The Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.
Inside the Mizukage's office, the face of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, looks deceptively innocent, but is tinged with a sense of darkness. At this moment, a flicker of red light crosses his eyes as he looks down at the report in his hand. If anyone paid attention, they would notice the fleeting red light bore the traces of the Sharingan.
"The Third Hokage of Konoha is planning to reinforce his troops as a show of force to intimidate the Mist ninja. Either to expand his war gains or to negotiate."
The tactics of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, are undoubtedly clever. An overt strategy, knowing the Mist can't outlast Konoha. If the Mist doesn't want to be the weakest of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, they have to consider this issue.
Even the other Kage have almost all considered this issue. No one thinks that the Mizukage would go all-out against Konoha, as it's not in their interest.
"Heh heh."
A strange laugh echoes in the Mizukage's office. The intelligence scroll in his hand slowly turns to dust. Everyone has accounted for it, but they have all missed one point.
That is, the current Mizukage of the Mist Village doesn't care about the village's interests at all. What does the Mist Village have to do with him?
With a grim smile, the Fourth Mizukage Yagura coldly orders, "Where are my people?"
Whoosh~
Three Mist Anbu ninjas instantly appear in the office, kneeling with a single knee, showing no disrespect to their terrifying leader.
Yagura coldly says, "According to intel, Konoha plans to send 500 elite ninjas to the Land of Whirlpools. I have decided to dispatch 300 elite from our village to secretly head to the frontline. At the same time, make covert contact with other villages. I'm sure the Tsuchikage, Raikage, and Kazekage also don't want to see Konoha's plan succeed. Tell them to join forces to eliminate this reinforcement."
"Yes!"
The Mist may not be as prosperous as Konoha, but Konoha is also in a precarious geographic position, sharing borders with almost all the major villages. Therefore, they also have the longest border defenses and the most troops stationed.
...
Konoha's troop movement was not done secretly. Hiruzen's plan was very clear; slow marching after reaching the border of the Land of Water, making it look like they're supporting the Land of Whirlpools.
However, his orders were already known to the Raikage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage, and Mizukage, and plans to counteract them were made right from the start.
Especially since the Third Hokage had initially sent a message to Uchiha Yoru on the front lines to tell him to cooperate, reassuring him not to worry about the rear reinforcements. This was all to intimidate the Mist.
It seems that ever since the Third Great Ninja War, the Third Hokage's luck has started to change for the worse. First the heavy losses in the war, and then consecutive defections of elite ninjas from the village. Nothing good has happened.
Not only was his intimidation plan immediately known by other villages, but even the reinforcing troops from the beginning were lax and scattered, almost as if they were dragging their feet, giving other villages ample time to prepare.
…
At the border area between the Land of Fire's Hidden Leaf Village and the Land of Iron, countless elite ninjas from the Mist, Rock, Sand, and Cloud villages are hiding in the forest. Strangely, these four nations have joined forces, totaling 600 people. Although they only outnumber the Leaf's reinforcements by 100, they are all elite forces.
"Damn it, we rushed all the way here to seize the initiative, and we're tired as dogs. We've been waiting for five days! Five days of intense sun, and the Leaf's reinforcements are so slow."
Although these elite forces from four nations have joined hands, they are only focused on ambushing the Leaf's reinforcements and are each hiding in their chosen spots.
"Hmph, seems like the Hidden Leaf has its own problems too. Their march is so slow, as if they're afraid the front lines will get reinforced."
"Fine, we've been marching quickly; the Hidden Leaf has actually given us time to rest."
Within the ambush circle, the Rock, Sand, and Cloud ninjas seem to be somewhat ostracizing the Mist ninjas. Who can blame them? The Mist village doesn't engage in diplomacy, and their policies are naturally unpopular.
The leaders of the three major ninja villages, all wearing masks, meet. Their small eyes are each filled with hidden intentions.
"It looks like the Mist ninjas have been affected by their village's bloody policies. They really want to drag this out with the Leaf."
"It's because the Land of the Whirlpools is too important. Once it's captured, the Mist Village can use it as a springboard to invade the Land of Fire at any time."
"Enough. We may appear to have overwhelming power when we join hands, but there are also limitations."
Limitations!
All four nations have their own agendas. Honestly, they all have the mindset of wanting the others to risk their lives while they watch and minimize their own losses.
