Hokage's Office.
Sarutobi sat in his chair, and standing before him was Orochimaru's squad.
The newly renovated office was much larger than before.
But that unforgettable punch from the Raikage had left a shadow in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart.
It was a signal.
Not only did the people within the village show little respect for him as Hokage, but even their enemies outside seemed to think his position was something he had merely inherited.
The Raikage only spoke of his respect for the Second Hokage. As for the Third—he simply smashed a wall in front of him!
It was humiliating.
But at the same time, just as Yukika had said,
Although this incident had provoked the Hidden Cloud, it had also created an opportunity.
An opportunity to wipe out the newly budding resurgence of the Senju clan.
"Anyway, I'm leaving the matters on the frontlines to you. Danzo, as supreme commander, will issue you further assignments."
Handing over the documents to Orochimaru, Sarutobi spoke calmly.
He had given his instructions long before Danzo left.
This war would be his biggest move to silence all dissent within Konoha.
After the war, he would be the hero who led Konoha to victory, and Danzo would solidify his power in the village. As for those infuriating Senju remnants—they'd be buried in the Land of Rain.
It was a partnership.
Both he and Danzo cared about reputation.
And the Land of Rain was the perfect place to earn wartime glory.
Didn't even Hatake Sakumo manage to single-handedly eliminate Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law from the Sand Village?
A bunch of disorganized rabble!
History would remember this war!
"Understood."
Taking the documents, Orochimaru nodded, then left the Hokage's office with Yukika and Nawaki.
As they stepped out of the Hokage building, two familiar silhouettes waved toward Yukika.
"Go on. The frontline standoff is about to begin, and you won't be able to return for a while."
Giving Yukika a nod, Orochimaru took Nawaki and headed for the village gate.
"Yukika-kun!"
"Yukika-nii!"
The two waiting figures were none other than Kushina and Mikoto. As if planned ahead of time, both of them held out small protective charms for Yukika.
But compared to Kushina, there was a trace of sorrow in Mikoto's eyes.
She had graduated and learned a lot since then.
Even her aging father had sat her down for a long talk, explicitly ordering her to stay away from Yukika.
Was it because she was a Uchiha... and Yukika was a Senju?
Or was it something else?
Mikoto felt confused.
Two mothers of future children of destiny—
Whatever the case, when the two girls leaned close to Yukika, the sense of fulfillment he felt was undeniable.
He gently kissed Kushina on the forehead, then smiled as he turned to Mikoto.
"I know what you're worried about."
"When I come back, everything will be resolved."
When you come back...
Mikoto's confused gaze slowly softened, and she gently leaned against Yukika's chest.
Maybe it was the years of school, being drawn to his dominating presence—or maybe his image had already etched itself into her heart—either way, she chose to trust him.
Just a hug?
Yukika smiled slightly, but as his face neared Mikoto's delicate cheek, his eyes suddenly flashed with a strange expression, and he whispered something that left the girl completely baffled:
"Forgive me, Sasuke..."
"This is for the best..."