69novels Page 212
Page 212
"Lord Yuzuru, can't you really... reconsider the operations room's plan? With our current capabilities, even without your intervention, we have a more than 70% chance of victory and a decisive defeat for the Iwarai Alliance..."
Hearing this, Hyuga Yuzuru snapped out of his reverie, turned to look at Hyuga Kaoru, her expression filled with worry. She paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on the slightly grayish-white complexion on his face, and hesitated before whispering, "Your current condition..."
"Don't worry, it's just because the natural energy in your body is too strong. Fighting it out will actually help a lot."
Hinata Yuzuru slowly opened his mouth and stretched out his hand. One of his fingers had already turned a stone-like color and was stiff and unable to move. However, with just a slight exertion of force, his hand made a cracking sound, and the 'stone chips' on the surface of his finger shattered and revealed his fair finger.
“I know what I’m doing—this battle started because of me, and it should end because of me. If the ninjas were to bear the consequences, at least several thousand more would die... Let’s go with my plan, haven’t we already agreed on it?”
Hinata Yuzuru spoke softly.
Hinata Kaoru was silent for a moment, then typed rapidly on the keyboard for a while before taking a deep breath, turning off the screen, and gazing intently at him: "This is the first time I've contradicted you..."
“My mind is made up.” Hyuga Yuzuru simply gazed at him calmly and said softly, “If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.”
"Kaoru, I am the Hokage."
After he finished speaking, Xun fell silent, unable to utter a word.
Finally, she could only get up, walk to his side, hug him tightly, and remain silent.
Hinata Yuzuru patted her on the back: "If even you don't trust me..."
"I believe you... I'm just worried... I'm just... scared..."
She said in a low voice.
Hinata Yuzuru only spoke softly.
"god..."
"It will not fail."
Chapter 160 I Will Become a Legend
Because they had been wary of the Raikage and the Iwakage from the beginning, Konoha always maintained two ninja squads in wartime configuration, led by Kakashi and Shikaku Nara respectively.
Kakashi led 1,200 elite ninjas to garrison within the Land of the Moon, using the mountain pass as a base to prevent the Land of Lightning from quickly breaking through from the Land of the Moon, crossing the Land of Hot Springs, and reaching Konoha.
Meanwhile, the Nara forces are stationed in the Land of Sound, a country that Orochimaru once usurped and has now become a de facto vassal state of Konoha. Due to its unique geographical location, it serves as a bridgehead between Konoha and Iwagakure, along with the Land of Rain.
Even so, neither Kakashi's forces from the Land of the Moon nor Nara's forces from the Land of Sound seemed to be able to handle the sudden surge of Iwagakure and Raikage.
The Land of Lightning was the most decisive in its attack. On the same night it declared war, Killer Bee and Yugito led 700 elite Raikage as the vanguard to attack the Land of the Moon's stronghold. Kakashi tried his best, but was repeatedly defeated by the attacks of the two Jinchuriki. In the end, he chose to give up part of the pass and hold the central area of the Land of the Moon.
Killer Bee and Yugito had a clear tactical objective: their greatest role at this moment was to create an opening for the Land of Lightning's ninja forces to quickly reach the Land of Hot Springs, which was the border area of Konoha, and coordinate with the Land of Rock to form a pincer attack and advance deep into Konoha.
The Land of Rock also acted swiftly, with Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki known as the Steam Ninja, leading the charge. Almost simultaneously with the Land of Lightning, they resolutely used the Land of Sound as a breakthrough point, attempting to launch a rapid attack from the flank and penetrate deep into the heart of Konoha.
With the speed and agility of ninjas, if they could avoid any obstacles along the way, they could easily march into the capital of Konoha in a day and a night!
But just as both sides were trying to break the deadlock and advance unimpeded, Konoha's counterattack finally arrived.
The counterattack did not come from Konoha's reinforcements, but from Kakashi's and Nara's forces, who seemed to be in retreat. While the enemy was trying to whittle down the two forces, they were unknowingly drawn into a battle position that Konoha had prepared in advance.
The terrifying roar of cannons and rockets tore through the ground like rain. The dense artillery barrage, far surpassing ninjutsu and explosive tags, caught the attacking enemy off guard and caused heavy casualties.
Fortunately, the ninjas' marching formation was not dense, and they were not helpless against the artillery fire. Even so, their originally rapid advance was forced to a standstill.
The ninjas of Konoha wielded a variety of magical ninja tools, including but not limited to guns and cannons used in individual combat and 'magical gadgets,' causing the attacking side a great deal of trouble.
