The flames of war once again shrouded the ninja world.
But unlike the previous two Great Ninja Wars, this war had clearer lines of division.
Kumogakure and Kirigakure warred against each other.
Konoha faced the allied forces of Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
If nothing unexpected happened, this war would last a very, very long time.
After all, this was a full-scale war.
Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure all possessed massive ninja populations.
Compared to small-scale conflicts, full-scale wars had far more things to consider.
Hokage's Office.
Orochimaru sat at his desk, Natsuki in the seat beside him, and Jiraiya and Tsunade stood opposite.
Although the two of them didn't hold any official positions, at a time like this, they naturally had to step up.
The door was pushed open.
Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu entered.
Sarutobi Hiruzen followed closely behind.
"Has the situation been verified?"
Orochimaru asked.
"I have verified it with my own eyes."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said in a heavy tone. "Sunagakure took the lead in attacking the Land of Rivers. Although the Akatsuki organization resisted, they were ultimately no match for Sunagakure."
"What about the losses of the Akatsuki organization?"
Orochimaru asked again.
"As far as I know, four people died, and they are currently in retreat."
Sarutobi Hiruzen replied.
"I see."
Orochimaru's expression was calm, without any emotional fluctuation.
In his view, the Akatsuki organization was just a pawn.
Whether they died or not was inconsequential.
Natsuki's expression was also very calm.
In fact, no one in the Akatsuki organization had died.
The four Sarutobi Hiruzen mentioned were merely sacrificed chess pieces.
Their corpses had been modified, completely unrecognizable.
As for the Akatsuki organization itself, they had already withdrawn to Amegakure.
And those who died had no connection to the Akatsuki organization.
After all, a war between two hidden villages wasn't something the Akatsuki organization could interfere with.
"Since this is the case, we must put up a resistance."
Orochimaru stood up, looking down at everyone, and said. "I will now announce Konoha's war deployment."
Everyone present subconsciously straightened their backs.
Orochimaru then announced the specific deployment.
The border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth would be called the Northern Front.
The border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, which also included the Land of Rivers, would be called the Western Front.
"Jiraiya, you are the commander of the Northern Front."
Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya and said.
"Leave it to me."
Jiraiya nodded.
Although he was usually unreliable, he became much more serious when it came to major matters.
"Natsuki, you are the commander of the Western Front."
Orochimaru looked at Natsuki and added. "I will also go to the Western Front."
"Yes, Teacher."
Natsuki immediately responded.
Orochimaru had discussed this with him in advance.
His going to the Western Front was, firstly, to deter Sunagakure; and secondly, because the Land of Rivers bordered the Land of Rain.
When necessary, he could take action against Amegakure.
No, to be precise, it would be the Akatsuki organization taking action against Sunagakure.
"Tsunade, you're responsible for medical support."
Orochimaru continued. "Establish field hospitals on both the Northern and Western Fronts."
"Understood."
Tsunade said immediately.
"Danzo, you're responsible for supplies."
Orochimaru paused and said. "You must ensure there are no problems with the supplies."
"Rest assured, Hokage."
Shimura Danzo, having no room to refuse, could only agree.
Although it was a supply role, it was actually very important.
An army marches on its stomach; this principle applied to ninjas as well.
Besides that, ninja tools and medicine were also extremely important.
"Homura and Koharu will assist Danzo."
Orochimaru looked at them and said.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu said in unison.
"Lord Third."
Orochimaru looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen and asked. "Please stay in Konoha. If anything happens, make the decision on your behalf."
"Yes, Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
"I'm done."
Orochimaru glanced at everyone and said. "Does anyone have any objections?"
No one spoke, indicating they had no objections.
"Dismissed."
Orochimaru waved his hand.
Soon, only he, Natsuki, and Tsunade remained in the office.
"Tsunade, you go to the Western Front."
Orochimaru instructed.
"And the Northern Front?"
Tsunade asked.
"Have Nonou handle the Northern Front."
Orochimaru replied.
"Nonou's medical skills are indeed not bad."
Tsunade agreed and asked again. "Then what about Konoha Hospital?"
"Shizune."
Natsuki spoke up.
His meaning was that Shizune would be in charge of Konoha Hospital.
"Shizune is still young."
Tsunade frowned and said. "Can she handle it?"
"Don't worry, Sis. Shizune's abilities are more than enough."
Natsuki said with a smile.
Shizune had been learning from Yakushi Nonou and was already an excellent medical ninja.
Besides medical ninjutsu, she could also fight.
What she was slightly lacking in was experience.
Being in charge of Konoha Hospital was just right for accumulating experience.
"Then let's do it this way."
Tsunade thought for a moment and agreed.
"What about Nawaki?"
Tsunade asked again.
"He'll be with me."
Orochimaru said without hesitation.
Although Nawaki's strength was formidable, his nature was reckless.
If they weren't watching him, no one knew what trouble he might cause.
"Okay."
Tsunade turned and left the Hokage's office.
Natsuki followed her out, heading to the Anbu base.
