Uchiha Ascendant: Rewriting the Ninja World

Konoha.

The rumor of Lady Tsunade, the princess of the Fire Country, taking a "puppy" from the Uchiha Clan spread like wildfire throughout the village.

The news sparked endless gossip, but it also brought the Uchiha Clan back into the spotlight.

Although many Uchiha found Uchiha Yo's actions shameful, they couldn't deny the benefits it brought—a clear signal of change.

Tsunade's position was too important, and her public association with an Uchiha seemed to imply a thaw in relations between the Senju and Uchiha clans.

As a result, several other clans in Konoha started cautiously approaching the Uchiha, testing the waters.

The Uchiha's isolation wasn't just due to their arrogance. They had a dark history: the death of the First Hokage left them under a cloud of suspicion, and the rebellion led by Uchiha Setsuna during the Second Hokage's reign further tarnished their reputation.

Who would dare openly align with them and risk invoking Konoha's wrath?

But now, things were different. Even if Tsunade truly did take in an Uchiha "puppy," there was no need to display it so openly.

The implications were clear to any perceptive observer: this was deliberate.

Families close to the Senju quickly caught on and began reaching out to the Uchiha.

---

Uchiha Compound.

"Yo, your sacrifices and contributions to the clan will not be forgotten!"

Uchiha Fugaku smiled warmly at Yo, his mood noticeably improved.

"Do you know, Yo? The clan has already established contact with the Aburame Clan. We've even allocated one of our forest territories on the village's outskirts to them."

Hearing Fugaku's words, Yo's eyebrow twitched as he suppressed a wave of exasperation.

Why does this feel like I sold my body to support the clan?

"Captain Fugaku, this is all for the restoration of Uchiha's glory!"

Despite his inner disdain, Yo kept a serious expression, responding with a resolute tone. He played the role of a devoted clan member willing to endure any humiliation for the greater good.

Fugaku, catching Yo's somber expression, felt a pang of awkwardness. The event was a big step for the clan, but for Yo, it was clearly more personal.

"Yo…"

Fugaku hesitated, unsure how to console him, before quickly changing the subject to avoid further embarrassment.

"Yo, the frontlines aren't looking good. We've detected movements from Iwagakure near the borders. The village has decided to send a ninja corps to station in the Land of Grass."

The Land of Grass bordered both the Fire and Earth countries, and it was adjacent to the Rain Country.

Geographically, the Iwagakure threat warranted attention, and the Land of Grass would inevitably become a battleground. If war broke out, the great nations would shift the fighting there, leaving the smaller nation to bear the brunt of the conflict.

"Is war about to begin?"

Yo's expression grew serious upon hearing Fugaku's words.

This world was far more brutal than the sparse details described in the original Naruto series. The information on the major ninja wars was fragmented, forcing him to piece things together based on limited clues.

Fugaku mistook Yo's thoughtful silence for concern about the war and reassured him:

"Yo, the real battle is still in the Rain Country. The Land of Grass will mostly see covert skirmishes between the great nations. Besides, the ninja corps heading there is no ordinary force."

Under Yo's questioning gaze, Fugaku elaborated:

"This time, the frontline commanders are Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. The ninja corps includes members from the Hyūga Clan, the Nara Clan…"

Hearing this, Yo instantly understood.

Ah, it's a gold-plating mission for the younger generation.

The Land of Grass was a relatively safe buffer zone, providing an opportunity for various clans' young ninjas to gain experience.

"Got it."

Yo nodded in realization.

Wait… the Land of Grass is where Iwagakure is moving troops…

A troubling thought struck Yo, and he frowned.

"Captain Fugaku, I understand the strategy of moving the battlefield to the Land of Grass, but you mentioned Iwagakure's ninja corps—how many troops are we talking about?"

"According to intelligence, Iwagakure has stationed just over 500 ninjas near the border—a relatively small number compared to the situation in the Rain Country."

Fugaku explained the geopolitical reality: smaller nations bore the brunt of conflict between the great powers.

"Yo, I'll personally lead our forces this time."

Fugaku's declaration confirmed that the Uchiha were fully committed to the mission. It also meant Yo, with his recent "contributions," had secured a spot among the clan's representatives.

"This time, the enemy is Iwagakure!"

Yo's mind raced.

In the Second Shinobi War, the three Sannin were surrounded by Iwagakure forces. Had it not been for timely reinforcements, Jiraiya—severely injured at the time—might not have survived.

Those events hadn't taken place in the Rain Country.

Realizing the potential danger, Yo grew even more apprehensive.

The larger conflict wasn't confined to the Rain Country. The great nations' power struggles could erupt anywhere, and the shifting tides of war could change alliances overnight.

"When do we depart?" Yo asked grimly.

"Three days from now. The village will deploy us just outside the gates. The clan has also prepared war supplies for you."

Fugaku's visit was not just to deliver the mission briefing but to emphasize the clan's support for Yo.

From the tone of his voice, it was clear the clan would spare no expense in equipping him, even providing resources suited for ninjas with advanced Sharingan levels.

Great, Yo thought sarcastically.

"I understand. I'll be ready."

Yo nodded solemnly.

Having experienced the grim reality of war in the Rain Country's rear lines, he knew this mission would be even harsher.

After Fugaku left, Yo stood outside his home, gazing at the towering Hokage Rock. His eyes narrowed.

"Unknown dangers, the inability to control my fate—this is maddening, especially when I'm forced into such a passive position."

"But I'm not one to sit back and take it. If I want to shift to the offensive, I'll need external support."

Turning toward the heart of the Uchiha compound, Yo's lips curled into a sly smile.

"Elder Setsuna, Clan Leader… I'm the bridge between the clan and the village. Protecting me is in everyone's best i

nterest."

When you can't directly influence the world, the best strategy is to integrate and leverage every resource available.