Chapter 162: That Bastard, Third Raikage! [Bonus Chapter]

At Kannabi Bridge.

The Lava Release: Rasenshuriken melted two-thirds of the bridge, leaving a massive gap in the middle, as if a giant beast had taken a bite out of it.

It had to be said, the Iwa-nin's defenses were somewhat effective.

They managed to prevent Shūichi's jutsu from fully achieving its intended impact.

However, taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, Shūichi swiftly pierced through the defenses from above, descending to the underside of the bridge before the Iwa-nin could react to the explosion of his Rasenshuriken.

"Stop him!"

"Don't let him destroy the bridge completely!"

The Iwa-nin shouted as they rushed toward Shūichi.

The bridge was still salvageable with some Earth Release techniques to patch it up.

Shūichi's figure flickered, and as he landed on one of the bridge's pillars, he slapped his hand down, summoning an explosive tag.

This wasn't one he carried on him; it was summoned directly through a summoning technique.

One Iwa-nin spotted the explosive tag and immediately formed hand seals, releasing a gust of wind to blow it away.

But Shūichi swiftly dodged, and before long, a series of explosive tags began appearing in rapid succession around the first one. The first tag had already started to detonate, setting off a chain reaction.

Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags!

A series of explosions unfolded, shattering one of the bridge pillars. The shockwaves collided with the gust of wind, sending debris flying in all directions.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Numerous attacks whistled through the air, sealing off all of Shūichi's possible escape routes.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Kakashi and Obito appeared at the edge of the Land of Grass.

"It's Shūichi!"

"He's surrounded!"

Obito exclaimed in shock.

"Let's go help him!" Kakashi shouted. He was just about to leap forward when the pain in his abdomen flared up, causing him to stumble.

Obito quickly supported him, "You stay here! I'll go help Shūichi!"

"No need!"

Shūichi's voice suddenly rang in their ears as his figure appeared next to Kakashi.

Back at the bridge, all of the Iwa-nin's attacks had missed their target.

"There he is!"

"Konoha's reinforcements have arrived!"

"Chase them!"

The Iwa-nin shouted, immediately using Body Flicker Techniques to pursue them.

Watching the approaching Iwa-nin, Shūichi calmly instructed, "Obito, take Kakashi and retreat. I'm just a shadow clone."

"And retrace your steps!"

Obito quickly nodded, "Got it!"

He then supported Kakashi as they retreated.

Shūichi glanced back at the two of them, a small smile forming on his face.

It seemed like something had happened between them—something he wasn't aware of. There was a noticeable change in their dynamic.

Turning back to face the Iwa-nin, Shūichi began to retreat slowly, leading them further away.

His chakra was running low now, and the best strategy was to draw the Iwa-nin's attention away, ensuring they wouldn't pursue Kakashi and Obito.

Meanwhile…

On the frontlines, after Shūichi's appearance, the Iwa-nin squads began retreating, continuously regrouping. Their depth of defense against the Konoha-Suna alliance was steadily collapsing.

However, when it came to tactical coordination, the Iwa-nin were still quite skilled. Despite being forced to retreat, they used terrain manipulation to slow down Konoha and Sand's advances. Even though they were retreating, they hadn't completely broken down.

The only time they were utterly helpless was when facing Shūichi and the team under his command.

No matter how strong their defenses were, they were nothing in front of Shūichi.

…

That night, Konoha and Sand withdrew their forces after the day's battle.

Shūichi also received a message from Orochimaru, summoning him back to the main camp.

"The leader of Kusagakure is dead. The new leader is Mugen. They've completely aligned with us and will be joining our efforts against Iwa," Orochimaru said bluntly as Shūichi entered.

Shūichi nodded. He wasn't surprised.

Kusagakure had no other choice.

If they sided with Iwa, Shūichi would be the first to wipe them out.

Still, Mugen becoming the new leader of Kusagakure?

Interesting!

But Shūichi didn't dwell on it and asked, "Orochimaru-sama, I assume that's not the only reason you called me back?"

Orochimaru nodded, "Of course."

"You've already dealt with the Four-Tails. According to the old man's orders, you're needed on the front lines at the Kumo battlefield."

Shūichi asked, "What about Minato-sensei?"

Orochimaru replied, "He's still on the Mist battlefield for now."

Shūichi nodded, "Understood. I'll set off tomorrow."

The situation in the Land of Grass was already decided. Unless Onoki personally intervened or mobilized five to six, or even seven to eight thousand more troops, there was no way Iwa could hold the Land of Grass.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision to transfer him might not be solely for dealing with the A-B Combo. It's likely also intended to avoid a direct confrontation between him and the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.

At that moment, Orochimaru asked, "Shūichi-kun, do you think the old man will negotiate with Iwa-nin?"

Shūichi thought for a moment, then shook his head, "It depends on how things go with the Kumo and Kirigakure fronts."

