Naruto's civilian cannon fodder starts with the three-body technique

Chapter 270 Frontline Mutiny
The ninja system reform is in full swing. At the logistics department's exchange office, people are bustling about, ninjutsu scrolls are being exchanged in droves, and on the training ground, a large number of ninjas are training hard.

In particular, the three hundred puppeteers, controlling exquisite puppets far exceeding their own level, were undergoing various training exercises.

The scene of ninjas practicing combined ninjutsu was even more spectacular. These combined ninjutsu were much more diverse than the relatively simple Earth Release of the Iwa ninjas, and there were even quite a few combined ninjutsu with wind and lightning attributes.

Furthermore, various elemental ninjutsu can be combined and released, especially the powerful combination of wind and fire ninjutsu, which increases the power several times over.

A single combined ninjutsu is already incredibly powerful, but when multiple combined ninjutsu are combined together, their power is almost equivalent to a series of super S-rank forbidden techniques, somewhat resembling the Five-Shot Combo Technique.

The entire frontline camp of the Land of Rivers was filled with an atmosphere of high spirits and hope.

however.

This vibrant growth was quickly interrupted by an order from the higher-ups in Konoha.

The communication ninja hawk finally brought a document from the Konoha high command. The document was strongly worded, ordering Umino Sasuke to immediately cease all unauthorized reforms on the front lines of the Land of Rivers, including but not limited to loans for ninjutsu, half-price exchange of joint ninjutsu, and the establishment of puppet troops, citing reasons such as "not having been decided by the high command," "the reforms undermining the fundamental system of Konoha," and "encouraging a culture of getting something for nothing."

As soon as the order arrived and spread, the frontline ninjas, who had already tasted the benefits of the reforms, immediately erupted in uproar.

"What? The reforms are to be terminated? On what grounds?!"

"I'm fighting for my life on the front lines, why can't I learn some ninjutsu!"

"I just took out a loan to buy the Shadow Clone Shuriken Technique, and I haven't even had a chance to enjoy it yet, and now they're taking it back and won't let me use it anymore?"

"I've been diligently practicing puppetry and have already mastered the basics of dual-machine manipulation. Now they're stopping me from practicing? Are our puppet troops going to be disbanded?"

"Do those noble lords sitting in the villages know how difficult things are on the front lines? Stopping the reforms and withdrawing ninjutsu—aren't they trying to kill us?"

When the order from Konoha's leadership to halt the reforms arrived, years of suppressed anger spread like wildfire across the frontline camps of the Land of Rivers.

Although the reform policy has not been implemented for long, nearly two thousand ninjas on the front line have already exchanged for ninjutsu, some even several, making them real beneficiaries of the reform.

The Konoha leadership's empty promise to strip them of all this undoubtedly touches upon their fundamental interests.

They tolerated it before because there was still some hope when they didn't receive these benefits. But now that they have the benefits, how could they possibly take them back? Even if the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, came, he wouldn't be able to do it.

Just as public anger was running high and discontent was spreading, threatening to spiral out of control, something even more infuriating happened.

Hokage advisor Koharu Utatane, escorted by several Anbu members, personally arrived at the front-line camp in the Land of Rivers. Upon arrival, she immediately attempted to subdue Sasuke Umino.

"Umino Sasuke, you are suspected of human experimentation and physical modifications prohibited by Konoha. I advise you to surrender."

Just as Koharu was about to take custody of Sasuke Umino, a group of high-ranking officials and Jonin from the front lines of the Land of Rivers stood in front of Sasuke Umino, blocking the Konoha Anbu outside.

Even Mikoto Uchiha was no exception, representing the Uchiha clan in supporting Sasuke Umino.

"Human experimentation? Body modification?"

Umino Sasuke was taken aback. If the Konoha higher-ups wanted to suppress him, couldn't they come up with a decent reason?
"Do you want to rebel?"

Koharu Utatane angrily pointed at the Konoha ninja blocking her way. Seeing that her authority as an advisor was insufficient to subdue these ninjas, she shouted at an Anbu member with an eagle-faced mask beside her, "Hawk, why aren't you making your move? Take down the suspect!"

The masked operative placed his hand on the short sword but did not immediately make a move.

"Let's all go back."

Sasuke Umino waved his hand, dismissing the trusted ninjas blocking his way. With his Sound Wave Release, he recognized the eagle-faced masked ANBU member as none other than Konoha's ANBU chief, Sasuke Hatake.

"Zuoyun, it's been a long time."

Sasuke Umino walked calmly through the crowd and approached Sagumo Hatake.

"Hmm." Hatake Sakumo nodded, but stopped what he was doing.

When Koharu Utatane saw this scene, her heart began to pound. In addition, a large number of frontline ninjas who had heard the news surrounded her, numbering at least a thousand. She immediately became timid.

Koharu Utatane forced herself to remain calm, but her voice betrayed her inner turmoil as she said, "Jonin Umino, the village will not forget your achievements. However, Konoha has its own system: merits are rewarded and transgressions are punished. Rules are rules, and the front lines are not above the law!"

Then, Koharu Utatane hardened her tone, her gaze sharpening as she stared intently at Sasuke Umino. "You need to know that many people in the village have questioned the reason for your rapid improvement in strength. To protect Konoha's reputation and to clear your name, you need to undergo a comprehensive physical examination to dispel the rumors about human experimentation."

