[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Miguel razo! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
In the former site of the Whirlpool Country's island, the Konoha ninjas are stationed.
After the Konoha ninjas regained their base, with the help of their ninjutsu, they quickly reorganized the camp and began setting up traps around it.
Inside the camp.
After today's battle, Uchiha Yoru quickly gained a reputation at the front lines. After all, Orochimaru had operated in the Land of Water front lines for many years, and it was easier for Orochimaru's disciples to earn their support in comparison. Especially during this sensitive time, the arrival of Uchiha Yoru signifies that the Konoha will not pursue matters further.
Inside the camp tent, Uchiha Yoru sat in the main position, taking the commander's seat this time. On both sides were his close aides and elite ninjas of the camp.
Uchiha Shisui, Hatake Kakashi, and Hyuga Hizashi were the elite jonin he brought, along with two elite jonin who were originally stationed at the front lines.
(AN: I thought Hizashi is in Konoha?)
"The Whirlpool Country island is strategically located between our Land of Fire and the Land of Water. The rich mineral resources here have attracted countless merchants, and the island is a mix of dragons and snakes, with merchants from all over the ninja world, as well as many rogue ninjas, spies from other countries, and more."
"We, the Konoha, have three veins of minerals here, so we set up three bases. The Mist Village ninjas also occupy two mineral veins in another location. This time, a large number of elite Mist Village ninjas suddenly gathered and attacked us here, targeting this largest mineral vein."
The jonin stationed here solemnly reported the situation. Uchiha Yoru, having previously been on the front lines and being familiar with the Whirlpool Country, showed a meaningful smile upon receiving the intelligence.
Given the strategic importance and abundant resources of the Whirlpool Country, it's no wonder both the Konoha and the Mist Village invested so much effort here. Aside from its strategic location, the resources here are just too enticing.
"From our reinforcements, dispatch six three-person reconnaissance teams to support the other two bases."
Making a quick decision, Uchiha Yoru ordered a troop movement. The local jonin were thrilled, exclaiming, "Lord Yoru, with the addition of three reconnaissance teams, it won't be so easy for the Mist Village ninjas to attack us easily."
They were well aware that among the reinforcements were many from the Hyuga clan. With the Byakugan, which acts as a radar on the battlefield, enemies wouldn't be able to easily ambush them.
However, Uchiha Yoru responded, "We can't be careless. There are many secret techniques and kekkei genkai in the ninja world, including those that can create false chakra images. We must remain vigilant."
"Yes."
"Shisui, the resources in these three veins are significant. Ensure you send your best to guard them."
"Yes."
"Kakashi, since the Mist Village has openly attacked, they are essentially using the unclaimed Whirlpool Country as an excuse. Order all Konoha ninjas not to act alone, especially when venturing deep into the Whirlpool Country to gather intelligence or make purchases. Be extra cautious."
"Yes."
In essence, the Whirlpool Country island is rich in mineral resources and is squeezed between two nations, giving birth to this no-man's land shrouded in darkness.
This place can be described as a haven for criminals, as well as a haven for wealth. It has attracted countless merchants, wanderers, and mercenaries, making it a place of chaos.
The two major countries, the Leaf and the Mist ninjas, occupy the richest mineral resources here, located within the dense jungles of the island. In simpler terms, they're situated on the outskirts. Constant battles occur between the two sides, while deep within the island, countless merchants enjoy their lavish lifestyles.
Apart from its rich mineral resources, this place also produces some valuable items. For instance, the special wood required for chakra testing paper can be found here. With these favorable conditions, this place has amassed immense wealth, and even things that cannot be openly traded are dealt with here.
As for handling official affairs, he had already spent a considerable amount of time doing so while accompanying Orochimaru at the front. Being familiar with the situation here, he quickly got the hang of it. Many ninjas on the island are familiar faces to him. Once the name Uchiha Yoru was known, he already had a footing here.
Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Sannin, had a disciple who almost defeated Jiraiya, another Sannin, with a terrifyingly powerful S-rank ninjutsu. Additionally, as soon as he arrived at the frontline, he repelled the Mist ninja's Suikazan Fuguki on his own.
His recognized identity, combined with these two solid combat achievements, meant that there was no room for subordinates to doubt him.
After issuing orders in an organized manner, and given the ninja's nature of obeying orders, the base quickly returned to its usual calm, although some miners had been mistakenly injured in the ninja clashes and now lay on the cold ground.
Inside the camp tent, only Uchiha Shisui and Kakashi Hatake remained.
"Brother Yoru, these are the details of the three mines on the island, as well as the report on the damage and theft by the Mist ninjas of the refined iron."
