Chapter 41: From Now On, Call Me the War Hero! (1/2)

The Land of Earth is surrounded by mountains on all sides, providing a solid natural defense with its rugged terrain. This gives Iwagakure a significant military advantage in terms of defense.

However, this natural fortification also comes with obvious drawbacks. The strong defensive advantages are not something Iwagakure built themselves but are a result of the natural conditions. While it can fend off external threats, it also leads to isolation and difficulties in resource circulation.

After the Third Great Ninja War, Onoki had employed outside forces to keep up with the developments in the ninja world and to carry out various covert operations. But in the current period, Onoki had evidently chosen a more straightforward approach—war!

The essence of war is plunder. Plunder of land, plunder of resources!

Iwagakure was not afraid of war. If necessary, they could retreat into the Land of Earth and fight a defensive battle!

What impressed Wakaho the most, however, was not Iwagakure's "warlike" nature but their super strategy—the mass troop warfare model!

It was said that the Third Raikage single-handedly fought against ten thousand Iwagakure ninjas, battling for three days until exhausted and perishing—truly a hero.

Yet, even with Iwagakure fighting on two fronts against Konoha and Kumogakure, and in the later stages of the war still deploying such a vast number of ninjas, it was quite remarkable.

But it was precisely because of this mass troop strategy that the more ninjas on the front lines, the greater the need for supplies.

Konoha's two attempts to destroy the Shinu Bridge were precisely targeting this vulnerability.

"Quite a... massive bridge," Wakaho remarked, standing atop a mountain peak, nibbling on an emergency food pill as he looked down at the enormous stone bridge spanning the gap between two mountains. He was somewhat in awe.

The bridge seemed to be embedded between the two mountains, with a turbulent river below, its waters wild and fierce. Even the Mist ninjas would probably hesitate to traverse it.

There were numerous Iwagakure ninjas stationed on either side of the bridge, some wrapped in bandages, and the bridge's surface bore the scars of previous battles.

"It seems that White Fang must have retreated, probably to avoid the village's reprimand."

"Did he give up when he saw his comrades couldn't hold out any longer?"

"…It does show some guts," Wakaho muttered, observing from high above.

Compared to Minato's mission, Iwagakure had only three Jonin guarding this place, and due to the communication blockade, they mistook Kakashi for White Fang, which led to a series of events...

Now that the war had just begun and Iwagakure had ample manpower, they naturally had strict defenses at this strategic location.

The mission to blow up the bridge was naturally more challenging.

But whether it was Minato's mission or White Fang's, penetrating this place to destroy the bridge was not going to be easy.

Unless the attacker could fly and had enough explosive tags.

"I didn't expect the bridge demolition mission to fall to me..."

"Too bad I don't know Water Style—otherwise, this war hero could have gotten away with it."

Wakaho raised an eyebrow.

Danzo, the old scoundrel, wanted to kill him and even tried to persuade Orochimaru to join the glorious action against the Uchiha.

Orochimaru had temporarily refused Danzo's proposal and even "borrowed" his hand to burn down a Root ninja of the same level as Oil Girl Ryoma.

Although it seemed Orochimaru was not yet interested in collaborating with Danzo, Wakaho knew that if Orochimaru became Hokage, the two would likely end up working together.

At that time, this "bravery" of his would naturally become a casualty.

Both Orochimaru and Danzo were chess players, playing a grand game of "Hokage Competition + Elimination of the Uchiha."

Wakaho just wanted to develop and avoid becoming a player. His current goal was to be the best piece on the board.

The identity of future Uchiha Clan Leader and Fourth Hokage's direct disciple might still be a bit short of "best," but adding "Konoha's War Hero" and "Konoha White Fang's Redeemer" to the list would make a different story...

"Tsk..."

"Looks like these explosive tags can't be sold for money."

Wakaho counted the explosive tags, including those given by Orochimaru and those he had acquired along the way. There were about ten or so in total.

Not many, but if he chose the right places to plant them, they should be enough to bring the bridge down.

And he could claim all the credit himself.

Because Manda was so large, he had arrived early and, before leaving, had mocked Manda by using a Fire Ball to simulate a fire dragon's fart.

At this moment, there should be only a few mountains left between him and the battlefield.