https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-251-S-Rank-Forbidden-Technique-Soul-Transfiguration-Technique/12932148/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-253-Lies-Don-t-Hurt-the-Truth-is-the-Swift-Blade-/12932153/
Chapter 252: Konoha: Celestial Hammering of the Four Villages
Chapter 252: Konoha: Celestial Hammering of the Four Villages
Jigeng Mountain!
It had now become a meat grinder.
The Leaf Village and the Sand Shinobi fought relentlessly around this pivotal point.
Each day, dozens of casualties were incurred.
If this were a battle between samurai and foot soldiers, even multiplying the number by tenfold wouldn't make it seem particularly devastating.
But when it came to the death of ninjas, the situation was entirely different.
The cost of training a single ninja far exceeded that of a foot soldier by several dozen to a hundredfold.
Additionally, ninjas were highly dependent on their innate talents, and the number of those who could pass the exams was limited.
After months of such intense fighting, both sides had suffered over a thousand casualties, a truly debilitating blow.
The Sand Shinobi were also in a difficult position.
After all, with such a deep-seated grudge against Konoha, it would be strange if they retreated now without facing retaliation.
Even if they wanted to withdraw, they had to ensure that Konoha was left without the strength to retaliate.
Of course, the more significant reason was to buy time for their plundering.
Each day,
They extracted a vast amount of resources from the prosperous Land of Fire.
With these resources, they could cultivate more Sand Shinobi, so even with considerable losses, they had no intention of backing down.
In reality, Konoha had no chance of retaliating.
After defeating several major ninja villages, Konoha's losses were already exaggerated, leaving them without the strength to retaliate against the Sand Shinobi.
But the Sand Shinobi didn't believe it!
How could they possibly trust that Konoha wouldn't seek revenge just because they said so?
Therefore, Chiyo, Elder Crab, Sand Lotus, and Leaf Warehouse all gathered at Jigeng Mountain, determined to conquer this fortress.
If they could breach Jigeng Mountain, they would have the upper hand in subsequent negotiations or retreats.
The Sand Shinobi camp was located several dozen kilometers west of Jigeng Mountain, and the area between the two sides, spanning several dozen kilometers, had become a hunting ground for small teams and counter-hunting operations.
It was under these circumstances that Dohei and his group arrived at Jigeng Mountain.
With their strength and the Byakugan of Hyuga Cangyue, they effortlessly infiltrated the fortress.
The encirclement by ninjas was not a physical blockade but a network of small teams, making it relatively easy to arrive unnoticed.
"Jigeng Mountain...?" Dohei glanced at the newly refurbished fortress ahead, a mocking smile tugging at his lips.
What was his identity?
He was the main general of the Southwest Ninja Army!
And this was their base of operations.
But first, he was 'transferred' to the Heavenly Fortress, and half of his ninja army's authority was given to another. Later, even half of his ninja army was reassigned, leaving him to come alone to support what should have been his own headquarters.
It was indeed infuriating.
If it weren't for his reluctance to stay at Jigeng Mountain, this situation alone would have been enough to make him furious.
"Halt!"
Two Konoha ninjas blocked their path.
The same words were repeated.
To prevent spies from infiltrating the fortress.
Transformation techniques and other secret arts were not uncommon in the ninja world.
So, even Danzo had no complaints, as he too had led large armies and understood the importance of this precaution.
Scenarios like those in anime, where one could enter a camp just by showing up, were impossible in the real ninja world.
Soon, a group of people emerged from the camp to greet them.
Leading them was a man with golden short hair and a gentle smile, exuding a warm and sunny aura.
Indeed, it was 'Little Sun' Naruto Uzumaki.
As the 'Supreme Commander' of this battle, it was only natural that he would be present.
By his side were Nara Kiba, Yamato, and Shikaku Nara, the current generation's 'Ino-Shika-Cho,' as well as Tsume Inuzuka, Yuhi, and other core members of the Fire Shadow Clan.
Tsk tsk!
The Third Hokage was blatantly promoting his favorites.
He directly sent these core members of the Fire Shadow Clan to assist Naruto Uzumaki, fostering relationships.
No wonder Orochimaru lost the Hokage election.
After all, the Third Hokage had already made his choice, and as his disciple, Orochimaru couldn't possibly defy him.
"Danzo, Dohei, Koji, and Cangyue, you've finally arrived!" Naruto Uzumaki's attitude was brimming with enthusiasm.
As for the two Root ninjas, he pretended not to notice them, as they wore masks, so a smile was sufficient acknowledgment.
