UCHIHA: THE ATTACK ON KONOHA

A squad of Uchiha strode through the Valley of Lies, their Sharingan eyes scanning the surroundings as they approached Mingshin-in Temple, a secluded outpost often used by their clan. Along the way, they passed several fellow Uchiha, exchanging brief but respectful nods—a silent acknowledgment of their shared bloodline and purpose.

Upon reaching the temple, the team's leader, Uchiha Mei, pushed open the heavy wooden doors and addressed the gathered clansmen. "Call everyone back. Orders have arrived from the clan." As soon as the words left her lips, several Uchiha flickered out of sight, vanishing with the speed of practiced Shunshin no Jutsu.

Within minutes, 37 Uchiha had assembled in the valley. It was a rare sight—so many of their clan gathered outside the Uchiha Compound, a reminder of the power they still held despite the village's growing mistrust. A quiet pride settled over them.

A younger Uchiha stepped forward, extracting a sealed scroll from his robes and presenting it to Mei. She unrolled it carefully, her eyes narrowing as she read. "Squad captains, inside. The rest, maintain vigilance."

Inside the chamber, Mei placed the scroll on the table for the captains to review. "The clan has spoken. We execute without hesitation." She pointed to a detailed map spread before them, marked with various symbols denoting enemy positions. "Intelligence gathered by our scouts indicates that this location" —she tapped the leftmost valley— "is a front for Root's operations. Officially, it's a merchant guild, but in reality, it supplies Danzō's forces with weapons, intelligence, and safe houses. Their numbers are unknown, and we suspect underground passages."

She looked up at her fellow captains. "I will lead the assault alongside Sa, Ling, and Kirito. We will take a team from each squad to ensure precision and overwhelming force."

For over an hour, the Uchiha strategized, adjusting formations and assigning responsibilities. When they finally emerged, their expressions were grim, resolute.

Mei addressed the assembled warriors. "The clan believes this valley played a role in recent attacks against our people. The village will look the other way, so we will do what must be done. This place will be erased."

At her command, captains began calling out names. Warriors stepped forward, forming into teams as final battle plans were set.

Back at Mingshin-in, Uchiha Retsu and Uchiha Ende remained to oversee operations while two free-roaming tactical squads stood by as battlefield support. Uchiha Yang, a young but ambitious fighter, had originally been left behind as well. But after relentless persuasion—first appealing to his uncle, the dual-blade wielder Uchiha Kirito, then to his two mentors, and finally to Uchiha Ling—he secured a place in the assault team.

The battle began with swift, calculated strikes. The valley was now a battlefield where only one side would emerge victorious. Yang dashed forward with his squad, entering the Chamber of Commerce under the cover of night. His Sharingan spun, observing every movement. Though still young, he was unshakable, weaving Doton techniques to manipulate the terrain, hurling shuriken enhanced with Fūton, and igniting enemy positions with Katon techniques. He moved relentlessly, adapting to the chaos.

Despite their formidable defense, the so-called merchants of the Chamber of Commerce stood no chance. Root had partially evacuated key personnel and supplies, but the remaining operatives were eliminated swiftly. The discovery of a hidden passage confirmed their suspicions—this was indeed a critical hub for Danzō's network. Two teams were assigned to secure and search the tunnels while the rest reinforced other battlefronts.

By dawn, it was over. The valley, once a den of conspiracies, lay in ruins. As the Uchiha warriors regrouped at the valley's entrance, they prepared for a final act of defiance.

Uchiha Yang watched as his clansmen stood shoulder to shoulder, facing the remains of the enemy stronghold. At a single command, more than thirty Uchiha formed the hand seals for Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu and Katon: Karyū Endan. A storm of fire engulfed the valley, reducing everything to ash.

For a brief moment, watching his laughing comrades, Yang felt a strange, surreal connection—almost as if they were mischievous children engaged in some reckless game.

As the flames died down, the Uchiha turned and began their return to Konoha. Along the journey, younger members took the opportunity to challenge Yang, eager to test their skills against him. He accepted every match, winning most and forming bonds with his fellow warriors in the process.

When they arrived at the village gates, it was as if the Uchiha had returned victorious from a great war. The entire clan—save for patrol units—was present, making their return an imposing sight. The formation disbanded, and younger members were collected by their families, a scene oddly reminiscent of academy students being picked up after a school day.

Yang's father, Uchiha Polan, scrutinized his son, as if trying to measure how much he had changed. Without a word, he pulled Yang into a tight embrace, his grip firm, unwilling to let go. Yang understood—his family had been deeply worried.

When they arrived home, his mother was waiting. Yang braced himself; he knew what was coming. Over dinner, his mother unleashed a tirade, cursing both the village leadership and the Uchiha elders for their reckless political maneuvers.

After the meal, she sent his father out to buy groceries—a transparent excuse to get him out of the house. Once they were alone, she turned to Yang. "Your father is a fool when it comes to politics," she said bluntly. "He avoids it. But you can't afford to be like him. You need to understand how these games are played."

Yang listened intently as she continued.

"Your mission wasn't just about taking down a Root stronghold. Your team's formation was approved by the clan elders. Your teacher, Uchiha Mei, used to be your uncle's comrade. Do you think that's a coincidence? Of course not. Mei knew what this mission truly entailed, and so did the elders.

"The valley was in the heart of the Fire Country, deep inside our territory, yet it housed enemies plotting against us. The timing of your assignment wasn't accidental—so many Uchiha just happened to be nearby when your 'accident' was reported? It was a setup, but not by Root. It was the clan's move. We used you as bait. And it worked.

"The valley was destroyed not just for vengeance, but to send a message—to the village, to the elders, to Danzō himself. We wiped out one of his financial arteries and forced him back into the shadows. In return, the clan made its demands: access to more village resources, classified jutsu. You'll go to the Hokage in a few days to learn new techniques. That's your compensation. The rest benefits the family."

She smirked, ruffling his hair. "Now, do you see? You were never just a soldier in this battle. You were the bait, the catalyst, the excuse. And you played your role perfectly."

Yang sat in silence, absorbing the weight of her words. For the first time, he saw beyond the battlefield, beyond the jutsu—he saw the war that was being waged in the shadows.

And he knew that, whether he liked it or not, he was now a part of it.