Chapter 37- Changing Winds

Ringo Ameyuri POV

"How's the situation?" She asked, stepping up beside the Byakugan user, his gaze fixed on the distant battlefield and the enemy army positioned across it.

There was a brief pause before the Hyuuga responded. "The same as last time. However, we received reinforcements of 200 additional shinobi this morning."

"Oh, and how many does that make?"

"We're at about 8,600 shinobi," the Hyuuga answered. "We've surpassed the numbers of the Iwa army. However, they've separated their forces into smaller units and spread them across their border. It appears Onoki doesn't want a direct confrontation anymore."

"Of course he doesn't. Last time, his army outnumbered ours two to one, and we still kicked his old wrinkly ass." She said with a wide grin, thinking fondly of the battle that day. Now, that had been a battle the history books. And one that she would be telling to her children and grandchildren.

A battle where she found herself facing Roshi, the 4-tails Jinchuriki.

Spoiler: Roshi

Truth be told, she hadn't anticipated being able to fend him off alone. However, the brutal training under Ren for the past six months had made her stronger than she thought, and she successfully held her ground against him.

Despite her efforts, she was ultimately pushed back when Roshi transformed into his colossal Monkey form, unleashing the full power of the Tailed Beast on the battlefield. However, she countered with a formidable Kirin Jutsu (with some hidden help from Ren's shadow clones), and inflicted significant damage on the tailed beast, forcing him to retreat.

The looks of respect and awe from her fellow Konoha shinobi in the aftermath had sent her to cloud nine. Until she learned a day later that Ren and his group left a trail of destruction through the Land of Lightning and she didn't get the chance to take part in that mission.

Worst of it all was that they managed to kill the Fourth Raikage, the strongest Lightning Release user in the Elemental Nations, and she didn't get to witness that fight.

Urgh. She was still pissed off about missing that fight. Especially considering that Ren could have easily teleported her there in an instant.

In that instant, she detected a subtle shift in the expression of the Hyuuga and became alert.

"What's going on?" She asked.

"They're retreating." The Hyuuga said. "It's a full retreat. Hold on, I need to go and report this quickly."

She nodded and watched as the Hyuuga quickly rushed toward the main tent to report this news.

Having fought in two shinobi wars before this, she understood that a complete withdrawal from the enemy didn't signal the end of the conflict. Quite the opposite.

This retreat could serve as a decoy to draw in their forces, with Iwa preparing to strike from an unexpected direction or regroup for a counterattack. Or, it might signify the onset of guerrilla warfare, a tactic that shinobi excelled in.

However, if she had to make a guess, it would be that Onoki finally learned about just what exactly happened in the Land of Lightning and realised that he wanted no part of that, choosing to permanently withdraw from this battlefield.

Wise of him, really.

If she was the leader of a shinobi village, then she wouldn't want to fight an enemy like Ren either.

However, even if Iwa does want to sue for peace now, they'll have to send their messengers back and forth multiple times, arrange a meeting with the Hokage and other higher ups, not turn that meeting into an ambush/assassination trap, or attack one another in anger. Even under the best circumstances, it would take months of negotiation to settle things.

It was a hassle. But thankfully one that she would have to take no part in.

After all, she was still 'technically' just a civilian of Konoha, and had only joined this battlefield at Ren's insistence. So the Hokage didn't really have any right to order her around. Meaning that she could leave anytime she wants.

She quickly rushed back to the main tent and found that the Higher ups having another meeting.

"Yellow hair. If we're done here then I'm going back to Konoha."

Minato looked at her in surprise. "Aren't you going to stay for the negotiations?"

"Nope. Not interested in long-ass talks. I handled my part, you do the rest. See ya bitches." She laughed at them and then left the main tent before she poured her chakra into Ren's Hiraishin Kunai.

A split moment later, Ren, or one of his shadow clones, appeared beside her, quickly the vicinity for any potential threats and then relaxed when he found none.

"So, did Onoki finally retreat?" Ren asked, looking in the direction where Iwa's main army was last located.

"Yup! Tucked his tail under his legs like a little bitch and fucked off back to his home." She said with great amusement.

Ren turned to look at her. And then kept looking at her until she started to feel a little uncomfortable.

