My Journey as Fourth Kazekage

Since the Second Great Ninja War, the Uchiha Clan had gradually become isolated within Konoha, especially after the death of Kagami Uchiha—the only member of their clan to ever hold a position in Konoha's upper ranks.

This isolation was caused by two main factors. The first was Konoha's systematic suppression of the Uchiha Clan. The second was the Uchiha's overwhelming pride as once the greatest clan in the ninja world, a pride that only grew as the Senju Clan declined.

This pride led most of the Uchiha to place their clan's interests above the village's. As a result, the Uchiha became increasingly defiant toward Konoha's leadership—an act that was intolerable to any ruling authority.

Take the current war, for example. Months had passed since it began, yet Uchiha shinobi were scarcely seen on the battlefield. Rumors even spread that the Uchiha were waiting for Konoha to weaken, intending to seize the opportunity for a coup at the perfect moment.

These rumors wiped out the little goodwill the Uchiha had earned after the truth of Danzo's secret Sharingan experiments came to light. Instead of being seen as victims, the Uchiha were now painted as villains. The village responded by tightening their surveillance of the clan.

This only intensified the Uchiha's resentment toward Konoha, making their involvement in the war even less likely.

But then, everything changed when Namikaze Minato personally visited Fugaku Uchiha, the clan leader.

No one knew what was said during that meeting. However, after it, despite fierce opposition within his clan, Fugaku ordered the Uchiha to join the war.

The Uchiha, though the most powerful clan in the ninja world, had a complex internal structure with many factions. Even so, Fugaku still commanded considerable authority, and many of the clan's most formidable shinobi followed his orders.

With the Uchiha joining the fight, Konoha's pressure on the battlefield immediately began to ease.

---

Land of Rivers

A country nestled between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, the Land of Rivers was true to its name, filled with numerous rivers—some flowing, others long dried up. These dry riverbeds had become natural hiding spots.

Ever since Sunagakure declared war on Konoha, both Sand and Leaf shinobi had been using these riverbeds for troop movements and supply transports.

Seven days had passed since Sunagakure's official declaration of war against Konoha. During this time, countless skirmishes erupted across the Land of Rivers. But a closer look would reveal that Sunagakure was not truly engaging in full-scale war.

Nonetheless, these skirmishes managed to tie up a portion of Konoha's forces in the Land of Rivers—creating a perfect opportunity for Kumogakure and Iwagakure, who eagerly launched large-scale invasions into the Land of Fire.

Unlike Sunagakure, which was still engaging Konoha in a calculated battle within the Land of Rivers, the battle-hungry forces of Kumogakure had already advanced deep into the Land of Fire in just seven days. Iwagakure, ever the opportunist, seized the chance to push forward, occupying nearly a third of Konoha's territory.

The situation in the Land of Fire was growing more dire.

---

Land of Rivers – A Dried Riverbed

A Konoha supply convoy slowly made its way forward.

"Hurry up! We need to reach the camp before nightfall!"

The one shouting was a Konoha jonin from the Aburame Clan, Fuka Aburame. Dressed in the clan's signature long robe and dark sunglasses, he was in charge of escorting the supply mission.

"Yes, sir!"

The convoy quickened its pace, but not by much.

Most of the people transporting supplies were ordinary civilians, lacking the speed and agility of shinobi.

Realizing that yelling wouldn't help much, Fuka Aburame made his way toward the center of the convoy, where three shinobi clad in Uchiha Clan attire walked.

Unlike most of their clansmen, who carried an air of arrogance, these three Uchiha had relatively mild expressions. Remembering Minato's instructions, Fuka Aburame softened his tone and addressed the youngest among them—a boy who appeared barely old enough for the academy.

"Shisui, how are you holding up? Can you handle the battlefield?"

Even as he spoke, Fuka Aburame couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.

Shisui was only eight years old. If this were a normal time, he'd just be starting school. Yet here he was, already a genin.

A true Uchiha prodigy.

But sending a child to war… it was cruel.

Then again, Konoha had no other choice.

With battles raging on three fronts, the village was being crushed under immense pressure.

Unlike the jonin's somber thoughts, Shisui—experiencing life beyond the village for the first time—looked eager. He smiled gently and said,

"Don't worry, Fuka-senpai. I'll be fine. I want to do my part for the village."

"Haha, no need to overdo it. Right now, your biggest priority is staying alive."

Fuka Aburame chuckled before nodding toward the two Uchiha chūnin beside Shisui.

"I'm counting on you two."

The chūnin exchanged complicated looks before giving slight nods.

The convoy continued moving forward.

Shisui glanced at the towering riverbanks on either side, his sharp eyes analyzing the terrain.

"Fuka-senpai, why are we taking this route? If the enemy attacks from above, wouldn't we be trapped and completely vulnerable?"

Fuka gave him an approving look.

"As expected of a Uchiha genius. You've got a good eye. Unfortunately, we don't have much choice."

Shisui blinked.

"No choice?"

"That's right. The Land of Rivers has a complex terrain—mostly rivers and mountains, with very few flat plains. Compared to rough mountain paths, the dried riverbeds are far easier to travel. Especially with so many supply carts, oxen, and wagons. There's no way they'd make it through the mountains."

Fuka added.

"But don't worry too much. The rivers here crisscross like a giant web. The Sand ninja would have a hard time tracking us down."

Shisui nodded in understanding.

But just as he relaxed, Fuka Aburame suddenly turned toward the front of the convoy, his voice growing wary.

"No way… are we really that unlucky? Everyone, stop and stay on guard!"

At that moment, every member of the convoy realized—Sunagakure's ambush had arrived.

Shisui tensed.

This was his first time facing enemy ninja.

And then—

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Explosions erupted along both sides of the riverbanks.

"It's explosive tags!"

Someone shouted in alarm.

The next instant, the riverbanks collapsed.

A rain of boulders and dirt came crashing down.

For the shinobi, avoiding the falling debris was easy—they leapt to safety in an instant.

But the civilians weren't so lucky.

Within moments, they were crushed, buried under the landslide. Their screams of terror and agony filled the air.

Suspended in mid-air, Shisui Uchiha looked down at the carnage below—at the sheer brutality of war.

For the first time, he truly understood the meaning of battlefield cruelty.