Fortunately, the Hidden Lightning Village and the Hidden Stone Village had not been without resources over the years. As a result, Konoha also suffered from the bombardment brought by the ninja tools developed by the other side. For a time, the original surprise attack turned into a tug-of-war. Both sides began to cautiously pull each other on the periphery, neither daring to attack rashly for fear of being hit by a big one.
In today's battles, ninja tools, which can cause damage comparable to that of a jonin even when manipulated by a genin, have for the first time changed the original battlefield landscape.
It was under these circumstances that Hyuga Yuzuru launched his first, and probably last, war mobilization since taking office at night.
A large number of ninjas were fully equipped and quickly assembled in Shinkyo, completing their reorganization. The Root and Anbu also entered wartime formation. Shisui, Itachi, Izumi, Might Guy, and other ninjas who usually held positions in Konoha also entered wartime formation, leading their respective units to prepare to rush to the battlefield for reinforcement.
Countless ninjas used trucks and other means of transportation to rush to the border. During wartime, special personnel kept the roads clear, and the speed at which troop transport trucks rushed to the aid was even faster than the walking speed of ordinary ninjas.
In just three hours, ninjas from all over Konoha had already set off for the battlefield.
Standing on the high platform in front of the Hokage Rock, Hyuga Yuzuru calmly gazed at the several cameras in front of him. Behind him were statues of the Hokage of all generations, and behind the statues was a bright moon. He stood alone, looking directly at the cameras in front of him.
The live broadcast was shown in real time on every television set connected to the Konoha signal.
"Citizens of Konoha, I am the Fifth Hokage, Yuzuru Hyuga."
Three hours ago, the Land of Lightning blatantly broke the peace treaty it had signed with us and, together with the Hidden Stone Village, launched a surprise attack on Konoha.
Gentlemen, I am not surprised by this result.
He spoke slowly, his divine robes fluttering in the cold wind, his white hair beneath his straw hat dancing in the breeze, and his blue eyes shining brightly under the lamplight, like stars in the night sky.
He spoke calmly, yet even the viewers in front of the television could feel an imposing aura emanating from his tall and upright figure.
"Over the past decade or so, thanks to the efforts of all the citizens of Konoha, we have changed the world."
For the first time, we have proven that people's lives can be improved without war.
The seeds we planted underground yielded a harvest that would have taken more than a decade to grow.
The cattle and sheep we graze on the grasslands ensure that every year, the tables of millions of people in Muye are never short of meat.
The products we produce in factories, along with constantly updated and iterated technologies, have brought electricity and internet access to countless households.
We have a minimum wage system, we have the first universal welfare system in history...
There will always be people who are jealous.
There will always be people who are dissatisfied.
Hyuga Yuzuru abruptly changed the subject, looking at the camera with a serious expression and imposing presence.
There are always people who feel that our wonderful life shouldn't exist!
There are always people who feel that their lives are not good enough!
There are always people who think that war and force can make the people of Konoha hand over everything they hold dear and give up their wonderful lives!
Faced with such a person, faced with such an enemy! As the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, I will never back down! I will never fear, I will never run away!
The Will of Fire burns in the hearts of every Konoha resident; I can hear the crackling of the flames in the cold wind! It is the fire of Konoha that is burning those decaying, withered leaves!
I firmly believe that this great fire will eventually engulf the entire ninja world, burning that vile and despicable existence to ashes!
Gentlemen, the war has begun!
No matter who it is, even the smallest candle flame, when gathered together, can illuminate the darkness. Even if it's extinguished, as long as one flame remains burning, it will reignite other fires. The flames of Konoha will not go out, no matter how many times they try to blow them out!
Therefore, my lords of Konoha, do not panic, do not be afraid!
I and the ninjas of Konoha will burn the invading enemy to death in the raging flames before the darkest dawn!
No matter what happens...
As long as you stand with me through thick and thin!
"Ahead of us! There are no enemies!"
The television screen ended, but the signal had already spread throughout the streets and alleys of Konoha. Even though most people still found it unbelievable, even as if they were in a dream, the fact was that the battle had indeed begun.
Out of concern for the safety of the people, Konoha began to actively relocate its residents, especially those in the northern region near the border. Konoha ninjas quickly moved them to the interior of the village. Since Konoha already had a railway, the people used it for the relocation. Under the guidance of professional ninjas, although there was some unease, it did not cause too much chaos.
Refuge facilities, relief facilities, and management regulations were prepared well before the war even began.
Everything was proceeding smoothly, except for the Land of Lightning and the Land of Rock, which felt terrible.
