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🕑 Added 2025-05-21 17:28:06 +0000 UTCChapter 181: The Fence-Sitter
"The younger generation is formidable—truly formidable! I’ve grown old after all."
Watching the scene unfold, Yagura couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, overcome with emotion.
"Perhaps entrusting Kirigakure to him wouldn’t be such a bad idea."
Hearing Rasa’s words, Yoru clapped in approval. "That’s a wise decision, Lord Kazekage!"
But then, Tsuchi’s voice cut in, low and grim. "And what about our Tsuchikage? You didn’t give us the chance to capture the Kazekage alive."
At this, the remaining two thousand Iwa-nin turned their piercing gazes toward them, sharp as blades.
A force driven by grief.
This Iwa-nin army was undoubtedly one fueled by sorrow—a force not to be trifled with, even with their diminished numbers.
"We’ll honor our agreement and return him, of course. Consider it thanks for the Iwa-nin’s contributions in this battle."
With victory already secured, Yoru wasn’t foolish enough to pour oil on the fire and stir up unnecessary trouble.
"Hmph! Contributions? We made none."
Tsuchi’s voice dripped with sarcasm. If anything, their "contribution" had been helping Kirigakure crush Sunagakure—only to walk away empty-handed.
Without the Iwa-nin’s involvement, the Suna-nin wouldn’t have surrendered so quickly.
"Well then, Lord Kazekage, Lord Tsuchi—shall we discuss the post-war arrangements?"
Yoru then glanced at Mei, signaling her to speak.
With a shrug, Mei raised her voice. "Everyone—we’ve won!"
"OHHH!!!"
The Kiri-nin roared in unison, their cheers shaking the sky.
Mei then invited Rasa and Tsuchi ashore, instructing their forces to set up camp before leading them into the Kiri command tent to negotiate the spoils of war.
Naturally, the Iwa-nin and Suna-nin armies were kept under close watch by Kiri forces—no one dared let their guard down, lest the hard-won victory be overturned.
After all, despite their heavy losses, the combined forces of Suna and Iwa still numbered six to seven thousand, while Kiri had fewer than four thousand. Even with the thousand-strong support from the rogue-nin village, they were still slightly outmatched.
Still, despite their mutual hatred, the Suna-nin and Iwa-nin showed remarkable restraint, avoiding further conflict.
Judging by the smiles on Mei and Yoru’s faces as they exited the tent, the negotiations had gone well—though the same couldn’t be said for Rasa.
His expression was dark, almost corpse-like in its gloom. Among all the representatives, only the Suna-nin delegation looked thoroughly displeased. Even the Iwa-nin seemed satisfied.
"Well then, here’s to a fruitful partnership!" Yoru said cheerfully to Tsuchi.
To an outsider, they might’ve seemed like old friends—despite having been mortal enemies mere hours ago.
The onlookers were stunned.
What in the world is going on?
Since when had Kiri and Iwa been on such good terms? Weren’t they just trying to kill each other?
But no explanations were given.
The Iwa-nin watched as Tsuchi carried an unconscious Ōnoki and Deidara back to their ranks before leading them home.
Rasa, flanked by two shinobi—one carrying Gaara, the other supporting Chiyo—also began his retreat.
"We’ll take our leave now. I doubt our forces will be needed for the battles ahead."
Hamaguro’s announcement made Yoru frown slightly.
This guy really knows how to play both sides.
Having secured his share of the spoils, Hamaguro was now avoiding further losses. His excuse—"the war doesn’t need us"—was just a way to preserve his rogue-nin village’s strength.
"Heh. Suit yourself."
Yoru could’ve refused—even forced Hamaguro to stay. But given Kiri’s dwindling numbers, provoking another enemy wasn’t worth the risk.
If Suna or Iwa turned around now, they could still deal heavy damage. Antagonizing the rogue-nin village would only make things worse.
Until they faced Konoha and Kumogakure, Yoru wasn’t about to take unnecessary chances.
Kumo’s forces didn’t worry him much—their losses in the last battle had been severe.
The real threat was Konoha.
