Madara Uchiha?

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Sasuke's chest heaved, his face a mask of mixed emotions—anger, frustration, but also a dawning realization of the gap between his abilities and Horyu's mastery. His eyes, still bearing the fierce glow of the Sharingan, met Horyu's, searching for some hint of scorn or gloating. Yet, all he found was a calm indifference.

As if Sasuke didn't matter to him. As if Sasuke was just an afterthought, a minor obstacle on his path. That was how Horyu treated him in their duel, and as he walked away, it stung Sasuke more than any physical blow could have. Horyu, on the other hand, simply bowed respectfully to Itachi and Jiraiya before returning to his own team. "Itachi-sama, Jiraiya-sama," he acknowledged, then turned to Kurenai and Shino.

Kurenai placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a small smile. "Welcome back," she said. Standing eye to eye with her now, Horyu nodded, "Sensei, I am back."

Shino, typically reserved, gave Horyu a gentle punch on the chest. "Glad to see you in one piece," he remarked, a rare lightness in his tone.

As Sakura hurried over to Sasuke, helping him up and checking his injuries, Kiba watched Horyu with a hard look. The tension of the spar still hung in the air, thick and unspoken. Horyu's display of power had not only unsettled Sasuke but also his teammates.

Shisui walked beside Horyu, his face lit up with excitement. "Even higher than my most generous expectations, Horyu! Amazing! You are already close to the peak of Regular Jonin Rank!" Horyu smiled modestly and replied, "It is nothing, Hokage-sama. I had an enlightening encounter in a ruin that allowed me to master the Fire Element."

Shisui raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, the one you were trapped in for almost a year?" Horyu nodded in affirmation. "What kind of ruin was it?" Shisui asked, genuinely curious.

At this point, Itachi and Jiraiya also approached, their interest piqued by the conversation. Horyu, maintaining his composed demeanor, answered, "Uchiha Madara's."

This was a strategic lie Horyu had planned for over a year. He had thought through multiple angles and calculated almost every possible scenario. This deception served several purposes. Firstly, it explained his sudden mastery of the Fire Element. Secondly, if he ever decided to reveal his Mangekyo Sharingan in the future, he could cite this encounter as the reason for its awakening, sidestepping the traditional belief that it could only be acquired through the trauma of a best friend's death.

Furthermore, should Madara himself reappear, Horyu could use this fabricated discovery of Madara's ruin to disclose supposed plans, weaknesses, and ambitions of the legendary Uchiha. If questioned on how he came by such knowledge, he could always refer back to the ruin.

Hearing Madara's name, everyone was taken aback. The Legendary Uchiha was one of the gods of the Shinobi World, capable of fighting on par with Hashirama Senju. Jiraiya had just criticized Horyu for calling himself "God," pointing out that he was nothing compared to legendary figures, but discovering a god's ruin could justify such a bold claim. Itachi and Shisui were immediately intrigued.

"Where is that ruin?" Shisui asked eagerly.

Horyu shook his head. "Destroyed," he replied, making everyone frown in disappointment at the missed opportunity.

"It was a trial-type ruin, allowing only the worthy to enter and learn. When the inheritance was claimed, it destroyed itself. I spent a year there, and if it weren't for the food in sealed scrolls, I would've starved," Horyu explained, maintaining a straightforward tone.

Shisui nodded, understanding the gravity of such an experience. "It's good that you made it back," he said, clapping Horyu on the shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie.

The conversation shifted back to the present issues. "With your new skills, you'll be a critical asset in the war," Shisui continued, clearly considering the broader implications of Horyu's growth.

Horyu merely nodded in agreement, his mind already on the numerous tasks that awaited him. He knew the importance of his role in the upcoming conflicts and was prepared to utilize all his new skills to aid Konoha.

After a brief pause, Kurenai's voice cut through the silence, her concern evident. "Do you know when Hinata is coming back?"

Horyu nodded, his voice steady. "They will arrive tomorrow."

Shisui perked up at the news, his usual stern demeanor brightening. "They're coming back so soon? Will they be safe?"

"Tsunade-sama is returning to the village," Horyu explained. "She's escorting Hinata and Ino back."

Jiraiya raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Tsunade? You found her? Even I couldn't track her down. How did you do it?"

Horyu just smirked, his expression unreadable. "I have my ways."

Though Jiraiya looked like he wanted to ask more, he held back. He knew about Horyu's growing network of information gatherers. It irked him a bit, considering he was known as a major player in the spy game himself. Why the need for another network?

Shisui, ever the leader, focused on the positives. "Good, Tsunade's return is a big win for us."

Horyu nodded in agreement, though his thoughts were elsewhere. During his time in the Uzumaki Village, he and Mito had made certain preparations regarding Shisui's brainwashing techniques. Tsunade would be more than safe from any manipulative reach.

Back at the office, Shisui was laying out maps and reports on the desk. The room was filled with scrolls and documents, evidence of the ongoing strategic planning needed to navigate the impending conflicts. Horyu took a seat across from him, ready to dive into the details.

"Let's get you up to speed," Shisui started, pointing to various locations marked on the map. "Here's where our forces are stretched thin, and here's where we expect the next major conflict."

Horyu listened, his eyes scanning the documents. It was clear Konoha was bracing for significant challenges, and his role was about to become more critical.

"We might have to accelerate our plans," Shisui said, looking at Horyu. "Your network could be crucial here."

Horyu nodded, already processing how best to deploy his resources. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. My people can provide updates and create diversions if needed."

As they discussed, a messenger burst into the room, breathless from urgency. "Hokage-sama, reports from the northern border. Increased movements from Stone."

Shisui frowned, taking the report and scanning it quickly. "Thank you. Keep monitoring, and let me know immediately if there's any change."

The messenger nodded and hurried out, leaving the room in a brief silence.

Horyu pondered the situation carefully. "Send the Hyuga and Taijutsu team to the north, Hokage-sama," he suggested after a moment.

Shisui raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly. "Shouldn't we send the Ninjutsu team that specializes in Lightning Release? Stone, although they have many other elemental abilities, heavily focuses on Earth Release."

Horyu shook his head decisively. "Oonoki might not come to the battlefield, but if he does, he could wipe out our forces with a single Dust Release attack. I know the Kages are holding back to avoid escalating the conflict, but we can't rely on their honor in war," he explained.

Shisui considered this, then asked, "Are you counting on the Hyuga to track Oonoki? Also, wouldn't Taijutsu be vulnerable against Explosion Release?"

Horyu again shook his head. "The Hyuga will be there for the users of Explosion Release. They can see chakra concentrated in the land, so mines won't work against them. Plus, the Hyuga are masters of Taijutsu and can repel Ninjutsu, which will force Stone to engage in close combat as well. If we have our Shinobi close in the field, Oonoki will think twice before using his Dust Release."

Shisui nodded, his eyes lighting up with understanding. "Brilliant!"

Horyu added, "When the enemy forces start to retreat, it could mean Oonoki is preparing to attack, so our forces should pull back too."

Shisui looked at Horyu with a new level of respect. "Let's get that plan into action. I'll coordinate with the Hyuga clan and prepare our Taijutsu units."

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