shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 37: The Uzumaki Turmoil

Uchiha Tsukiko nodded slightly. "Lady Mito, I believe the most crucial step now is to act immediately. You could leverage your influence to persuade Lord Hokage and the village's higher-ups to mobilize Konoha's forces in support of Uzushio. Additionally, I suggest you send an urgent letter to the Daimyō of Uzushio, warning him of the impending crisis."

A firm resolve flashed in Uzumaki Mito's eyes as she made her decision. "Tsukiko-kun, you're right. I will speak with Hiruzen and the elders at once and request Konoha's assistance for Uzushio. Moreover, I will personally write to my brother—the Daimyō of Uzushio—informing him of the danger approaching so that he can prepare defenses."

She paused, then added, "Tsukiko-kun, you have close ties with the Senju clan. Although they are no longer an active political force, they are still distant relatives of the Uzumaki clan. I believe they will not stand by idly in the face of this crisis. If you can rally their support, we may secure additional aid for Uzushio."

Tsukiko nodded. "Lady Mito, I will do everything in my power to reach out to the Senju clansmen and persuade them to help the Uzumaki."

A grateful smile appeared on Mito's face. "Thank you, Tsukiko-kun. The fact that you are standing up for the Uzumaki in this crucial moment means more to me than words can express."

Tsukiko responded sincerely, "Lady Mito, as a shinobi of Konoha, this is my duty. The Uzumaki and Konoha have a long-standing bond, and Uzushio's survival is crucial to Konoha as well. I will do whatever it takes to prevent this disaster."

After parting ways with Mito, Tsukiko immediately took action. He first activated Kagemaku's intelligence network, sending messages to remaining Senju clansmen and urging them to assist the Uzumaki in their time of need.

At the same time, Uzumaki Mito personally penned a letter, dispatching a messenger to Uzushio with all possible speed. The letter detailed the imminent attack, urging her brother, the Daimyō of Uzushio, to prepare defenses and maintain close contact with Konoha to secure assistance.

Mito also personally sought out Hiruzen Sarutobi, urging him to deploy Konoha's forces to aid the Uzumaki.

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An Urgent Konoha Council Meeting

Following Uchiha Tsukiko's warning about the impending crisis, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, immediately convened a meeting of Konoha's top officials.

Attendees included his advisors—Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, as well as Danzo Shimura, head of Root and a powerful voice within Konoha's leadership.

The meeting's agenda was clear: analyze the intelligence Tsukiko had provided and determine Konoha's response to the potential crisis.

Hiruzen spoke first, his expression serious. "Based on Uchiha Tsukiko's report, multiple great shinobi villages—including Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure—have been mobilizing troops and stockpiling weapons. Given the pattern of their movements, Tsukiko has theorized that they may be preparing a joint attack on Uzushio. If this is true, it is a matter of grave concern. We must decide how Konoha will respond."

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances before nodding.

Koharu spoke, "Hiruzen is right. The Uzumaki clan has deep ties to Konoha, especially through Lady Mito. If they are truly in danger, we have an obligation to act."

Homura agreed. "If Uzushio falls, it will not only be a loss for the Uzumaki but also a strategic blow to Konoha. Their sealing techniques are invaluable, and we cannot allow them to fall into enemy hands."

However, at that moment, Danzo Shimura voiced his disagreement.

"Hiruzen," Danzo said coolly, "I believe we are acting too hastily. While Tsukiko's theory holds merit, we lack concrete evidence that the other villages plan to attack Uzushio. What if this is merely standard military maneuvering? I recommend that we observe the situation further before making any rash decisions."

Danzo's words caused tension in the room.

While he spoke with an air of reason, the others could sense hesitation in his voice.

In truth, Danzo had his own agenda.

As the leader of Root, he had long monitored the other villages' activities and was well aware of their growing interest in Uzushio's sealing techniques.

But rather than intervene to save Uzushio, Danzo saw an opportunity.

If Uzushio fell, its sealing techniques would be up for grabs. If he could secure them for Konoha, he would elevate Konoha's power—and more importantly, his own.

Additionally, he viewed the Uzumaki and the remnants of the Senju clan as potential obstacles to his ambitions.

If the Uzumaki were eliminated, their power absorbed into Konoha, Danzo believed it would ultimately strengthen the village.

He had no intention of saving Uzushio.

He wanted to use its destruction to his advantage.

Just as he was about to continue pressing his argument, the meeting room doors suddenly swung open.

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Uzumaki Mito's Intervention

Lady Uzumaki Mito, escorted by Uchiha Tsukiko, entered the council chamber.

Her very presence commanded respect.

Despite her age, Mito's aura was unshaken, her eyes filled with authority and power.

The Third Hokage and all attending officials rose immediately in deference to Konoha's esteemed matriarch.

"Mito-sama," Hiruzen said in surprise, "what brings you here?"

Mito's gaze swept across the room, her voice unwavering.

"I have come because I will not allow this council to waste precious time debating while my homeland faces destruction."

Danzo's expression darkened slightly.

Mito continued, "I have spoken with Uchiha Tsukiko. The intelligence he has gathered is credible. Uzushio is in imminent danger. If Konoha fails to act, we will not only betray our allies but also weaken ourselves."

She stepped forward, meeting Hiruzen's gaze.

"I am requesting—no, I am demanding—that Konoha immediately dispatch forces to aid Uzushio. I will not watch my people be slaughtered while this council hesitates."

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt the weight of Mito's words.

He turned to his advisors.

Koharu and Homura, seeing Mito's conviction, nodded in agreement. "Mito-sama is correct. We cannot hesitate."

Hiruzen looked at Danzo.

The old warhawk scowled but realized that with Mito present, his attempts to delay the decision would be futile.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Since Mito-sama insists, I will not object."

Hiruzen nodded resolutely.

"Konoha will act."

He turned to his aides.

"Mobilize the forces immediately. Prepare a task force to reinforce Uzushio."

The decision was made.

Lady Mito had changed the tide.

She glanced at Tsukiko, offering a slight nod.

Thanks to him, Uzushio now had a fighting chance.

And as Konoha's forces began their preparations, Uchiha Tsukiko knew his work was far from over.

If he wanted to truly save the Uzumaki, he would have to go beyond just sending reinforcements.

He had to be there himself.