In the sealed chamber beneath Root's base, wavering lamplight cast restless shadows over the stone walls.
"Danzō" stood respectfully before Uchiha Jin, a cold gleam in his single eye. "Sarutobi has agreed to send the White Fang to the front. He will also keep negotiating with the daimyo so Konoha holds enough autonomy during the war."
Jin lounged back in the stone chair, fingers drumming a steady rhythm on the armrest. After a pause, he spoke slowly. "Not enough. Even so, the great nations will probe and feint first. That stalemate could drag on for half a year, a full year."
"We need to pull in a country that cannot afford attrition and use it to break the board."
"You mean the Land of Rain?" "Danzō" caught on at once, the corner of his mouth bending in a knowing, icy smile.
"Mm." Jin's gaze sharpened. "Wedged between three great powers, they will end up a sacrifice anyway." His tone cooled in an instant, utterly different from his usual mildness. "So let me do them the honor first."
The chamber seemed to chill. Even "Danzō" straightened unconsciously and waited for specifics.
Jin rose, shadow veiling his face. "Send a Root elite unit into Rain."
"Use your specialty. Disguise them as small advance teams from Sand or Stone. Create the illusion those villages plan to cut through Rain to invade Fire ahead of schedule."
"Danzō" bowed his head in assent, a cruel light flickering in his eye. "Understood. I will pick the best at infiltration and assassination. The operation will be flawless."
"Keep it quiet," Jin added. "Leave clues that are obvious enough, but no survivors."
"We make Hanzō himself drag the Land of Rain into the whirlpool."
"At once." "Danzō" bowed deeper. The tap of his cane echoed as his silhouette slid away down the dark corridor.
...
Within the Uchiha compound.
At Elder Hokaku's residence, Jin sipped tea in silence while the old man, face aglow, reported the clan's recent progress.
"Our cooperation with Danzō has gone smoothly. The clan members assigned to Root now hold almost the same operational authority as ANBU. Also, with your reminder and Danzō's push, Konoha has been buying ninja tools in bulk. We secured part of the orders in partnership with the cat folk at Neko no Sato, though their output is limited, so our share is not large for now."
Jin turned the cup, a faint smile at his lips. "What about the Police Force?"
"Per your suggestion, I applied to the Third for fine authority. He approved." Hokaku could not hide the delight in his voice. "It will not bring in much in the short term, but it will improve the Police Force's finances over time."
"Be careful," Jin said, still not at ease. "Fines must follow regulations to the letter. Do not give anyone ammunition."
"Rest easy. Our people will not cross that line. As for you, why not visit Police Headquarters? They all want to thank you in person."
"It was just a proposal. You are still the one running yourself ragged," Jin replied evenly with a small wave.
"That is different. It was your idea, and it bolsters your standing in the clan." Hokaku refilled Jin's cup, then continued.
"I will go when I can. We have more pressing matters," Jin said, accepting the tea, his expression turning sober. "You have heard about the border, I assume."
"I have. Sand is getting restless. Even the White Fang has been sent out," Hokaku answered with a nod.
"War is coming. For now it is probing between the great nations, but full-scale conflict is only a matter of time. Uchiha must be ready."
"I understand. The Police Force is made of our elites. They can form up and march at any time," the elder said at once.
"It is not that simple. As long as he has enough manpower, the Third will not rush to put Uchiha on the front." Jin's tone stayed calm. "We may need to deploy a small, elite detachment under Root's banner instead. We wait for the right moment to enter and deliver a single decisive blow."
"If we strike, it should be beautiful," he added. "Shatter their line outright. Then we return to a triumph grand enough to clear our clan's name."
"Agreed. But will a small detachment be enough?" Hokaku shared the strategy, yet concern creased his brow.
"No need to worry. I will lead them myself. Before these eyes, numbers will mean nothing."
The three tomoe in Jin's gaze began to whirl, faster and faster. For a heartbeat, the tomoe seemed to link in a line, sketching the hint of a complex pattern.
Seeing it, Elder Hokaku inclined his head in silent understanding.