Chapter 148: Airborne Commander!

Onoki's plan to deploy Roshi and Han, the two Jinchuriki, to eliminate Konoha and Sand Ninja forces in the Land of Earth was progressing smoothly. Reports of success frequently reached Iwa Ninja Village, bolstering morale. However, on the fourth day, Rasa of the Sand Ninja arrived at the front lines, leading the remaining Sand Ninja forces. Under his command, they successfully halted the offensive led by Roshi.

When this news reached Onoki, his fury was palpable. Still, he acted decisively. Seeing that Sand Ninja had committed significant forces to the Land of Earth, he ordered Roshi to combine his forces with Han's and focus on dismantling Konoha's strongholds. Onoki's strategy was clear: eliminate the weaker enemy first, then turn full force against the Sand Ninja.

The result was devastating. Konoha's strongholds faced even more aggressive attacks. Under the combined assault of Roshi and Han, Konoha's forces were forced to retreat, suffering significant casualties.

A Village on the Border of the Land of Earth

This village, once home to a thousand households, had been the largest settlement within a hundred miles. However, after Konoha's ninjas arrived, they eliminated the local ninjas and drove the civilians away. The village was converted into Konoha's largest stronghold in the Land of Earth.

After days of retreating and regrouping, the stronghold now held all the surviving Konoha ninjas in the Land of Earth.

Inside the Command Tent

"Captain, Iwa Ninja's attacks are too fierce—we can't hold them off," said Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the eldest son of the Third Hokage. "The barrier team is down to just over a dozen members. The mission has failed. We need to retreat."

The command tent, a massive structure in the center of the stronghold, held nearly 20 Konoha commanders, including the captain and sub-captains of the surprise attack force.

"Shinnosuke, are you out of your mind?" a voice shot back.

"What failure? We still have over 300 people! We haven't lost yet!"

The voice belonged to Hyuga Makoto, another sub-captain. He stood, pointing an accusing finger at Shinnosuke. "We only need to hold on a little longer. Our forces in the Rain Country will breach Iwa Ninja's defenses and come to our aid. If we retreat now and our actions lead to a full-scale defeat, can you take responsibility?"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke met the accusation with equal intensity. "Makoto, stop twisting the narrative. Do you think we can withstand the might of Roshi and Han? Or are you saying you can defeat Roshi yourself?"

"Retreating isn't surrender—it's a tactical withdrawal. We need to regroup and create distance to reduce their momentum and regain control. This is called a transfer, do you understand?"

The two commanders argued heatedly, their voices filling the tent.

"Enough!"

A sharp voice silenced the room. The speaker was Yume Shiguro, the young commander-in-chief of the surprise attack force. Though only in his early thirties, Shiguro commanded respect as a trusted ally of the Third Hokage.

He slammed his hand on the table. "I order the troops to move back."

"Report!"

A Konoha ninja burst into the tent. "Six members of Anbu have arrived outside the village. They claim to be acting under orders from the Third Hokage."

Shiguro's expression shifted. "Bring them in immediately."

Before the ninja could act, the flap of the tent opened, and six figures stepped inside. Leading them was a man wearing a death mask. Even before he spoke, the air of authority and power he exuded filled the room.

"We're here," said the masked man, his voice young but commanding.

"From this moment on, I will assume command of all Konoha forces in the Land of Earth. Everyone will follow my orders."

With that, the man removed his mask, revealing a young face—too young for the gravity of the battlefield.

"You're…?" Sarutobi Shinnosuke stammered, recognizing him.

The room fell into stunned silence as everyone took in the sight of Uzumaki Raiden. Though his name had spread across the ninja world, few had ever seen him in person.

Shiguro, sitting at the head of the table, broke the silence. "I'm sorry, but who are you? I don't believe we've met. You say you're taking command?"

"My name is Uzumaki Raiden," Raiden replied calmly. "From today, I am the commander of the surprise attack force. This is by order of the Third Hokage."

Raiden retrieved a scroll from his cloak and handed it to Shiguro. Even as Shiguro read the scroll, suspicion lingered in the room.

"Raiden? Why would the Third Hokage send you here?" a middle-aged ninja named Fukuyama asked. "Your identity… doesn't align with this role."

Raiden understood the subtext—Fukuyama knew he was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Before Raiden could respond, an Anbu member behind him removed his mask, revealing himself as Hatake Sakumo.

"Sakumo?"

"Hatake Sakumo! Konoha's White Fang?"

The room erupted in murmurs. None of the gathered commanders had known that Sakumo had faked his death. His presence silenced any lingering doubts about Raiden's legitimacy.

"Sakumo, since you're here, why not take command?" Fukuyama asked, still skeptical.

Sakumo glanced at Raiden with a faint smile. "Raiden is exceptionally talented. The Third Hokage made the right choice. This is his mission."

Shinnosuke muttered under his breath, "You can't resist Iwa Ninja with talent alone…"

Though quiet, his words were heard by everyone. Some smiled wryly, while others frowned. The room's tension thickened as skepticism over Raiden's abilities lingered.

(End of Chapter)