Chapter 112: Danzo's Conspiracy
Under Sasuke's direction, almost all of his subordinates had chosen to learn a C-rank combined ninjutsu. To reach the level of joint release, the genin first had to master walking on water, while the veteran chunin, who only lacked opportunities, learned very quickly. He already had enough officers to form the cores of the Water Chaos, Burning City, and Rock Shield Array teams.
The training days passed quietly. Since Sasuke's victory, Sunagakure's defensive line had shrunk, and they hadn't sent a single elite team to infiltrate. Although this frustrated his plan to "farm" high-level missions, it gave him valuable time to integrate his subordinates.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, news of his achievements made the Umino family a sudden target of interest. If Sasuke became a jonin, his family could be promoted to a third-tier ninja clan.
Konoha's high command also realized how close the entire left flank of the front had come to collapsing. As a precaution, they decided to send Uchiha clan ninjas as reinforcements. Sasuke's evaluation for the jonin title was postponed, but his appointment as "interim" garrison commander was confirmed, consolidating his power.
The Uchiha reinforcements arrived and launched a fierce attack against Sunagakure, but they always fell short. Soon, a dispute erupted between their leader, the elder Uchiha Setsuna, and Shimura Danzo. Setsuna, a hardline follower of Madara who once attempted a rebellion against the Second Hokage, detested Danzo. The two were like oil and fire. Setsuna even questioned Danzo's leadership and intended to take command.
This affront touched a taboo for Danzo, who already harbored a deep grudge and greed towards the Uchiha. And so, in Danzo's mind, the idea of killing two birds with one stone formed.
After more than half a month of calm, Setsuna arrived at Sasuke's outpost with almost two hundred Uchiha ninjas and their allies.
"Umino Sasuke, Elder Danzo has an order!" he said, throwing a scroll at him.
Sasuke read it and was paralyzed. The order required him to lead his troops, along with the Uchiha, to break through Sunagakure's lines, attack their rear, and surround their main army. 'This... this is an exact replica of Ebizo's failed strategy.'
'There must be a conspiracy,' Sasuke's heart was shocked. 'This is assassination. Danzo is not only sending the Uchiha to their deaths, he's using me, his 'loyal subordinate,' as bait to make them bite. How far does his depravity go?' He realized that Danzo, apart from using the Will of Fire for brainwashing, lacked a true leadership mentality. Any normal person wouldn't join him.
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