Everything that transpired within the Land of Rain remained concealed when the three factions joined forces. At present, the shinobi world had not yet undergone any drastic transformation and continued to spiral in a state of severe chaos.
Perhaps this turmoil was the very reason the news regarding the Land of Rain failed to disseminate. Amidst the escalating disorder, more shinobi had been allocated to defend borders and collect war-related intelligence. As a result, the Land of Rain—already ravaged and left in ruin following the Second Great Ninja War—became an afterthought, a forsaken battlefield lost in time.
"Natural energy is truly remarkable."
After a prolonged period of exploration and deep analysis, Uchiha Kiyo and his clones had devised a specialized set of techniques designed specifically to harness and manipulate natural energy. It was by using these techniques that Uchiha Kiyo and his clones were able to conveniently channel and research natural energy. However, apart from the Cloud Clone and the main body, the other clones still required intricate descriptions of the technique to exert indirect control over the energy.
Uchiha Kiyo embedded every bit of the process into his "Dao," etched within spiritual energy. With the foundation established, he incorporated the body of the immortal into the construct, thereby achieving direct control over natural energy. As for the Cloud Clone, it had the technique permanently engraved within its heavy pupil, allowing for instantaneous activation during combat or research.
Despite the intricacies, the study of natural energy had become exponentially more manageable.
During his idle moments observing Iwagakure's movements from within the Land of Earth, the clone Tushi had remained absorbed in his own research on natural energy utilization.
"Unrefined, complete natural energy is far stronger than purified vitality or chakra. Perhaps it's the consequence of unity between the real and the ethereal."
Through rigorous experimentation, Tushi had come to a consistent conclusion: regardless of the type of ninjutsu performed, the potency was enhanced when using unrefined, complete natural energy. The cohesion between the illusory component and the tangible component of energy yielded dramatic results.
"Other than the slight difficulty in controlling it, complete natural energy is nearly flawless."
Moreover, when Tushi tried to separate the two energies and recombine them afterward to perform jutsu, the resulting effect was far less potent than when using them in their original, natural form.
"That indicates a flaw in my recombination technique."
Natural energy, by its very nature, represents the most harmonious state of fusion between spiritual and physical energies. Thus, any artificial combination methods—no matter how refined—paled in comparison to nature's integration.
"But…"
Tushi's expression lit up as an idea surfaced. "If I can study the structure of natural energy well enough, could I not create a superior method of merging spiritual and physical energy on my own?"
"In essence, this would be reverse-engineering the architecture of natural energy."
He pondered further, "Taking it one step beyond—if I can perfect that fusion, then is it also feasible to merge the soul and body the same way?"
The unity of the soul, energy, and essence—the so-called trinity leading to the formation of the golden elixir. How exactly could this theoretical unity be achieved?
This question had always been a stumbling block for Uchiha Kiyo. But now, it seemed he was on the verge of a breakthrough.
By using chakra, which symbolizes "Qi," as a bridge, one could merge the "Shin" (soul) with the "Jing" (body's essence).
And when it comes to fusion, what better model exists than natural energy—the end product of evolutionary perfection?
Even if imperfect, it remains the most stable energy form known.
"Hm?"
A distant surge in chakra pulled Tushi's thoughts back to reality.
He currently stood at a crucial strategic point—the Kannabi Bridge—a necessary pathway for Iwagakure's forces to launch their offensive into the Land of Fire.
With Black Zetsu still partially sealed by Tushi, it had been avoiding contact ever since the battle. Madara had stepped in afterward, and though he had not sustained severe injuries, the intensity of the fight had placed considerable strain on Tushi's body. As a result, Tushi now lived under deep concealment and focused entirely on his cultivation without concern of surveillance.
But now, a sharp rise in chakra signatures to the west drew his attention.
"These are Iwa-nin…"
Tushi's brow furrowed slightly.
As expected, the tide of war was shifting once again.
Iwagakure's mobilization had commenced ahead of schedule.
Still, Tushi could understand the logic. With Sunagakure already routed, only three major Hidden Villages remained to contend with Konohagakure. Kumogakure was already entangled in a large-scale war and couldn't be factored in directly, leaving Kirigakure and Iwagakure with a prime opportunity to strike. In such situations, unspoken alliances formed naturally.
