Konoha – Logistics Department
"Move! Move! Get the shuriken, explosive tags, kunai, and all combat gear ready!"
A Konoha jonin barked orders nonstop.
Then he turned to another group:
"Rations! Double-check everything! There must not be a single mistake!"
A ninja stepped forward, his face serious.
"Captain… I also want to fight for the village. Please assign me to the combat units!"
The captain placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Hayata… our battlefield is here."
"As long as we do our job well, the brothers on the front line can fight better."
"But—!"
"No 'but'!" the captain snapped. "This is our war!"
"…Yes!" Hayata roared unwillingly.
Army Assembly
"HAHAHAHA!"
A loud, ridiculous laugh echoed through the gathering army.
Jiraiya stood proudly, grinning arrogantly.
"Finally my turn! Watch me wipe those Rain ninjas out!"
BANG!
A fist smashed into his head.
Smoke rose as Jiraiya collapsed.
"Idiot!" Tsunade snapped angrily.
"You think this is a joke? This is war!"
Jiraiya clutched his head, pouting.
"I know! But isn't this our chance to make a name for ourselves?"
He turned to the pale man beside him.
"Right, Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru gave him a cold sideways glance… and said nothing.
"What's that look supposed to mean?!" Jiraiya exploded.
"You looking down on me?! Let's bet—I'll earn more merit than you!"
Orochimaru didn't even bother turning his head.
"…Idiot."
"OROCHIMARU!!!"
This reinforcement force—
Three thousand Konoha shinobi—
Was led by the three disciples of the Third Hokage:
Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade.
They were heading to the Land of Rain.
A Farewell
"Alright, stop crying. I'm strong—I'll be fine."
Yoru smiled helplessly at the three girls in front of him.
Konan was already crying uncontrollably.
Because of her, Kushina Uzumaki and Mikoto Uchiha also had reddened eyes.
"Yoru… I want to go with you…" Konan sobbed, her voice trembling.
Before Kushina or Mikoto could speak—
Yoru interrupted firmly:
"Don't be foolish. The battlefield is for us men."
"B-but—"
He gently covered her lips with his hand.
"I can't control others… but if anyone wants my woman on the battlefield…"
"…they'll have to step over my corpse first."
The three girls froze.
At that moment—
Yoru seemed like an unshakable mountain, standing before them, shielding them from everything.
They threw themselves into his arms, crying.
For girls who had lived through war—
Those words meant everything.
"Big bro! Yoru bro!"
A lively voice shattered the moment.
Nawaki stood there, sweating nervously.
"Uh… I swear I didn't mean to interrupt…"
Yoru shot him a cold glance.
Nawaki instantly broke into a cold sweat.
After gently patting the girls and letting them step back, Yoru turned to him.
"What is it?"
Nawaki swallowed his fear and blurted out:
"Big bro! Talk to my sister for me! I want to go to the battlefield too!"
"Idiot."
Yoru's gaze turned icy.
"War isn't a game."
Nawaki's eyes reddened.
"I know! But I'm the grandson of the First Hokage! I should fight!"
"You can't do anything there right now," Yoru said bluntly.
"If you go, Senra will have to assign people just to protect you."
"I don't need protection!" Nawaki roared.
"Just treat me like any other ninja!"
Yoru looked at him for a moment…
Then placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Nawaki… your identity isn't a burden—it's responsibility."
"Protecting you isn't about shielding you… it's about preparing you to carry something greater."
Nawaki finally calmed down.
"…I just want to follow your footsteps."
Yoru smiled faintly.
"Then protect yourself well. Become the future head of the Senju clan."
"That will help me more than anything."
Nawaki nodded silently.
Departure
"I'm leaving."
Hearing Orochimaru calling the troops to assemble, Yoru turned to the three girls with a smile.
Kushina clenched her fists, eyes red.
"Do your best, Yoru!"
Konan sobbed softly.
"I… I'll wait for you… with the sisters…"
Mikoto forced a gentle smile despite her worry.
"Come back soon."
Yoru smiled—
And kissed each of them lightly.
Then turned and walked away.
Not far away, Minato Namikaze watched the departing army.
His fists clenched tightly.
I'm still too weak…
Thinking of the technique the Third Hokage had mentioned—
His eyes hardened with resolve.
March to War
"Hahaha! Kid, I heard you made quite a name for yourself!"
Jiraiya grinned at Yoru.
"This time, watch how amazing I am!"
Yoru glanced at him lazily.
"…White-haired idiot."
Jiraiya exploded instantly.
"You brat! I'm basically your senior!"
"…White-haired idiot."
Ignoring Jiraiya's tantrum, Yoru turned to Tsunade.
"Lady Tsunade, I'm here."
"…Mm."
Tsunade's face flushed slightly, but she forced herself to stay calm.
Orochimaru swept his gaze across the assembled army.
Then—
He gave the order.
"Move out."
"Destination—Land of Rain!"
The army advanced.
And the flames of war—
Burned ever brighter.
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