With the successful recruitment of Haku and Zabuza Momochi, Dawn Wind now possessed truly usable blades. Ling had no time to let them slowly acclimate; the night of the clan extermination was imminent, and he had to immediately integrate this newfound strength into the bloody operation to come.
After temporarily settling Haku and Zabuza in another safe house acquired through the system's anonymous channels, Ling returned to the Konoha cottage with Kimimaro. He needed to use the final remaining time to conduct his ultimate deductions and preparations.
Deep in the quiet of the night, Ling's consciousness sank back into the system.
"System, initiate final tactical simulation, integrate new combatants 'Haku' and 'Zabuza Momochi', deduce the details of the Uchiha clan extermination operation, and highlight the assessment of countermeasures following Obito's intervention."
[Final tactical simulation initiated, consuming 20% of the host's mental energy.]
[Scene loading: Uchiha Clan Grounds, moonlit night. Participants: Host (Ling), Kimimaro, Haku, Zabuza Momochi (external support), Uchiha Itachi (inside agent). Enemies: Core of the Uchiha radicals (Fugaku and others), potential variable (Obito).]
[Tactical Deduction]
[Phase One (Opening): The host utilizes the 'Genjutsu: Haze Mirage Scroll' to cover the core area of the clan grounds, creating chaos and visual obstruction. Haku utilizes Ice Style to create a crystal ice mist, enhancing the genjutsu effect and constructing temporary ice walls to guide evacuation routes.]
[Phase Two (Clearing and Transfer): Uchiha Itachi precisely eliminates the core members of the radicals according to the roster. Kimimaro and Zabuza form a hunting squad, responsible for purging the stubborn elements on the list and intercepting any unexpected resistance. The host waits in the shadows, utilizing the Flying Thunder God for mobility, ready to support or transfer non-combatants to pre-set assembly points outside the clan grounds at any time.]
[Phase Three (Response to Obito's Intervention): If Obito appears, the host will prioritize using the Flying Thunder God to engage him, preventing him from disrupting the transfer plan. Haku and Kimimaro will coordinate to limit his movement space using large-scale Ice Style and bone forests. Zabuza is responsible for cutting off any paths Obito might take to attack the transfer team. Core strategy: Delay, not kill.]
[Deduction result: Success rate increased to 78.9%. Key points: Activation time of the genjutsu scroll, precision of Haku's Ice Style control, and the duration of the fight between the host and Obito.]
As the simulation ended, Ling felt a sense of relief. With the addition of Haku and Zabuza, his tactical options were more diverse, and he felt more confident in dealing with Obito.
The next day, he left the village again under the guise of "field training," heading to the safe house with Kimimaro to give the new members their final tactical instructions and harmonize their abilities.
The safe house was located deep within a dense forest, extremely well-hidden.
"These are the specific tasks." Ling spread out a simplified map of the Uchiha clan grounds (based on information provided by Itachi) and clarified the respective duties for Haku and Zabuza. "Our goal is not a massacre, but precise 'clearing' and 'rescue.' Any killing beyond the scope of the list is not permitted." He cast a pointed look at the murderous Zabuza.
"Hmph, understood, troublesome brat." Zabuza hoisted the Executioner's Blade; although his tone was impatient, his eyes had turned serious. He acknowledged the deployment capability Ling had displayed and understood the danger and importance of this operation.
"Haku, your Ice Style is the key." Ling turned to the quiet youth standing to the side. "There is no need to pursue lethality; the focus is on creating obstacles, using line-of-sight, and covering the retreat. Can you do it?"
Haku nodded firmly, his eyes resolute. "Yes, Lord Ling! I will definitely do my best to help everyone!" He had finally found the feeling of being "needed," and his heart was filled with a sense of mission.
To test their synergy, Ling arranged a simple simulated confrontation. He and Kimimaro would simulate the harassment from Obito and the radicals, while Haku and Zabuza would need to follow the plan to protect the "non-combatants" (represented by wooden stakes) as they evacuated.
"Start!"
Ling's figure vanished instantly, appearing the next moment at Haku's side, his kunai thrusting straight in a strike mimicking Obito's eerie assault.
"Ice Style: Ice Rock Dome!"
Haku's reaction was lightning-fast. He formed hand seals, and a thick wall of ice rose instantly from the ground, blocking Ling's attack. Almost simultaneously, several sharp senbon shot out, grazing the edge of the ice wall and precisely sealing off the directions Ling might teleport to.
"Well done, Haku!" Zabuza roared, swinging the Executioner's Blade with fierce momentum toward Kimimaro, who was attempting to approach from the flank. "Your opponent is me, bone kid!"
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Bone blades collided violently with the back of the Executioner's Blade, sparks flying everywhere. Kimimaro remained expressionless, his attacks sharp; Zabuza was a seasoned veteran, his swordsmanship ruthless. For a short time, it was hard to tell who had the upper hand.
Ling utilized the Flying Thunder God to constantly change positions, testing Haku's defensive range and reaction speed, as well as Zabuza's timing for support. After several probes, he was initially satisfied with the coordination between the two. Haku had immense talent and used Ice Style flexibly; Zabuza was the perfect battlefield reaper.
The integration training continued throughout the afternoon. When the sun set, a simple coordination process had already begun to form among the four of them.
Before returning to Konoha, Ling handed the two sealing scrolls filled with wealth to Zabuza.
"Consider these the initial operating funds for 'Dawn Wind'; you are to maintain and manage them. After the operation, we need to establish a more stable base and a comprehensive intelligence network as soon as possible."
Zabuza took the scrolls and weighed them, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "Rest assured, I know how to spend money better than you do."
Finally, Ling's gaze swept over the three people before him: the loyal and fearless Kimimaro, the kind and resilient Haku, and the fierce and reliable Zabuza. This was the initial cornerstone of his "Dawn Wind."
"After sunset tomorrow, we act according to the plan." Ling's voice was heavy and murderous. "Remember our goal, and remember that you are comrades standing side by side. Survive, and then win the future."
Night slowly descended, shrouding all of Konoha, and hanging over the Uchiha clan grounds, which were about to be baptized in blood and fire. The final moment was fast approaching.
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