326-330

Chapter 326: The Great Ninja War Begins 

Orochimaru’s lips curled into a hollow smile. "My dealings with Kaishirō haven’t harmed your interests. I’m curious—why are you the first to come after me, and not Yoru?" 

Nagato met his gaze evenly. "Because Yoru and I made a deal. A matter concerning peace in the shinobi world. His business is now mine." 

Orochimaru’s eyes narrowed slightly. So that was why Nagato had come knocking. 

He and Yoru had joined forces. 

No wonder. 

Still, this meant Orochimaru needed to be cautious. 

Because… 

Nagato might just attack. 

And in his current state, a fight was the last thing he needed. 

That said, his expression remained unreadable. 

"How amusing. Former enemies, now allies… The shinobi world truly is a fascinating place." 

"So, what information do you seek from me?" 

If it didn’t interfere with his core plans, he didn’t mind sharing a few tidbits. 

After all, if Nagato did decide to strike, things could get messy. 

"Who is this Kaishirō?" Nagato’s voice was icy. "What did he take from you? What is his goal?" 

"A scientist from the Land of Silk. We made a trade—he supplied me with research materials, and I gave him the Edo Tensei." 

"His ambition? To ignite a great war, crush the Five Great Villages, and rule the shinobi world." 

Konan scoffed. "Orochimaru, aren’t you afraid of getting burned? If Kaishirō gains power, do you really think he’ll remember your ‘kindness’?" 

To her surprise, Orochimaru chuckled. 

"Kaishirō? Succeed?" 

A flicker of disdain crossed his eyes. "I wouldn’t have made the deal if I thought he stood a chance." 

"Even if Yoru weren’t here to keep the world in check, the combined might of the Five Great Villages would crush Kaishirō’s forces. He’s no real threat." 

"Kaishirō may be weak," Nagato countered, his stare sharpening, "but you have the power to overturn the entire shinobi world." 

"So… you plan to restrain me?" 

Orochimaru caught the edge in Nagato’s tone—felt the chakra surging within him. His own gaze turned razor-sharp. 

The tension between them was a taut wire, ready to snap. 

"If you understand, then this will be easier." 

In an instant, Nagato and Konan lunged forward. 

"Kabuto, scatter!" 

Orochimaru’s jaw unhinged grotesquely as he barked the order. A massive white serpent erupted from his body—his true form—while Kabuto bolted for the exit. 

"You won’t escape!" 

Konan’s body disintegrated into a storm of razor-edged paper shuriken, aiming to cut off their retreat. 

"Doton: Doryūjōheki!" 

Nagato’s hands flew through seals before slamming into the ground. A colossal earthen wall erupted, sealing the doorway. 

"Ninpō: Bakuhatsu!" 

Kabuto, however, remained eerily calm. His hands formed a single seal— 

BOOM! 

The room exploded. 

The walls were lined with explosive tags—especially the doorway. Orochimaru had prepared for this. 

As the hideout collapsed in a deafening roar, Nagato barely managed to shield Konan from the crushing debris. 

"Clever bastard…" 

Amid the relentless detonations and the shuddering earth, Nagato could only watch as Orochimaru slipped away. 

The destruction lasted minutes. 

When Nagato and Konan finally clawed their way out, the base was reduced to smoldering ruins. 

"To abandon years of research without hesitation… Only Orochimaru." 

Nagato’s wariness deepened as he scanned the wreckage—scattered notes, shattered equipment. 

A man like this… was a threat. 

Left unchecked, he’d become a catastrophe. 

Orochimaru had the intellect, the resources, and the ruthlessness to reshape the world. Even Yoru would struggle to contain him. 

"We need to warn Yoru. The Five Great Villages must prepare." 

Helping Konan to her feet, Nagato cast a grim look toward the horizon. 

Konan nodded silently. 

There was no time to waste. 

Together, they streaked toward Kirigakure. 

But Kaishirō moved faster. 

With an army of tens of thousands of White Zetsu clones already on the march, he had launched his assault on the Five Great Villages. 

And his Edo Tensei forces? 

They were just getting started. 

"Shūichi, Genji, Heisuke, Hama—each of you take the Edo Tensei scrolls I’ve provided. Strike the four remaining villages simultaneously." 

"Kill all who resist." 

"I expect victory within two weeks. Understood?" 

Kaishirō—a limping, brown-haired man of modest stature—stood with triumphant glee. 

