A Sage's Pursuit of Power

Currently, Konoha boasts the strength of five Hokage, a force more than capable of handling Black Zetsu. This is the foundation of Konoha's confidence.

Truthfully, if the four revived Hokage were to head directly to the frontlines and demonstrate their power, the war would likely be over in no time. However, Aoba's goal isn't to win the war but to deal with Black Zetsu. Therefore, the war must continue, as only through the chaos of battle will Black Zetsu reveal himself.

In the world of ninjas, deploying armies is far quicker than in the real world. Thanks to sealing scrolls and the superhuman abilities of ninjas, logistical preparation is streamlined.

Within just three days, the first unit of the Konoha forces had already left the village and headed to the frontlines.

As the Supreme Commander, Aoba did not immediately proceed to the frontlines.

The warfront was divided into two and a half lines:

The Land of Earth, with forces from Iwagakure advancing from the northwest. The Land of Lightning, with Kumogakure's troops attacking from the northeast. The Land of Water, with a handful of Kirigakure's forces launching an offensive from the eastern seas.

Aoba left the Kirigakure front entirely to Mei Terumi, understanding that it was essentially Kirigakure's internal matter. Mei, fully aware of Aoba's intent, vowed to keep Kirigakure in check, ensuring that no harm would come to the civilians of the Fire Country. She even went as far as issuing a military pledge.

Just as Aoba was about to head to the frontlines himself, he received a distress letter from Kusagakure.

The letter was a plea for help: Iwagakure's forces were already massing at Kusagakure's border. Kusagakure, which had long styled itself as Konoha's subordinate, naturally turned to its "boss" for assistance.

After a quick glance at the report, Aoba replied succinctly:

"Send a reply to Kusagakure. Inform them that Konoha is engaged in dual-front warfare and needs time to mobilize. Tell them to establish defensive lines and hold off Iwagakure's initial assault. If a single Iwagakure ninja crosses into the Land of Fire before our arrival, I will hold Kusagakure accountable."

The messenger froze momentarily but refrained from questioning Aoba. His authority was absolute, requiring no further explanation.

Kusagakure had once lived comfortably under Konoha's shadow, but ever since Aoba came to power, those days were long gone. The Ghost Prison incident was a prime example of Aoba's disregard for Kusagakure's "face."

Sensing the shifting tides, Kusagakure didn't dare utter a word of dissent, leaving Aoba's subsequent plans unchallenged.

Initially, Aoba had intended to deal with Kusagakure after handling Black Zetsu. However, with the war now underway, he decided to settle matters with Kusagakure sooner rather than later.

The region was strategically valuable, boasting abundant resources and a reasonable population. Its only downside was the lack of a strong ninja heritage or top-tier shinobi, relegating it to the role of a minor vassal to Konoha. Aoba had long been eyeing the territory and intended to absorb it entirely during this conflict.

"Supreme Commander, a reply has arrived from Sunagakure. They've assembled their forces and are prepared to coordinate with us in an offensive against Iwagakure."

Gaara had proven dependable. The moment Konoha sent word, Sunagakure began preparing for war. However, the village, still recovering from its earlier decline, could only muster an army of 4,000 ninjas. It was a small but a welcome addition.

A true shinobi world war affects not only the major nations involved but also leaves smaller countries trembling with fear.

The Land of Rain was one such nation. Having suffered extensively during the battles between Konoha and Iwagakure in the past, it was still struggling to recover. If not for Nagato's establishment of the Akatsuki and his control over the Land of Rain, the country might have already been annexed by the Land of Earth.

As news of the Fourth Shinobi World War spread, Konan immediately reached out to Aoba.

For this war, Aoba had no intention of involving the Land of Rain. Instead, he had decided to let the main battleground be in the Land of Grass.

Nagato's presence made the Land of Rain a dangerous place to fight, especially since, in this timeline, his body was still holding up well. Facing Nagato head-on was a risk Aoba preferred to avoid.

Thus, both Konoha and Iwagakure had tacitly agreed to make the Land of Grass the primary battlefield.

It was a grim reality of the ninja world: in the face of major nations' interests, smaller nations like Kusagakure and Amegakure were left with no voice and no rights.

"Nagato, I've received confirmation. This war won't spill into the Land of Rain."

"Is that so? This information came from Aoba?" Nagato, of course, knew about Konan's connection with Aoba.

"Yes."

"Since that's the case, we should make our move as well."

"Nagato, your body..."

"It's fine. That's precisely why we need to act while my body can still hold up. The Shinobi World War is a golden opportunity. The jinchūriki of the major villages will all enter the battlefield. Once they leave their villages, we strike."

"Understood. I'll notify everyone. The Akatsuki will go into full war mode and begin gathering intel on the jinchūriki."

"I leave it to you."

In Konoha, at Aoba's home, Yumi lay on top of him, her face flushed.

"Aren't you the Hokage's advisor? Why do you have to go to the frontlines?"

"Yumi, I'm the supreme commander, and I have the title of Konoha's strongest ninja. How could I not go to the frontlines? Besides, there's nothing to worry about. You know my strength; there aren't many who can even scratch me on the battlefield."

"Not many means there are still some who can, right? That still means there's danger. Can't you just let Kakashi handle it instead?"

Yumi clung to Aoba, unwilling to move. She didn't feel much attachment to Konoha as a village. In fact, all her sense of belonging was tied to Aoba, Karin, and the rest of their little family.

If Konoha and Aoba were in danger at the same time, she wouldn't hesitate for a second to choose saving Aoba. If Aoba ever decided to leave Konoha, she wouldn't think twice about fighting against the ninja she knew from the village. If it were up to her, she'd never let Aoba take any risks.

"Kakashi already led the vanguard. I'm in the second wave. I've told you before, this isn't just about the war, it's about finding the one pulling the strings from the shadows.

And even though I'm leaving, Konoha won't be entirely safe. I've left precautions in place, but they're not foolproof. If something happens, you can step in to help, but if the situation turns dire, prioritize keeping yourself and Karin safe."

"I understand. Is the Seventh Squad not going to the battlefield this time?"

"Not yet. They're a reserve unit for now. However, Sakura will be coming with me, as part of the first wave of medical ninja to reach the frontlines."

"Then make sure to look after her. She's such a thoughtful girl; don't let anything happen to her."

"Yumi, the battlefield isn't a playground. Even I can't guarantee her absolute safety. But I'll do everything in my power."

"Alright." Yumi rested her head on Aoba's chest, silent for a moment, before she began subtly shifting and moving against him.

Aoba: "..."

"Hehe, Aoba, you're responding to me again," Yumi teased as she sat up and straddled him.

"Since you're leaving tomorrow, I'll let you have your way this time. What do you want me to call you?"

"..."

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Currently on Chapter 228 - Hinata Hyūga