Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 261: Preparing to End the War with Kumogakure

There was just one week left before Naruto and Sasuke's first day at the Academy.

Although Haneda still hadn't perfected Dust Release, he had successfully developed two other chakra fusion-based techniques.

This meant Haneda had effectively mastered the majority of Kekkei Genkai.

A snake slithered up to Haneda's feet, opening its mouth to reveal a scroll.

Haneda knew it was a message from Pakura and her group.

He bent down to pick up the scroll, quickly scanned its contents, and then called over the nearby ANBU operatives.

"Summon Kakashi and Itachi to the office immediately."

The ANBU member nodded and disappeared to carry out the order. Meanwhile, Haneda vanished in an instant, reappearing in the Hokage's office.

There, Shikaku was hard at work, busy scribbling on countless documents.

Sensing someone enter the room, Shikaku glanced up and saw the rare sight of the Hokage in the office at this hour.

He guessed the reason immediately and asked, "Are you preparing to lead the campaign personally, Hokage-sama?"

Haneda gave a curt nod. "I'm ready to issue a formal challenge to Kumogakure in the name of the Hokage."

"Give them two choices: surrender or bring their own ropes so it's easier for us to tie them up after their defeat."

"Make the announcement to the village—tonight. Let everyone know I'll bring this war to an end within three days."

It was rare to see Haneda, who was usually relaxed and carefree in the office, exude such an overwhelming presence. Shikaku silently marveled at the transformation.

Then again, he thought back to the time Haneda had killed the Third Tsuchikage in front of tens of thousands of enemy ninja. This level of confidence was nothing unusual for someone like him.

The Hokage had the power to back up his words, and so did the current strength of Konohagakure.

Shikaku nodded. "Understood, I'll arrange everything immediately."

Haneda waved his hand. "Hold off for a moment."

Not long after, Kakashi arrived via Flying Raijin.

"What's the rush?" Kakashi asked, looking toward Haneda.

"I'm preparing to lead the battle against Kumogakure personally," Haneda replied.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Why do you need me for that? Couldn't you just go alone?"

"Besides, Naruto's entrance ceremony is in a few days. He's really looking forward to it, and it would mean a lot to him if you could attend."

"If I go to war, one of us has to be there for him, right?"

Itachi chimed in, "Haneda-ojisan, I already promised Sasuke I'd be there for his big day. Also…"

Itachi paused for a moment, recalling how Haneda had asked him to accompany Sasuke during the ceremony. And now, the Hokage was planning to go to war instead?

"Ahem, seven days is plenty of time," Haneda said, clearing his throat.

"I'll end the war with Kumogakure in three days. That leaves two and a half days for them to prepare their forces, and half a day for me to wipe them out single-handedly."

"Besides, I didn't call you two here to join me. I need you to work with Shikaku to prepare for potential invasions by Sunagakure and Iwagakure."

Itachi couldn't help but feel that Haneda's three-day claim was wildly ambitious, even unrealistic.

But when he glanced at Kakashi and Shikaku, both men seemed completely unfazed, as if they found the plan perfectly reasonable.

Itachi hesitated but voiced his concern. "Kumogakure's strength is second only to Konohagakure. Some say they even rival Iwagakure."

"Even for you, Hokage-sama…"

Haneda cut him off, his voice calm but firm: "You underestimate the power of the Uchiha."

"One against seven—watch and learn, Itachi."

Kakashi smirked, finding Itachi's caution amusing.

"Itachi, you're still young. You underestimate the psychological impact of overwhelming power in battle.

"When Haneda activates the perfect Susano'o, even an army of tens of thousands will tremble in fear.

"All he needs to do is defeat the Fourth Raikage and their key fighters. Once that happens, Kumogakure's forces will collapse like dominoes."

Itachi remained silent, though Kakashi's explanation made sense.

Kakashi then turned to Haneda. "So, after the war is won, are you finally planning to deal with the Daimyo?"

Haneda raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised by Kakashi's insight. Then he smiled.

"You know me too well. Yes, I'll test the waters. If they remain silent, I'll replace the Daimyo. If they form an alliance against me, I'll install a more cooperative one."

Haneda had no intention of starting a full-scale war to unify the world—not until he attained the power of the Sage of Six Paths.

Such a massive conflict would undoubtedly draw the Sage's attention, and Haneda had no desire to be cast as the villain in some ancient prophecy.

Not to mention, Black Zetsu would never stand idly by. Its entire purpose was to manipulate events to resurrect Kaguya Otsutsuki through the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Haneda turned to Shikaku and added, "Aside from what we've discussed, work closely with Kakashi to stockpile and transport supplies to the borders. Be ready for any moves from Sunagakure and Iwagakure."

Shikaku asked, "And Kirigakure? Do we just leave them alone?"

Hearing this, Haneda's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Someone will take care of Kirigakure for me."

...…

After finalizing preparations for the campaign against Kumogakure, Haneda returned home with Itachi in tow.

As they approached the house, they could hear Naruto's loud voice mixed with Sasuke's indignant cries of "Idiot!" and "Super idiot!"

Both Haneda and Itachi couldn't help but smile. But realizing they were in each other's company, their expressions quickly returned to their usual stoicism.

"Well, Sasuke's here too. Itachi, say your goodbyes before we leave," Haneda said.

Itachi nodded and followed Haneda inside.

The sound of the door opening startled Naruto and Sasuke, who scrambled to clean up the scattered toys littering the living room.

Standing protectively in front of the mess, they awkwardly hid their hands behind their backs, nervously fidgeting with their fingers.

Sasuke forced a smile. "Ni-san, Haneda-ojisan."

Naruto whistled nonchalantly, pretending nothing was amiss.

"Sasuke, weren't you going for a walk this morning?" Itachi asked, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing here at Haneda-ojisan's house?"

Sasuke's face turned bright red, his earlier confidence evaporating.

"Ni-san, I… I was going to ask Kimmimaro-nii-san to teach me taijutsu! Really!"

Itachi's gaze drifted to the unhidden toys still scattered across the floor. He said nothing, but his expression spoke volumes.

Haneda chuckled inwardly, remembering how Naruto had come to him the previous night, complaining tearfully about Sasuke's "betrayal." And now Sasuke was using a flimsy excuse to spend the day here?

Haneda addressed Naruto, his tone gentle: "Naruto, I'll be away for a few days. I should be back in three days. If you're hungry, you can visit Kakashi-ojisan or use the money I gave you to buy some breakfast."

"Huh? Where are you going, Haneda-ojisan?" Naruto asked, forgetting all about the toys as he tugged at Haneda's Hokage robes.

"The Hokage's duty," Haneda replied with a smile, offering no further explanation.

Turning to Sasuke, Itachi reassured him, "Don't worry, Sasuke. I'll be back in time for your entrance ceremony. I promise."

Sasuke's eyes lit up. "Really? Promise me, Ni-san!"

Itachi reached out and lightly flicked Sasuke's forehead. "I promise."

Satisfied, Sasuke beamed with joy.

As Haneda and Itachi stepped out into the fading daylight, the house echoed with the sound of Naruto and Sasuke's laughter.

The next chapter in the war with Kumogakure awaited.