Chapter 174: Chapter 175 : Battlefield
Today, on the outskirts of Konoha Village, beyond the village walls, a vast expanse of black-clad figures congregated in an open area.
Their formation lacked strict discipline, and many among them exchanged jokes and light-hearted banter.
Their ages varied, ranging from teenagers in their youthful naivety to older men in their forties and fifties, bearing the weight of experience like remnants from the era of Warring States.
Every one of them was a ninja, the most formidable force in this world.
Atop a raised platform, Tobirama stood, his voice commanding attention as he addressed the assembly. In the distance, countless villagers and fellow ninjas who stayed behind observed in silence, a mixture of uncertainty about the future and concern for loved ones reflected in their eyes.
Tobirama, at this moment, stood as a towering figure in everyone's eyes. He embodied Konoha's stalwart pillar and the very essence of the ninja will.
Yet, this was merely a ruse; the true Tobirama had led an ANBU detachment to the Land of Wind, focusing attention there.
"For Konoha, we are blessed with the most abundant resources and the fertile lands that span the entire ninja world. These gifts are both the grace of God and the result of the sacrifices our predecessors have made!"
Tobirama's passionate words resonated with all present. He was the strongest ninja of Konoha, the embodiment of the village's spirit and the ninja's collective determination.
However, this was a mere facade. The true mission lay elsewhere, concealed from all eyes as ANBU agents undertook their covert duties.
"To safeguard the foundation established by our forebears, to protect our sacred homeland and the people dear to us, we will battle to the end, thwarting any ulterior motives..."
His clone delivered an impassioned speech. Younger ninjas, brimming with fervor, responded with roars of enthusiasm, their eyes aflame with a thirst for combat. Yet, members of the prominent clans and common civilians remained somber and silent.
A number of them recalled a time two decades past when Senju Hashirama had wielded his mighty strength in the same spot, founding the village. He had promised unity, that all families in the village would be like kin, and that the era of conflict beyond the clan's borders had ended. A time of shadows and war was seemingly over.
But only a few years later, the village had fractured due to the clash with Madara Uchiha, the echoes of that cataclysmic battle still haunting those who had witnessed it.
Now, Hashirama was gone, and a more daunting, extensive ninja conflict loomed.
"Long live Konoha!"
"Victory to Konoha! Lord Hokage's strength is unparalleled!"
The speech concluded with thunderous applause that echoed across the skies. And then, an army of over six thousand ninja set forth, marching in the direction of the Land of Hot Water!
This force dwarfed the one sent to the Land of Wind, both in numbers and might. Among them, the best of Konoha's clans and civilian ninja were united, and even the Sannin paled in comparison.
"I sense an immense willpower, like an expansive ocean, a torrent reshaping history."
Takeshi, observing from a vantage point, closed his eyes, absorbing the energy with care.
No matter how formidable an individual might be, unless they transcended their own self, they would ultimately falter before the collective will of the masses.
The 'fate' of the Naruto world was both elusive and tangible, akin to the crimson light White Scale had explained, derived from the foes he'd defeated. Though he couldn't fully control it, he understood its essence.
"Hiruko, how does it feel?" Takeshi's eyes opened, their gaze vast as they scanned their surroundings.
"Lord Takeshi, it's incredible. I can control these eyes almost flawlessly! The Uchiha clan never spoke of anyone from the clan who could manipulate the Sharingan so adeptly... Your research is truly groundbreaking; this is genuine power!"
Beside Takeshi, Hiruko brimmed with excitement. His eye sockets no longer held ordinary eyes; instead, a pair of scarlet two tomoe Sharingan spun slowly.
Given Hiruko's substantial investment, Takeshi had allowed him to experience the results of his research.
Troy cells, implanted with features that negated rejection, gifted Hiruko with abilities akin to those of the Uchiha clan. Yet, the blood amalgamation couldn't match the original user's power. Troy cells eliminated rejection of other blood-based cells or external energies, though they couldn't replicate the physiologic changes that came with Sharingan evolution.
Transcending three tomoe sharingan and the Mangekyō Sharingan above it was a far greater challenge, a power beyond Hiruko's current grasp.
Danzo's experiments were restricting Takeshi's growth which he detested. Resources were squandered, and personal potential through experiment were also limited.
Takeshi's breakthrough enabled him to utilize Sharingan without the hindrance of lack of chakra obviating the need for bandages or a forehead protector to conceal his eyes.
Further enhanced by the innate talent of the white-scaled serpent, Takeshi's power thrived, feeding on bloodline limit rather than implanting it in himself. It advanced through consumption, its strength surpassing that of the original user without repercussion.
This was the power of devouring, a distinctive attribute. Even if others obtained his cells, they would only replicate Orochimaru's abilities.
"This approach is somewhat crude, merely mimicking bloodline limit to an extent. This world teems with bloodline limit, yet our grasp on power remains inadequate."
Takeshi's words pacified Hiruko's excitement.
"Indeed. Our research must facilitate human evolution towards perfection, culminating in beings devoid of weakness."
Hiruko, introspective, concurred. A kinship of ideals had formed between them. "Lord Takeshi, will you partake in this war?"
"Without question. If Troy cells were impressive, this war promises to yield power tenfold!"
Takeshi's excitement made itself known, igniting a fire within him. He leapt from the treetops.
.....
"Sarutobi-san, you've arrived at last!"
After two days of travel, Commander Sarutobi joined the advanced troops at the northern front of the Land of Fire.
"Kumogakure's troops are stationed around 50 kilometers away. Their main force's exact movements remain elusive. Our scouts have engaged them multiple times, resulting in heavy losses."
Sarutobi's brows knitted as he listened to the ninja's report.
In these mountainous, wooded terrains, large-scale battles were impractical. Instead, small units clashed, leading to skirmishes and annihilation battles. This contrasted greatly with the Sand Ninja engagement.
The Sand Ninja's strategy was clear: concentrate the main force, constrain Konoha's army, and harass them while retreating strategically. When Konoha chose to engage, Sand Ninja would retreat tactically.
Kumogakure 's agenda diverged. Their aim was to cripple Konoha, pillaging land, resources, and people to cement their supremacy. Engagements here would unfold as battles of life and death, typically involving small squads.
Moreover, Kumogakure 's intent was infiltration; they sought to breach Konoha's homeland. Staying here was futile; instead, they'd likely infiltrate from the Land of Grass or even the Land of Rain. Both armies were stretched thin, their defense lines extensive, in a holistic war.
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