(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The Allied Ninja Camp was abuzz with activity, resembling a lively marketplace.
Ninjas from all villages crowded into the logistics department, each receiving their assigned forehead protectors, kunai, shuriken, and other combat supplies.
Once equipped, they headed to their designated assembly points as assigned by Shikaku Nara.
At the second team's rally point, Neji Hyuga stood before Hinata with a concerned expression, his voice tinged with urgency.
"Hinata-sama, why are you participating in such a dangerous battle? If anything happens to you, Colt-san will be furious."
Hinata smiled gently. She understood her cousin's concern.
"Neji, I am also a member of Konoha, so it's only natural that I participate in this battle."
But she was firm, as she wanted to be a powerful woman who could stand tall besides her lover.
Neji still looked worried, however.
"But with your medical ninjutsu, you could join the medical corps. There's no need to be on such a dangerous frontline."
He knew of her medical abilities, as such, he thought she could be in the war and at the same time stay safe.
Hinata smiled but said nothing.
Neij grew silent at that, realizing that nothing he said could change her mind.
Colt had expressed similar concerns.
He even wanted to send Hinata and the others to the Snow Land to join Koyuki and bring them back after the battle. However, Hinata was determined to prove her strength.
After three years of studying under Tsunade and learning from Colt, she was no longer the weak girl she once was.
Seeing this, Neji could only resolve to protect Hinata, even at the cost of his own life.
Colt had given him the gift of freedom, and Neji would gladly lay down his life for his benefactor.
At that moment, Kurotsuchi from Iwagakure approached Hinata curiously.
"Are you Colt's girlfriend?"
Hinata nodded shyly, though puzzled.
She recognized Kurotsuchi as the Tsuchikage's bodyguard.
Seeing Hinata's response, Kurotsuchi became excited and asked eagerly.
"Can you tell me about his exploits? I've heard a lot of rumors about Colt in Iwagakure, but I'm sure you know him better than anyone."
To Neji's astonishment, the two girls quickly became engrossed in conversation, with Kurotsuchi asking questions and Hinata answering them.
Meanwhile, at the fourth troop assembly point, Shikamaru stood among the crowd, hands behind his head, sighing.
"After this battle, I don't know how many people will survive."
He glanced around at the familiar and unfamiliar faces, knowing that there was a possibility that many of them wouldn't make it through the war.
"Chōji, Ino, make sure you protect yourselves."
Chōji nodded solemnly, but before he could respond, Temari stepped up beside Ino, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Don't worry, Shikamaru, I'll protect Ino."
Ino pouted, embarrassed.
"Who needs your protection? I'm strong enough on my own."
Temari chuckled.
"This is a task Colt gave me. Just accept it. In his eyes, I'm stronger."
Ino fumed with frustration, wishing she could confront Colt right then and there.
It seemed there was little room for two strong personalities in the same space.
As the five armies' formations grew larger, their numbers became almost uncountable.
The Ninja Alliance had gathered 80,000 shinobi, not only from the five great hidden villages and the Land of Iron, but also from smaller allied countries.
Everyone understood that if the masked man succeeded in his plans, they would all face destruction.
Inside the command headquarters, the atmosphere was tense.
"Colt, Hokage, I demand an explanation as to why Yugito appeared in Konoha's team."
The Fourth Raikage had been shocked when a Cloud Shinobi reported encountering Yugito in Konoha's camp and immediately sent someone to investigate.
They had believed Yugito to be dead, yet she had appeared alive before them.
The Raikage's suspicion was shared by Ōnoki and Terumi Mei.
Could Konoha have some connection with Akatsuki?
Colt remained unfazed.
"When Yugito was supposed to return to Kumo, I left a Summoning spell on her. As for how she survived, Gaara can attest that I have a way to save Jinchūrikis who have had their tailed beasts extracted."
Gaara stood up and confirmed, "Colt's healing technique is indeed miraculous. It can restore a Jinchūriki's vitality. That's how I survived."
The Fourth Raikage took a deep breath.
"Then why didn't Konoha return Yugito to Cloud Shinobi after she was saved?"
Colt shrugged and pointed to the other Kages.
"You all suspect Konoha of having ties to the Akatsuki even now. Imagine what you would have thought back then if we had claimed to have rescued Yugito."
The three Kage fell silent, recognizing the truth in Colt's words.
If Konoha had claimed to have saved Yugito back then, the Raikage's temper would have led him to believe it was all a Konoha conspiracy.
Ōnoki intervened to smooth things over.
"Since Konoha didn't try to hide Yugito's survival, it shows they had no ill intentions. Let's wait until the war is over to discuss anything else."
Terumi Mei agreed.
"We were hasty in our accusations. Please don't mind it, Hokage, and Colt."
Tsunade smiled slightly and said nothing, her gaze focused on the vast army of shinobi below.
"Gaara, it's time for you and the other captains to address the troops."
Gaara nodded and, along with the other captains and Colt, stepped onto the high platform.
The crowd below erupted in excitement.
After the tension between the Kage was resolved, Gaara delivered a powerful speech that temporarily quelled the animosity among the allied ninjas.
It seemed he had learned much from Naruto.
After introducing all the sub-commanders, the troops moved out according to Shikaku's plans.
The perception ninjas and intelligence teams had already determined the general location of Obito's forces.
As the five major combat units advanced, Colt also set up camp nearby.
A special rescue team would bring the injured back to the camp for immediate treatment.
As the front line progressed, the medical camp would relocate as needed.
After ensuring everything was in order, Colt teleported back to Konoha, using his Flying Thunder God technique to quickly return to the memorial monument.