I, Uchiha: Split Konoha

Chapter 149: They all overlooked the Water Shadow.

The Land of Water, the Hidden Mist Village.

Inside the Mizukage's office, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, had a baby face but a sinister look about him. As he looked down at the situation in his hands, a red light flashed in his eyes. If anyone were to pay attention, they would see that this fleeting red light actually showed traces of the Sharingan.

"The Third Hokage of Konoha is preparing to use the pretext of increasing troop numbers to intimidate the Mist Ninja, either to expand the gains or to negotiate."

The methods of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, can only be described as brilliant. They were blatant schemes. The Mist Village could not outlast the Leaf Village. If they did not want to become the bottom of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, they had to consider this issue.

Even the Kage of other ninja villages had considered this issue. No one thought that the Mist Village would risk merging with the Hidden Leaf Village, because it was not in their best interest.

"hehe."

An eerie laugh echoed in the Mizukage's office. The intelligence scroll in his hand slowly turned to dust. Everyone had calculated it, but unfortunately, one thing was overlooked.

That is, the current Mizukage of Kirigakure doesn't care about the village's interests at all. What does Kirigakure have to do with him?

With a sinister smile, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, coldly addressed the doorway, "Where are you?!"

Swoosh~

Three Mist Ninja Anbu members appeared in the office in an instant. They knelt on one knee before the terrifying Mizukage, not daring to be the slightest bit disrespectful.

Yagura Karatachi said coldly, "According to intelligence, Konoha is preparing to send 500 elite troops to the battlefield in the Land of Whirlpools. I have decided to secretly send 300 elite troops from the village to the front line, while also secretly contacting other ninja villages. I'm sure the Tsuchikage, Raikage, and Kazekage don't want to see Konoha's plan succeed. Tell them to join forces to wipe out this reinforcement."

"yes!"

While Kirigakure may not be as large or powerful as Konoha, Konoha is also situated in a region of constant warfare. Thanks to its fertile geography, it borders almost all the major ninja villages, resulting in the longest border defenses and the largest number of ninja corps stationed along its borders.

……

The news of Konoha mobilizing its ninja army was not kept secret. Hiruzen Sarutobi had a well-thought-out plan: once this elite force reached the border of the Land of Water, they would make a show of slowly marching to support the Land of Whirlpools.

However, his order had barely been issued when it was discovered by the Raikage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage, and Mizukage, who then devised a plan to sabotage him from the very beginning.

In particular, in order to appease the turbulent morale at the front lines, the Third Hokage directly sent a message to Uchiha Yoru at the front lines, telling him to cooperate with the plan and not to worry about the reinforcements from the rear. This was all to deter the Kirigakure.

It seems that starting from the Third Shinobi World War, the Third Hokage, known as the "Hero of Shinobi," began to have bad luck. First, he suffered heavy losses in the Third Shinobi World War, and then one after another, the Kage-level shinobi in the village defected or left. Nothing good happened.

Not only did the other ninja villages learn of the Third Hokage's deterrence plan as soon as it began, but the reinforcements were also extremely disorganized from the start, deliberately delaying the process, as if they were afraid that the other ninja villages wouldn't have enough time to prepare.

……

In the border region between Konoha, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Iron, countless Mist Ninja, Rock Ninja, Sand Ninja, and Cloud Ninja are hidden in the forest. The elites of the four countries have mysteriously joined forces, numbering a total of six hundred. Although this is only one hundred more than the reinforcements from Konoha, you should know that they are all elites.

"Damn it, we traveled like dogs to seize the initiative, and we've been waiting for five days! Five days of scorching sun and Konoha's reinforcements are still so slow."

Although the elite forces of the four countries joined forces, their actions were limited to ambushing Konoha's reinforcements; each group ambushed at their own chosen locations.

"Hmph, it seems there are quite a few problems in Konoha. Such a slow march, it's as if they're afraid of receiving support at the front."

"Alright, let's hurry on our way. Konoha has given us time to rest."

Within the ambush area, the groups of Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kumogakure seemed to be somewhat ostracizing Kirigakure. There was nothing they could do about it; after all, Kirigakure didn't establish diplomacy, and their policies within the Blood Mist were naturally unpopular.

The leaders of the three major ninja villages met, all wearing masks, their small eyes fixed on each other with their own thoughts.

"It seems the Mist Ninja have been brainwashed by the policies in the Blood Mist; they're actually going to wear down Konoha."

"It's because the Land of Whirlpools is too important. Once we take it, the Hidden Mist Village can use it as a springboard to invade the Land of Fire at any time."

"Alright, while our combined strength may seem overwhelming, it is also a hindrance."

A hindrance!

