Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"Then, we need to determine the support for Shikaku and our defensive deployment as soon as possible."

Nara Suzaku steered the conversation back on track, looking at Akimichi Torifu, "Torifu-sama, what is your opinion?"

As Akimichi Torifu chewed on some chicken, he mumbled but clearly said:

"Over in Kumogakure, that old bastard Tsuchida is definitely waiting for an opportunity. As long as Onoki makes a move, Tsuchida will definitely have something to do with it."

Even if the Raikage isn't fully recovered from his injuries, given the current strength of Kumogakure and Tsuchikage's incompetence, it's certain they'll take advantage of our weakness and try to take a bite out of us.

He swallowed his food, wiped his mouth, and continued, "But we have this kid on our side."

Akimichi Tokifumi's thick fingers pointed at the aoko:

"This kid can wipe out more than 1,200 people in the Hidden Cloud Village all by himself... oh, with three little brats. His summoning technique is best suited for group battles."

With him here, even if Tu Tai comes with all his forces, it won't be so easy for him to take over our stronghold in a short time!

"Does Lord Qu Feng mean... that we should split our forces?" Qiu Daotang understood.

Last night, Akimichi Torifu mentioned handing over the defense line here to the Shadow Guard, but there were no further plans.

"Yes! Divide the forces!"

Akimichi Torifu nodded vigorously, "The situation on Shikaku's side is critical. That old bastard Onoki's Dust Release is no joke. If we get there late, the losses will be even greater."

Hiruzen should already be on his way to provide support. Since we can free up some resources, let's share some of the burden.

Nara Suzaku nodded thoughtfully, "As expected of the experienced Lord Toriyama."

Of course, it was mainly because the Shadow Guard's past achievements were so outstanding that they were able to free up some of their forces.

"How exactly should we divide the troops?" Qiu Daotang asked.

"Here's the arrangement: I'll stay here and oversee the main camp, while Suzaku will remain at the base, assisted by the Shadow Guard. You all defend the base, and I'll come to your aid if anything happens."

Akimichi Torifu continued:

"Tang Dong, take Zhi Hei and gather the most elite men that can be drawn from the base. Set off immediately and go to support Shikaku and Hiruzen as quickly as possible."

At this point, Akimichi Torifu looked at Nara Suzaku: "Suzaku, you're quite clever, do you have anything to add?"

Nara Suzaku thought for a moment and said:

“Yes, as long as we hold back the Cloud Village from penetrating the Land of Fire, and wait for Tang Dong and Zhi Hei to help us repel the Iwagakure before we come back, we might be able to deliver a blow to the Cloud Village.”

"Alright!" Akimichi Torifu slapped his thigh: "Then it's settled. Without further ado, Tang Dong and Zhi Hei, you two go and prepare immediately."

Qiu Daotangdong nodded emphatically without further hesitation: "Understood! Lord Qufeng, Zhuque, Captain Qingwu, I'm entrusting this matter to you!"

Qingwu bowed slightly, indicating that the higher-ups' decision was acceptable.

He is least afraid of wars of attrition. Take the classic example from the Third Shinobi World War—the Third Raikage was worn down to death by 10,000 Iwagakure (Iwagakure) villagers.

But he wouldn't.

Ordinary ninjas mean nothing to him.

He now has two thousand basic troops at his disposal, so it's uncertain who will outlast whom.

The order was quickly relayed, and Akimichi Toudou and Aburame Shiguro immediately began to gather their forces. They took away about half of the ninjas from the stronghold.

The atmosphere inside the outpost shifted from somber to resolute.

Dividing forces is risky, but it is the only option under the current circumstances.

Deploying mobile forces to the most critical western front was based on an assessment of the situation and trust in the capabilities of our allies.

Under the cover of night, Akimichi Tangdong and Aburame Shiro led their men away from the stronghold silently, quickly disappearing into the vast wilderness.

The outpost seemed to have become much emptier all of a sudden.

The remaining Konoha ninja knew that the burden on their shoulders had become even heavier.

Akimichi Torifu stood at the entrance of the stronghold, watching the troops depart until they were no longer visible.

He turned to the assembled ninja who remained behind, his voice booming:

"You little devils! Aren't you scared?"

"I'm not afraid!" came the scattered responses.

"Didn't you eat?! Speak louder!"

"I'm not afraid!!!" The roar shook the heavens.

"Alright!" Akimichi Torifu grinned and turned to say, "Suzaku, Captain Seigo, I'm leaving this place to you."

In formal settings, even the usually carefree Akimichi Torifu becomes much more serious.

The main camp needs someone to be stationed there, because it involves the command of multiple strongholds and logistics along the entire defense line, so Akimichi Torifu left.