After talking about the key points, the captains of the Rock, Sand, and Cloud ninja squads all revealed serious expressions. Ultimately, it was the Sand ninja named Maki, whose face was covered, who was the most composed. She didn't want their personal issues to lead to the failure of this ambush.
Maki spoke solemnly, "I suggest that when the Leaf's reinforcements are almost here, we shouldn't ambush them. After all, the Byakugan users in the Leaf Village are not to be underestimated. How about we all break cover and divide the Leaf ninjas into four sections, each taking on a section?"
Maki's suggestion had the Rock ninjas nodding in agreement, "That's not a bad idea. We can directly initiate a hunting and besieging plan, catching the Leaf ninjas off guard."
"Hmph, the Leaf's reinforcements are less than 500. Each of us will be responsible for a little over 100 Leaf ninjas; whoever finishes first can withdraw."
"Good! In that case, notify the Mist ninjas and tell them our plan."
"Hold on, what about our identities this time?" Macki, the Sand ninja, hesitated for a moment but finally asked this question, after all, they can't possibly fight under their own village's banner.
Moreover, this time when they collaborated, their plan to frame other major ninja villages couldn't be carried out, leaving the three people looking at each other.
Finally, the Cloud ninja coldly snorted and took out a headband from his bosom and tied it on his forehead, "I am from the Rain village."
Under the gaze of the Cloud ninja, the Sand and Stone ninjas silently took out their headbands from their bosoms as well, one representing the Land of Iron and the other the Land of Grass.
Good grief, the Stone, Sand, and Cloud ninjas from the three major countries are really something. Small countries impersonate major country ninjas to provoke war, and they impersonate small countries to sabotage relations and likewise wish to instigate friction between small countries and the Leaf village.
"Sir, this is a plan formulated by the Stone, Sand, and Cloud ninjas."
A Mist ninja respectfully reported, and a trace of anger appeared in the eyes of the masked Mist ninja leader. "Damn it, they've all discussed it and now they're just informing us Mist ninjas!"
But there was no other way, the Mist ninjas also wanted to take advantage of the power of these three villages to minimize their own casualties. He snorted and said, "Issue the orders, change the plan to a surprise attack, everyone get ready for battle."
"Yes!"
The Mist ninjas also put on the headbands of small countries to deceive others. For a time, ninjas from the four countries tacitly chose the ninja world's usual tricks of framing and causing trouble.
This time, the Mist ninja dispatched 300 elite troops, but they still kept 100 elite troops hidden as a backup, lying in ambush by the sea.
...
The Leaf Village's nearly 500-strong ninja support legion initially maintained great caution. However, as their team leader deliberately slowed down, the cautious atmosphere noticeably waned.
They kept stopping and even had picnics in the forest. Occasionally, they'd pause to gather supplies from nearby towns. Anyone unfamiliar would think they were on a leisure trip. This relaxed many of their cautious guards and made a good number of ninjas anxious.
They were supposed to be supporting the front lines, yet their commander was acting so indifferently. It was unacceptable.
"Team leader Sarutobi, aren't we moving too slowly?"
Most of the ninjas still held passionate hearts, as they were trained to be emotionally pure tools.
Faced with another challenge, Sarutobi, the commander, looked sternly at his frustrated subordinates, clearly wanting them to speed up.
"It's not that I'm unwilling; this is a classified mission from the village!"
Clearly discontented, Sarutobi felt his authority being questioned. He knew they were nearing the border and he had other objectives. Discord among his ranks would hamper future plans.
"This is a secret mission given by the Third Hokage. Now that we're almost at the border, you can know."
Sarutobi took out a scroll and handed it to everyone, lowering his voice, "The Third Hokage's real aim is not to provide support, but to deter. To make it appear as though we could support the front lines at any moment, thereby deterring Mist ninjas."
Everyone nodded in silent agreement upon seeing the scroll. However, someone pointed out inconsistencies, "Sarutobi, the Third Hokage clearly stated to raise our flags when we reach the border. Our slow progress and delays are not in line with the mission. The more we delay, the greater the risk."
"Silence! I am the commander of this mission!" Sarutobi snapped, glaring at everyone, obviously unable to assert his authority effectively.
