Ryun paused. A weapon from the heavenly demons. That actually made sense.
The system spirit recording continued, "The reason we systems exist is to change some tragedies."
"But changing an entire world, how easy is that? There is the suppression of the Heavenly Will, the influence of plot forces. The points collected from you are precisely to help you break free from these, to prevent the Heavenly Dao from acting against you."
"This time, I estimate the Heavenly Dao has already cast aside all pretenses, developed a killing intent, and is moving against you."
Ryun nodded. He knew it all along. The method that restrained him was completely abnormal. Impossible to break free from, impossible to comprehend. It simply didn't seem like something Black Zetsu could accomplish.
He was somewhat worried. Would the Heavenly Dao strike again? After all, when facing that kind of power, even someone as powerful as him was utterly helpless.
"Heh, are you worried about whether the Heavenly Dao will strike again?" The system chuckled.
"It won't. The Heavenly Dao only has one chance to intervene directly. If it fails to eliminate the outsider this time, then henceforth, it can no longer forcibly interfere with this world."
"To be precise, it can no longer control all living beings and the development of the entire ninja world like manipulating puppets. From now on, Ryun, the future path will be decided by you, by all living beings!"
The system spirit's voice carried excitement. It seemed very happy. This hidden crisis had dissipated, invigorating it as well.
"All the points saved up over the years weren't wasted. Surviving this calamity means we have truly established ourselves in this world!"
"Time is short. Listen carefully to the remaining matters. The main system refreshes tasks weekly. Complete the tasks to earn points. The system will settle them automatically."
"The use of points isn't just for exchanging items. They can also enhance physical attributes, change talents. There's nothing you can't think of that points can't achieve."
"I hope the host can use these things to create a perfect Naruto world, a perfect Konoha Village."
After speaking, the system spirit recording disappeared. Ryun felt a bit dazed, but the corners of his mouth turned upward. He could also sense the breath of freedom.
If what the system said was true, then those points were truly not wasted. Originally, because his strength was too weak, the system kept it hidden from him, not letting him know.
But now, the restrictions were gone. So why keep hiding? Just go all out!
Ryun's thoughts returned to reality. He opened his eyes, holding Tsunade, his lips curving upwards. "From now on, I will protect you, protect our children."
Tsunade's eyes remained closed. She was pretending to sleep. But hearing these words, her heart felt warm. Gradually, she fell asleep.
Sunagakure Main Tent
Black Zetsu was communicating with its mother. "Mother, mother, why aren't you answering me? Are you angry, mother? It's all my fault, all my fault for not doing well. Please answer me, please!"
Black Zetsu would always believe it was because it didn't try hard enough that it failed the mission, causing its mother to despise it!
Little did it know, its so-called mother was currently also helpless. After so much scheming, even using two legendary artifacts not belonging to this dimension, it still failed.
Bound by the rules, it could only sigh now, silently watching the development of this dimension.
However, the Ōtsutsuki chakra bestowed upon Black Zetsu by the Heavenly Dao was not taken back. This was something allowed to exist in this world, and also its own selfish hope that Black Zetsu would work diligently, and one day use this power to kill Ryun Uchiha.
Rasa stood up. The sky was just beginning to lighten when he heard a scout report. "Report! Reporting to Lord Rasa! Madara Uchiha is leading Konoha ninja and has nearly reached Kikyōzan. They are ten kilometers from our forces."
Rasa nodded. "I understand. You may go." The scout cupped his hands and left.
Rasa quickly contacted Black Zetsu. "Black Zetsu, can that method still be used?"
Black Zetsu smiled wryly. "It can only be used once. But the ability to use natural chakra can still be granted to you."
Rasa's face darkened. He took a deep breath. Now, the arrow was on the bowstring. He got up to attend the meeting!
Konoha Army Corps
Madara Uchiha stood at a location about ten li from the target point. "Set up camp!"
The ninja quickly took action. Soon, a military camp was constructed.
Madara immediately summoned all officers for a meeting. Soon, Izuna Uchiha, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, and Namikaze Minato arrived.
The few of them looked at Madara sitting at the head, their eyes slightly bright.
Especially Minato. After graduating from the Ninja Academy, he had frequently visited the Uchiha clan compound. Due to his father and his teacher's influence, he was considered half a disciple of Madara Uchiha.
Madara looked at them and smiled. "This battle will be written into the history of the entire ninja world. So not only must we win, we must win beautifully!"
"Of course!"
"Naturally!"
The eyes of the two younger ones shone brightly. The battlefield was a good place for them. They could make a name for themselves, achieve merits and build careers!
Izuna chuckled. "Big brother, look at what you've said to these two kids. They probably can't wait to charge through ten thousand troops to take the enemy leader's head, to kill the Kazekage and achieve glory right now!"
