On the Eve of the Great Battle

Konoha

Hokage Building

"Have Orochimaru guard against Kumogakure, Jiraiya to guard against Iwagakure! The Yellow Flash will conduct guerrilla warfare in both countries, while Hidden Sand Tsunade Uchiha Nara Sunagakure. Only then can we ensure absolute safety!"

Mitokado Homura said in Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Konoha has only recently Hidden Mist in the east, and the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse."

Facing the greatest predicament since the start of the Ninja War, Konoha High Command, though deeply worried, stubbornly managed the situation.

"The peace talks between Kumogakure and Iwagakure must have succeeded, otherwise they wouldn't have attacked Konoha. It's unbelievable that the Fourth Raikage could even set aside his father's murder; Konoha can no longer fight."

Utatane Koharu, a female ninja, was in charge of logistics during the Ninja Wars, ensuring the logistical support and finances of each ninja team. Utatane Koharu the financial crisis most deeply.

"You're right, Yan, but we must defeat Hidden Sand first, no matter what! If that fails, we'll have to send out our entire force; I will personally lead Konoha to annihilate the invading Hidden Sand!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's recent strategic planning has even caused his hair to turn quite white. The Hidden Sand's infiltration of the Land of Fire's heartland was Sarutobi Hiruzen's biggest mistake during the Ninja War.

"Hiruzen, don't worry too much. Danzo has already sent information that, thanks to Root's efforts, Kumogakure and Iwagakure have not signed a contract."

The invading ninja forces from Kumogakure and Iwagakure, defended by Orochimaru and Jiraiya, were well-preserved and would not suffer the same fate as those from Hidden Sand.

Iwagakure's logistics forces transported supplies from the Kannabi Bridge in the Land of Grass. Sending an elite squad to destroy the Kannabi Bridge would immediately resolve Iwagakure's crisis.

Just as you judged, the most urgent task is to wipe out Hidden Sand."

Mitokado Homura wasn't the Hokage, so he didn't experience the same level of pressure. Yet, he spoke with conviction, his analysis quite logical and reasonable.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's worried mood immediately eased after listening to Mitokado Homura's analysis, and he nodded repeatedly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen calmed himself down and said in a deep voice:

"I will personally go to Kannabi Bridge and meet with Ōnoki of Both Scales!"

"No! You are the Hokage. The safety of Konoha rests on your shoulders. You cannot take such a risk!"

As soon as Sarutobi Hiruzen speaking, the two advisors immediately objected. They exchanged a glance, already having chosen their target, and then continued:

"The Yellow Flash is at the height of its fame, and with its Yellow Flash warfare operations in two countries, this mission is perfect for it."

Furthermore, the Yellow Flash Squad consists of three members: one Jonin and two Chunin. Such an elite team is perfectly suited to complete this S-rank mission.

Mitokado Homura made a serious suggestion.

"The Yellow Flash team will definitely be able to complete this mission. Hiruzen, you can stay in the village without worry."

Utatane Koharu next to Mitokado Homura had said.

Hearing the two advisors' words, even with his brain cells completely depleted, Sarutobi Hiruzen determined that this was the correct option and nodded, saying:

"Hmm, the Team Minato is indeed a good fit! Let's write the mission scroll then!"

"Hmm" x2

Land of Fire

Kikyo Castle

"Hmm..."

Naraku opened his eyes and woke up to find himself in a luxurious room. As soon as he moved, he felt sore all over.

"Where am I? Why wasn't I taken to the Medical Team in Kikyo Castle?"

A question flashed through Naraku's mind. He endured the pain, got up, and shook his head.

Naraku's eyes Flash Cut red, his eerie crimson gaze surveying his surroundings. A ninja lurked on the central beam of the tent.

The Chakra was very familiar; it was Uchiha Inabi's Chakra. Naraku felt relieved and asked:

"Inabi, where is this?"

"Lord Naraku, Kikyo Castle, Lady Tsunade's command post."

The title of the Sannin is renowned. Although the Uchiha is proud, they still have respect for strong individuals, especially medical experts, because they might need their lives saved someday.

