Chapter 219: Divine Troops Descending from Heaven? The Hokage's Single-Man Army Decision!

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's slightly uncharacteristic reaction, Orochimaru's heart stirred.

Sure enough...

In Konoha, everyone has their own bonds, and even his teacher is no exception...

"Although Teacher is the bond that ties everyone together, the very core of the village's bonds..."

Orochimaru silently muttered in his heart, before quickly continuing his report:

"The aerial squads have already launched, but Onoki intercepted them; it's too difficult to force a breakthrough."

"Minato and Kushina rushed to the frontlines immediately. However, whether through Minato's mutual Flying Raijin sensing or Kushina's Mind's Eye of the Kagura, neither could detect the whereabouts of Danzo and Ao's squad."

"They must have been forced deep into the heartland of the Land of Earth..."

Hizashi stepped forward and unrolled a battle map drawn by Kushina and the aerial squads at the frontlines.

Several large arrows indicating massive troop movements showed that after merging, Iwagakure and Kumogakure had engaged in full-scale cooperation for the first time, deploying a massive number of personnel to the borderline...

This was clearly to fortify their defense line, preventing Konoha from charging in to rescue them.

But conversely, this information could also be interpreted to mean that Danzo and Tobirama hadn't been captured yet. Otherwise, it would already be time for negotiations...

"Teacher, what do you think we should do?" Orochimaru pondered aloud.

Faced with such a situation, some things were difficult to say directly.

Because over the past year or so, Konoha had consistently executed the strategy of a "controllable war."

With troop training as the absolute core.

For evaluating the various commanders, the casualty rate was the most important metric. On this point, every Konoha Committee Member had performed excellently, thoroughly understanding the Hokage's intentions.

The goal was to temper the quality of their troops, to conduct another assessment and familiarization with the Amegakure and Kirigakure shinobi, establishing their personnel files to achieve true, effective control.

But Danzo and Ao's master-disciple duo was somewhat unique...

One was aggressive, and the other possessed the Flying Raijin jutsu. Therefore, they engaged in some out-of-bounds actions, such as proactively hunting down kekkei genkai shinobi from Iwagakure and Kumogakure, or leading Root special ops squads deep behind enemy lines...

Overall, it was for the good of the village. Given their special status and adequate personal capabilities, no one said anything.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had also tacitly approved Danzo and Tobirama's actions, only emphasizing that overall, they still had to maintain the tone of the battlefield and control the boundaries.

But this general tolerance was predicated on nothing going wrong...

Once something went wrong, it became a problem on an entirely different level.

Failing to follow orders and falling into the enemy's battle formation... While they undoubtedly had to be rescued as comrades of the village, how to rescue them was a very delicate matter...

The difference between a localized harassment war transitioning from defense to offense, and a full-frontal assault, was simply too vast.

This was the same logic behind why Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure hadn't thrown all their forces into a single, massive push when attacking Konoha previously, instead opting for continuous probing.

Battles between shinobi are battles of intelligence, and the defending side naturally holds a series of advantages.

Relying on Konoha's foundation, a full-frontal assault was certainly feasible. But how should the responsibility for the subsequent casualties caused by such an irrational decision be accounted for?

This was a very complicated reckoning.

Clearly, Orochimaru wasn't the only one who thought of this; Hizashi shared the same sentiment.

Hizashi spoke up in a deep voice:

"Lord Hokage, if for the sake of Ao and Danzo, your decision-making and reputation in the village were to be tarnished, I believe that would be a far worse outcome than the two of them being captured."

"You are the most rational and fair embodiment of the Will of Fire."

Hearing this, the corner of Orochimaru's mouth twitched. He just laid it out there that bluntly?

This was basically equivalent to saying:

'Danzo and Ao disobeyed the Hokage's orders. For them to cause a problem and have other shinobi die for them in a manner that defies battlefield logic is inappropriate.'

'Do not take the fall for them!'