These words caused an uproar throughout the front lines.

"Nonsense! Lord Iron Wall is exceptionally talented, a successor to the Second Hokage. All his strength was earned on the battlefield, through blood and sweat, fighting his way up one by one. How dare they use such vicious rumors to slander our great hero of Konoha!"

"They're trying to smear Lord Ironwall by accusing him of conducting human experiments in order to stop reforms at the front!" "That's right, they're clearly retaliating against Lord Ironwall for taking advantage of their interests by carrying out reforms, and they're trying to harm the loyal people of Konoha."

"First they halted the reforms, cutting off our livelihood, and now they're slandering our benefactors. They're treating us like cattle and horses that only know how to work but don't know how to complain!"

"To treat Konoha's heroes like this is simply outrageous!"

Being on the front lines, constantly fighting, was already oppressive. His dissatisfaction with the village system had been building up for a long time, and now it was ignited by Koharu Utatane, finally erupting completely at this moment.

Hundreds and thousands of Konoha ninjas, from junior ninjas who had just taken out loans to exchange for ninjutsu, to puppeteers whose strength had greatly improved, and even many jonin and high-ranking members, were all filled with righteous indignation and glared angrily at Koharu Utatane.

"Reform cannot stop!"

"You are not allowed to slander Lord Ironwall!"

"Go back to your village! The front lines don't need incompetent officials like you pointing fingers and doing nothing!"

Amidst the crowd's outrage, the situation was on the verge of spiraling out of control. Enraged ninjas even drew their kunai and began charging at the ANBU guards.

"How dare you rebel! I want to impeach you! Impeach you!"

Koharu, upon seeing the kunai that had been displayed, felt that her dignity had never been so challenged, and immediately flew into a rage, shouting threats.

The secret guards, however, were on high alert, wishing they could sew up Koharu Utatane's foul mouth.

Even Sakumo Hatake became dissatisfied with Koharu Utatane. If this high-level advisor, who was far removed from the grassroots, continued to speak, it could really trigger a mutiny that could not be resolved peacefully.

Just as conflict was about to erupt.

"Quiet!"

Umino Sasuke simply raised one hand, and in an instant, the deafeningly noisy camp fell silent.

All the ninjas looked at him, their eyes filled with trust, resentment, and anger.

"Such strong prestige, wow..."

Hatake Saikumo breathed a sigh of relief, but did not lower his guard. If the situation got out of control, he had to at least ensure Koharu Utatane's safety so that there would be room for maneuver in this mutiny.

If a high-ranking advisor of Konoha dies in a mutiny, the nature of the situation will change completely. Even if the Konoha leadership does not pursue the matter, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and those nobles will let it go. A mutiny is an absolute taboo, meaning that the ninja tools are out of control, which is absolutely unacceptable.

"The reform is for the sake of Konoha becoming stronger, so that it can better resist the Sand Village and other external enemies."

Sasuke Umino's voice wasn't loud, but amplified by his Sound Wave Release, it reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying a reassuring power: "As for my innocence, it cannot be tarnished. Since they have doubts, then let them investigate!"

Then, he turned his gaze to Koharu Utatane, whose face was pale, and said in a calm but undeniable tone, "Advisor Koharu, I am undergoing a physical examination. Not only will I be examined, but I will also have the most authoritative person examine me, so that all those who have doubts can see clearly whether I have conducted human experiments or modified my body!"

After calming down the ninjas at the front lines, Sasuke Umino formed hand seals and used the Flying Thunder God Technique before heading to the front lines in the Land of Grass.

"Invite the most authoritative person to investigate? Hmph, to me it looks more like he's fleeing to escape punishment."

Koharu Utatane felt her authority had been violated. Seeing Sasuke Umino use the Flying Thunder God Technique and disappear, she couldn't help but mutter a curse to herself.

Upon hearing this, the ninjas, whose hearing was already sharp, were once again agitated, as the frontline ninjas, who had been calmed down, were now filled with indignation.

"Consultant Xiaochun!"

Sakumo Hatake shouted loudly, quickly stopping Koharu Utatane from continuing her mischievous behavior.

Koharu Utatane is not bad-natured. She lost her composure just now, but she was only trying to regain some of her prestige as an advisor to Konoha. She still knows what's good for her and immediately shut up and said no more.

However, even if Koharu Utatane continued to cause trouble, it wouldn't matter much. In just a few seconds, space distorted, and a golden-haired figure suddenly appeared in front of everyone. The person was none other than Tsunade.

She was a woman with a large, proud chest, wearing a green robe with the word "gamble" printed on the back. Her face showed annoyance at being disturbed: "Sasuke, what are you doing? Huh? There are so many people here. What kind of looks are you giving me? Do you want to eat me alive?"

Tsunade's gaze swept over the tense scene, taking in the agitated frontline ninjas. With her intelligence, she instantly grasped the situation. Raising an eyebrow, she made a light, amusing joke to ease the tension.

Upon seeing Tsunade's arrival, and especially the appearance of Sasuke Umino, the frontline ninjas were immediately reassured once again.

The imminent mutiny vanished without a trace.

(End of this chapter)