"The Uchiha excel at Fire Release. Those proficient in Water Release, step forward."
"If you're not skilled in taijutsu, don't get too close. Focus on attacking with ninjutsu."
"Swords have no eyes on the battlefield. The outcome is still uncertain."
Ōnoki made no mention of countering genjutsu, leaving his subordinates to fend for themselves.
"Yes, I'll arrange it immediately."
An Iwa ninja accepted the order and left to begin the most basic deployments.
"From now on, keep a close watch on Konoha's every move."
"The moment they act, we need to respond accordingly."
Ōnoki continued speaking, handling the pre-battle arrangements with ease. As for the final outcome, he forced himself not to dwell on it for now.
"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage."
The intelligence officer responded with a grave expression.
"In the first clash, Konoha is unlikely to go all out."
"Our objective is clear—establish dominance and achieve results."
"At all costs, the top priority is to eliminate Konoha ninja."
"It would be best if we make them hesitate with every step they take from now on."
Ōnoki's strategy was sound, but whether it could be executed successfully was another matter.
"Understood."
The crowd answered in unison. At this moment, no one raised any objections.
"I'll lead the main force alongside Kitsuchi for a direct confrontation. You will take a unit and strike from the flank when the opportunity arises."
"Make sure to hit Konoha hard."
Ōnoki pointed to a seasoned veteran, a warrior who had fought his way through the Second Shinobi World War.
"Yes, I'll gather my men right away."
Without hesitation, the veteran accepted the order and left swiftly.
"You must ensure an uninterrupted supply line. There can be no mistakes in the transportation route."
"The medical team is in position, correct?"
Ōnoki called on two more individuals, further demonstrating the level of importance he placed on this battle.
"I swear on my life—so long as I'm breathing, the supplies will be secure."
"Rest assured, all medical-nin are assembled."
The logistics chief vowed on his life, and the medical corps leader's response left Ōnoki satisfied.
"Good."
"Spread the word—anyone who takes down ten or more enemies in this battle…"
"Whether they desire money or secret techniques, I will grant it."
Ōnoki had never made such a promise before, and his words stunned everyone.
He understood that no amount of inspiring rhetoric could compare to tangible rewards.
Grand speeches might ignite a warrior's passion for a moment, but they weren't enough to sustain unwavering determination.
When facing life and death, real benefits were the strongest motivation.
On the eve of this brutal war, Ōnoki wanted every soldier to fight without hesitation.
"Lord Tsuchikage, does that apply to us as well?"
A bold Iwa ninja called out, prompting a wave of laughter from the crowd.
"Of course it does."
Ōnoki answered without hesitation.
Then, with a grin, he added, "If you can kill Fugaku Uchiha, I'll even give you my seat."
He patted the chair beneath him, his face relaxed and amused.
"Hah! No way, I don't have that kind of skill."
The Iwa ninja chuckled sheepishly, waving his hands. The surrounding warriors joined in the laughter—it was obvious Ōnoki was joking.
For a brief moment, the tense pre-battle atmosphere seemed to lighten.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Ōnoki's promise spread through the Iwa camp like a boulder dropped into a still lake, creating massive ripples.
Whether it was the hefty cash reward or the rare secret techniques that could enhance their abilities, both were things ordinary Iwa ninja could only dream of.
These incentives acted as fuel to their already burning fighting spirit.
Excitement gleamed in their eyes as they discussed strategies, eagerly plotting how to slay their enemies and claim the rewards.
Just as Ōnoki had expected, Iwa's morale skyrocketed.
Every ninja was eager, itching to prove themselves on the battlefield.
...
As Iwa ninja braced themselves for battle, morale at an all-time high, Fugaku finally returned to the Konoha camp.
His condition was poor, making his journey back significantly slower than Ōnoki's.
"Hey, what happened?"
"Did you misjudge your strength and end up hurting yourself?"
Duy took Fugaku from the Hyūga ninja, still in the mood for some lighthearted teasing.
"Clan Head ran into Ōnoki."
An Uchiha ninja blurted out before Fugaku could speak.
"You fought Ōnoki?"
"Are you alright?"
Duy's expression grew serious as he ran his hands over Fugaku, checking for injuries.
"I'm fine."
"Ōnoki only showed up after I killed the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki."
"It wasn't a real fight. He didn't dare make a move in the Land of Waterfalls."
Fugaku slapped Duy's hand away. Being touched all over by another man wasn't something he was used to.
"Phew, that's a relief."
"You scared me there."
Duy let out a long breath, visibly reassured. If Fugaku had been injured by Ōnoki, he would have never forgiven himself.
"Just help me over to rest for a bit."
"My eyes are strained—I can't focus right now."
Fugaku spoke lightly, but only he knew how badly his vision had deteriorated.
The fourth stage of Susanoo put immense strain on the Mangekyō Sharingan, and he had underestimated its aftereffects.
If he fought a few more battles like this, blindness was inevitable.
No wonder, in the original timeline, Itachi only used Susanoo once before his death. If not, his Mangekyō might not have lasted until his final fight with Sasuke.
And Sasuke—reckless as always—managed to blind himself in just fifteen days, setting a new record for the Uchiha.
Even so, before going blind, Sasuke had only pushed Susanoo to the third stage in his fight against Danzō.
By comparison, Fugaku's Mangekyō might not outlast his eldest son's, but it was certainly holding up better than his younger son's.
"Alright."
Duy nodded and helped Fugaku toward his tent.
After settling him on the bed, Duy hesitated for a moment before calling for a medical-nin. He wasn't at ease leaving things unchecked.
"I already told you it's not necessary."
"You still don't believe me?"
Fugaku shook his head with a wry smile. He knew that the aftereffects of his Mangekyō weren't something an ordinary medical-nin could fix.
Even Orochimaru had spent years researching the issue without reaching a conclusion, though thankfully, Kawakaze had assured him they were close to a breakthrough.
Thinking of this, Fugaku felt reassured. Even if his Mangekyō went blind, it would only be temporary.
"Just let them check. You've still got a body left, right?"
"I'll only be at ease if a professional says you're fine."
Duy scratched his head, his bright white teeth standing out as always.
"I'll be going then."
"Lord Duy, you shouldn't stay too long either—Lord Fugaku needs to rest."
The medical-nin gave a polite reminder before turning to leave.
"No need to push me out, I'm going."
"Get some rest. I'll handle everything."
Before Fugaku could reply, Duy waved him off and walked straight out of the tent.
A faint smile tugged at Fugaku's lips. He hadn't even said anything about wanting Duy to leave.
Closing his eyes, he began thinking about the upcoming battle.
He didn't know how much time had passed before sleep overtook him.
...
In his dream, he once again saw his uncle's stern face.
When he woke up, his face was wet with tears.
Outside the tent, the world was shrouded in darkness.