Chapter 769: Battle Begins, Kushina's Surprise
Minato Namikaze stepped forward and issued his final command.
"Enough. Inoichi Yamanaka, proceed as Kazuyama instructed. Prioritize tracking Madara Uchiha's movements."
"And relay any sightings of Madara Uchiha to the frontline units, especially the captains."
Kazuyama Gekkō was the first to nod in agreement. The Fourth Raikage finally reacted, though it no longer mattered—the order had been given, and he could only follow it.
Soon, the directive from the allied headquarters spread throughout the entire army. Several captains' expressions darkened upon hearing the news, especially Ōnoki, who knew Madara well.
"Madara Uchiha?"
"Then who is our opponent? Isn't it Madara Uchiha?"
"What the hell is going on?"
Still confused, Ōnoki continued flying forward until a streak of gold entered his vision.
"Seems I'm not the only old fool confused here."
"Lord Kazekage, what brings you all this way? Looking for this old man?"
Seeing Kazekage Rasa glide beside him on Gold Dust, Ōnoki couldn't resist teasing him. This time, Rasa didn't bother responding.
"You heard the latest news?"
"They say Madara Uchiha has been revived and attacked the Jinchūriki in Konoha."
"If not for Kazuyama, he might have succeeded."
"What do you make of that?"
Rasa's heart had nearly stopped when he heard the news—after all, it involved his son. Thankfully, nothing had gone wrong, or he might have erupted on the spot.
"If it's that brat Kazuyama, then it's probably true."
"What I can't understand is this: if Madara ambushed Konoha, then who exactly is the Uchiha we're facing on the front lines?"
"Don't tell me there are two Madara Uchiha?"
That was Rasa's question as well, but their thoughts were soon interrupted.
A massive form appeared before them—a puppet colossus.
"Looks like there's no time to think."
"Prepare for battle, Lord Kazekage!"
The forces had already clashed. On the battlefield below, a streak of blinding blue lightning erupted.
At the front lines, the muscular Kakashi had surged ahead. Wrapped in lightning, he broke from his unit like a sharpened blade.
"Tch, Kakashi. Still loves to show off."
"Doesn't he realize he only got this chance because our sensei sent us here?"
"Don't worry, Rin. I'll protect you."
Obito Uchiha shot Kakashi an annoyed glare before turning toward Rin Nohara. She shook her head helplessly.
"Obito, that's unnecessary. I can take care of myself."
"Don't forget, I'm also a student of Kazuyama-sensei and Pakura-sensei. I may specialize in Medical Ninjutsu, but I'm not weak in combat!"
"Fire Release! Blazing Fire!"
Rin backed her words with action. A volley of fireballs shot toward the White Zetsu emerging ahead.
The battle officially erupted—White Zetsu and the puppet forces against the Allied Shinobi Forces.
The Fourth Great Ninja War had begun.
...
Allied Forces Headquarters, Land of Waterfalls.
"Minato, Shikaku, think quickly. Where can we safely move Gaara and Kushina?"
"Konoha has already been attacked once. Should I bring them here?"
"With you and the brute around, even if Madara attacks, you should be able to hold him off, right?"
Everyone was focused on how to protect the Jinchūriki. The enemy had already targeted Konoha. Keeping the Jinchūriki in the village was no longer safe.
Kazuyama suggested sending Gaara and Kushina to headquarters. It made sense—there was no safer place.
"But if the front lines worsen, or another Uchiha appears, the Raikage and I may have to deploy."
"If that happens, no one will be here to guard them."
"No. My suggestion is to place them inside a barrier. I simply haven't decided on the location."
Minato was the most anxious—one of the Jinchūriki was his wife.
Kazuyama finally sighed in exasperation. "If that's the case, why not just bring them along? Keep them under your eyes at all times."
Clearly spoken out of frustration, yet the room fell into heavy contemplation.
At that moment, Inoichi Yamanaka continued his report.
"Everyone, the war has officially begun. Our forces have clashed with the enemy."
"The battlefront is vast."
"And according to the Sensory Division, the enemy has deployed giant puppets, White Zetsu, and artificial lifeforms."
"The fighting is intense. Even the captains are engaged."
The room fell silent again.
The war had begun, yet the Jinchūriki still had no secure placement. It was a dire situation.
"We'll follow Kazuyama's proposal. Bring Gaara and Kushina here."
"For now, the Raikage and I will remain. That way, we can protect them."
With no other viable option, Minato accepted the plan.
Kazuyama nodded, vanished instantly, and before anyone could react, reappeared with Kushina and Gaara in each hand.
"Minato? Where is this?"
"Sensei, where did you bring me?"
Both Jinchūriki were bewildered. Kazuyama had moved so quickly that they had no time to react before arriving here.
"Gaara, Kushina, you'll be staying here for a while."
"You saw what happened in Konoha."
"It's far too dangerous for you to remain in the village."
Minato stepped forward, eyes filled with worry as he looked at Kushina. Both she and Gaara nodded—the massive boulder that had blotted out the sky earlier had been terrifying.
Kushina had even heard the Nine-Tails roar for the first time in years.
"Alright, Minato, I'm going to rest. First I dealt with that meteorite, then I fought Madara Uchiha, and then I had to be your delivery service. I'm exhausted."
"Where's the rest area?"
Kazuyama headed toward a room on his own after declaring his intention to rest.
He didn't notice Kushina staring after him in surprise.