Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Following Sarutobi Shinnosuke's words, Uzumaki Raiden, who had just arrived at the headquarters, immediately encountered a crisis of trust.

Everyone knew in their hearts that if Uzumaki Raiden, who had just arrived, couldn't handle this matter well, his prestige would suffer a huge blow, and it would be a problem whether anyone obeyed his orders later. There is an essential gap between a commander who is powerless and a commander with real authority.

"Boy, let me see if you really have this ability. Faced with such a situation, what will you do?" Fukuyama lowered his eyebrows slightly, folded his hands on his chest, and watched Raiden intently, while the older ninjas looked at him with concern, wanting to see what he would do.

At this time, everyone's focus was on Uzumaki Raiden and Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Even Shinnosuke, who was typically straightforward, realized how inappropriate his earlier words were. What he said amounted to openly challenging Raiden's authority.

Even if his intentions weren't to target Uzumaki Raiden, in the eyes of everyone, Sarutobi Shinnosuke's remarks were a refusal to accept Raiden's leadership—a bold challenge right out of the gate.

Even Raiden frowned at this moment, looking at Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

"Shinnosuke, with your words, can I think that you are doubting my strength?"

"I didn't expect you to be the first one to jump out."

Raiden said in a low voice, considering how to deal with Shinnosuke. A light punishment wouldn't establish his authority, while a severe punishment would cause problems with the Third Hokage.

Just as Raiden was deliberating, Hatake Sakumo immediately stepped in to smooth things over, saying with a smile:

"Raiden, how could Shinnosuke doubt your strength?"

"You invaded Sand Ninja Village single-handedly and forced Konoha's Thunder to halt its conflict with Sand Ninja. Who would dare doubt your strength?"

"He spoke without thinking. It's likely the pressure during this period has been too great, and he's simply exhausted."

While speaking, Hatake Sakumo winked at Shinnosuke, signaling him to take the opportunity to apologize. Hatake Sakumo, a loyal Hokage faction member, understood the importance of unity. Raiden, as the Third Hokage's disciple, also belonged to this faction. A public conflict between them was akin to infighting.

Seeing Sakumo's signal, Shinnosuke, aware of his misstep, prepared to back down. However, before he could speak, a young man nearby stood up and declared loudly:

"Shinnosuke is right."

"Your name is Uzumaki Raiden, right? Even if you have Hokage-sama's orders, why should we take orders from a brat?"

"I won't follow such absurd commands!"

Raiden raised his brows, surprised that someone else would so brazenly provoke him. This person was clearly confident, openly challenging him in the command tent. Shinnosuke's earlier remark could be excused as impulsive, but this was outright defiance.

"Interesting."

"Fugaku, you will take over this guy's team. Find out the specifics yourself."

While Raiden spoke, he walked toward Aburame Shibi. Shibi, understanding the situation, immediately vacated his seat. Raiden sat down without hesitation, flanked by Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Kaoru, who stood guard behind him. Sakumo walked over to Fukuyama, smiling as he glanced at Uchiha Fugaku.

"What did you say? Why you?" The rebellious ninja, still unaware of the gravity of the situation, pointed at Raiden and shouted. But in the next second, he sensed an attack from the side.

"You dare attack me?!"

The young ninja hadn't anticipated Fugaku's bold move in the command tent. Before he could react, Fugaku activated his Sharingan, its reflection appearing in the ninja's pupils.

"Sharingan?!"

"The Uchiha clan is on the battlefield!"

Fugaku's display of the Sharingan startled everyone. Since the establishment of the Konoha Police Force, the Uchiha clan's presence on battlefields had dwindled. Many were witnessing the power of the Sharingan for the first time.

In mere moments, the rebellious ninja fell under Fugaku's genjutsu. Fugaku soon nodded toward Raiden, indicating he had gathered all necessary information and could handle the ninja's subordinates.

"Confine this guy for 10 days."

"Fugaku, you'll oversee his team."

"I heard your discussions when I arrived. Now I'll outline my decision."

"Gather all Konoha ninjas stationed in the Land of Earth and converge in this village."

"Summon all ninjas proficient in Earth Release. Expand the village and establish defensive barriers. Hatake Sakumo will lead this effort."

"We're building the strongest stronghold here."

Raiden leaned forward slightly as he spoke. His words sparked murmurs among the group. While some conservative members were anxious, radicals eager for battle showed their approval.

"Team leader, Iwa's forces are formidable. You might not understand; their leader is..."

Aburame Shiguro, weighing the situation, attempted to counsel caution, but Raiden interrupted.

"Your name?"

"Aburame Shiguro. I've faced Iwa's ninjas and know their strength."

"To be honest, they're beyond our ability to handle. Even Hatake Sakumo may not suffice."

Shiguro glanced at Sakumo, his words somewhat bold, but his intent was Konoha's welfare.

"Shiguro, I understand Iwa's strength well. My decision has been made carefully."

"You needn't worry about that."

Raiden stood, unleashing a burst of powerful chakra that engulfed the entire village. Even those without sensory abilities could feel its intensity. 

For tens of seconds, Raiden's chakra dominated the camp, leaving everyone awestruck.

"My abilities will prove themselves through action."

"Now, attend to your duties and reassure your teams."

"Sakumo, oversee village expansion. Shiguro, act as my secretary and report on personnel. Everyone else, dismissed."

Raiden signaled the meeting's end. Fugaku and Sakumo left to execute their tasks. Hizashi, Kaoru, and Might Duy remained by Raiden's side, awaiting specific assignments.

Shiguro, though displeased, quickly adjusted to his new role, briefing Raiden on troop composition.

The surprise attack force, though named as such, was a complex assembly. With over 1,000 personnel, fewer than 1,000 were combat-ready, excluding medics, logistics, and others.

"The situation is direr than I anticipated. Fragmentation won't work in the Gobi terrain. Consolidating our forces is vital to resisting Iwa."

"Let's establish barriers to buy time."

As night fell, Raiden, with Sakumo's assistance, managed the camp's affairs. While he lacked direct war experience, Raiden relied on professionals to handle specific tasks. Their decision to consolidate forces aimed to test Iwa's strength before retreating if necessary. Raiden also reached out to Sand Ninja for a potential counterstrike.

(End of this chapter)