Naruto’s Strongest Force [translation]

Konoha Village, Uchiha Clan Grounds

Uchiha Kaimei, Izumi, and Daichi were moving forward when they saw the signal fireworks in the sky. They immediately stopped in their tracks and retreated quickly in the opposite direction.

In a secret room within the Uchiha clan grounds, two Uchiha clansmen received the alert at the same moment the warning fireworks launched.

One of them pressed a hand against a mystical tool in front of them.

A white glow lit up, and the Kagura Bell floated into the air.

The other clansman quickly injected chakra into it. The white light expanded outward in an instant.

Warning fireworks continued to rise across the Uchiha clan grounds, lighting up the sky with a crimson glow.

The clan grounds weren't far from the recently established snack street, so the explosions were clearly visible from there.

Most people on the street didn't understand what the fireworks meant, but a sense of unease began to settle in.

Two elite Uchiha jonin dropped what they were doing and immediately headed toward the clan grounds.

The owners of the Uchiha shops exchanged concerned looks. However, they were trained for this scenario.

If the Type-3 threat signal was launched, non-Three-Tomoe clansmen were strictly prohibited from returning to the clan grounds.

They couldn't risk creating chaos, as it could endanger ordinary civilians.

The shop owners simply announced that the clan grounds were under attack, and the shops would temporarily close.

They calmly guided the villagers to evacuate in an orderly fashion.

Although the villagers didn't fully understand the situation, the repeated signal fireworks from the Uchiha clan left them deeply unsettled.

As residents of Konoha, they had developed a certain level of crisis awareness and began leaving the snack street promptly.

Sasuke and Naruto

The moment Sasuke saw the signal fireworks, he jumped to his feet. "Something's wrong! Naruto, let's go!"

Without hesitation, Sasuke began running toward Konoha.

Fugaku had warned him that if the fireworks ever looked like this, he must not return to the clan grounds.

If Naruto was with him, his father had emphasized that it was crucial to get Naruto away as well.

"The ones coming are definitely after Naruto!"

Sasuke remembered his father's words. Returning to the clan grounds would only put them at greater risk of being captured or used as hostages.

Over the years, Sasuke had learned not to let pride cloud his judgment. He had been taught this lesson countless times.

Naruto's chest tightened when the fireworks went off. He recognized them as Uchiha warning signals but didn't know their exact meaning.

Trusting Sasuke, he simply followed as they ran toward Konoha.

The Anbu trailing them immediately surrounded Naruto.

One of the Anbu, presumably the leader, reassured them, "Naruto, Sasuke, don't be afraid. We were sent by the Third Hokage to protect you."

Neither Naruto nor Sasuke asked any questions. It seemed they had long expected the presence of these Anbu. Without a word, they kept running toward the village.

Uchiha Fugaku

The instant the fireworks lit up the sky, Fugaku stood and rushed outside, heading straight toward the source of the signal.

As he moved, he encountered Kaimei and the others retreating.

A wave of white light swept past them, expanding outward as it traveled.

The moment Kaimei saw Fugaku, he shouted, "Clan Leader, the enemy has been confirmed as a Type-3 threat. Their clothing matches perfectly, and they appeared suddenly in the clan grounds, indicating space-time ninjutsu capabilities."

There was no time for further explanation.

The Time-Sealing Formation could only last five minutes. While its effects would linger, making space-time travel more difficult, the formation couldn't be immediately reactivated. Forcing a second activation too soon could cause a catastrophic collapse in space-time, creating a highly dangerous explosion.

Fugaku passed through Kaimei's group without stopping. "Execute Plan Three! Kaimei, confirm Sasuke and Naruto's locations, then assemble the medical team."

"Izumi, go to the summoning platform. Act according to the signals once the formation ends."

"Daichi, gather the clansmen and bring them here as planned."

"Yes, sir!"

The three responded in unison, immediately moving to fulfill their roles.