"YES, SIR!" 

Before him knelt four shinobi—three men, one woman—their eyes alight with madness. 

"Go." 

With his command, they vanished in four directions: 

Shūichi — Konohagakure. 

Genji — Sunagakure. 

Heisuke — Iwagakure. 

Hama — Kumogakure. 

Each led ten thousand White Zetsu, backed by the reanimated dead. More than enough to drown their targets in carnage. 

"As for me…" 

Kaishirō’s gaze locked onto the distant sea. 

"I’ll handle Kirigakure myself." 

A twisted grin split his face. 

"From this moment forward, the era of Kaishirō begins!" 

"Yoru. Mei." 

"I’ll show you true power. You’ll kneel before me—become my finest weapons." 

"No matter how strong you are, Yoru…" 

"Against those two, you’re nothing but an insect." 

"Victory is already mine." 

Kirigakure. 

"The Land of Waves, the Land of Tides, the Land of Rivers—over a dozen nations have rebelled. Tens of thousands of shinobi are marching toward us?" 

Chapter 327: Finally, Some Action  

When Yoru heard the news, the ninja delivering the report was stunned by his reaction.  

Yoru’s first response wasn’t anger—nor was it cold, murderous intent.  

No, his first reaction was excitement.  

Yes, the messenger was certain he hadn’t misread it.  

Yoru’s face was lit up with anticipation, like a child who had just found a new toy, his eyes gleaming.  

"Yoru-sama, you…?"  

The ninja couldn’t help but speak up, half-convinced Yoru had lost his mind. Why was he so happy about such a serious situation? Shouldn’t he be furious?  

"You’re dismissed. I’ve got it."  

Yoru glanced at the Anbu, immediately reading his thoughts—but he didn’t bother explaining.  

This Anbu wouldn’t understand.  

He wouldn’t understand how someone as powerful as Yoru had been longing for a strong opponent to fight, just to pass the time.  

He wanted trouble—but not so much that it spiraled out of control. Just enough to keep things interesting.  

"I’ve been bored for so long… Finally, something fun!"  

Of course, Yoru wasn’t the only one in Kirigakure itching for a fight.  

Zabuza, Kisame, Yugito, Yagura…  

Every one of them was a battle-hungry warrior, restless from the prolonged peace.  

Now that war had come, they were probably thrilled.  

Besides, a little conflict might be good—a real-world test for Kirigakure’s latest graduates.  

…  

While Yoru was excited, Mei Terumī’s reaction was the exact opposite.  

"What’s the situation? How close are the enemies?"  

The shinobi world had enjoyed peace for so long, and the Land of Water’s alliance system had been stable for years. Why would a member nation suddenly rebel?  

Was peace really so fragile?  

"Mizukage-sama, here’s what we know…"  

The Anbu quickly relayed the details.  

"The mastermind is… Keinoshita?"  

"Who the hell is that? I’ve never even heard of him!"  

Mei was baffled. She had no recollection of this "Keinoshita" at all.  

But there was no time to dwell on it.  

The enemy was already advancing—less than a thousand miles from the Land of Water. In two or three days, they’d be at their doorstep, plunging the nation into chaos.  

She had to act fast.  

With no time to waste, she immediately called an emergency meeting of the Jōnin Council.  

"Woo—"  

The village alarm, silent for years, blared once more.  

Within moments, elite shinobi and high-ranking officials gathered.  

And, of course, the first to arrive was Yoru—with that same infuriating grin on his face. Mei could only sigh.  

…  

"Here’s the situation."  

Mei briefed the assembled leaders, outlining the severity of the threat.  

"The enemy forces are massive—tens of thousands of shinobi from ten nations, led by this ‘Keinoshita.’ We still don’t know his full strength or what tricks he has up his sleeve."  

"This will be a brutal battle. We must work together to protect the peace we’ve built!" Her expression was grave.  

"Whoever this guy is, his forces are likely on par with Konoha’s entire military," Yoru added, his tone uncharacteristically serious.  

"I know you’re all fired up, but don’t underestimate the enemy. If anyone dies because they got careless, they’ll be the laughingstock of Kirigakure."  

His gaze swept the room. "And I doubt any of you want that."  

The room grew tense. If even Yoru was warning them, the threat must be real.  

Mei exhaled in relief. At least they weren’t taking this lightly.  