The ninjas from the four countries all had different intentions, and to be honest, they all had the mentality of wanting others to risk their lives while they watched the show to minimize their losses.

After getting to the point, the captains of the three ninja villages—Iwa, Suna, and Kumo—all showed serious expressions. In the end, it was Suna ninja Baki, who was wearing a mask, who remained the most composed. He did not want their individual reasons to cause the ambush to fail.

Maki said in a deep voice, "I suggest that when Konoha's reinforcements are almost here, we shouldn't set up an ambush. After all, the Byakugan among Konoha's ninjas are not to be underestimated. How about we, the four elite groups, directly charge out and divide the Konoha ninjas into four sections, each attacking the Konoha ninjas we surround?"

Maki's words made the Iwa ninja nod thoughtfully, "That's right, directly launching a hunting and encirclement plan can also catch the Konoha ninja off guard."

"Hmph, Konoha's reinforcements number less than five hundred. We'll each take charge of a hundred or so Konoha ninjas from each of the four sides. Whoever finishes their kills first will retreat first."

"Alright! In that case, inform the Mist Ninja and tell them our plan."

"Wait, what are your identities this time?" Sand Ninja Baki hesitated for a moment before asking the question, since they couldn't very well use their own ninja village's name.

Moreover, their plan to frame other major ninja villages this time could not be carried out, and the three of them looked at each other in bewilderment.

Finally, the Cloud Ninja simply snorted coldly, took out a headband from his pocket, and tied it on his head. "I am a member of the Rain Ninja."

Under the gaze of the Cloud Ninja, the Sand Ninja and the Rock Ninja silently and slowly took out their headbands from their robes; one was from the Land of Iron, and the other was from the Grass Ninja.

Good heavens, the three great nations of Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kumogakure are truly despicable. The small nation impersonates the ninjas of the great nation to instigate war, while they impersonate the small nation to sabotage relations and also want to provoke friction between the small nation and Konoha.

"My lord, this is a plan devised by the Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kumogakure ninja."

As a Mist ninja respectfully reported, the masked Mist ninja leader's eyes flashed with anger. "Damn it, they've all planned this and are here to inform us Mist ninja!"

But they had no choice. The Mist Ninja also wanted to reduce their own casualties by relying on the strength of these three ninja villages. He grunted and said, "Pass down the order: the plan is to be changed to a surprise attack. Everyone prepare for battle."

"yes!"

The ninja from the Mist also changed into headbands from small countries to conceal their identities. In an instant, the ninjas from the four countries tacitly chose the common tactic of ninjas to frame someone.

The Mist Ninja dispatched 300 elite troops this time, but they also hid 100 elite troops as backup, lying in ambush on the beach.

……

The Konoha ninja support force of nearly 500 was initially fine and extremely cautious, but as their captain deliberately slowed down, the cautious atmosphere lessened considerably.

They walked and stopped frequently, even having picnics in the forest. Occasionally, they would stop to send people to nearby towns to collect supplies. To the uninitiated, they would seem like tourists, which made their guard down considerably. However, many ninjas were secretly getting anxious.

They were supposed to be supporting the front lines, but their commander and captain were being so negligent; it was outrageous.

"Captain Sarutobi, are we moving too slowly?"

Most ninjas still possess a passionate heart; after all, ninjas trained as tools are very pure in their emotions.

Faced with yet another question, this time the leader, Commander Sarutobi, stared coldly at the frustrated ninjas with a stern face, clearly wanting him to speed up the march.

"You guys! It's not that I'm unwilling, but this is a secret mission for the village!"

Faced with this situation, Captain Sarutobi was somewhat dissatisfied. This was because his lack of prestige led to doubts among his subordinates. However, he also knew that they were approaching the border and he had other missions to fulfill. If he caused discord among his men, it would affect his future plans.

"This is a top-secret mission personally issued by the Third Hokage. Now that we're almost at the border, we can let you know."

Captain Sarutobi took out a scroll and handed it to everyone, lowering his voice and saying in a deep voice, "The Third Hokage's purpose in sending us here this time is not to support the front lines, but to intimidate! To make it appear as if we are ready to support the front lines at any time, thereby deterring the Kirigakure ninja."

When everyone saw the intelligence scroll, they all nodded in silence. However, someone noticed something amiss between the mission scroll and the current situation and said in a deep voice, "Captain Sarutobi, the Third Hokage clearly stated in the mission scroll that we should raise our flags only after reaching the border area. But is our current marching incompatible with the mission? Moreover, deliberately delaying the march by one day increases the danger we are exposed to."

"Shut up! I am the commander this time!" Faced with the questioning, Captain Sarutobi immediately became angry, staring at everyone with wide eyes. It was clear that his strength and prestige were not enough to convince them.

