Three days had passed, and Hyuga Soushu once again assumed supreme command of the army and marched into battle.
Yet this war, which the people of Konoha generally regarded as a just punitive expedition, received harsh criticism from various factions across the ninja world, including even the Fire Daimyo.
However, the powerful ninja clans of Konoha, already blinded by thoughts of easy gains, dismissed the aristocrats' and courtiers' vague complaints outright.
Supported by clans such as the Sarutobi Clan, which produced the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, the prevailing sentiment among these ninja clans was that the noble families were weak and ineffective, and that ninjas should be the true rulers of the ninja world. This ideology initially emerged when Sakumo Hatake and Hyuga Soushu forced the Lightning Daimyo into signing deeply humiliating unequal treaties. It grew stronger after the immense profits were reaped from Soushu's occupation of the fifteen districts in the Land of Lightning, and finally swelled as the Herb Country became their milking cow.
This ideology of "Great Konoha, Great Ninja" actually had deep historical roots. However, due to the strong momentum of gradual change, figures like Hyuga Soushu and Sakumo Hatake didn't see anything wrong with the village's transformation.
At the same time the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans left the village heading toward the Herb Country, Hyuga Soushu secretly ordered the Northern Border Defense Force to conduct large-scale military drills along the border of Frost Country, a vassal state of the Land of Lightning, openly threatening to launch a cross-sea invasion into the Land of Earth at any moment.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered the Standing Ninja Army stationed along the northwest border to cross into enemy territory, advancing deep into the Herb Country and capturing several key border towns. These forces now faced off against the Iwagakure ninja army, which had entered the Herb Country at the invitation of the Grass Ninja Village. Additionally, border forces sealed off major exits of the Herb Country, cutting off possible escape routes for Grass ninja.
After Iwagakure's concerned envoy was expelled, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki not only ordered his entire ninja force to fully enter the Herb Country but also halted diplomatic negotiations with Konoha, clearly showing his firm stance of protecting the Grass Ninja Village at all costs.
Unfortunately, Mang, the leader of the Grass Ninja Village who stood right in the eye of this storm, faced an especially difficult situation.
Both Iwagakure and Konoha treated the Grass Ninja Village—and even the entire Herb Country—as merely pawns in their struggle for regional dominance. What worried Mang more was that, as tensions mounted, the Herb Country could easily become the new focal point of war, the most unbearable outcome of all.
After all, neighboring Grass ninja had witnessed firsthand how terrible it was for the once-mighty Rain Ninja Village—once a rising force in the ninja world—after it became the battleground.
But unlike before, the Grass Ninja Village was now cornered with no room left for Grass to play both sides.
Therefore, despite widespread panic within the village, Mang had no choice but to begin forcibly mobilizing every person capable of channeling chakra in the Grass Ninja Village. Whether they were active ninja, retired veterans, or disabled personnel, all were conscripted into service. At the same time, defensive fortifications were hastily built around the village's perimeter as they awaited Konoha's invading army.
The dread of simply sitting and waiting for death to arrive further fueled fear and chaos among the Grass ninjas. If it weren't for Mang realizing the danger early enough and summoning an Enforcement Squad from Iwagakure, along with the fact that Konoha's border forces had blocked all transportation lines, the Grass ninja probably would have already collapsed on their own.
"These Grass ninjas are nothing but a bunch of useless cowards!"
Inside Iwa's ninja army base, Kitsuchi, son of the Third Tsuchikage and newly reinstated as Commander-in-Chief of the forces, grumbled loudly: "Within just one day, the Enforcement Squad has already captured and executed nearly a hundred deserting Grass ninjas. If those damn Konoha bastards had arrived a few more days late, wouldn't these brainless fools have completely vanished?"
These were the Grass ninjas who had once again become panic-stricken upon hearing that the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans from Konoha was approaching Herb Country — jittery as hens every time a shadow passed (yi ri san jing).
After venting his frustration, Kitsuchi addressed the Jonin under his command: "Three years ago, when I led our village's army into battle and initiated the beginning of the Second Ninja World War, wherever our village forces went, the shinobi villages in small countries welcomed us with full effort. We enjoyed great popular support back then. Such vibrant scenes of public admiration still feel vivid even now."
All the Iwa ninjas nodded deeply in agreement.
"The world has suffered under Konoha's rule for far too long!"
Mahibi, an Elite Jonin from Iwa's Explosion Corps known for his Explosion Release, stood up and said: "Lord Kitsuchi, as long as we withstand Konoha's pressure this time, the smaller countries and scattered ninja villages will naturally recognize the firm determination of Iwagakure's Stone Will. Once we drive back those Konoha extremists, they will surely switch sides and pledge their allegiance to us!"
