Chapter 38: World War II Breaks Out Ahead of Schedule

=============

30+ chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob 

 ============ 

After Yuta dealt with Hanzō, he saw that the situation facing the Uzumaki clan head and the Great Elder was already precarious.

They were covered in blood, desperately trying to withstand the Mizukage's assault. Overwhelmed, they could only focus on defense.

"It appears my time has come." The Great Elder seemed to have accepted his fate, preparing to burn his life force to buy Yuta some precious moments.

Hearing this, the Uzumaki clan head offered a carefree smile. "Excellent! I shall have company on my journey."

"I will not grant you the opportunity for any last-ditch efforts!" The Mizukage, witnessing their resolve, maintained a cold demeanor and intensified his attacks.

"What!" The Mizukage, about to unleash a ninjutsu, was interrupted by a violent sound. He glanced towards the source and witnessed the scene of Hanzō's defeat at Yuta's hands.

"You pathetic excuse! You call yourself a demigod, yet you can't even handle a mere child." Despite his shock, he continued his assault, determined to eliminate the two elders before Yuta could intervene.

The Uzumaki clan head and the Great Elder also saw Yuta's victory over Hanzō, and their spirits immediately lifted. 

They redoubled their efforts to resist the Mizukage's attacks, striving to buy Yuta time to provide support.

However, their advanced age and weakened state meant they could not endure for long. 

After blocking a few more attacks, they could only watch helplessly as a Water Dragon Bullet hurtled towards them.

"Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"

Just as despair began to consume the Uzumaki clan head and the Great Elder, a loud shout echoed from the side.

"Phew! Fortunately, we arrived in time. Thank you both for your valiant efforts. I will handle the rest."

Yuta finally arrived at the critical moment, briefly assessing the exhausted Uzumaki elders before turning and fixing a cold stare on the Water Release user not far away.

"Boom!" The Water Dragon Bullet slammed directly into the earth wall, scattering water droplets that pattered onto the icy surface.

The Mizukage was visibly displeased that his attack had failed. This had been the perfect opportunity to eliminate the Land of Whirlpools' strongest defenders, but Yuta's timely intervention had thwarted his plans.

Gazing at Yuta standing protectively before the Uzumaki clan head, the Mizukage felt a surge of frustration.

"It seems Konohagakure is determined to aid the Land of Whirlpools. You must be aware that numerous ninja villages are acting in concert this time. Are you certain you, Konohagakure, wish to interfere?" Knowing his individual strength might be inferior to Yuta's, the Mizukage resorted to threats.

Yuta had no intention of engaging in a protracted battle to the death with the Mizukage at this juncture. 

He simply couldn't stand by and watch Konohagakure's allies be destroyed before his very eyes.

Seeing that the Mizukage was not immediately pressing the attack, Yuta breathed a sigh of relief. Before he could speak, a Mist Village Anbu suddenly appeared beside the Mizukage.

"Mizukage-sama, urgent news from the village! All major ninja villages are mobilizing their forces, and their intentions are unclear. Master Yuanshi has instructed you to return to the village as swiftly as possible to safeguard the Land of Water from potential attacks by other ninja villages."

The Mizukage was no fool; he instantly grasped the implications of this intelligence.

"It appears we underestimated the situation this time."

He then glanced at Hanzō, who was captured in the distance, and decided to abandon the current operation. The immediate priority was the security of the Land of Water.

"Hey! It seems something significant has transpired in the ninja world these past few days! All the major ninja villages have begun to gather their troops. Is the Second Great Ninja War about to commence?"

The Mizukage was already anxious, but upon hearing the Mist Village Anbu's report, Yuta fixed a smiling gaze on the Mizukage and drew his katana from its sheath, as if inviting a continued confrontation.

Seeing Yuta's readiness to resume their fight, the Mizukage could no longer mask his frustration. He immediately exclaimed loudly,

"You insolent brat! Do not push your luck too far! I concede defeat this time, but if you continue to provoke me, I will simply forge an alliance with the Land of Earth upon my return, and then it will be Konohagakure that suffers the consequences!"

Hearing the Mizukage's threat, Yuta remained unfazed.