Even with their forces divided by the Uchiha clan’s rebellion, the strength of the First Shinobi Village was nothing to scoff at.
Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Yagura watched Yoru with admiration.
"This guy is a monster. The way he handles negotiations is unreal."
During the talks, Yoru had first extorted a massive sum from Suna as reparations—only to turn around and share the spoils with Iwa.
By offering part of Suna’s reparations to Iwa, he’d softened their hostility and even secured future cooperation. At the same time, he’d strengthened ties with the rogue-nin village, turning them into a solid ally.
If Suna’s reparations totaled ten, Yoru had split it like this:
Kirigakure: 5
Rogue-nin village: 3
Iwagakure: 2
This way, Iwa—despite their losses—walked away with something, easing their resentment.
Yagura could only marvel at the move. By playing mediator, Yoru had reduced Kiri’s enemies, gained allies, and secured smoother development for the village.
Honestly? Even Yagura himself might not have pulled it off so flawlessly.
"Whew. One battle down."
Yoru stretched, exhaling in relief. "Next up—Konoha. Heh. Can’t wait."
Mei smirked. "Once word of this victory spreads, the entire shinobi world will be in shock."
"Oh, they will be," Yoru agreed.
If only their forces weren’t so battered—and if time had allowed—he would’ve loved to launch a surprise attack on Konoha while they were still reeling from the Uchiha incident.
But by now, Konoha’s army was likely already on the move.
Chapter 182: March on Konoha Again
"Then let’s give them a massive surprise in Uzushiogakure!"
If they couldn’t launch a direct assault on Konoha, ambushing them in the Land of Whirlpools was the next best thing.
"The Kumo army will also march within a day—we’ll need to watch out for them too."
Yoru sighed. "Nee-san, looks like we’ll have to split our forces again."
Mei Terumī chuckled. "Then split them we shall. I trust your strength completely."
After Yoru’s legendary victory—1,500 against 10,000—Mei had absolute faith in him.
"But this time, I’ll need to take a slightly larger force."
"After all, our opponent is Konoha. We can’t afford to underestimate them."
"Who knows? We might even run into the so-called ‘God of Shinobi’ himself—the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen."
Normally, a Kage would never personally lead an invasion. But the Kazekage and Tsuchikage had likely assumed they could crush Kiri swiftly and carve it up themselves.
Reality, however, had other plans.
That said, Yoru wasn’t actually worried about the Third Hokage.
No—the real threat was the "Blue Beast," Might Guy.
His Eight Gates technique was terrifying. Even at the Seventh Gate, his power could rival Hiruzen’s prime.
(Though it wouldn’t last long.)
Still, his presence alone was enough to put Yoru on edge.
Because if Guy ever opened the Eighth Gate…
No one could stop him.
"How many troops are you taking?" Mei asked, noting the gravity in Yoru’s voice.
"Two thousand."
"And I’ll need Yugito and most of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
"It’s a good chance for Hōzuki Suigetsu, Ringo Ameyuri, Chōjūrō, and Shimura Isshin to witness Konoha’s strength firsthand."
Yoru’s request took half of Kiri’s remaining forces—plus several elite fighters.
"You’re really wary of Konoha, huh?"
"You weren’t this tense even when planning against Iwa."
Mei had rarely seen him so serious.
"Yoru’s caution is justified," Yagura interjected. "Konoha didn’t become the strongest village by chance. Their foundation surpasses the other four Great Villages."
"They’re the only village to have fought—and defeated—all four major nations in war."
"Their elite forces are… enviable."
Konoha’s Strength – A Breakdown
1️⃣ The Leadership:
Hiruzen Sarutobi – The "God of Shinobi." His power was well-documented even during the Second War.
Danzo Shimura – The shadowy schemer with terrifying influence and strength.
Koharu Utatane & Homura Mitokado – Veteran strategists who could command entire fronts.
"These four form Konoha’s core leadership. In war, each can lead an army independently."
2️⃣ The Elite Clans:
The Ino-Shika-Chō trio – A nightmare in coordinated combat.
The Hyūga – With their Byakugan, they dominate intelligence warfare.