Along the way, he received many greetings.
"Is the war starting?"
Uchiha Mikoto had been waiting outside the Anbu base.
Seeing Natsuki, she hurriedly walked up and asked.
"Sunagakure attacked the Land of Rivers. Konoha cannot stand by and watch."
Natsuki gave her a look, motioning for her to follow.
Uchiha Mikoto hurriedly followed.
The two entered his office.
Natsuki told her about the war deployment and said. "Before long, Konoha's internal affairs will be busy."
"I'm not afraid of being busy."
Uchiha Mikoto revealed a worried expression and said. "I'm just worried about you."
These words were spoken naturally, without any pretense.
Natsuki couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
But he didn't think Uchiha Mikoto had ulterior motives.
Because if she did, she would have revealed it.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Natsuki took a step forward, reached out and grabbed her hand, and said.
Her hand was slightly cold and soft.
Uchiha Mikoto's heart raced, her face flushed, but ultimately she didn't pull her hand back.
"When the war is over, let's go out and play together."
Natsuki looked at her, a gentle smile on his face.
"Mm."
Uchiha Mikoto looked up at him and gave a soft sound of agreement.
Another new day.
Konoha was completely mobilized.
Ninjas who had taken leave all returned to their posts.
Except for ninjas responsible for defense and supply, all other ninjas were grouped into squads and sent to the front lines.
After night fell, Natsuki left the village.
He needed to go to the Western Front first.
The Western Front was the main battlefield between Konoha and Sunagakure.
Here, both sides had deployed large numbers of ninjas.
Sunagakure had roughly three thousand ninjas, while Konoha had about the same.
Besides that, on the rear lines, there were still large numbers of reserve ninjas.
They didn't rush to the front lines, but rather helped transport supplies, treated the wounded, and handled other logistical work.
As Natsuki got closer to the Western Front, he could smell the thick scent of blood.
At the same time, he could also hear the sounds of weapons clashing and ninjutsu exploding.
Natsuki's eyes twitched slightly, and the Three-Tomoe Sharingan surfaced.
Under the Sharingan, he could see even more.
He saw corpses.
He saw limbs.
He even saw ninjas fighting fiercely.
This was the most intense battle Natsuki had experienced since his transmigration.
Only then did he understand why many transmigrators chose to run away.
Because in a battlefield of several thousand people, individual strength seemed insignificant.
Even Natsuki felt he was just one of the soldiers in this moment.
Unless he evolved into Uchiha Madara or Senju Hashirama.
Only then could he dominate the battlefield with his own power.
But could he evolve into them?
Currently, it was impossible.
Because the templates in his hands could only guarantee victory in one-on-one combat.
The power to dominate the battlefield was not ninjutsu or chakra.
It was special abilities like Perfect Susanoo or the Thousand-Hands.
Natsuki's eyes swept across the battlefield.
He didn't intervene in the battle for the time being.
Not because he was afraid, but because he wasn't sure which side was winning.
To win on the battlefield, eliminating weak soldiers was meaningless.
What he needed to do was kill enemy Jonin.
Under his observation, Natsuki quickly found his targets.
There were a total of seven Sunagakure Jonin on this battlefield.
Besides one ordinary Jonin, there was Chiyo, Pakura, Yashamaru, and three Puppet Brigade members.
In addition, there was a puppet used by Chiyo.
That puppet was no weaker than a Jonin.
In other words, Sunagakure deployed the equivalent of eight Jonin on this battlefield.
And Konoha had only five Jonin, who were suppressed and beaten.
Without a doubt, this was a trap set by Sunagakure.
They were waiting for Konoha to send reinforcements.
Then they would give Konoha's reinforcements a heavy blow, to boost Sunagakure's morale.
Natsuki reached out and grasped a bow.
Since it was a trap, he would exploit it.
He would use Sunagakure's trap to make Konoha famous.
Of course, if he killed everyone, Sunagakure would become vigilant, and this trap couldn't continue.
Natsuki aimed at the three Puppet Brigade Jonin.
Three arrows shot out.
He then retreated and vanished.
A breath later.
Almost simultaneously, three arrows hit the three Puppet Brigade Jonin.
Petrification spread.
The three Puppet Brigade Jonin had no time to react before they became three stone statues.
Then, the petrification shattered.
Chiyo's expression changed drastically.
But it was too late.
It was also unclear who gave the order, but the Konoha ninjas immediately launched a fierce counterattack.
On a battlefield where their combat strength was nearly equal, a momentary distraction could lead to a crushing defeat.
Chiyo gritted her teeth, gathered the remaining Sunagakure ninjas, and retreated to the rear.
But the Konoha ninjas didn't pursue.
Because this kind of pursuit wasn't cost-effective.
If they pursued, Sunagakure, lying in ambush nearby, would very likely intercept them.
There was no need to take risks when the outcome was already decided.
The Sunagakure command post.
"Three Jonin died?"
The Third Kazekage, Rasa's expression changed, and he hurriedly asked. "What happened?"