If Danzo and Ao heard about this after returning, could their relationship survive it?

But clearly, Hizashi didn't care.

He cared rather extremely about every aspect of Hiruzen Sarutobi alone.

For the sake of Lord Hokage, others could be sacrificed. This was his ninja way.

Because Hizashi was a man without double standards. If he faced this situation, he would definitely choose to fight on the spot until he took his own life, refusing to cause trouble for the Lord Hokage...

Hiruzen Sarutobi cast a rather stern look at Hizashi.

He knew it...

Although the Will of Fire was constantly mentioned in the village.

As it passed down from him into the hearts of every shinobi, it would morph into their own personalized interpretations. Maintaining the original version was nearly impossible.

Yet Hizashi was entirely fearless, his Byakugan staring directly at Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Lord Hokage, your orders are the direction in which I fight, but there are things I must say directly."

"I will listen to everything you say, but I must voice my perspective. I cannot betray the promotion you granted me."

Orochimaru sighed softly:

"Teacher, this is indeed a sensitive issue. Rationally speaking, even if Danzo and Ao are captured, their personal safety won't actually be at risk."

"Iwagakure and Kumogakure wouldn't dare to kill them, because that would undoubtedly infuriate the village. The most likely scenario is using them as leverage for peace talks, forcing us to retreat."

"Under heavy guard by Iwagakure and Kumogakure, we can't even pinpoint Ao and Danzo's location. Even if we break through their frontline defenses, how do we find them after that?"

"The Land of Earth is simply too large, and Iwagakure and Kumogakure will definitely be hunting them internally. Even if we enter, we won't be able to search unimpeded..."

"It's tantamount to searching for a needle in a haystack!"

Orochimaru said earnestly.

This was an objective analysis.

Combining the battlefield situation with the act of "searching for someone."

If they wanted to execute this plan, they would have to rapidly crush the enemy's frontlines and then divide their forces upon entering the Land of Earth region...

That was even more risky.

That was the enemy's heartland; they would undoubtedly face fierce, step-by-step resistance from the Iwagakure and Kumogakure allied forces.

Both actions lacked sufficient battlefield logic to support them.

Before the defending formations of Iwagakure and Kumogakure were broken, even powerhouses on the level of Konoha Committee Members would find it very difficult to tank war ninjutsu unleashed by units of hundreds of men...

Whether it was Fugaku or Tomie's Susanoo, or a Jinchuriki's partial Tailed Beast transformation, war ninjutsu could easily restrict the movements of a complete Tailed Beast.

Because this wasn't an encounter battle; it was a full-frontal assault on a fortified position.

The attacking side had to charge forward and withstand a wave of ninjutsu just to have a chance at breaking the formation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought rapidly.

To rescue or not to rescue?

He didn't hesitate on this point; he absolutely, one hundred percent had to rescue them!

"No..."

"The issues regarding Ao and Danzo will be dealt with after they return. Whether it was due to greedily advancing for merit or being ambushed by the enemy, that is ultimately an internal contradiction within Konoha."

"This matter is not that simple."

"You two should know that in the Land of Water, I encountered the Second Tsuchikage, Mu, and the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki. They manifested as special Edo Tensei bodies, even stronger than when they were alive."

Orochimaru and Hizashi nodded gravely.

In the Land of Water, many shinobi, due to the lack of education caused by the Blood Mist Village, actually believed Gengetsu Hozuki's claim that "the Sage of Six Paths sent him to execute Mizutori"...

They believed Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Mizukage appointed by the Sage, practically turning it into the shinobi world's version of the "Divine Right of Kings"...

But any slightly rational shinobi scoffed at the mention of the Sage of Six Paths.

How could the Sage possibly truly exist?

If he did, why had no one seen him in all these years?

A mysterious organization with an ulterior motive must have been born in the shinobi world!

As for who the leader of this organization was, a significant portion of Konoha's shinobi had an answer in their hearts, but out of respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi, everyone kept their mouths shut...

