Northwest Front.
Konoha Camp.
In the tent in the center of the camp, a high-level combat meeting was taking place.
The third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat on the main throne, and his eldest son, Sarutobi Nishinnosuke, and Namikaze Minato, sat in the first place on his left and right respectively.
The northwest front was originally guarded by only Namikaze Minato. Facing the repeated fierce attacks by Iwagakure, it was already declining. However, after Sarutobi Hiruzen took charge personally, the situation has stabilized.
In recent large-scale battles, Namikaze Minato faced off against the Third Tsuchikage Onoki, while Sarutobi Hiruzen faced off against Iwagakure's Five-Tailed Jinchūriki.
The third-generation Tsuchikage Onoki possesses blood-stained elimination, an unstoppable dust escape ninjutsu, and also possesses the ability to fly, which is extremely rare among ninjas.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was proficient in five escape techniques and knew thousands of ninjutsus, could not gain an advantage against Ohnoki.
On the contrary, Namikaze Minato, who had learned the art of Flying Thunder God, possesses the fastest speed in the ninja world. He suffered a bit against the Third Raikage, but he was still able to hold Onoki down.
The battle between Ohnoki and Namikaze Minato was a situation where neither could do anything to the other.
Sarutobi Hiruzen may not be the best in all aspects among the shadow-level experts, but whether it is ninjutsu, taijutsu, or sealing techniques, he is close to the top level in every aspect.
As a Kage-level ninja, he doesn't have any shortcomings. The only weakness may be that he is old. He is already at the end of his peak period. His chakra content has declined, and he can no longer fight for a long time like he did when he was young.
The Five-Tailed Jinchuuriki Han is known as the "Steam Ninja". He controls the power of steam to strengthen his physical skills to fight. His physical skills are said to be comparable to those of the Third Raikage.
This kind of taijutsu-type ninja with strong speed, strength and defense is exactly the type that Namikaze Minato is not good at dealing with at this stage.
On the contrary, after Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned the ape demon, he transformed the ape demon into a Vajra stick and was able to compete with Han in physical skills.
After blocking three large-scale attacks on Iwagakure in a row, Iwagakure began to carry out small-scale harassment in the past few months and no longer engaged in large-scale frontal combat with Konoha.
"Everyone is here, let's start the meeting." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked around and nodded towards Namikaze Minato who was on his lower right hand.
He was very satisfied with this disciple, he could even be said to be better than Orochimaru, and he truly inherited the will of fire, and everyone unconsciously gathered towards him.
If it weren't for the many years of master-disciple relationship and recognition of Orochimaru's ability, Sarutobi Hiruzen even believed that Namikaze Minato was more suitable to be the fourth generation Hokage.
Of course, Sarutobi Hiruzen was just thinking about it. Not to mention the support rate among jounin, based on combat achievements and qualifications alone, there was a big gap between Minato and Orochimaru.
Namikaze Minato gained the reputation of 'Golden Flash' by relying on the Flying Thunder God Technique, and now he can face the third Tsuchikage directly.
But Orochimaru of the Western Region made greater contributions.
Orochimaru was isolated and helpless in the Western Territory. Facing twice as many Sunagakure ninjas, he not only blocked Sunagakure's fierce attack, but also showed signs of counterattack. If he hadn't been at a disadvantage in terms of top combat power, Orochimaru might have recovered it long ago. Platycodon City.
To be fair, Sarutobi Hiruzen still prefers Orochimaru at this time.
As for Namikaze Minato, maybe he can compete for the fifth generation in the future.
As for his eldest son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, it is unlikely that he will become the fourth generation among many outstanding competitors. There is hope for the fifth and sixth generations.
For Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Sarutobi Hiruzen arranged for him the position of ANBU minister.
The entire ANBU department only has more than seventy ninjas in total, but this is the force directly under the Hokage.
Most ninjas are proud to be able to enter the Anbu experience. This is a department that can communicate with various families and civilian elites, which is of great significance.
With Sarutobi Shinnosuke's ability and accumulated military exploits, he is qualified to become the ANBU minister.
This is also the path that Hiruzen Sarutobi left for the Sarutobi clan.
"Everyone, the main content of the next meeting is a summary of the battles of the previous month, which mainly includes battle damage and combat achievement records, as well as recent deployment changes." Namikaze Minato stood up and said: "Recently, Iwagakure Village has begun to frequently attack at night. We launch an attack, so the night deployment needs to be modified, and in the future..."
"Report! An urgent report came from the Northeastern Front! It was sent by Lord Jiraiya's liaison frog!"
While Namikaze Minato was explaining the changes in deployment, the voice of ANBU ninja came from outside the camp.
"Come in!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his eyebrows and said in a deep voice.
"yes!"
The ANBU ninja entered the camp and delivered the information scroll to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Namikaze Minato sat down again and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen nervously.
Everyone's attention was also focused on the scroll, and they didn't dare to express their anger.
Compared with the "evenly matched" battle on the northwest front, the northeastern front is the most important part of the four-front battlefield.
Orochimaru also faced twice as many Sunagakure troops in the Western Region, and his top combat power was also at a disadvantage.
