Chapter 201

The implications of their participation were clear and needed no elaboration. 

"Seriously, you thought of involving me in such an operation, didn't you?"

The next morning, at the gates of Konoha, Kaito, Shisui, and Yaneko were already standing together.

However, it was evident that Yaneko wasn't thrilled, for anyone would feel the same if they were suddenly pulled into a war.

But Kaito was unperturbed. He just gave Yaneko a brief smile and then surveyed the large Konoha forces, lined up and ready to march. 

These troops were Konoha's reserve forces. However, though called reserves, the majority were veterans of the three wars.

That was Konoha's strength. The village suffered severe losses in the three wars, but they also retained a wealth of experienced shinobi.

These war veterans, who survived the battles, were among Konoha's most precious assets. Unfortunately, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't value them enough.

He awarded them certain honors, but there was a lack of subsequent support for them.

Moreover, the village they fought so hard to protect lost its due glory in Sarutobi's compromises with Kumogakure.

Kaito felt it was harsh to push them back into the abyss of war, especially since he indeed killed Kitsuchi. 

But perhaps it was better to adapt sooner rather than later, as wars might be inevitable in the future.

Forget the Fourth War; Kaito's sights were set on the entire ninja world!

The other villages wouldn't just stand by and let Kaito dominate. There would likely be resistance.

So, adapting now would be much better than scrambling when the time comes.

"Don't worry; I'll protect you," said Kaito, having surveyed the surroundings. He then turned with a smile to Yaneko.

"We have no choice this time. No one can escape the responsibility of a war breaking out.

Furthermore, Lady Tsunade specifically requested my participation and agreed to let me form my own special task force.

For combat strength, I thought of Shisui, and for intelligence analysis and battlefield situation management, I thought of you."

"You are the most outstanding person I could think of, and you also have battlefield experience, don't you?"

Kaito praised her without a hint of change in his expression, and just as seamlessly, he shifted the blame onto Tsunade.

After all, Yaneko hadn't attended that high-level meeting; she likely didn't know that it was Kaito who had recommended Tsunade.

Moreover, it was evident that Kaito wouldn't tell her that he had wanted to be on the battlefield all along.

Sure enough, after hearing Kaito's words, Yaneko let out a soft sigh, but she quickly regained her composure.

Indeed, for a Konoha ninja, participating in a war was a duty that couldn't be shirked.

"How do you see this war?" 

Yaneko asked, her voice filled with resignation but her expression serious.

"With the Special Task Force, you'll likely have a high degree of autonomy. Apart from joining the main force in large-scale confrontations and engaging with the enemy's toughest fighters, you can either stay off the battlefield or penetrate deep into enemy territory. So, your attitude and decisions are vital, and potentially lethal."

"You do think highly of me, don't you?"

Kaito just chuckled in response to Yaneko's words. He wasn't surprised that she had guessed the purpose behind forming his squad.

After all, there were precedents, like the Fourth Hokage's team, which was one of the finest examples.

Given that Kaito and Shisui were powerhouses in their own right, the team's mission was surely to execute tasks beyond the enemy's imagination, perhaps even ones that could tip the balance of the war.

However, what was unfortunate was that Kaito hadn't quite decided on how to handle some matters, so he asked with a playful grin, "What do you think we should do, then? After all, I approached you precisely for your expertise in this area."

"You, lazybones, acting as if you can't figure it out on your own."

Yaneko sighed in resignation, seemingly having come to terms with the situation.

After pondering for a moment, Yaneko reluctantly shook her head.

"I can't provide a specific answer to this question right now because we lack intelligence from Iwagakure. Only when we understand their internal situation, combined with the current state of the battle – factors like their morale, supplies, and so on – can I speculate how far we need to push them before they feel compelled to surrender. After all, I've always agreed with something you once said, which is 'better to err on the side of caution.' Without detailed intelligence, acting too aggressively might backfire."

Yaneko's clarity was as sharp as ever, which made Kaito nod subtly in agreement.

Beside them, Shisui curiously observed the beautiful woman with long black hair in front of him. He had often heard about the close relationship between Kaito and this girl. The first he'd learned of it was years ago when Kaito was still a mission ninja. He wasn't unfamiliar with Yaneko; they were classmates after all. But this was their first direct interaction.

He now had to admit that this girl's analytical ability seemed exceptional. Even without giving concrete answers, she had already provided a clear direction and logic for her analysis. And she did it so quickly, surpassing many ninjas he knew.