The original plan to reach the Konoha border that very night not only failed, but also forced them to stay in a small country outside Konoha, where they began a tug-of-war with Konoha.
Konoha's team had a clear objective: not to annihilate the enemy here, but to delay as much as possible and force the opponent to advance along a fixed route.
All of this was unknown to the enemies. They only knew that while Konoha's defenses were formidable, they were not without progress. After a whole night of attacks, at dawn, the Land of Lightning broke through the Moon Defense Line set up by Kakashi's forces and charged toward the Land of Hot Springs.
But what awaited them was Kakashi's forces, who, after regrouping, immediately joined forces with the Uchiha Izumi and Shisui units that had rushed to their aid. Kakashi's forces launched an ambush on the border of the Land of Hot Water, forcing them to interrupt the Land of Lightning's offensive momentum.
The Land of Lightning's attempt to break out failed. Finally, the Fourth Raikage appeared and, together with Killer Bee, broke the deadlock. On the third day, within the time agreed upon with Iwagakure, they successfully reached the Land of Hot Springs and approached the border of Konoha.
At this moment, the Iwagakure forces increased their pressure, and Onoki personally made an appearance. For some unknown reason, Deidara had now become a member of Iwagakure again. He used explosions to clear a path and achieved remarkable results along the way, breaking through the Uchiha Itachi and Nara forces of the Land of Sound and approaching Konoha.
This result shocked the world.
No one thought that Konoha's defenses would be breached so quickly, allowing the enemy to freely infiltrate the border on both the northwest flanks.
But the truth is that Konoha not only failed to resolutely resolve the issue outside the country's borders, but also strangely chose to keep retreating. Whenever they encountered a fierce attack from the enemy, they would retreat and reorganize their defenses.
While this tactic has ensured that Konoha's casualties are minimal, it has essentially allowed the enemy to enter their own territory. If a full-scale battle breaks out later, the damage to Konoha itself will be immeasurable.
Just when everyone was in a state of panic, wondering what had happened to the Konoha ninjas, the Konoha ninjas suddenly stood firm, as if the border was their bottom line, and held the enemy back at the border, resulting in frequent bloody battles.
What's astonishing is that Konoha didn't even have to use its own Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. With just a few Uchiha and the Sannin who are now back on the battlefield, they stabilized the situation and withstood the pressure from the Jinchuriki!
Kakashi Hatake earned the title of "Kakashi the Lightning Ninja" on the battlefield, moving freely with his Lightning Blade technique combined with swordsmanship.
Shisui's Body Flicker Technique is renowned throughout the ninja world. His Kotoamatsukami's terrifying genjutsu ability even nearly killed Yugito the Two-Tails with a single strike. If the Raikage hadn't arrived in time, the Raikage's side might have suffered heavy casualties!
Uchiha Izumi, an unknown ninja, made a name for herself on the battlefield. With her Mangekyou Sharingan now fused with Obito's, she used her eye techniques without restraint. The first appearance of the third stage of Susanoo reminded many ninjas of the era when they were ruled by Uchiha Madara.
With just these three individuals, Konoha held its own against the Land of Lightning in the protracted war, and for a time, the Land of Lightning found itself unable to make any progress and suffered heavy losses.
The situation in Iwagakure is equally dire. Itachi Uchiha, with Sasuke, almost got himself killed by Deidara on their first appearance. If it weren't for Roshi's timely transformation into a tailed beast and his ability to divide and cover the retreat on the main battlefield, Iwagakure might have suffered a major disaster this time as well.
Sasuke's progress was equally impressive. Compared to the original story, he missed the period of wild growth with Orochimaru, but he received more detailed guidance from Kakashi and Itachi. Without the pressure of survival, he achieved growth that was no less than that in the original story. With his three-tomoe Sharingan and exquisite lightning release and swordsmanship, he was known in the martial arts world as...Little Kakashi.
This infuriated Sasuke.
Veteran ninjas like the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and newer generation ninjas like Naruto Uzumaki are all participating in the battles on the Iwagakure battlefield, and each of them has made a name for themselves.
For a time, the Lightning Village and the Stone Village were completely deadlocked at the border of Konoha, unable to make any further breakthroughs.
They didn't understand either. Konoha was determined not to counterattack or advance rashly, only playing a passive defensive game. Relying on the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan, the opponent couldn't launch a sneak attack at all and could only fight head-on.
After much back and forth, and with bumps and bruises all over their heads, the people's hearts finally settled down, and the calls for a counterattack gradually rose. It seemed that Konoha's victory was just around the corner.