"We have reason to believe that this incident with Danzo and Ao is an organized, premeditated ambush, with a third-party faction intervening as the unexpected variable!"

"Regardless of their objective—whether it's to balance our situation with Iwagakure and Kumogakure, or if they are specifically targeting Konoha shinobi—we absolutely cannot yield!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stated with extraordinary firmness:

"If we yield on this step, there will be a second step, and a third step in the future!"

The reason he thought this was because Hiruzen Sarutobi trusted Tobirama.

His teacher wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

Having been ambushed by the Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths once before, living a second life with his personality, it was impossible for Tobirama to capsize in the gutter again.

If something went wrong, it must have been an external force majeure, an incalculable variable.

It seemed Madara Uchiha had a new idea...

Hearing this, Orochimaru and Hizashi suddenly understood. The two exchanged glances and nodded.

"If it's Lord Tobirama's doing, then this indeed makes sense."

"It feels like he's testing Ao, the new master of the Flying Raijin, while also checking if Danzo has improved over the years. Isn't this just a reenactment of what happened to you back in the day?"

Orochimaru pondered aloud:

"Perhaps it's also a test of your improvisational abilities as Hokage? You are currently in the same position as the Second Lord during the First Great Ninja War, needing to make a difficult decision..."

In an emergency situation, with no outsiders in the Hokage's office, Orochimaru didn't bother beating around the bush and just said the name directly.

Hizashi, standing beside him, had clearly also talked about Tobirama in private quite often, or perhaps he had grown numb to hearing the little stories about Tobirama during his years of monitoring Konoha...

Hizashi's expression didn't change. He nodded and said:

"Committee Member Orochimaru's analysis is sound! If it's Lord Second Hokage making a move, then everything becomes perfectly logical..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored the two of them...

This was typical stereotyping. He couldn't reason with them, or rather, the entirety of Konoha!

On the issue of Tobirama, the Lord Hokage truly was going to isolate himself from Konoha...

"You guys are still thinking too simply."

"Even if it truly was Teacher Tobirama's doing, the version of him capable of such an act is no longer the Second Hokage of Konoha, but a paranoid Warring States shinobi trapped in extreme thinking."

"Even if I am his disciple, even if it's my own family, teacher, or friend, as long as they endanger the village, I will absolutely not forgive them!" Hiruzen Sarutobi borrowed Hashirama's words, then changed his tone, speaking heavily:

"You must brace yourselves. Do not harbor any illusions just because you think the opponent is the Second Hokage, thinking this is merely a trial from one of our own. The Warring States mindset dictates that opportunity always hides within crisis."

"That crisis is real. Failing to pass it means death; the opportunity is merely the reward for surviving the crisis. I know this better than anyone."

"It's even more terrifying than facing an enemy!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's seriousness sent a chill down Orochimaru and Hizashi's spines.

They had indeed misjudged slightly...

They thought that if it was Lord Tobirama making a move, then Danzo and Ao would likely have a sliver of hope for survival...

But who was Hiruzen Sarutobi?

Not only the current Hokage of Konoha but also the Second Lord's most favored disciple. His understanding of that man must be far above anyone else's!

Orochimaru and Hizashi couldn't help but wonder...

For the Lord Hokage to feel this way, what kind of terrifying things did he endure when he was the Second Lord's disciple?

Hmm, it must have been grueling!

"Therefore, the nature of this war has changed."

"We must realize that a hidden third-party organization in the shinobi world is making a move against Konoha! This is not merely the consequence of Danzo and Ao disobeying battlefield orders."

Hiruzen Sarutobi habitually established the narrative framework first.

This was very important to him.

"But what you said also makes sense. Amassing the forces of Konoha's major war zones for a full-frontal assault will definitely take time. The timeliness simply isn't there."

"By the time the personnel mobilize and reach the frontlines, even if they can break through the defense lines, our speed in finding Ao and Danzo won't necessarily be faster than Kumogakure, Iwagakure, or the mysterious organization."