"Now, for assignments."  

"Yoru will lead as Supreme Commander. Ao will serve as Chief Strategist and Intelligence Captain, supported by the Council as Advisors."  

"Yagura, Yugito, Kisame, Zabuza, Jūzō, and Utakata will each command a division."  

"Ameyuri Ringo, Suigetsu, Chōjūrō, and Yūhi will join a squad of their choice."  

"Total mobilization: 20,000 shinobi."  

"Combat units: 15,000. Intelligence: 1,000. Sensory: 1,000. Medical: 1,000. Special Ops: 2,000."  

"The fate of Kirigakure and the Land of Water rests on your shoulders."  

"Hai!"  

The room erupted in unified acknowledgment—not a trace of fear, only battle-ready enthusiasm.  

"We should also bring this year’s graduates," Yoru suggested. "They’re strong enough to serve as reserves, learning from the front lines."  

"Consider it their first real mission."  

"Absolutely not!" Mei snapped. "We’re not throwing children into war. Kirigakure has plenty of shinobi without resorting to that."  

She shot him a look: "Not everyone is a monster like you."  

"Then at least let them handle supply transport," Yoru countered, grinning. "They’ll get a taste of war without the worst risks. Baby birds have to leave the nest sometime, right?"  

Mei hesitated—then reluctantly agreed.  

"Fine. But we’re assigning seasoned shinobi to protect them."  

With the meeting adjourned, Kirigakure mobilized.  

20,000 shinobi assembled under Yoru’s command—marching straight toward the battlefield.  

Chapter 328: All Bark and No Bite  

To streamline command and communication, minimize errors, and ensure efficiency, Yoru divided his 20,000-strong army into four divisions:  

• Combat Corps  

• Intelligence Unit  

• Sensory Unit  

• Medical Unit 

The Combat Corps was further split into three squads:  

• First Combat Squad – Specialists in ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, or weapon mastery.  

• Second Combat Squad – All-round shinobi, tasked with support and rescue.  

• Third Combat Squad – Elite forces with unique abilities, serving as the vanguard for surprise attacks. 

• First Squad (12,000 troops) – Led by Kisame Hoshigaki, Zabuza Momochi, and Yagura.  

• Second Squad (3,000 troops) – Commanded by Yoru himself.  

• Third Squad (2,000 troops) – Headed by Yugito Nii, Reiko, and Kimimaro. 

Under Yoru’s leadership, the army moved with terrifying speed, reaching the Land of Water’s border in just one day and setting up camp.  

The original border garrison had already withdrawn per Yoru’s orders—though a brave few petitioned to stay and fight. After careful screening, Yoru accepted 100 skilled samurai, assigning them to logistics.  

"Heh… Hurry up and bring on the war! We’re itching for a fight!"  

The Kirigakure shinobi rubbed their hands in anticipation.  

A force this eager for battle? Probably the only one in the world.  

The samurai who stayed behind were stunned. They’d expected tension, grim resolve—but instead, the air buzzed with excitement.  

"Is this really how soldiers act before a war?"  

But then it hit them—  

With Yoru leading, why fear? Victory was guaranteed. All they had to do was charge forward.  

After a peaceful day of preparation…  

The enemy arrived.  

"Yoru! Kirigakure! Surrender now—you stand no chance!"  

The vanguard was a coalition of minor nations—the Land of Waves, Land of Rainbows, and a dozen others.  

Yoru even spotted familiar faces among them:  

• Hamagorō, high-ranking official of the Land of Waves.  

• An Jūichirō, high-ranking official of the Land of Rainbows. 

"Never thought I’d face you two like this."  

Yoru’s tone was casual, as if discussing the weather.  

"Think carefully. Are you sure you want to be my enemy? I’ll give you a few seconds to reconsider."  

"Choose wisely—this is your last chance to avoid annihilation."  

His words carried no rage, just bone-chilling pressure.  

An Jūichirō and Hamagorō hesitated, weighing their options.  

They knew Yoru’s ruthlessness firsthand. This was a final warning.  

But—  

"No matter how strong you are… this time, you’ll lose."  

An Jūichirō clenched his fists.  

The terror Yoru inspired was nothing compared to Kaizerō’s.  

After a brief struggle, both men hardened their resolve.  

"We refuse!"  

"Yoru, your reign ends today! Submit to Lord Kaizerō, and you might survive!"  

