Chapter 72

"Fugaku, the Kirigakure battlefield is yours!" exclaimed Ryan, his voice filled with urgency and determination.

"Let's go now!"Fugaku, standing at the front of the line, nodded solemnly in response to Ryan's call. It had only been yesterday when he received the news that he would be leading this army, and the weight of the responsibility had left him stunned.

Despite the alliance between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage, Fugaku couldn't help but wonder if the Hokage still harboured some reservations towards him. However, knowing that his own son, Itachi, was already a disciple of the Hokage reassured him. Fugaku believed that once Itachi grew up, he would inherit the role of patriarch, and then the Uchiha clan would truly be part of Konoha.

Ryan's unwavering trust in him, combined with the recent changes in the Uchiha clan, filled Fugaku with fierce loyalty towards his confidant. Without hesitation, the army began their march towards the Land of Water under Fugaku's leadership. They first made their way to the Kingdom of uzukagure, which served as an outpost, and stationed themselves there.

This time, Fugaku made sure that the Uchiha clan's presence in the army was even more formidable. To show the sincerity of the Uchiha clan and their commitment to the cause, Fugaku transferred over half of the elite troops from the clan. Their goal was to swiftly break through the Kingdom of Water and emerge victorious.

As the first army set off, Ryan and a group of ninja patriarchs returned to the office. There, they found a war table already prepared. Ryan called everyone's attention and gestured to the table, urging them to take a look.

"Next, let's examine the marching routes of Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and the Cloud Shinobi Village," Ryan declared. Minato, standing nearby, promptly placed flags representing each village on the table, one by one.

The plan revealed that Sunagakure would take a route through the Land of Craftsman, arriving at the Land of Water by sea. On the other hand, Iwagakure and the Cloud Shinobi Village would lead their armies to the Country of Taki first. From there, they would use the Soup Country as a springboard to invade the Land of Water.

With the invaluable information provided by their skilled Anbu, Ryan examined the marching routes of each village. He then turned his attention to the gathered crowd and asked for their thoughts and opinions.

The eyes of everyone present lit up at Ryan's inquiry, reminiscent of a previous meeting when they invaded the Land of Rain, Grass, and Uzu. The prospect of conquering other small countries excited them.

"Master Hokage, we can seize the opportunity to capture the smaller countries that each village will borrow," suggested one person. "By doing so, we can isolate the villages from their armies."

"Yes! This way, the territory of the Land of Fire will expand once again!"

"That's right, Master Hokage!"

The suggestions poured in from all sides, and Ryan smiled in response. Having already attended two chat group meetings, Ryan had gained rewards that had elevated his strength to the level of the Six Paths. He knew that the combined forces of other major congresses posed no threat against absolute strength.

"Your suggestions are excellent," Ryan acknowledged. "However, my goal does not lie within these small countries. It lies here!"

As Ryan spoke, he planted a flag directly onto the Land of Wind. The expressions on everyone's faces in the office quickly changed. They looked at Ryan in disbelief, voicing their concerns.

"Master Hokage, the Land of Wind is one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, and Sunagakure's strength is not far behind our Konoha! Do you truly intend to target the Land of Wind?"

"Yes, once we conquer the surrounding smaller countries, we can focus on attacking the Five Great Shinobi Countries."

Ryan's eyes, now displaying the power of the Rinnegan and Tenseigan, emitted an aura of invisible oppression that enveloped everyone in the room.

"No one can stand against us!" Ryan declared, his words leaving the office in awe.

Realizing the undeniable strength possessed by their Hokage, the people in the office felt their spirits reignited.

"Send the troops! I, along with the Hyuga clan, shall lead the vanguard!"

"Hokage-sama, the Inuzuka clan is also prepared to be at the forefront!"

"Count on us, Hokage-sama!"

One by one, the patriarchs, who had previously harboured worries, now eagerly volunteered their clans. They feared missing out on the opportunity for recognition and glory.

Observing their enthusiasm, Ryan quickly formulated an attack plan. Jiraiya would lead the army to the Land of Wind, with the Hyuga Hiashi brothers acting as scouts to guard against Sunagakure's potential retaliation.

With the plan in motion, another army began to assemble. This time, a group of taijutsu ninjas skilled in the Konoha Six Styles joined their ranks.