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought rapidly:

"Furthermore, the casualties among the shinobi must be factored in. A full-frontal assault is not a good solution."

Orochimaru and Hizashi listened intently.

This was indeed an incredibly thorny situation.

If Konoha made a huge fuss, amassed their troops, and recklessly pushed forward, only to find Ao and Danzo had already been captured, things would become extremely complicated.

In that scenario, not only would the strategic objective not be met, but Konoha would also suffer heavy casualties from a hasty assault. This went completely against the rational approach they had maintained since the start of the Third Great Ninja War.

But if they didn't mobilize and just sat back watching Danzo and Ao fall into the enemy's formation, that wasn't an option either...

"Danzo and Ao: one is Konoha's Hokage Advisor, and the other is a vital member of the Research Department and the Uchiha Clan. If something happens to them, the loss to the village would be immense."

"And according to our plans, the village's strategy against Iwagakure and Kumogakure was to slowly bleed them dry with a dull knife, forcing them to surrender when they can no longer bear it, opening their markets to us and paying reparations..."

"This is also a major interest for Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was explaining the situation to Hizashi and Orochimaru, but also using this method to organize his own thoughts and find a way to break the deadlock.

Orochimaru and Hizashi remained silent. Neither could think of a foolproof plan in that moment.

"The only solution now is for me to go in alone first."

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly said, his words shocking them both.

Orochimaru and Hizashi were initially stunned, then expressions bordering on sheer terror appeared on their faces, completely contradicting their usual composure.

Let the Hokage, their teacher, go to the battlefield alone?!

They would be cursed to death and have their spines poked out!

Being cursed at was a minor issue, but what if something unexpected happened to the Hokage, their teacher?!

Neither Orochimaru nor Hizashi dared to imagine what would become of the entire shinobi world if Hiruzen Sarutobi were to meet with an accident in this current situation...

It would be unprecedented chaos and flames of war!

"Absolutely not! Absolutely not, Teacher!"

Orochimaru's tone was incredibly urgent: "How can you go alone? What if something happens? Let me go instead!"

"I have experience leading a team undercover into Kumogakure and dealing with the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B..."

"That's right, Lord Hokage! It's too risky for you to do this!"

Hizashi's pale skin flushed red with anxiety: "You absolutely cannot do this!"

"Quiet."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, signaling for them to be silent: "Orochimaru, what you did was called going undercover. It's completely different from a battlefield environment, and you know it in your heart."

"The cruelty of the battlefield is equally fair to the strong and the weak. That's because, even if most powerhouses possess formidable offensive ninjutsu, their defenses often can't keep up."

"Your Soft Physique Modification, the Uchiha Mangekyo's Susanoo—they are all the same. If hit by an 'Earth Mountain Jutsu' released collectively by a hundred Iwa shinobi, or 'Lightning Attracting Jutsu' by dozens of Kumo shinobi, they wouldn't be able to withstand it."

"But I am different..."

"Shinobi weaker than me have no way of releasing ninjutsu in my presence. Numbers hold little meaning against me. I can easily tear apart any tightly knit battle formation."

"Collective war ninjutsu are riddled with flaws compared to individually released ones. I can use Spirit Release to easily dismantle their chakra connections."

"Combined with my physique, speed, strength, and comprehensive one-on-one combat capabilities, I can ignore the basic logic of warfare and choose any direction to break through at will."

Hiruzen Sarutobi earnestly stated his advantages.

In reality, with the continuous stacking of kekkei threads, he was gradually approaching a very unique echelon in the shinobi world.

Similar to Madara with the Rinnegan.

He didn't suffer from the pressure of individual soldiers. A single combatant's strength had to reach a certain caliber and quantity before they could pose a threat to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The more enemies on the battlefield who couldn't threaten him, the more they served as cover for Hiruzen Sarutobi, tying the hands of the opponent's high-end forces.

