At the border of the Land of Earth, within the battlefield.
Since the last crushing defeat of the Iwa-nin, conflicts between them and Konoha had significantly quieted.
This lull was partly due to the heavy losses both sides suffered in that battle. The Iwa-nin, in particular, had lost hundreds of their own to Konoha, a devastating blow that left them reeling.
It was no surprise they had grown cautious, likely biding their time, waiting for an opening to exploit Konoha's defenses.
In a Konoha encampment, the atmosphere was tense.
"Everyone's aware of the situation. Kirigakure is advancing from the south, poised to invade the Land of Fire. Minato, you'll lead a unit to reinforce that front." Yūhi Shinku said to Minato.
Since Tengen's departure from this battlefield, Minato's performance had been the most standout. Though his feats didn't match Tengen's flamboyant strength or record, he had earned the trust of many Konoha ninja.
There was likely a reason Sarutobi Hiruzen had chosen Minato to confront Kirigakure's forces. Even Tengen had been dispatched to support that front.
Maintaining four battlefronts was an immense strain on Konoha. Other ninja villages faced only Konoha's pressure, but for Konoha, the stakes were far greater.
The village was like a taut string, on the verge of snapping.
Sarutobi Hiruzen likely aimed to resolve the Kirigakure conflict swiftly, easing the burden on Konoha.
Back to Minato, he nodded at Shinku's words. "Understood. I'll lead the Konoha ninja to provide support immediately."
"We're counting on you." Shinku said, echoed by the other Konoha ninja.
Kirigakure's advance was another test for Konoha.
"Don't worry." Minato replied with a nod, then gathered the support unit. Soon, they departed the battlefield, heading south.
…
At the border of the Land of Hot Water, the battlefield between Konoha and the Kumo-nin.
Since Tengen arrived, the Kumo-nin had suffered a significant blow, and large-scale battles between the two villages had ceased. Skirmishes persisted, but under Tengen's leadership, Konoha consistently emerged victorious.
Even without major conflicts, the Kumo-nin had lost many.
They had no choice but to keep up these small attacks. If they didn't harass Konoha, the village might launch a full-scale counteroffensive.
At this moment, Tengen, like the other two battlefronts, received a letter from Sarutobi Hiruzen about Kirigakure's invasion and the urgent need for support.
"Tengen, stay safe on the road." Orochimaru said, a faint smile on his face, like a teacher advising a student.
"Don't worry, Orochimaru-sensei. Be cautious here. If I leave, the Third Raikage might make a move." Tengen replied.
Tengen had a suspicion he acted as a deterrent, like a weapon of mass destruction, keeping the Kumo-nin from launching large-scale attacks.
"We'll stay vigilant." Orochimaru said slowly.
Nearby, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, and others bid Tengen farewell. Over time, Tengen had built a rapport with them, not deep, but more than the strangers they once were.
The regular Konoha ninja on this battlefield were reluctant to see him go. Tengen had accomplished much here.
"Shisui, are you sure you want to come with me?" Tengen asked, glancing at Uchiha Shisui.
"Of course. I might find a chance to shine there." Shisui said with a grin.
"Alright. Kushina, let's move out." Tengen said, then darted toward the horizon, followed closely by a large group of Konoha ninja.
"Orochimaru-sama, I have a feeling Tengen might create an even bigger surprise in Kirigakure." Uchiha Fugaku said, watching Tengen's departure.
"Oh, I'm quite looking forward to that." Orochimaru replied with a soft chuckle, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "The power of the Sharingan… and Wood Release?"
Orochimaru had been researching both abilities. His Wood Release experiments had stalled after only one child survived, manifesting a weaker version compared to Tengen's, which rivaled the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
At that moment, Tengen, Minato, Nara Shikaku, and others raced toward the southern border of the Land of Fire.
Every moment delayed increased Kirigakure's potential to wreak havoc.
…
At the Land of Fire's border, two figures stood. One was a cold-faced young man, the other a bizarre, entirely white being.
They were Uchiha Madara and White Zetsu.
"Zetsu, have you finished investigating?" Madara asked, his gaze fixed on White Zetsu.
White Zetsu possessed the Mayfly Technique, allowing him to merge with the earth and plants for high-speed movement. By integrating with underground roots and water networks, he could travel anywhere undetected, making him an ideal scout for covert information.
Madara had tasked White Zetsu with investigating someone Uchiha Obito had mentioned.
"Yes, it's done." White Zetsu nodded. "Uchiha Obito was a student of Minato, alongside two others: the prodigy Kakashi and Nohara Rin."
White Zetsu relayed everything he had uncovered, leaving the analysis to Madara.
***
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