After Uchiha Fugaku's death, things within the Uchiha clan took a turn for the worse.
Konoha's leaders made Uchiha Fugaku's accomplishments widely known.
On the surface, it seemed like the right thing to do.
But the real problem was that they used this opportunity to push Uchiha clan ninja to the front lines against Iwagakure, all in the name of defending the Village.
In simpler terms… they wanted them to die.
The higher-ups in Konoha, pretending to be morally superior, used persuasive words to trick the innocent Uchiha ninja.
After all, how could these ninja have imagined the hidden, cruel intentions of Konoha's leaders?
War is often the fastest way to destroy a clan.
Throughout history, countless ninja clans have been wiped out in wars.
At best, a clan weakens, its numbers drop, and it never fully recovers.
The plan of Konoha's leaders was to turn the Uchiha clan into exactly that.
Once the Uchiha clan was mostly gone, with only a few ninja scattered here and there, they wouldn't be a threat anymore.
As for the large number of Uchiha civilians, they all lived in one place anyway.
Wouldn't it be easy for something unexpected to happen --a mass tragedy, blamed on rogue ninja who managed to sneak into Konoha?
Sarutobi Ryo considered these possibilities, never underestimating the cruel calculations of the higher-ups.
"Ruri…"
Sarutobi Ryo watched as Ruri came out of her room.
As time passed, Ruri's belly grew bigger each day.
The baby growing inside her was very healthy.
Ruri gently touched her belly, feeling the new life growing within.
Her mood seemed to brighten a little more each day.
"I'm going to the battlefield…"
Sarutobi Ryo looked at her and spoke softly.
"Hui, I'm trusting Ruri to your care."
This time, Sarutobi Ryo did not plan to take Yamanaka Hui with him to the battlefield.
"Yes, Young Master, please don't worry. I will take good care of Ruri's food and daily needs."
Yamanaka Hui nodded.
She didn't want to bring children into the world in Konoha as it was now.
In such a harsh world, life would be incredibly difficult.
Only if the Young Master achieves his dream … then I'd think about it.
Sarutobi Ryo smiled slightly and turned to leave.
According to what he remembered, Konohamaru would be born in about five or six years.
That gave him enough time to change everything.
----
At the Iwagakure Battlefield, Namikaze Minato was observing the front lines.
He looked around, but he couldn't see Rin anywhere.
I have a bad feeling about this. Namikaze Minato immediately asked his mentor, Jiraiya, who was in charge, for permission to leave the battlefield.
"Minato, you want to leave at such a crucial time?!"
Jiraiya looked shocked.
His student was usually so reliable and able to think about the bigger picture.
"Teacher Jiraiya…"
Namikaze Minato carefully chose his words. It wouldn't be easy to convince his teacher, who had done so much for him.
Luckily, he had a plan.
"Actually, it's about the prophecy from Mount Myōboku…"
Namikaze Minato spoke indirectly, hinting at something important.
As soon as he mentioned a prophecy, Jiraiya understood.
He had heard from the Two Sages about the Great Toad Sage showing Minato visions of the future.
If it concerns a prophecy …
"Okay, Minato, be careful on your journey…"
Jiraiya's expression became serious, and he didn't question him.
Jiraiya had spent his whole life following prophecies, searching for the Child of Prophecy, so of course, he wouldn't ignore his student's words.
And so, Namikaze Minato easily convinced his mentor and hurried to where Rin was carrying out her mission…
----
Days turned into nights.
Sarutobi Ryo arrived at the Iwagakure Battlefield.
With Kumogakure's withdrawal, the Uchiha ninja had also slowly been transferred here.
Their figures could be seen everywhere in the camp.
Because of Uchiha Fugaku's brave actions, the Uchiha clan had become a trusted presence in everyone's eyes.
And the Uchiha ninja all looked serious, believing they needed to work hard for the Village.
Even if it meant giving their lives.
Just like Captain Fugaku.
Looking at the determined Uchiha ninja, Sarutobi Ryo didn't think this was a good thing.
The Uchiha clan, so loyal to the Village, was being used by the higher-ups.
It's infuriating.
"Sarutobi Ryo, you've arrived." Jiraiya, seeing Sarutobi Ryo enter the tent, couldn't help but smile.
The Old Man's son … has grown into such an impressive ninja.
Even Minato feels pressured.
Not bad, not bad.
Jiraiya, who was devoted to the Village, felt happy that another talented young ninja had appeared.
Competition is normal.
If Minato loses, it would be a shame, but overall, it's still a win.
If Minato wins, that would be great too.
It's all good.
Jiraiya got up, walked over, and patted Sarutobi Ryo on the shoulder. "Sarutobi Ryo, you look more and more like the Old Man when he was young…"
Jiraiya looked at Sarutobi Ryo with a smile, noticing how much he resembled his father.
"Come, take a look at this sand table, and tell me what you think."
Jiraiya led Sarutobi Ryo to the sand table and map used for planning strategies, ready to ask this rising star for his opinion on the war.
Konoha's forces were much weaker compared to Iwagakure's.
Because of this, Jiraiya would have liked Sarutobi Ryo to sneak behind enemy lines and launch another surprise attack to kill the leader.
However, Iwagakure had already suffered too many losses.
Their defenses had been sabotaged in many ways.
Using the same plan again might not work.
"Lord Jiraiya, I don't think Iwagakure will make the same mistakes as before…"
Sarutobi Ryo started by saying that sneaking behind enemy lines was no longer a good idea.
"However, a surprise attack to kill the leader can still be done…"
"Oh?"
Jiraiya raised his eyebrows, quickly understanding what Sarutobi Ryo meant.
"You mean… directly attack and take down Iwagakure's commander in a head-on fight?"
If a head-on fight is unavoidable, a quick and decisive approach is definitely best.
Iwagakure … is different from other ninja villages. It's a militaristic village. Their laws are strict, and there's a clear ranking system, like some countries in my past life.
If we can kill the enemy commander on the battlefield, their troops will fall into chaos. How much of a threat will troops without discipline be?
"Even if it works, their ninjutsu are just too numerous…"
Jiraiya sighed, feeling worried.
No matter what, Iwagakure had too many soldiers.
"Lord Jiraiya, even though we are outnumbered, we can use summoning beasts to make up for it…"
Sarutobi Ryo suggested.
"Heh heh…" Just then, Orochimaru lifted the tent flap and walked in. "Jiraiya, Young Master Ryo is right…"
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[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 153 PS
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