The Hidden Mist Forces Withdrew

Konoha

Hokage Building

"The Kumogakure is far too arrogant, actually traveling thousands of miles to attack the Land of Wind. We must be wary of such an arrogant Kumogakure. If they were to turn their attention to Konoha, things would get very troublesome."

Utatane Koharu expressed a mixture of bewilderment and admiration for the reckless behavior of the Kumogakure, but also felt worried about Kumogakure arrogance.

"Their ability to fight amongst themselves is most advantageous to us. Now, the question is how to deal with the Land of Earth."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was gentle, clearly indicating that the situation in Sarutobi Hiruzen Shinobi World had eased his nerves somewhat.

"Uchiha Nara is indeed impressive. He repelled Hidden Mist twice, ensuring the safety of the Eastern Stronghold."

However, the focus now is on Iwagakure) in the northwestern Land of Earth! Ōnoki of Both Scales, has dispatched a large force.

They're attacking our Land of Fire from the Land of Grass! We need to figure out how to win over this Land of Grass!

Sarutobi Hiruzen held a dossier in one hand and a pipe in the other, puffing away without caring whether the two men could stand it or not.

"Uchiha Nara repelled Hidden Mist, but Hidden Mist's motives are really hard to understand. After their vanguard was defeated, they didn't even think about revenge. Instead, they retreated back to Kirigakure and haven't made a move for more than half a year. It's really hard to understand."

Looking at the battle report, Mitokado Homura was utterly baffled by Kirigakure's actions.

"The Kirigakure in the Land of Water was originally very closed off. Who knows what they're really up to? Maybe they're just trying to gain some benefits during the Shinobi World War."

I heard that Hidden Mist even dispatched troops by boat to launch a surprise attack on the Land of Wind. They're skilled in water- Hidden Mist Water Style, so going to the desert... Heh heh."

After saying a few words, Utatane Koharu, fell silent.

"Sunagakure instigated the Shinobi World War, and now it's reaping what it sowed; it'll likely be devoured."

Mitokado Homura, holding the dossier, felt a sense of schadenfreude regarding the plight of Sunagakure in the Land of Wind.

"Now that the Eastern Stronghold Kirigakure and there has been no news of Hidden Mist invasions for more than half a year, let's transfer some ninjas from the Eastern Defense Line to the northwest and let the Uchiha contribute some more."

Mitokado Homura said in a deep voice, "Since we've already sent the Uchiha to the battlefield, let's make the most of them. The fighting is fierce in the northwest of the Land of Fire, so let's send them there as well."

"Yes, we need to defend in all four directions. We can only rob Peter to pay Paul. Hopefully Kumogakure and Sunagakure will suffer heavy losses."

Utatane Koharu, agreed with Mitokado Homura's suggestion.

"Then let's do it this way. Recruit 1,500 ninjas from the east to the northwest. Send 2,000 ninjas from the Western Stronghold to the northwest."

Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly agreed.

"Third Hokage, 1,500 is too many. The Eastern Stronghold originally had a total of 4,000 ninjas for defense, but after two battles, there are now less than 3,000. If 1,500 are withdrawn, there will be problems if the Hidden Mist in the east launches a comeback."

Utatane Koharu, the female member of the Group of Four, has always upheld the Second Hokage's ideals of suppressing the Uchiha. However, she both relies on them and guards against them, while also hoping for a mutually destructive outcome. Even Utatane Koharu herself feels that this is somewhat...

"The situation in the Northwest Iwagakure deployed over 20,000 ninja to the border, leaving us with no other option."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

"When the Kumogakure invaded the Hidden Sand before, they had already drawn half of their 5,000 ninja from the Western Stronghold. Now, they've drawn another 2,000, leaving only 3,000. If something Kumogakure Cloud Village, it could cause serious problems. The same situation is Uchiha Nara in the east."

Utatane Koharu expressed deep concern about the situation at the outposts on both the east and west sides.

"With the Sannin in command of the Northwestern Stronghold, Orochimaru having won over the Land of Grass of Northwestern Stronghold to manage its defenses, Iwagakure probably won't gain much advantage."

Mitokado Homura understood Utatane Koharu's concerns, but Iwagakure in the northwest had the best-preserved ninja forces, and had not made any major moves during the Ninja War. This time, however, might be a major move, so he could understand Sarutobi Hiruzen's mobilization.

"This is all for Konoha..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a smoke ring and said softly.

After reading the letter from Konoha, Naraku handed it to the people below him and asked:

"The Hokage wants to transfer 1,500 ninjas from here. What do you think?"

Naraku the Eastern Stronghold for over a year, and aside from driving out Hidden Mist when he first arrived, he also defeated the vanguard of Hidden Mist's army a second time.

As a result, after the Hidden Mist vanguard was defeated, the main Hidden Mist force withdrew and remained silent for more than half a year, causing Naraku a great deal of trouble.

"Naraku, we only have 2,800 ninjas in total right now. If we take another 1,000, does Sarutobi Hiruzen want us to die here?"

After reading the letter, the Second Elder Uchiha Kyo, asked in a dissatisfied tone.

"The Northwest Iwagakure Village has 20,000 ninja stationed on the border. The pressure on the Northwest is too great; there's no other way."

Garrison Commander Fukushima Yuki was a staunch supporter of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi. Although he had some doubts about the transfer, he loyally carried out the order.

The others remained silent, Naraku sighed inwardly. This Kirigakure didn't seem like this in his memory; why was it always just small-scale skirmishes?

Naraku was truly speechless at Hidden Mist's actions.

As far as I can remember, Konoha and Iwagakure fought a battle in the northwest.

"Fugaku, you lead that 1,500-man force. Hizashi Hyuga Uchiha Go, and Choza Akimichi's force is 500. That's 1,500 men. You will be the commander."

"Hi"

Fugaku gently agreed.

Fugaku's eldest son Uchiha Itachi, should be over three years old now. I wonder if Fugaku will take a child to the battlefield, just like in the original story.

"Fugaku, you've worked so hard. The child is still so young, and you're risking your life fighting here. Go back and rest for a few days, prepare yourself, and then set off again. I wonder how Itachi is doing."

Naraku had a deep impression of Uchiha Itachi; at such a young age, he was born with two nasolabial folds that signified power.

Upon hearing Naraku mention his son Itachi, Fugaku couldn't help but show a hint of nostalgia.

"I hope Itachi will become an excellent ninja in the future."

"If you ask me, it's good enough that Itachi can grow up safely. There are many talented ninjas in the Uchiha; not everyone needs to be a genius."

Upon hearing Fugaku's words, Naraku couldn't help but correct him.

Those who overheard the conversation couldn't help but think of their own families.

"Kakashi, don't be careless on the battlefield."

Hatake Sakumo had a stern face and acted with dignity; he was a very reliable ninja. Hearing the people in the room talking about family matters, he couldn't help but worry about his son.

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure, after the last campaign against Konoha and the subsequent campaign against Hidden Sand by a detachment...

That detachment that went to conquer Hidden Sand seems to still be burning, killing, and looting in the Land of Wind.

The campaign to conquer Konoha was a complete failure, and most of the Kaguya Clan members perished in the battle.

The Mizukage Yagura was deeply saddened by this and went to the Kaguya clan's territory to comfort the Kaguya Clan's patriarch.

He also vowed to avenge the Kaguya Clan.

Hatred spreads continuously during war.