Chapter 101

In the early morning, the remaining Cloud Shinobi led by the Third Raikage had just thwarted a wave of sneak attacks from the Rock Shinobi.

As being renowned as the "Strongest Raikage," the Third Raikage emerged relatively unscathed, avoiding serious injuries. However, not every member of his army shared his exceptional strength.

The Cloud Shinobi suffered heavy casualties in the ambush, finding themselves compelled to withdraw from the ongoing Third Ninja World War. Even contemplating withdrawal wasn't an option without facing considerable challenges as the Rock Shinobi, numbering 10,000 troops had surrounded them.

"Damn it, Onoki! You old fool, always getting in the way!"

Furious, the Third Raikage vented his anger by smashing a wooden table holding the map in front of him with a powerful punch. The Rock Shinobi betrayed them and dealt a severe blow to the Cloud Shinobi.

"To be honest, our destruction isn't out of the realm of possibility," the Third Raikage admitted, his voice laced with frustration.

After a few moments of contemplation, the Third Raikage, having regained some composure, turned to his assistant Dodai. "What's Konoha doing about this? Have they made any moves yet? I'm worried they're just sitting back and watching. It seems they're waiting to see how we handle our conflict with the Rock Shinobi before making their move."

Dodai nodded and replied, "That's correct. Konoha appears to be waiting for the right moment to attack."

Despite Third Raikage's expressed frustration, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "If Konoha chose to strike alongside the Rock Shinobi at this moment, there won't be a single chance to retreat."

"Master Raikage, we've sent the summoning beast to seek reinforcements from the village. Even if we have to face both Iwa and Konoha, we must break out."

Suddenly, Dodai spoke resolutely.

Meanwhile in the Rock Shinobi Barracks, a thin elderly man, barely reaching 1.35 meters in height, floated in the air. It was Third Tsuchikage Onoki, who had yet to personally participate in the war. He had now personally rushed to the front lines.

"Most likely, Konoha is setting us up to wear down Kumo in skirmishes, allowing them to exploit the situation from behind."

Onoki wrinkled his nose and let out a disdainful snort declaring, "Their plan is good but I won't give them that opportunity. I will go out in person in the next battle. As soon as we capture the Third Raikage, we withdraw immediately. We won't give Konoha any chance."

This time, Onoki arrived at the frontline in secret, bringing only a few people to conceal the spies from other Shinobi villages. And at a critical moment, to strike Cloud Shinobi a final blow.

Onoki's goal was to capture the Third Raikage alive, using it as leverage to demand concessions from Cloud Shinobi and compensate for Rock Shinobi's soaring military expenditures in this war.

"Tsuchikage-sama when will we launch the next attack?" Kitsuchi asked for instructions.

"I suspect the Cloud Shinobi have already alerted their backup that reinforcements are needed at the front lines. We need to capture the Third Raikage before the Kumo can respond."

After pondering for a moment, Onoki decided, "Assemble the entire army the day after tomorrow and we will completely wipe out the Cloud Shinobi!"

However, everyone knows how to strategize and their strategy styles vary. The Cloud Shinobi have their strategy for defense, while the Rock Shinobi are preparing an ambush. Meanwhile, Konoha is sticking to its 'traditional' tactics. 

...

...

"Dad!" Kakashi called out, rushing into his father's embrace with a mix of relief and joy.

Sakumo hugged him tightly and said, "Kakashi, I'm so glad you're safe. I heard that your teammate came to your rescue. He's a true hero!"

A look of tenderness flashed in Sakumo's eyes as he remembered what he had heard about Obito and exclaimed from the heart.

Two days ago, Sakumo received an urgent letter from Tatsuya, asking him to come as quickly as possible. Bringing along some shinobis, such as Hyuga Hiashi. If he brought any more it might take at least another week.

Kakashi nodded solemnly. Although he didn't acquire Obito's Sharingan, he decided not to shame Obito's sacrifice. As for Obito's final request, to protect Rin, he was determined to fulfill it.

Kakashi quietly observed the girl not far away. Ever since Rin arrived here with his uncle, she seemed inseparable from him, following his every move like a shadow.

"She doesn't need protection, right?"

...

"Black Fang, White Fang, Golden Flash, two of the Sannin, and the Uchiha clan..." Terumi Mei sighed with emotion.

"It's truly enviable. No wonder people in our village often say that Konoha is the cradle of genius."

Here, she saw more than five Kage-level individuals among them Hatake Tatsuya, who surpassed even Kage-level.

If not for the last person in the Sannin, Orochimaru, who eventually defected, Konoha's total number of Kage-level individuals might have surpassed that of all Ninja villages in the world.

Tatsuya found Terumi Mei's sentiments amusing.

If it weren't for him, Konoha's remaining Kage-level individuals at this point in the original timeline would have dwindled. By the time Minato became Hokage, Orochimaru was on the brink of defection.

In the vast village, only Minato and Hiruzen remained as Kage-level individuals. If they waited until the Nine Tails incident, Konoha would have had only Sarutobi Hiruzen, a single Kage-level Shinobi with half step in old age.

The village that was once the strongest in the Ninja world. It would have marked the weakest period in Konoha's history.

Tatsuya clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the Hatake father and son duo.

"Well, let's set aside the warm family drama for now and focus on war."

Tatsuya summarized, "Cloud Shinobi has likely started requested backups from their village to the front line, and Rock Shinobi will seize this opportunity to launch a strong attack. The end of the third Ninja World War is upon us."

"Are you really planning to attack both the Cloud Shinobi and the Rock Shinobi at the same time? Tatsuya, you're quite daring."

Even though he understood his younger brother's character, Sakumo couldn't help but be filled with emotions.

"Hurry up and bring this war to an end," Tatsuya urged, a determined smile on his face as he led not two, but three girls away. As he turned, his gaze lingered on Rin. How long will it take for Obito to recover? He wondered. How many months or half a year? Calculating the time, it had only been about a month since the Battle of Kannabi Bridge.

But once the war was over, dealing with Madara would be more challenging than trying to protect Rin again.

Would he give up? Or what other moves did he have in store? 

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