Senju Yukika arrived at the command room.
He understood exactly what was about to happen. From the moment Shōju first approached him, he had known his fate.
Maybe he was afraid—but he would never back down.
"The Konoha outpost in the north has been attacked. Take some men and go investigate."
Without looking up, Danzō tossed a map to Sakazaki Ryo and then closed his eyes.
Only after hearing Ryo leave the command room did he speak again.
"Make sure it's clean."
"Yes, Lord Danzō!"
A few black shadows darted out of the command room, following Sakazaki Ryo's figure into the steady rain.
"Some people still believe Konoha survives on the will of the Senju."
"How foolish."
"Take a good look—this is the price of picking the wrong side."
...
"Big brother, Danzō's made his move!"
Nighttime.
Senju Yukika was enjoying a massage from Tsunade when Shōju burst in, flustered.
But upon seeing the scene before him, Shōju froze with a hint of embarrassment.
Yeah, bad timing.
"Go find Elder White Fang. Tell him to go with you."
Yukika waved lazily.
This past month, though White Fang hadn't openly declared his loyalty, his actions made it clear he now supported the Senju.
Especially since he held no current position, it made it even easier for him to stay under Yukika's command.
Like Orochimaru, he was now one of Yukika's people.
And after completing his transformation, White Fang's strength had officially reached the Kage-level. Taking care of a few Root operatives wouldn't be a problem.
"After tonight, you'll likely become the true commander-in-chief, won't you?" Tsunade asked softly, leaning close once Shōju had left.
"No."
Yukika shook his head. What was the point of holding an empty title?
Besides, a teenager as commander-in-chief? That would make people uncomfortable.
"What I want is real power. As for the title—you'll wear that."
Like there's a difference.
Tsunade rolled her eyes.
Even if she held the title, wouldn't she still be listening to this bastard?
They were family, after all—no need to stand on ceremony.
"All the actors are in place, right?"
Nuzzling into Tsunade's chest, Yukika asked with satisfaction.
Honestly, Tsunade's growth had been sudden. Just a few years ago, her chest could still serve as a runway. Now... tsk tsk.
Impressive.
"Everything's ready. As long as Shōju brings the people back, it'll all fall into place."
Danzō's repeated failures. Yukika's steady rise.
Losing the people's trust, losing his support.
Even the last remaining Sarutobi and Shimura clans had begun to doubt Danzō's competence.
All the groundwork was done.
Yukika just needed to follow the steps, and the Konoha frontlines of the Second Great Ninja War would be his to command!
Sarutobi never imagined that sending Yukika to the battlefield to die would lead to this.
Now that Yukika controlled real military power, Sarutobi would have to think twice before making any moves!
And when that time came, it would be the moment for the Forest Senju to rise again!
Yukika would no longer be restrained.
By anyone.
The net was fully laid—it was time to reel it in.
As the noise of the camp stirred, Yukika's eyes gleamed as he crawled out of Tsunade's arms, donned the robe of the Senju clan head, and walked out.
"Lord Danzō! Lord Danzō!"
"You owe your subordinates an explanation!"
"Why did you send me on a mission, only to have your Root assassins attack me?!"
"What exactly are you trying to do?!"
One shout after another rang out, drawing everyone's attention in the camp.
Next to Yukika, Tsunade winced with secondhand embarrassment.
"This guy's acting is so cringe."
"No, that's exactly what we need. If his performance wasn't stiff, how would I shine as the true actor?"
Yukika shook his head and instantly changed his expression to one of deep concern as he walked forward.
"Sakazaki Ryo-kun, what happened?"
This sudden change in demeanor made Tsunade roll her eyes even harder.
But she knew—
The curtain had officially risen on a grand performance.