This was an advantage brought by his tier of life and systemic evolution.

"Teacher, that still won't do!"

"Lord Hokage, please reconsider!"

Orochimaru and Hizashi felt Hiruzen Sarutobi made sense, but they still didn't want Konoha's absolute core to take this risk, because this was a situation that hadn't occurred in the shinobi world for decades.

This was no longer just leading troops into battle as the sole core...

This was one person attempting to solo tens of thousands of enemy shinobi!

"My mind is made up. You two need not say any more."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was incredibly stern as he looked at Orochimaru, who still wanted to argue: "Kid, I am the Hokage!"

"Pass down the order."

"Have the aerial squads immediately dispatch the fastest aerial ninja tool. I will drop directly into the enemy's core and rapidly throw their defensive formations into chaos!"

"As long as I appear, it will definitely cause chaos internally. Whether it's Ao or Danzo, neither of them are high-value targets compared to me, the Hokage."

"Iwagakure and Kumogakure, whether it's Onoki or the Third Raikage, will definitely devote all their efforts to deal with me, including the reserve forces of that mysterious organization."

"In that case, the defense lines set up by Iwagakure and Kumogakure on the frontlines will be vastly weakened. The village's shinobi will no longer be at a disadvantage from transitioning from defense to offense, and can engage in a fair fight."

Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's majestic gaze, Orochimaru and Hizashi found themselves unable to speak even if they wanted to, forced to just listen to Hiruzen Sarutobi outline this terrifying plan!

"On your end, you must rapidly organize our forces. Have the Amegakure forces, Kirigakure forces, and all our Konoha Committee Members lead their teams, divide them into orderly, systematic columns, and push deep into enemy territory!"

"On one hand, find Danzo and Ao as quickly as possible; on the other, come and reinforce me."

Under these circumstances, Hiruzen Sarutobi actually smiled slightly:

"I am not young anymore, after all. I don't know how long I can hold out, so don't make me wait too long."

"But pay attention: you must also arrange for shinobi to guard the village. The more severe the situation, the more you must consider every aspect. But I have no time to worry about those things now; Orochimaru, Hizashi, the two of you have full authority to handle it."

"Alright, move out!"

As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he agilely pulled out a scroll and rapidly donned the jet-black heavy armor Madara Uchiha wore in his youth.

With a clap of his hands, Enma also appeared in the office.

"Enma, we're going to fight a tough battle this time!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said to his old partner.

Enma didn't say much, simply transforming silently into the Adamantine Staff: "Hiruzen, I haven't been training in Mount Myoboku for over a year for nothing..."

"From now on, I will begin gathering Natural Energy. Although you can't use Sage Mode, as your most reliable weapon, I will help you solve that problem!"

"Then I'll leave it to you, Enma..." Hiruzen Sarutobi grasped the Adamantine Staff and took a deep breath. The fastest model of the aerial squad was already waiting for him in the sky.

Hiruzen Sarutobi strode outward.

His speed and absolute resolve left Orochimaru and Hizashi unable to react. In an instant, they saw the posture Hiruzen Sarutobi had when he was on the Kirigakure battlefield.

The door to the Hokage's office was pulled open.

With a click, the door sounded.

"Teacher!" Orochimaru's heart suddenly lurched, feeling as if he had stepped into empty air, and he couldn't help but cry out.

"Lord Hokage!"

Hizashi also said hastily: "Take me with you!"

"You two are still too green. Even though you've reached the age to settle down and establish your careers, in my eyes, you are still just seeds that need to be tempered."

"Don't rush. Perhaps in the future, you will also have a day where you must do as I am doing, but I hope this ends with me."

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, slowly turned his head, and said earnestly:

"Orochimaru, if I don't return, from then on, you are the Hokage of Konoha."

"Hizashi, if that situation truly arises, you must assist Orochimaru well."