"What?" She asked.

"You're still riding the high on your victory against Roshi," Ren remarked calmly. "Seems like you've become a tad overconfident in my absence. Once we return, you'll be joining Mei and Shisui for some additional physical training."

"Hey! Why do I have to do that? I didn't get my ass beat up in a battle. They did!" She protested.

Ren paused, fixing his gaze on her. She attempted to meet his stare with defiance, but eventually faltered, scoffing and turning her gaze aside.

"You'll do so, because I say you'll do so." Ren said calmly. "You live in my home, so you follow my rules. Besides, didn't my training help you fight on equal grounds with Roshi?"

She remained silent, feeling annoyed by this entire thing.

"Did it not?" He asked again and she gave a reluctant nod.

Ren continued staring at her for another long moment before he gently grasped her hand, and in an instant, they were back in Konoha, at the front yard of their home.

She noticed Mei and Shisui running a lap around the lake while carrying a heavy long, looking like they were going to drop dead at any moment, and grimaced.

Adding insult to injury, Ren led the way, effortlessly carrying a colossal boulder that seemed to weigh thousands of tons. Yet, not a single bead of sweat adorned his brow, and he appeared as composed as ever.

"You'll join them from tomorrow morning. Take a rest today." Ren said and she slumped down in relief. That training looked really tough. However, before she could make her escape, Ren placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Listen, I understand it may seem harsh of me to push you into this training," Ren began earnestly. "But believe me, it's for your own benefit. I don't want you getting a big head and then falling to some opponent you could have easily handled if you hadn't become overconfident."

She nodded and quickly ran back to the house.

—————

"And then whoosh! The colossal Lightning Dragon emerged from the clouds, crashing down upon the giant monkey, right on its face. It was like bam! You should've seen the aftermath!" she exclaimed, recounting her battle to the two girls over dinner.

"Yeah, that sounds lovely," Mei replied with a forced smile, though her jealousy was evident.

"Yeah, nice," Shisui chimed in, appearing on the verge of falling asleep right at the dinner table.

She side glanced at Ren who was sitting at the main seat in the table and enjoying the strange dish that he'd named 'pizza'. "Ren, why don't you tell me about how your battles went."

"My Shadow Clones already did that." He said, not even looking up at her.

"Yeah. But I want to listen to it again."

Ren chewed on the pizza for a few more moments before he nodded and put down the rest of it. "Very well. It wasn't anywhere near as exciting for me as it was for you, but I'll tell you if you really want to listen."

She nodded hurriedly and Ren started to tell her about the series of attacks he'd launched in the Land of Lightning. All of it culminating in his battle with the Raikage and his group, after which, things had become significantly easier.

By the time Ren finished telling her about the battles, both Mei and Shisui had slumped over the table and were snoring loudly.

Ren created two Shadow Clones who carried them to their beds before he gestured for her to follow him outside once again.

Night had already fallen by this point, and she could see thousands of stars glimmering in the sky, their reflections shimmering on the tranquil surface of the lake, creating a picturesque scene.

"So. Why did you bring me out here? Is this the moment where you finally propose to me?" She asked with a saucy wink but Ren didn't react to her actions, looking thoughtful instead.

"No. But I have a gift for you."

"Gift. Oh, I love gifts." she exclaimed, her excitement mounting as she wondered what Ren had in store for her. The last time he gave her a gift was when he taught her the S-class Lightning Release Jutsu, Kirin.

"Here." Ren said and gave her a scroll. It was large, and heavy. Meaning that there must a lot of stuff written inside it.

Ugh. She hated reading.

"What is it?" She asked, not caring to open it since she knew that Ren would tell her anyway.

Ren didn't reply to her question. Instead, the very next instant, he became enveloped in a burst of blue lightning. The blue chakra covered his entire form like an etherial armour, with burst of lightning emanating from it every now and then.

Her jaw fell.

"That's…" She tried to say something else but couldn't find any words.

"The Lightning Release Chakra Mode of the Raikage," Ren stated calmly, nodding. "It took me a few days to replicate it after observing the Raikage in battle. But I finally managed to figure out how it works."

"And you want to teach it to me?" She asked, hating how small her voice sounded in that instant.

