Chapter 32: Chapter 32
According to the latest intelligence from the ninjas, Sarutobi Hiruzen had ordered that all ninjas over the age of 10 participate in the defense tasks due to the ongoing threat. Jiraiya and Sarutobi Shinnosuke each led 1,000 ninja troops to the northeast and southeast of the Fire Country to guard against potential attacks from the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water.
With so many troops deployed, Konoha's own combat power appeared to be stretched thin. Consequently, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to hold this year's lower and middle ninja assessments earlier than usual.
Among the assessments, Kakashi, who applied for early graduation, achieved this feat at just six years old, setting a record for the youngest graduate in Konoha's history.
In the meantime, Yusuke was receiving updates from his subordinates. A Hyuga clan shinobi approached him in the camp, kneeling as he reported, "Yusuke-sama, our investigation is complete. Iwa has deployed around 3,000 troops, including their ultimate weapon, and the battle is being led by Onoki himself."
Yusuke pondered this information, realizing that in the original timeline, the gap between the Second and Third Ninja Wars was shorter. By the time of the Third Ninja War, Iwa had sent 10,000 troops to counter the Third Raikage. This indicated that Iwakure's total strength was significantly larger than the 3,000 troops currently reported.
"If this battle drags on, it will be endless," Yusuke mused. "I need to find a way to lure Onoki out of hiding."
Despite being on the front lines, Onoki had not yet made a significant appearance in the battlefield. His current strategy seemed to be delegating combat to his subordinates while he remained safely in the rear, perhaps due to the substantial power gap or his own inclination to avoid direct confrontation.
At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku entered the tent, announcing, "Yusuke-sama, Iwa has launched another attack."
Yusuke, after a moment's thought, gave a decisive order, "Do not engage. The entire army is to withdraw and relinquish control of the forests in the northwest of the Fire Country."
Fugaku was taken aback. "If we retreat, we're allowing the enemy to enter our territory. That's highly dangerous, and it will be difficult to justify this decision to Hokage-sama."
Allowing enemy forces into the Land of Fire was perilous and could lead to significant economic damage, reminiscent of the destruction seen during the Second Ninja War when the Land of Fire, Land of Wind, and Land of Earth devastated all villages except Rain Hidden Village.
Yusuke stood firm, "There will be no disapproval of my orders. I'm the highest authority in the camp right now, and I will make the decisions."
Fugaku, acknowledging Yusuke's authority and strength, reluctantly agreed. Even the Uchiha clan patriarch had to yield to Yusuke's command, despite his own elite status being somewhat overshadowed.
Under Yusuke's orders, the army withdrew, allowing Iwa's forces to enter the Fire Country's territory. This marked the first time Konoha had permitted an enemy army into its homeland.
Hours later, Konoha's camp was in disarray, with tents and equipment left behind. Kitsuchi, Onoki's son and a prominent figure in Iwa, observed the mess and reported to his father, "The Konoha forces have retreated!"
Onoki, hovering above the camp, displayed a hint of disdain. "That so-called inheritor of the White Fang seems ineffective. After only a few skirmishes, he retreats in fear…"
Roshi, the four-tailed beast's host, added, "It seems too easy. Could it be that they're luring us deeper?"
Onoki frowned but considered the possibility. "In that case, I will personally oversee the rear operations. Kitsuchi and Roshi will continue the assault on Konoha Village."
Back in the Fire Country, the political leaders, led by the daimyo, were alarmed by the news of enemy troops within their borders. They summoned Sarutobi Hiruzen and criticized him harshly, demanding immediate action.
In response, Sarutobi Hiruzen hastily penned a letter and dispatched it via the Anbu to Yusuke's military camp. The letter, which was to be delivered by Minato Namikaze, urgently called for Yusuke's attention and further instructions.
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