The next day, as the sun began to rise.
In Konoha, on a wide open field, thousands of ninja were gathered. They stood in organized rows, their expressions solemn.
Among these ninja, some were commoners, others from prominent clans. But at this moment, there were no such distinctions. They had only one name: Konoha Ninja!
At this time, Uchiha Shin, accompanied by Izumi, Yugao, Hiashi, and Shikaku, approached from a distance.
Izumi was Uchiha Shin's woman, and also a ninja who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan. For Uchiha Shin, she was a considerable asset who could help him with many things. As for Yugao, by now, she had been molded to Uchiha Shin's liking. Therefore, Uchiha Shin kept her by his side as an attendant. As for Hiashi and Shikaku, it went without saying. As Konoha elders, they were also to accompany Uchiha Shin on the expedition, so of course they were by his side. The other two elders, Uchiha Setsuna and Kakashi, were left in Konoha by Uchiha Shin. After all, Konoha also needed someone to watch over it.
Uchiha Shin walked onto the temporarily constructed platform, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ninja!
"Ninja of Konoha, comrades! Our enemy has appeared. There's not much to say. Any enemy that threatens Konoha must be eliminated!"
"Move out!"
Uchiha Shin waved his hand grandly!
What needed to be said, Uchiha Setsuna and the others had already said beforehand. Now, he was personally leading the troops on this expedition. Naturally, there was no need for another long-winded speech to boost morale.
Nothing could boost morale more than their leader personally leading the charge.
The thousands of ninja formed a long column and marched towards Konoha's main gate.
At this time, both sides of Konoha's main gate were already filled with people. Some had been mobilized by elders and advisors like Hiashi and Shikaku, while others had come of their own accord.
After all, among the departing ninja were their loved ones. Their family members going to war was both an honor and a danger, so they naturally came to see them off.
Meanwhile, in the Capital of the Land of Fire!
Danzo was also inspecting his ninja army. After a long-winded speech, he waved his hand with high spirits: "Move out!"
After the troops set out, Danzo naturally met up with Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the others.
"Hey, Danzo, are the Twelve Guardian Ninja and those three hundred ninja the Daimyo lent us trustworthy?" Tsunade said in a deep voice.
"Whether they're trustworthy or not is unimportant. What's important is that they can be used by us now!"
"They are a group of high-quality cannon fodder. When we confront that traitor Uchiha Shin, we'll let them go first!" Danzo said.
"That does sound like your style!" Tsunade realized. No wonder Danzo accepted the ninja the Daimyo lent him so readily; so this was his plan.
"However, those three hundred ninja only obey the orders of the Twelve Guardian Ninja. If you really make them lead the charge, the Twelve Guardian Ninja might not obey your command!" Tsunade reminded him.
"Hmph, when the time comes, it won't be up to them!" A cold glint flashed in Danzo's eyes.
Just then, a Root ninja instantly appeared before Danzo.
"Lord Danzo, the situation has changed. Uchiha Shin is leading thousands of ninja and has proactively set out!" the Root ninja reported.
"Hmm?!?" Danzo's expression changed slightly. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the others were also quite surprised.
"Bring me a map!" Danzo shouted.
"Yes!"
Aburame Ryoma quickly brought a map. Danzo focused his entire attention on the map, especially on the route from Konoha to the Capital of the Land of Fire. Danzo studied it repeatedly.
"This Uchiha Shin is certainly confident, daring to take the initiative to march out!" Tsunade quipped.
"Shouldn't our concern now be that large army? Uchiha Shin is quite resourceful, managing to mobilize so many ninja in such a short time!" A trace of worry flashed in Jiraiya's eyes.
Originally, he thought that Uchiha Shin had just seized Konoha and hadn't yet pacified the people. He thought few would support him. He didn't expect him to be able to gather so many people. He had really underestimated him. In fact, he still didn't know that Uchiha Shin had left a portion of ninja behind to guard the village. Furthermore, the Uchiha clan had barely mobilized at all. They were all still in Konoha.
"The numbers may be large, but those people may not have genuinely submitted to him. They've likely just been intimidated by his military might and forced to yield temporarily. As long as we can force Uchiha Shin to show signs of weakness in the upcoming battle, those people will surely hesitate, and might even turn against him!" Tsunade said in a deep voice.
"Let's hope so!" Jiraiya responded, but he still couldn't shake the worry in his heart.
"Found it!!" At that moment, Danzo exclaimed softly.
"Found what?" Tsunade asked.
"Since Uchiha Shin wants to attack proactively, we'll find a place to lie in wait and let them come to us. I've now found a suitable place to fight Uchiha Shin!" Danzo said.
"Is that so!" Tsunade didn't say much upon hearing this.
"Where is the place you've chosen to fight?" Jiraiya asked curiously.
"Seventy kilometers away, Sunset Valley!" Danzo said.
Sunset Valley is located between two large mountains. Despite being called a valley, its floor is nearly eight hundred meters wide. It's more than enough space to wage a full-scale battle.
Moreover, Danzo also wanted to use this terrain to plant a batch of explosive tags and give Uchiha Shin a harsh lesson.
"All units, target is Sunset Valley, seventy kilometers away! Full speed ahead!"
After receiving Danzo's signal, Aburame Ryoma shouted loudly, commanding the army to advance at full speed.
"You even need a subordinate to shout a slogan for you. Danzo, you're really something as a leader!" Tsunade pouted.
"Hmph, a leader must have a leader's bearing. Shouting loudly is unseemly!" Danzo said dismissively.
At this time, Shinnosuke, Asuma, and Kazuma approached.
"Lord Danzo, aren't we going to attack Konoha? Why has the destination been changed to Sunset Valley?" Shinnosuke was the first to ask.
"Uchiha Shin has already taken the initiative to attack. Since that's the case, we will lie in wait at Sunset Valley and let Uchiha Shin come to us!" Danzo explained.
"But we are the counter-attacking side. Waiting for the enemy to come to us like this makes our momentum seem a bit weak!" Kazuma said.
"War is the way of deception. What does it matter if our momentum seems weaker now? As long as we can win, that's all that matters. Victory brings its own dignity!" Danzo said, glancing at Kazuma.
"That's true!!" Kazuma chuckled.
An hour later, Danzo and his forces finally arrived at Sunset Valley. Afterwards, Danzo ordered his men to plant a large number of explosive tags at the front of the valley.
"Danzo, is this really a good idea? You know, the army under Uchiha Shin are also Konoha ninja. As long as we defeat Uchiha Shin, we can make them surrender," Tsunade said in a deep voice.
"The problem is, they are our enemies right now. We cannot be soft-hearted just because they are all Konoha ninja. Otherwise, we will definitely be exploited by that evil brat Uchiha Shin, and he will use it against us!" Danzo said gravely.
Tsunade fell silent. Jiraiya also fell silent.
Infighting has always been the cruelest. Before, they were clearly comrades in the same trench. Now, for various reasons, they can only face each other with blades. Sigh!
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