Orochimaru and Hizashi exchanged a glance, both discovering undisguised shock in the other's eyes, along with a trace of deep-seated terror.

What kind of words were these!

But it wasn't that Hiruzen Sarutobi felt he couldn't make it back; this was just a necessary procedure.

He didn't need to repeat the mistake of Tobirama hastily appointing him Hokage in a moment of crisis.

Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi viewed this as an opportunity, just as he had told Hizashi and Orochimaru...

It was a grand opportunity hidden within danger!

This was a stage where he could showcase individual heroism for once, a perfect chance to use absolute violence to elevate his prestige and reputation to unparalleled heights across the shinobi world!

In a sense, Hiruzen Sarutobi could "sustain war through war."

The greater his prestige in Konoha grew, the more his talents would elevate accordingly.

It's just that in the past, Iwagakure and Kumogakure hadn't given him such an opportunity. Only Kirigakure, led by the historically erased Mizukage Mizutori with his astounding "wisdom," had provided such a stage once...

Moreover, reaching Hiruzen Sarutobi's position, his every move would be scrutinized and interpreted by far too many people within Konoha and the shinobi world.

Recklessly starting wars could potentially make his subordinate shinobi overly belligerent, negatively impacting internal long-term development, making him unable to act on mere whim.

This was the restraint that came with the integration of power and responsibility.

But the trapping of Danzo and Ao gave Hiruzen Sarutobi an impeccably justified excuse, allowing him to be willfully reckless for once, to test exactly how strong he currently was in the shinobi world...

Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at Orochimaru and Hizashi, glanced at the door beside him, and smiled slightly: "I suddenly want to slam the door like Danzo does. I don't know why, maybe I miss him."

"I'm off. You two hurry up and get things done!"

Orochimaru and Hizashi's hearts trembled.

It was always said that the essence of the Will of Fire was bonds...

And wasn't the Hokage exactly the same?

And this was also part of Hiruzen Sarutobi's "calculations," or rather, a clever little touch of going with the flow.

If prestige could be infused with a human touch, it would be like adding another metal to iron, forming a much sturdier alloy.

To rescue his brother and his teacher's bloodline, and not wanting his own shinobi to suffer excessive casualties because of it, choosing to drop from the sky alone to pierce the enemy formation...

This might very well become a story relished throughout the shinobi world for decades to come.

Even if it might seem a bit rash, the Will of Fire and the human touch within it were so thick they couldn't be dissolved.

It would be one of the masterpieces of Hiruzen Sarutobi's career, praised by Konoha and the shinobi world alike.

The value of the Hokage faction would rise as a result.

"What are you standing there for?!"

After Hiruzen Sarutobi left, Hizashi suddenly shouted:

"I'll go talk to Lady Mito about guarding the village; you contact the Konoha Committee Members in every region immediately!"

"Tell those bastards to drop whatever they are doing right now! Even if it's mountain-high spoils of war or bounties, they must drop it, and head to the Land of Earth frontline at full speed, at all costs!"

Boundless battle intent and fury surged within Hizashi's Byakugan.

It seemed that only by doing this could the unspeakable panic in his heart be quelled.

"I know!"

Orochimaru grabbed the telepathic communicator, his tone unprecedentedly stern as he rapidly contacted the Yamanaka clan's command center, issuing absolute orders to every region under Konoha's control.

This was a massive logistical undertaking.

At this moment.

The Committee Members and Jonin of Kirigakure, Kumogakure, and Konoha all boiled over with activity, everyone listening intently to their marching orders, terrified of being a step late.

Land of Water Region.

Kimimaro and Kisame were leading a team to clear out the last stubborn rogue ninja.

Because Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't fully integrated the Land of Water with Konoha, it would maintain a self-circulating state for the next few years.

And because some nobles were excessively disobedient, Kimimaro and Kisame could still use a method somewhat reminiscent of the old Kirigakure flavor to straightforwardly "educate" these anti-Konoha elements, though they still had to supplement the evidence afterward.