One Sarutobi Ninja reluctantly smirked, "What do you know? This is a decision made by Sarutobi Shinzo based on the Third Hokage's intent. Our slow progress makes the front line more anxious. When we eventually raise our flags, the Mist ninjas will be even more shocked."
Facing such a reluctant and perfunctory excuse, everyone is not foolish. It's obvious that this is to suppress Orochimaru's old team on the front lines, which is now Uchiha Yoru.
Suikazan Fuguki is a renowned and powerful ninja. Uchiha Yoru defeated him on the battlefield, severely injuring him even while facing a siege. When this news spread, his reputation skyrocketed for a time.
As Leaf ninjas who have just gone through three battles, they naturally know the terrifying strength of Fuguki, who wields the Great Sword Samehada. He is definitely a famous figure in the ninja world, and yet he was defeated.
This time, Uchiha Yoru has formally established his prestige on the front lines.
As for Sarutobi Shinzo's suppression, an even more important point is clear to everyone. After Sarutobi Shinzo replaced Orochimaru as the frontline commander, he personally came to the front and encountered this Mist ninja, Suikazan Fuguki.
After a major battle at the border, the two were evenly matched. If it weren't for Uchiha Yoru's achievements, Sarutobi Shinzo's record would be absolutely good.
After all, Fuguki has been famous for a long time, and the fact that Sarutobi Shinzo could fight him to a standstill proves that he is an elite among the Jounin. But then Uchiha Yoru's achievements appeared.
As the saying goes, people fear comparison, and goods fear comparison too. With this before-and-after comparison, didn't it just overshadow Sarutobi Shinzo?
However, some people are filled with complex emotions. The Shinzuke they see should not be this kind of person. It should be said that their judgment is not wrong; although Sarutobi Shinzo hesitates, he can't help it when someone makes this decision for him.
…
Whirlpool Country Battlefield.
Support coming from the rear lines has been flowing in steadily, except for the reinforcements that have yet to arrive. After all, the Land of Fire is known as the nation with the most fertile land, abundant resources, and strongest economy in the ninja world, and the Leaf Village is the number one ninja village.
"Brother Yoru, the reinforcements have been unusually slow since they set off. The news has already leaked. Aren't they afraid someone will interfere?"
After waiting so many days to finally hear that the reinforcements are slowly nearing the border, Uchiha Shisui is filled with anger, venting it in his tent.
Watching Shisui's angry demeanor, Uchiha Yoru calmly says, "Shisui, steady your emotions. Otherwise, you'll only let the stimulus of the Sharingan affect your spirit."
"Moreover, the leader of this round of reinforcements is a ninja from the Sarutobi clan. You should prepare for the worst."
Looking at Uchiha Shisui's frustrated eyes, Uchiha Yoru shakes his head, "Shisui, you need to calm down. Besides, didn't the previous reinforcements reach the frontline? Though not many, they have still supplemented our combat power."
Not mentioning this would have been fine, but hearing it, Uchiha Shisui becomes even more frustrated, "Brother Yoru, do you know how many casualties we have this time? Just among the injured who need to return for treatment, there are no fewer than fifty ninjas, not to mention those who can't fight due to injuries. Their delay is a blatant disregard for the lives of the front-line ninjas."
"Shisui!"
Faced with Uchiha Yoru's serious expression, Uchiha Shisui reluctantly says, "Brother Yoru, aren't you anxious about the state of the village?"
Shisui's anger comes more from the corruption in the village and the greedy manipulations of the Sarutobi clan.
Uchiha Yoru stands up and solemnly says, "Shisui, please stay calm and restrain your impulsiveness. No one wants to see the village decay to this point, but the higher-ups have become stagnant. Change requires revolution, and revolution involves blood and sacrifice. To prevent more young ninjas from bleeding and sacrificing, we are here."
"But! We are still weak now. We need to accumulate strength, unite all the forces that can be united, and then form a strong and powerful fist. Only then will we have the chance to change everything! Individual power is limited; learn from the lessons of White Fang and Orochimaru."
Under Uchiha Yoru's solemn gaze, Uchiha Shisui falls silent for a moment, takes a deep breath, lowers his head, and says hoarsely, "Brother Yoru, I understand. I'll go first; Itachi and the others are still waiting for me."
Uchiha Shisui's sorrowful figure slowly walks out of the tent, alone.
~~~
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