"Clan Leader, catch this!"

As Fugaku passed Daichi, Daichi tossed him his ninja tool pouch, sword, and two sealing scrolls.

Fugaku reached out, caught the gear, and skillfully wrapped the two sealing scrolls around his hands. Without turning back, he sprinted toward the clan grounds' perimeter.

Signal fireworks continued to light up the sky as Uchiha clan members evacuated in an orderly fashion to the shelters within the clan grounds.

Fugaku activated his Mangekyō Sharingan and charged ahead, leading the way toward the intruder's location.

Several members of the Uchiha barrier team followed closely behind, reporting updates on the intruder's movements.

"The intruder is moving along the edge of the clan grounds toward the north."

"They've stopped moving now."

Bursting through the forest, Fugaku spotted Obito in the distance, clad in his black cloak adorned with red clouds and wearing the spiral mask.

Fugaku signaled for the barrier team to retreat immediately.

Obito's voice was laced with mockery as he said, "I didn't expect the mighty Clan Leader Fugaku to prepare such a grand welcome for me."

Fugaku's expression was grim. He knew this man was the mastermind behind the Nine-Tails incident. Still, he held back, waiting for reinforcements.

Seeing that Fugaku didn't respond, Obito shrugged. He wasn't in a hurry—stalling for time suited him just fine.

Within thirty seconds, the reinforcements arrived. Over ten elite Uchiha jonin, all possessing the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, appeared on the scene. Anyone with lesser skills had been ordered by Fugaku to remain in the shelters.

Once the team assembled, Fugaku didn't waste a word. He led the charge toward Obito.

By the time Fugaku reached the scene and waited for his comrades, over a minute had passed.

There were just over three minutes left on the Time-Sealing Formation. If they couldn't subdue Obito within that time, they would have to summon Natsuki back.

Without Kamui, Obito realized he was at a disadvantage. Gritting his teeth, he prepared to go all out to survive.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Before the Uchiha could close the distance, they unleashed a barrage of shuriken.

Dodging frantically, Obito's cloak was torn in several places, and shallow cuts appeared on his body.

As the Uchiha drew closer and closer, Obito's expression grew tense.

"Just a little closer…"

Fugaku's eyes narrowed. Suddenly, he raised his hand and shouted, "Fall back!"

All the Uchiha retreated instantly without hesitation.

Obito's eyes gleamed with cold determination. Raising his sleeves, he poured a massive amount of chakra into his next attack.

Rip! Rip! Rip!

With the sound of tearing fabric, countless branches burst forth from Obito's hands.

The branches expanded rapidly as they flew, thickening and accelerating toward the retreating Uchiha.

"So fast!"

Fugaku's eyes hardened. He had known Obito could use Wood Release but hadn't expected it to activate with such speed.

Drawing his sword, Fugaku slashed furiously, cutting down the branches targeting him.

The other Uchiha weren't as fortunate. While Fugaku's warning had kept them from getting too close, the branches' speed allowed them to barely avoid critical hits.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The branches slammed into the ground with thunderous force.

"Ugh… Aaagh…"

Pained groans echoed through the forest as several Uchiha were injured.

Some were impaled—one had a branch pierce through his thigh, another through his arm. Blood quickly began to pool.

"Rokuto!"

"Ōura!"

A cry of despair came from Yōki as he saw his comrades fall. Rokuto's back had a deep gash, exposing bone, while Ōura's leg was skewered, the bone clearly broken.

Only seven Uchiha, including Fugaku, remained standing.

Obito, breathing heavily after releasing the large-scale Wood Release, felt the toll on his chakra reserves.

"Damn it," he cursed inwardly. "If I had Kamui, I could've reinforced this jutsu. There are still six left standing…"

Realizing the tide was turning against him, Obito saw Fugaku holding firm and immediately decided to retreat.

Without wasting another moment, he bolted sideways, trying to escape.