Looking at the intelligence handed over by Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Yoru slowly frowned, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden table. After a while, he softly said, "Shisui, this place produces fine iron, and even the precious chakra metal."
"I saw 13.5 pounds of chakra metal in the report," Uchiha Yoru mentioned in front of Kakashi and Shisui, then marked the report with a red pen. The two looked on in surprise, as if another loss had been added.
"We have already engaged with the Mist ninjas. It's clear that the war has begun, and although there are only provocations in the Land of Lightning, the supplies sent to the frontline from the village are the same."
At this point, Uchiha Yoru paused and said, "All those who came to this frontline have one identity: they are direct supporters of Master Orochimaru. Ninjas cannot avoid going to battle, but for them, it's quite unfair as they have families."
"Kakashi, I hope you can secretly sell this chakra metal on the black market and add the proceeds to the compensation fund for those killed in action."
Kakashi wanted to say something upon hearing this, but eventually remained silent. Most of those who came to the front were indeed Orochimaru's direct disciples, which was somewhat unfair. But ninjas don't have a choice; obeying orders is ingrained in them.
"Brother Yoru, those sitting in those positions in the village have betrayed the Will of Fire. Look at the frontline: young ninjas, even children in their teens, are fighting. The older generation, however, is hidden in the village, engrossed in power."
At this moment, Uchiha Shisui, having suppressed his feelings for so long, especially after the Orochimaru incident, seemed more and more fanatical.
"Brother Yoru, where the Leaf flutters, the fire will never cease. The flame will continue to illuminate the village, allowing new leaves to sprout. The true Will of Fire lies in the young, and the older generation should trust and protect them."
"But now? I see teenagers on the frontline, lighting up the village with their lives, while the rotten roots of the older generation greedily enjoy everything. This isn't right!"
Seeing the increasingly agitated Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Yoru angrily slammed the table and shouted, "Uchiha Shisui!"
Despite the reprimand, Shisui looked back defiantly and incomprehensibly at his older brother. Kakashi, on the other hand, watched silently. He had once felt the same way, but after witnessing everything firsthand, he couldn't speak.
"Did I say something wrong, Brother Yoru? Let's not talk about whether our ancestors were right or wrong for now. The First Hokage sacrificed himself to protect the village, but what about the Second Hokage? For the sake of the younger generation of the Leaf, he chose to stand as the last line of defense in the Land of Lightning. The Second Hokage was a Hokage who inherited the will of fire. But what about now?"
"Team Genma feels deep shame because of the Fourth Hokage's actions and suffers every day. Do the higher-ups who now sit in the village and enjoy everything remember the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage?"
It seemed that Uchiha Shisui, having been suppressed for too long, finally vented all his pent-up anger. His eyes were red with emotion, even pointing at Kakashi Hatake, who was dragged into this.
"You said that White Fang was a hero, but White Fang once chose his comrades over a mission. The hero you speak of can't even get on the Memorial Stone. Brother Yoru, compared to the loss of White Fang's failed mission, isn't the sacrifice that the Second Hokage made for the younger generation greater? Why can they sit comfortably and enjoy everything?"
At this point, Uchiha Shisui was so overcome with emotion that he looked directly at Kakashi Hatake in anger and said, "Kakashi! If your father, White Fang, was a failure, then what are those corrupt beings? Weren't they, as guards of the Second Hokage, also giving up on their mission? What about Lord Orochimaru? Is he also a failure? Then tell me, what is the current will of fire in the village?"
"Is it to burn the younger generation to illuminate the decaying higher-ups?"
"Shisui!" At this moment, Uchiha Yoru stood up with a grave expression, looking at Shisui, whose eyes showed a hint of obsession. He silently worried, thinking Shisui has been suppressed for too long, and his unstable emotions due to the awakening of the Mangekyou Sharingan have caused some mental issues.
"Shisui, you're too extreme right now. You need to calm down!"
Facing Shisui, Uchiha Yoru didn't stop him but instead spoke softly, trying to soothe his agitated state. Kakashi Hatake, although not an Uchiha and less affected by the Mangekyou Sharingan, was also deeply affected by their conversation.
His eyes began to look lost. Indeed, if his father was disgraced, then what about the higher-ups of Konoha? They watched as the Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself for them. Isn't this loss greater than his father's abandonment of his mission? Why, under similar circumstances, are the higher-ups still comfortably enjoying everything?
"Kakashi!"
Uchiha Yoru's voice brought Kakashi back to his senses. Uchiha Yoru solemnly said, "The evolution of the Sharingan is due to the loss of a loved one or intense pain. When this happens, a special chakra flows in the brain, affecting the optic nerve, causing the eyes to change. Hence, the Sharingan is called the eye that reflects the soul, and its power is synchronized with one's emotional strength."