"If he negotiates with Iwa alone, it would be a betrayal of our ally, Suna."

"If there's to be peace talks, it must be done alongside Suna. We need to wait until they've advanced into the Land of Birds, forcing Iwa to concede part of its interests there."

"A win-win situation will ensure the alliance lasts."

Of course, Shūichi didn't say the other part of his thoughts: If Suna doesn't get a share of the spoils, how can they be expected to help us bite later?

Orochimaru, however, caught on to this underlying meaning, chuckling, "Suna is like a wolf. You not only need enough strength to keep them in check but also have to throw them a bone to keep them satisfied."

"Shūichi-kun, you'd make an excellent beast tamer."

Shūichi shook his head, "Training a single summoned beast is exhausting enough. That's something the Hokage should be thinking about."

"Orochimaru-sama, I'll head to the medical team now."

Orochimaru nodded, watching Shūichi leave, but also silently reflecting on the deeper meaning behind his words.

Little did Shūichi know, his casual remark had sparked a deeper contemplation in Orochimaru. But since Hiruzen Sarutobi had sent him to the Kumo front, there was no need to overthink it.

Arriving at the medical unit, Shūichi first found Kakashi.

"Shūichi!"

Seeing him, both Obito and Kakashi greeted him warmly.

Shūichi smiled and asked, "How are your injuries?"

Kakashi replied, "No major issues, nothing vital was hit."

Uchiha Obito grinned, adding, "It was handled personally by Lady Nonō, so there's no problem at all."

Shūichi nodded and, looking at Obito, smiled and congratulated him, "Obito, congratulations on awakening your Sharingan!"

Obito scratched his head in slight embarrassment, "You noticed, huh?"

He had been trying to think of how to show off his new ability.

Shūichi chuckled, "I'm a sensory ninja. Of course, I can sense that your chakra is different now."

"Huh?"

Obito was taken aback, "My chakra is different?"

Shūichi nodded and gave a brief explanation, "Awakening the Sharingan usually happens when someone experiences emotional trauma, causing a mutation in their chakra, which then alters their optic nerves and eyes. That's how the Sharingan and its tomoe evolve."

"Think of it as a form of yin release nature transformation."

Obito, looking puzzled, asked, "Shūichi, why does it seem like you understand the Sharingan better than the Uchiha?"

Even Kakashi was curious.

Shūichi shook his head, "It's not that I understand the Sharingan better than the Uchiha. I just have a deeper understanding of nature transformations."

"Besides, don't forget, Shisui is my teammate, and he's already awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan."

Obito nodded in realization, "Ah, that makes sense. Shisui is indeed incredible—he's a genius well-known within the clan."

Patting Obito on the shoulder, Shūichi smiled, "You're not bad either, Obito. Keep it up."

"And Kakashi, take care of your injuries. I'm heading to the Kumo front soon."

"Kumo?"

Both of them were startled. Kakashi asked, "Does that mean we've already won here?"

Shūichi shook his head, "We've gained the upper hand, but it's not over yet."

"Don't worry. I'm sure Minato-sensei will be here soon as well."

Without further explanation, Shūichi waved goodbye and left. He still had to say farewell to Nonō Yakushi and the others.

As Shūichi departed, Obito suddenly asked, "Kakashi, do you think I'll ever become as strong as Shūichi? I heard he captured Iwa's Four-Tails!"

He hadn't known what a Tailed Beast was before, but now he understood.

Kakashi thought seriously for a moment before replying, "First, try to surpass Uchiha Shisui."

Obito snorted, "I'll surpass you first, you smug jerk!"

"Kakashi, now that I've awakened my Sharingan, I'm not the same. If you don't step up, you'll be my defeated rival in no time."

Kakashi shot back sarcastically, "I heard genjutsu is the most powerful aspect of the Sharingan. Maybe work on mastering that first."

Obito's face immediately fell.

He was notoriously terrible at genjutsu!

So, from the Academy until now, he had focused on perfecting the Fireball Jutsu and taijutsu.

"Who said the Sharingan has to be used for genjutsu?"

Obito retorted, "The Sharingan has incredible insight, allowing you to see through enemy movements and even their chakra flow."

"Hmph, smug Kakashi, you don't understand the true power of the Sharingan."

...

Night fell over Iwagakure, but the Tsuchikage's office remained brightly lit.

Onoki's face was grim.

Not only had the Kannabi Bridge been destroyed, but the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, was also missing.

Considering what had happened to the One-Tail, it wasn't hard to guess—Roshi had likely been taken down by that brat, Hoshita Shūichi.

In other words, Iwagakure had lost the Four-Tails!

This was something Onoki found hard to accept.

To him, the Four-Tails was far stronger than the One-Tail.

And Roshi's control over the Tailed Beast's power was far superior to Sunagakure's Jinchuriki. Despite preparing in advance based on the information they had on Hoshita Shūichi, the result was still the same as what happened with Suna.

