Naruto: From Novice to Grave

Dozens of corpses were laid out together, some intact and some incomplete. The Kirigakure members who had already gone to report to the Pure Land said they didn't care.

We tried our best, but we couldn't win. We were wiped out in one fell swoop. What's there to say?

The Konoha ninja who had not participated in the battle gathered together and began to clean up the battlefield, heal their comrades, or collect their corpses.

No war is without casualties. Even in a siege where the enemy has an overwhelming advantage, a desperate counterattack from the enemy can still cause considerable losses to Konoha.

But it was ultimately a victory.

Konoha eliminated more than 40 elite Kirigakure ninja at a minimal cost, which made the already precarious situation for Kirigakure, which was struggling on the battlefield in the Land of Fire, even worse.

The medical ninjas who followed were treating the wounded. This time, Higashino didn't need to lift a finger. To be honest, he was quite tired. He had been constantly consuming chakra all day. Even if his body could still hold on, his mind would be exhausted.

He sat to one side with Hayate Gekko and Yugao Uzuki, watching the Konoha ninjas bustling about, the enemy corpses laid out like pork in a market.

Search, examine, record, then seal and gather, awaiting further arrangements.

Even if a ninja dies, his or her body is a huge treasure. Not only can you extract intelligence from it, but you can also use special methods to analyze some of the ninjutsu secrets he used before he was born.

As he watched, Higashino Makoto suddenly leaned back and lay down on the grass.

Uzuki Yugao was startled: "Shin, what happened? Are you hurt?"

"Oh? No, it's just that I've been busy all day, and finally defeated the enemy and won. I want to relax a bit."

"It's good that you're alright, you scared me to death!" Uzuki Yugao breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this and patted her flat chest.

"Yugao, Master said that Zhen's strength is even greater than his, how could she possibly be injured?" Gekko Hayate comforted her, then looked at the corpses of the Mist Ninja: "Hey, Zhen, don't you think war is boring? I think those Mist Ninja died meaninglessly. They, like many others, lost their lives in this war, but what did they gain?"

Higashino Makoto casually replied, "I've gained freedom. My soul can rest in peace in the Pure Land. I don't have to fight for anything like villages, countries, or hatred anymore."

"I really don't understand why the other ninja villages would wage war? They paid such a high price, and what benefits did they get?"

"There are many benefits..." Higashino said, tilting his head to look at Gekko Hayate. What's wrong with this guy today? He's starting to ponder grand themes like Shisui?

Does the ninja class also have a learning curve? After getting used to killing people, do you naturally enter a period of confusion?

He looked at his friend seriously and asked, "Hayate, you're not pitying these Mist Ninja, are you?"

"Huh? I didn't!" Moonlight Gale immediately shook his head in denial.

"There is no best option. You need to understand your own position. They are invaders. No matter what their reasons are, since they dare to invade another country, they must be prepared to be killed."

Imagine if Konoha had lost today. The ones lying on the ground as corpses would be you, me, Yugao, and most of the ordinary people from the Land of Fire in that town. No one would pity us then.

Uzuki Yugao chimed in, "Exactly! Who let these bastards invade the Land of Fire? They deserve to die. The other ninja villages should also be wiped out."

"Ahem!" Moonlight Gale coughed awkwardly twice, looking at his relaxed teammate: "Shin, why do I get the feeling that you seem to enjoy war?"

"No, I don't like war. I just like fighting and an exciting, thrilling life!"

"Is that so? It's best if you don't like war; I don't think anyone would."

"Who said that?" Higashino pointed at Uchiha Fugaku, who was in the distance, discussing something with Nara Suzaku and other Jonin with great enthusiasm. "Look at our Lord Fugaku, doesn't he like it very much?"

Moonlight Gale: "..."

Fugaku Uchiha didn't actually like war, but this war was indeed a rare opportunity for the Uchiha clan, and he had to seize it.

In the previous battles, Orochimaru was in charge, Suzaku Nara was the military advisor, and there was also Hiashi Hyuga who didn't get along with him.