"If I allow you to leave here unhindered, will the Cloud Village seize the opportunity to invade your Land of Water? After all, without you, the Land of Water is a more vulnerable target than Konohagakure."

"What exactly do you desire?" After hearing Yuta's pointed question, the Mizukage had to admit the validity of Yuta's concern. This was precisely what he feared, leading him to preemptively offer a form of surrender to Yuta.

Yuta also recognized that this was not the opportune moment for a decisive confrontation with the Mizukage. Judging by the Mist Village Anbu's report, the ninja world was likely descending into chaos.

However, he was unwilling to let the Mizukage depart without some concession. Finally, Yuta considered the situation and addressed the Mizukage: "I believe the warships you brought, Mizukage-sama, may be undermanned for the return journey. Perhaps you could leave a few behind for the younger generation?"

The Mizukage glared at Yuta fiercely. "You speak so casually! These warships are the finest vessels of Kirigakure, crucial for our naval dominance. If Konohagakure seizes them, you can study their designs. How will we contend with Konohagakure in future naval engagements?"

Seeing the Mizukage's displeasure, Yuta tightened his grip on his katana, subtly conveying his readiness to detain the Mizukage should he refuse.

Observing Yuta's unwavering stance, the Mizukage weighed his options. He concluded that returning to Kirigakure was the paramount concern; other matters could be negotiated later.

"Child, you have prevailed. I will leave one of the four warships for you. The others will return with me."

Hearing the Mizukage's grudging agreement, Yuta sheathed his katana and said with a seemingly embarrassed expression, "Thank you immensely for your generosity, Mizukage-sama. It just so happens our own vessel was sunk during the recent engagement."

Looking at Yuta's smiling face, the Mizukage suppressed the urge to strike him.

"Hmph! Order the frontline assault forces to disengage and return to the Land of Water immediately."

The Mizukage made no mention of Hanzō, understanding that Konohagakure would undoubtedly exploit his capture for their own purposes and would not release him easily.

Watching his subordinates retreat, the Mizukage's expression grew more serious. He cast a glance at the cheering Uzumaki clan ninja on the city wall and let out a deep sigh.

'It seems the Land of Whirlpools is a tougher target than initially perceived.'

…

"What! Hanzō was captured by the Konoha Silver Fox! Excellent! Order the troops to immediately launch an attack on the Land of Rain." Upon receiving the news from his subordinate, Ebizō promptly issued the attack order.

The Second Great Ninja War had erupted.

"Damn it! These Sand Ninja have actually attacked the Land of Rain! And that cursed Hanzō, so utterly useless as to be captured alive by a kid! Immediately order the troops stationed on the Land of Rain border to launch an assault on the northwest of the Land of Rain. Secure the territory and establish defenses on the spot; do not allow Konohagakure to gain an advantage."

Upon hearing the news, Ōnoki immediately gave the command.

"Damn it! The situation in the Land of Rain is completely spiraling out of control! What on earth is Sarutobi Hiruzen thinking? Dispatch reinforcements here swiftly; we are severely undermanned! We cannot simply watch Sunagakure no Sato completely occupy the Land of Rain, or Konohagakure's position will become far too precarious."

Danzō, equally taken aback by the sudden outbreak of war, immediately sent a message requesting reinforcements from Konohagakure.

"Order the frontline troops to attack the Land of Hot Water! Dodai, what is the situation in the Land of Water? Has the Mizukage returned?" The Raikage was decisive, immediately ordering his forces to begin seizing territory. Additionally, he sought information on the Land of Water's situation. 

If the Mizukage had not yet returned, he would not hesitate to seize a portion of their territory.

Dodai looked at the eager Raikage and said with a hint of regret, "The Mizukage returned to the Land of Water yesterday evening and is currently mobilizing troops. I fear he has already established defenses along the border."

"Is that so?" 'It seems Kirigakure no Sato's response is still quite swift!' The Raikage was slightly disappointed.

==============

 The Japanese naming will change in a few chapters. I had already done a few chapters before getting a response from you guys about the use of Japanese naming for jutsu.

Drown me in powerstone, and I will drown you with chapters...