shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 66: Konoha's Two-Front Battle

As Konoha's ninja forces completed their assembly, Uchiha Tsukiko, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya led this elite army in a grand march toward the front lines of the Land of Rain.

These four young powerhouses of Konoha carried the heavy responsibility of repelling Amegakure and defending Konoha's honor. Behind them stood hundreds of elite ninjas, their eyes filled with expectation and trust.

Meanwhile, in Iwagakure, the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, received intelligence from his spies regarding the commanders Konoha had dispatched.

To him, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya—though talented—were still young and inexperienced. Their strength was undeniable, but they lacked the battlefield experience to pose a real threat to Iwagakure.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sending them to war was likely more about giving his disciples an opportunity to gain battle achievements and prestige.

However, when Ōnoki's eyes landed on the name Uchiha Tsukiko, his expression darkened.

Uchiha Tsukiko—a name that had already begun making waves in the shinobi world.

Possessing both Wood Release and the Mangekyō Sharingan, this was no ordinary genius.

From Ōnoki's perspective, Uchiha Tsukiko's potential might even rival that of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama in their prime.

"He must not be allowed to grow any stronger." Ōnoki made a firm decision in his heart.

The previous assassination attempt in collaboration with Kumogakure had failed, but he was not about to give up.

Uchiha Tsukiko was a significant threat to Iwagakure's future. If left unchecked, he could become an insurmountable obstacle. He had to be eliminated as soon as possible.

Ōnoki immediately adjusted Iwagakure's battle strategy.

Originally, he had planned to focus on the Land of Rain, securing more resources and territory. But now, his priority shifted—his target was Konoha's ninja forces.

Hanzo of the Salamander might be troublesome, but eliminating Uchiha Tsukiko was far more urgent.

"Deal with Konoha first, then clean up Amegakure afterward." Ōnoki smirked coldly.

He understood that if Uchiha Tsukiko could be killed on the battlefield, not only would Konoha's strength suffer, but it would also send a clear message to the entire shinobi world—proof of Iwagakure's dominance.

With that, Ōnoki issued new orders. Iwagakure's ninja forces silently shifted course, closing in on Konoha's troops.

The fate-defining battle between these two sides was now inevitable.

—

Konoha's forces remained on high alert at the front lines, completely unaware that, beyond the looming threat of Amegakure, another storm was approaching—one from Iwagakure.

At the forefront stood Uchiha Tsukiko, his sharp gaze scanning the distance like an eagle.

He had no idea that Ōnoki had designated him as the prime target for elimination.

As the battle approached, an intense showdown between Konoha and Iwagakure was now unavoidable.

Konoha's forces, en route to the Land of Rain, were suddenly ambushed by Iwagakure's ninja forces.

For a moment, Konoha's ninjas were caught off guard. They had been expecting a battle against Amegakure, not an attack from Iwagakure.

This unexpected assault disrupted their plans, but the battle-hardened Konoha ninjas quickly adjusted, swiftly organizing their defense.

At the forefront, Uchiha Tsukiko's eyes gleamed sharply.

He immediately realized that this was no random encounter—Iwagakure's attack was premeditated.

Without hesitation, he issued orders for the troops to prepare for battle while also trying to deduce Iwagakure's true intentions.

On the other side of the battlefield, Ōnoki calmly directed Iwagakure's forces.

He knew this skirmish wouldn't be enough to defeat Konoha outright, but his goal was to probe their strength—especially that of Uchiha Tsukiko. He needed more intel for the battles to come.

The fight erupted fiercely. Iwagakure's shinobi fought relentlessly, charging like a raging tide against Konoha's defenses.

However, under the command of Uchiha Tsukiko, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, Konoha's forces displayed extraordinary resilience.

Working together, they leveraged their superior teamwork, traps, and powerful jutsu to hold the enemy at bay.

Uchiha Tsukiko stood at the very front, his Mangekyō Sharingan glowing a menacing crimson as he analyzed every detail of the battlefield with precision.

He remained unfazed by the enemy's onslaught, unleashing Wood Release and Fire Release techniques to suppress the waves of attackers, preventing them from breaking through Konoha's lines.

Tsunade, positioned in the rear, established a makeshift medical station, providing swift treatment for the wounded.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru and Jiraiya led counteroffensives from their respective flanks, keeping Iwagakure's shinobi in check.

Both sides fought fiercely, the battlefield engulfed in chaos.

As time passed, Iwagakure's forces began to realize that they were unable to breach Konoha's defenses.

Seeing this, Ōnoki made a decisive call to withdraw.

He understood that while this skirmish hadn't achieved a decisive victory, he had gathered crucial intelligence—especially regarding Uchiha Tsukiko's abilities.

"Retreat!" Ōnoki commanded.

Following his order, Iwagakure's shinobi swiftly withdrew, leaving behind a battlefield littered with casualties and destruction.

Konoha's forces had successfully repelled the assault, but not without cost.

As Uchiha Tsukiko watched the retreating Iwagakure forces, doubts swirled in his mind.

Why had Iwagakure launched this attack at such a time?

It was clearly just a probing maneuver. The real conspiracy was yet to unfold.

He knew that the battles ahead would be even tougher, and that they had to be more cautious than ever.

Following the skirmish, Konoha's troops heightened their vigilance, ready to respond to any impending threats.

Uchiha Tsukiko understood that this war was far more complicated than he had initially thought.

—

After the battle, Konoha's army quickly regrouped under the leadership of Uchiha Tsukiko, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.

The wounded were treated by medical ninjas, equipment was repaired, and soldiers replenished their strength in preparation for the next engagement.

Meanwhile, Konoha dispatched reconnaissance teams in all directions to gather intelligence.

It wasn't long before the scouts returned with alarming news—Amegakure's forces were rapidly mobilizing, seemingly preparing for an all-out attack on Konoha's troops.

This development left the frontline commanders uneasy.

Amegakure was not about to miss an opportunity for retaliation.

Uchiha Tsukiko, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya immediately convened an emergency strategy meeting.

Inside the command tent, the four of them gathered around a battle map, the atmosphere tense.

Orochimaru spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

"Iwagakure's sudden attack has disrupted our plans. If Amegakure attacks now, we'll be forced into a two-front war. That puts us at a severe disadvantage."

Jiraiya nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. Amegakure's forces may be smaller, but their ninja excel at guerrilla warfare. Combined with the treacherous terrain, a two-front battle could easily turn against us."

Tsunade furrowed her brows in deep thought.

"We need to decide our approach quickly. We can't afford to engage both enemies at once. We must make a choice."

The situation had become more dire than expected.

With Iwagakure lurking in the shadows and Amegakure preparing for a full-scale assault, Konoha's forces now stood on the precipice of a difficult battle—one that would determine the course of the war.

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