Although the Uchiha clan contributed the most and suffered the most losses on the eastern front, they did not have much say. Even if they won, people would think that it was Orochimaru's achievement.

But things are different now. Orochimaru is frequently missing, and even when he does return, he doesn't really manage things. Hiashi Hyuga has been transferred to the northern front, and Suzaku Nara is just an advisor. So, who has the final say? Isn't that him?

Today's annihilation battle was won under his leadership. Not only were dozens of elite soldiers from Kirigakure wiped out, but the security risks behind the defense line, along with Kirigakure's conspiracy, were also completely eliminated.

Now, it's time to take advantage of the weakened state of the Hidden Mist Village, drive them back to the Land of Water, and achieve final victory.

At that time, the greatest credit for the victory on the Eastern Front will go to Fugaku.

When will the glory of the Uchiha be restored? It will be in this battle, right here!

The clan chief's thoughts began to wander uncontrollably.

----------

By the time we returned to the command post, it was already night.

After having dinner and washing up, the three of them went to bed early, as their tired bodies and minds needed sleep to recover.

All the teams that participated in the battle today were like this.

Poor Gekko Unmi was dragged to the command room for a meeting because he was a Jonin.

Jonin are not only high-ranking members of a ninja village, but also the most important fighting force. There are not many of them on the eastern front, and they must attend any important meetings.

The command center was brightly lit.

Fugaku Uchiha also participated in the battle during the day, and was still a key player, but although his body was tired, his spirit was very excited.

If he were to activate his Sharingan now, it would probably be even redder than before.

Fugaku Uchiha looked at his Konoha colleagues and said, "Everyone, it's time to end this war with Kirigakure."

After discussing with Jonin Suzaku, we agreed that this is their weakest moment, and we should press our advantage, defeat them completely, and restore peace to the southeastern region of the Land of Fire.

So, what do you think?

The Jonin whispered among themselves for a while and finally all agreed to the decision.

The war has lasted too long, and they are exhausted. Some Jonin have been fighting the major ninja villages in turn since the beginning of the war.

Watching people fall one after another around them, and then new ones join them, they were already exhausted, both physically and mentally. They were happy to end the war as soon as possible.

During the Fourth Shinobi World War, even Jonin could die at any time. In recent years, many familiar faces around us have disappeared forever.

If this continues, who knows if I'll be the one dying tomorrow?

Someone asked, "Lord Fugaku, when exactly will the attack begin, and from which direction?"

Fugaku Uchiha pointed to the map and said, "The direction of attack has been chosen to be the various strongholds that Kirigakure has set up in the former Uzuki Country."

Intelligence indicates that the remaining main force of Kirigakure is located within the peninsula. Once this area is cleared, Kirigakure of the Land of Waves will pose no further threat to us. If we don't want to die, we have no choice but to retreat to the Land of Water.

At that time, we will achieve final victory in this war against the Hidden Mist.

The attack is scheduled for two days from now.

At this moment, the Jonin of the Sarutobi clan leading Asuma's squad questioned, "Nara Jonin, is Lord Orochimaru aware of this decision?"

Fugaku Uchiha was a little unhappy. Couldn't they have asked him this question in private?

After glancing at Fugaku, Nara Suzaku said to the Jonin Sarutobi, "Lord Orochimaru knows about this matter and has entrusted it to Chief Fugaku and me to take full responsibility."

Now, no one questioned anything anymore.

Fugaku Uchiha waved his hand and said, "Alright, it's decided then. Everyone, go and prepare. We'll launch our counterattack in two days!"

"Yes!" xN

As he watched the Jonin leave the command center, Fugaku Uchiha felt a deep sense of loss.

Commanding the village's Jonin feels different from commanding the clan's ninjas; perhaps that's the power of the Hokage.

It's a pity it's only temporary. If it were permanent, I could not only control the highest power in the village, but also fulfill the long-cherished wish of the Uchiha clan.

He himself didn't have much desire for power, but sitting in the position of clan leader meant that even if he didn't want to, the clansmen would push him into that position.

Sometimes, he felt he had no choice but to stand up.