"As someone who also possesses the Sharingan, I need you to keep an eye on Shisui and prevent him from doing anything extreme."
Mangekyou!
After their Sharingan evolved, Shisui revealed the secret of the Mangekyou, and Uchiha Yoru strictly told them to keep it a secret and not use it unless necessary.
"Yoru, maybe Shisui is right?"
For the first time, Kakashi voiced his inner thoughts. His hoarse voice echoed in the tent, as his one visible eye looked at Uchiha Yoru, along with Shisui.
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru seemed to be their pillar of support. Seeing Kakashi's actions, Shisui also showed a look of strong agreement, as if finding a like-minded companion.
However, Kakashi, having a more analytical mind than Shisui, said directly, "Yoru, given recent events, we cannot ignore this. You cannot prioritize the village and ignore everything else."
"The Third Hokage! There might be an issue!"
In Kakashi's eyes, there was determination as he voiced his thoughts and analysis.
"The leader of the Root, Danzo, once said that the Nine-Tails disaster and the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice might have been a ploy by the Third Hokage to regain power. Yoru, don't look at me with that threatening gaze. I also forced myself not to think this way, but Lord Orochimaru's incident makes it more suspicious."
After the Orochimaru incident, both Kakashi and Shisui felt suppressed, especially when even Uchiha Yoru was afraid of being implicated and left a will. Kakashi saw things even more clearly. The turmoil at the border saved Yoru's life and even saved the loyal followers of Orochimaru, forcing the village to compromise.
"Brother Yoru, you've always been escaping from reality. Isn't what Kakashi said the truth? Do you have to see the tragedy happen again before you recognize the reality?"
Wow!
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru looked in shock at Uchiha Shisui and Kakashi Hatake. When did these two get involved? They seemed to have learned to corner him together, and even seemed to want to drag him down.
Facing the intense gazes of the two, Uchiha Yoru's face looked a bit unsightly. The progress of these two seemed to be a bit too fast, somewhat out of control.
"What have you two found out in secret?"
Clearly, the current changes in Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Shisui indicate that they must have known something; otherwise, this situation would not have occurred.
[This Chapter Is Sponsored by Miguel razo! Everyone, please thank him in the comment!]
In the former site of the Whirlpool Country's island, the Konoha ninjas are stationed.
After the Konoha ninjas regained their base, with the help of their ninjutsu, they quickly reorganized the camp and began setting up traps around it.
Inside the camp.
After today's battle, Uchiha Yoru quickly gained a reputation at the front lines. After all, Orochimaru had operated in the Land of Water front lines for many years, and it was easier for Orochimaru's disciples to earn their support in comparison. Especially during this sensitive time, the arrival of Uchiha Yoru signifies that the Konoha will not pursue matters further.
Inside the camp tent, Uchiha Yoru sat in the main position, taking the commander's seat this time. On both sides were his close aides and elite ninjas of the camp.
Uchiha Shisui, Hatake Kakashi, and Hyuga Hizashi were the elite jonin he brought, along with two elite jonin who were originally stationed at the front lines.
(AN: I thought Hizashi is in Konoha?)
"The Whirlpool Country island is strategically located between our Land of Fire and the Land of Water. The rich mineral resources here have attracted countless merchants, and the island is a mix of dragons and snakes, with merchants from all over the ninja world, as well as many rogue ninjas, spies from other countries, and more."
"We, the Konoha, have three veins of minerals here, so we set up three bases. The Mist Village ninjas also occupy two mineral veins in another location. This time, a large number of elite Mist Village ninjas suddenly gathered and attacked us here, targeting this largest mineral vein."
The jonin stationed here solemnly reported the situation. Uchiha Yoru, having previously been on the front lines and being familiar with the Whirlpool Country, showed a meaningful smile upon receiving the intelligence.
Given the strategic importance and abundant resources of the Whirlpool Country, it's no wonder both the Konoha and the Mist Village invested so much effort here. Aside from its strategic location, the resources here are just too enticing.
"From our reinforcements, dispatch six three-person reconnaissance teams to support the other two bases."
Making a quick decision, Uchiha Yoru ordered a troop movement. The local jonin were thrilled, exclaiming, "Lord Yoru, with the addition of three reconnaissance teams, it won't be so easy for the Mist Village ninjas to attack us easily."
They were well aware that among the reinforcements were many from the Hyuga clan. With the Byakugan, which acts as a radar on the battlefield, enemies wouldn't be able to easily ambush them.
