Chapter 150: Take the Initiative to Attack!

After a day of hard work, the Konoha Raiders' base was successfully surrounded by a towering rock wall. Even the central command post had been converted into a fortified stone structure.

The village's defensive capabilities had significantly improved. Although there were no Wood Release ninjas like Yamato to create advanced structures, the living conditions of the surprise attack troops had undergone dramatic changes.

Following that, Uzumaki Raiden led the barrier team to reconfigure the enchantments. The new barrier combined perception and defense, encompassing the entire village. The barrier's maintenance was handed over to the barrier team, with Uzumaki Raiden no longer directly involved.

As night deepened, Konoha's ninjas stood guard along the stone walls surrounding the village, and the gates were tightly closed.

In the night sky, the crescent moon hung like a silver hook, surrounded by twinkling stars, forming a breathtaking scene. But under this serene sky, a crisis loomed over the Konoha surprise attack force.

Twenty miles east of the Konoha stronghold, a large Iwa force had gathered at the base of a rocky peak. Leading them was the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, who was dispatching scouts toward the Konoha stronghold, awaiting the perfect moment to strike.

Simultaneously, to the west, another group of Iwa forces, led by the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, Han, was stealthily advancing toward the stronghold.

Within the village, Uzumaki Raiden, sleeping lightly, suddenly felt a disturbance and rose from his stone bed. Just as he did, the dormitory door swung open, and Hyuga Hizashi stepped inside, speaking in a low voice:

"The barrier team has reported a large number of chakra signatures detected to the east and west of the village simultaneously, exceeding a thousand in total."

"Their target is us!"

Raiden, already aware through his connection to the barrier, quickly dressed and moved to the command room. He glanced out the window at the dark sky and asked in a calm yet firm tone:

"Has the ninja sent to contact the Sand Village returned?"

"No news yet," Hizashi replied, his tone heavy. The tales he had heard of Iwa's strength weighed heavily on him.

"That means we're on our own tonight."

"Gather the barrier team in the meeting room. Notify Sakumo to increase vigilance around the village perimeter. Sound the alarm and wake all ninjas. Have them prepare for battle, assemble in their units, and await orders."

"Summon all ninjas ranked Chunin or higher to the meeting room. Hizashi, fetch Kaoru and Duy— the three of you will serve as my exclusive messengers."

Raiden issued his commands swiftly. At the same time, his mind remained connected to the barrier, carefully analyzing the chakra signatures of the approaching forces. The barrier could discern chakra strength, which provided critical intelligence about the enemy's power.

Raiden's expression turned grim.

"These two teams are incredibly strong," he muttered. The chakra signatures of the two leading figures were particularly intense—far beyond the rest of the Iwa forces. Based on intelligence, they were likely the Jinchuriki commanders.

"Their forces are elite assault units led by Jinchuriki. Iwa is intent on crushing us."

As Raiden mulled over his plan, the high-ranking ninjas began gathering in the command room. Once everyone had arrived, Raiden addressed them.

"You should all understand the situation. Iwa has split into two forces advancing toward us for a potential night attack."

"Here is my order: all Jonin from the combat squads will follow my direct command."

"As for the base, full authority is granted to Hatake Sakumo."

"Sakumo, you will stay here with your team. Do not initiate an attack. Use the barrier to stall for time. If the Iwa forces change course and attack the base, delay them."

Raiden's words caused a stir among the group. Aburame Shiguro immediately voiced his concern:

"Are you saying you're not going to rely on the barrier to resist their attack?"

Though Raiden hadn't explicitly stated his intentions, Shiguro quickly deduced his plan.

"Of course not," Raiden said with a sharp glare. "Why wait here passively for two Jinchuriki to join forces? I plan to take the initiative and destroy one of their units before they can converge."

A fiery determination lit Raiden's eyes. However, his declaration was met with opposition. Fukuyama was the first to protest loudly:

"No, this is far too risky!"

"The enemy consists of Iwa's elite forces. Even with all the Jonin, victory is uncertain. It could take too long and cost us dearly. The safest option is to hold the base with the barrier and request reinforcements from the village."

Before Fukuyama could finish, Raiden lunged forward, gripping his neck tightly. A dangerous glint shone in Raiden's eyes as he spoke coldly:

"I said all Jonin are to follow my orders. I don't want to hear objections. I want a simple answer: yes or no. Do you understand?"

Raiden's palm glowed with sealing chakra, immobilizing Fukuyama. Unable to speak further, Fukuyama remained silent, and Raiden's piercing gaze swept across the others.

"In two minutes, gather all combat-class ninjas!"

"The rest will follow Hatake Sakumo's command."

Raiden's commanding voice turned hesitation into resolute compliance. A unified "Yes!" echoed through the room.

Under the starry sky, the stone gate of the Konoha stronghold slowly opened. More than fifty figures slipped out silently, led by Uzumaki Raiden. Among them was Sarutobi Shinnosuke, who had joined the team to confront the Iwa forces head-on.

The group advanced swiftly through the rocky terrain, maintaining perfect silence.

To the west, Han was rallying his troops for the final surprise attack when, suddenly, a bolt of lightning tore through the night sky, crashing into the center of his formation. The explosive thunder devastated a dozen ninjas instantly.

A sharp voice pierced the chaos:

"Attack!"

"Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!"

Thick black smoke rolled over the Iwa forces, followed by a fiery explosion. Though many ninjas managed to evade, the attack disrupted their formation.

Then, dark silhouettes descended from above, launching a brutal assault. Ninjutsu erupted across the battlefield as chaos engulfed the Iwa troops.

At the forefront, Han was confronted by a red-haired youth who struck with a blade as swift as lightning.

"Who are you? -- Uzumaki Raiden!"

Han finally saw his opponent's face. A white tail shot out from behind Han, blocking the oncoming blade.

(End of this chapter)