Frustrated, he could only give a cold smile. "What do you know? This is a decision made on short notice by Lord Sarutobi Shinnosuke based on the Third Hokage's objectives. We'll march slowly to make the front lines more anxious, so that when we raise our banners to reinforce, the Kirigakure will be even more shocked."

Faced with such a weak and perfunctory excuse, everyone was not stupid. It was obvious that this was to suppress Orochimaru's old team on the front line, namely Uchiha Yoru.

Suigetsu Hozuki was a renowned and powerful ninja. Uchiha Yoru defeated him on the battlefield and severely injured him, even while facing an encirclement. When this news spread, his fame soared even higher.

As a Konoha ninja who had just experienced the Third Shinobi World War, he naturally knew the terrifying strength of the man wielding Samehada, who controlled the Suigetsu Fuguki. Samehada was an absolutely renowned figure in the ninja world, yet he was defeated.

Uchiha Yoru has now officially established his prestige on the front lines.

As for Sarutobi Shinnosuke's suppression, the more important point is something they all understand in their hearts: after Sarutobi Shinnosuke replaced Orochimaru as the front-line commander, he personally came to the front-line border and encountered this Kirigakure ninja, Suigetsu Hozuki.

After a fierce battle on the border, the two were evenly matched. If we disregard Uchiha Yoru's record, Sarutobi Shinnosuke's record was definitely impressive.

After all, Suigetsu Hozuki had been famous for a long time, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke's ability to fight him to a draw proved that he was an elite among Jonin. However, after Uchiha Yoru's achievements appeared later.

As the saying goes, people are afraid of comparing themselves to others, and goods are afraid of comparing themselves to other goods. After comparing them, doesn't this make Sarutobi Shinnosuke look inferior?

But some people had mixed feelings; in their eyes, Shinnosuke shouldn't be like that. It should be said that their judgment was correct; although Sarutobi Shinnosuke hesitated, he couldn't resist having someone else make the decision for him.

……

Battlefield in the Land of Whirlpools.

Support from the rear was constant, except for the arrival of reinforcements. After all, the Land of Fire was known as the most fertile, resource-rich, and economically powerful country in the ninja world, and Konoha was the number one ninja village.

"Brother Ye, this reinforcement has been unusually slow since it set off. The news has already leaked out. Isn't he afraid that someone will sabotage it?"

Having waited so long for news that the reinforcements were slowly approaching the border, Uchiha Shisui was filled with anger and was currently venting his frustration in his tent.

Seeing Shisui's angry expression, Uchiha Yoru calmly said, "Shisui, calm yourself down, otherwise you'll only let the stimulation of the Mangekyou Sharingan affect your mind."

"And you should have been prepared for the worst when the leader of this reinforcement was a ninja from the Sarutobi clan."

Seeing the frustrated look in Uchiha Shisui's eyes, Uchiha Yoru shook his head gently. "Shisui, you need to calm down. Besides, didn't the original reinforcements just arrive at the front line? Although there weren't many, they still replenished our fighting strength."

It would have been better if this hadn't been mentioned. Upon hearing this, Uchiha Shisui became even more aggrieved and said, "Brother Night, how many casualties have we suffered this time? There are no fewer than fifty wounded ninjas who need to return to the rear for treatment, not to mention the ninjas who are temporarily unable to fight due to their injuries. Their delaying tactics are trampling on the lives of the ninjas on the front lines."

"Stop the water!"

Seeing Uchiha Yoru's grave expression, Uchiha Shisui said with resentment and frustration, "Brother Yoru, aren't you worried about the village becoming like this?"

Shisui's anger stemmed more from the village's corruption and the Sarutobi clan's greed and various misdeeds.

Uchiha Yoru stood up and solemnly said in a deep voice, "Shisui, please remain calm and restrain your impulses. No one wants to see the village so corrupt, but the village's leadership has become stagnant. Change is necessary, and change requires bloodshed and sacrifice. To prevent more young ninjas from being shed and sacrificed, we are here."

"But! We are still very weak right now. We need to accumulate strength, unite all forces that can be united, and then clench them into a powerful fist. Only then will we have a chance to change everything! Individual strength is limited. I hope you can learn from the lessons of Lords White Fang and Orochimaru."

Under Uchiha Yoru's solemn gaze, Uchiha Shisui remained silent for a long while before taking a deep breath and lowering his head, saying hoarsely, "Brother Yoru, I understand. I'll go down first; Itachi and the others are still waiting for me."

Uchiha Shisui, his sorrowful figure fading alone, slowly walked out of the tent.

Thanks for your support, brothers. I will work hard to write every chapter well.

(End of this chapter)