Their voices rang in unison, defiant.  

"Hah! You hear that, Yoru? Three seconds to decide—stop resisting! You’re no match for Lord Kaizerō!"  

A blonde, middle-aged ninja sneered, oozing arrogance.  

"Pfft—talk is cheap. We’ll see who’s stronger when the fight starts!"  

Yugito scoffed.  

Did these fools forget Yoru’s power?  

"There’s no one in this world who can beat him."  

To her, they were frogs in a well—blind to the vastness of the shinobi world.  

"Fine. Since you’re begging for death… I’ll oblige."  

The blonde ninja’s eyes turned sharp.  

"Allied Shinobi Forces—CHARGE!"  

With that order, 60,000 troops from a dozen nations surged forward like a tidal wave.  

The sheer momentum was overwhelming.  

Newcomers to the battlefield trembled, sweat dripping, hearts pounding.  

"Gahahaha!"  

The enemy forces laughed sadistically as they advanced.  

"We outnumber them three to one! Let’s show Kirigakure what fear feels like!"  

"Despair, Kiri scum! Your executioners are here!"  

*"We’ll drag you straight to hell!"*  

60,000 vs. 20,000.  

Victory was guaranteed—or so they thought.  

Then, Yoru gave an unexpected order:  

*"Retreat."*  

As if… afraid to engage.  

The enemy roared with laughter, morale skyrocketing.  

"Hah! He’s running!"  

"So much for the legendary Yoru—just a paper tiger!"  

"Those ‘feats’ of his must’ve been faked!"  

"After him! Bring me his head!"  

The allied forces cheered, already tasting victory.  

Chapter 329: "The So-Called 'Greatest Shinobi in the World'"  

"Pfft—and here I thought Yoru was supposed to be some kind of legend. Turns out he doesn’t even have the guts to face us head-on!"  

"What a joke! The 'Greatest Shinobi in the World'? Yeah, right. He doesn’t deserve that title!"  

The blond-haired ninja, Muranaka Yū, one of Keinoshita’s top lieutenants and commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, sneered as he watched Kirigakure’s retreating troops. His contempt only grew.  

"Then again…"  

"Two thousand against sixty thousand? Of course he’d run. At least he knows his limits!"  

But then his expression hardened.  

"But mark my words—Yoru won’t escape today. I’ll make sure of it."  

"I’ll crush every last bit of his so-called 'glory,' drag him into the dirt, and make sure he never lifts his head again!"  

He turned to his elite guard, barking orders.  

"Move out! Tell the Allied Forces—I want this war over in two hours!"  

"Keinoshita-sama arrives by nightfall. And when he does, I’ll personally present Yoru’s defeated corpse as a gift!"  

*"Hai!"**  

Meanwhile, with Yoru…  

"Is everything set at Moonview Gorge?"  

Yoru sprinted alongside his Anbu escort, his voice calm.  

"Ready and waiting, sir! The men are practically vibrating with excitement!"  

The Anbu’s voice was thick with anticipation.  

But not everyone shared the enthusiasm.  

"Yoru, seriously—why are we retreating from these nobodies? It’s humiliating!" Yugito snapped, her tail lashing in irritation.  

"Yeah, since when do we need tactics against trash? We could wipe them out head-on!" Reiko added, scowling.  

Yoru chuckled.  

"Sixty thousand enemies, no matter how weak, still means unnecessary losses. A clean strategy minimizes casualties, crushes them faster, and sharpens our tactical instincts. Win-win, no?"  

"Besides…" His eyes glinted. "A true shinobi masters the art of war, not just brute force."  

He glanced back at the pursuing horde.  

"I wonder how many will survive? Ten thousand? Maybe twenty?"  

"Ah well. I gave them a chance to walk away. Their mistake."  

Reiko and Yugito exchanged glances.  

Crocodile tears.  

Yoru might look harmless, but when had he ever shown mercy to enemies?  

The man who’d once slit the throats of thousands without blinking—the "White Flash"—wasn’t known for his kindness.  

"Heh. I can’t wait to crush these idiots," one squad leader muttered, cracking his knuckles.  

"Sixty thousand? More like sixty thousand targets."  

The Kirigakure veterans were giddy.  

These weren’t fresh recruits—they were survivors of the Third Great Shinobi War, the Bloody Mist coup, and two Fourth War invasions (first Yugito’s assault, then the Four Nations’ siege after Yoru abolished the Daimyō).  

