shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 38: Blitz on Uzushiogakure

With Uzumaki Mito's intervention and Konoha's high-level meeting concluded, the village swiftly initiated preparations for dispatching reinforcements.

Ninja forces were being mobilized, and supplies were quickly gathered. However, Uchiha Tsukiko couldn't shake a growing sense of unease.

He vividly recalled how, in the original timeline, Uzushiogakure's destruction happened suddenly and mercilessly. The coordinated assault from multiple villages left Konoha with no time to react, let alone send meaningful aid.

"Time is of the essence. If we wait for Konoha's reinforcements to fully mobilize, Uzushiogakure may already be in ruins."

Understanding the urgency, Tsukiko formulated a plan: he would move ahead of the main force, bringing a specialized strike team to offer immediate assistance to the Uzumaki before the full-scale invasion began.

The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were among the most powerful in the world, and their survival was crucial—not just for their own sake, but for the strategic balance of the entire ninja world. Strengthening ties with them would also greatly benefit Tsukiko's long-term plans.

With this in mind, he immediately set his plan into motion.

If he wanted to make an impact, he needed the support of powerful allies. And for that, he turned to the two factions within Konoha he had already won over—the Senju and Uchiha clans.

Tsukiko first sought out Senju Mokukaze, a respected elder of the Senju clan and a key supporter of Tsukiko's vision for Konoha's future.

After hearing Tsukiko's plan, Mokukaze fell silent for a moment, his aged yet sharp eyes glinting with deep thought.

Then, he nodded.

"Tsukiko, your analysis is sound. The Uzumaki have always been close to us Senju. Lady Mito herself is our kin, and the destruction of Uzushiogakure would not only be a tragedy but a loss of an irreplaceable ally. If Konoha cannot act quickly enough, then we must."

Placing a firm hand on Tsukiko's shoulder, Mokukaze declared, "I will gather what remains of the Senju warriors. Though we are few, we will fight for our cousins in the Uzumaki. Count on us."

Tsukiko bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Mokukaze. With your help, we have a real chance to make a difference."

Next, Tsukiko made his way to the Uchiha compound, where he met with Elder Uchiha Setsuna.

Uchiha Setsuna was one of the most influential figures within the clan—an advocate of Uchiha power and a believer in their rightful dominance. His trust in Tsukiko had grown significantly in recent times, seeing in him a worthy heir to Uchiha Madara's will.

After hearing Tsukiko's plan, Setsuna's gaze turned sharp, calculating.

"Tsukiko, your instincts are as keen as ever. The fall of Uzushiogakure would be a shift in the balance of power. If those sealing techniques fall into enemy hands, Konoha's future will be jeopardized."

A smirk played on Setsuna's lips. "And besides... rescuing a doomed people and turning them into our allies? That is a move Madara himself would approve of."

He stood up. "Very well. The Uchiha shall send an elite force to accompany you. Do not let us down."

Tsukiko inclined his head. "I will not fail, Elder Setsuna."

With the Senju and Uchiha clans committed, Tsukiko swiftly assembled a specialized strike team—a force composed of elite Senju warriors, Uchiha prodigies, and hand-picked ninja from his own Kagemaku intelligence network.

It was a small but incredibly high-caliber force, chosen for their speed, strength, and ability to operate behind enemy lines.

Before setting out, Tsukiko addressed them.

"We are not waiting for orders. We are not waiting for permission. By the time Konoha's army moves, the battle may already be lost."

His Sharingan glowed ominously as he looked across his gathered force.

"We are the storm that arrives before the war. We will break through enemy lines, warn the Uzumaki, and ensure they have a fighting chance. This battle will be decided by who moves first. And it will be us."

With that, the strike force departed—moving swiftly, through secret routes, toward Uzushiogakure.

They had a head start on the enemy. But Tsukiko knew they wouldn't be the only ones moving fast.

As Konoha's preparations intensified, its movements were being closely watched.

Hidden spies embedded within the village quickly relayed the information to their respective leaders.

In less than a day, the news reached the highest ranks of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure.

And their response was swift and brutal.

Third Raikage Ay read the report with narrowed eyes.

"Konoha has caught wind of our movements."

His fist clenched as he rose from his seat.

"If we allow them time to organize, this war will drag out far longer than it needs to. We strike now."

He immediately issued the command:

"Mobilize our forces. We move out at once. Uzushiogakure will fall before Konoha arrives."

Third Tsuchikage Onoki floated above his seat, reading the intelligence scroll.

"Hmph. As expected, Konoha reacted quickly. But not quickly enough."

He turned to his generals.

"We attack immediately. No delays. If we take Uzushio before Konoha intervenes, they will have no choice but to accept our victory."

His forces began moving within the hour.

Third Mizukage smirked darkly as he received the report.

"So Konoha is mobilizing? Interesting."

He turned to his subordinates.

"We accelerate the plan. Our shinobi move immediately. No mercy. No survivors."

For the first time in history, three major shinobi villages coordinated an attack with such speed and precision.

The Raikage, Tsuchikage, and Mizukage shared a single objective:

Crush Uzushiogakure before Konoha could react.

If they succeeded, they would rewrite the power balance of the shinobi world.

As these vast armies thundered toward Uzushiogakure, a much smaller force moved with equal urgency.

Uchiha Tsukiko's strike team, armed with knowledge of the invasion, was running against the clock.

Would they reach Uzushio in time to warn the Uzumaki?

Could they delay the enemy long enough for reinforcements to arrive?

Or would they arrive to find the village already burning?

The fate of Uzushiogakure hung in the balance.

And the war was about to begin.