"But we must also remain cautious about Konoha," another Iwa Jonin named Roji pointed out existing inadequacies in Iwa's preparations: "Especially after the arrival of Konoha's Coalition Force, our relative strength has begun showing significant disadvantages."
Currently, Iwa had deployed 3,000 troops within Herb Country, primarily controlling areas north of Grass Ninja Village. Meanwhile, the southern regions covering vast Grass territory had been occupied by Konoha's Northwestern Border Army consisting of just over a thousand personnel. In reality, though outnumbering Konoha's border forces three to one, Iwa had effectively done no more than split Herb Country down the middle with them.
"Hmph! What a cowardly rabble! Having someone like you around is nothing but a curse on Iwa!"
Just as Kitsuchi was preparing to issue orders, a sharp sarcastic voice rang out from the corner without any restraint: "Without even possessing the courage to face war directly, what makes you think you can claim the Stone Will proudly?"
"In my opinion, the reason why Iwa has fallen into today's awkward situation—being numerous yet stagnant—is precisely because of pests like you interfering!"
"You're talking nonsense!"
Kitsuchi immediately flew into a rage, his hatred toward this disrespectful individual intensifying further: "Roshi! Don't think your status as a jinchuriki allows you to speak recklessly!"
The person who spoke out with mockery was none other than Roshi, the Four-Tails jinchuriki of Iwagakure.
"Konoha's ninja forces are unmatched in their might; fighting spirit means drawing swords instantly against enemies. The reason Hyuga Soushu dominates the ninja world is due to leading by example and achieving constant victories."
Stepping forth from the darkness of the corner, Roshi continued coldly: "But what about us at Iwagakure? Can you find even one warrior among all our ranks capable of leading our forces into battle beyond just lining up for war?"
"Oh right, perhaps it's not that there aren't any powerful individuals, but rather we lack a leader truly possessing the mindset of an authentic powerhouse!"
"What exactly are you implying?"
Kitsuchi's face darkened instantly.
As for elite Jonin such as Mahibi and Roji, their expressions fluctuated unpredictably — after all, Roshi's words had criticized almost everyone present!
Frankly speaking, all the jonin present were regarded by him as utterly worthless.
"What I mean is, even if you don't have the courage to start a war, if you feel cornered, why not just go for it?"
Roshi grinned and said, "I'll always be here with my Tailed Beast Ball to back you up if things go south!"
"Never underestimate that man from the Hyuga Clan!"
Kitsuchi remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "You should know that Kumo's Two-Tails Jinchuriki and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki both fell by his hand!"
"Foolish!"
Roshi scornfully retorted, "Do you really think everyone's as hopelessly foolish as Kumo's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki?"
"Besides, even if their ninja forces are strong, so what?"
"The stupidest jinchuriki would be the only one engaging those monsters in direct combat. If one simply maintains distance and continuously attacks using nearly endless chakra to cast ninjutsu, how could one end up in such a desperate situation?"
After another round of scathing remarks from Roshi, he directly walked out of the tent, unwilling to associate any longer with this group he considered as nothing more than pests.
"Honorable Kitsuchi, should we move the Sealing Team to contain him first?"
Someone finally spoke within the otherwise silent military tent after a while.
"Let him be,"
Kitsuchi simply shook his head. "As long as he doesn't defect, just let him have his way."
Under the command of Hyuga Soushu, the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans from Konoha traveled nonstop and reached the outskirts of the Grass Ninja Village early the next morning.
Upon arrival, instead of immediately launching an attack, Soushu ordered his troops to set up camp and rest from their march.
However, for the Grass Ninjas who had already been jittery beyond measure and living in constant dread, this scene seemed just like the opening cinematic of Judgment Day itself, terrifying them beyond measure.
Especially when Hyuga Soushu, escorted by several Konoha jonin, appeared at the frontline for pre-battle reconnaissance, the Grass Ninja scattered in panic like ants on a hot skillet following an inexplicable scream. Had it not been for Iwagakure's Enforcement Squad stepping in and ruthlessly cutting them down, the entire village of Grass Ninjas would have collapsed and scattered in panic.
"We haven't even begun the fight, and we've already witnessed the complete collapse of an entire village's morale."
The Iwagakure jonin who had come specifically to serve with the Enforcement Squad also felt powerless about this reality.
"He's every bit the weapon Konoha uses to keep the ninja world in line!"
Behind this Iwagakure jonin, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, fully wrapped in a cloak, was also observing the nearby encampment of Konoha ninja forces. Upon seeing Hyuga Soushu appear in front of him, he couldn't help but express admiration through gritted teeth: "Compared to that useless man Kitsuchi, the power from Konoha deserves much more trust!"