" Of course. You still need to refine your control over Lightning Release Chakra, and we'll need to focus on strengthening your physical body. However, once you've achieved proficiency in these areas, you should be more than capable of mastering this jutsu," Ren explained.

"Oh…" She uttered before she knelt down and pulled him into a hug. Tears streamed down her cheeks as buried her face into the crook of his neck and sobbed. "Thank you. Thank you."

Ren hugged her back. "It's alright. Though... I have no idea why you're crying."

She chuckled softly, wiping away her tears. "It's just that... the Lightning Release Chakra Mode is often regarded as the pinnacle of Lightning Release. And I've yet to encounter a Lightning Release user who didn't aspire to master it. I was no exception. I just... never imagined that the day would come when I would actually have the opportunity to learn it."

"I see." Ren said with a nod. "I must warn you that learning this Jutsu is not going to be easy, even with my help. It might take you months, if not years to learn it. And decades before you truly master it."

"If it was easy then it wouldn't have been worth the effort. I'm ready. As long as I'm able to learn this Jutsu, I'll die a happy woman." she declared with a cheesy grin, eliciting an eye roll from Ren.

"If you say so," Ren replied, turning away before beginning the walk back to their home. "Come on. We'll commence your training tomorrow. Get some rest while you can, because starting tomorrow, I'll be putting you through hell."

She shivered at his words, in half fear and half arousal before she quickly chased after him.

'Of course, dear husband.' She thought in her heart.

—————

Mito Uzumaki POV

She sat and watched with some guilt as the children played around in the new Playground that Ren had installed for them.

"They haven't stopped playing in the playground since you built it" he informed Ren, who sat beside her in his Anbu Crow form. If her voice cracked while speaking, Ren chose to overlook it.

"That's good," Ren remarked. "Teaching them Fuinjutsu from a young age is commendable. However, it's important to intersperse studies with games and free time. It not only serves as a reward for the children but also helps keep their minds sharp while learning."

She nodded, composing herself. "Thanks for the food as well. The kids seemed to have loved that Pizza of yours. As did their mothers."

Ren nodded, not saying anything and they fell into silence, simply observing the kids.

After a long silence, she finally spoke up in a soft voice. "I feel like I've destroyed their childhood."

Ren turned to look at her. "How so?"

"I kept them trapped in this small part of the village. I forced them to learn Fuinjutsu despite their protests. I thought I was providing for them adequately, when in reality, I was only offering the bare essentials for survival." She said, her voice thick with emotion. "What kind of life have I given them, if a simple Pizza and a small playground would cheer them up so much."

Ren remained silent, simply putting a hand over her own as a show of support and she sniffed.

"I thought I was protecting what was left of my family. When the only thing I did was blindly chase after vengeance." She sighed deeply. "I thought I was a good leader. But I neglected their basic needs for so long."

"You rescued them." Ren pointed out.

"Yes. And then I locked them inside a golden cage." Her lips pursed into a thin like. "I wonder how many of them would even want to stay in Uzushio once they're older."

Ren remained silent but that silence was an answer of its own.

She sighed. "Where did I go so wrong?"

"Taking someone's freedom and locking them up in one place is never a good idea. Even if you're doing so for their own protection." Ren said, squeezing her hand.

"I can see that now." She admitted, gazing up at the clouds. "I remember back when Hashirama led Konoha. He made so many mistakes. And I'm ashamed to admit that I sometimes joined Tobirama in criticising him.I thought governing a hidden village would be simple. It turns out, I can't even lead a small group without messing it all up. What a great fool I was."

"You got too distracted with your vengeance. But now that you have it, you can focus on become a better leader." Ren said.

"Can I? Can I really?" She asked bitterly.

"We all learn from our mistakes. Some just do it later than others."

That got a chuckle out of her. "Are you calling me a slow learner, Ren?"

"…yes. Yes I am."

She began chuckling, and Ren soon joined in. After they had quieted down, she spoke up again. "I'm considering returning to Konoha."

Ren looked at her, and despite his mask, she could sense his surprise.

