Hiruzen Sarutobi got straight to the point.
"I already discussed this with Fugaku, but since you're back..."
"This time, you will lead the Akatsuki Squad against the enemy in the northwest."
Xia Le listened quietly, then nodded.
The Third Ninja World War had begun, and there was no avoiding it. No matter how many internal conflicts the village had in ordinary times, everyone would now focus on dealing with the external enemy first.
After leaving the Hokage Office...
Xia Le returned to the Uchiha Clan Grounds and quickly gathered Fugaku and the current members of the Akatsuki Squad.
"Time is short. We can't afford any delays!"
"Everyone, check your equipment and prepare to leave!"
Fugaku nodded.
Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan looked somewhat nervous.
War was never a good thing for anyone. For the three of them in particular, it held a special significance.
That afternoon...
Wearing simple armor, Xia Le and Fugaku led the Akatsuki Squad into the Forest of Konoha, heading northwest.
Tension hung thick in the air. War was poised to erupt.
Chapter 486: A five-person squad
Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Birds flapped their wings and took flight from the branches, while the chirping insects suddenly fell silent.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Several figures flashed through the dense forest. The branches trembled slightly, then grew still again.
"Our mission in this operation is to stop Iwagakure's invasion from the northwest."
"Unlike the last war, Konoha will have to fight on multiple fronts this time."
"The situation across the battlefields is very complicated right now."
Fugaku spoke in a low voice.
Xia Le nodded slightly, his expression relaxed.
According to the original plot, Konoha had actually suffered heavy losses in the Third Ninja World War, losing many outstanding ninja, including