3️⃣ The New Generation:
Kakashi Hatake – The "Copy Ninja," a master of a thousand jutsu.
Might Guy – A taijutsu monster who could overpower even Kisame.
Asuma Sarutobi – A seasoned fighter with unparalleled close-combat skills.
4️⃣ The Specialists:
Ibiki Morino – The interrogator who once cornered Kisame.
Genma Shiranui – A former Hokage Guard with lethal precision.
"And let’s not forget—Konoha is backed by the wealthiest nation, the Land of Fire. Their resources are unmatched."
"Fighting them is nothing like fighting Iwa. Caution is essential."
"Plus, since the Daimyō himself ordered this war… Hiruzen and Danzo might both take the field."
"Even Yoru would struggle against those two."
The room fell silent.
No one had realized just how formidable Konoha truly was.
If not for Yagura’s warning, they might’ve walked into a slaughter.
"I don’t know if Danzo will come," Yoru mused. "But the Third Hokage? Almost certainly."
"And he won’t be an easy opponent."
Hiruzen had no overwhelming strengths—but also no exploitable weaknesses.
(Excluding the outright cheat-code shinobi like the Sannin.)
His vast combat experience, encyclopedic jutsu knowledge, and the formidable Enma made him a nightmare to face.
"Then… Yoru, you—" Mei’s voice wavered with concern.
Was he actually outmatched?
Yoru grinned. "Relax, nee-san. Hiruzen’s strong, but as long as that man doesn’t return, we’ll be fine."
"That man?" Mei blinked.
"He’s talking about one of the Sannin—Jiraiya," Yagura cut in.
"Ah, the ‘Toad Sage.’" Mei nodded. "Then be extra careful. If things go south… retreat."
"Got it."
With that, Yoru handpicked 2,000 troops, taking Yugito, Zabuza, and the elite squad.
He left behind Haku, Kimimaro, and their pirate recruits—2,300+ fighters in total—to guard Kiri under Mei and Yagura.
"I’ll wrap this up in a day and return."
But deep down, he wasn’t sure if one day would be enough.
Meanwhile – Northern Uzushiogakure
"WHAT?! Iwa and Suna—both defeated by Kiri?!"
Hiruzen’s pipe nearly fell from his lips as the scout delivered the news.
"You’re telling me two villages—with 10,000 troops each—lost to a force of less than 10,000?!"
It made no sense.
Both the Tsuchikage and Kazekage had personally led their armies, bringing their strongest fighters.
How could Kiri possibly win?
"Explain. Now."
Nara Shikaku’s voice was calm, but his mind was already racing.
They’d clearly underestimated Kiri.
Chapter 183: Who Ambushes Whom?
"Yoru and the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumī, split their forces to confront Iwagakure and Sunagakure!"
"In less than an hour of battle, Yoru—leading just 1,500 Kiri-nin and two jinchūriki—inflicted heavy injuries on multiple Iwa elites, causing roughly 6,000 casualties."
"He even captured the Third Tsuchikage alive, forcing Iwagakure to surrender and comply with his terms: joining the assault on Sunagakure!"
"Half an hour later, Sunagakure found itself besieged by Yoru’s combined forces—what remained of the Kiri army and the now-allied Iwa troops."
"Within minutes, Suna collapsed. Advisor Chiyo and jinchūriki Gaara were captured, and over 6,000 Suna-nin fell."
"Faced with such devastation, Kazekage Rasa had no choice but to concede defeat, ending the war."
The scout delivered his report in meticulous detail.
By the time he finished, even the Third Hokage and his advisors were left speechless, exchanging stunned glances.
This… this was monstrous.
Calling it a miracle wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Before today, who would’ve dared claim that 1,000 soldiers could defeat 10,000?
No one.
Not even the Third Hokage would’ve boasted such a feat.
Yet Yoru had done it.
"And how is Kirigakure responding to our advance?" Nara Shikaku pressed.
"Yoru himself is leading the counterforce," the scout replied. "Two thousand troops, the Two-Tails jinchūriki (Yugito), and six of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Based on their pace, they should reach the Land of Whirlpools soon."