"No. I'll not return to Konoha. Not until I've had my vengeance against Iwa as well. But, I don't want these children living inside a cage and growing resentful of me simply because I'm too afraid to let them out into the world." She sighed. "I allowed fear to dictate my actions once, but I refuse to let it do so again. Will you help me with this?"

"You want me to take them back to Konoha?"

"Yes. Tsunade would give them a home in the Senju lands. I have no doubt about that. But… look after them?"

"You're not coming with them to Konoha?"

"I will. Eventually. But I want to complete my revenge first. Besides, I don't think I'm ready just yet."

"We're never truly ready to take the big steps in our lives." Ren told her. "But very well. I'll take them back to Konoha. When do you want me to do it?"

"After Konoha has made peace with Kumo and Iwa."

"…very well."

—————

Minato Namikaze POV

A few months later.

"Is there really nothing you can do?" He asked, despair filling his voice. Jiraiya squeezed his shoulder in support but for once in his life, that gesture brought him no comfort.

"I'm afraid not." Tsunade said, giving him a sympathetic look and he covered his face with his hands, tears slowly forming in his eyes.

"Why did this happen? We've already won, haven't we? Why did Iwa do this?" He asked.

"We're still not certain that it was Iwa who did this, even though they're the most probable suspect," his sensei explained, but the words seemed to hold little meaning for him. It felt as though he were underwater, hearing but unable to fully grasp the significance of what was being said.

"The Hashirama cells. Can't they-" He started to ask but Tsunade put a hand on his shoulder, shaking her head before he could even complete his question.

"The Hashirama cells do not have enough nerves to function in place for your penis." Tsunade said and it felt like the world was spinning around him. "Besides, the main problem is in your testicles. And the Hashirama cells are nowhere near advanced enough to replace 'them'. This poison is called Bloodline Killer for a good reason, Minato."

"Is there anything you can do?" he inquired, but the shake of Tsunade's head dashed any hope he had, bringing it crashing down to the ground.

"I'm sorry Minato." Tsunade said before she picked up her Iryojutsu equipment and left.

He leaned back on the bed and cried. "God. What am I going to tell Kushina? She is going to be devastated. Would she even want to be with me anymore?"

"Don't say that Minato." Jiraiya Sensei rebuked him and he let out a hollow laugh.

"It's the truth Sensei. What woman would want to remain married to a man who cannot even give her any children. Or have sex with her. How long until she gets tired of me and leaves me for someone else?"

"She married you for love Minato. And you did give her a daughter." His Sensei reminded him.

"I don't know if I can do this Sensei." He said before the despair inside him slowly gave way to anger. "Why? Why would Iwa do this? Didn't Onoki say that he wanted peace?"

"I don't know about you Minato, but if Onoki really wanted peace, then he wouldn't have plunged his village into three Shinobi wars, one after another." His Sensei said.

He sighed heavily. "You're right, Sensei. I was foolish to believe that others desire peace as much as I do. But why target me in this way? What would this accomplish? Wouldn't it have been simpler to administer a lethal poison to end me?"

"We still can't confirm if it was truly Iwa behind this," his Sensei said, though even he himself sounded doubtful.

"Who else could it be? I attended a meeting with them, and shortly after, this happened. I'm not a fool, Sensei. And neither are you," he responded.

His Sensei remained silent and the anger within him grew and grew until it became a towering inferno, making him seethe in rage.

"You know what. Very well. If war is what Onoki wants, then that's what I'll give to him."

"Minato-"

"No, Sensei. You just mentioned how Iwa initiated all three wars against Konoha, even when we sought no conflict with them. It's high time we repay their actions with interest," he declared resolutely.

"Minato. You're angry. You're not thinking properly."

"No, Sensei. My mind is clear. In fact, things have never been clearer to me than they are now. The other villages perceive us as weak, attacking us without consequence. And when they're done, they simply walk away. And instead of seeking retribution, we sign peace treaties with them, like spineless cowards," he asserted.

"Minato, please listen to-"

"No. I've listened to you my entire like Sensei. Now for once, please, listen to me."

Jiraiya gazed at him, his expression a mixture of pleading and despair, which tugged at his heartstrings. However, he knew that this had to be done. This act of treachery needed to be repaid.

"Go and gather all the military commanders. If Iwa wants war, then that's exactly what I'll give them!"

