Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The Land of Rain is a small country northwest of the Land of Fire. Its territory borders the Land of Fire, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Wind.

As a result, whenever war erupts, the Land of Rain often serves as a buffer for these three nations, becoming a battlefield for competing forces. This small country's political system differs significantly from the five great nations.

In major nations like the Land of Fire, the daimyo oversees civilian governance, while the ninja villages handle foreign conflicts, accept missions, and assist the population by solving challenges like bandit suppression. The daimyo nominally appoints the village leader, the "Kage," but in practice, the position is recommended by high-ranking ninjas and formally approved by the daimyo as a symbolic gesture. This creates a dual-governance structure.

The Land of Rain, however, has a singular leader—Hanzo, known as the Demigod.

Sanfang City, in the southeastern corner of the Land of Rain, was once a thriving trade hub, hosting merchants from the Land of Fire, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Wind. Its name derives from this tri-national exchange. Now, it has become an occupied zone controlled by Konoha, serving as a stronghold for its ninjas.

The rain drizzled outside, and within a dilapidated building in Sanfang City, Mitokado Homura stood by a table, staring at a map. His voice was heavy with concern.

"Hasn't the reinforcements sent by Hiruzen arrived yet? At this rate, we won't hold out much longer!"

Homura, a comrade of the Third Hokage and a survivor of the First Ninja War, was now the commander-in-chief of the Northwest Front. Despite being in his forties, the wear of years showed only faintly on his face. Around him, the senior commanders of the front gathered, including Orochimaru and other Konoha elites.

"The reinforcements are en route," Orochimaru replied in his cold, hoarse voice. "According to their schedule, they should be entering the Land of Rain soon."

"But their combat capability is questionable," Nara Shikashin interjected, gazing out the rain-drenched window. "Many of them are fresh genin and chunin, inexperienced in real warfare. It's worrisome."

Homura remained focused on the map, nodding thoughtfully. "Ninjas transform into elites through battle. The foundation of our village will carry them through. For now, let's focus on the immediate issue. Have the supplies arrived?"

"Not yet," Shikashin answered, sifting through reports. "They were sent two days ago under secret escort but haven't reached us."

"Notify me the moment they do," Homura ordered, shifting his gaze to Orochimaru. "And the backup troops—how far out are they?"

"Three days away," Orochimaru replied. "They're moving as fast as possible, but many are inexperienced and unfamiliar with field conditions."

Homura sighed deeply. "We can't afford to lose Sanfang City. If it falls, the war will spill into the Land of Fire. That would bring immense pressure from the people onto Konoha, something neither Hiruzen nor I can allow."

Amid the misty forests near the border, a group of figures moved swiftly through the trees.

"The Land of Rain is close. Let's rest before crossing the border," Uchiha Shinki announced as he landed on a branch.

The group stopped at his signal. Hyuga Hiashi adjusted his rain-soaked cloak. "This weather has worsened the closer we get. It's affecting even my Byakugan."

"Your Byakugan is hindered by rain?" Uzumaki Raiden asked with mild amusement.

"You'd be surprised how the elements affect sensory techniques," Hiashi replied, landing beside him.

As they set up camp, Shinki climbed a tree to stand guard, activating his Sharingan to keep watch. Meanwhile, Raiden prepared a barrier seal to secure their position.

"Be vigilant," Shinki warned. "The Land of Rain is fraught with danger, especially at night. We need to be ready for anything."

Later, during their rest, a sharp hawk's cry pierced the air. Everyone sprang into action.

"It's a signal for help!" Hyuga Hiashi's Byakugan activated, scanning the surroundings. "A Konoha team is under attack by fifteen Iwa ninjas!"

"We move now!" Shinki commanded, charging toward the distress signal.

Raiden hesitated. "Wait! This could be a trap. We should avoid unnecessary danger!"

"This is an order!" Shinki snapped, pressing forward with Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku following close behind. Left behind, Raiden gritted his teeth.

"Stubborn idiot..." he muttered, summoning shadow clones to scout while he dismantled their camp. With his clones dispersing in different directions, Raiden ensured their perception range expanded as he cautiously moved to cover his team.

Elsewhere, Namikaze Minato and Might Duy were in a desperate battle. Surrounded by Iwa ninjas, Minato grimaced as he prepared to defend against their relentless assault.

"Duy, can you keep fighting?" Minato asked, blood dripping from a fresh wound.

"My youth burns brighter than ever!" Duy exclaimed, ignoring his injuries. "But Sensei is in trouble. We need to help him!"

Before they could act, the Iwa ninja leader sneered. "Surrender now, brats. Make it easier on yourselves."

Minato's response was swift. "Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!" His attack momentarily disrupted the enemy, giving Duy an opening to activate the Eight Gates Formation.

"Third Gate: Gate of Life, open!" Duy roared, his chakra surging wildly as the ground cracked beneath his feet. In an instant, he demolished an earthen wall imprisoning Minato, leveling the odds.

However, their relief was short-lived. A new wave of Iwa ninjas, led by a blond man exuding murderous intent, arrived.

"Still alive, huh? Let's fix that," the leader sneered, his forces surrounding Minato and Duy once more.

As despair loomed, the faint sound of approaching reinforcements carried through the rain-soaked battlefield...

(To Be Continued)

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