Shikaku’s expression darkened. "They only sent 1,500 against Iwa, but 2,000 for us? Yoru must think highly of Konoha."
"Still, with one less jinchūriki, our pressure is lighter. The real problem is Yoru himself."
The Third Hokage nodded grimly. "We’ll need to stay vigilant. He could be lying in ambush along our route—underestimating him just because he has fewer numbers would be fatal."
Konoha had marched far from home, while Yoru held a critical advantage: the ocean.
There was no way he’d ignore such a tactical boon.
"Then let’s divide our forces," Hyūga Hiashi proposed. "Send one unit to engage Yoru directly while a second strike team infiltrates Kirigakure’s weakened defenses."
"With so many elites pulled away, their village must be vulnerable. A surprise attack could cripple them."
"Even if we don’t crush them outright," a Hyūga elder added, "we can link up with Kumogakure’s incoming forces. Two villages assaulting Kiri at once? They’ll collapse."
"And when Yoru rushes back to defend his home—that’s when we spring the trap. Victory will be ours."
"Brilliant!" The Inuzuka clan head grinned.
"Agreed," Aburame Shibi murmured tersely.
Even Shikaku approved. "A solid plan. We’ll refine the details, but the framework is sound."
The Third Hokage gave a satisfied nod. "Then it’s settled. Prepare the teams."
Excitement buzzed through the ranks. "Can’t wait to see their faces!"
What They Didn’t Know
Every word of their discussion had reached Yoru’s ears.
Perched on a cliff 50 miles away, he smirked. "Classic Konoha—always scheming."
His sensory range was absurd, yet no one would suspect surveillance from such a distance.
"Well, since I’ve spoiled your little plot… let’s ruin it properly."
He immediately drafted a counterstrategy, summarized in 16 characters:
"Advance? We retreat. Rest? We harass. Tire? We strike. Retreat? We chase."
A timeless tactic from his past life, perfected by a legendary strategist.
"Enjoy this taste of celestial wisdom, Third Hokage."
As for why Konoha’s scouts hadn’t detected his forces? Simple.
With 50 miles of advance warning, Yoru had effortlessly steered clear of patrols.
The irony? His 2,000 troops—a number Konoha dismissed as insignificant—were now his greatest asset.
No one would expect a direct ambush from such a "small" force.
By the time the assault came, Konoha’s confusion would be priceless.
Final Preparations
"Remember," Yoru ordered his troops, "this isn’t a battle of attrition."
"Hit hard, fade fast. I’ll cover our retreat with Hidden Mist Jutsu."
Unlike the desperate stand against Iwa, this fight favored mobility.
The Land of Whirlpools’ dense forests and coastal humidity made it perfect for guerrilla warfare.
"Our goal is to exhaust Konoha’s forces—bit by bit—until they break."
"Those sixteen words are your mantra. Understood?"
"YES, SIR!"
The Kiri-nin roared, eyes blazing with absolute trust.
Before the Iwa battle, they might’ve doubted such an audacious plan.
Now?
They’d follow Yoru into hell itself.
Chapter 184: Konoha, Bet You Didn’t See This Coming
Yoru split Kirigakure’s forces into two divisions, launching a pincer attack on the Konoha camp. But as they advanced—
Konoha’s army was busy setting up camp, resting their troops to prepare for Yoru’s arrival. Scouts had been deployed to secure the perimeter.
Under the leadership of Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi, they’d established an efficient reconnaissance network.
"Now, we just wait for Kirigakure’s forces to arrive," Shikaku declared from the command post, gazing at the distant sky.
Little did he know—
"Not bad, Konoha. Tight formations, solid defenses."
Just one kilometer away, Yoru had infiltrated with a small unit. Thanks to his superior sensory abilities, he’d slipped past all of Konoha’s scouts unnoticed.
Meanwhile, his other squads—led by his water clones—were poised to strike from all directions. Now, all they needed was his signal.
"Suiton: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
Mist forming in the mountains? Perfectly normal—especially at dusk.
Even Shikaku didn’t suspect anything… at first.
