Chapter 86

Konoha shinobi stood unaware of the imminent threat in the southeast coastal region of the Land of Fire. Taking advantage of this vulnerability, a force of 3,000 Mist Shinobi from the Land Water arrived as reinforcements to confront the 6,000-strong army led by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

A fierce battle erupted along the coast, lasting nearly half a day, culminating in a devastating defeat for Konoha.

The Konoha Shinobi, commanded by Hiruzen, Danzō, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura, barely managed to escape the encirclement of the Mist Shinobi, thanks to the unwavering spirit inherited from the Will of Fire.

This clash marked the first time an enemy army had invaded the Land of Fire and defeated Konoha's defense since Konoha's inception in history. Responsibility for this grave event lay heavily on the shoulders of the current Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

News of this invasion dealt a demoralizing blow to the western battlefield. In response, Minato, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, the three most powerful figures in the West, gathered their subordinates for a military council.

Ultimately, Minato, as the front-line commander-in-chief, made a bold decision: he would lead his two disciples deep into the heart of the enemy's territory.

Minato's objective was clear: the most crucial and swift path to safeguard the Land of Fire was to destroy the Kannabi Bridge. This bridge was a vital pathway to Iwagakure's line of supply.

"Minato, isn't this too risky?" Jiraiya voiced his concerns with a solemn expression. "Taking the two Chūnin boys into the core of the enemy's territory, even with Flying Thunder God, seems overly dangerous."

Minato offered a resigned smile before responding resolutely, "With the Mist Shinobi's invasion, we have no choice but to take this desperate gamble." He left the barracks without looking back, his resolve unwavering.

"After Sensei's failure this time a new Hokage will be appointed. It's clear that he knows the Fourth Hokage will be necessary after this war," Jiraiya remarked to Tsunade, who appeared uninterested.

Tsunade responded with indifference, "Who knows."

...

...

"Master Madara, as you planned, the Yellow Flash and his two disciples are advancing toward the Kannabi Bridge."

White Zetsu reported from a nearby location, deep underground in the Mountains' Graveyard a mountainous region located at the north-most region of land between Takigakure and Otogakure.

"Excellent; seize an opportunity to capture him," the elderly Madara responded nonchalantly from his throne of deadwood.

White Zetsu inquired, "What about the girl named 'Rin'? When should we capture her?"

The elderly Madara fell into contemplation, then spoke after a lengthy pause, "Rin's situation is more unpredictable than Obito's. We should act sooner rather than later."

In Madara's original plan, he will save Obito from a near-death situation and wait for him to recover and then expose him to Rin's death to throw Obito into darkness. However, given the current complexities, even the experienced Madara found it challenging to fully control the situation. After much consideration, he deemed it too risky to wait for Obito and decided to capture Rin earlier.

"We should seize both of them and use Rin to lead Obito down the path we desire; it's a minor complication," the elderly Madara concluded decisively.

White Zetsu concurred, waving his hand in agreement. "Rin and the swordsman named 'Hatake Tatsuya' are nearly inseparable, and he can see through my spore clones. This won't be simple."

Madara remained composed, stating, "It won't pose a significant challenge." He had already devised a plan for this precise situation.

At the Northern Konoha front, Patriarchs of the Shinobi clans had gathered in the main camp. They received the grim news that the Land of Fire's southern border had fallen to the invading Mist Shinobi army.

The southern region of the Land of Fire had transformed into a tragic and heavily affected area, deeply troubling those present.

Nawaki expressed his discontent, "It seems the current top brass of Konoha are a bunch of old-timers who can only drink tea behind safe walls of the village and can't handle war. Grandpa must be deeply embarrassed."

Nara Shikaku turned to Tatsuya, inquiring, "Lord Tatsuya, we can't just stand by and watch, can we?"

Tatsuya had previously declined Hiruzen's request for reinforcements three times. However, the current situation is drastically different. The enemy had breached the Land of Fire, and no matter how far they were from Konoha, it was clear the enemy could soon reach Konoha's doorstep.

Tatsuya nodded, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. "Certainly, our goal has been achieved, and it's time to change the position of Hokage, it's time the third Hokage retires."

This marked the first time since the village's founding that enemy forces had attacked the land of fire and were able to breach Konoha's defense. It was an event that would forever stain Konoha's history with humiliation. Coupled with the series of mistakes made by Sarutobi Hiruzen during the war, he could no longer remain in the position of the Third Hokage. With the goal achieved, reinforcements could now be sent.

Nawaki expressed his regret, "It's a shame that none of the four died."

Tatsuya smiled but didn't elaborate. He exchanged a glance with his brother.

Hatake Sakumo nodded and issued orders, "Inform the entire army. We must mobilize and head south immediately to reinforce Lord Hokage!"

In the tent shared by Tatsuya and Rin was swiftly packing the essentials they would need. However, their requirements were minimal, consisting mainly of ninja essentials like paper bombs and Kunai. As a medical ninja, Rin also carried some medical supplies.

Tatsuya, on the other hand, required very little. His sole need was his Zanpakutō. He hadn't used the Konoha forehead protector he obtained over twenty years ago and had no intention of bringing it along.

Suddenly, Rin dropped something, and it landed at Tatsuya's feet. He instinctively glanced down and saw what appeared to be a book with writing on it.

"Icha Icha Paradise: Girl Series."

Tatsuya couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh!" as he picked up the book. Realizing it belonged to Rin.

"Rin, is this yours?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. Rin's face turned crimson as she nodded, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes... it is," she admitted softly.

Tatsuya handed the book back to her, noticing her hands trembling slightly. "It's okay," he said gently, trying to ease her embarrassment. "Everyone has their interests."

Rin's eyes met his for a brief moment, gratitude and relief flickering in them. "Thank you, Tatsuya-sama," she whispered before swiftly turning and leaving the camp.

As Tatsuya watched her go, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Icha Icha Paradise, huh? I guess the quiet ones are the same here too." Shaking his head, he returned to his tasks, but the incident lingered in his mind, adding a new layer to his understanding of Rin.

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