However, at that very moment, the situation changed drastically.
On December 7th, Sunagakure suddenly launched an attack, entering Konoha territory as reinforcements. However, the situation suddenly reversed, and they rushed straight to western Konoha, attacking from both inside and outside with Iwagakure. Due to security concerns, Konoha's western defense line was forced to retreat, allowing Iwagakure to rush to the aid of Raigakure. As a result, the ninjas of the Land of Lightning finally broke through the defense line of the Land of Hot Springs, and the three parties met in northwestern Konoha.
The Hidden Mist Village arrived late to provide reinforcements, joining the defense line from the eastern part of Konoha and fighting alongside Konoha troops against the enemy on the northwestern defense line of Konoha.
This defensive line is Konoha's last line of defense. Beyond it lie several of Konoha's major industrial cities, which are crucial to the safety of millions of people. Konoha ninjas vowed to fight to the death and adopted a defensive posture. The three factions of Lightning, Rock, and Sand Villages decided to fight to the death, pooling their forces and concentrating on one point for a decisive battle.
At this moment, the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, Yuzuru Hyuga, appeared at the forefront of the battlefield for the first time, taking over as the overall commander of the battle and officially taking command of the fight.
Both sides established strongholds on either side of the high mountains in the northwest, and the final battle was about to break out.
At 11:30 p.m. on October 7, the Kirigakure forces successfully joined forces and entered the defensive line. Mei Terumi personally led 7,500 Kirigakure soldiers to the battlefield to fight against the Allied Forces.
In this battle, 17,500 Konoha ninjas and 7,500 Kirigakure ninjas formed a defensive alliance, totaling 25,000 people, and were on high alert.
The Iwa, Suna, Rai, and their affiliated small countries, totaling 58,230 people, exerted all their strength to stand facing the Konoha camp across the mountains.
Snowflakes fell, the bright moon disappeared behind the dark clouds, and in the warm tent, Hinata Yuzuru arrived late.
During the battle, the three legendary Konoha ninjas, including Orochimaru who is currently wearing electronic ankle bracelets and serving his sentence, the leaders of the Uchiha clan, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, and the Hyuga Sarutobi clan, the elite Konoha civilian ninjas such as Kakashi and Might Guy, Mei Terumi and several of her personal guards, all waited here for a long time.
Hinata Yuzuru pushed open the tent flap, and a cold wind slipped in through the gaps in the tent, bringing a chill to the heated interior. He smiled apologetically, and Hinata Kaoru followed him in, closing the tent flap behind him.
"Sorry, I just went to check on the situation, so I'm late."
He walked inside, his divine robes covering his armor, similar in style to the Second Hokage's, but also in black and red. The red cloak hanging behind him was painted with the Hyuga clan crest and the Konoha emblem, and the bold characters for Fifth Hokage were particularly eye-catching.
"Fifth Generation, what exactly are you planning?" Mei Terumi seemed to be the most impatient person among those present.
Her expression was serious: "This battle has been so fierce, I almost don't recognize you anymore!"
Mei Terumi's words carried more disbelief than resentment; her eyes held a hint of annoyance, as if she were angry because she was somewhat disappointed.
Hyuga Yuzuru smiled slightly: "Mizukage, this is..."
"...With your abilities, even if Kirigakure were added to the mix, let alone Sunagakure's sneak attack, the battlefield situation shouldn't be this bad." Mei Terumi suppressed her anger, but still remained puzzled. "I told you a few days ago that we should rush to the northern defenses to delay the Raikage, but you refused, allowing them to advance this far..."
If the final battle were to take place here...
Mei Terumi sighed, "Wouldn't this maximize the threat posed by the opponent's Jinchūriki?"
If Konoha were to use its ninja advantage to constantly chip away at the opponent's strengths in small-scale battles, it would have a significant advantage.
However, if the two armies were to clash head-on in such a battle, there is no doubt that the multiple Jinchuriki on the other side would maximize their advantages. If the battle dragged on for several days, Kirigakure would likely suffer a terrible fate!
She couldn't believe that Hyuga Yuzuru would do something like this—what was he thinking?
"So it's because I wasn't honest with you enough." Hinata Yuzuru laughed. He sat down, and Kaoru stood behind him, looking at Terumi Mei with a meaningful gaze. The other woman glanced at her briefly and then looked away.
“We’re allies. If you don’t say anything, how am I supposed to know what you’re thinking…” After Mei Terumi finished speaking, a man in blue next to her looked at the two of them with a surprised expression, then suddenly realized and revealed a mischievous smile.