As Konoha's army set off, the Sunagakure army had already stationed themselves in the Land of Craftsmen due to the strategic geographic position of the Land of Water.

Then, launching an attack from the Land of Craftsmen to the Land of Water, Sunagakure's hero, Pakura, led the army this time.

" When should we launch the attack?"

"The daimyo are pressuring the village, demanding an immediate assault on Kirigakure!"

Upon hearing the reports from his subordinates, Pakura involuntarily frowned.

"The army has just arrived in the Land of Craftsmen for rest. How could they launch an attack so quickly?"

"What is the opinion of the village leadership?"

"Do they consider the lives of our frontline ninjas expendable?"

The ninjas in the camp also directed their gazes toward Pakura.

Seeing their expectant eyes, Pakura knew he couldn't continue the conversation. Otherwise, it would negatively impact the army's morale.

"Hmph! Send a reply to the village. After the army has rested, I will lead them in an immediate attack on Kirigakure!"

After receiving Pakura's response, the ninja in charge of communication hastily departed.

As Pakura watched the messenger leave, a faint sense of unease stirred within her heart.

I wonder if this is for the sake of the village or for the war against Kirigakure. It feels like something bad is about to happen.

After pondering for a moment, She shook his head hastily, trying to dismiss all the unsettling thoughts.

"Phew! Why am I overthinking things? Let's focus on how to deal with Kirigakure first!"

With this in mind, she quickly summoned the captains of each team for a pre-battle meeting.

Not far from the Land of Water, in the Land of Soup, the joint forces of Iwagakure and Kumogakure were stationed.

Due to the elongated and narrow geographical location of the Taki Country, the two ninja villages were stationed at opposite ends, ensuring they didn't encroach upon each other's territory.

Inside the Iwagakure camp, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, personally led the army this time. As the camp was being set up, Onoki inspected the area as he usually did.

The entire camp was fortified with Earth Style and appeared highly stable. Seeing this, Onoki felt relieved.

"Father, when will we launch the attack?"

"Why the rush?"

"Let those fools from Kumogakure go first. This time, the Third Raikage is also present!"

"I believe Kumogakure won't wait too long."

Smirking mysteriously at the mention of Kumogakure, Onoki knew the village well.

As expected, not long after their conversation, they received news that Kumogakure had launched an attack on Kirigakure.

"Hmph! Summon everyone!"

"A mere Kirigakure won't take long to capture!"

Upon the Third Raikage's order, the Kumogakure shinobi swiftly stormed into the Land of Water, breaking through Kirigakure's defense line.

Once Kumogakure initiated the attack, Onoki also ordered the Iwagakure forces to strike.

With both the Rock and Cloud shinobi attacking simultaneously, the pressure on Kirigakure doubled.

"Damn it!"

"These fools know very well that we Kirigakure weren't responsible for the Daimyo's assassination!"

In this dire situation, the Third Mizukage could only continue mobilizing ninjas to the front lines to counter the attack from the two villages.

The battle among the three ninja villages intensified, and at that moment, Pakura who had been waiting for the opportune moment, led his army to join the battlefield.

With the addition of the Sunagakure shinobi, Kirigakure began to crumble completely.

The frontline army was already overwhelmed and had no remaining strength to resist the simultaneous assault from three villages.

Realizing Kirigakure's imminent defeat, the Third Mizukage could no longer afford to hesitate. He directly ordered someone to bring Yagura to the front.

"These damn intruders! Yagura, it's up to you!"

"Take the Three-Tails straight to the battlefield! The Sealed Squad will follow you!"

Upon receiving the Third Mizukage's order, Yagura wasted no time and swiftly rushed to the front lines with the Sealed Squad and the sealed Three-Tails.

As the battle in Kirigakure escalated, in the Land of Wind, Konoha's army had already arrived at the gates of Sunagakure.

Even Konoha couldn't escape being involved in the ongoing war with Kirigakure.

However, who could have anticipated that at such a critical moment, Konoha would choose to attack Sunagakure?

By the time the Sand Shinobi guarding the gates noticed the Konoha army, it was already too late.

"Damn it!"

"Konoha is launching a surprise attack!"

"Go and report to Elders Ebizo and Chiyo!"

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