"Wood Release power... why has Wood Release appeared again?"
The Konoha ninjas present were filled with questions. "Shouldn't Tianyuan's power be the supreme strength of the Uchiha clan, the Mangekyō?"
"There's no need for everyone to be surprised. What Tianyuan used is the First Hokage's Wood Release: Nativity of a World of Trees," Orochimaru said slowly. "Lord Hokage has already explained all of this. In other words, Tianyuan not only possesses the supreme power of the Uchiha but also the formidable Wood Release of the First Hokage."
"So that's how it is..." The Konoha ninjas were stunned.
The news left them almost unable to close their mouths in shock. Tianyuan could no longer be described simply as a monster.
"Fortunately, Tianyuan is a ninja of our Konoha." This was the singular thought echoing in the minds of every ninja present.
Once the arrangements were finalized, the teams led by Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze prepared to depart. One was heading to the Iwagakure front to hold the ground Tianyuan had gained, while the other was going to the Kumogakure front to salvage the failing Konoha forces.
Outside the camp.
"Teacher Minato, are we heading to the battlefield in the Land of Earth now?" Obito asked.
"Yes, that's the place," Minato replied with a smile. "But you don't need to worry. Tianyuan has already paved the way for us."
"Tianyuan? What did he do this time?" Kakashi asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You all know Tianyuan has the power of the Mangekyō, right?" Minato laughed.
"I know that, but it's really frustrating that a proud member of the Uchiha like me doesn't have those eyes while Tianyuan does," Obito grumbled from the side.
"Haha, don't overthink it, Obito. Even I don't dare compare myself to Tianyuan now," Minato joked. "This time, Tianyuan used Wood Release to crush the Stone Ninja and captured two Tailed Beast Jinchuriki."
"Wood Release? The First Hokage's Kekkei Genkai?" Rin gasped in surprise.
"Yes, that very Kekkei Genkai. Perhaps when we arrive, we'll see the aftermath of his feat," Minato said.
"I see... Wood Release Ninjutsu is truly incredible," Kakashi marveled. After all, Tianyuan was actually younger than Kakashi himself.
"Alright, let's get moving," Minato said, turning to the ninjas behind him. "Everyone, prepare to move out! Destination: the border of the Land of Earth to support Konoha!"
"Yes, sir!" the ninjas shouted in unison.
Minato and his team soon vanished from the site.
"Jiraiya, I'm leaving too," Orochimaru said to his companion.
"Alright. When you see him, give Tianyuan my regards," Jiraiya replied with a grin.
"Don't worry. He is my disciple, isn't he?" Orochimaru gave a faint smile, though it held a chilling edge.
"Orochimaru, your smile is getting more unsettling by the day," Jiraiya muttered, unable to stop a slight shiver.
"Enough. I'm going," Orochimaru ignored him and turned to the ninjas behind him. "Follow me."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!" the ninjas responded together.
Jiraiya watched Orochimaru depart, whispering softly, "Minato, Orochimaru... be careful."
On the battlefield, anything was possible. Minato was his student and Orochimaru was his comrade; Jiraiya naturally didn't want anything to happen to them.
On the battlefield within the Land of Earth.
At the Konoha encampment, the local Jonin had gathered.
"We've just received word from the village," Shinku Yuhi announced. "The situation is grim. Kumogakure has begun its invasion of the Land of Fire. Although Konoha has sent ninjas to intercept them, our forces are currently at a disadvantage and are being pushed back. Consequently, the Hokage has made the following arrangements."
"First, Tianyuan will lead his unit to reinforce the battlefield against the Hidden Cloud Village. Second, Minato Namikaze will lead his forces to the Kikyo Pass front to fill the vacancy left by Tianyuan," Shinku continued.
The news sent a shockwave through the gathered ninjas. They hadn't expected Kumogakure to strike the Land of Fire as well. Now, three major ninja villages were moved against them; the situation was dire.
Furthermore, the thought of Tianyuan leaving this front made the local ninjas feel a deep sense of loss. Even though Minato was incredibly powerful, there was still a massive gap between him and Tianyuan. After the recent battle, Tianyuan had become the pillar of strength for the camp, providing an immense sense of security.
However, they also understood that compared to their current front, the Cloud front was far more urgent and dangerous. Their current battlefield had stabilized for the time being, especially after the Stone Ninja had suffered such a crushing blow. With two Jinchuriki as prisoners, they held the leverage to negotiate.
"I've been very happy spending this time with all of you. I hope that the next time we meet, you can tell me with a smile that Konoha has won," Tianyuan said, looking at the assembled ninjas with a warm expression.
"We will, Jonin Tianyuan!" the ninjas replied immediately.
"Good. Jonin Shinku, Jonin Hizashi..." Tianyuan addressed the leaders, "I am preparing to leave now. I'm leaving this battlefield in your hands."
"Rest easy. We've got this," Shinku and the others nodded.
A moment later, Tianyuan's unit had assembled.
"Kushina, it looks like following me means a life of constant toil. Now we're off to another battlefield," Tianyuan said to Kushina Uzumaki.
"It's fine; it's the same no matter where we go," Kushina shook her head. "Besides, I want to watch you defeat the Third Raikage. Give them a lesson they won't forget. Let them know that Konoha isn't someone they can just bully."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure they learn that lesson," Tianyuan smiled. "Is everyone ready?"
"Ready, Lord Tianyuan!" the ninjas behind him shouted as they rose.
Tianyuan nodded to Hizashi and the others in the distance before pointing in a new direction. "Move out!"
A massive force of Konoha ninjas departed the camp.
"Tianyuan... I have a feeling that in this war, he will become a legend," Shinku remarked, watching Tianyuan's receding back.
"Indeed," Hizashi Hyuga smiled. "And more importantly, he is in our Konoha."
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