Chapter 318: Gojo's War Declaration Inspires Retired Shinobi!

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Soon, under Nara Shikaku's arrangement, Elite Shinobi were selected.

"Hiashi Hyūga, Hizashi Hyūga, Kosuke Maruboshi, Chen…"

All were prominent Elite Shinobi in Konoha.

Jiraiya's gaze faltered, instinctively stopping at the two last name.

Kosuke Maruboshi, he knew. Older than even him. Though officially just a Genin in the Hokage Tower's roster, those who knew him understood—Kosuke Maruboshi was strong, among Konoha's strongest, an absolute Elite.

His Water Release, learned from the Second Hokage, could even fight on par with Jiraiya's Fire Release.

But Jiraiya's confusion wasn't about Kosuke Maruboshi, but the one after him.

Jiraiya asked, bewildered, "Chen—I remember he died in the Third Shinobi World War. How is he on this list?"

"Actually…" Nara Shikaku explained.

Gojo Kaigetsu's war declaration had been undoubtedly successful.

Old soldiers never die, nor do they fade away!

That near-brainwashing war declaration had resolved the inner conflicts of many retired Shinobi, reigniting the flames in their hearts.

What's with that expression? That look in your eyes? And those tears? Can your tears defeat the enemy? Can they protect Konoha's land? Does your self-pity do justice to those who died protecting Konoha?

Gojo Kaigetsu's speech had not only recalled retired Shinobi but also those who had "faked their deaths" to live in seclusion.

The Strongest Taijutsu user, the Leaf Dragon God — Chen, was one of them.

Shinobi like the Sannin, with their strength and connections, could leave the Village with a simple notice. No one could force them to do anything.

But for ordinary Shinobi, if they wanted to avoid being disturbed, retirement was useless. Possessing strength without power, even if they retired due to inner turmoil, they would still be conscripted by the Hokage, constantly harassed by Anbu.

Especially when the incumbent Hokage was Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the elder was Danzo Shimura—faking one's death was the best way to escape harassment.

Jiraiya understood, a moment of silence falling.

"Konoha—has failed such Shinobi—But I'm curious, what did the Fifth Hokage say to make such a Shinobi return to fight for Konoha?"

———

Shinobi assembled outside the tent.

A logistics Shinobi approached with a steaming bowl of food. "Lord Jiraiya, would you like to eat first?"

"Speed is of the essence. I'll skip the meal. Keep the wine warm. Let the food get cold. It won't be too late to eat after I've dealt with the Iwagakure forces."

Jiraiya stretched, accepting a Shinobi tool pouch from Nara Shikaku, and strode out of the tent.

Outside, one hundred Konoha Shinobi stood, their Will of Fire burning brightly. The moment their gazes fell upon Jiraiya, even his war-weary body stirred with anticipation.

Perhaps, this was the charm of the Will of Fire.

Jiraiya clenched his fist, raising it high. "A-hem!"

———

Allied Shinobi Forces Command Tent.

"Tonight, Iwagakure's Earth Release combination units will clear all traps laid by Konoha on the main attack route. At dawn tomorrow, the Allied Shinobi Forces will attack together. How can Konoha possibly stop us?"

"I fear a surprise attack from Konoha~"

"We've deployed numerous Shinobi as guards. If Konoha attempts a surprise attack? They're seeking death~"

A clenched his fists, the sound of cracking knuckles filling the tent. He said confidently, "Worst-case scenario, even if the front lines are in trouble, I can provide support at the fastest possible speed."

"If Konoha Shinobi launched a night raid, I will ensure they all remain in Kusagakure."

Ōnoki snorted noncommittally, acknowledging the Raikage's confidence. As old rivals, they were familiar with each other's unique jutsu.

Heavenly Transfer Jutsu!

It instantly teleported the target to a designated location at high speed.

The intense friction with the air caused by such high speeds would tear an ordinary body apart. Only the Third Raikage, having honed his muscles to their peak, had successfully used the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu.

And the Fourth Raikage, inheriting the Third Raikage's bloodline, could also withstand such high-speed tearing. Not a kekkei genkai, but as good as one.

Facing such an instantaneous movement ninjutsu, the Raikage family was a headache. But as an ally—they were quite reassuring.

The combination units were protected by numerous guards, but these Hidden Shinobi couldn't evade the Byakugan's detection.

The risk of a Konoha surprise attack was high. But thinking from Konoha's perspective, if they wanted to continue using exploding tags to delay the Allied advance, they had to attack tonight.

This was an open gambit, a trap set, waiting for Konoha Shinobi to fall into it.

If they couldn't stop Iwagakure's minesweeping operation tonight, sixty thousand Allied Shinobi would have a clear path to Konoha.

The forest would be transformed into a plain by Earth Release. Sixty thousand versus ten thousand! A war of attrition, a battle for national destiny, on the open plains of Kusagakure!

Then, absolute numerical superiority, regardless of Konoha's tactics, would be insurmountable.

Defeat... would be swift and utter!

Ōnoki spoke, "Ultimately, why does Konoha want to delay our attack? Do you have any ideas?"

"Hmph—Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, under the protection of the Fourth Hokage, has entered a secret realm within our Land of Lightning for childbirth. The protection detail also includes Tsunade, Yugito Nii, and Fugaku Uchiha."

"They fear our Cloud Shinobi will take advantage of the jinchuriki's vulnerability during childbirth to launch a surprise attack. That's why they've assembled so many top-tier combatants for protection. They never expected—I had no intention of bothering with them!" The Raikage puffed out his chest, his expression filled with pride.

"Meaning, the Konoha Shinobi we're facing in Kusagakure are trying to buy time for the Fourth Hokage to return with Konoha's top forces? Ridiculous."

Baki sneered, "Our Sunagakure has already dispatched Elder Chiyo to command the Elite puppet master units. Tonight, they will launch a surprise attack through the Konoha-Suna trade route. What about you?"

"The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, will raid Otogakure tonight, seizing control and protecting the Daimyo."

"Our Kirigakure's Seven Shinobi Swordsmen will also mobilize tonight, attacking Konoha's key ports via the Kannabi Bridge."

"Heh—It seems everyone is quite eager to deal with Konoha~" Ōnoki nodded, satisfied.

With everyone on board, Konoha's defeat was imminent!

Suddenly, a Cloud Shinobi burst into the temporary command tent, whispering something in the Raikage's ear.

The Raikage's lips curled upwards. "It seems—the fish has taken the bait."

"Konoha has indeed come! The one leading the night raid is one of the Sannin, Jiraiya—I'll go first. You follow as quickly as possible! If we can eliminate one of the Sannin, Jiraiya, tonight, Konoha's morale will collapse!"

Heavenly Transfer Jutsu, activate—

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