A 3-to-1 ratio? Please. They’d fought worse odds while outnumbered and surrounded.  

Now, on home turf, with Yoru’s tactics in play?  

This wasn’t a battle. It was a hunt.  

Allied Forces – The Doubter  

An Jūichirō, commander of the Kō no Kuni (Rainbow Country) forces, felt his stomach twist as they charged deeper into the mist.  

"This doesn’t add up… Yoru doesn’t retreat. Not like this."  

His instincts screamed trap.  

But his allies just laughed.  

"Hah! Scared, An? If you’re too chicken, stay behind!"  

"Yeah, don’t ruin our shot at glory!"  

Mocking grins surrounded him as rival commanders surged ahead.  

Even his own men glared.  

"Leader, you’re embarrassing us!"  

"Since when does Kō no Kuni cower?!"  

Then Hama Gorō, another of Keinoshita’s generals, strolled up, smirking.  

"What’s wrong, An? Cold feet?"  

He scoffed.  

"Yoru’s strong, but not invincible. The Third Raikage fell to ten thousand. You think he can solo forty thousand? Dream on."  

An gritted his teeth—then snarled.  

*"Fine! Charge!"*  

Yoru’s Smile  

"They took the bait. Perfect."  

As the enemy stampeded blindly into the mist, Yoru’s lips curled.  

"Let’s see how many survive the first ambush."  

Chapter 330: No Such Thing as Good or Evil  

"Heh… I can’t wait for this war to start!"  

Suigetsu Hōzuki trembled with excitement, his sharp teeth grinding together.  

"I’m already looking forward to the looks on their faces when they realize what’s coming!"  

Ameyuri Ringo grinned just as wildly.  

But Natsume Yuki and her group were even more fired up—this was their first real battle!  

The Kirigakure forces had taken the high ground, fortifying the canyon with pre-dug trenches and stockpiled supplies.  

Yoru surveyed the scene, his lips curling into a bloodthirsty smile.  

"Well then… Let the slaughter begin."  

"Heh, been waiting for this!"  

Zabuza and Jūzō Biwa licked their lips in anticipation.  

It had been too long since they’d cut loose.  

The enemy charged in—only to freeze when they saw the smirking faces of the Kiri-nin above them.  

No fear. No panic.  

Just predatory glee.  

Their blood ran cold.  

"Wait… This isn’t right—"  

Then it hit them.  

They’d been herded into a kill box—a narrow gorge with no escape.  

"We walked right into a trap?!"  

Hamagorō paled. "FALL BACK! NOW!"  

Too late.  

Yoru’s voice cut through the chaos, mocking and cold.  

"Oh? You noticed? How observant."  

"Though honestly, I expected more resistance. You made this too easy."  

A deafening explosion rocked the canyon.  

Then—a roar.  

A sweet, gentle breeze brushed against the enemy’s faces.  

"Wind? Here?!"  

An Jūichirō’s eyes widened in horror.  

In a confined space, wind meant one thing.  

The sky darkened as a tsunami—tens of meters high—crashed down with crushing force.  

Screams.  

Bodies snapped like twigs.  

Men drowned mid-breath.  

Those who dodged the wave were shredded by kunai, shuriken, and senbon.  

No survivors.  

No mercy.  

"From today on… Moonview Gorge shall be called Moonview Lake."  

Yoru watched indifferently, as if this were someone else’s nightmare.  

Beside him, Natsume Yuki stood frozen.  

This wasn’t the glorious battle she’d imagined.  

The Yoru before her now—calculating, ruthless—was nothing like the kind mentor who’d trained her.  

This was the "White Flash" the world feared.  

Her sword felt heavier than lead.  

"What’s wrong?" Yoru glanced at her, still smiling. "Second thoughts?"  

"Sensei… Is this what war is?" Her voice wavered. "Just… rivers of blood? Was there no other way?"  

"Maybe some of them were good people!"  

A kunai whistled past Yoru’s head—he caught it without looking and flung it back, impaling the attacker.  

"Yes. This is war."  

"If I don’t kill them, they’ll kill me."  

"There’s no ‘good’ or ‘evil’ here—just survival."  

Another enemy lunged. Yoru flicked his fingers—five water bullets punctured the man’s chest.  

"You pity those young boys who died?"  

"True, they were just kids. Maybe they never did anything wrong."