Chapter 155

Chapter 155: News from Kannabi Bridge

Orochimaru found everything happening before him quite strange. Secretly conducting experiments on the battlefield had always been his hidden agenda, and even Danzo wasn't fully aware of it, let alone the Hidden Cloud Village. Orochimaru had left a messaging snake in Konoha for appearances, but he also had a hidden one. Both of these snakes had mysteriously died without him even noticing. Such mysterious methods left Orochimaru deeply puzzled.

The Third Raikage merely snorted, offering no explanation. He had received the intel directly from his desk in the Raikage's office. How it arrived and who had sent it was unknown to him.

The Third Raikage cast a deep glance at Haneda, who held onto Killer B, and withdrew with Ay in hand. Using his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, he tore through Konoha's encirclement with incredible speed, moving so quickly that even Sakumo and Orochimaru couldn't intercept him in time. Within moments, he broke out of the encirclement and shouted toward the advancing Hidden Cloud troops, "Let those Konoha fools witness the unity and strength of Hidden Cloud!"

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In the latter half of the 48th year of Konoha, the war between Konoha and Hidden Cloud erupted in full force in the Hoqi Mountains. The Third Raikage attempted to rescue the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, but was thwarted by the Konoha forces led by Orochimaru and Sakumo. This conflict became known as the Battle of Hoqi Mountain.

Following this clash, Konoha and Hidden Cloud engaged in numerous skirmishes in the Hoqi Mountains, resulting in a stalemate on the Land of Frost's battlefield. Fortunately, Uchiha Haneda had recaptured the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, maintaining Konoha's advantage. It became known throughout the ninja world that the next major battle between Konoha and Hidden Cloud could determine the war's outcome: a victory for Konoha would secure the Land of Frost, while a win for Hidden Cloud would prolong the war.

As the year's end approached, Haneda stood on a peak in the Hoqi Mountains, gazing into the distance. Sakumo approached with Asuma and Kurenai by his side.

"Are you still thinking about the Battle of Hoqi Mountain, Haneda?" Sakumo asked with concern. "Capturing the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki was already a huge achievement."

Sakumo placed his cloak over Haneda's shoulders, smiling. "It's too cold here; you'll catch a chill."

Asuma shivered at the mention of the cold and chimed in, "That's right, Brother Haneda, make sure to take care of yourself!"

Haneda glanced back at Sakumo and Asuma, nodding slightly. If he had managed to capture Ay in the previous battle, the war between Konoha and Hidden Cloud might have ended swiftly. Such an outcome would have been beneficial to both him and Konoha. However, having only captured Killer B, the Third Raikage was unlikely to be forced into a truce.

With the war between Konoha and Hidden Cloud on the brink of another outbreak, Haneda felt a sense of impending conspiracy. The conflict between Konoha and Hidden Stone was also nearing its conclusion. Given the timing, Haneda was certain that Madara would make his move.

"Let's go back. I'm just here to reflect on my achievements," Haneda said, smiling. "After all, the renowned Perfect Jinchuriki, Killer B, fell to my blade."

Despite his smile, a trace of worry lingered in his eyes.

Seeing this, Sakumo patted Haneda on the shoulder and followed him silently as they returned. The ever-enthusiastic Asuma filled the journey with boasts about Haneda.

Upon their return to Konoha's main camp in the Land of Frost, Haneda and Sakumo were urgently summoned by Orochimaru for a strategy meeting. When they arrived, numerous jounin were already seated in the conference room, waiting for them.

Orochimaru addressed them directly. "According to intel from the ANBU spies, Hidden Cloud is mobilizing a large force to attack our headquarters tomorrow." Orochimaru pointed to a map on the wall, marking a specific route. "Haneda, this is the path Ay's assault force will likely take. I want you to lead a team to intercept them and prevent any attacks on our field hospital."

"This mission is critical. Hidden Cloud may also attempt to flank and strike from behind," Orochimaru emphasized.

"Understood, Orochimaru-sensei," Haneda replied absentmindedly, his thoughts preoccupied with the upcoming battle at Kannabi Bridge.

Sensing Haneda's distraction, Orochimaru shifted his gaze to Sakumo and said, "Sakumo, I'd like you to lead a team around the battlefield to attack Hidden Cloud's main camp, forcing them to pull back."

"Understood," Sakumo replied decisively. Orochimaru's strategy was clear to him. If they struck swiftly, they could destabilize Hidden Cloud's morale.

The meeting continued, with Orochimaru detailing each tactical move to counter Hidden Cloud's attacks. As the meeting concluded, an orange cat slipped into the room and leapt onto Haneda's shoulder. It was Little Chrysanthemum.

In a low voice, it whispered, "There's news from Kannabi Bridge, Haneda."

!!!

Suppressing his complicated emotions, Haneda asked, "When?"

"Tomorrow morning," the cat replied. "Jiraiya has assigned Minato to lead Kakashi, Obito, and your friends on a mission to cut off Hidden Stone's supply line at Kannabi Bridge."

Hearing this, Haneda's mind raced. 'The timing aligns exactly… how could this be so coincidental?'

'Could it be… Madara and Black Zetsu?!'

Haneda clenched the mission scroll tightly in his hand. His mission was to intercept Ay's assault force, crucial for Konoha's defense. If he abandoned this mission, Konoha's regulations would almost certainly classify him as a rogue ninja.

After a long period of contemplation, Haneda approached Sakumo.

"Could we speak privately, Uncle Sakumo?"

Seeing Haneda's heavy expression, Sakumo smiled. "Of course, I'd be glad to talk with you."

The two of them stepped outside to a secluded spot. Gazing at the setting sun, Haneda spoke.

"There was a time when, like some of the Uchiha, I felt like an outsider in Konoha. I didn't have any particular attachment to it. But as I made friends and created memories, I found myself treasuring those times and the people who became like family to me: friends, comrades, mentors, and everyone who has cared about me."

Haneda let out a self-deprecating chuckle, paused, and continued, "Uncle Sakumo, if you had a choice between a cherished person and a vital mission—say, a mission for the village—what would you choose?"

Sakumo was a bit taken aback. In his memory, Haneda never shared his inner conflicts with others. But now… something had changed.

Suddenly, Sakumo remembered a letter he'd received from Kakashi years ago. He responded earnestly, "In the ninja world, those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash. Seven years ago, I faced a similar choice. I abandoned the mission and felt guilt and regret, but that saying you told me helped me move on."

"At that time, Kakashi believed missions were more important, but you changed his thinking. Comrades matter more than missions."

Standing beside Haneda, Sakumo placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're torn between the mission and an important friend on the opposite side, with another dear friend in the village standing alongside you. But you once said, 'Rules are meant to be broken.' That's why you came to me, one of the commanders here in the Land of Frost."

"Haneda, whatever choice you make, Kakashi and I will believe in you. Go. I'll handle Orochimaru."

Sakumo understood the immense importance of the upcoming battle to Konoha. If Haneda left, he and Orochimaru would have to contend with Ay's assault force alone. Might Guy, who could only open six of the Eight Gates, could delay Ay but only briefly.

Trying to lighten Haneda's burden, Sakumo added, "Would a war fail over one child's absence? That would betray the Will of Fire the First Hokage entrusted to us."

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