"It looks like the Akatsuki are launching a full-scale assault. Luckily, we've uncovered the location of their hidden base," Tsunade said solemnly.
She stepped up to the strategic map, arms crossed, her gaze sharp as she evaluated the situation. "There are three major battle zones—A, B, and C."
"Battle Zone A, located in the Land of Rain, is currently being handled by the Third Unit under Kakashi's command. They're locked in combat with the Akatsuki's reanimated vanguard forces and incoming reinforcements…"
"Battle Zone B is in the desert region at the Iron Country's border. Team Two, led by Huang Tu, is engaged with four reanimated Kage and Danzo."
"The Tsuchikage has already gone to provide backup. That front should remain under control…"
"As for Battle Zone C, located on the coastal borders of the Land of Lightning, the latest intelligence reports say the enemy comprises reanimated ninjas and tens of thousands of strange white humanoids."
"The First Combat Unit is en route for reinforcements..."
Tsunade furrowed her brows. "Right now, the biggest threat appears to be from the Akatsuki forces at the coast. Should we dispatch the Fourth Combat Unit as support?"
She turned to Nara Shikaku for his opinion.
Shikaku, thoughtful as always, replied, "I recommend keeping the Fourth Unit stationed at headquarters for now. The Akatsuki may not have revealed their full strength yet."
"If we relocate the Fourth Unit, our command center becomes vulnerable. The enemy could exploit that, and the consequences would be disastrous."
The Raikage nodded in agreement. "That's a sound strategy. We'll need to stay adaptable and shift our forces based on how the situation unfolds."
Shikaku added, "Also, the Third Unit has been fighting non-stop against ninety-three reanimated ninjas. The Fifth Unit, which is nearby, can go assist them."
"Furthermore, we should authorize the Commando Unit to launch a surprise assault on the Akatsuki base."
Yamanaka nodded in response. "Understood. I'll inform Captain Mifune immediately."
---
Turtle Island – Tailed Beast Bomb Training Chamber
Inside the chamber, Naruto struggled to master the Tailed Beast Bomb Rasengan. Each attempt fell short by a fraction. Watching closely, Morkel suggested gently, "You should take a break. Relax your body and try again."
Just then, a Cloud Shinobi burst into the room, visibly anxious.
"Urgent message from Allied Headquarters! Our position has been compromised. They're requesting that Turtle Island be moved closer to the sea near Yingan!"
Killer Bee scratched his head and asked, "Did they say how to move it?"
Rather than answer Bee, the ninja turned to Morkel and said nervously, "Headquarters believes Mr. Morkel may be able to help. If not, they'll look for other options."
Morkel gave a resigned sigh and waved his hand. "Alright, I'll handle it."
Though he disliked extra trouble, the war effort demanded full cooperation. With the Allied Forces stretched thin, there were no spare hands to move something as massive as Turtle Island.
"Is there any update on the battles happening elsewhere?" Morkel asked.
The Cloud Shinobi shook his head. "No recent updates… but it shouldn't be anything serious."
"Got it," Morkel replied with a nod.
He had his suspicions. It was likely that the infamous brothers, Golden Horn and Silver Horn, had been reanimated. But since headquarters hadn't said anything, perhaps it wasn't an immediate threat.
"The sacred tools of the Sage of Six Paths... If I ever get the chance, I'd love to see them in person," Morkel muttered to himself.
---
Moments later, a deafening roar echoed as the colossal Turtle Island began rising from the sea.
Everyone on the island stared in shock.
"What's happening?! I've guarded this island for years, and I never knew it could fly!"
"I knew something was off! This turtle might even be a pet of the Sage of Six Paths!"
"You're talking nonsense! The turtle's flying because someone's lifting it from underneath!"
Killer Bee sighed, glancing at the group of Cloud Shinobi speculating wildly.
"There's someone lifting it? Sir, who could possibly have the strength to carry a ten-thousand-ton turtle?!"
"Morkel. Don't ask me how he does it," Killer Bee replied without hesitation.
Far below, Morkel soared through the air, holding up the island with one arm. Thanks to the Ultra-Light-Weight Rock Technique, he had significantly reduced the turtle's mass. And with his immense physical power, the task was as easy as lifting a paperweight.
"Everyone hold on tight! Increasing speed!" Morkel shouted.
In just minutes, he had flown across the sea surrounding the Land of Thunder and brought the island to its new location, precisely where the Raikage had ordered.
After setting the turtle down gently, Morkel quietly returned to his quarters to resume his training.
---
Meanwhile – Land of Lightning, Coastal Frontline
Darui led the First Combat Unit at the border. As they reached the frontlines, a chilling sight awaited them.
"What the hell is that?!"
"Those white things... they look human, but something's clearly wrong with them!"
"Akatsuki is known for these twisted experiments. Don't panic—they shouldn't be too powerful."
"Wait! Look over there! Ninjas are fighting alongside the white creatures!"
"Hey… those faces. I recognize them! That's Kakuzu from Akatsuki!"
"And that one… isn't that our senior, Morkel?!"
"Two more over there! They're covered in a red chakra cloak... That's the Nine Tails' chakra, isn't it?!"
"Cut the chatter! Everyone, get into formation! We must stop this attack no matter what!"
Darui's sword gleamed in the sun as he rushed forward, adrenaline surging.
---
Iron Country Border – Desert Region
Five ghostly figures emerged from the swirling desert winds.
The Second Tsuchikage, wrapped in heavy bandages, spoke first. "Impure World Reincarnation… This smells like Senju Tobirama's work."
"Damn that man. Even in death, he still finds ways to control us."
The Second Mizukage snorted. "You should be grateful. If not for this technique, we wouldn't get the chance to fight side by side again."
"This jutsu is remarkable. Tobirama developed it, but now we're just tools in someone else's war."
Danzo finally spoke up, his voice low and grim. "The Second Hokage has long since passed. Someone else is using his jutsu now."
The Second Tsuchikage turned toward Danzo, scrutinizing his one-eyed face. "Hmm… you look familiar…"
The Second Mizukage chimed in with a teasing grin, "Isn't he your disciple?"
He smirked again. "Last time I saw you, you were barely up to my waist. Now look at you—so old and skinny!"
Danzo gritted his teeth. He had been insulted plenty in his life, but this was next-level humiliation.
The Mizukage turned to Rasa. "And who are you supposed to be? I don't remember your face."
"I'm Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure," he replied firmly.
The Mizukage raised an eyebrow. "Fourth Generation? Damn… time flies."
Tsuchikage suddenly raised a hand to silence everyone. "Quiet. I sense a large enemy force approaching!"
Mizukage cracked his knuckles with a confident smile. "Let them come. I didn't become a Kage by playing it safe."
"No matter how many come, they won't leave alive!"
The Second Tsuchikage sighed. "Even if you love battle, use your head once in a while. Don't you wonder why we were summoned?"
The Mizukage shrugged. "Then tell me."
Tsuchikage didn't answer. He pointed at the rapidly approaching Allied ninja forces. "Ask them. They should know."
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed across the desert.
The Third Raikage, until then silent, launched forward at terrifying speed—heading straight for the Allied troops.
The Second Mizukage's expression twisted in disbelief. "Typical Cloud Shinobi—always so impulsive… Wait, what?! Why is my body moving on its own?!"
He could only sigh in resignation as the battle was about to begin.