Chapter 456 War is Imminent

The army of White Zetsu advancing from Konoha, though far fewer in number compared to the Allied Shinobi Forces, was still a formidable threat. However, what truly struck fear into the hearts of the shinobi were the reanimated ninja emerging one after another from within the White Zetsu ranks. These were legendary figures who had once made their mark in the shinobi world. While they might not have been as prominent as the Kage, they were still forces to be reckoned with.

First among them were the former Jinchūriki, the hosts of the Tailed Beasts. Though they had long since passed away, they still retained a portion of their Tailed Beast chakra. Among them were Yugito Nii of the Two-Tails, Yagura of the Three-Tails, Rōshi of the Four-Tails, Han of the Five-Tails, Utakata of the Six-Tails, Fū of the Seven-Tails, Killer B of the Eight-Tails, and the pseudo-Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Gold and Silver Brothers. The sight of these shinobi sent a chill down the spines of the Allied Forces. Even without their Tailed Beasts, these former hosts were still incredibly powerful. After all, only the strongest could hope to control a Tailed Beast in the first place.

In addition to the Jinchūriki, there were other formidable shinobi with Kekkei Genkai, such as Pakura, and Toroi, as well as renowned figures like Hanzo, Chiyo, Zabuza Momochi, Ameyuri Ringo, Jinin Akebino, Kushimaru Kuriarare, Jinpachi Munashi, Fuguki Suikazan, Mangetsu Hōzuki, Dan Katō, Hizashi Hyūga, Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and many more. While they might not have been on the level of the Kage, they were undoubtedly elite Jonin-level fighters, representing the pinnacle of combat strength. And that wasn't even counting the numerous Chunin and Genin among their ranks. In terms of sheer numbers, the reanimated shinobi alone could likely match the entire Allied Shinobi Forces. Add to that the over 70,000 White Zetsu, and the overwhelming pressure they exuded was enough to make countless shinobi's legs go weak.

At this moment, Madara, accompanied by the reanimated Hokage, as well as the Raikage, Mizukage, Tsuchikage, and Kazekage, stepped to the forefront of the White Zetsu army. The atmosphere grew tense as Madara sat atop a massive boulder, arms crossed.

"Well then," he declared, "now the true Shinobi World War begins! Our goal is the Nine-Tails. Your goal is to protect it. Let's see whether you can hold onto it or if we can seize it!" As he spoke, Madara glanced at Sasuke, who stood nearby. Having chosen not to engage Sasuke in battle, he hoped Sasuke would refrain from interfering. For now, their priority was the Nine-Tails. The Three-Tails Jinchūriki could wait the Nine-Tails' power was far more important.

The shinobi of the Allied Forces, including Darui, Ao, Shikaku Nara, Kankurō, and Kurotsuchi, wore grim expressions. The pressure on the shinobi of the Five Great Nations was immense. Though they weren't facing Sasuke Uchiha, they were up against the legendary Madara Uchiha, as well as Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi who had once brought peace to the war-torn world. With such figures on the enemy's side, the Allied Forces could hardly see a path to victory.

The Five Kage were also in poor condition, having just endured a fierce battle. Tsunade was still guarding Naruto, while Gaara and the others sighed in frustration. "I wonder how far along the Hokage's plan has progressed," Gaara muttered. The Fourth Raikage, A, was equally uneasy. "To entrust such a critical mission to a former rogue ninja... If Itachi Uchiha fails to find Kabuto or can't release the reanimated shinobi from their control, then the Five Great Nations will be destroyed here today."

Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, paled at the thought. "I've fought countless battles in my life, but I never imagined the most difficult one would come at this age." Mei Terumī, the Mizukage, sighed quietly. "No matter what... we have no choice but to press on." With that, the others raised their heads and looked forward, their eyes fixed on the enemy in the distance.

"Then let's begin," they said, stepping forward.

Meanwhile, as tensions reached a boiling point and the two sides prepared to clash, Sasuke made his way to Kimimaro's side. The remnants of the White Zetsu forces had retreated, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, along with Hidan, had also left. Placing a hand on Kimimaro's shoulder, Sasuke began absorbing his Tailed Beast chakra. Kimimaro, though puzzled, wasn't concerned. He assumed Sasuke might be low on chakra after the intense battle. However, Sasuke only took a portion of the Three-Tails' chakra before stopping.

"Lord Sasuke, if you need it, you can take all of my chakra..." Kimimaro offered.

"Do I look like I'm lacking chakra to you?" Sasuke replied. Kimimaro paused, realizing that Sasuke indeed appeared energetic and far from exhausted.

"I only needed a bit of your Tailed Beast chakra," Sasuke explained. He then glanced in the direction of Otogakure. "Since things are heating up over there, go back and bring our true strength to bear." Kimimaro nodded with a smile. "Understood." With that, he left with Jūgo, Suigetsu, and Guren.

As Kimimaro and the others departed, Sasuke turned his gaze toward the Allied Shinobi Forces.

[Congratulations, host. You have obtained a portion of Three-Tails chakra.] 

[Sixth-level Yin-Yang Release upgrade progress: 2/9 chakra units.]

The next step was to obtain the Nine-Tails' chakra and analyze Naruto's Asura chakra. With Madara preoccupied, now was the perfect time to secure the Nine-Tails' power. Naruto... Originally, Sasuke had planned to use Minato Namikaze to obtain the Nine-Tails' chakra, but during the battle, Naruto had taken Minato away. It seemed Naruto was aiming to fully unite the Yin and Yang halves of the Nine-Tails' chakra, which would make him even more formidable. Sasuke couldn't afford to wait any longer.

'Lightning Release: Lightning Flash!' 

With a crackle of electricity, Sasuke transformed into a streak of black lightning, hurtling toward the Allied Shinobi Forces. In the blink of an eye, he was already closing in on Naruto's location.

The Allied Forces, who had been preparing to face Madara, were caught off guard by the sudden flash of black lightning. Before they could react, Sasuke was already past them. Madara, too, was momentarily stunned. "Is Sasuke targeting the Nine-Tails? Damn it! He's trying to seize it while we're busy with the Allied Forces. I can't let him succeed!"

"Charge!" Madara commanded, and the White Zetsu army, along with the reanimated shinobi, surged forward. At the same time, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, appeared beside Madara. "Sasuke! The Nine-Tails... won't be handed to you!" With that, Madara and Tobirama vanished.

On the other side, Sasuke was intercepted mid-air by a shinobi from the Allied Forces. It was Hiashi Hyūga, who unleashed a Mountain Crusher to block Sasuke's path, forcing him to the ground. Sasuke landed, his body crackling with electricity, and looked up at Hiashi.

"The Hyūga clan..." Sasuke muttered, his voice cold.

________________________________________

If you want more chapters, please consider supporting my page on Patreon. with 30 advanced chapters available on Patreon

patreon.com/Leanzin