**Chapter 117: Forced**

"What are Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure trying to do?"

"What do they want?"

The Third Hokage angrily slammed the intelligence report in his hand onto the ground, breathing heavily.

"Careful, you might choke, old man. I might just find a way to scatter your ashes."

Fugaku thought maliciously as he watched, even silently cheering for the Third Hokage's demise.

So close!

Just a little more!

Gone!

He's almost gone!

But who would have thought that the Third Hokage would slowly calm down?

Fugaku couldn't hide his disappointment.

If the Third Hokage died like this, he'd certainly go down in history and leave a significant mark on the shinobi world.

But for now, Fugaku was only concerned with protecting his clan. Everything else? Whatever happens, happens.

His clan now boasted five pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, excluding Uchiha Madara. This was arguably the most powerful era in Uchiha history.

If this were the Warring States period, they'd likely be able to bring the Senju Clan to its knees.

To put it bluntly, even if all five great ninja villages attacked, they could still carve a path of blood.

Thirty days!

In thirty days, they'd be ready to evacuate the entire clan.

Don't be surprised by this speed. When you've got someone like Itsuki constantly kicking you into action, you move fast!

The jōnin continued to debate among themselves.

"Such big movements? What is Sunagakure planning?"

"Isn't Kumogakure in the middle of negotiations?"

"Is the Fourth Great Ninja War about to begin?"

"We need to prepare as soon as possible!"

"Even if the three villages only intend to threaten us, once the time is right, they'll choose war."

"We don't even know their true intentions."

"This is too strange!"

"Could it be..." Fugaku raised his hand, asking, "Lord Danzo, did you do something again?"

Everyone was stunned.

Then, many eyes turned towards Danzo.

Even the jōnin, who had been deep in heated discussions, eyed him with suspicion.

What the hell!

Veins bulged on Danzo's forehead, and he genuinely felt like killing someone!

It's me again!

It's always me!

Do you think I just spend all day making trouble?

Have I even said a word since this meeting started?

I've been quietly standing on the side, and you still come after me?

Will you dig up my body and whip it after I'm dead?

Yes, I've done a lot of things.

Most of them were to cover for Hiruzen, though. Regular folks don't know that, but you jōnin don't know either?

You vile, damned Uchiha!

"Enough!"

Seeing Danzo on the verge of losing control, the Third Hokage hurriedly shouted.

"Don't jump to conclusions. What we need is accurate information."

Everyone awkwardly averted their gazes, but the suspicion remained.

Danzo had a history.

The most powerful people in all of Konoha were gathered here, and the Third Hokage began to issue orders directly.

The Uchiha, Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka, Aburame...

All these large ninja clans were mobilized.

The strongest mind in the shinobi world, Shikaku Nara, was also called in.

He refined the Third Hokage's plan, making it even more detailed.

When the Third Hokage mentioned his arrangements for the Uchiha, Fugaku could no longer stay silent.

Fugaku was assigned to lead the Uchiha against Kumogakure.

Danzo would be the overall commander!

But the number of other ninjas working with the Uchiha, totaling 4,000, was the only normal part of the command.

"Lord Hokage, are you sure about these arrangements?"

As soon as Fugaku spoke, the room became deathly silent.

With this command, everyone could feel a scent of blood in the air.

This was an outright attack on the Uchiha!

The Third Hokage looked deeply at Fugaku, his voice heavy with immense power, "Fugaku, think of the bigger picture."

Fugaku looked back at the Third Hokage, then suddenly smiled and said, "As you command, Lord Hokage."

Several members of the Anbu appeared, standing beside Fugaku and escorting him out.

Fugaku accepted the orders calmly.

He, along with Danzo, would set out first to the border of Kumogakure.

As for the Uchiha, Itachi would be responsible for mobilizing the clan's forces, and everything was to be completed within three days!

As the orders were issued, the jōnin present couldn't help but sweat and tremble.

The relationship was completely torn apart.

Has the Third Hokage gone mad?

He's actually holding the Uchiha clan leader hostage!

Is he not afraid the Uchiha will go berserk?

This clan, the greatest users of the eye technique and the strongest ninja clan, do they even have rationality left?

At this critical moment!

He's crazy!

They're all insane!

The jōnin looked at the Third Hokage, their eyes full of dissatisfaction.

When they left, they didn't even bother to say goodbye, their faces grim as they walked out.

...

"Hiruzen!"

Koharu Utatane was the first to speak, "Why did you do this?"

Her expression was filled with fear.

Her clothes were soaked with sweat.

She was genuinely worried that Fugaku would turn on them in public.

But Hiruzen remained cold and indifferent, "We had no choice. If Fugaku had shown any signs of resistance, the Anbu would have swarmed him and killed him!"

"We're all here. Fugaku wouldn't dare act out."

Upon hearing this, even Danzo looked at Hiruzen as if he didn't know him.

"The Uchiha have always been irrational and dangerous. If Fugaku is killed, what will happen to the Uchiha? Don't forget the purpose of this jōnin meeting."

If the Uchiha were to rebel now, things would escalate fast.

Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure wouldn't hesitate—they'd attack immediately.

With internal strife and external threats, Konoha might be wiped off the map.

The Third Hokage calmly said, "You're wrong, Danzo. Precisely because of the external threats, I believe Fugaku will compromise."

"Compromise?"

Everyone looked at the Third Hokage in confusion.

Are you serious?

At first, everyone thought the Third Hokage would compromise once again.

Who knew it'd be the other way around!

Fugaku would compromise!

You actually think the Uchiha will back down?

Danzo suspiciously eyed the Third Hokage, "You… you haven't been affected by Kotoamatsukami, have you?"

The Third Hokage looked at him like he was an idiot, "Weren't we prepared for that?"

"That's true."

Koharu and Homura Mitokado stood by, dumbfounded.

*Kotoamatsukami?*

You guys prepared for that?

What about us?

Once again, you've left us out of the loop.

Are we really that insignificant?

We're all in this together, but you keep excluding us.

Danzo asked, "If Fugaku doesn't compromise and you kill him, what will happen to the Uchiha?"

"The Uchiha clan will be wiped out."

The Third Hokage answered without hesitation, "Danzo, Koharu, Homura, it's time for our clans to take the stage."

"You… you mean…"

The Third Hokage stood up, walked to the window, and gazed out at the village with arrogance, "Our four clans have stayed in the shadows for too long. It's time for us to reveal ourselves."

The expressions of everyone present turned serious!

Their four clans had been stockpiling power for years.

This strength was unknown to the outside world.

Once revealed, it would be enough to turn the tide!

"I understand what you mean!"

Danzo closed his eyes and muttered, "I'll use this upcoming battle to deplete the Uchiha's power. By the time it's over, they'll be out of the shinobi world for good."

He felt a sense of relief.

Finally, the Third Hokage was going to deal with the Uchiha.

He had waited for this moment for far too long.

The Third Hokage's voice turned icy, "Keep an eye on the Uchiha. If they behave, fine. But if they show any signs of rebellion, attack immediately. Let the Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, and the others take the front line. Our people will clean up afterward."

"Understood!"

The Third Hokage turned once more to look out the window, muttering, "The Senju have already disappeared. Uchiha, it's your turn."

"The jōnin are dissatisfied? Hmph, in the face of absolute power, their dissatisfaction is laughable!"

"Lord First Hokage, I think I finally understand what you were thinking back then."

At that moment, the old Third Hokage seemed to have gained a new lease on life, his eyes becoming sharp once again.

(End of Chapter)