Unlike in Konoha, where unless it was an extremely special circumstance, evidence had to come first.

"We really hit the jackpot this time..."

"To think they hid so much chakra metal. These vermin of the Land of Water clearly don't even know any decent ninjutsu, yet they hoarded all these precious resources in their homes!"

Kimimaro inspected the spoils of war, pondering what Orochimaru had told him a few days ago.

Konoha was going to implement informatization...

As for what informatization was, although Kimimaro had read many books, the concept was still too advanced for him.

But he knew one thing: this was Lord Hokage's intention.

And informatization required massive amounts of raw chakra metal and ores.

Clearly, this haul satisfied Konoha's needs!

And right at this moment.

The telepathic communicator at Kimimaro's waist rang.

Under the envious gazes of the other Kirigakure shinobi, he stylishly flipped it open and placed it by his ear:

'This is Kimimaro.'

Suddenly, Kimimaro's face turned exceptionally grim: 'Understood, I've got it!'

Kisame was taken aback. What happened?

"Drop all the spoils in your hands. Leave it, leave everything right now!"

"Leave Mei Terumi to guard the rear. All other Kirigakure Jonin, Tokubetsu Jonin, and sufficiently experienced Chunin assemble at full speed! We are going to reinforce Lord Hokage!"

"Tell everyone, this is the Kirigakure region's chance to show our faces. If anyone dares to drag their feet, I'll chop their head off!"

Kimimaro's expression was incredibly ferocious, his Byakugan filled with hostility. The smiling, good-natured demeanor he usually wore when imitating Tenzo was nowhere to be seen.

Kisame immediately said: "We'll summon the sharks! Tell Committee Member Orochimaru we'll land on the flank of the Land of Earth; we absolutely won't be slower than them!"

"Alright!" Kimimaro patted Kisame on the shoulder, and the two brothers rapidly mobilized.

And the same was true in the Amegakure region.

Upon hearing the news, Hanzo immediately assembled Amegakure's entire military force.

The generosity and kindness of his Big Brother, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had long since warmed the entire Land of Rain and Amegakure Village like a fire...

When Hanzo chose to open the floodgates to fight Sunagakure, after the war ended, Hiruzen Sarutobi even specifically allocated funds for the citizens of the Land of Rain to help them rebuild their homes.

Every aspect was considered thoroughly and appropriately...

So much so that most people inside Amegakure were currently calculating their military merits for transferring to Konoha, itching to officially transfer their registration to the Land of Fire the very next day.

There was no helping it. Although Lord Hanzo was very strong, compared to Lord Hokage, he still wasn't steady enough...

Moreover, Hanzo was also consciously pushing this process. This had long been a tacit understanding between him and Hiruzen Sarutobi: to decently and mutually satisfactorily merge Amegakure into Konoha and become one family.

"Move out, reinforce the Hokage!"

Within Konoha itself, the speed of the various Konoha Committee Members was even faster. Every single person was absolutely unwilling to let the Hokage fight alone behind enemy lines.

This war machine, built single-handedly by Hiruzen Sarutobi, began to operate with extreme speed in an instant.

It seemed to herald that the situation in the shinobi world, and the Third Great Ninja War itself, was about to reach its most crucial turning point.

What would the future of this war look like?

No one knew at the moment...

And right now.

Flying at high speed through the sky, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly sealed the chakra of the nine Tailed Beasts into his "Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration," gazing down at the earth below.

He had made up his mind...

He was going to refine the chakra of these nine Tailed Beasts and test his absolute limits!

After all, the waters of the shinobi world were far too deep; he couldn't be satisfied with the status quo...

And a high-intensity war, with the multiple eruptions of chakra within his body, would serve as an excellent catalyst to promote the fusion of Tailed Beast chakra within him, akin to "heating up the furnace."

Hiruzen Sarutobi leaped down.

The Lord Hokage had entered the fray alone, ahead of the rest!

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