"Kikyo Castle Command Post? Why not a field medical ward?"

A question flashed through Naraku's mind. He hadn't seen Naraku for a while, especially since they had both been busy with their own affairs during the Ninja War. However Tsunade, Naraku and Tsunade had an excellent relationship and were very close.

"Lady Tsunade said the wards were full, and since Lord Naraku is important to the battle, she arranged for Naraku care of personally at the command post."

"Well..."

Naraku immediately understood the intricacies of this scheme, realizing that the back door was a rather blatant blunder.

Naraku and Tsunade have a somewhat ambiguous relationship. Naraku lived two lives and is steady and shrewd, but he is clueless about emotions and doesn't know how to deal with them, so he just lets things go and maintains a friendly and mutually supportive relationship.

Moreover, Naraku is always accompanied by two squads of guards wherever he goes. In the past, Naraku took care of the guards, but this time the guards played a more important role.

"Why are you the only one here? Where are the others?"

"The command post is well-protected by Lady Tsunade's elite guards, so it's very safe. Furthermore, Lady Tsunade doesn't allow anyone other than the command post guards to be here. I had to Lady Tsunade to agree."

Hearing Inabi's words, Naraku felt a surge of emotion. Uchiha Inabi was indeed a good person—down-to-earth, loyal, and hardworking.

How long did I sleep?

"One day and two nights"

"Yeah, I feel much better. Inabi, you've worked hard, go and rest."

"Naraku, it was just my turn to be on guard duty. I just had a good rest last night, hehe."

Naraku nodded, Naraku said nothing more about Inabi's loyalty and closeness.

Kikyo Castle is the last stronghold of the Western Stronghold of the Land of Fire. In fact, ninjas can already cross this pass and break into the heart of the Land of Fire.

In fact, many Hidden Sand have indeed penetrated deep into the heartland, causing chaos within the Land of Fire.

The Konoha Ninja of Kikyo Castle frequently launch attacks to wipe out Hidden Sand, leading to numerous major battles between the two sides in the surrounding area.

Naraku had already learned about the situation at Kikyo Castle before he arrived. At this moment, Konoha Hidden Sand were in a stalemate, Konoha's heartland was under attack, so they were actually at a disadvantage and could not afford to drag this out for long.

Da da da

The sound of high heels came from outside the room, Naraku looked towards the door.

A cold and beautiful woman wearing a Konoha Village vest, with her golden hair tied up and a purple diamond-shaped mark on her forehead walked in.

"Long time no see, Tsunade."

Naraku, supporting himself with one hand, sat on the bed, gazing at Tsunade with a peculiar emotion in his eyes.

Tsunade looked tired, expressionless, and walked towards the bed without replying.

"Um?"

Naraku sensed that something was amiss.

Tsunade suddenly punched Naraku the head. Naraku's eyes widened, and he didn't react in time.

Thud

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Tsunade, what are you doing?!"

Naraku clutched his head and exclaimed in surprise. Tsunade and Naraku had known each other for ten years and were very close. They no longer addressed each other with respectful terms like "Miss," "Master," or "Lord."

Tsunade already knew Naraku's personality, so this punch caught him somewhat off guard.

"You bastard, you call yourself the Asura of Konoha'? If you hadn't been brought here in time, you would have almost died, do you know that?"

Tsunade looked exhausted, her fists clenched, her eyes blazing with anger, as she glared and reprimanded him.

"You! Get out!"

Tsunade raised her right hand and pointed to Uchiha Inabi on the roof beam.

"Hi!"

Naraku and Tsunade, one of the Sannin Tsunade, had a close relationship, which was known to many ninja in Konoha. Naraku saved Tsunade's life.

Tsunade's comrades, the Sannin and Jiraiya, stayed in the special ward of the medical room, while Naraku was taken to the command center where Tsunade, where he was cared for and recuperated by Tsunade in the rest room.

The guards noticed the unusual relationship between the two and lowered their guard somewhat.

Having witnessed what had just happened, Inabi obediently agreed and left upon hearing Tsunade's words.