Naruto: Konoha's Traitor

Leadership and Command

Chi Yu and the Konoha forces advanced ten kilometers before establishing a temporary encampment.

Over the past few days,

scouts from Kumogakure had repeatedly attempted to probe their defenses.

However, due to the traps laid out across the perimeter and constant patrols, no direct engagements had occurred.

Chi Yu had enjoyed relative ease during this time, largely excused from menial duties.

He had been using the quiet to cultivate his skills in solitude.

On the third day after the encampment was established, news arrived from Yugakure no Sato.

The Village Hidden in Hot Water had officially declared its neutrality, announcing it would no longer involve itself in the conflict between Konohagakure and Kumogakure.

Furthermore, they stated that Kumo shinobi would no longer be permitted to garrison within their borders.

Neither Chi Yu, Orochimaru-sensei, nor Jiraiya were surprised by this development.

The skirmishes that had broken out within Yugakure a few days prior had already inflicted significant damage on the small nation.

If Kuroiwa Tatsuji—the village head—had any sense, he would understand that in a conflict between two major villages, Yugakure lacked the political or military capital to take sides.

He had little choice but to accept Orochimaru-sensei's advice and withdraw from the conflict.

This way, Yugakure could still preserve itself amid a war that had yet to fully erupt.

But the lull in activity only lasted four days.

---

On the fifth day, Orochimaru-sensei summoned Chi Yu to his command tent.

Inside were only Orochimaru and Jiraiya—until Chi Yu stepped in.

As Chi Yu arrived, Orochimaru's expression was solemn.

He said immediately:

> "Kumo shinobi have begun massing two kilometers from our forward position."

Jiraiya's tone was grave.

> "How many?"

> "Estimated at fifty," Orochimaru replied. "It seems they're preparing a full reconnaissance-in-force. I had expected them to make a move two days ago."

Jiraiya nodded slowly.

> "Then should we rely on our trap network to conduct a fighting retreat?"

> "Exactly," Orochimaru confirmed. "The traps we've prepared are our first line of defense. But they won't be enough by themselves.

> "Since we don't know the exact makeup of their force, you and I will hold the rear to stall their advance as long as possible."

Jiraiya raised a brow.

> "Both of us? Who's going to lead the forward column?"

He paused, then turned to Chi Yu.

Chi Yu blinked, pointing to himself in surprise.

> "You want me to lead the retreat?"

Orochimaru nodded with complete seriousness.

> "That's correct. Among everyone here, only you have the capacity for battlefield leadership.

> "Even while falling back, the retreat must be orderly. If the enemy detects weakness, they'll exploit it immediately. Traps can fail. Their shinobi might flank or disrupt us.

> "Jiraiya and I will buy you time from the rear. Your task is to maintain cohesion at the front and coordinate countermeasures if Kumo sends detachments to intercept from ahead."

He added pointedly:

> "This is your opportunity to adapt early to the responsibilities you'll inevitably take on in this war."

Chi Yu's face tensed subtly.

He had always known, based on how much Orochimaru-sensei valued him, that he would eventually be placed in a leadership role.

But he thought it would start with a small squad—like the five unfortunate Uchiha chūnin he had been assigned previously.

He hadn't expected to be handed command of thirty-two shinobi on such short notice.

Jiraiya spoke in support:

> "I agree. Chi Yu is the best choice to lead the retreat."

At first, Jiraiya had wanted to object when Orochimaru had said Chi Yu was the only one with leadership qualities. He thought of Minato Namikaze—his student—who had successfully commanded several smaller-scale missions.

But Jiraiya had to admit: compared to Chi Yu, Minato's strategic insight wasn't as developed.

Minato was an excellent combatant and deeply loyal, with a heart that always prioritized his comrades.

But that was precisely why he wasn't suited to be the kind of cold, efficient field commander that war demanded.

Leadership in war wasn't about compassion. It was about detachment.

---

Chi Yu felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

This would be the first time he commanded more than a handful of shinobi.

His previous assignment—leading the five Uchiha—had been driven more by personal disdain than actual leadership.

Sensing Chi Yu's apprehension, Orochimaru said calmly:

> "Don't let it weigh on you. Just do what you're already capable of."

Chi Yu nodded firmly.

> "Understood, Orochimaru-sensei. I will lead the retreat."

> "Good. That makes things easier. Jiraiya, go rally the others."

> "Right away!"

Jiraiya left the tent to gather the full force.

Orochimaru gave Chi Yu a firm pat on the shoulder.

> "We're short on capable personnel right now. You have the talent—we just need you to use it properly. Let's move."

---

All the shinobi quickly assembled.

Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Chi Yu stood at the head of the formation.

Orochimaru announced:

> "Kumogakure has mobilized roughly fifty shinobi and is preparing to strike. We will begin a fighting withdrawal. Jiraiya and I will cover the rear.

> "Chi Yu will lead and coordinate the retreat. He is your field commander."

At the announcement, many of the shinobi exchanged uncertain glances and hushed whispers.

Chi Yu stepped forward, expression cold.

> "I know some of you question this decision. But this is an order—not a request.

> "From this point forward, I am in command. My orders are not suggestions. Disobedience will not be tolerated.

> "If you act on your own and jeopardize the group, don't expect mercy from the enemy—or from me. I will eliminate anyone who endangers our survival.

> "You all know exactly what I'm capable of. You've seen it yourselves."

Among the ranks, Namikaze Minato furrowed his brow in discomfort.

Jiraiya stood behind Chi Yu, eyes narrowed slightly.

For a moment, he saw in Chi Yu a younger version of Orochimaru himself.

---

As Orochimaru and Jiraiya moved to secure the rear, Chi Yu began issuing rapid, clear orders.

> "Everyone, check your gear. Maintain trap coverage as we fall back.

> "We are 32 shinobi—split into two groups of 16. One team will maintain formation with a Shadow Clone and five regular clones. The other will rotate to set traps along our retreat path.

> "Teams will switch roles at regular intervals.

> "Under no circumstances are you to turn back and engage the enemy unless ordered. I don't care what happens in the rear.

> "If you understand, then stand by and wait for Kumo to make their move. We begin on my signal."

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