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Chapter 248 - Chapter 248: Hidden Threats

The Ninja World had fallen into complete disarray. For the civilians, this war was far more terrifying than any conflict in history—because it involved every nation and every major hidden village.

Yet unexpectedly, the Umbrella Organization had already stationed trained defenders in various regions. Some were skilled warriors; others were ordinary citizens now armed with firearms.

As a result, the daily lives of common people were surprisingly unaffected.

Umbrella only needed to protect those living near the frontlines. People in remote regions were more curious than fearful—hoping this war would soon determine a victor.

And deep inside, most civilians prayed for Umbrella to win.

In the past years, Umbrella and the Seven Colors Trading Company had dramatically raised the standard of living across multiple nations.

To them, Umbrella's victory meant a better future.

War Command Center — Umbrella Headquarters

At the temporary operations center, Nara Shikaku served as chief strategist, while Naruto was supreme commander of the entire coalition.

On the sand table, three long red arrows marked the paths of the Allied Shinobi Forces.

– A naval assault from the Land of Water, led by Mei Terumī

– A direct advance from the Land of Lightning, led by Raikage A

– And a western push from the Land of Earth, commanded by Ōnoki the Tsuchikage

Naruto pointed at the map, eyes sharp.

"They'll reach the Land of Fire within half a day. We must stop them there."

"The Land of Snow is our foundation. We will not allow it to be ruined."

He turned to a fierce figure with a massive sword strapped behind him.

"Zabuza."

"Here."

"You'll intercept Kirigakure once they make landfall. Force them to touch the ground before you strike."

Naruto continued, tapping Ōnoki's route.

"The Land of Earth is tricky. We'll redeploy and bypass their territory, heading straight for the Land of Fire to confront Kumogakure first."

"That old fox Ōnoki will retreat if pressured. He'll attempt to rendezvous with the Raikage."

"The Raikage is impulsive—he'll come after me for revenge. Mabui may restrain him, but only for Kumogakure's sake. One way or another, he'll charge to the front."

"Ōnoki will wait to fight after combining forces. So our focus remains Kumogakure."

Naruto's expression hardened.

"As for the Shimura and Sarutobi clans… since they joined Iwagakure, we will break them completely."

"And inform Orochimaru—begin air operations for the first strike."

Shikaku hid his surprise as he watched Naruto direct troop movements with precision and calm confidence.

For someone who's never fought a true war… how is he this talented?

He couldn't help but smile.

Perhaps this is what a true genius looks like.

Orders were issued instantly. With mobile phones and other advanced Umbrella communication tools, coordination across battlefields was fast and seamless.

Air Detachment — Orochimaru's Command

Orochimaru received the message, yellow eyes gleaming with excitement.

"An air strike…? Let's see this new style of warfare."

The sinister curve of his lips looked oddly radiant in the sunlight.

"Relay instructions to Jiraiya. His unit will construct the frontline defense five hundred li northeast."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"

Moments later, Jiraiya—already wearing flight goggles—posed dramatically, snapped a photo for posterity, and swaggered toward his fighter jet.

But once he turned away…

…the smile faded.

His posture straightened.

All frivolity vanished—leaving only the look of a seasoned warrior heading into battle.

Frontline Mobilization

Shisui and Zabuza had already departed.

Tsunade began her medical and strategic deployments.

Kakashi stood quietly beside Might Guy, thoughts complicated.

"Guy… do you think this war is right or wrong?" Kakashi asked softly.

Might Guy blinked, then flashed his trademark blinding smile.

"Kakashi! There is no right or wrong. Lee told me—if a war can bring happiness to the people, then some blood must be shed!"

"The crimson spirit of our ancestors must be inherited! That is youth!"

"I also long for the moment when I can unleash a crimson explosion of youth!"

He clenched his fist, eyes blazing.

"Kakashi, my eternal rival! Let's compete again—see who defeats more enemies this time!"

Kakashi stared at him for a beat… then quietly chuckled.

The heaviness in his heart lifted just a bit.

Maybe Guy was right.

Maybe this would be the war to end wars.

His gaze sharpened.

"As for those traitors from the Shimura clan… they'll regret turning their backs on Konoha."

Tsunade stood at the front of the formation, fury blazing in her eyes. With a single punch, she shattered a massive boulder beside her—stone exploding into dust.

Kakashi swallowed hard.

Ever since she began practicing Martial Arts… Lady Tsunade has become even more terrifying.

Those fists could flatten mountains.

He glanced to his side only to find Might Guy laughing excitedly.

"Lady Tsunade truly understands the passion of youth!"

Tsunade—blessed with the unmatched constitution of the Senju clan—was the second person, after Naruto, to fully complete the Martial Arts Body-Tempering Path, even surpassing Lee and the others in progress.

Moreover, she awakened her own Martial Arts Divine Power:

Monstrous Strength — Chaotic Deity Fist!

The name alone said everything.

Her strength now bordered on the absurd.

Once, Tsunade's power placed her somewhere in the upper range of Kage-level shinobi—not weak, but not at the very peak, especially since her primary duty had always been healing.

But now?

She stood at the summit of Kage-level combatants.

Her monstrous strength could shake the Ninja World.

Yet so far… only she and Naruto were aware of this evolution.

Meanwhile…

While Umbrella forces surged into action, Akatsuki was far from idle.

Once the Hidden Mist forces departed, Akatsuki moved swiftly to the Three-Tails' location. Since the death of the Fourth Mizukage, the Three-Tails had been roaming free. It was the easiest Tailed Beast to hunt.

Under their overwhelming offensive, the Three-Tails—limited in jutsu variety—fell quickly.

"Good. Three-Tails secured. Only six left."

The one speaking was Hiruko, partnered with Sasori for this mission.

Throughout the battle, Hiruko displayed multiple Kekkei Genkai, shocking even a seasoned puppet master like Sasori.

Likewise, Hiruko was equally wary of Sasori's uncanny puppets and mechanical enhancements.

This organization was far more dangerous than he imagined.

"Next is the Six-Tails."

Hiruko was the first to speak again—he had no confidence fighting Sasori one-on-one if things went wrong. If he wanted to survive this partnership, he needed to absorb more Bloodline Limits and evolve further.

Meanwhile, Sasori's thoughts were entirely different:

Hmph. Everyone but me is a disposable pawn beneath my Eternal Masterpiece…

Of course, Sasori of the Red Sand would never reveal that trump card until the moment of absolute victory.

...

TN:

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