Shinji Mountain Prayers and Tsunade's Feelings: "Don't Die, You Big Dummy!"

With Tobirama Senju's solemn announcement, Konoha Village's major clans immediately began intense yet orderly war preparations.

At the Uchiha Clan's training grounds, the young ninja trained diligently under their elders' guidance, utterly focused. Their use of the Sharingan grew increasingly proficient, and their combat skills steadily improved. Their gazes were resolute, their eyes filled with determination to defend the clan's honor and pursue Konoha Village's victory. For that goal, they were willing to pay any price without fear.

The Hyuga Clan's training grounds resembled a painting, with Gentle Fist techniques unfolding as smoothly as drifting clouds and flowing water. Every Hyuga ninja wore a focused, meticulous expression. With rigorous training and peerless skill, they carefully honed themselves in full preparation for the coming war, as though every movement contained their determination to protect Konoha.

The Nara Clan's ninja were like busy bees, darting through every corner. They worked tirelessly to gather intelligence and analyze the situation, relying on exceptional intellect and superior strategy to provide indispensable foundations for Konoha Village's battle plans. They understood that information was the key to this war.

The Senju Clan's ninja did not slacken either, actively throwing themselves into the preparation of war supplies and logistical support. They understood that victory in war required both brave fighting at the front lines and solid support from the rear. Powerful logistical supplies were a crucial cornerstone of victory.

Throughout those long six months, everyone in Konoha Village was like a tightly wound machine, giving their all for the coming war. They knew this war would be a turning point for Konoha Village's fate and would determine the future direction of the Ninja World. With fearless courage and extraordinary wisdom, they would leave a bold mark upon the history of the Ninja World.

Meanwhile, the Hidden Cloud Village was also preparing for war with great urgency. Ambition and desire had blinded them, driving them to recklessly challenge Konoha Village's authority. Yet they had no idea that the strength gathered by Konoha Village's united clans was like a towering mountain, an insurmountable barrier before them.

Six months later, the curtain was about to rise on the First Great Ninja War, and a breathtaking battle stood on the verge of erupting. Konoha Village's ninja would carry the conviction to protect their homeland and defend their honor as they fought the Hidden Cloud Village to the death. This war was destined to become an important milestone in the long river of Ninja World history, deciding which way the wheel of the Ninja World's future would turn.

In Konoha Year 19, fourteen-year-old Uchiha Ying had reached the level of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan. Within the Uchiha Clan Grounds, Ying's cold face appeared and vanished amid dappled light and shadow. His posture was as straight as a towering pine, his long black hair dancing gently in the wind, while deep, mysterious light shimmered in his red eyes like brilliant stars in the night sky. The clan grounds' buildings were ancient and solemn, their walls engraved with the Uchiha Clan's glorious history and supreme honor. Ying slowly walked down the familiar streets, his heart churning with countless thoughts.

He knew he bore the clan's immense burden. Although the Three-Tomoe Sharingan had allowed him to stand out among his peers, the road ahead remained strewn with thorns and fraught with hardship. At that moment, several clan elders were discussing the family's future. They placed their earnest hopes upon Ying, wishing for him to lead the Uchiha Clan to greater status within Konoha Village and forge an even more glorious chapter. Ying silently listened to the elders, swearing in his heart that he would use his own strength to protect the clan and fight for the Uchiha Clan's glory. Even if it meant being crushed to pieces, he would not hesitate.

To better meet the demands of combat, Uchiha Ying had developed the astonishingly powerful ninjutsu Chidori and Lightning Cutter ahead of time through his own talent and effort. Within the familiar Uchiha Clan Grounds, Ying's figure darted back and forth like lightning, moving at a speed that left people speechless. Chidori's roar tore through the silence like an impassioned horn of battle, while the dazzling radiance of Lightning Cutter blazed like the scorching sun, striking terror into enemies' hearts. He tirelessly honed both ninjutsu at the clan training grounds. Every release of Chidori was accompanied by a piercing bird cry, its powerful current like an unparalleled blade capable of instantly piercing rocks as hard as iron. Lightning Cutter's power was even more unimaginable, its condensed lightning possessing the might to split heaven and earth, enough to tear through any obstacle in its path. When the younger generation of the clan witnessed Ying's immense strength, their eyes all revealed admiration. They took him as their example and trained diligently, longing to possess strength like his. Ying held nothing back, patiently guiding them and hoping that more clan members could master these powerful combat skills and add to the clan's strength.

At this time, little Tsunade was only ten years old, yet she had already grown into a lovely young girl. Blinking her lively eyes, full of curiosity, she gently asked her second granduncle, Tobirama Senju, "Are we getting ready to go to the battlefield?" Tobirama Senju looked at the energetic little girl before him, and a complicated emotion flashed through his eyes—affection, reluctance, and even worry for the future. He slowly crouched down, gently stroked Tsunade's head, and said softly, "Tsunade, the battlefield is an extremely dangerous place, filled with bloodshed and death. But sometimes, to protect our home and loved ones, we have no choice but to fight bravely." Tsunade nodded as though she understood. Though she could not yet fully comprehend war's cruelty, an inexplicable courage rose within her small heart, like a spark burning there. Looking at her second granduncle's face, steadfast as rock, she secretly resolved that if she ever had to set foot on a battlefield, she would be as brave and fearless as her elders.

