Everyone was able to injure the boar, except Senju Shinju. His pride had taken a serious hit.
The next moment,
Shinju charged forward again.
Hikaru Kinoshita didn't stop him. No one did. True teamwork wasn't just words; it meant trusting each other unconditionally.
"Its weak point is three inches below the abdomen," Hyuga Hizashi announced, Byakugan active, pinpointing the boar's vulnerability.
"Minato!" Hikaru called.
"Got it."
Minato Namikaze drove a kunai into the boar's rear. The beast let out a piercing scream as it reared onto its hind legs.
"Ichi, Rokku, restrain it."
"Mind Transfer Jutsu!"
"Shadow Possession Jutsu!"
Yamanaka Ichi projected his consciousness into the boar, keeping it from struggling, while Nara Rokku controlled its shadow, keeping the beast upright.
Shinju channeled chakra into his right fist, smashing it into the boar's abdomen.
"Choza!"
Akimichi Choza activated his Human Bullet Tank once more, launching the boar high into the air.
At the same time, Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Shigeru unleashed Fireball Jutsu.
The boar was already stiffened midair, flames enveloping it.
"Gomu… Gomu… Gatling!"
Hikaru's fists flew, rapid and relentless, hammering the boar's belly with precision.
Boom!
The King Boar slammed into the ground, lifeless.
The team regrouped, sharing smiles of triumph.
"How about that? Wasn't my last punch awesome?" Shinju bragged, gleeful.
No one responded immediately, letting his grin freeze.
"That wasn't just awesome it was epic!" the team laughed together.
Shinju realized he'd been teased, snorted, and spread a sheepish grin.
"Prey secured. Time for a feast!" Hikaru cheered.
"I'll eat ten kilos of meat!" Shinju declared boldly.
"Then I'll eat twenty," Shigeru shot back.
"I'll have thirty pounds."
"Fifty kilos for me!"
Shigeru glared at Shinju. "You little brat, are you trying to start something?"
"What are you going to do about it?" Shinju teased.
They fell silent, a playful rivalry simmering between them, always ready to spar.
Hokage Office
Smoke curled inside the Hokage's office as Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows furrowed, the tip of his pipe glowing as he drew on it.
"Are we sure?"
"Yes." The ANBU kneeling before him nodded.
Hiruzen waved him off, eyes scanning the intelligence report.
[The Hidden Cloud and Hidden Mist, along with smaller allied nations, launched a surprise attack on the Land of Whirlpools. The Land of Whirlpools cannot resist and faces possible annihilation. We respectfully request Konoha's aid, in recognition of the bond between the Uzumaki clan and Konoha. On behalf of all citizens of the Land of Whirlpools, we extend our deepest gratitude. – The Uzumaki Clan]
Hiruzen's mind twisted. If Konoha intervened, it could trigger a Second Ninja World War. Yet ignoring the plea would make explaining it to Lady Mito impossible.
An old friend… it seemed he would have to step in personally.
Hiruzen's voice was steady. "Summon Danzo to meet me."
"Yes." The ANBU responded silently.
Moments later, Danzo arrived, dressed in traditional shinobi attire. "Hiruzen, what's the matter?"
Hiruzen handed him the intelligence, smoke curling from his mouth, concealing his thoughts.
"What do you make of this?"
"Of course we should support them. Not only that, we should coordinate with operatives inside the Land of Whirlpools and annihilate them in one swift strike," Danzo said decisively, without hesitation.
In his view, if war was approaching, preemptive action was the only way to seize the initiative, wiping out the enemy completely.
Hiruzen coughed sharply, unsettled. When did his old friend become so… morally daring?
Wasn't he supposed to resist aiding them, only to be reluctantly persuaded later?
Hiruzen's face remained neutral. "Explain clearly."
"We coordinate inside the Land of Whirlpools, eliminate the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Mist forces, and then take the Land of Whirlpools for ourselves, seizing all their wealth," Danzo replied, cold and unwavering.
Hiruzen exhaled in relief. Now this is the Danzo I know.
He put down his pipe and spoke seriously. "Konoha will never attack its allies."
"It's a rare opportunity, Hiruzen. You're too rigid."
"Enough. That violates my ninja way."
"Hmph. You're too weak, Hiruzen. You'll regret it!"
"I will not allow this, and I am the Hokage!"
Danzo's face twitched as he clenched his fists.
Again with this line, again and again! Damn it!
He inhaled deeply and spoke slowly. "Then don't intervene. Let them deal with it themselves."
Hiruzen's eyes widened. "But they are Konoha's allies! Lady Mito's family! How can we just leave them?"
"Stop being naïve. Lady Mito married into Konoha. She belongs to Konoha now, not the Uzumaki. This is my bottom line. If you disagree, do not involve me in any future matters."
"Danzo… then how do I explain it to Lady Mito?" Hiruzen slumped onto a bench, disheartened.
"You don't need to. I'll handle it." Danzo smirked.
Scared now, Hiruzen? You can't do without me. You're too weak.
Danzo shot him a glance before leaving the office.
Hiruzen seemed lost in guilt, paying no attention as Danzo departed.
When Danzo was out of sight, Hiruzen's lips curved into a fleeting smile before he quickly masked it.
My friend, you're right. I really can't do without you.
Suddenly, a terrifying chakra wave surged from the Senju territory, sweeping across Konoha. Hiruzen felt it clearly from his office.
It was a show of force, a reminder that even now, Lady Mito was far from helpless.
As villagers panicked, the chakra dissipated just as quickly.
Danzo emerged from the Senju lands, bruised but unbowed. No one knew exactly what had happened, only that he had been struck and Konoha would no longer welcome him into Senju territory.
Back in Danzo's quarters, his face was dark, full of rage and humiliation. As Konoha's second-in-command, he had been struck by a woman and couldn't retaliate.
"This isn't over."
His eyes glinted with cruelty and apprehension. Lady Mito's chakra… it was suffocatingly immense.
"She's only getting stronger."
Not only was she the first Hokage's wife, but her power as a Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails made her Konoha's undisputed top force.
Danzo straightened, a smile returning to his face. Regardless of the insult, his goal had been achieved: Konoha would not aid the Land of Whirlpools.