"Sensei!"
Dohei waved in response.
Since Naruto Uzumaki had once instructed him, even though he knew his ruthless nature, Dohei maintained his manners and didn't show the same rebellious attitude he had towards the Konoha F4.
"Yeah, let's go inside first!"
Naruto Uzumaki led the way.
Having their 'Supreme Commander' greet them was a form of assurance, so there was no need for further verification of their identities.
Transformation techniques and the like are less effective against stronger opponents, as they can discern one's chakra or aura more easily. Unless it's an extremely specialized secret technique, it's impossible to deceive them if they're determined to see through the disguise.
After entering the fortress with over two thousand five hundred people, they immediately began their war council without delay.
There was no other choice.
Wood Village ninjas were dying every moment, and how could that not cause urgency?
Even with Wood Village's abundant resources and strong foundation, they couldn't afford to waste time, so a swift and decisive battle was necessary.
"Now, the Sand Ninjas are still unaware of our reinforcements, so we can launch a midnight total offensive and destroy their camp in one go!"
Nara Shikaku confidently proposed the plan.
It was simple and brutal! But it was also the fastest and best option.
A more intricate plan might yield better results and fewer casualties, but it would also be more prone to unexpected events.
Therefore, this straightforward strategy was the best choice.
No one objected! As the Wood Village strategist, Nara Shikaku, despite his relatively young age, had already earned considerable respect, and with a solid plan in place, no one dared to voice any dissent.
Next was the distribution of combat supplies and the assignment of various tasks.
In general, Naruto Uzumaki, Dohei, and Yamazaka Koji were responsible for dealing with the three Sand Ninja's Shadow-level ninjas, while Danzo would take on Elder Crab. The rest just needed to attack with all their might.
In terms of raw power, the Wood Village side was undoubtedly superior.
Previously, they were at a disadvantage because the Sand Ninjas had more and stronger elite ninjas.
Now, not only were their elite ninjas not inferior, but they also held the upper hand, naturally seeking revenge for past grievances.
"I'll take on Leaf Warehouse!"
Dohei accepted Shikaku's assignment without hesitation, nodding in agreement.
The most dangerous opponent, Generations, was left to Yamazaka Koji.
The reason was simple—a perfect counter!
Yamazaka Koji's Powered Armor made him completely immune to Generations' poison.
His terrifying defense also rendered the puppets useless, and his immense strength could easily smash them.
A perfect counter!
Even Naruto Uzumaki was wary of Generations, but Yamazaka Koji had no such concerns, highlighting the effectiveness of this counter.
For a powerful ninja like Sand Lotus, who excelled in large-scale Magnet Style, Naruto Uzumaki had a fifty-fifty chance, and with the right opportunity, he could defeat her.
As for Leaf Warehouse, Dohei had the upper hand.
Even without using Lava Style, his Fire Style alone was enough to easily suppress Leaf Warehouse.
Although Dohei had previously defeated her and Sand Lotus together, it was due to the advantage of the first kill. Now that they knew his abilities and with his recent growth, defeating them without going all out would be challenging.
But he had no intention of holding back.
This was Naruto Uzumaki's showcase battle, not his own.
If he performed too dominantly, it wouldn't be surprising if the village held a grudge against him.
Yes, Dohei had already figured it out.
This war was entirely Senju Hashirama's setup for Naruto Uzumaki's rise.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have brought the Third Hokage Clan and appointed Naruto Uzumaki as the Supreme Commander.
Both he and Danzo were qualified for the position, but they were appointed without any consultation, making their intentions obvious.
Dohei was an expert at slacking off, so he planned to just hold off Leaf Warehouse for the night.
At midnight, shadows began to gather from all directions, fully armed Wood Village ninjas.
Except for the few hundred left to guard the fortress and care for the wounded, almost two thousand Wood Village ninjas were mobilized.
This could be considered the last major battle of the Ninja World War.
Once the Sand Ninjas were defeated, the Wood Village would be the 'Celestial Hammering Four Villages,' having crushed the four great ninja villages, proving their claim as the strongest ninja village was not just talk.
At the same time, the other ninja villages would need time to recover, so the focus would shift to diplomacy and negotiations, and large-scale wars would become less frequent.
Naruto Uzumaki, surrounded by his comrades, moved to the front of the group.
"Let's go!"
He led the charge towards the western Sand Ninja camp.
And behind him, the Wood Village ninjas, like a pack of wolves bathed in moonlight, rushed out of the fortress, beginning this 'hunt.'
(End of Chapter)
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