Kirigakure's movements had already been compromised and exposed, which meant the only force left capable of launching a surprise assault was Iwagakure.
If Iwagakure were to strike first, and then Kirigakure launched a coordinated attack shortly afterward, Konohagakure would find itself stretched thin across two fronts, its forces divided and disoriented.
In warfare, right and wrong were meaningless; victory alone defined merit.
Tushi activated the technique of annihilation and recovery, sending the sensory data to Uchiha Kiyo's main body while also relaying the situation to the relevant clones monitoring enemy movements.
As for Hui, there was no expectation he would inform Konohagakure about this sudden incursion. Hui's role was purely that of a sleeper agent, someone deeply embedded to win the trust of Konoha's leadership while appearing loyal on the surface.
He had performed well during the last intelligence-gathering mission on Iwagakure, securing crucial data for the village. But the follow-up military response by Konoha was outside his jurisdiction. If their forces were ambushed or unprepared, the fault lay entirely with Konoha's command structure—not with Hui.
…
On this day, Iwagakure launched a blitzkrieg into the Land of Fire.
Konoha's forward units, caught off guard and unable to mount a defense, were swiftly annihilated.
Konoha.
Hokage Office.
Upon receiving the report that Iwagakure had initiated a surprise offensive on the border, Tsunade clenched her fists in frustration.
These bastards were all vying for the chance to carve Konoha apart.
After considerable contemplation, Tsunade realized that the only flexible asset she could mobilize quickly enough was Hui.
The two current shadow-level ninja from Kumogakure were still engaged on the Lightning Country front. Their coordination—especially with Killer Bee's unpredictable combat style—made them formidable. Hui would not synergize well with either Orochimaru or Jiraiya in a hasty redeployment. It was more prudent to leave Orochimaru and Jiraiya on their current assignments, where their established teamwork could shine.
"Have Minato lead a detachment from the River Country to reinforce the Fire Country front."
She glanced coldly at her assistant. "At the same time, transfer Hui from the Lightning Country front to take over Minato Namikaze's position."
"What are you waiting for? Write it down!"
Tsunade's voice boomed across the room. Seeing Rope Tree's momentary hesitation, she slammed her fist on the table, sending a crack across the wood and startling him into action.
Rope Tree scribbled furiously on the scroll, but couldn't help asking, "Sister, if you're already mobilizing Hui, why not just send him directly to reinforce the Land of Fire?"
"…That's…"
Tsunade paused. "Hui specializes in Water Release techniques, and Iwagakure's forces primarily use Earth Release. The elemental disadvantage is significant and should be avoided."
Rope Tree opened his mouth, as if to argue, but swallowed his words. He wanted to say that Hui's Earth Release was also fearsome. But after glancing at the new crater she had just punched into her desk, he wisely chose silence.
Best to listen and learn.
"…Besides…"
Tsunade faltered but ultimately decided not to say more.
She didn't want Rope Tree exposed to the political machinations and power plays that stained the village from within.
Not darkness—just harsh, undeniable reality.
The Third Hokage was grooming Namikaze Minato as his successor. It was transparent.
And Tsunade could not deny that Minato was an ideal candidate: righteous, strong, humble—a true paragon of what a Hokage should be. As a civilian-born ninja, his rise would symbolize the village's shift away from clan-dominated politics and toward meritocracy.
For decades, the Third Hokage had worked to suppress the power of noble clans. Today, only the Hyuga, largely pacifist, and the constantly scrutinized Uchiha Police Force remained strong. It was time for a civilian to ascend.
And Sarutobi had been diligent in shaping Minato's image. With Jiraiya's endorsement, even Tsunade found it hard to deny the inevitability of his succession.
As for Hui… his origins remained murky.
Though official records claimed he was a product of Konoha's accelerated training program, the truth was buried deep and not to be made public.
Like the divide between citizens and freemen, even among civilian ninja, there existed strata. Those who hadn't graduated from the Ninja Academy and were instead trained through emergency wartime programs were considered the lowest tier.
Hui's climb to prominence was already an anomaly.
From here on out, his rank would not rise. The village could offer him only technical compensations—advanced ninjutsu, tools, and support—but never the mantle of leadership.
"Ugh…"
Tsunade sighed bitterly.
In a world where strength dictated destiny, fairness was a luxury none could afford.
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