But Kumogakure was the village that sent the most troops in this war, with nearly three times the number of people in Konoha, and it had the Third Raikage, the strongest among the Five Kages in the world.
Maybe if Hiruzen Sarutobi were ten years younger, he might be able to fight the Third Raikage, but he would definitely not be his opponent now.
Some of the Jonin here have seen Kushina explode the Nine-Tails Chakra, but her true combat power is yet to be known.
And Kumogakure also possesses the Eight-Tails Jinchuuriki.
Among the four fronts, the one that is least likely to cause problems is the Northeastern Front.
"how's it going?!"
"Didn't Kushina defeat the Third Raikage some time ago?"
"Did Kumogakure also send the jinchūriki to the front?"
"Is there something wrong with the front line?"
Everyone's hearts sank when they saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's serious expression.
It must not be bad news!
"Kumogakure has withdrawn his troops!" Sarutobi Hiruzen put down the scroll and breathed a sigh of relief.
"What?!"
"Withdrawal!"
"Jiraiya-sama and the others defeated Kumogakure!?"
"Very good!"
"This is really the best news I've heard in years!"
All the Jonin said excitedly.
"Sandaime-sama, what is going on? Why did Kumogakure suddenly withdraw his troops? Could it be Kushina..." Namikaze Minato couldn't help but ask, the third generation's expression was very strange.
"It's Kushina, and Shiro Yu." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said: "Kumogakure launched the Eight-Tailed Jinchuuriki, but was defeated by Kushina. Shiro Yu suddenly appeared and showed great strength. He had the upper hand in the battle with the Third Raikage, so Kumogakure chose to withdraw his troops."
In fact, until now, Sarutobi Hiruzen has not calmed down.
Not to mention why Bai Yu's strength suddenly increased so significantly.
Just the thought of him and Kushina leaving Konoha and rebuilding the Uzumaki clan made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel deeply frustrated.
He really regretted the Sakumo incident.
People's hearts have been dispersed.
Any contribution he, the Third Hokage, has made to Konoha since he came to power is not worth this huge mistake.
"Hakuha..." Namikaze Minato looked shocked.
The last time Bai Yu showed his true strength and protected Kushina, he was also there.
Although he was surprised by Bai Yu's power at that time, he thought that he was still stronger than Bai Yu with the Flying Thunder God technique. There was a certain gap in strength between the two sides.
However, when he first heard that Bai Yu had the upper hand in the battle with the Third Raikage, he was in a daze.
The Flying Thunder God Technique that Namikaze Minato currently masters still has room for further development and is not perfect.
Against a ninja like the Third Raikage who had no shortcomings in attack or defense and no blind spots, not only did he not have much advantage in speed, but the most important thing was that the techniques he mastered could not break through the defense at all.
Even if he has mastered several S-level powerful sealing techniques, it is meaningless if he cannot break through the Thunder Escape Armor.
"Bai Yu actually has this kind of strength?"
"It seems that Kumogakure knew that if he continued to fight, he would be defeated, so he chose to withdraw his troops?"
"This way our pressure will be reduced a lot."
"Yes, although the four villages attacked us at the same time, they also had conflicts with each other. This time Kumogakure withdraws his troops, the other three villages are likely to be affected, and our chance of winning will be greater!"
The Jonin were surprised by Bai Yu's strength, but they were even more happy that this war would definitely take a huge turn after Kumogakure withdrew his troops.
"Now Jiraiya is still guarding the border. Tsunade, Shiro Yu, and Kushina escort the injured back to Konoha. According to the agreement agreed in advance, Kushina and Shiro Yu will leave Konoha together to rebuild the Uzumaki clan, and the village will try their best to Help them.”
After Sarutobi Hiruzen said these words, he seemed to have become much older.
"Leaving Konoha..." The Jonin who participated in the war meeting basically knew about this matter. It was just that at this time, they were filled with joy when they heard that two top combat forces were about to leave Konoha and that the war was about to be won. The emotion has also diluted a lot.
"The rebuilt Uzumaki clan will also be a solid ally of Konoha."
Sarutobi Hiruzen added, but when he said such words himself, he lacked confidence.
Regret.
When the Kingdom of Uzumaki was besieged, he did not send out the main force, nor did he go to the rescue in person. The Uzumaki clan was heartbroken, and Kushina must have kept this in mind.
The Shuomao incident also separated Bai Yu from the village.
But before many things happened, who could have imagined that there would be such serious consequences.
The purpose of not saving the Uzumaki clan was to preserve their strength. Who would have thought that Kushina could become the perfect Jinchuuriki of the Nine-Tails in her early twenties; who would have thought that Sakumo would commit suicide just by being slandered by everyone; who would have thought that Bai Yu would A medical ninja actually possesses powerful strength comparable to that of the Third Raikage.
It's a pity that there is no regret medicine.
"Let's continue the combat meeting." Sarutobi Hiruzen said dejectedly.
"Yes!" Namikaze Minato came back to his senses and nodded.
...
Konoha Village.
Compared to the sense of urgency on the front line, the village felt much calmer.
Ninja school.
Some of the genin who graduated from the last batch may have already entered the battlefield.
