Chapter 223

Leaf Village almost declared war on the entire ninja world, instantly igniting the entire ninja world!

Translation: Leaf Village almost declared war on the entire ninja world, instantly igniting the entire ninja world!

Leaf Village almost declared war on the entire ninja world, instantly igniting the entire ninja world!

Leaf Village almost declared war on the entire ninja world, instantly igniting the entire ninja world!

We need to keep exclamation mark. Ensure no extra words.

No one expected that Cloud Village, Rock Village, and Sand Village would be so brave, leading a group of small countries to dare attack Leaf Village in the Chunin exams!

Translation: No one expected that Cloud Village, Rock Village, and Sand Village would be so brave, leading a group of small countries to dare attack Leaf Village in the Chunin exams!

No one expected that Cloud Village, Rock Village, and Sand Village would be so brave, leading a group of small countries to dare attack Leaf Village in the Chunin exams!

We need to keep question mark at end.

Even though they always knew these people were brave, after all they were each members of the five great ninja villages, but being brave to this extent truly leaves one in awe.

Translation: Even though they always knew these people were brave, after all they were each members of the five great ninja villages, but being brave to this extent truly leaves one in awe.

Even though they always knew these people were brave, after all they were each members of the five great ninja villages, but being brave to this extent truly leaves one in awe.

We need period.

The most critical thing is that Leaf Village's reaction would be this strong; even though this is normal, after all their home was stolen.

Translation: The most critical thing is that Leaf Village's reaction would be this strong; even though this is normal, after all their home was stolen.

The most critical thing is that Leaf Village's reaction would be this strong; even though this is normal, after all their home was stolen.

We need period.

But declaring war on so many villages at once—can Leaf Village really withstand it?

Translation: But declaring war on so many villages at once—can Leaf Village really withstand it?

But declaring war on so many villages at once—can Leaf Village really withstand it?

We need question mark.

But regardless of whether it can withstand it, in the coming period Leaf Village has already begun mobilizing troops together with Mist Village!

Translation: But regardless of whether it can withstand it, in the coming period Leaf Village has already begun mobilizing troops together with Mist Village!

But regardless of whether it can withstand it, in the coming period Leaf Village has already begun mobilizing troops together with Mist Village!

We need exclamation.

Now everyone knows one thing: the ninja world is really going to fall into chaos.

Translation: Now everyone knows one thing: the ninja world is really going to fall into chaos.

Now everyone knows one thing: the ninja world is really going to fall into chaos.

We'll keep period.

The cruelty of ninja village wars has long surpassed what the ninja clan model can compare to; it's more large-scale, concrete, and professional warfare—once such large-scale war breaks out, the consequences are unimaginable!

Translation: The cruelty of ninja village wars has long surpassed what the ninja clan model can compare to; it's more large-scale, concrete, and professional warfare—once such large-scale war breaks out, the consequences are unimaginable!

The cruelty of ninja village wars has long surpassed what the ninja clan model can compare to; it's more large-scale, concrete, and professional warfare—once such large-scale war breaks out, the consequences are unimaginable!

We need exclamation.

Especially, they all have tailed beasts.

Translation: "Especially, they all have tailed beasts."

Especially, they all have tailed beasts.

We need to keep quotes? The source includes Chinese quotation marks 「」. Should we keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully; we should preserve punctuation but not necessarily the Chinese quotes? Usually we replace with English quotes. We'll use English double quotes. So output: "Especially, they all have tailed beasts."

We need to keep the period inside? We'll put period after closing quote.

Tailed beasts are a topic no one can escape; once such terrifying monstrous beasts go berserk, they bring only death and destruction!

Translation: Tailed beasts are a topic no one can escape; once such terrifying monstrous beasts go berserk, they bring only death and destruction!

Tailed beasts are a topic no one can escape; once such terrifying monstrous beasts go berserk, they bring only death and destruction!

We need exclamation.

However, while everyone was anxious, in Leaf Village everything appeared extremely peaceful.

Translation: However, while everyone was anxious, in Leaf Village everything appeared extremely peaceful.

However, while everyone was anxious, in Leaf Village everything appeared extremely peaceful.

We need period.

Have all the matters that needed to be notified been notified?

Translation: "Have all the matters that needed to be notified been notified?"

Have all the matters that needed to be notified been notified?

We need question mark inside quotes.

In the Hokage Office, Yuzhi casually asked while looking at the documents in hand.

Translation: In the Hokage Office, Yuzhi casually asked while looking at the documents in hand.

In the Hokage Office, Yuzhi casually asked while looking at the documents in hand.

We need period.

Do not lay hands on civilians; as much as possible, focus on persuading and comforting them, do not use their belongings, and lodging is also not allowed!

Translation: "Do not lay hands on civilians; as much as possible, focus on persuading and comforting them, do not use their belongings, and lodging is also not allowed!"

Do not lay hands on civilians; as much as possible, focus on persuading and comforting them, do not use their belongings, and lodging is also not allowed!

We need exclamation inside quotes.

Leaf Village has its own camp and supplies; if they are having difficulties, we can share some of our supplies with them.

