novel bin Chapter 239
Chapter 239
Meanwhile, within the Hidden Mist, Fuguki had already returned. Mei Terumī, however, had been summoned by Elder Gensui.The moment she stepped into the chamber, she knew something was wrong. Besides Gensui, a host of elite jōnin were present, their faces grim.
"Mei," Gensui said slowly, "tell us what happened during the negotiations with Konoha."
Suppressing her doubts, Mei recounted the talks. In truth, there hadn’t been much beyond endless bickering.
"So it really was Mizukage-sama’s order..." Gensui murmured after hearing how Fuguki had suddenly ended the meeting.
"What happened?" Mei asked, unsettled.
"Mizukage-sama has declared war on Konoha," Gensui replied with a weary sigh.
"What?!" Mei’s eyes widened. "Why would he do that? What reason could he possibly have to declare war?"
"We’d like to know as well," said Ao, seated beside Gensui. His tone was grim. "With our current strength, we can’t possibly overpower Konoha."
Ao—the veteran known as the Byakugan Killer—carried his own proof of that war. During the last great war, he had torn the eye from a Hyūga’s skull. To this day, his Byakugan remains the only known one to fall into foreign hands.
"Did no one try to dissuade him?" Mei pressed, frowning.
"He wouldn’t listen," Gensui admitted, shaking his head. "He ignored every word and stubbornly chose war."
The elders were the Mizukage’s equals in status, second only in power—yet even they could not sway him.
"I compromised," Gensui said finally, voice heavy. "Ao will command this war. You all must hold Konoha back on the front lines... while we search for the true reason behind Mizukage-sama’s decision."
—
Kitazawa arrived at the back of Kurenai’s house.
The training ground was scarred with deep craters—each one the mark of her monstrous strength.
"Why are you home so late today?" Kurenai paused her drills, wiped sweat from her brow, and asked.
"There was a last-minute Jonin meeting."
He quickly explained the situation.
"What?" Kurenai stepped closer, eyes flashing. "Then I want to go too!"
"It’ll be dangerous," Kitazawa warned, his expression hesitant.
"My strength has improved a lot. I won’t drag you down!" she said firmly, fists clenched.
Her determined look made him relent at last. Dangerous as it was, the battlefield was also the best training ground.
"When do we leave?" she asked, her tone calm but her gaze serious. She wasn’t careless—she knew exactly what the battlefield meant. She’d survived the Third Ninja War. In terms of experience, she even surpassed him.
"I’m not sure yet. We’ll wait for Lady Tsunade’s orders. Likely within two days."
Kurenai’s eyes lit up. "Lady Tsunade’s leading the unit? Then Konoha’s victory is certain!"
Tsunade’s prestige in the village was unmatched. To most shinobi, she was the pillar of confidence—Kurenai included.
"Mhm." Kitazawa smiled faintly, patting her head. "After lunch, let’s go buy ninja tools and explosive tags."
On the battlefield, such supplies were consumed faster than chakra itself. Missions allowed rest. War didn’t. Having enough weapons and tags could mean survival.
Kitazawa had saved plenty of money but rarely spent it. This time, he finally would.
By sunset, Kitazawa and Kurenai returned with bags stuffed full: explosive tags, kunai, shuriken, and preserved food supplies.
"You cook," Kitazawa said suddenly, then added, "I’ll go ask Lady Tsunade about the situation."
"Alright." Kurenai nodded and went to the kitchen.
Kitazawa crossed next door and knocked.
"Good evening, Kitazawa," Shizune greeted, opening the door.
"Shizune-senpai," he said respectfully as she let him in.
Inside, Tsunade was slumped over a table, asleep amid a mountain of documents. War wasn’t only about soldiers—it was intelligence, sensory units, medics, logistics... and all of it fell on her shoulders as commander.
"Give her a moment," Shizune whispered. "She’s been working since she returned from the Hokage Building."he intelligence was grim—just this morning, the Mist had mobilized. Four thousand shinobi, led by Ao and Suikazan Fuguki, were marching forth.
An all-out offensive.
Any ordinary Mizukage would never risk such recklessness. But this Mizukage... Yagura, a puppet of Obito, had no hesitation. If not for Gensui’s lingering influence, the Mist might have sent even more.
Kitazawa closed the scroll with a heavy sigh. Four thousand shinobi were daunting enough—especially with the advantage of sea terrain and the dreaded Hidden Mist jutsu.
As expected, Yagura himself would not march. That complicated Kitazawa’s mission.
By the second evening, the caravan was overtaken by Tsunade’s main force. Together, the troops halted to make camp.
Kitazawa slipped into Tsunade’s tent.
"You’ve worked hard, Kitazawa," Tsunade greeted from where she lounged on a carpet.
"It wasn’t difficult. We didn’t even encounter an enemy along the way." Kitazawa sat across from her, his gaze brushing the contours revealed by her loosely draped robes.
Her voice snapped him back. "I just received word—the vanguard was ambushed. Heavy losses." She pressed her temples. "The Mist’s Hidden Mist Jutsu is far too effective for surprise attacks."
Kitazawa’s expression hardened. "A poor start will cripple morale."
"You’re right." Tsunade sat up and unfurled a map.
Three crimson marks stood out.
"These are the Mist’s strongholds. If we can crush even one, we’ll turn the tide."
[Mission Triggered: Secure Konoha’s first victory.]
[Reward: Lightning Release — Lightning Blade]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa exhaled slowly. Three missions in as many days. Truly... war is an opportunity.