But when the leadership rots, no one clings to a sinking ship out of loyalty.
In contrast, for the island mindset, rebellion is rare and taboo. Even when a subordinate kills a corrupt superior "for justice," the story usually ends with the rebel committing suicide to "atone," the people praising him afterward—and the system continuing unchanged. The corrupt still rule, and the oppressed still suffer.
In that mindset, Shisui and Itachi's worldview made perfect sense. Rokuro knew a few words wouldn't change it.
Seeing Rokuro still wearing that "I look down on you" expression, Itachi turned and left before he started a clan fight before the war even started.
Konoha Forward Command — Same Time
Uchiha Fugaku and Hyūga Hizashi were discussing strategy inside the commander's tent.
"Scouting Division reports Cloud has deployed five thousand troops, nearly double our number. And more reinforcements are expected. It seems they're determined to make this a real war."
Fugaku shared the intel. Hizashi's expression darkened.
After all, on the surface this war started because of Neji's kidnapping—although everyone knew that was just an excuse.
But if the war dragged into a stalemate, the Hyūga would become the easiest target for the entire village's anger.
"When will the Hokage's reinforcements arrive?"
Fugaku shook his head slightly.
"The intel is shared with the village. If there's no response within three days, then reinforcements likely won't come soon. We must solve the current disadvantage with the forces we already have."
He spread out a large map of the Land of Hot Water.
"Reliable intel indicates the Land of Lightning has taken full control of Hot Water's industrial facilities and converted them into weapon factories and soldier-pill plants. They're clearly preparing for a long war."
Hizashi's expression tightened.
"We rely on our home territory for supplies, while Cloud uses stolen resources. The longer this drags on, the worse it gets for us. I suggest deploying elite squads to destroy Cloud's weapon factory and ration plant in Hot Water."
Fugaku considered it and agreed.
"Leaving those facilities intact is a huge threat. I approve the plan. Gather intel as quickly as possible, then send a strike team to destroy them."
With Hyūga's unmatched scouting ability—especially multiple Hyūga rotating their Byakugan—intel-gathering was almost too easy.
Cloud Side — Same Time
Mabui, secretary to the Fourth Raikage, handed over the report.
Raikage snorted. "Mabui, how do you think they'll act next?"
Mabui held the file in one hand, thought for a moment, then spoke:
"Based on the report, Konoha's main force is Uchiha and Hyūga. Especially the Hyūga—since this war began because of them, they'll act aggressively. With their Byakugan, I expect they'll push into Hot Water to engage us."
"A small-unit raid?"
Mabui nodded slightly.
"Small units can't change the main battlefield. So they'll avoid our armies and target key facilities."
She pointed to the weapon factory and the ration plant on the map.
"These two are their likely objectives. They'll only get one chance before reinforcements arrive, so I estimate at least fifty ninja—including around ten Hyūga to rotate Byakugan."
The Raikage laughed loudly.
"I heard the Hyūga don't have the Caged Bird Seal anymore?"
"Yes. It's widely confirmed now. Their current clan head is the former Branch House leader."
"Two disposable factories in exchange for several Byakugan—worth it!"
He grinned.
"Mabui, you'll design the operation. I have just one request:
Eliminate every Konoha ninja who comes—and secure at least five Byakugan. Can you do that?"
Mabui's elegant confidence didn't waver.
"Judging by their deployment patterns, the rumors of Konoha's internal discord are likely true. That means they'll be fighting us—and watching their own backs. Our plan will succeed."
END OF CHAPTER
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