For the sixth grade freshmen who have just entered school, they cannot feel the cruelty of war.
Because even during wartime, they have to graduate in four years.
Shengshu stood on the podium, holding a piece of chalk and writing on the blackboard.
Suddenly, he made a movement, turned around, and threw half of the chalk into the back row, hitting the student who was stealing food.
"Kenta! Are you testing the teacher's hearing?" Naoki said helplessly, crossing his arms.
These little devils are so blessed that they don’t know how to be blessed!
Just entering school means they have four years to grow up. If they are lucky, the war may end in four years.
Even if you are unlucky, the war in four years will definitely not be as fierce as it is now, but at least you must have a certain level of strength to survive in the war.
Nowadays, even newly graduated genin have to perform combat missions, at least to deal with bandits and bandits, and to clean up stray ninjas in the territory.
So Rope Tree is very strict with students.
In the past few years, Naoki has mastered the secret technique of puppets obtained from Sunagakure. Now, with his puppet prosthetics, he can perform the same normal actions as a normal person.
If he didn't lift his trouser legs, people who weren't familiar with him would never think that his legs were broken.
Nawaki's current strength is probably much stronger than that of a chuunin, but compared to a normal jounin, his mobility is insufficient.
Because the puppet secret technique obtained from Sunagakure is incomplete, it may be a bit reluctant to use it in high-intensity battles.
Although Bai Yu told him a few years ago that he would soon be able to complete the development of the technology to regenerate severed limbs, as the war gradually expanded, Shen Shu also gave up his thoughts on this aspect.
He no longer longed to regain a pair of healthy and strong legs as before, but instead devoted his energy to education.
Compared to ordinary Chuunin teachers, Naoki's teachings are more in-depth and more patient.
Anyway, the Senju clan has been disbanded, and Naoki has no scruples. When he meets outstanding students who ask him for advice, he will even teach the students the ninjutsu of the original Senju clan.
Although Naoki is strict, he has always been the most popular teacher in the ninja school.
Many students know his true identity. He is the grandson of the First Hokage, the younger brother of Tsunade, one of the Sannin medical experts, and a disciple of Orochimaru.
If he hadn't been injured in the war, he would never have been much stronger than he is now.
Such a character comes to teach in the ninja school, and many students know what it means to have a good relationship with the rope tree.
"I'm sorry, Teacher Naoki, I was wrong!" The student named Kenta scratched his head, smiled, and quickly wiped the grease on his mouth with his hands: "I overslept this morning and didn't have time to have breakfast."
"Then you can't eat in class. I'll give you five minutes to eat outside the classroom and then come in."
Shengshu pointed at the door and smiled helplessly.
"Um...thank you, teacher." Kenta picked up the lunch box and walked out of the classroom.
"Hahaha, what a loser!"
The students burst into laughter.
"Quiet, continue class." Shengshu looked solemn, and the students suddenly became quiet.
After two classes in a row, Shengshu said get out of class was over and walked out of the classroom.
As soon as he walked out of the classroom, he looked at the tall young man standing by the window and was stunned.
"Bai Yu?!"
Naoshu's face was full of surprise, and he rushed forward in three steps and two steps. First, he hammered Bai Yu's chest, and then hugged him.
"You guys, when did you come back?! You didn't even tell me."
Bai Yu patted the rope tree on the back and said with a smile: "I just came back this morning. I just finished my medical class and came to see you."
"You know what I mean, let's have two drinks together after I finish my class in the afternoon!" Naoki said happily: "Sister Kushina shouldn't be bothered by you and won't let you come home late, right?"
"How is it possible? You don't know about my family throne. How dare Kushina care about me? I just go up..."
Bai Yu saw a strange smile suddenly appeared on Shengshu's face, and suddenly reacted and changed his words: "I went up to ask for instructions as a standard!"
With that said, Bai Yu turned around.
Not far behind him was Kushina, who had just taken leave for Naoki.
"Okay, Kushina, let's have a drink together tonight?"
Bai Yu almost overturned when he remembered that he came with Kushina.
"You two go and drink. I want to talk to Sister Tsunade tonight and sleep with her. I won't come back." Kushina said: "Baiyu, you won't stay up all night, right?"
"How is it possible? Am I this kind of person?" Bai Yu waved his hands repeatedly.
"Yes." Kushina nodded: "Brother Naoki, I'm leaving first."
"Goodbye." Naoki waved to Kushina, then poked Bai Yu's chest with his elbow, teasing: "It seems that your relationship with sister Kushina is very stable."
"Yeah." Bai Yu's expression didn't change, but then he changed the subject and said, "Just go to the hospital with me."
"Why are you going to the hospital?" Shengshu was stunned when he heard this, and suddenly realized: "Could it be..."
Bai Yu nodded: "Although the technology is not fully mature yet, it is time to train your legs first and recover first. I have asked Kushina to take a two-month leave for you!"
"Bai Yu... I can really..." Nao Shu looked in disbelief. He thought he didn't have much hope for this matter, but he really heard the affirmation from Bai Yu's mouth. When he answered, he felt really mixed emotions.
"Let's go."
Bai Yu patted the rope tree on the shoulder.