However, Uchiha Yoru responded, "We can't be careless. There are many secret techniques and kekkei genkai in the ninja world, including those that can create false chakra images. We must remain vigilant."
"Yes."
"Shisui, the resources in these three veins are significant. Ensure you send your best to guard them."
"Yes."
"Kakashi, since the Mist Village has openly attacked, they are essentially using the unclaimed Whirlpool Country as an excuse. Order all Konoha ninjas not to act alone, especially when venturing deep into the Whirlpool Country to gather intelligence or make purchases. Be extra cautious."
"Yes."
In essence, the Whirlpool Country island is rich in mineral resources and is squeezed between two nations, giving birth to this no-man's land shrouded in darkness.
This place can be described as a haven for criminals, as well as a haven for wealth. It has attracted countless merchants, wanderers, and mercenaries, making it a place of chaos.
The two major countries, the Leaf and the Mist ninjas, occupy the richest mineral resources here, located within the dense jungles of the island. In simpler terms, they're situated on the outskirts. Constant battles occur between the two sides, while deep within the island, countless merchants enjoy their lavish lifestyles.
Apart from its rich mineral resources, this place also produces some valuable items. For instance, the special wood required for chakra testing paper can be found here. With these favorable conditions, this place has amassed immense wealth, and even things that cannot be openly traded are dealt with here.
As for handling official affairs, he had already spent a considerable amount of time doing so while accompanying Orochimaru at the front. Being familiar with the situation here, he quickly got the hang of it. Many ninjas on the island are familiar faces to him. Once the name Uchiha Yoru was known, he already had a footing here.
Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Sannin, had a disciple who almost defeated Jiraiya, another Sannin, with a terrifyingly powerful S-rank ninjutsu. Additionally, as soon as he arrived at the frontline, he repelled the Mist ninja's Suikazan Fuguki on his own.
His recognized identity, combined with these two solid combat achievements, meant that there was no room for subordinates to doubt him.
After issuing orders in an organized manner, and given the ninja's nature of obeying orders, the base quickly returned to its usual calm, although some miners had been mistakenly injured in the ninja clashes and now lay on the cold ground.
Inside the camp tent, only Uchiha Shisui and Kakashi Hatake remained.
"Brother Yoru, these are the details of the three mines on the island, as well as the report on the damage and theft by the Mist ninjas of the refined iron."
Looking at the intelligence handed over by Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Yoru slowly frowned, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden table. After a while, he softly said, "Shisui, this place produces fine iron, and even the precious chakra metal."
"I saw 13.5 pounds of chakra metal in the report," Uchiha Yoru mentioned in front of Kakashi and Shisui, then marked the report with a red pen. The two looked on in surprise, as if another loss had been added.
"We have already engaged with the Mist ninjas. It's clear that the war has begun, and although there are only provocations in the Land of Lightning, the supplies sent to the frontline from the village are the same."
At this point, Uchiha Yoru paused and said, "All those who came to this frontline have one identity: they are direct supporters of Master Orochimaru. Ninjas cannot avoid going to battle, but for them, it's quite unfair as they have families."
"Kakashi, I hope you can secretly sell this chakra metal on the black market and add the proceeds to the compensation fund for those killed in action."
Kakashi wanted to say something upon hearing this, but eventually remained silent. Most of those who came to the front were indeed Orochimaru's direct disciples, which was somewhat unfair. But ninjas don't have a choice; obeying orders is ingrained in them.
"Brother Yoru, those sitting in those positions in the village have betrayed the Will of Fire. Look at the frontline: young ninjas, even children in their teens, are fighting. The older generation, however, is hidden in the village, engrossed in power."
At this moment, Uchiha Shisui, having suppressed his feelings for so long, especially after the Orochimaru incident, seemed more and more fanatical.
"Brother Yoru, where the Leaf flutters, the fire will never cease. The flame will continue to illuminate the village, allowing new leaves to sprout. The true Will of Fire lies in the young, and the older generation should trust and protect them."
"But now? I see teenagers on the frontline, lighting up the village with their lives, while the rotten roots of the older generation greedily enjoy everything. This isn't right!"
Seeing the increasingly agitated Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Yoru angrily slammed the table and shouted, "Uchiha Shisui!"
Despite the reprimand, Shisui looked back defiantly and incomprehensibly at his older brother. Kakashi, on the other hand, watched silently. He had once felt the same way, but after witnessing everything firsthand, he couldn't speak.