But when the fog grew unnaturally thick, alarm bells rang. By the time he ordered the sensory team to sound the alert—
"SHOOM!"
A flare exploded directly above Konoha’s camp.
Then—chaos.
The thunder of charging footsteps echoed from every direction.
"Attack!"
"Konoha scum, prepare to die!"
"Cower in fear—today’s your last day!"
Taunts and war cries filled the air as Kirigakure’s forces, fresh off their victories over Iwagakure and Sunagakure, now clashed with the strongest of the Five Great Nations—Konoha.
"Huh. No sign of Danzō. Not surprising."
"That coward never risks his own neck—always scheming in the shadows."
Still, if Danzō had shown up, Yoru would’ve been more cautious.
Konoha’s army numbered 12,000—2,000 more than Iwa or Suna’s forces. Most of their elite shinobi were here, led by the Third Hokage and Shimura Danzō. A direct assault would’ve been bloody, with heavy losses for Kirigakure.
But Yoru wasn’t here for a fair fight.
His goal? Grind down Konoha’s morale, then crush them in one decisive blow.
"Silent Killing Technique."
In open combat, Yoru might not be the best. But in the mist? A true nightmare. Few escaped his blade unscathed.
"It’s the White Light! Watch out—his mist jutsu silences everything!"
A voice shouted in the fog—then was abruptly cut off.
Not that Konoha’s leaders needed the warning. Who else could wield the Hidden Mist Jutsu at this level?
It wasn’t just vision and sound—even sensory abilities were blocked.
"Tch. Some mist isn’t scary. I’ll blow it away with Wind/Fire Style!"
Dozens of Konoha ninja scoffed, unleashing their jutsu—
…Only for nothing to happen.
"No way! Why isn’t it working?!"
"This makes no sense!"
Wind users gaped as their techniques failed. Fire users only made the mist thicker.
"Heh. Idiots."
"You really thought basic Wind/Fire would work?"
"This is Kirigakure’s signature technique—not some parlor trick!"
Mocking voices closed in, followed by lethal strikes.
Thanks to Yoru’s control, his forces moved freely—untouched by the mist’s effects.
He could hear everything—including the Third Hokage’s muttered frustration:
"This is bad. Can’t distinguish friend from foe… can’t even relay orders. That White Light is as troublesome as they say."
Then—the Hokage acted.
Hands flashing through seals, he sank into the earth.
"If I can’t fight above ground… underground it is."
The mist didn’t reach below. Perception would still be limited, but not as crippling.
Yoru smirked.
"Smart move, old man. But… I love a good trap."**
He drove his sword into the ground—lightning surging through the earth.
"Doton: Swamp of the Underworld!"
Yet before his lightning struck, the ground beneath him melted into mud.
A figure burst through the mist, roaring:
"Katon: Dragon Flame Bomb!"
The heat was brutal—thinning the mist momentarily.
Yoru felt like he was being cooked alive.
The flames burned white-hot, distorting the air and illuminating the battlefield.
For the first time, Yoru saw the Third Hokage up close.
A small, aged man. Old-fashioned armor. Sunken cheeks, age spots—like an old monkey.
Seeing him in person hit differently than in the anime.
"No wonder Hashirama and Tobirama called him ‘Monkey.’ Fitting."
Yoru swung his blade—a storm of wind and mist clashed with the fire.
Lightning crackled over his body as he ripped free from the swamp.
But the Hokage wasn’t done.
As Yoru retreated, a barrage of kunai shot toward him—
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Chapter 185: Even the Third Hokage Isn’t Enough
Swish! Swish! Swish!
What had been just five or six shuriken suddenly multiplied into a storm of blades—a hundredfold barrage, dense enough to make anyone’s scalp crawl.
For most, facing this technique would mean either scrambling to dodge (like Kakashi and the others) or countering with ease (if they were Kage-level).
But Yoru?
Thanks to a nearby water clone, he could activate Suiton: Suika no Jutsu (Water Transformation Technique)—rendering physical attacks utterly useless against him.
So, when the Third Hokage closed in for a strike, he realized too late just how monstrous Yoru was.
With visibility nearly zero, the Hokage had no time to react.
