Chapter 54: Night Attack! (Two-in-One) Twenty Miles Outside Sanfang City

As night fell, the combined forces of Iwagakure and Amegakure arrived within striking distance of Sanfang City after a relentless advance. Despite Mitokado Homura's swift response, the enemy's determination and disregard for their own losses enabled them to break through multiple checkpoints. Abandoning their wounded, the joint forces positioned themselves near Sanfang City, preparing for their next move.

"Hold positions. We attack Sanfang City at dawn," commanded the leader of the combined forces, a middle-aged man with striking blond hair. His face bore the marks of time, yet his sharp features had only been refined with age. He bore an uncanny resemblance to Deidara, as if the latter were a younger reflection of him.

A rotund Iwagakure shinobi approached him with a report. "Captain, intelligence indicates that Konoha's three legendary disciples are leading reinforcements and are less than 12 hours away from Sanfang City."

The blond captain smirked. "Perfect. I have a plan."

Sanfang City: Late Night

The city was on high alert. The explosion earlier that evening and reports of enemy forces had triggered strict curfews. Patrols multiplied as Konoha shinobi secured the city, their vigilance heightened.

In a quiet corner of the city, a patrol team paused for a short break.

"Jiji, how long do you think this war will last?" one young shinobi asked his companion while accepting a cigarette. "I haven't seen my family in two years. My kid was born after I left… I wonder if he'll even recognize me when I go home."

Another shinobi, older and weathered, lit his cigarette. "None of us knows. I just want to see my wife and mother again. They've been taking care of each other while I'm here." His gaze drifted to the moonlit sky, filled with longing.

Their moment of quiet was shattered by a sudden whistling sound. A white clay bird descended from the sky, landing a short distance away.

"What's that—?" Jiji began to ask, stepping forward to investigate.

"BOOM!"

The clay detonated before he could take another step. Flames engulfed the entire area, consuming the patrol team in seconds.

The First Strike

Explosions erupted across Sanfang City, one after another, as white clay bombs rained from the sky. Entire blocks went up in flames, the fiery glow illuminating the dark night. The city descended into chaos.

In the command room, Mitokado Homura and his advisors were strategizing when the first explosion shook the building. Moments later, an Anbu shinobi burst in.

"Report! The enemy has breached the barrier and initiated an aerial assault. A squad of over fifty enemy shinobi is bombarding the city!"

Homura rushed outside, followed by his advisors. The sight that greeted them was apocalyptic—fires raging, debris scattered, and screams filling the air.

"Where's the barrier team? Why haven't they neutralized the threat?" Homura demanded, his voice calm but firm.

An Anbu agent replied, "The barrier team suspects sabotage. A spy likely leaked the barrier's weaknesses. They are currently fortifying key structures to prevent further damage."

Homura nodded grimly. "Evacuate the command staff to a secure location immediately."

Raiden's Response

Uzumaki Raiden was jolted awake by the explosions. His first instinct was to summon shadow clones and form a Four Purple Flame Formation around his room. Ensuring his immediate safety, he stepped out to assess the situation.

"Uzumaki Raiden!" came the voice of Hyuga Hiashi outside. "What are you doing? The city is under attack! We need to help the injured!"

Raiden nodded, grabbing his gear and joining Hiashi. Together, they ventured into the burning city, navigating through collapsing buildings and searching for survivors. Uchiha Fugaku soon joined them, carrying a gravely injured man on his back.

"Any chakra reactions nearby?" Fugaku asked Hiashi, who activated his Byakugan.

"None. Let's move this man to the nearest barrier."

The Arsenal's Barrier

At the city's center, a purple barrier protected Konoha's arsenal, one of several strategic locations. Civilians who had survived the initial assault gathered outside the barrier, pleading for sanctuary.

"Please, let us in! We'll die out here!" they cried, desperation etched on their faces.

Inside the barrier, Nara Shikashin observed the scene with a heavy heart. A young Aburame shinobi beside him asked, "Sir, can't we save them? Many are injured."

Shikashin sighed. "We're protecting the arsenal—one of Konoha's most critical assets. If even one spy slips in, it could spell disaster. We don't have the resources to save everyone."

"But they're innocent—"

"Innocent or not, we can't take the risk," Shikashin said firmly. "Focus on the mission."

Outside the barrier, Hiashi, Fugaku, and Raiden arrived with the injured man. Hiashi called out, "This is Hyuga Hiashi of Konoha! Open the barrier!"

The barrier's defenders complied, but as the gate opened, the desperate civilians surged forward, pushing past the Konoha shinobi.

"Let us in!" they screamed, trampling each other in their desperation.

A sudden gust of wind from within the barrier blew them back, closing the gate before anyone could enter. The injured man Raiden and his team had rescued was left outside, surrounded by the desperate mob.

Fugaku's Fury

Inside the barrier, Fugaku rounded on Shikashin. "Why didn't you let them in? They're just civilians!"

Shikashin's gaze hardened. "Don't mistake compassion for wisdom, Fugaku. If even one of them is a spy, the consequences could be catastrophic."

"But they're human lives!"

"And so are the lives of the shinobi here! I'm responsible for the safety of this arsenal and the people defending it. Sometimes, you have to make hard choices."

Fugaku clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. Raiden, meanwhile, remained silent, his eyes scanning the sky above the barrier.

Before anyone could say more, a deafening explosion shook the ground. A clay bomb had detonated just outside the barrier, consuming the civilians in a fiery inferno.

"No!" Fugaku shouted, rushing to the edge of the barrier.

The scene outside was grim—flames, smoke, and silence where the mob had been moments ago.

(End of Chapter)

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