At that moment, Namikaze Minato popped into Tsunade's mind.
She rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"Now that I think about it, Minato's personality really is suited for leadership."
"The old man has a good eye, after all."
"This kid is a perfect task-driven soldier… a top-tier tool man."
"Maybe I should train him as my successor instead."
After all, it didn't really matter that Hiruzen had chosen him first.
Tsunade was confident that she could break Minato away from Hiruzen's influence and set him on the right path.
It wasn't like Minato was stupid—he wasn't someone who blindly followed orders.
"I should observe him more carefully in the future."
"There's still plenty of time."
Meanwhile, in Kumogakure…
The Third Raikage turned to C and asked,
"What's the current status of the battlefront in the Land of Hot Water?"
C immediately responded,
"So far, both sides are just testing each other."
"Except for the last time when Lord A and Killer Bee recklessly rushed in and got severely injured by Hatake Sakumo… things have been relatively stable."
"Right now, both sides are holding back, only engaging in small-scale skirmishes."
"Hatake Sakumo seems content with this arrangement. He hasn't made any major moves against A or the others."
The Third Raikage Smirked.
"Who would've thought resigning would make Sakumo even stronger?"
"He has taken his swordsmanship to an entirely new level."
"Truly a pure warrior… more samurai than ninja."
"Maybe this battlefield suits him perfectly."
He shook his head and gave his orders:
"Let's leave things as they are in the Land of Hot Water."
"Tell Dodai to keep a close watch on A and Killer Bee—make sure they don't act impulsively again."
"They are forbidden from seeking revenge against Hatake Sakumo."
"We're maintaining the current status quo with Konoha. That's enough."
For the Third Raikage, the real threat wasn't Konoha.
Not anymore.
"Konoha is already fighting four major ninja villages at once."
"It's only a matter of time before they collapse."
"Even if they don't suffer total defeat, they'll be too weakened to stop us later."
"When the time comes, we'll take everything for ourselves."
"The real problem is Iwagakure."
"Onoki has been steadily strengthening Iwa over the years."
"And the grudge between Iwa and Kumo is still fresh… we can't ignore them."
"What's Iwa's current situation?"
The Third Raikage turned back to C.
C immediately replied,
"Iwagakure has mobilized most of its forces to the frontlines against Konoha."
"Right now, Onoki is waiting for the other villages to wear Konoha down before making his move."
"According to our spies, Onoki himself, as well as Four-Tails Jinchūriki Roshi and Five-Tails Jinchūriki Han, have all moved to the battlefield."
"They might launch a surprise invasion into the Land of Fire at any moment."
The Third Raikage's Eyes Gleamed.
"So… most of Iwa's forces have left their homeland unguarded?"
"Perfect."
"This is our chance!"
He slammed the table with excitement.
"A golden opportunity to strike Iwa's rear! We must not let this slip away!"
"C! Summon 3,000 elite shinobi and have them prepare to set sail!"
"We will raid the Land of Earth from the sea."
"This time, I'll personally lead the charge."
C hesitated.
"Raikage-sama… isn't this too risky?"
"Even if Iwa's main forces are gone, they still have some defenders in their territory."
"If we're not careful, we could be completely wiped out."
The Third Raikage Laughed.
"That's why I'm leading the attack myself!"
"With me there, there's no way we'll lose!"
Meanwhile, in Konoha…
Hiruzen summoned Uchiha Nanaya for a meeting.
"Nanaya, I heard you've been using Shadow Clones to attend school."
Hiruzen's expression was unreadable.
"Is it because you don't find the Academy's teachings useful anymore?"
"Or have you already learned everything?"
Uchiha Nanaya's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So that's how it is… he's finally making his move."
He had a bad feeling about this.
"Looks like I won't be able to keep lazing around anymore."
He sighed inwardly but smiled on the outside.
"That's correct, Hokage-sama."
He nodded confidently.
"I've already mastered everything the Academy has to offer."
"There's nothing left for me to learn there."
"That's why I've been self-studying at home."
"Tsunade-sensei and my clan have given me plenty of materials to research."
Hiruzen Smiled.
"I see… in that case, why haven't you applied for early graduation?"
"Surely, you know that real progress comes from experience, not just studying."
"The village is at war. We need every capable shinobi we can get."
"With your skills, especially your mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, you could be a great asset."
"Don't you want to contribute to the village?"
Nanaya's Smile Didn't Waver.
"Heh… so that's how it is."
Hiruzen wasn't even pretending anymore.
This was a direct move to get him on the battlefield.
"Well… I do want to help the village, of course."
Nanaya replied smoothly.
"But I also know that once I graduate, I'll be sent on missions all the time."
"I wouldn't have as much time to train and improve myself."
"That's no problem!"
Hiruzen chuckled.
"We'll arrange a special role for you."
"You won't have to fight on the front lines."
"Instead, you'll be responsible for delivering messages and emergency supplies to the battlefield."
"Your Flying Thunder God makes you the perfect courier!"
Nanaya's Face Twitched Slightly.
"Tch… so that's his game."
"This old fox is trying to keep me under his thumb while also ensuring I don't gain any battlefield merit."
"He wants me to be a messenger? Hah… what a joke."
"Understood, Hokage-sama. I'll follow your arrangements."
Nanaya smiled politely.
But in his mind, he was already scheming.
"Heh… I'll just send a Shadow Clone to do those useless missions."
"As for the real me?"
"I've got much bigger things to focus on."
TO BE CONTINUED…
Advance chapter in PATREON
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