"Is there nothing I can say to change your mind." Sensei asked, looking heartbroken.

"No." He said. "Not anymore."

Jiraiya Sensei held his gaze for a prolonged moment before closing his eyes in defeat. When he reopened them, he simply nodded. "As my Hokage commands," he said, then exited the tent.

A moment later, all the rage left his body and despair filled him once again. 'God. What am I going to tell Kushina?' He thought once again but no answer came to him.

The only thing he knew right now, was that he was going to make Iwa pay for this mistake. And he'll make them pay dearly.

—————

Obito POV

"It is done."

"What's done? Madara." Nagato asked him, looking as emaciated as ever while Konan stood beside him like a protective guardian.

"The peace talks between Konoha and Iwa are over. They're at war again. The Hokage executed all of Iwa's prisoners this morning in front of their entire army to make a statement."

"Oh. And how did you manage to achieve that?"

"Just a spoonful of poison in the right cup." He said, taking credit for the deed, even though it was Black Zetsu who orchestrated the plan and White Zetsu who carried it out.

"Hmm... Onoki was a fool for rejecting our offer of alliance. Now that they're at war again, they'll have no option but to enlist our aid for their own defense," Nagato mused, speaking more to himself than anyone else. "However... have you uncovered the identities of the two people who attacked the Land of Lightning and killed the Raikage?"

"Unfortunately, no," he admitted. "Sasori had been responsible for overseeing all intelligence in the Land of Lightning. And with him gone..." He trailed off, leaving the implication hanging that this lapse in information was Nagato's own fault, rather than that of Zetsu.

He was well aware of the identity of the Crow Anbu. It was none other than Ren Uchiha, a boy who seemed to be gaining power at an alarming rate. However, the identity of the other individual still eluded him.

Initially, he had suspected her to be Kushina Uzumaki, but extensive investigation by Black and White Zetsu unveiled that she was someone entirely different. The fact that Zetsu still hadn't managed to uncover the woman's identity frustrated both of them to no end.

"Hmm... it doesn't matter," Nagato replied. "We've already accomplished our objective of reigniting this war. With Konoha now occupied battling Iwa once more, we can redirect our attention to gathering the Tailed Beasts."

"What about Kumo?" Konan interjected suddenly. "Can't we manipulate them into fighting Konoha as well?"

"The leading candidate for the next Raikage is Killer Bee, the Jinchuriki of the 8 tails. And despite the death of his brother, it seems like Killer Bee wants to pursue peace with Konoha and focus on repairing his home and country." He said. "The only way we can force them to war is by assassinating him and getting another candidate to take the Raikage's position."

Nagato looked thoughtful for a moment before he took a deep breath. "In that case, I'll attack Kumo myself and Capture the 8 tails."

"Won't that be jumping the line too much. Shouldn't we take the other tailed beasts first?" He asked.

"Targeting others initially would have been ideal, but we'll work with what we have," Nagato stated. "First, we'll capture the Eight-Tails and compel Kumo to resume hostilities with Konoha. Then, we'll pursue the One-Tail and Seven-Tails. After that, if you're capable, we'll pursue the Six-Tails. Finally, we'll go after the Tailed Beasts held by Konoha and Iwa."

"Very well then. I'll await the news of your victory against Kumo." He said, wondering if Nagato would actually be able to do as he said, or if he'll fail.

Neither outcome concerned him. If Nagato emerged victorious, their plan would advance. And if Nagato failed, he would claim those eyes and proceed along this path himself.

—————

AN: The fact that Minato got poisoned with the poison seemed to have upset some of my Patreon readers. So I'll explain a few things here before you guys become upset as well.

I wanted this entire situation to be a test for Ren. A moral decision, so to speak. To either take advantage of situation and make Kushina his waifu. Or help Minato instead.

Ren wants Kushina, there is no doubt about that. And if she was the wife of an enemy then he would waste no time in snatching her up. But she is Minato's wife. And Minato is a bro. So Ren will instead choose to help heal Minato.

Bros before hoes and all that.

Hope this explain things.

That's it for this chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed reading it.

8 advanced chapters in Patreon.

Have a nice day.