At Iwagakure's camp, life proceeded as usual. Some ninjas whispered among themselves, others bore worried expressions, and a few prepared for another patrol. In wartime, every ninja had a role to play, soldiers in a relentless conflict.
That day, Kitsuchi summoned numerous Jonin to the command tent, an uncommon occurrence that sparked speculation among the Iwagakure ninjas. Was something major brewing?
Inside the crowded tent, Kitsuchi addressed the gathered Jonin with a faint smile. "Good news, everyone. The Tsuchikage is leading a support force to our position. They'll arrive soon."
"The Tsuchikage is coming?" The ninjas exchanged astonished glances, their faces lighting up with excitement. With Onoki-sama, their chances of victory soared.
Tengen's presence had tilted the battlefield toward Konoha, much to Iwagakure's frustration. Now, with the Tsuchikage's arrival, hope surged.
Onoki's prestige in Iwagakure was unmatched, his power formidable. His mastery of three chakra natures fused into Dust Release, a kekkei tota surpassing kekkei genkai, wielded devastating destructive force. Though an ultimate power could resist Dust Release, Onoki's strength was undeniable. His arrival was a balm to the Iwagakure ninjas' fears.
Soon after, Kitsuchi led a group to welcome Onoki. To their delight, the Tsuchikage brought over a thousand additional ninjas, bolstering their forces significantly. The losses inflicted by Tengen were not only replenished but exceeded, tipping the advantage back to Iwagakure.
In a secluded tent, Onoki sat with his son, Kitsuchi, the battlefield's former commander.
"Father, I've failed." Kitsuchi said, bowing his head. "I couldn't secure an advantage against Konoha."
In private, he addressed Onoki as his father.
"No, you've done well." Onoki said, his gaze pensive. "This was an anomaly. No one could've predicted Tengen's power, capable of defeating a tailed beast."
"How is Rōshi?" Onoki asked, referring to the Four-Tails Jinchuriki mentioned in earlier reports.
"He's still recovering." Kitsuchi replied promptly. "The medical ninjas say it'll take time."
"So, Rōshi's out of commission for now." Onoki nodded. "Tell me about the recent battles."
"Yes, Father." Kitsuchi said, detailing the latest skirmishes and Konoha's responses.
Onoki listened, nodding thoughtfully. "So, we're engaged in small-scale conflicts with Konoha."
"Yes." Kitsuchi confirmed. "Tengen's presence makes large deployments risky, so I've kept our forces scattered."
"A prudent approach, but it won't defeat Konoha." Onoki said.
"Please guide me, Father." Kitsuchi said earnestly.
"With our current advantage, we'll launch a multi-pronged offensive to crush Konoha's ninjas." Onoki said deliberately.
"But what about Tengen?" Kitsuchi asked, wary of Tengen's Susanoo, which surpassed Kage-level power.
"We wait for Rōshi's recovery." Onoki said, a cold glint in his eyes. "Even if Tengen can handle one tailed beast, can he face two? I'll find a way to trap him. Once Konoha's forces are broken, Tengen alone can't turn the tide."
"Yes, Father." Kitsuchi nodded.
Onoki had little choice. As long as Tengen dominated the battlefield, small-unit tactics would drag the war on indefinitely, despite Iwagakure's advantage. Even if Tengen wielded Uchiha Madara's power, Onoki was confident he could contain him.
Of course, if Tengen, or the unwittingly implicated Madara, heard this confidence, their reactions would be unpredictable. Onoki might not grasp the true terror of such power.
Over the next ten days, Konoha learned of Iwagakure's reinforcements. Expecting a large-scale assault, they were baffled when Iwagakure continued their usual tactics, unchanged.
Some Konoha-nins speculated that Onoki feared Tengen's strength, hesitating to act boldly. Tengen neither confirmed nor denied these praises, remaining noncommittal.
He suspected Onoki was plotting something in secret. Whatever it was, Tengen would meet it head-on, confident in his strength to揭晓 all.
At Konoha's camp, inside a tent, Hyuga Hizashi spoke up. "What's Onoki planning?"
"Isn't this better?" Yūhi Kurenai said. "Maybe he's wary of Tengen's power."
"What do you think, Tengen?" Hizashi turned to him.
Tengen gazed into the distance. "Stay ready. Onoki might move soon."
Meanwhile, at Iwagakure's camp, Onoki gathered his Jonin. After days of preparation, the Tsuchikage was ready to act.
***
Hi guys, I hope you're all doing well! I want to share that I'm currently working on a new project related to Lord of Mysteries.
If you're interested, feel free to visit my profile and start reading. Below is a brief summary:
[Lord of Mysteries: Incarnation of Chaos]
Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone from a Lovecraftian world got isekai'd into another world built on Lovecraftian themes? Well, it's absolute chaos.
Meet Alaric, a human(questionably) survivor of the madness and chaos caused by a certain crawling chaos, who, thanks to the kindness of a certain bubble daddy, got isekai'd into the "fake it till you make it" world.
What will he do in this strange new world? Climb the ladder of power to become that impossible god unless you're just a pawn of a certain russian priest or a certain goth mommy?
Or become a cheshire cat, leaping onto the 4D chessboard to disrupt the schemes and mind games of these bizarre folks?
For Alaric, it's not a tough choice. But before he picks either path, he must, of course, uphold the time-honored tradition of isekai'd victims(questionably) that forms the foundation of this world.
What's that tradition?
Keeping a diary.
---
[Alaric's Transmigration Diary]
[Day 1: I encountered Amon. Used a special technique to summon a projection of the Ancient Sun God, who personally delivered a heavy slap to Amon. Hope Amon appreciates this weighty paternal affection.]
[Day 2: I received an invitation from the Aurora Order. Told them I want it all... looks, brains, and combat prowess... and invited them to join my newly founded Joker Club.]
[Day 3: I met Leonard and acknowledged Gramps Pallez. Declined Leonard's enthusiastic suggestion for the old man to move in with me, as I'd rather not have a old man critiquing my every move, even in private moments.]
[Day 4: I told Klein I plan to pray to a deity named The Fool. Watched his eyes widen in shock and kindly offered him some eye drops.]
[Day 5: I listened to Medici perform a two-hour comedy routine. Suggested he go professional and invited him to share a meal.]
.
.
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[Day 666: I fully absorbed a certain crawling chaos fragment within me. From now on, I am the Fifth Pillar.]