章 107: Chapter 107: The Beginning

Raindrops fell on the kunai as Yuto wiped it dry with a cloth. This was a humid land; if one didn't take care of their tools, the blades would quickly rust.

"Vice Commander," a subordinate called out, "Terajima... he's not going to make it."

Yuto turned around to look at Terajima Ichiki, who was slumped over another shinobi's back. In the original story, he didn't even have a name. His nose was crushed into his skull, his face shattered—classic blunt force trauma. Iwagakure's Earth Release was heavy and fierce, and it was a miracle Terajima had survived this long after taking a hit to the face.

Despite Yuto's training under Tsunade, which gave him significant expertise in medical ninjutsu, there was nothing he could do for such injuries.

Under the watchful eyes of his comrades, Terajima gradually stopped breathing. He was the sixteenth shinobi to die in this squad.

"Take care of him. Seal his body in a scroll," Yuto ordered softly. His subordinates efficiently handled Terajima's remains, redistributed his tools, and moved on.

War numbs people, leaving no time for grief.

This was Yuto's second month in Amegakure, and his fifth mission leading Konoha shinobi as deputy commander. Amegakure was the world's most brutal meat grinder. Even well-trained shinobi from the Land of Fire suffered a casualty rate of twenty percent on each mission.

Traps and enemies were everywhere.

You might lean against a tree for a moment's rest, only to trigger an explosive tag, resulting in a life-long disability. Or you might offer food to a crying little girl, only to be attacked by her kunai, her eyes filled with hatred.

Yuto began to understand why, in the original story, Nagato's parents were killed by Konoha. War had filled everyone's hearts with hatred and killing, making calm judgment rare.

"Breaking the chain of hatred" was easier said than done. When faced with the enemy who killed your loved ones, most people would think, "I have to kill them, even if it means biting them to death."

Terajima's death didn't slow the march. Yuto's mission was to sweep and clear the control zone, eliminating enemy squads and outposts within a hundred-mile radius of the Konoha camp.

This mission required strong reconnaissance and combat abilities. As a Byakugan user and Konoha's Lone Lion, Yuto was the best candidate.

After Terajima's death, the mission continued. With more Konoha shinobi falling, the squad completed the sweep and returned to the camp.

Twenty-four shinobi died in this mission, a casualty rate of thirty percent, higher than usual. A few days ago, they were ambushed by Iwagakure's "Explosion Corps." Thanks to Yuto's fast-moving Lion's Fang, they managed to eliminate the enemy.

Returning to camp, Minato was still out fighting. The Flying Thunder God Technique was crucial for Konoha, dramatically increasing individual combat power and enabling rapid multiple-on-one situations. The battlefield needed Minato.

With Minato absent, Yuto had to shoulder the responsibility of deputy commander. He massaged his temples and handled paperwork until nightfall when the Yellow Flash returned, exhausted.

"Yuto-kun, thank you for your hard work. I'm sorry," Minato said with a tired smile. "I could have returned before sunset, but I got word that a supply unit was trapped by Sunagakure, and I had to help them."

"I understand, Minato-senpai," Yuto replied, shaking his head.

"Yuto, you should rest. I'll handle the paperwork. We need to push the village to send another deputy commander. The attacks from Sunagakure and Iwagakure are getting fiercer, and something's happening in Amegakure too. It's getting more chaotic."

"I think Kakashi would be a good choice. He's an excellent shinobi you trained, Minato-senpai."

"He's still young and needs more experience, hahaha..."

...

Yuto returned to his quarters and finally lay down comfortably.

The situation in Amegakure was at a stalemate. None of the major powers had found a breakthrough and were throwing lives into the conflict.

For the past month, Yuto had barely had a moment to breathe. Fighting, handling paperwork, squeezing in training—his time was fully occupied.

There was also the matter of the Akatsuki.

Konan had represented the Akatsuki, suggesting "peace talks" to Konoha. Yuto had reported this to Minato and the Third Hokage.

As expected, the report went nowhere. No one, including Yuto, took the suggestion seriously.

Yahiko's proposal was a way to end the war, but the Akatsuki lacked the power to make it happen. To force the great nations of Fire, Wind, and Earth to sign a peace treaty required both charisma and immense strength.

The Akatsuki had the determination but not the strength to make everyone comply.

In the future, Naruto would have the power but not the courage and determination to completely change the twisted world.

Konan didn't give up, though. She wasn't foolish. Seeing Konoha's lack of interest, she maintained contact with Yuto, discussing various topics and keeping the communication channel open.

Yuto went with the flow. He wasn't sure how far along the preparations for the Moon God Encirclement were. He couldn't intervene. Danzo and Hanzo's trap to destroy the Akatsuki would happen after Obito Uchiha was saved by Madara, which was next year. Yuto felt there was plenty of time to prepare, no need to rush.

He lay in bed, planning to rest a bit before going out to train. But before he could close his eyes, he was called up again.

Scratching his head, Yuto reluctantly followed his subordinate to Minato's office.

Danzo was there with Minato, whose face looked grim, while Danzo remained calm and handed Yuto an order.

"The Hokage has assigned you to be my vice and join others on a high-risk mission."

Yuto was slightly taken aback but replied, "Understood, as the Hokage commands."

"From now on, you're part of the Special Operations Unit. The mission briefing is in five hours."

"Yes," Yuto said, rubbing the order. "Can I know the mission details now to prepare in advance?"

"The details will be revealed at the briefing... but as my vice, you do need more information." Danzo paused before continuing, "We're helping Amegakure quell a rebellion and eliminate the evil organization known as the Akatsuki."

(End of Chapter)