Madara smiled. "Minato, Shinnosuke, you are my grandson's disciples, so you are also like my grand-disciples. Bringing you here this time is precisely to train you to become the new generation's leading figures of Konoha."
"Those who command must have bearing, must be steady. You two still need training." Although Madara was criticizing, his face was full of smiles.
"Yes!" x2 The two cupped their hands, their eyes burning with passion.
Seeing this, Madara issued orders. "Namikaze Minato, lead two thousand troops, serve as Vice-Commander, follow the Commander-in-Chief's dispatches."
"Sarutobi Shinnosuke, lead two thousand troops, serve as Vice-Commander! Follow the Commander-in-Chief's dispatches."
"Uchiha Izuna, Commander-in-Chief, lead six thousand troops, hold the central army."
"Yes!" The three cupped their hands. The two younger ones were excited, Izuna was calm.
"Good. The appointments end here. Now begins the military council." Madara said with a smile.
After Madara finished, Izuna spoke. "For this operation, the enemy occupies a favorable terrain. Therefore, a direct assault is not advisable. We must take an unexpected, surprise approach."
"But considering that Ryun Uchiha previously climbed the mountain for a sneak attack, the enemy cannot be completely unprepared. Therefore, winning this battle has become much more difficult."
"Moreover, enemy morale is high. Most of our troops are new recruits. Wanting to achieve the goal of training troops makes it even more difficult." Izuna analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of both sides.
Finally, he concluded that apart from having more people and stronger individual quality, Konoha was at a disadvantage in all other aspects.
Minato and Shinnosuke, after all, were young. Their emotions showed on their faces, which were filled with worry and furrowed brows.
Izuna saw this. His goal was achieved. The corners of his mouth turned up. "But sometimes, strength isn't necessarily a good thing. You must know, a strong tree is easily broken by the wind, but weak grass cannot be burned away by fire. If we want to fight this battle steadily, if we compete in reserves and supplies, we are certain to win."
Hearing this, the two younger ones breathed a sigh of relief. It was Madara's turn to frown. He looked at Izuna somewhat surprised, thinking, 'Isn't this, little brother, a war of attrition? Dragging it out? Are you trying to bore me to death?'
Izuna scratched his head and gave a dry laugh. "Ahem, there is another method. A strong assault. The commander, Madara Uchiha, attacks head-on. The others bypass the mountain, cut off their retreat, and burn their grain stores!"
"It's just that the risks of this method are greater. Both for the commander and the army, it's very risky!" Izuna said with a serious expression.
Madara slammed the table. "This is the one!" Madara's eyes were filled with fervor. Finally, finally he could have a great fight!
He had waited too long for this moment! He desperately wanted to dance!
Izuna held his forehead. He knew it would be like this. His big brother's fighting spirit was always the highest among the Uchiha. After eight years of peace, with his body in peak condition, he had long been unable to bear the boredom.
There was no way. This was his own brother. What could he do? Spoil him, of course!
"Since it's decided, brother, you must hold the enemy on the frontal battlefield when the time comes! Buy time for the others. The central army stays here. I will take Minato and Shinnosuke to carry out the sneak attack." Izuna said.
"Mhm! Don't worry, I'm here!" Madara crossed his arms, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.
"Since it's decided, rest for one night. The army attacks tomorrow! The night patrol duty is handed to you, Minato!" Izuna said.
Minato said loudly, "Yes!"
Everyone discussed a bit more, then went to lead their respective troops back to their own tents.
Shinnosuke wore a standard jōnin combat uniform, a Vice-Commander badge on his chest. Meticulously, he led the troops on patrol. He had the day shift.
Minato returned to the main tent. He took out two photos from his breast pocket. One was a graduation photo of Team S, with Ryun Uchiha holding him and Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
The other photo was of him and Kushina Uzumaki on a mission, catching a cat, taken together.
His eyes held a gentle expression. Then he put the photos away, lay down on the simple army cot, and fell asleep.
Shinnosuke held a refined iron staff, his face serious. The ninja following him also had serious and earnest expressions.
That refined iron staff was personally forged for him by Ryun Uchiha. It was made of chakra metal, weighed thirty jin, and could make a dent in the ground if placed heavily.
He and Minato were two extremes. One extremely rigorous, one extremely amiable. Each had their own advantages, each their own shortcomings.
However, presumably after experiencing this great battle, both would mature considerably.
Nothing happened during the day. Just as the sun set, Minato opened his eyes and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport to the shift change location.
Shinnosuke saw Minato, and a slight smile appeared on his serious face. "You guy, you really come right on time!"
"Hehe, isn't it good as long as I'm not late?" Minato laughed.
"Alright, enough of your glib talk. I'm going to sleep! By the way, your three disciples are quite good. They came early." Shinnosuke pointed not far away at Kakashi, Obito Uchiha, and Rin.
Minato's eyes suddenly became soft. "They have always been my pride!"