Translation: Leaf Village has its own camp and supplies; if they are having difficulties, we can share some of our supplies with them.

Leaf Village has its own camp and supplies; if they are having difficulties, we can share some of our supplies with them.

We need period.

Don't worry about us not having enough; the feudal lord has already expressed full support, so we don't need to worry about these logistical issues.

Translation: "Don't worry about us not having enough; the feudal lord has already expressed full support, so we don't need to worry about these logistical issues."

Don't worry about us not having enough; the feudal lord has already expressed full support, so we don't need to worry about these logistical issues.

Don't worry about us not having enough; the feudal lord has already expressed full support, so we don't need to worry about these logistical issues.

Please rest assured, Hokage, we have already notified these matters and arranged specialized dark units and management personnel to go to each unit.

Translation: "Please rest assured, Hokage, we have already notified these matters and arranged specialized dark units and management personnel to go to each unit."

Please rest assured, Hokage, we have already notified these matters and arranged specialized dark units and management personnel to go to each unit.

We need period inside quotes.

Seeing Yuzhi emphasize this again, Minato immediately stood up and spoke loudly, while the other meeting participants also nodded.

Translation: Seeing Yuzhi emphasize this again, Minato immediately stood up and spoke loudly, while the other meeting participants also nodded.

Seeing Yuzhi emphasize this again, Minato immediately stood up and spoke loudly, while the other meeting participants also nodded.

We need period.

Since the declaration of war and the start of mobilizing ninjas, this matter has already been comprehensively emphasized and has also been required to be written into the ninja handbook.

Translation: Since the declaration of war and the start of mobilizing ninjas, this matter has already been comprehensively emphasized and has also been required to be written into the ninja handbook.

Since the declaration of war and the start of mobilizing ninjas, this matter has already been comprehensively emphasized and has also been required to be written into the ninja handbook.

We need period.

Although many ninjas think this seems somewhat unnecessary, they also suspect it might be preparation for subsequently annexing them.

Translation: Although many ninjas think this seems somewhat unnecessary, they also suspect it might be preparation for subsequently annexing them.

Although many ninjas think this seems somewhat unnecessary, they also suspect it might be preparation for subsequently annexing them.

We need question mark.

In fact, what these ninjas thought is not wrong; having seized that much territory, Yuzhi will not relinquish any of it—annexing it all is completely normal!

Translation: In fact, what these ninjas thought is not wrong; having seized that much territory, Yuzhi will not relinquish any of it—annexing it all is completely normal!

In fact, what these ninjas thought is not wrong; having seized that much territory, Yuzhi will not relinquish any of it—annexing it all is completely normal!

We need exclamation.

Although Yuzhi had already begun shaping public opinion, conducting cultural outreach to all surrounding countries.

Translation: Although Yuzhi had already begun shaping public opinion, conducting cultural outreach to all surrounding countries.

Although Yuzhi had already begun shaping public opinion, conducting cultural outreach to all surrounding countries.

We need period.

But the problem is, even his previous life's nine-year compulsory education would have 'fish that slipped through the net,' so wanting comprehensive coverage is not that simple.

Translation: But the problem is, even his previous life's nine-year compulsory education would have 'fish that slipped through the net,' so wanting comprehensive coverage is not that simple.

But the problem is, even his previous life's nine-year compulsory education would have 'fish that slipped through the net,' so wanting comprehensive coverage is not that simple.

We need period.

Moreover, cultural publicity is important—actually making others see that they think the same way and striving toward that goal is even more important!

Translation: Moreover, cultural publicity is important—actually making others see that they think the same way and striving toward that goal is even more important!

Moreover, cultural publicity is important—actually making others see that they think the same way and striving toward that goal is even more important!

We need exclamation.

In Yuzhi's previous life, not to mention his own country, even the old hairy next door knew this.

Translation: In Yuzhi's previous life, not to mention his own country, even the old hairy next door knew this.

In Yuzhi's previous life, not to mention his own country, even the old hairy next door knew this.

We need period.

Yuzhi never served in the military, but he clearly understands 'people's hearts'; moreover, he even has an uncle who once fought against the monkeys next door.

Translation: Yuzhi never served in the military, but he clearly understands 'people's hearts'; moreover, he even has an uncle who once fought against the monkeys next door.

Yuzhi never served in the military, but he clearly understands 'people's hearts'; moreover, he even has an uncle who once fought against the monkeys next door.

We need period.

He told Yuzhi that back then they had received considerable help from local elders, precisely because the next door acted inhumanely, and they gave considerable aid to the local elders, resulting in.

Translation: He told Yuzhi that back then they had received considerable help from local elders, precisely because the next door acted inhumanely, and they gave considerable aid to the local elders, resulting in.

He told Yuzhi that back then they had received considerable help from local elders, precisely because the next door acted inhumanely, and they gave considerable aid to the local elders, resulting in.

We need period.

I'm not bragging—I know exactly which tent the neighboring commander is stationed in, what the meeting minutes are, and even when the troops might move out!

