shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 35: Underlying Turbulence

After Hiruzen Sarutobi signed the documents, he promptly disseminated the news of Tsukiko's team's promotion.

Before long, Tsukiko, Ayane, and Chinatsu received their summons to the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi regarded them with a pleased smile. "Your performance was outstanding—you have exceeded my expectations. Uchiha Tsukiko, Hinata Ayane, Yamanaka Chinatsu, from today onward, you are officially Chūnin of Konoha."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Tsukiko bowed respectfully on behalf of the team, gratitude filling his heart.

Hiruzen nodded, his tone encouraging. "You are the future of Konoha. I hope you continue to work hard and contribute to the village. Becoming a Chūnin is only the beginning—greater challenges await you."

The three responded in unison. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Upon leaving the Hokage's office, they stood outside the building, basking in the warm sunlight, their hearts brimming with anticipation for the future.

"Becoming Chūnin is only our first step. There is still a long road ahead," Tsukiko said resolutely, glancing at his teammates.

Ayane and Chinatsu nodded in agreement. "No matter how difficult the path, we'll walk it together."

Looking at his teammates, Tsukiko felt an unshakable confidence. Their bond had deepened through the trials of the Chūnin Exam, and they would continue to face the challenges ahead side by side, aiming for even greater heights.

---

In the days following the exam, Tsukiko remained on high alert and maintained his rigorous training.

While refining his own abilities, he also kept a close eye on the operations of Kagemaku, the intelligence network he had established. Under his leadership, Kagemaku had gradually expanded its reach across the shinobi world, gathering invaluable information.

It wasn't long before Kagemaku's operatives detected disturbing movements among the major ninja villages.

The Hidden Mist, Hidden Cloud, and Hidden Stone were all conducting frequent troop deployments and stockpiling large quantities of weapons and supplies.

Such large-scale military actions were highly unusual, especially during a time of relative peace.

Sifting through the intelligence reports, Tsukiko's instincts told him something serious was brewing. The coordinated activity of these villages suggested that a major operation was in the works—and such preparations often signaled the onset of war.

Compiling the intelligence, Tsukiko meticulously analyzed the strategic movements of the major villages.

He then recalled key events from his previous life's knowledge and began piecing together a clearer picture.

"The Mist, Cloud, and Stone… They're all mobilizing forces without direct conflict between them. That's no coincidence." Tsukiko muttered to himself, his mind forming a hypothesis.

Combining intelligence with his prior knowledge of events, Tsukiko realized this could be the precursor to the destruction of Uzushio—the Land of Whirlpools.

The Land of Whirlpools was renowned for its powerful sealing techniques, home to the Uzumaki Clan.

However, its very strength had also made it a target of envy and fear among the other ninja villages.

"If these villages unite to attack Uzushio, it will be catastrophic." Tsukiko's expression darkened. He was almost certain that the abnormal military activities were connected to Uzushio's imminent downfall.

While he didn't know the exact timeline, he understood that the Uzumaki Clan's tragedy was already set in motion.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Tsukiko knew he had to act quickly.

Kagemaku's influence was still in its early stages, but even a small warning or intervention could make a difference in the coming disaster.

"The fall of Uzushio will change the shinobi world's power dynamics—especially for Konoha." Tsukiko weighed the consequences. "The Uzumaki Clan has strong ties to Konoha. If Uzushio falls, Konoha will also suffer politically and strategically."

Determined, he decided to alert Konoha's leadership.

He couldn't stop this alone. He needed the village's cooperation to properly respond to the looming crisis.

At the same time, Tsukiko debated using Kagemaku's network to establish contact with potential Uzumaki survivors and map out escape routes for those in danger.

He understood that preventing the attack outright might be unrealistic, but he could still help preserve lives.

"I can't sit back and do nothing," Tsukiko resolved. "Even if I can't stop the war, I can at least give those people a chance to escape."

He immediately convened a Kagemaku strategy meeting, ordering intelligence personnel to increase surveillance on the major villages while identifying any possible Uzumaki escapees or allies.

Then, he decided to personally report the findings to Hiruzen Sarutobi at the Hokage's office.

---

Within the Hokage's office, Tsukiko calmly and methodically laid out his findings, presenting the major villages' troop movements and suspicious economic activities.

His analysis highlighted the high probability that Uzushio was the target.

As Hiruzen listened, his expression gradually hardened.

Tsukiko's deductions made too much sense to ignore. If this was true, then the shinobi world was on the verge of another major conflict.

Hiruzen, deeply aware of Uzushio's importance, immediately called a strategic meeting with Konoha's senior leadership to formulate a response plan.

Upon leaving the Hokage's office, Tsukiko wasted no time.

Returning to Kagemaku's headquarters, he began arranging contingency plans:

Surveillance Expansion: Strengthen Kagemaku's presence in the regions surrounding Uzushio.

Evacuation Routes: Identify potential safehouses and escape paths for Uzumaki refugees.

Contacting Allies: Seek out possible allies willing to intervene or aid evacuations.

Despite these efforts, Tsukiko remained skeptical of Konoha's true intentions.

"Can I really trust Konoha's leadership to properly aid the Uzumaki?" He furrowed his brow in thought.

Recalling the original timeline, Konoha had seemingly failed to act in time to protect Uzushio.

As an official ally and distant kin through the Senju, Konoha should have intervened, yet history showed little sign of such assistance.

Was there something deeper at play?

Uncertain whether Konoha would genuinely offer help, Tsukiko decided to take matters into his own hands.

His next move: Consult with Uzumaki Mito.

If anyone could provide clarity on Konoha's relationship with Uzushio, it would be her.

Determined, Tsukiko set off for the Uzumaki elder's residence.

The storm was coming, and he needed to be ready.