The fierce battle between Konoha and Kirigakure had ended, yet the aftermath rippled through the Hidden Villages like an undercurrent.
Despite the victory, Konoha's leaders chose to suppress the news for now. The Third Hokage's earlier declaration to publicize the war was set aside; this was not the time for celebration.
Meanwhile, in the Hidden Mist Village, the news of their crushing defeat made its way back. However, it didn't reach the upper echelons of the village immediately. Instead, it passed through shadows—straight into the hands of White Zetsu.
Deep underground, White Zetsu delivered the report to his master. The dimly lit chamber was suffused with a sinister aura, an icy pressure that seemed to intensify as Madara Uchiha absorbed the details.
"Hmm."
Madara exhaled slowly, his face impassive, though his sharp eyes betrayed his thoughts. "Hashirama's descendants may lack his raw power, but their ingenuity cannot be underestimated."
Madara's attention shifted to Uchiha Yoruki. That a member of his clan had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan didn't surprise him. What caught his interest was the unexpected contribution of Tsunade.
Her antidote had turned the tide of the battle. Without it, Yoruki would have been rendered powerless, a mere pawn crushed by superior forces. But with the Mangekyō Sharingan now awakened, the balance of power had shifted dramatically in Konoha's favor.
Madara's frown deepened. "The Four-Tails has some potential, but against the Mangekyō, its defeat is inevitable. The three-nation coalition will crumble, and the Cloud front will fall shortly after. The pieces are moving exactly as expected."
For Madara, the outcome of the war was of little consequence. Konoha's victories, its losses—none of it mattered to his grand plan.
White Zetsu, ever observant, murmured, "What about Uchiha Obito?"
Madara's gaze hardened. "Not yet. Let him simmer a little longer."
Far above, at the Konoha camp on the Fire Country coastline, the tension remained palpable.
In the large central tent, a ripple of chakra marked the sudden arrival of Minato Namikaze, carrying Uchiha Yoruki.
"Thank you for your hard work," Minato said, his voice calm but filled with genuine respect.
Nawaki stepped forward, clapping a hand on Minato's shoulder. "We've all worked hard. No need to single me out."
Minato's usual smile returned, though it faltered when his eyes fell on Yoruki. A mix of emotions flickered across his face—guilt, unease, and a hint of admiration.
Sasori of the Red Sand had been responsible for the poisoning of Konoha's troops. Minato had once crossed paths with Sasori and failed to eliminate him. That moment of hesitation had cost lives—lives Yoruki had fought to avenge.
As Minato studied Yoruki's indifferent expression, a faint smile unexpectedly appeared on the Uchiha's face. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there.
Minato blinked, surprised, but quickly composed himself. "The war is urgent. Let's save the reminiscing for after the battle."
Yoruki nodded slightly, his crimson eyes steady.
Minato's announcement stirred the other ninjas in the tent. He placed a hand on Yoruki's shoulder. "We're leaving now."
In an instant, the two vanished, reappearing moments later at another Konoha encampment near the Land of Rain.
Inside the new camp, familiar faces greeted Yoruki. Jiraiya, Hyuga Tenki, Kato Dan, and others turned to look at him. Their expressions ranged from guarded to curious.
It was no secret that many in Konoha viewed the Uchiha with suspicion. Yet, here and now, they were united by a common goal.
After a brief silence, Jiraiya approached Yoruki, his voice uncharacteristically solemn. "We've heard about your loss. I'm sorry."
The mention of Yoruki's father, killed in the previous battle, hung heavily in the air. Though Yoruki said nothing, the sharpness in his gaze seemed to soften, replaced by something harder to define—resolve, perhaps.
Jiraiya's tone shifted. "The war on the Land of Rain's border has dragged on long enough. It's time to end this."
Minato nodded. "The enemy is formidable, but if we strike decisively, we can turn the tide."
Jiraiya explained their plan, his voice steady. "We've been on the defensive for far too long. It's time to go on the offensive and crush the three-nation coalition."
The other ninjas listened intently. Their faces bore the marks of exhaustion, but as Jiraiya spoke, something changed. The hope of a decisive victory rekindled their fighting spirits.
Jiraiya continued, "We've delayed this long to ensure our timing is perfect. If we can strike before the coalition reacts, they'll have no choice but to retreat—or be destroyed."
Minato turned to Yoruki. "Our numbers are still against us. The key to victory will be taking out their leaders quickly."
He paused, his eyes narrowing. "If you can hold off one of their strongest, I'll handle the others."
Minato's confidence was unshakable. He had faced impossible odds before and emerged victorious. In his mind, this battle was no different.
Yoruki studied Minato for a moment. His lips curled into a faint smile as the Sharingan in his eyes spun. The three tomoe morphed into the intricate, flame-like patterns of the Mangekyō.
"Let's see who defeats their target first," Yoruki said, his voice carrying a rare note of confidence.
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