The year 37 of Konoha.
The flames of war had finally ignited.
The simultaneous attacks from Iwagakure and Sunagakure marked the full outbreak of the conflict.
Fortunately, the frontlines were held by Hatake Sakumo and Jiraiya, who managed to withstand the fierce assaults from the enemy villages.
Two battlefronts were established, and Konoha found itself locked in a stalemate with the allied forces of the Sand and Stone villages.
Reports from the frontlines continued to pour into Konoha.
The atmosphere in the village grew increasingly tense, with the prices of food and ninja tools skyrocketing.
Though the enemy's advance had been halted at the frontlines, the effects of the war were far-reaching, and there was no sign of prices stabilizing.
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his chair, exhaling smoke rings as he observed his comrades.
Shimura Danzō sat with his eyes closed, seemingly meditating, while Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura frowned over the battlefield reports.
These few individuals would determine the course of the war.
"The Stone and Sand villages must have formed an alliance," Homura remarked. "Otherwise, they wouldn't have attacked simultaneously."
"The Cloud and Mist villages haven't made any moves yet—that might be the only good news," Koharu added.
"But what about the Land of Rain? The village can't afford to open a third front."
Both turned to Hiruzen, who was deep in thought.
Konoha had already committed a significant portion of its forces to the two existing fronts, particularly the one against Iwagakure. The Stone village's battlefield was complicated by a strategic route bordering three nations, requiring vigilance against potential moves from Takigakure and Kusagakure.
These smaller villages were opportunistic—no one knew what they might do if they sensed Konoha's weakness.
The Sand village's front was slightly more manageable. The Land of Rivers dared not oppose Konoha, and its vast, sparsely populated terrain meant the village only had to focus on Sunagakure without interference from other factions.
Yet, Sunagakure was no easy opponent.
Between the two fronts, Konoha had already deployed 70% of its forces.
As for the remaining ninja, the village needed reserves for defense, leaving only about 15% of its strength available.
The Land of Rain, situated at the convergence of three nations, was another critical concern. It would require facing both Iwagakure and Sunagakure, not to mention the local Rain ninja.
But diverting forces from the other fronts wasn't an option—doing so would allow the Sand and Stone villages to advance unchecked.
Hiruzen was at a loss.
"Danzō, what do you think?" he asked, passing the question to his old teammate.
Danzō opened his eyes.
"Send the Uchiha to the Sand front. That's the best solution."
Hiruzen hesitated but quickly made a decision.
"We'll discuss that later."
The Uchiha were primarily stationed to guard against the Mist village. Though Kiri hadn't made any moves yet, it was better to be cautious.
The others understood Hiruzen's reluctance. The Uchiha had many elites, and sending them to the frontlines would allow them to easily accumulate battle achievements—and with achievements came influence. Hiruzen feared he wouldn't be able to keep them in check.
One Uchiha Kin was already enough trouble.
"Speaking of which, Uchiha Kin's battle achievements seem... excessive," Homura noted, eyeing the report where Kin's name led by a wide margin.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples.
"He submitted an A-rank ninjutsu and six B-rank taijutsu techniques from the frontlines."
The room fell silent.
After a long pause, Koharu asked skeptically, "He had time to develop jutsu on the battlefield?"
"They were techniques he created earlier—he just submitted them now."
The thought irritated Hiruzen. Kin had exploited a loophole, but it was hard to fault him when his techniques were so effective. If more like them surfaced, Konoha's strength would grow significantly.
"Hmph!" Danzō scoffed. "Let's focus on the Land of Rain."
Hiruzen steered the conversation away.
"Then Orochimaru will lead the forces to the Rain front."
"Hiruzen, Orochimaru isn't ready yet," Danzō interrupted.
"I will lead the Rain campaign."
"Danzō, you need to prepare for Kumo's potential attack."
Hiruzen's decision made Danzō frown. Kumogakure had suffered heavy losses in the First Shinobi World War and hadn't fully recovered. It was unlikely they'd launch an offensive.
This also thwarted Danzō's plans to scout for talents on the frontlines.
"Sending an inexperienced Orochimaru to lead... You'll regret this, Hiruzen."
Danzō's expression darkened.
"Danzō, I am the Hokage."
Hiruzen's tone was final.
News of Orochimaru's deployment to the Rain front spread quickly—a move to encourage village ninja to contribute voluntarily.
Might Dai, who had been hauling goods for a merchant, overheard the news from passing shinobi.
"The frontlines, huh?"
He fell into thought.
After a day of labor, he collected his wages at the mission desk.
Holding the 2,000-ryō note in his hand, he muttered,
"Diapers, milk, clothes, future ninja tools, tuition..."
After calculating the expenses, he sighed.
With dirt-stained hands, he carefully tucked the money into his clothes and headed home.
Arriving at his modest house, he heard a gentle voice from inside.
"Little Guy, grow up quickly so you can help your father."
Dai smiled and pushed the door open.
"I'm home."
His wife, cradling their newborn, glanced up.
"Dinner's on the table."
She returned to soothing the baby, Might Guy, who giggled as he reached for something with tiny hands.
"Thanks." Dai scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry, it's only 2,000 ryō today."
His wife smiled. "It's enough for now."
Sitting at the table, Dai began eating.
With a loving wife and a happy son, he was content.
A genin's income barely covered their needs, but with effort, they could save a little by month's end.
A peaceful life was all he needed.
But... was peace truly enough?
Dai paused mid-bite, his lips trembling. Suddenly, he shoveled the food into his mouth with renewed vigor.
"Delicious! So delicious!"
His odd behavior didn't escape his wife's notice.
This man could be so childlike at times.
Little Guy, as if sensing something, closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.
His wife sat across from him.
"Alright, what's wrong?"
Husband and wife faced each other.
Dai set down his chopsticks, rice grains clinging to his stubble. He took a deep breath, then declared in a booming voice:
"I want to protect the village! I want to give you both a better life! I want—"
"To go to the frontlines!"
...
Read 50 advance at patreon.com/CNBLUE
(End of Chapter)