After discussing with Qingwu, Nara Suzaku allocated the limited manpower to various key watchtowers, trap zones, and reserve positions.

The entire base immediately sprang into operation.

Qingwu rode his silver flying horse and soared into the sky, flying towards Konoha.

He didn't explain much to Suzaku Nara. Anyway, judging by the Silver Pegasus's full speed, the round trip would only take about four hours, and he could be back before dawn.

"What did the captain go to do?" Hongdou asked curiously.

"I don't know." Zhishui shook his head gently. Logically speaking, the captain was sent to the battlefield as a "punishment" and should not have returned to the village on his own.

Tianzang's eyes suddenly lit up: "I know! Captain... he must have gone to find reinforcements."

The facts were roughly in line with Tianzang's predictions.

A fierce wind howled in the night sky.

Qingwu steered the silver pegasus forward at full speed. He was indeed going back to "get reinforcements," but not to find "people."

It's been over two months, ten weeks since I left Konoha. It's time to go back and replenish our troops.

The Hidden Cloud Village has a strong foundation. If the Raikage and the two Yugitos appear together, coupled with Tsuchida's command of the combined forces, it will inevitably be a fierce battle!

……

Chapter 219 AB Combination

Konoha, the Forest of Death.

Qingwu descended from the sky and immediately recruited all the troops stored in the Tier 1 to 6 barracks.

Naruto, still half-asleep, emerged from the cabin and exclaimed in delight:

"Brother Qingwu, you're back."

Qingwu handed him the snacks he had bought in the town of Frost Country last time, and ruffled the little blond hair. "Where's Kakashi?"

"Kakashi-senpai has led the Anbu on a mission."

Iruka came out and stretched: "Why did you come back? If people find out, there will be gossip."

Qingwu said nonchalantly, "The Hokage shouldn't be in the village either, right?"

As long as Danzo doesn't cause any trouble, the Kage's personal guards are left unattended in the village.

Iruka nodded. "I also heard about the Iwagakure's major offensive at the school."

Qingwu looked at Iruka, "Did Kakashi ask you to take care of Naruto?"

"Yeah, yeah!" Naruto answered first, "Iruka-sensei stays here at night. It's just that I'm a bit bored during the day, and only Mumu keeps me company."

Qingwu nodded and looked at Iruka: "Let's take Naruto to school tomorrow."

"!!" Iruka looked troubled. "Naruto... that rumor still exists, I'm afraid other kids might..."

"He'll have to adapt sooner or later. We can't let Naruto become disconnected from the village at such a young age." Qingwu remained noncommittal.

“Alright,” Iruka agreed, Qingwu’s words made sense.

He has now been promoted to a full-fledged teacher and will be teaching classes. He will bring Naruto to the classroom, and with him taking care of him, there shouldn't be any problems.

Iruka took Naruto back to sleep, and Qingwu went to the Tree of Life.

In the night, the plump leaves swayed in the wind.

Click click click—!

The wooden tree that had been guarding the ancient tree came to life, extending a wooden "finger" as thick as a bucket and tapping Qingwu's chest, its emerald green pupils seemingly carrying a hint of a smile.

"Old buddy, come with me."

Naruto's "toy" is going to be taken away.

In fact, it would be a waste for Mumu, who has become a "hero unit" and continues to evolve with the lord's level, to remain in the territory.

But there was no other way before, as we had to guard against Danzo's roots.

Now it's different; in just 10 weeks, they recruited a total of 20 unicorns.

Although time was of the essence, there wasn't enough time to go to the tower to upgrade the [Unicorn] into a [Divine Unicorn].

But it can completely replace Mumu's position.

Without the lord attribute bonus, unicorns might only be at the "quasi-shadow" level, but they can now be mass-produced.

After thinking it over, Qingwu left 10 unicorns in his territory.

Unicorns may not have Mumu's intelligence, but they are highly mobile and can function well if they simply follow "guard" commands.

In this way, the safety of the territory should be absolutely guaranteed.

Having finished these tasks, Qingwu turned around and waved to Iruka, who was peering out the window, before soaring into the sky on his silver Pegasus.

……

At the front-line stronghold, the attack from Kumogakure came faster than Suzaku Nara had anticipated.

At dawn, the great elf on the watchtower suddenly shot an arrow to the northwest, startling Shi Shui, who was resting with his eyes closed.

"open!"

With his Sharingan, he could clearly see a dark figure silently infiltrating the edge of the Cloud Village's defensive line in the distance, like a ghost.

"Enemy attack! Small groups of enemies have infiltrated from the northeast, east, and northwest directions."