In early June of Konoha's forty-sixth year, along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass, the hired bounty hunters suffered a devastating blow.
In less than ten days, every supply point had been destroyed. Konoha ninja mercilessly slaughtered their enemies, once again displaying the absolute power of a great nation!
At four in the morning, a stronghold closer to the Land of Grass was silently erased.
Within the dense forest, Hideichi Hyuga maintained his Byakugan and looked at the white Chakra blade extending from an enemy ninja's chest. He took the initiative to praise him.
"Such swift swordsmanship!"
"No matter how many times I see it, that condensed Chakra is still astonishing!"
Having finished the pursuit, Shu Furukawa drew his short sword. Not a trace of blood stained its blade. It was a New Year's gift from Tsunade—a Chakra-metal weapon.
The black-market ninja sprawled on the ground wore a twisted expression. He had fled so far, only to be caught anyway, and then killed by some brat...
"It's merely sharper, that's all."
"This mission relied heavily on the Byakugan. Once you return to your clan, Hideichi, you'll definitely be valued even more."
Ignoring the blood gradually pooling on the ground, Shu Furukawa, clad in gray armor, calmly sheathed his short sword on his back. Killing had almost become instinctive to him.
As a branch family member, Hideichi Hyuga was not as sunny and harmless as he appeared. Hearing Shu Furukawa's words, he replied with a self-mocking smile.
"Even being valued would only make me a bird in a cage."
"Perhaps it isn't appropriate to say this, but my final destination is still to die on the battlefield. Nothing will change that."
Not skilled in Talk no Jutsu, Shu Furukawa could not find any comforting words. He helplessly shook his head and changed the subject.
"We're almost at the rendezvous point. There are only a few targets left, so don't let your guard down."
"Only by staying alive will you have a chance to change everything. I'll leave the pursuit work to you."
His Byakugan returned to normal, no longer looking so fierce. Hideichi Hyuga smiled as he watched Shu Furukawa finish the "cremation" work, muttering to himself.
"Stay alive?"
The ninja in the stronghold had been "cleaned up" by Shikaku Nara and Kakashi. After the two sides met, they nodded in greeting before accelerating toward their next target.
Today's slaughter had only just begun.
--
By evening, as the three squads arrived one after another, the leader, Yamanaka Inoichi, frowned in thought. Akimichi Choza, standing beside him, took the initiative to comfort him.
"Lord Jiraiya and the others probably ran into a little trouble. There's still time."
As usual, Shikaku Nara had already leaned against a large tree early on, looking completely unmotivated. Stroking his chin, he murmured.
"The ninja tools, food, and supplies at those supply points show that the enemy has already begun war mobilization."
"Lord Jiraiya's objective this time is to investigate Iwagakure's 'weapon.' We still have to cross the Land of Grass. What a troublesome mission."
Since it involved Iwagakure's Jinchuriki, no one said anything aloud, but everyone was quite tense inside.
After the village spy sent back the information, he had completely lost contact. Yamanaka Inoichi worried that Iwagakure had set traps in advance, and he had been anxious these past few days.
"Captain Inoichi! Lord Jiraiya and the others will be here soon!"
After forming hand seals and sensing them, Shu Furukawa spoke up to remind him. Yamanaka Inoichi nodded, temporarily putting his worries aside. A smile appeared on his face as he praised him.
"You did very well, Shu!"
Whenever they formed a team, he deliberately offered guidance. Yamanaka Inoichi was extremely satisfied with Shu Furukawa's talent; his sensory abilities were no worse than those of the Yamanaka Clan.
After confirming the direction, Hideichi Hyuga activated his Byakugan to observe. Once the second confirmation was complete, everyone finally relaxed.
"Whoosh..."
The four-person squad had just arrived when Minato Namikaze explained with an apologetic expression.
"We suddenly ran into an Iwagakure squad and lost some time. Sorry for the trouble, everyone!"
Jiraiya laughed heartily. Seeing that no one was injured, he immediately made arrangements.
"It looks like everyone completed their missions splendidly. Next, we'll split into two groups. Inoichi and Choza, sorry to trouble you with gathering intelligence in Kusagakure."
"Shikaku, your squad will be responsible for meeting the village's undercover personnel."
"If anything goes wrong, I'll cover the rear."
Shikaku Nara accepted the scroll and immediately responded. After reading it carefully, he subconsciously scratched his head, feeling that this mission might not achieve its objective.
The long-haired, effeminate youth and the short-haired, dark-skinned fat man were Minato Namikaze's teammates. Once the mission assignments were over, both plopped down onto the ground and complained.
"Iwagakure has gone mad. They actually hired so many black-market bounty hunters."
"A disgrace to the Five Great Nations. Kusagakure actually sided with them, even though during the previous Chunin Ninja Exams, they protested Kumogakure's brutal plundering alongside us."
Soon, everyone began sharing their opinions one after another. Being on the front lines, they all knew that war was only a matter of time.
"The main reason is still the commissions. We did squeeze the market, but if the village wants rapid development, it has to be done."
Minato Namikaze looked solemn when speaking of the village. Seeing everyone looking at him, he continued.
"The Hokage's arrangements are correct. We cannot actively invade like Kumogakure."
"More and more merchant associations are choosing Konoha because we offer the best business environment. Only peace can attract more people, and that is the most valuable wealth."
With commerce and population came more tax revenue. Only when the Land of Fire's income increased could Konoha continue strengthening its power.
Although Minato Namikaze was young, his words earned the approval of Ino-Shika-Cho. The three had always been firm supporters of the Third Hokage and were deeply opposed to the Hardline Faction.
"Minato is truly an outstanding ninja. Many people in the village recognize his talent."
At the edge of the campfire's light, Hideichi Hyuga praised him softly, sounding somewhat envious. Kakashi lost interest after listening for a while. He could not be bothered to think about matters like governing the village.
"Not everyone likes him. You've seen the situation now—ninja tools and food come first, then war follows."
"..."
Kakashi was unusually talkative. He actually supported taking the initiative more, but Yamanaka Inoichi had reminded him, so he remained silent most of the time.
Jiraiya walked over. He wore the same gray armor and had none of a Sannin's airs. Sitting beside the three of them, he asked with a smile.
"Well? Minato is a ninja born with the mindset of a Hokage!"
"He really is impressive! From what I've observed, most ninja don't like thinking about such things."
Shu Furukawa smiled and praised him. Delighted, Jiraiya laughed heartily and continued backing up his disciple.
"Kakashi, I know what you're thinking. You should think independently like Shu. Remember, a ninja is one who can endure anything."
"Starting a war simply because an enemy nation provoked us would only bring more suffering and hatred."
"A great nation should not play that kind of role. Once you infiltrate this time, you'll understand what I mean."
Jiraiya looked stern, and at that moment, he was quite charming. But the Toad Sage quickly changed the subject.
"Kakashi, what did you think of my latest manuscript?"
Shu Furukawa looked at Jiraiya and saw that he had once again put on a lecherous grin. Then he looked at Kakashi's evasive eyes and could only complain inwardly.
He isn't showing a kid erotic novels, is he...?