On the other side of the village, Uchiha Ying was making his final preparations for the coming battle. His expression was focused, and his cold face looked especially resolute beneath the sunlight as he carefully wiped the kunai in his hand. The power of Chidori and Lightning Cutter surged within him. He knew this battle was crucial to Konoha Village, the Uchiha Clan, and himself. There could be no room for error.

After preparing his ninjutsu, Uchiha Ying decided to go to the nearby Shinji Mountain to pray for blessings. He wore a fitted black combat outfit that emphasized his upright frame, with orderly ninja tools hanging at his waist and glinting coldly in the sunlight. He strode toward Shinji Mountain with firm, powerful steps. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, scattering across him like broken gold, as though draping him in a sacred radiance. He looked like a god of war descending into the mortal world.

As he followed the winding mountain path, thoughts surged through Uchiha Ying's mind. He understood that the coming battle was filled with unknown danger, like a fog in the darkness that could not be seen through. This prayer held extraordinary meaning for him. It was not merely for his own safe return, but for the fate of the entire Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village. Every step carried his prayer, and every breath held his longing for victory.

When he finally arrived at Shinji Mountain, an ancient temple stood solemnly atop the peak, like a wise elder weathered by time, emanating a tranquil and mysterious aura. As he entered the temple, incense smoke curled upward and the tolling of bells echoed melodiously, as though telling ancient tales. With a devout heart, Uchiha Ying knelt before the Buddha statue, slowly closed his eyes, pressed his palms together, and prayed in silence. He prayed for the gods' protection, that they might all return safely from the brutal battle, that Konoha Village might safely endure this unprecedented crisis, and that peace might once again descend upon this land.

After finishing his prayers, Uchiha Ying slowly rose to his feet. There was now an added measure of determination and composure in his eyes, as though he had found a beacon to guide him forward and dispel the gloom in his heart.

Then, just as Uchiha Ying was preparing to leave Shinji Mountain, a lively figure suddenly entered his sight. It was an adorable girl with golden twin ponytails—none other than ten-year-old Tsunade. Like a dazzling beam of sunlight, she stood out especially brightly in the quiet surroundings, radiating vigorous vitality as though she could drive away all darkness in the world.

Little Tsunade blinked her gemstone-bright eyes. Curiosity first flashed through them, followed by surprise, and her clear voice rang out like a mountain spring. "Uchiha Ying?" Uchiha Ying paused slightly, then the corners of his lips lifted into a faint smile, warm and gentle like a spring breeze. "You came to pray too?" A blush instantly spread across little Tsunade's cheeks like the evening clouds. She lowered her head shyly, unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers.

After a moment, as though gathering tremendous courage, she slipped her little hand into her skirt pocket and pulled out an exquisitely crafted omamori pouch. Its embroidery was delicate and masterful, its colors bright and eye-catching. Every stitch carried her feelings; it was clearly something she had made with great care. Tsunade held the pouch out before Uchiha Ying, concern and worry in her eyes, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "I sewed this stitch by stitch. It really pricked my fingers. Here, take it. Don't die on the battlefield." Looking at the small gift before him, Uchiha Ying felt a warm current flow through his heart, warming every corner of it. He slowly reached out and carefully accepted the pouch, gently tracing its beautiful patterns as though touching the most precious treasure in the world. His gaze grew exceptionally tender, like the warm spring sun, as he looked at little Tsunade and said seriously, "Thank you."

At those words, little Tsunade's face turned bright red, as red as a ripe apple. Like a startled rabbit, her heart pounding wildly, she hurriedly turned and ran away. Her golden twin ponytails danced happily in the wind, and her small figure overflowed with vitality and innocence. That retreating silhouette, like a skipping note, left a deep impression in Uchiha Ying's eyes.

Uchiha Ying watched little Tsunade's receding figure, the corners of his mouth lifting into a warm smile. This small omamori pouch seemed to possess magical power, bringing him endless strength. He gripped it tightly, as though holding the entire world, and secretly swore that he would fight bravely on the battlefield, protect everything he cherished, and not betray little Tsunade's pure feelings.

Meanwhile, little Tsunade ran as she felt her heart pounding wildly in her chest like a startled deer. She did not know why she had done such a thing, but she knew that at this moment, she wanted Uchiha Ying to return safely. That wish was incomparably strong, like a flame burning in her heart that would never go out. From that moment onward, the handsome Uchiha Ying and the omamori pouch in his hand were deeply imprinted in little Tsunade's heart, becoming the brightest color in her childhood memories.