"Send word to the front lines. Tomorrow, I'll go there in person!" Onoki decided after a brief moment of contemplation.

Kitsuchi opened his mouth, but couldn't find the words to dissuade his father. He nodded, turning to make the necessary arrangements.

…

Morning arrived quickly. As Shūichi set out for the Kumo battlefield, Onoki also prepared to depart, accompanied by his son, Kitsuchi.

However, just as they stepped out of the Tsuchikage building, an Iwa-nin suddenly appeared, blocking their path.

"Tsuchikage-sama, an urgent situation has arisen at the border. The Third Raikage of Kumogakure himself is leading a surprise attack with an army. It seems they've already breached our front lines."

Both Onoki and Kitsuchi were stunned.

The Third Raikage personally leading an assault?

Has he gone mad?

Moreover, Kumo was still fighting Konoha—why would they choose this moment to attack Iwa?

"Damn it..." Onoki gritted his teeth, "That bastard Raikage… he chose this moment to…"

Kitsuchi struggled to understand, "Why would the Third Raikage attack us now? Could it be they're trying to seize the resources of the small nations like the Land of Frost, Land of Rice, or Land of the Moon?"

Onoki snorted coldly, "These battle-hungry fools… their ambitions are boundless. That's the only explanation."

"They see us being squeezed by both Suna and Konoha and think they can take advantage."

With that, he turned and headed back to the Tsuchikage building, issuing orders along the way: "Kitsuchi, you go to the Land of Grass immediately. Have them fall back to defend our borders."

"As for the Land of Birds, be on guard against Suna. The moment Kumo moves, the Fourth Kazekage won't be able to resist the temptation."

"If the situation becomes untenable, retreat for now!"

Kitsuchi nodded without hesitation and quickly set out.

Meanwhile, Onoki returned to his office, issuing a series of mobilization orders to gather his forces.

"That fool Raikage dares to invade the Land of Earth... I'll make sure he regrets it!" Onoki stared at the map, continuously directing his troops.

...

While Konoha and Suna were securing one victory after another in the Land of Grass, the name of Konoha's "Yellow Flash" spread like wildfire on the Kirigakure battlefield.

Namikaze Minato dashed from one battlefield to another, leaving the Mist-nin in complete disarray wherever he went.

They simply couldn't stop him. No one could.

The Flying Thunder God Technique wasn't something that could be countered by merely avoiding the Flying Thunder God kunai.

And Namikaze Minato's mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique was far more refined than Hoshita Shūichi's.

Just by tossing a kunai, Minato could dominate the battlefield!

No one could be on guard against the Flying Thunder God kunai all the time, and even without it, Minato's Body Flicker Technique was top-tier.

In just one day, the Mist-nin lines were broken three times—an efficiency far beyond what Shūichi's shadow clones could achieve.

Previously, Shūichi's shadow clones, along with Pakura, had been harassing the Mist-nin, preventing their advance and forcing them to retreat repeatedly. Eventually, Yagura Karatachi himself led an elite squad to specifically target Shūichi's shadow clones and Pakura, managing to hold them off.

However, Shūichi couldn't maintain his shadow clones for too long, especially from such a great distance, so he had already dispelled them.

Now that Namikaze Minato had arrived, the situation changed drastically.

Even Yagura, a master of Water Release, could only retreat in defeat, suffering heavy losses among his elite forces.

In just three days, the Mist-nin were forced to retreat over and over. On the eastern front, they were driven off the mainland entirely, while on the southern front, they retreated into smaller nations like the Land of Tea, being completely expelled from the Land of Fire.

...

As the situation across the ninja world shifted, Shūichi, along with Shisui and Asuka, took a day and a half to travel directly from the Land of Grass to the Kumo front in the northern part of the Land of Fire.

After resting in the rear for a night, the trio arrived at the front lines the next morning.

"Shūichi-sama, you're finally here!"

"Lord Shūichi!"

"This is great! Now that Lord Shūichi is here, the Kumo-nin won't be able to act so arrogantly!"

…

Shūichi's arrival caused a wave of excitement among the Konoha forces, boosting their morale instantly.

Although it had been a long time since Shūichi had returned to the village, news of his achievements on the front lines had continuously reached Konoha, inspiring everyone.

Recently, his fame had even surpassed that of renowned commanders like Jiraiya and Orochimaru, with many Konoha ninjas seeing him as the strongest contender for the position of Fifth Hokage.

Some even believed that calls for him to be named the Fourth Hokage might arise.

At this moment, the commander of the Kumo front was the veteran Konoha Jonin, Mimura Yamakaze. He had originally been in charge of the defense on the western border of the Land of Fire, but after Orochimaru led his troops north, Yamakaze had been reassigned to the Kumo front.

Thus, he was no stranger to Hoshita Shūichi.

(End of Chapter)

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