This Weeping Country

The last fleeing Iwa Ninja was filled with shock and fury.

"Those three kids aren't ordinary kids! They're clearly new recruits sent to the battlefield not long ago, yet they're this terrifying... If these three are allowed to grow, could they become another generation of Sannin?!"

The Iwa Ninja raged in helpless fury, but unfortunately, his squad was almost completely wiped out, and he could no longer seize this golden opportunity to kill those three genius kids.

More importantly...

"Something feels wrong with my body, it seems to be interfered with by something. There's a subtle, almost imperceptible sluggishness in refining and circulating Chakra..."

Unfortunately, he would never have the chance to find out the truth.

A massive swarm of insects broke through the ground. Having apparently lurked underground for who knows how long, they finally surged out and tore the Iwa Ninja to shreds.

"These are Parasitic Destruction Insects... Could you be...?"

The last Iwa Ninja didn't even leave a corpse; his clothes and bones were completely devoured.

Aburame Shibi returned secretly.

"This guy's body is also full of that toxin... What kind of poison is this, and when was it administered...?"

Aburame Shibi pushed up his sunglasses, becoming increasingly interested in Gen'ichi.

Was the poison administered through the air? In that regard, it's very similar to the man called The Demigod.

What an incredible newcomer. If he can grow... Shibi found himself a little afraid to imagine Gen'ichi's future.

"Shibi-sensei, you're finally back. Even letting us practice on these guys is a bit too relaxed, isn't it...?"

Gen'ichi shrugged helplessly.

They were immediately faced with ten Iwa Ninja who had seen battle, half of whom were Chunin.

For any other new squad, without their Leading Jonin present, they would have been wiped out. Only Kakashi's squad might have been able to barely defend themselves.

"Killing the enemy Jonin took me some time, and my insects were already lurking underground, ready to support you at any moment. I just didn't expect you all to be so outstanding."

Shibi said in a deep voice. Although his tone was calm, it was full of praise.

A squad that could meet and defeat the enemy with such powerful force on their first mission was truly promising.

Umino Kawamiya laughed heartily and slapped Gen'ichi heavily on the shoulder.

"Haha, kid, you're unexpectedly capable! You'll become a genius like Kakashi!"

"Kawamiya, you're starting again. Your big mouth always ruins things..."

The group set off again and arrived at the Border Post half a day later.

This was Konoha's main base on the Western Front, located next to Amegakure. It bore the heavy responsibility of countering the Iwa Ninja and Sunagakure Ninja, and the current highest commander was Tsunade.

After delivering all the scrolls filled with supplies to the Western Front main camp, Shibi also took the three of them to meet an old friend.

Minato Namikaze.

"Shibi, long time no see. I didn't expect you'd already become a Leading Jonin."

Minato was a very cheerful person with incredible charisma. Coupled with his formidable strength, it was no wonder such a man attracted everyone's attention.

"Yeah, I brought three very talented youngsters... But what about you? You were just clashing with the AB Brothers on the Eastern Front not long ago, and now you've rushed to the Western Front. Is that really okay?"

"There's nothing else for it. Lord Orochimaru is currently recuperating in the village. He'll return to the Western Front after a while... When it comes to dealing with the Iwa Ninja and Sunagakure Ninja, Lord Orochimaru is indeed more skilled."

Minato ruffled his blond hair in frustration.

Jiraiya was on the Eastern Front, responsible for monitoring Kumogakure and simultaneously commanding the Hyuga Clan and Uchiha Clan to deal with the guys from Kirigakure crossing the sea to land, so he couldn't easily move.

As for Tsunade, although she was the nominal commander of the Western Front, due to her Hemophobia, she could only prepare medicine in the rear and couldn't fight on the front lines.

Naturally, Minato, this newly promoted Kage-level ninja, became the powerhouse of the Western Front's fighting force.

For him, a twenty-year-old youngster, carrying the banner of the Western Front was still somewhat difficult, but this was a step he had to experience—learning to command.

Fortunately, Minato's talent was terrifying, and his learning ability was even more outrageous. He was becoming increasingly adept at commanding and directing.

At this moment, Minato looked at Shibi with some envy. Nurturing excellent juniors personally was truly a good mission...

"So you're Shibi's subordinates? Keep up the good work. Shibi is a very well-rounded ninja. If you study seriously under him, you'll definitely grow a lot..."

After Minato encouraged Gen'ichi and the other two for a few words, he immediately pulled Shibi away. The two of them whispered, likely discussing the war situation.

"It looks like the fighting here isn't as tense as on the Eastern Front..."

Ichie said casually after walking out of the tent.

On the Eastern Front, the two great Dojutsu clans, the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan, were the main force against Kirigakure. Ichie had naturally heard about the situation on the Eastern Front from her clan members.

Furthermore, Kumogakure, with its incredibly powerful military strength, was the most aggressive village in the early stages of the Third Great Ninja War. They directly sent their Jinchuriki to the battlefield, which at one point led to the fiercest fighting on the Eastern Front.

Now, Kumogakure had temporarily quieted down, but the Western Front remained in a stalemate.

Konoha, the Iwa Ninja, and the Sunagakure Ninja were all fighting chaotically in the Land of Rain, tearing the Land of Rain apart. The three hidden villages themselves, however, hadn't suffered direct damage. The three sides were just in a stalemate within the Land of Rain, wearing each other down.

"Don't be too careless, Ichie. Maybe the Western Front will become the place that changes the direction of the Ninja World..."

Gen'ichi said with a smile, while organizing his equipment.

Ichie naturally didn't believe him.

But Gen'ichi knew very well.

The fighting on the Western Front had always been a difficult problem, like cutting meat with a dull knife – it hurt a lot over time. It was the greatest predicament Konoha faced throughout the Third Great Ninja War.

The Battle of Kikyo Pass, which erupted late in the Third Great Ninja War, happened because Iwa Ninja and Sunagakure Ninja had pushed Konoha almost all the way to the village gates.

If Lord Orochimaru hadn't been reliable, and Minato and his three subordinates hadn't been incredible, the outcome would have been hard to say.

More importantly...

"Is that the Land of Rain? It really is a sorrowful country, always crying..."

Gen'ichi looked to the west, gazing at the country where the gentle rain never ceased.

"A country like this is really perfect for growing rice..."

Gen'ichi suddenly remarked.

"???"

Ichie and Might Guy were full of questions.

They had originally thought Gen'ichi, whose dream was world peace, was feeling sorrowful for this war-torn country.

Why was he suddenly talking about something as random as rice...

"...Gen'ichi-san's perspective on things really is unique..."

Ichie and Might Guy exchanged a look.

But Gen'ichi squinted his eyes, smiling as he looked at the weeping Land of Rain.

At this time, Yahiko must still be alive, right? That guy Danzo shouldn't have colluded with Hanzo yet to make a move on the Akatsuki.

Yahiko, a pathetic, unrealistic idealist