"Lord Kazekage, the situation was like this..."
Yashamaru stepped forward and recounted.
"An arrow killed a Jonin?"
Rasa narrowed his eyes and asked. "Is it true?"
"Absolutely true."
Chiyo walked in and said. "The Konoha ninja who made the move didn't appear at all."
"Killed three Jonin from the shadows..."
Rasa's face was ugly.
He understood the significance of this.
With such a ninja existing, their ambush strategy would become very difficult.
The scariest thing about an assassin was the unknown.
No one knew when the enemy would strike or where they would be hiding.
It could be said that Konoha's unseen assassin had left a huge psychological shadow on the Sunagakure ninjas.
"Was it Natsuki?"
Rasa asked.
"I don't know."
Chiyo shook her head and said. "At least I didn't sense his chakra."
"Chiyo-sama, I was there too."
Yashamaru added. "The arrow that killed the three Jonin indeed possessed an unusual power."
He specifically mentioned the power of the arrow because it was different from ninjutsu.
"What power?"
Rasa frowned and asked.
"I really don't know how to describe it."
Yashamaru shook his head and said. "I just felt it was similar to Natsuki's ability during the previous Jonin examination."
At that time, Natsuki possessed an ability that could freeze opponents in place.
As long as they were frozen in place, they would be helpless against Natsuki's attack.
"I see!"
Rasa said in a deep voice. "Tell the ninja squads on the front lines that Konoha has an assassin specializing in hunting Jonin, and have everyone be vigilant."
"Yes, Lord Kazekage."
Chiyo said immediately.
"Additionally, increase the protection for the Jonin. Notify me immediately if you discover anything."
Rasa added.
Even though three Jonin had died, Rasa didn't plan to retreat.
Because once he retreated, it would affect Sunagakure's morale.
Another day passed.
The second batch of Konoha ninjas arrived at the Western Front.
Among them was Namikaze Minato's Team Two.
"Minato-sensei, are we going to the battlefield right away?"
Uchiha Obito asked impatiently.
"Yes."
Namikaze Minato said in a serious tone. "But I must remind you, a real battlefield is different from what you've imagined."
"I know, Minato-sensei."
Uchiha Obito said very seriously.
Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin also nodded.
As young as they were, they had not personally experienced war.
They had only been on some small missions.
Namikaze Minato sighed.
He didn't know what to say.
Nohara Rin had just turned ten.
Uchiha Obito was only nine.
Even Hatake Kakashi, who had graduated earliest, had only been a ninja for a little over two years.
Letting them go to the battlefield was too cruel.
"Sensei, there's no need to worry."
Hatake Kakashi seemed to see through his thoughts. "Natsuki-senpai has already made arrangements."
Namikaze Minato was momentarily stunned.
"Natsuki-senpai's student, Yuhi Kurenai, is also at the Western Front."
Hatake Kakashi explained.
"Kurenai?"
Upon hearing this, Nohara Rin asked in pleasant surprise. "She's also here?"
"Mm."
Hatake Kakashi nodded. "Natsuki-senpai told us to meet up with her first. We will be in the same squad with her, and we can take care of each other."
"That's indeed great news."
A faint smile appeared on Namikaze Minato's face.
Yuhi Kurenai's strength could be considered outstanding among the new generation.
With her joining the squad, Team Two's safety would be greatly improved.
Another new day.
Sunagakure's command post.
"Still no clues about the assassin?"
Rasa asked with a face full of dissatisfaction.
"I'm sorry, Lord Kazekage. We can confirm that every time the assassin acts, they use arrows."
Yashamaru replied. "But we still haven't found their trail."
During these two days, Sunagakure had had six Jonin assassinated on the battlefield.
Without exception, they were all killed by arrows.
Because of this, the Sunagakure Jonin were all very frightened.
Their morale had also been affected.
On the battlefield, they couldn't help but watch out for attacks from the shadows.
Naturally, they couldn't perform at their best.
This led to Sunagakure suffering consecutive defeats.
"Konoha's main force will arrive within two days."
Rasa suppressed his anger and said. "The most important thing right now is to figure out who the assassin is. Otherwise, the war is lost before it even starts."
"I think the assassin is Natsuki."
Chiyo stepped forward and said. "But we have no way to prove it."
"Natsuki is the commander of Konoha's Western Front. Normally, he wouldn't come to assassinate our Jonin."
Rasa said thoughtfully.
The commander had to oversee the overall situation.
If the commander spent all their time on assassination, who would command the battle?
Of course, Konoha could have a deputy commander.
But Rasa didn't think the deputy commander could compare to Natsuki.
"I believe Konoha hasn't entered full combat yet, so Natsuki has time to assassinate our Jonin."
Chiyo said.
"Then we can only wait for Konoha's main force to arrive."
Rasa took a deep breath and said.
As long as Konoha's main force arrived, Konoha's Western Front would enter full combat.
By then, Natsuki, as commander, definitely wouldn't have time to assassinate them.
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