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The conflict between the Uchiha clan and Konoha has a long history, one that dates back to the time of Madara.
After all, the Uchiha clan only joined the village after being defeated by Hashirama.
However, many families in the village still harbored grudges against the Uchiha, only letting them go due to Hashirama's mediation.
Despite this, the Uchiha clan was subtly targeted, especially after Hashirama passed away. Their situation became increasingly difficult, even though they still had what they were entitled to.
But when Hiruzen took over as Hokage, the sentiment against the Uchiha reached its peak. Hiruzen was indeed working hard to restore the village to its former glory, but his efforts were often counterproductive, leading to a decline instead.
Although he claimed to want to include the Uchiha, in reality, he gradually marginalized them. The only reason he tried to draw power from the Uchiha was due to Konoha's lack of manpower. Otherwise, the Uchiha would have been kept under even tighter control.
In the past, Orochimaru wouldn't have cared about Hiruzen's stance toward the Uchiha. But Uchiha Jin was different—very different.
He appeared at a crucial time, right after Nawaki's death, a loss that pained not only Tsunade but also Orochimaru deeply. Though Jiraiya knew of Orochimaru's pain, he did nothing.
Jin's arrival at that precise moment meant something significant to Orochimaru. In a way, Orochimaru had come to see Jin as a replacement for Nawaki.
Even though they weren't officially teacher and student, their relationship was something close to that.
Therefore, Orochimaru couldn't tolerate his pupil being caught in the crossfire of the village's issues with the Uchiha.
Especially not when Jin was developing jutsu that were gradually strengthening Konoha. This was why Orochimaru chose to suppress the information about the Basic Inner Technique, even if it left some of the jonin present feeling dissatisfied.
But what could they do? Orochimaru was the commanding officer here and held considerable respect.
Just then, there was a puff of smoke, and a shinobi appeared before Orochimaru, kneeling to report.
"Orochimaru-sama, the latest information from the Land of Wind. Hanzo of the Rain Village has been fighting Chiyo of the Sand Village for two days, and there's still no winner."
Orochimaru pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you certain you saw them fighting?"
Chiyo's strength should have waned. According to reports from the Land of Rivers, her puppets were destroyed by Sakumo. Even if she managed to repair them, she shouldn't be able to stand against someone of Hanzo's caliber.
"Orochimaru-sama, our people didn't actually see the fight."
"Their battle was surrounded by poison gas, and many Rain and Sand shinobi were fighting nearby. Our people couldn't get close."
Both Hanzo and Chiyo were renowned for their use of poison, especially Hanzo, who was known for creating poison clouds wherever he went. Orochimaru had expected this.
"Is there any information from the Hidden Stone Village?" Orochimaru looked around at the others in the command room.
At this time, the Rain shinobi were holding back the Sand, but their numbers were insufficient, giving the Hidden Stone Village some breathing room.
One of the jonin, who had some knowledge of the situation, quickly reported to Orochimaru, "Orochimaru-sama, the Hidden Stone Village has been pulling back their defenses recently. We're not sure what they're planning, but they seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the Rain Village."
Sensing a potential strategy, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "Immediately inform Jiraiya that the Hidden Stone Village might be preparing to attack his front."
"Yes, sir."
A shinobi acknowledged the order and quickly disappeared, leaving behind a wisp of dissipating smoke.
At such a critical time, the Hidden Stone Village wouldn't just sit idly by.
Suddenly, there was a thunderous explosion that caused the ground to shake.
"Let's go. It seems this time the Rain Village has sent a considerable force."
The people in the room were already accustomed to such occurrences—every now and then, an attack would happen. It was just another assault by the Rain Village's suicide squads.
With a series of puffs of smoke, everyone in the command room vanished.
Not far from Konoha's camp, a trench system had been established on a plain. These were to prevent enemy shinobi from entering the Land of Fire, while in enemy territory, only outposts would be set up.
Orochimaru and the others appeared at the trenches, watching as the Rain shinobi continuously assaulted their defenses.
Someone furrowed their brow, clearly puzzled. "Are all Rain shinobi this unafraid of death? Why are there so many suicide attackers?"
The Rain Village's assaults were frequent, with barely any time between them. Even Konoha didn't have this many shinobi willing to die.
Standing nearby, in a ninja vest over his usual skintight outfit, was Might Duy. Normally carefree, Duy now wore a troubled expression.
He spoke slowly, responding to the other shinobi, "They've suffered too much, their homes destroyed by war. For the sake of their country, their village, and their families, they have no choice."
It was either throw their lives into stopping the enemy or wait for the enemy's blade to fall. What seemed like a choice was really no choice at all.
Might Duy could feel their despair and anger.
The others, though, weren't particularly moved. They were all too familiar with the brutal reality of war. To them, this was just another normal situation.
But the one speaking was Might Duy, a shinobi who had saved many lives, and some even said he was on par with Orochimaru. Orochimaru himself didn't dispute this.
"Duy-san, we don't have a choice either if we want to protect Konoha," one of the shinobi said in a consoling tone. But his words were also a reminder—if the enemy broke into the Land of Fire, Konoha's shinobi would face the same fate.
"Exactly!"
Might Duy's body suddenly surged with green energy, his face turning red as his pupils vanished.
Eight Gates! Sixth Gate! Open!
In the next moment, a green blur flashed across the battlefield.
A Rain shinobi, covered in explosive tags, roared with foam dripping from his mouth—evidence of his fear. Yet, despite his terror, he charged at Konoha's forces without hesitation.
"Die, Konoha shinobi!"
As the tags on his body began to ignite, he prepared to take as many Konoha shinobi with him as he could. Just taking one with him would be enough!
But before he could react, a green light appeared in front of him, and a powerful kick connected with his stomach, sending him flying.
In midair.
"Boom!"
A violent explosion erupted.
"It's the Green Beast, Might Duy!"
A Rain shinobi, eyes bloodshot, recognized the second most powerful figure in Konoha and charged at him with reckless abandon, only to be sent flying with another kick.
"Boom!"
(End of Chapter)