Chapter 113: Pursuit

Two days later, another army of ninja gathered at Konoha's main gate. This time, there was no designated Commander-in-Chief; Tsunade herself took command of the front line. Among all the clans, the Uchiha Clan stood out—their Clan Head personally led the troops to war. In contrast, other Konoha Clans sent only their best members while their leaders remained behind.

The division among the clans was evident, with the Uchiha and Hyūga Clans fielding the largest numbers.

"The Uchiha Clan Head is leading the troops in person, really putting his neck on the line."

Although the Hyūga Clan sent many elites, their Clan Head showed no intention of participating in the battle. Their elevated status in Konoha gave them little reason to take such risks. After all, the so-called high-ranking Konoha members valued the Hyūga Clan's place in the hierarchy.

"That's enough, mind your own business."

The Hyūga Clan leader cast a glance at the Uchiha contingent, his thoughts hidden. Their position in Konoha was already secure, so there was no need to fight so hard. On the battlefield, the Byakugan served as an exceptional radar, ensuring the Hyūga remained vital in wars. However, the strict family hierarchy dividing the main and branch families limited their overall strength. This, perhaps, made them more palatable to Konoha's higher-ups. After all, who among those in power wouldn't favor reliable subordinates with solid abilities who avoided creating trouble?

"Uncle, the Hyūga Clan is quite well represented this time," Fugaku said quietly, standing beside the Clan Head.

"What's the point of having large numbers?" his uncle replied dismissively. "Strength is what counts on the battlefield."

The Uchiha Clan Head didn't spare the Hyūga a glance, radiating an aura of unwavering confidence. The rivalry between the Uchiha and Hyūga had simmered openly and covertly for years. The Hyūga had used their high status to undermine the Uchiha whenever possible. Their tradition of splitting the clan into branches only deepened the divide, making it difficult for them to produce true masters.

Fugaku shifted the topic. "Uncle, if we go, will we have to follow Kawakaze Hatake's commands?"

The Hyūga Clan was no longer his focus. In the grander scheme of things, they were just one of many obstacles in the Uchiha's struggles. Internal conflicts had already drained much of his attention.

"You're right."

"But don't be childish. He's not the same person he used to be."

The Uchiha Clan Head's words carried a hidden meaning. Kawakaze's current combat record had given him considerable influence in Konoha. Combined with his relationship with Tsunade, his importance was undeniable.

"I understand. I will work hard."

Fugaku Uchiha's eyes were firm, though a trace of confusion lingered. Despite his rigorous training, he had not discovered how to further develop his Sharingan.

"You are very talented, and with time, you will surely reach that level. Don't be in a hurry."

For once, the Uchiha Clan Head showed a softer side, gently patting Fugaku's head—a rare gesture. As the Clan Head, he had seen the Stone Monument in the Uchiha Clan's Naka Shrine but failed to grasp the meaning behind the method for awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan. While the Sharingan demanded intense emotional fluctuations to awaken, the Mangekyō required an even stronger stimulus.

He pondered: How strong a stimulus would it have to be?

If Kawakaze had been present, he might have bluntly remarked, "You being killed is probably a strong enough stimulus."

After all, he was Fugaku's only living relative, and had always acted as a father figure.

Fugaku nodded silently, vowing not to disappoint his uncle.

Nearby, other Clan members engaged in quiet conversations. The civilian ninjas remained disciplined, rarely whispering among themselves. Members of the Aburame Clan were identifiable by their goggles, while the Inuzuka Clan stood out with their large dogs.

Konoha had dispatched its strongest forces, yet no formal order to set off had been issued. The Uchihas and Hyūgas took the lead, followed by the other clans. Bringing up the rear were the ordinary ninjas, the most numerous, following in the shadow of the Clan ninjas ahead.

Hierarchy, as always, was an unshakable reality.

The Konoha support force finally began its march.

Meanwhile, the wounded from Konoha stationed in the Land of Wind had already moved ahead, with the vanguard likely having entered the Land of Rain. Kawakaze and his group departed with the final batch of wounded.

Sakumo had been at Duy's side for more than a day, accompanying him along the way.

"Ōnoki is probably already at the border of the Land of Birds."

"We have to be careful."

Kawakaze's expression darkened. At their current pace, if Ōnoki wanted to intercept them, a confrontation would be inevitable—a situation Kawakaze was desperate to avoid.

"There's no choice. There are just too many wounded. I can't abandon them," Tsunade said firmly.

Someone had suggested leaving behind some of the wounded to hasten the retreat, but she had refused without hesitation.

"You did the right thing."

Kawakaze didn't think the proposal was inherently wrong, but neither did he believe Tsunade's decision was a mistake. It was simply a matter of perspective: one person prioritizing the overall strategy, and the other refusing to abandon their comrades. There was no fault in either viewpoint.

"Alas, we can only fight back as best we can."

Tsunade instructed Chōmei to notify her immediately if he sensed the presence of a Tailed Beast, using it as an early warning system.

"The Iwa Ninjas may not come," Kawakaze said, noticing her low spirits and attempting to reassure her with a small smile.

"The possibility of them coming is very high." Tsunade refused to delude herself.

Iwagakure's decision to attack meant they were unlikely to let such an opportunity slip away.

"I'm here for you."

Kawakaze struggled to find words to comfort her, so he simply took her hand in his. No matter what happened, he silently vowed to stand by her.

Even as he reassured her, thoughts of Ōnoki filled his mind. The idea of facing the elderly but fearsome Tsuchikage was intimidating. Dust Release was a terrifying ability—essentially a death sentence.

In the original story, Ōnoki's Dust Release often missed its target, but Kawakaze dared not gamble on such odds. Anyone struck by it would be reduced to atoms and vanish in an instant. Who wouldn't be afraid of that?

At this moment, Ōnoki was meeting with Han. He had deliberately left Rōshi behind this time. That stubborn man was better off staying at home—having him along would only cause unnecessary friction.

Han's injuries had mostly healed, and he sat upright on the bed without showing any sign of discomfort.

"Might Duy used Kinjutsu, and you both ended up injured?"

Ōnoki's tone carried disbelief. Han was a Jinchūriki, not some weakling. How could a previously unknown Konoha ninja leave him bedridden for so many days?

"Yes, Lord Third," Han replied, lowering his head in shame. His failure weighed heavily on him. Not only had he been unable to capture Konoha's supply camp, but he had also nearly caused his Tailed Beast to go berserk. His performance had been abysmal.

"Konoha really does produce talented individuals," Ōnoki muttered, his brows furrowing as his resolve hardened. If Konoha's momentum wasn't curtailed, they would continue to dominate unchecked.

"Where are the Konoha forces now?"

"They've already evacuated to the Land of Rain with their wounded," someone reported.

"It's too late for them to leave now. Let's go."

Ōnoki wasted no time. His small frame shot into the air, soaring out of the Tsuchikage gate in an instant.

Han stood up and followed without hesitation. With Ōnoki leading the way, he felt confident that they could take down the retreating Konoha team.