"Did I say something wrong, Brother Yoru? Let's not talk about whether our ancestors were right or wrong for now. The First Hokage sacrificed himself to protect the village, but what about the Second Hokage? For the sake of the younger generation of the Leaf, he chose to stand as the last line of defense in the Land of Lightning. The Second Hokage was a Hokage who inherited the will of fire. But what about now?"
"Team Genma feels deep shame because of the Fourth Hokage's actions and suffers every day. Do the higher-ups who now sit in the village and enjoy everything remember the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage?"
It seemed that Uchiha Shisui, having been suppressed for too long, finally vented all his pent-up anger. His eyes were red with emotion, even pointing at Kakashi Hatake, who was dragged into this.
"You said that White Fang was a hero, but White Fang once chose his comrades over a mission. The hero you speak of can't even get on the Memorial Stone. Brother Yoru, compared to the loss of White Fang's failed mission, isn't the sacrifice that the Second Hokage made for the younger generation greater? Why can they sit comfortably and enjoy everything?"
At this point, Uchiha Shisui was so overcome with emotion that he looked directly at Kakashi Hatake in anger and said, "Kakashi! If your father, White Fang, was a failure, then what are those corrupt beings? Weren't they, as guards of the Second Hokage, also giving up on their mission? What about Lord Orochimaru? Is he also a failure? Then tell me, what is the current will of fire in the village?"
"Is it to burn the younger generation to illuminate the decaying higher-ups?"
"Shisui!" At this moment, Uchiha Yoru stood up with a grave expression, looking at Shisui, whose eyes showed a hint of obsession. He silently worried, thinking Shisui has been suppressed for too long, and his unstable emotions due to the awakening of the Mangekyou Sharingan have caused some mental issues.
"Shisui, you're too extreme right now. You need to calm down!"
Facing Shisui, Uchiha Yoru didn't stop him but instead spoke softly, trying to soothe his agitated state. Kakashi Hatake, although not an Uchiha and less affected by the Mangekyou Sharingan, was also deeply affected by their conversation.
His eyes began to look lost. Indeed, if his father was disgraced, then what about the higher-ups of Konoha? They watched as the Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself for them. Isn't this loss greater than his father's abandonment of his mission? Why, under similar circumstances, are the higher-ups still comfortably enjoying everything?
"Kakashi!"
Uchiha Yoru's voice brought Kakashi back to his senses. Uchiha Yoru solemnly said, "The evolution of the Sharingan is due to the loss of a loved one or intense pain. When this happens, a special chakra flows in the brain, affecting the optic nerve, causing the eyes to change. Hence, the Sharingan is called the eye that reflects the soul, and its power is synchronized with one's emotional strength."
"As someone who also possesses the Sharingan, I need you to keep an eye on Shisui and prevent him from doing anything extreme."
Mangekyou!
After their Sharingan evolved, Shisui revealed the secret of the Mangekyou, and Uchiha Yoru strictly told them to keep it a secret and not use it unless necessary.
"Yoru, maybe Shisui is right?"
For the first time, Kakashi voiced his inner thoughts. His hoarse voice echoed in the tent, as his one visible eye looked at Uchiha Yoru, along with Shisui.
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru seemed to be their pillar of support. Seeing Kakashi's actions, Shisui also showed a look of strong agreement, as if finding a like-minded companion.
However, Kakashi, having a more analytical mind than Shisui, said directly, "Yoru, given recent events, we cannot ignore this. You cannot prioritize the village and ignore everything else."
"The Third Hokage! There might be an issue!"
In Kakashi's eyes, there was determination as he voiced his thoughts and analysis.
"The leader of the Root, Danzo, once said that the Nine-Tails disaster and the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice might have been a ploy by the Third Hokage to regain power. Yoru, don't look at me with that threatening gaze. I also forced myself not to think this way, but Lord Orochimaru's incident makes it more suspicious."
After the Orochimaru incident, both Kakashi and Shisui felt suppressed, especially when even Uchiha Yoru was afraid of being implicated and left a will. Kakashi saw things even more clearly. The turmoil at the border saved Yoru's life and even saved the loyal followers of Orochimaru, forcing the village to compromise.
"Brother Yoru, you've always been escaping from reality. Isn't what Kakashi said the truth? Do you have to see the tragedy happen again before you recognize the reality?"
Wow!
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru looked in shock at Uchiha Shisui and Kakashi Hatake. When did these two get involved? They seemed to have learned to corner him together, and even seemed to want to drag him down.
Facing the intense gazes of the two, Uchiha Yoru's face looked a bit unsightly. The progress of these two seemed to be a bit too fast, somewhat out of control.
"What have you two found out in secret?"
Clearly, the current changes in Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Shisui indicate that they must have known something; otherwise, this situation would not have occurred.
