Chapter 41: Ninja War and Open Strategy

"Well then, from now on, we formally establish our alliance, Lord Hanzō."

"I understand, but you must withstand the pressure, or it will be a loss for both of us."

Inside a building in the Land of Rain, Ebizō and Hanzō were discussing strategies for attacking Konoha.

After three days of probing and clashes, they finally came up with a plan that was barely satisfactory to both sides.

Both Sand and Rain ninjas had high expectations for this battle.

For these two naturally disadvantaged ninja villages, the thought of occupying a lush, vibrant land greatly excited their nerves.

In a sense, this could be seen as their alternate "war of founding."

The brain-draining diplomatic tug-of-war had ended. Ebizō rubbed his face, which had gone sour, and relaxed, taking out a cigarette.

He couldn't help but smile in anticipation. Amid the swirling smoke, he seemed to see the children of the Land of Wind no longer running through sandstorms, no longer suffering from hunger, growing up beautifully and freely.

He offered Hanzō a cigarette too, but seeing the gas mask perpetually on his face, he laughed silently to himself and enjoyed it alone.

Hanzō sneered. If not for their current alliance, he might have offered Ebizō some of his own salamander brand tobacco.

"In any case, this is not the time for us to relax yet. Let me stress again, you Sand Ninjas must attract Uchiha Natsuo to the battlefield."

Ebizō squinted, pondering Hanzō's intentions, and slowly responded:

"No one can say for sure what will happen on the battlefield. All we can do is increase our troop deployment."

"If Hiruzen Sarutobi still employs conservative tactics, he will definitely send either Sakumo Hatake or Uchiha Natsuo against our Sand Ninjas."

"After all, our puppet techniques are a nightmare for those focused on ninjutsu."

Hanzō's face was still dark. He didn't trust the Sand Village people even after signing an alliance.

If the puppet techniques were as invincible as they claimed, they wouldn't have been stuck in the desert all this time.

Hanzō deeply understood that Konoha's heritage and strength were unparalleled in the ninja world.

"I don't care about the details. If Uchiha Natsuo does not have a clear presence on the battlefield, I will not get involved personally."

"You Sand Ninjas need to show some real effort, be ready to deploy the Tailed Beasts. Stop using them just as temple mascots!"

Ebizō waved his hand and said, "Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is the First Hokage's wife. Sarutobi and others wouldn't shamelessly send her to the battlefield."

"In this war, the chances of Tailed Beasts appearing are very low."

Hanzō said nothing more. Facing the Land of Rain, even the weakest of the Five Great Nations, the Land of Wind, couldn't help but exude a sense of pride.

After all, the Land of Wind possessed Tailed Beasts known as "natural disasters." The Rain Ninjas only had an old man and a few salamanders.

"I am just giving advice. Also, do not play any tricks on the battlefield. To Konoha, there's no difference between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain; both are minor nations."

Ebizō's expression did not change at Hanzō's threat. He finished his cigarette calmly, stood up with a smile, shook hands, and turned to leave.

"Damn Rain Ninja, speaking with that damp tone."

"Damn Sand Ninja, speaking with that barren tone."

Such is the ninja world, where trusting allies is less reliable than believing in the Sage of Six Paths. Backstabbing is routine, while loyalty is laughable.

One month later, in Konoha Square.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in the Hokage's ceremonial robe, stood solemnly on the high platform, reading an order from the Daimyo.

".To protect the peace of our ally, the Land of Rivers, I hereby order Konoha Village to retaliate strongly. Drive away the invading enemies to uphold the honor of the Land of Fire."

".This order is issued by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, on the fifth of July, the thirty-eighth year of the new era."

The Third Hokage coughed, quietly observing the expressions of the villagers.

Nearing fifty years old, he had been in the position for over twenty years but had never led a major campaign.

The result of this war would leave a significant mark on Konoha's history and determine his legacy as the Third Hokage.

Whether he would be seen as the worthy successor to the Second Hokage, who led the village to prosperity, or as a ruler who guarded a golden bowl only to beg, history would begin to inscribe its judgment from this battlefield onward.

Recalling the scene where he volunteered to cover the retreat, seeing the dense crowd before him, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a surge of pride. This was his achievement, the embodiment of Konoha's prosperity!

He coughed heavily and said in a deep voice:

"Orders, Orochimaru will be the Chief Commander against the Rain Ninjas. Tsunade and Jiraiya will be Deputy Commanders."

"Orders, Sakumo Hatake will be the Chief Commander against the Sand Ninjas. Dan Kato and Shikayama Nara will be Deputy Commanders."

"Orders, Uchiha Natsuo will be the Chief Commander of the Hunter-Nin Unit. Fugaku Uchiha will be the Deputy Commander."

Upon hearing Fugaku's name, many Jonin present showed surprise.

A teenager as Deputy Commander? Is this a joke?

Beside Natsuo, Setsuna was already fuming with anger, ready to charge up the stage if not for the setting.

The Third Hokage's expression remained unchanged. He solemnly handed the orders to the three Chief Commanders, then turned towards the crowd, bending slightly.

"This war is Konoha's first in twenty years of peace."

"Many in the ninja world have forgotten the prestige of Konoha and seek to challenge our ninjas and take our land!"

"For the Land of Fire, for Konoha, for the Will of Fire, everyone, give it your all!!"

The Third Hokage roared. The surrounding Anbu reinforced his speech with ninjutsu, making his voice resonate throughout Konoha.

The civilians looked forward with hope, while the ninjas had mixed expressions.

Some wept and shouted to make the most of their youth, like Might Duy.

Some had steady expressions and respectful eyes, like Sakumo Hatake.

Some looked thoughtful, squinting at the Third Hokage, like leaders of the major ninja clans.

Only the Uchiha clan showed anger mixed with excitement. They anticipated the war but were unhappy with the orders.

The Third Hokage, head lowered, observed the reactions, faintly satisfied, and said solemnly:

"Then, may you all have good fortune in battle. Konoha's combat units, follow the order, and march!"

"March! March! March!"

The enthusiastic response echoed throughout Konoha during the village meeting.

Unable to hide a smile, the Third Hokage controlled his expression as he watched the fervent response.

In the shadows of the meeting, Danzo Shimura observed with a dark gaze, deep in thought.

The units assembled, each group gathered in an orderly manner.

Setsuna approached Natsuo in anger.

"What's this about? Over half of your unit consists of our Uchiha clan members, the rest are civilians!"

"How dare those scum in the Hokage building treat us Uchiha like this!"

Natsuo glanced at the Third Hokage, a hint of coldness in his eyes, softly calming Setsuna.

"Relax, clan leader. Let me teach you a phrase, 'small impatience spoils big plans.' I have it under control."

As Chief Commander, besides gaining war merit, what else could be gained?

The crucial thing was the unparalleled opportunity to build camaraderie with various ninjas in the village.

War is not just a meatgrinder; it's a catalyst for bonds and friendships.

Through war, the battlefield leader can weave a network of comrades as their staunchest supporters.

The Third's move could be considered an open strategy.

Using Natsuo's combat style as a pretext, he gave him a hunting unit, not responsible for the battlefield.

A few days ago, in private, he even mentioned the relationship between Kushina and Minato, implicitly threatening him.

After some negotiation, they reached an agreement.

The hunting unit would be mainly Uchiha, with a few other clan members as supplements.

And Kushina's relationship with Minato would not be interfered with again. Kushina could choose whether to become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.

This condition showed the Third's willingness to concede.

Natsuo held Setsuna's shoulder, whispering, "Take care of the clan, old leader. Trust me, they won't stay complacent for long."