Chapter 122: NT: 120: The Iwa-nins Join the War
On the Kikyo Mountain battlefield, Konoha and Sunagakure clashed in fierce combat.
Ninjas from both sides fought relentlessly, day after day, with casualties mounting on each side.
The battlefield was a hell of death.
Only those who had endured its horrors could understand how cheap life became in such a place.
Yet, amidst this chaos, certain ninjas rose to prominence, their exceptional strength shining through in both villages. Veterans like Orochimaru and Jiraiya were already renowned, but the new generation boasted talents like Namikaze Minato, Akimichi Choza, and, most notably, the young Tengen.
Despite his youth, Tengen earned the respect and admiration of many Konoha-nins on the battlefield.
Whenever Tengen led a team against the Suna-nins, they achieved overwhelming victories, a testament to his presence. His prowess ranked him among the top Jōnin.
Over the course of these battles, Tengen had slain several of Sunagakure's Jōnin, a painful blow to the village. Training a Jōnin was no small feat, and each loss was a significant setback for any ninja village.
Rumors began to spread among the Suna-nins: if you encountered Tengen, retreat immediately, or risk death.
Beyond his kills, Tengen also saved countless Konoha-nins. On this battlefield, many owed their lives to him.
From that moment, after days of grueling combat, Tengen was no longer just a prodigy with Jōnin-level skill in the eyes of the ninjas. He became Konoha's hero. Nicknames like "Black Lightning" And "Emperor of the Night" circulated among Konoha and Sunagakure alike.
In Konoha, at the Hokage Building, in the Hokage's office:
"Tengen has performed remarkably." Sarutobi Hiruzen said, reviewing a report detailing the situation on the Kikyo Mountain battlefield.
Despite Sunagakure's numerical advantage, Konoha had held its ground, allowing Hiruzen to breathe a sigh of relief.
"But what about the other villages? No movement yet?" Hiruzen tapped the desk lightly, lost in thought.
This differed from their earlier assumptions.
"Is it really just Sunagakure?" Hiruzen's gaze grew heavy. If true, it would be good news for Konoha, but was it really that simple?
Knock, knock. A rap at the door.
"Come in." Hiruzen called.
An Anbu ninja knelt before him. "Hokage-sama, our scouts report that Iwa ninjas are preparing to cross through Kusagakure to enter the Land of Fire's border."
"Iwagakure." Hiruzen said gravely. "How many ninjas?"
"The vanguard consists of roughly a thousand, with additional forces unknown." the Anbu replied.
"Summon Konoha's Jōnin. It's time to move." Hiruzen ordered.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." The Anbu vanished, presumably to relay the command.
Soon, Konoha's ninjas gathered.
Looking at the assembled shinobi, Hiruzen announced, "Iwagakure plans to pass through Kusagakure to attack Konoha. You are to depart and intercept them."
He began assigning tasks. "Yūhi Shinku…" Hiruzen outlined the Jōnin who would lead Konoha's forces to confront the Iwa-nins.
The ninjas departed swiftly. Time was of the essence to prevent Sunagakure from reaching the Land of Fire's border.
Fighting in another country was preferable to fighting in their own, sparing Konoha's land from destruction.
After dispatching the ninjas, Hiruzen penned a letter for the Kikyo Mountain battlefield, including his special seal to ensure its authenticity and prevent interception by other villages.
"Deliver this to Jiraiya and Orochimaru at Kikyo Mountain. Inform them of the current situation." Hiruzen instructed, handing the letter to an Anbu.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I will complete the mission." the Anbu vowed.
"Go." Hiruzen waved.
"Yes." The Anbu disappeared from the Hokage Building in an instant.
"Tengen, I'm entrusting that battlefield to you. Don't let me down." Hiruzen said, standing and gazing out the window at Konoha.
The village's streets were noticeably quieter. Though the war wasn't near Konoha, its impact was undeniable.
"This time, Konoha will prevail." Hiruzen declared, his eyes cold with resolve.
While Konoha mobilized to counter Iwagakure, back at the Kikyo Mountain battlefield:
"Tengen, the battlefield's been cleared." Kushina reported.
"Good. Order everyone to return. It's time to rest." Tengen said, noting the exhaustion in the ninjas around him.
Wars weren't won in a day.
Fighting on the front lines meant facing death at any moment.
But what thrilled the Konoha-nins was that Tengen led their team, giving them confidence. His squads had the lowest casualty rates.
Many Konoha-nins vied to join Tengen's team.
Over time, Tengen's authority in the command tent grew, a testament to his strength.
Other Jōnin no longer underestimated him as they had initially. When Tengen first arrived, many doubted a kid could contribute, even with Jōnin-level skill, dismissing him as a rookie.
But Tengen proved more seasoned than they were, excelling in both battlefield strategy and personal combat experience.
At Konoha's encampment, Tengen walked through, greeted by smiles from the ninjas.
"Tengen, you're back!" Jiraiya grinned as Tengen entered. "Come, the situation's looking good for Konoha."
As Tengen, Jiraiya, and the others discussed their next moves, in Sunagakure's encampment, Kazekage Rasa and his forces were secretly planning something.
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