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The envoys from the Land of Fire stood under the sweltering afternoon sun, their patience wearing thin. Beads of sweat dripped down their faces as they waited, their expressions growing more irritated with each passing hour.
Meanwhile, high above in the Hokage's office, Uchiha Shin stretched lazily, feeling utterly refreshed. His eyes wandered toward the waiting group below, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"They're early," he muttered.
"Not only that, they've been standing there since morning. All because you wouldn't let me leave," Tsunade groaned beside him, rolling her eyes before resting her head against his bare chest. Her breathing was still ragged, her body exhausted.
She had trained in Sage Mode, yet even that wasn't enough. Shin's stamina was simply inhuman.
"You keep saying you 'awakened your bloodline,' but this is ridiculous," she muttered, still dazed. "You're like a damn beast."
Uchiha Shin chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss against her forehead before slipping out of bed. He grabbed her green coat, draping it over her shoulders before making his way to the door.
Tsunade groaned, curling into the sheets. Even if she wanted to follow, her legs simply wouldn't cooperate.
With a soft click, Shin locked the door behind him, leaving her to rest. By the time she recovered, she could let herself out.
Descending the stairs, he finally reached the group of Fire Country envoys stationed outside. They were gathered near the entrance, their presence drawing a curious crowd of onlookers.
"Hokage-sama!" The Uchiha guards at the door immediately straightened, their voices laced with reverence.
One of the envoys, an older man draped in regal robes, stepped forward with a scowl. His eyes locked onto Shin's face with undisguised fury.
"So you're the Fourth Hokage." His tone was sharp, accusatory. "I am the envoy of the Fire Daimyo. Why did you not come to greet us? And more importantly, how dare you take the position of Hokage without the Daimyo's consent? That is an act of—"
His words were cut short the moment Shin raised his hand.
"Katon: Ember Veil."
A thin stream of fire wrapped around the man's mouth, silencing him instantly. Shin's eyes glowed with irritation as he turned to face the gathered crowd.
"You're making a lot of noise," he said flatly.
A flick of his wrist, and the envoy—along with his entire entourage—collapsed to the ground, their bodies twitching for mere seconds before going completely still. A hush fell over the street as gasps and whispers spread among the bystanders.
Shin exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Get rid of them. They're an eyesore."
The Uchiha guards didn't hesitate. Within moments, the bodies were swiftly removed, leaving nothing but bloodstained dirt behind. The crowd stood frozen, watching with wide eyes, fear creeping into their expressions.
Shin paid them no mind. Fear was a tool—one he wielded efficiently.
But he didn't want only fear. Respect was far more valuable, and that would take time.
"Back to work," he muttered, brushing off his sleeves before heading home. He had more important matters to consider.
The news of the envoy's execution spread like wildfire through Konoha, reaching the ears of every major clan leader before the day was over.
"He actually did it…"
"This is a direct challenge to the Daimyo. Konoha will be seen as a rogue state."
"Should we support the Fire Country or stand by the Hokage?"
The discussions were tense, the weight of their decision hanging over them like a blade. The Fire Daimyo would not let this stand. The consequences would be severe.
And yet…
"Do we even have a choice?" a Hyuga elder murmured. "Have you seen his strength? Do you truly believe we can oppose him?"
For some, survival took precedence over loyalty.
Meanwhile, deep within the Fire Capital, the Daimyo sat on his lavish throne, his round face twisted in rage as he slammed his fist onto the armrest.
"This upstart dares to ignore my authority?! He killed my envoy as if they were insects! This is outright rebellion!"
The ministers surrounding him exchanged cautious glances before one finally spoke.
"We should move carefully, my Lord. Uchiha Shin came to power by slaughtering his predecessor. The clans of Konoha are unsettled. We have an opportunity."
"An opportunity?" The Daimyo narrowed his eyes.
The minister nodded. "The Sarutobi and Shimura clans still hold deep resentment. We have already taken in Sarutobi Hiruzen's remaining family members. They want revenge. If we reach out to the right people in Konoha, we can turn them against their Hokage."
The Daimyo's anger simmered as a calculating look crossed his face. "And if they refuse?"
"Then we prepare for war."
The room fell silent.
The Daimyo leaned forward, gripping the edges of his throne. "Begin immediately. Spread word across the nations. Make it clear that Uchiha Shin is a threat to stability. We will not let this rebellion go unanswered."
The ministers bowed in unison.
"Yes, my Lord!"
As preparations for war began, letters were dispatched, and whispers of rebellion seeped into the shadows of Konoha.
The village stood at the precipice of war, its fate hanging in the balance.
And at the center of it all, Uchiha Shin merely smirked, already anticipating the storm to come.
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