Initially, Shisui hadn't paid much attention to her, thinking she might just be a whim of Kaito's or perhaps he wanted to give her a boost. But now, he recognized that she probably played a significant role.

Yet, wasn't this good news? Although Shisui still felt like he was third-wheeling, the more capable this Nara clan girl was, the smoother their mission would likely proceed, right?

As they chatted, Konoha suddenly began to mobilize. Kaito and the other two immediately ceased their idle talk and daydreams. They knew that at this moment, the war had begun.

"I never expected that guy to take on such a task."

In his laboratory in the Land of Grass, Orochimaru looked at the Akatsuki members, who seemed like phantoms before him, and couldn't help but shake his head in resignation.

The content of this 'video' meeting was straightforward: their leader, Pain, informed them that they would be participating in the war between Konoha and Iwagakure.

To be honest, Orochimaru was quite surprised by this news, as he was genuinely unaware of the situation.

These days, he had been hiding in his laboratory, busy improving his Edo Tensei technique.

His last improvement had shown decent results, but it was far from enough.

He had to make even more enhancements to cope with the pressure brought by Kaito.

Moreover, he genuinely agreed with Kaito's statement: while he was refining the Edo Tensei, Kaito himself was also continuously growing and evolving.

In fact, Orochimaru had always been curious about one thing: why was Kaito's progress so rapid?

It seemed that every time he met the guy, he could notice significant growth in him.

Orochimaru was genuinely puzzled by this, but knowing Kaito's progression meant he couldn't let his guard down.

Even though, strictly speaking, he and Kaito weren't exactly enemies, due to the Akatsuki's involvement, he constantly had to confront Kaito.

Facing such a formidable opponent without enough strength and preparation would indeed be deadly.

Orochimaru was very clear about this, or it could be said he had always been clear-headed.

He always knew what he had to do and was always prepared for it.

"However, the situation this time seems quite significant. Has Ōnoki discovered Uchiha Kaito? Or has someone leaked his information?"

Orochimaru licked his lips, his gaze sweeping over the phantoms before him.

Especially lingering on the phantom of Uchiha Itachi for a moment before slowly shifting his gaze away.

"But, it seems Uchiha Kaito truly killed Kitsuchi this time. The guy really is ruthless. 

Yet, what evidence did he leave behind for Ōnoki to grasp? Oh well, it's none of my business anyway."

Orochimaru gently licked his lips again and then felt too lazy to say anything more.

In any case, things had been settled, and what awaited him was inevitably taking action.

However, Orochimaru had no intention of deploying the spies he had planted in Konoha, for using one meant one less in hiding.

Besides, Orochimaru wasn't planning to reveal much more information.

He didn't fundamentally have a fondness for those from Iwagakure. After the Second and Third Wars that lasted so many years, how could he possibly harbor any good feelings for those from Iwa?

But he still had to participate this time, after all, he wanted to try out some interesting things.

What Orochimaru held wasn't just Uchiha Madara as his last trump card; he had some other intriguing figures as well.

Like the two brothers he used against Kaito last time: Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju!

Strictly speaking, these two brothers were the best choice to face Uchiha Kaito.

But from their last encounter, Orochimaru noticed that their will to fight was rather average.

Perhaps Tobirama might be a bit more eager, but Hashirama truly seemed not very inclined to engage.

The problem was, Tobirama alone might not be able to handle Uchiha Kaito, especially since Kaito was also adept at space-time ninjutsu.

Yet, these two brothers were indeed powerful. Even if their fighting spirit was a bit low, their combat experience was undeniable.

If he wanted to experiment, these two would be the perfect tools to test against Kaito.

He had made so many adjustments to the Edo Tensei, it was about time to find a fitting opponent.

"It really is, unexpectedly making one look forward to it."

The speed of the Konoha forces was fast. Although the Land of Grass was at a certain distance from Konoha, they still managed to arrive in just over a day.

For Kaito and his team, such a forced march wasn't much of an issue, even Yaneko seemed very relaxed.

After all, they had experienced such things in the past, and Kaito had already undergone a significant transformation.

Such intensity was nothing to him now; Kaito didn't even use any chakra.

The enhanced physical strength was unimaginably beneficial to him.

Now, more than ever, he could relate to the struggles Hashirama Senju faced against Uchiha Madara, constantly draining his physical stamina in battle.

//

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