"Suiton: Suidanha!" (Water Style: Water Severing Wave)
A razor-thin jet of water—fast as light—pierced the Hokage’s right arm, leaving a finger-sized hole in his shoulder.
"Guh—!"
Wounded, the Third Hokage retreated instantly, despite the searing pain locking up his arm.
"Trying to run? Not that easy."
Yoru hadn’t expected an immediate showdown with the Hokage. Logically, the man wouldn’t risk a solo fight—not with overwhelming forces at his disposal.
Yet here he was.
And Yoru wasn’t about to let him go.
"Raiton: Raikiri!" (Lightning Style: Lightning Cutter)
But just as Yoru moved to pursue, Kakashi’s voice cut through the mist. A streak of cold lightning aimed straight for his back.
Meanwhile, the Hokage was already under the protection of Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Chōza—the Ino-Shika-Chō trio.
For the first time, even Yoru felt the pressure.
Luckily, the thick mist dampened the lightning’s glow. Had Shikaku’s shadow-binding jutsu connected, things would’ve gotten messy.
"Raiton: Raichūheki!" (Lightning Style: Lightning Pillar Wall)
A hexagonal barrier of lightning flared up around Yoru—just in time.
BOOM!
Raikiri slammed into the barrier, triggering a deafening clash of electricity. Sparks flew, the air sizzled—though only Yoru could hear it.
"Doton: Dorongu no Jutsu!" (Earth Style: Earth Spear)
Then—another attack. A spike of rock erupted beneath him, spearing upward.
But—
"Close call. Almost got me."
Yoru dissolved into water, dodging at the last second. Ahead, the wood-style user Tenzo emerged from the ground, frustration plain on his face.
"You’re unaffected by the mist? Impressive tracking." Yoru’s tone was almost admiring.
"Tch. Surrender, Yoru. You’re surrounded." Tenzo’s voice was ice.
And he wasn’t wrong.
Kakashi and Tenzo in front. The Ino-Shika-Chō trio and the Hokage behind.
A dead end—for anyone else.
"Surrounded? How naïve."
With that, Yoru dropped the barrier and vanished. His voice echoed from everywhere at once:
"Let me show you the real power of the Hidden Mist Jutsu."
"From now on… don’t trust your own senses."
The words were ghostly, directionless.
"Hmph. Your mist won’t work on me." Tenzo scoffed. Roots sprouted from his body—his secret. By linking with the forest’s network, he could detect vibrations.
"In these woods, nothing escapes me."
"Don’t underestimate him!" Kakashi’s warning was barely audible, even though they stood back-to-back.
"Regroup with the Hokage—now! If he knows you can sense him, you’re his first target."
Through Tenzo’s roots, they’d already established a link with the Third.
"Fine."
Reluctantly, Tenzo complied. The two moved toward the Hokage’s position—just ten meters away—ready for anything.
But—
"You have no idea how fast I am."
Yoru materialized in front of Tenzo. Kakashi and Tenzo reacted instantly: lightning and roots lashing out. Even the Hokage attacked blindly, guided by Tenzo’s roots.
Yet they’d underestimated Yoru’s speed.
Had Minato been there, Hiraishin might’ve countered it. But Minato wasn’t.
Like a phantom, Yoru weaved through their assaults—then formed two hand seals.
Pfft. Pfft. Pfft.
Silent strikes.
The Hokage’s stomach dropped. The forest’s guidance had vanished.
Tenzo was down.
"Doton: Dōkorō!" (Earth Style: Earth Corridor)
The Hokage slammed his palms to the ground. Instantly, a massive earthen dome sealed the area—pitch-black, fifty meters wide.
"Doton: Yomi Numa!" (Earth Style: Swamp of the Underworld)
The ground liquefied into a bog, swallowing everything.
But Yoru’s voice cut through the darkness:
"Quick reflexes, Hokage. But trapping me? Not happening."
"Suiton: Suidanha!"
Light pierced the dome as a hole formed—
"Katon: Karyūdan!" (Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet)
The Hokage’s fireball blasted through the gap—only to hit empty air.
