"This is… digital evolution?"
Before the floor-to-ceiling window on the eighth floor of the Shogunate Tower, Uchiha Mikoto leaned slightly forward, her pale fingertips resting against the cool glass.
Within her beautiful eyes, three tomoe slowly rotated.
Through the Sharingan—capable of perceiving the flow of energy—the surreal scene unfolding in the training field below was reflected in a far more intense and revealing way.
To the children, it was merely something dazzling—
A sparkling transformation.
But in Mikoto's vision—
The life energy that once belonged to Koromon, originally gentle and condensed, suddenly ignited like dry kindling at the moment of eruption!
It burst forth—
Explosive.
Blazing.
That pure, radiant light—
At its core—
Was an unknown energy, highly compressed and filled with the will of life's evolution.
Its nature was entirely different from chakra.
Yet—
It carried overwhelming power.
Mikoto's lips parted slightly.
A quiet breath of astonishment escaped her.
Even for someone accustomed to the strange and ever-changing world of ninjutsu—
This—
A leap across lifeforms—
A complete transformation of species—
Was something entirely beyond conventional understanding.
"So this is the mystery of life…"
Hearing Agumon's energetic self-introduction below, Uchiha Anlan gave a slight nod.
His gaze passed through the glass—
Landing on the clearly more ferocious Agumon X.
There was satisfaction in his eyes.
'Looks like the Light's influence on Koromon runs deep.'
'From a reptile-type Digimon to a true dinosaur-type evolution…'
'In the future, it might even reach Omegamon X.'
His thoughts flowed rapidly.
"Later, we'll test Agumon's combat ability."
"I wonder… in the future, who would be stronger—Omegamon X or Tiga."
An impossible comparison—
Like warriors from different eras.
Yet—
The future was always full of possibilities.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A steady, firm knocking sound interrupted his thoughts.
Before a response could be given—
The heavy wooden door opened.
Uchiha Setsuna stepped in.
"Grandfather Setsuna."
Mikoto turned immediately.
Her expression softened.
Her voice carried warmth and respect.
That simple "Grandfather"—
Instantly melted the stern rigidity on Setsuna's face.
"Mikoto, come here."
He smiled kindly—
Then walked straight to the sofa and sat down with upright posture.
Anlan turned as well.
A faint smile on his lips.
"Grandfather."
That single word—
Earned him a glare.
Setsuna snorted.
"Grandfather?"
"I think Hokage is your real grandfather now."
"As for me… I only have Mikoto left."
His tone was full of unmistakable sarcasm.
Ever since Uchiha Hokage had been appointed to lead the newly established Internal Guard Division—
A core military authority—
Setsuna had been deeply dissatisfied.
Even though—
His own role—
Educating the next generation—
Was the true foundation of the clan—
But the Uchiha bloodline—
Was forged in battle.
Steel.
Fire.
War.
Power—
Always felt more real than teaching.
And so—
His frustration had nowhere to go—
Except toward Anlan.
Mikoto smiled gently.
She guided Anlan to sit.
Poured tea for both.
The aroma rose softly—
Easing the atmosphere.
Her expression turned calm.
Composed.
She began her report.
"The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and the Fourth Raikage, A, have both officially assumed power."
"The Third Tsuchikage, Hokage, and Mizukage remain within their villages."
She continued.
"Sunagakure has withdrawn its forces after their defeat. However, small elite units have been spotted moving toward Rōran."
"The northwest front—"
"The Raikage has launched multiple offensives, but Konoha's defense remains strong."
"However, Kumogakure has begun large-scale mobilization."
"Ōnoki remains patient."
"He's waiting for the right moment."
Her tone became more serious.
"Kiri has changed command."
"A young kunoichi—"
Mei Terumi
"—has been appointed temporary commander."
"She is attempting to divide our Defector Army."
Then—
About Konoha.
"The Third Hokage is using forbidden techniques as bargaining chips to win over clans."
"Graduates are being rushed into war."
Finally—
"Danzo may be in Amegakure."
"There are signs of movement."
Silence settled.
Setsuna's expression grew serious.
He looked at Anlan.
"What do you think?"
Anlan remained calm.
"Those without foresight will face immediate trouble."
He spoke steadily.
"No matter what the other villages plan—"
"The primary pressure still lies on Konoha."
He continued.
"Sunagakure cannot move east easily."
"Kumo and Iwa cannot secure quick victory."
"As for Danzo and Amegakure—"
"Minor threats."
He raised a finger.
"First—"
"Strengthen ourselves."
"Infinite City is our foundation."
"The army must train."
"The economy must stabilize."
"Talent must grow."
Then—
A second finger.
"Second—"
"Crush Kirigakure."
"The east belongs to Uchiha."
"Schemes mean nothing before the blade."
Mikoto and Setsuna both nodded.
Deep into the night—
A remote forest at the eastern border.
Mist.
Darkness.
Moonlight broken by trees.
Shadows appeared.
Among them—
Jinin Akebino
Opposite—
From darkness—
Fuguki Suikazan
Their eyes met.
Cold.
Guarded.
A deal was made.
Information—
In exchange for survival.
Later—
At a riverside—
Mei Terumi received the report.
She listened calmly.
Then said—
"Agree to his terms."
Her eyes reflected the moonlight.
Cold.
Sharp.
A single piece on the board—
A traitor's hope—
And blood yet to be spilled—
All became part of her strategy.
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