It was still early, and Uchiha Sougen was nowhere in sight. Uchiha Chihaya led the three youngsters to a shaded area under the trees. Many ancient towering trees surrounded them, with dense green canopies that spread out like giant umbrellas, shielding them from the harsh sunlight.
Naruto hesitated, wondering whether now was the right time to tell Fujika about the rumor. Judging by the situation, if he didn't speak up now, he might not get another chance soon.
"Naruto?" Fujika was checking her equipment—a small sword, shuriken, and explosive tags. Although she was unlikely to fight and would probably just watch, Sougen still made sure she was fully armed with everything a proper ninja should have, except for the standard Leaf Village vest.
She wore a traditional black robe for Uchiha women, custom-made at a shop in the clan's village, with the Uchiha family crest boldly displayed on the back.
Even Yakumo, who was sitting in a wheelchair, curiously glanced over.
"In the village, you often hear all kinds of weird rumors, right? The gossiping aunties are always saying something. I… well, I just happened to hear them say…" Naruto trailed off, struggling to get the words out.
"What did those aunties say?" The straightforward little girl put her hands on her hips, glaring at Naruto for his hesitation.
"They said I might be the child of the Fourth Hokage!" Naruto blurted out, his face flushing with embarrassment as he worried that people might think he was bragging.
Fujika didn't think that way at all. She widened her eyes in amazement, "Is your dad really the Fourth Hokage? That's awesome!"
"It's just a possibility. I don't even believe it myself," Naruto said, feeling relieved now that he'd finally spoken up.
"Not necessarily," Yakumo said, eyeing Naruto with interest. "I heard from my father that the Fourth Hokage was nicknamed the 'Yellow Flash,' and you have the same hair color." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⸺fire.net
Naruto scratched his head. "Yellow hair isn't that rare in the village. Ino's hair is yellow too. Besides, the Fourth Hokage's surname is Namikaze, and I'm Uzumaki Naruto." He seemed to be trying to distance himself from any connection to the Fourth Hokage.
"The Fourth Hokage's wife was from the Uzumaki clan," an unfamiliar voice chimed in.
"Who are you?" Naruto looked warily at Yagura, who had quietly approached.
"I mean no harm," Yagura said, raising his hands to show he was unarmed. "I was just curious when I heard your conversation." His gaze lingered on Naruto, noting his remarkable vitality, a characteristic of the Uzumaki lineage.
"It's okay, Naruto. He's my brother's captive," Fujika reassured him.
"Captive?" Naruto looked confused.
"Lord Mizukage, what did you mean about the Fourth Hokage's wife?" Yakumo asked.
"If you're really that bored, should I send you back into a dream?" a light voice interrupted. Yagura forced a smile and turned to face Sougen. "Lord Sougen, are we ready to depart?"
"Almost." Sougen shifted his attention to the three young ones, particularly Naruto.
"Big brother Sougen," Naruto greeted obediently.
Sougen nodded. "Yakumo, Fujika, and Naruto, let's head out now."
At the main gate, 62 Jonin had gathered, roughly a fifth of the top forces from the frontlines. With Sougen leading, this force could easily crush one or two small countries.
Uchiha Chihaya led the three youngsters into the group of Jonin, who glanced at them briefly before turning away. No one questioned their presence; the Uchiha clan had sworn loyalty to Sougen, and the other clans and common-born ninja had been similarly subdued.
Outside the group, Yagura observed the Leaf ninjas kneeling before Sougen, recalling the glory days of the Hidden Leaf under Hashirama and Madara.
"Is Uchiha Sougen aiming to repeat history?" Yagura thought, quickly adjusting his mindset. At this point, a strong Leaf was essential for tackling the mysterious individual and the organization behind them.
"Our mission is simple: crush all the Mist ninja in our way and end this war," Sougen declared, his red eyes gleaming with a lethal intent. Naruto felt confused; this was the first time he had seen his normally calm and composed big brother look so ferocious.
When Sougen ordered the attack, the elite force moved swiftly, and Naruto had no choice but to keep up.
"Do you think the Uchiha leader's plan will succeed?" Akimichi Chōza asked, watching the group disappear into the forest.
"With Lord Sougen leading, it shouldn't fail. Unless that mysterious person intervenes, this mission is bound to succeed," Aburame Shibi said, uncharacteristically talkative.
"Madara, huh?" Chōza murmured, hoping that the mission wouldn't encounter any unexpected complications.