...
The Iwa Enforcement Squad ninja stood speechless.
"Hey hey!"
A while later, after stopping his observation, Roshi spoke to these frontline Enforcement Squad ninja members, "Have all of you truly prepared yourselves mentally for this?"
"Mentally prepared for what?"
The leader of the Iwagakure Enforcement Squad looked momentarily confused.
"For total war, obviously!"
Irritation showed on Roshi's forehead.
"I will follow the war orders issued by our superiors!"
The answer from Iwa's Jonin was entirely in line with the standard expected of a ninja from Iwagakure.
Yet this dry, cookie-cutter reply only made Roshi feel even more helpless.
"Worthless drones with no individuality!"
Angry, Roshi stomped and leapt away, leaving the Grass Ninja Village behind.
If he had to stay a second longer in this place full of clueless idiots, he feared he might go mad just listening to them!
"It's actually a Jinchuriki."
Hyuga Soushu, who was observing the defensive formation inside the Grass Village, also noticed the sudden chakra fluctuation leaving the village and heading north toward Iwa's camp.
However, after identifying it as belonging to a Jinchuriki, Soushu remained indifferent.
After all, he'd fought and slain countless Jinchuriki before. This one wasn't worth his time.
"Fugaku Jonin!"
"Here!"
At Hyuga Soushu's command, Fugaku Uchiha stepped forward without hesitation.
"Your three hundred ninja from the Uchiha Clan will serve as the vanguard unit. Your mission is to break through the defenses of the Grass Village!"
"No problem!"
Uchiha Fugaku almost felt disappointed by this assignment. Compared to wasting time dealing with these incompetent Grass ninja, it would have been more interesting to attack Iwagakure directly.
"Where is Sarutobi's force?"
Soushu called out again.
"Sarutobi here!" A Jonin with a goatee immediately took a step forward.
"You will take the main forces of the Ino–Shika–Cho triad and block the passage between the Grass Village and Iwa's main camp. If anyone tries to breach our lines—"
Soushu didn't finish but instead made a sharp downward slicing gesture.
"What if it's Iwa declaring war?"
The Jonin from the Sarutobi Clan asked cautiously.
"I hope they're bold enough to actually declare war!"
Soushu replied carelessly. "The Inuzuka Clan's forces will remain inside the camp as a reserve unit. The Aburame ninja should spread out to the area north of the camp to secure the flanks."
He continued issuing orders rapidly afterward, deploying the Coalition Force of Ninja Clans with clear precision.
"In three hours, every unit will proceed according to plan and launch an assault!"
Once deployment was complete, Soushu glanced at the sky and then nonchalantly returned to the camp quarters, ready for a good nap alongside Mahiru Uchiha.
"Aren't you going to monitor things?" Mahiru Uchiha asked slightly worriedly upon returning to the military tent.
"What is there to watch!"
Hyuga Soushu couldn't wait to start touching her: "Besides, we can simply wait here while the ninja forces crush the enemy!"
Meanwhile, as Konoha's allied forces worked furiously preparing themselves, Kitsuchi finally received two urgent secret messages—one from the Earth Daimyo of the Land of Earth, the other from the Third Tsuchikage Onoki of Iwagakure.
The contents, however, were completely different—one urged that Iwa's forces protect the Herb Country's Grass Village and safeguard the dignity of an entire nation; whereas the secret letter from Third Tsuchikage Onoki warned strictly against provoking conflict needlessly, so as not to offer enemies justification for accusations.
By now, though, Iwa's situation left no room for indecisiveness or wavering neutrality.
Kitsuchi sighed deeply, crumpling his father's message into tiny shreds of paper. Then he summoned the Jonin of Iwagakure and commanded them to ready themselves for full-scale war.
When the Iwagakure jonin each received their assignments, they suddenly heard the sound of a horn coming from the Konoha camp.
"Wu wu! Wu wu wu!"
"It's beginning."
Kitsuchi shot to his feet. "Men, proceed with the plan as arranged!"
"Hai!"
The Iwagakure jonin barked a collective "hai!" and quickly dispersed to carry out their assignments.
"Such rare decisiveness!"
Just after the Iwagakure jonin had left the tent, Roshi strode in calmly from outside. "Kitsuchi Jonin, you've really earned my respect today."
"By the way, are you sure you don't need to use the Jinchuriki's power in this battle?"
"It's better for you to remain as our ace in the hole."
Rubbing his temples, Kitsuchi said with deep feeling, "I still can't figure out how that Byakugan brat — barely old enough to shave — got so many Konoha ninja clans to follow him so loyally, willingly pledging loyalty to him."
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