"When do we send reinforcements to Uzushiogakure?"
Uchiha Tomita asked instinctively.
In his view, Konoha should definitely support them.
Their most loyal ally had charged first.
As the leader, Konoha couldn't fall behind.
Even if the Uzumaki were closer to the Senju—
Uchiha wouldn't stoop to abandoning them.
Ren didn't answer immediately.
Uchiha Ren began thinking carefully.
Letting the Uzumaki Clan be destroyed like in the original timeline?
Impossible.
He still had his pride.
But—
Since their relationship was already so close…
Why not merge them into Konoha?
Konoha had the land.
Plenty of room.
Still—
This needed time.
Couldn't be rushed.
"Let things play out for now."
"They won't fall that easily."
Ren spoke calmly.
"They acted first, so they must have confidence."
"Send a small team to scout."
"If they can't hold—"
"We move immediately."
Helping in desperation—
Was worth far more than helping early.
Tomita nodded.
Then left to prepare.
After he left—
Ren immediately moved to notify Nara Shikaku .
The futures plan—
Had to accelerate.
War had already started.
Iron prices—
Would soon explode.
So far—
Ren had invested about 5 billion.
The Daimyō—more than 40 billion.
Once the news spread—
Merchants would swarm like wolves.
Prices would skyrocket.
Ren couldn't let them get in cheap.
He had to push the market up—
Before they reacted.
Kirigakure Battlefield.
Gengetsu Hozuki stared at the ruined port.
His teeth clenched.
The entire surprise attack—
Ruined.
The Uzumaki had struck at night.
Small boats.
Loaded with explosive tags and oil.
They saw ships—
And rushed straight at them.
Suicide tactics.
Kirigakure responded quickly.
But—
When they attacked—
Smoke.
All clones.
Shadow clones.
Even after traveling so far—
They hadn't dispersed.
Uzumaki chakra—
Was absurd.
They even used Multi Shadow Clone Technique.
Perfect synergy.
Even if clones died—
Damage transferred back.
But Uzumaki bodies—
Could endure it.
"Status of the ships?"
Gengetsu asked coldly.
This determined everything.
A Kirigakure ninja replied quickly.
"Forty percent destroyed."
"Repairs will take time."
Gengetsu closed his eyes.
"…Do whatever it takes."
"Speed it up."
There was only one way—
Money.
"Should we retaliate?"
Zabuza Momochi-like figure (young elite with a great blade) spoke with anger.
The humiliation burned.
Another chimed in—
"I want to capture them."
"Skin them alive."
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen candidates—
We were furious.
"Enough!"
Gengetsu snapped.
"These are not games."
Konoha likely already knew.
Uzushiogakure wouldn't act blindly.
There could be traps.
Then—
New intel arrived.
"Iwagakure movement confirmed."
Gengetsu read it.
The lines on Tobirama's face tightened.
Mu…
That damn mummy—
I had the same idea.
Attack Konoha now.
New Hokage.
Internal instability.
Perfect timing.
Gengetsu clenched his fists.
If Iwagakure succeeded—
They would rise.
While Kirigakure—
Took losses.
Unacceptable.
His thoughts shifted.
If Konoha couldn't be hit—
Then hit Iwagakure.
"Change of plan…"
"Feign attack on Konoha."
"Then strike Iwagakure from behind."
A grin formed.
"If I can't hit Konoha—"
"I'll hit you instead."
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