shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 39: Organizing the Defense

After days of arduous travel, Tsukiko's squad finally reached the borders of Uzushiogakure.

Surrounded by the sea, the land of Whirlpool had a natural defensive advantage. Tsukiko observed the area carefully and was relieved to find that there were no signs of enemy forces yet.

However, he knew this was merely the calm before the storm.

The coalition of enemy villages could strike at any moment, leaving no time for hesitation.

"We arrived just in time. We must notify the daimyo immediately and ensure they begin defensive preparations."

Without delay, Tsukiko led his elite squad toward Uzushiogakure's main gates.

As they approached, the gate guards reacted immediately, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons, ready for battle.

"Who goes there? State your purpose!" one of the guards barked, his eyes sharp with suspicion.

Raising his hands in a calm, non-threatening manner, Tsukiko spoke firmly and clearly.

"I am Uchiha Tsukiko, from Konohagakure. We have come under orders from Uzumaki Mito-sama. We bear urgent news for the daimyo and must meet with him immediately."

At the mention of Uzumaki Mito, the guards' expressions subtly shifted.

They were well aware of Mito's status and influence, and while Tsukiko's words surprised them, they could not afford to dismiss him outright.

"Wait here. We must verify your identity."

One of the guards hurried inside, leaving the others to keep a watchful eye on Tsukiko and his squad.

Minutes later, confirmation arrived.

The guards, now visibly more respectful, lowered their weapons and motioned for them to proceed.

"You may enter. The daimyo has been informed and is expecting you."

Led by the guards, Tsukiko and his squad walked through the streets of Uzushiogakure.

Despite the impending war, the village seemed unaware of the looming threat. The people were going about their daily lives, oblivious to the disaster on the horizon.

Tsukiko's urgency grew.

They had to warn them before it was too late.

Arriving at the daimyo's residence, Tsukiko and his team were ushered into a grand yet simple hall.

Sitting in the center was the daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools, a dignified man with an aura of authority.

His piercing gaze settled on Tsukiko.

"You must be Uchiha Tsukiko," he said in a measured tone.

Tsukiko bowed respectfully before stepping forward and retrieving Mito's letter.

"Daimyo-sama, this is a personal letter from Uzumaki Mito-sama. The situation is urgent, and you must read it at once."

The daimyo accepted the letter and carefully read through it.

As he progressed, his expression darkened with deep concern.

Upon finishing, he looked back at Tsukiko, his voice steady but laced with unease.

"Mito-sama's warning is clear. The threat we face is grave."

Tsukiko did not hesitate.

"Daimyo-sama, I strongly advise you to initiate immediate defensive measures. Mobilize all available shinobi, begin civilian evacuations, and fortify your strongest defenses. Furthermore, Konoha's reinforcements are already mobilizing, but we must buy them time to arrive."

The daimyo fell silent, deep in thought.

Then, his decision was made.

"You are right. We cannot afford to be complacent. I will issue the necessary orders at once."

The daimyo summoned his top officials and shinobi leaders, relaying the contents of Mito's letter and Tsukiko's warnings.

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

Uzushiogakure's leadership had been unprepared for an attack of this scale, but now, with confirmation from Konoha and Tsukiko's intelligence, there was no room for doubt.

"All shinobi, prepare for battle!" the daimyo commanded.

"Non-combatants must be evacuated to the safest locations immediately. We will not allow Uzushiogakure to fall without a fight!"

The village sprang into action.

Barricades were erected. Sealing teams reinforced key locations. Civilians were ushered toward underground shelters.

Despite their relatively small numbers, the Uzumaki were determined to fight.

Watching the preparations unfold, Tsukiko remained uneasy.

"Even with these defenses, the enemy's numbers are overwhelming. We must hold out until Konoha's main forces arrive."

Then, the storm finally struck.

The coalition forces of Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure launched their attack.

Lightning illuminated the sky as the first wave of Kumo's forces stormed the borders.

Hidden in the thick mist, Mist shinobi moved like phantoms, striking with deadly precision.

From the mountains, Iwa's earth users rained down devastation, crushing structures and breaking through outer defenses.

The full force of three Great Villages had arrived.

Despite their readiness, the Uzumaki were overwhelmed almost immediately.

The defensive lines began to falter under the sheer force of the assault.

Inside the capital, the battle was most intense.

This was the heart of the Uzumaki clan, and its destruction would mean the end of their legacy.

Leading Kumo's charge was the Third Raikage, an unstoppable force of nature.

With lightning-infused speed and brute strength, he tore through the battlefield, singlehandedly demolishing defensive lines.

Even Uzumaki clan's elite struggled against his power.

Knowing that the entire nation could fall within hours, the Uzumaki daimyo took to the battlefield himself.

Despite his advanced age, he refused to retreat.

Wearing the battle armor of his ancestors, he fought alongside his people, his powerful sealing techniques temporarily slowing the enemy's advance.

But Tsukiko knew—this was not a battle they could win alone.

His strike force—a coalition of Uchiha, Senju, and elite shinobi from Kagemaku—moved swiftly through the battlefield, cutting down enemy units wherever they could.

Their mission was not to win, but to delay.

"We have to hold the line!" Tsukiko shouted.

The elite Uchiha Sharingan users engaged Kumo's lightning-fast attackers, countering their speed with predictive precision.

The Senju warriors, known for their resilience, stood firm against Iwa's earth-shaking assaults.

Meanwhile, the sealing experts of Kagemaku set traps, restraining enemy forces with advanced sealing arrays.

It was a desperate fight, but they were holding—for now.

Yet, Tsukiko knew this was only the beginning.

As he locked eyes with the towering figure of the Third Raikage, Tsukiko realized the true magnitude of the challenge before them.

The full might of three Great Villages had been unleashed.

Uzushiogakure's fate would be decided in this battle.