Successfully recruiting Haku and Zabuza had given Dawn Wind blades it could truly rely on. Ling had no time to let them slowly adjust. The night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre was fast approaching, and he had to immediately bring this new force together and commit it to the bloody operation ahead.
After temporarily settling Haku and Zabuza in another safe house obtained through the system's anonymous channels, Ling returned to the small house in Konoha with Kimimaro. He needed to use the time he had left to run through the final scenarios and preparations.
Late that night, when all was quiet, Ling's consciousness sank into the system once more.
"System, run the final tactical simulation. Integrate the new forces, Haku and Zabuza Momochi, and simulate the details of the operation on the night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre. Focus on assessing our response if Obito intervenes."
[Final Tactical Simulation initiated. Cost: 20% of host's mental energy] [Scenario loaded: Uchiha Clan Compound, moonlit night. Participants: Host (Ling), Kimimaro, Haku, Zabuza Momochi (external support), Uchiha Itachi (inside contact). Enemies: core members of the Uchiha hardliners (including Fugaku), potential variable (Uchiha Obito).] [Tactical Simulation] [Phase One (Opening): The host uses the Genjutsu: Haze Mirage Scroll to cover the compound's central area, creating confusion and obscuring vision. Haku uses Ice Release to create an icy mist, enhancing the genjutsu's effects, and constructs temporary ice walls to guide evacuation routes.] [Phase Two (Elimination and Evacuation): Following the roster, Uchiha Itachi precisely eliminates the core members of the hardliners. Kimimaro and Zabuza form a hunting team, tasked with eliminating the diehards on the list and stopping any unexpected resistance. The host waits in the shadows, using Flying Thunder God to provide support or move noncombatants to the designated rendezvous point outside the compound at a moment's notice.] [Phase Three (Response to Obito's Intervention): If Obito appears, the host will use Flying Thunder God to keep him occupied, preventing him from disrupting the evacuation plan. Haku and Kimimaro will work together, using large-scale Ice Release and a forest of bones to restrict his movement. Zabuza will cut off any paths Obito might use to attack the evacuees. Core strategy: delay, do not kill.] [Simulation results: Success rate increased to 78.9%. Critical factors: how long the genjutsu scroll remains effective, Haku's precision in controlling Ice Release, and how long the host can hold his own against Obito.]
When the simulation ended, Ling felt somewhat reassured. With Haku and Zabuza on their side, they had more tactical options, and he felt more confident about facing Obito.
The next day, he again left the village under the pretext of "outdoor training" and went with Kimimaro to the safe house to give the new members their final tactical briefing and let them get used to working together.
The safe house was tucked deep in a dense forest, extremely well hidden.
"That's the mission in a nutshell." Ling spread out a simplified map of the Uchiha Clan Compound, based on information Itachi had provided, and made each of their responsibilities clear to Haku and Zabuza. "Our goal isn't slaughter. It's precise 'elimination' and 'rescue.' No killing anyone outside the list. That's not allowed." He deliberately glanced at Zabuza, who was bristling with bloodlust.
"Hmph. Got it, you troublesome brat." Zabuza rested Kubikiribōchō on his shoulder. Though his tone was impatient, his gaze had grown serious. He recognized Ling's skill at planning, and understood how dangerous and important this mission was.
"Haku, your Ice Release is key." Ling turned to the boy standing quietly to one side. "Don't focus on dealing damage. The priority is creating obstacles, blocking lines of sight, and covering the retreat. Can you do that?"
Haku nodded firmly, his gaze resolute. "Yes, Lord Ling! I'll do everything I can to help everyone!" At last, he had found a place where he was needed, and his heart brimmed with purpose.
To test how well they worked together, Ling arranged a simple mock battle. He and Kimimaro would play Obito and the hardliners, while Haku and Zabuza had to follow the plan and evacuate the "noncombatants," represented by wooden stakes.
"Begin!"
Ling vanished in an instant, then appeared beside Haku the next moment, his kunai thrusting forward in a bizarre surprise attack meant to simulate Obito.
"Ice Style: Ice Rock Dome!"
Haku reacted swiftly, forming Hand Seals. A thick wall of ice surged from the ground and blocked Ling's attack. At almost the same moment, several sharp Senbon shot past the edge of the ice wall, precisely sealing off the spots where Ling might reappear.
"Nice work, Haku!" Zabuza roared as he swung Kubikiribōchō, its fierce momentum bearing down on Kimimaro as he tried to approach from the side. "Your opponent's me, bone boy!"
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Bone blades clashed violently against the back of the executioner's blade, sparks flying. Kimimaro's face remained expressionless as he attacked with unrelenting force; Zabuza was seasoned and his swordplay ruthless. For a while, neither could gain the upper hand.
Ling used Flying Thunder God to keep changing positions, testing the range and speed of Haku's defense as well as the timing of Zabuza's support. After a few probing attacks, he was reasonably satisfied with how the two worked together. Haku had tremendous talent and wielded Ice Release with great versatility; Zabuza was the perfect battlefield reaper.
The coordination training continued through the afternoon. By sunset, the four of them had begun to develop a basic rhythm.
Before returning to Konoha, Ling handed Zabuza the two sealing scrolls filled with valuables.
"Use these as Dawn Wind's initial operating funds. You'll be responsible for managing and allocating them. After the mission, we'll need to establish a more secure base and build a more complete intelligence network as soon as possible."
Zabuza took the scrolls and weighed them in his hand. A glint flashed in his eyes. "Don't worry. I know better than you how to spend money."
At last, Ling looked over the three people before him: Kimimaro, loyal and fearless; Haku, kind and resilient; and Zabuza, ruthless and dependable. These were the first pillars of Dawn Wind.
"We move as planned tomorrow after sunset." Ling's voice was heavy and grim. "Remember our goal, and remember that we're comrades standing side by side. Survive, and then win ourselves a future."
Night slowly fell, shrouding all of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan Compound, which was about to be baptized in blood and fire. The final moment was drawing near.
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