Translation: "I'm not bragging—I know exactly which tent the neighboring commander is stationed in, what the meeting minutes are, and even when the troops might move out!"

I'm not bragging—I know exactly which tent the neighboring commander is stationed in, what the meeting minutes are, and even when the troops might move out!

We need exclamation inside quotes.

Yuzhi still remembers when his uncle, drunk, said those words to him, which also gave young Yuzhi a tremendous shock.

Translation: Yuzhi still remembers when his uncle, drunk, said those words to him, which also gave young Yuzhi a tremendous shock.

Yuzhi still remembers when his uncle, drunk, said those words to him, which also gave young Yuzhi a tremendous shock.

We need period.

Adding the Northern Border Great Hairy's actions, he hardly needed to think more before making this decision.

Translation: Adding the Northern Border Great Hairy's actions, he hardly needed to think more before making this decision.

Adding the Northern Border Great Hairy's actions, he hardly needed to think more before making this decision.

We need period.

Then it's set; the orders issued must be strictly enforced.

Translation: "Then it's set; the orders issued must be strictly enforced."

Then it's set; the orders issued must be strictly enforced.

We need period inside quotes.

Yuzhi nodded, then he said with a smile.

Translation: Yuzhi nodded, then he said with a smile.

Yuzhi nodded, then he said with a smile.

We need period.

Then you'll have to work hard too, after all you're also the commander of this operation.

Translation: "Then you'll have to work hard too, after all you're also the commander of this operation."

Then you'll have to work hard too, after all you're also the commander of this operation.

We need period inside quotes.

Tch, I'm still the commander.

Translation: "Tch, I'm still the commander."

Tch, I'm still the commander.

We need period inside quotes.

Ziraiye tilted his head to the side, but soon he got an elbow from Tsunade beside him, and the Third Generation couldn't help but smile slightly.

Translation: Ziraiye tilted his head to the side, but soon he got an elbow from Tsunade beside him, and the Third Generation couldn't help but smile slightly.

Ziraiye tilted his head to the side, but soon he got an elbow from Tsunade beside him, and the Third Generation couldn't help but smile slightly.

We need period.

Although Leaf Village is deploying on multiple fronts this time, even with Mist Village's help, personnel allocation will still be somewhat strained.

Translation: Although Leaf Village is deploying on multiple fronts this time, even with Mist Village's help, personnel allocation will still be somewhat strained.

Although Leaf Village is deploying on multiple fronts this time, even with Mist Village's help, personnel allocation will still be somewhat strained.

We need period.

However, strained personnel does not mean there will be any trouble or loopholes in their high-level strength!

Translation: However, strained personnel does not mean there will be any trouble or loopholes in their high-level strength!

However, strained personnel does not mean there will be any trouble or loopholes in their high-level strength!

We need exclamation.

What Leaf Village has the most of right now is high-level strength.

Translation: What Leaf Village has the most of right now is high-level strength.

What Leaf Village has the most of right now is high-level strength.

We need period.

This operation, Ziraiye is in charge of Cloud Village, which is also a return to his old stomping grounds, since he originally handled the standoff with Cloud Village.

Translation: This operation, Ziraiye is in charge of Cloud Village, which is also a return to his old stomping grounds, since he originally handled the standoff with Cloud Village.

This operation, Ziraiye is in charge of Cloud Village, which is also a return to his old stomping grounds, since he originally handled the standoff with Cloud Village.

We need period.

The Sand Village side was handed to Tsunade; Sand Village excels at poison, and puppet masters generally fear taijutsu ninjas, so Tsunade can fully demonstrate his value.

Translation: The Sand Village side was handed to Tsunade; Sand Village excels at poison, and puppet masters generally fear taijutsu ninjas, so Tsunade can fully demonstrate his value.

The Sand Village side was handed to Tsunade; Sand Village excels at poison, and puppet masters generally fear taijutsu ninjas, so Tsunade can fully demonstrate his value.

We need period.

Moreover, for this trip to Sand Village, Yuzhi deliberately had Qimu Suzuma accompany him, hoping to also give that side a 'small shock'.

Translation: Moreover, for this trip to Sand Village, Yuzhi deliberately had Qimu Suzuma accompany him, hoping to also give that side a 'small shock'.

Moreover, for this trip to Sand Village, Yuzhi deliberately had Qimu Suzuma accompany him, hoping to also give that side a 'small shock'.

We need period.

As for Rock Village, naturally it was given to the Minato whom Rock Village despises most.

Translation: As for Rock Village, naturally it was given to the Minato whom Rock Village despises most.

As for Rock Village, naturally it was given to the Minato whom Rock Village despises most.

We need period.

Although initially the commander of this Rock Village front was Ziraiye, it was truly Minato who struck terror into Rock Village!

Translation: Although initially the commander of this Rock Village front was Ziraiye, it was truly Minato who struck terror into Rock Village!

Although initially the commander of this Rock Village front was Ziraiye, it was truly Minato who struck terror into Rock Village!

We need exclamation.

The record of instantly killing fifty ninjas with one's own power is still extremely exaggerated even today, so assigning this task to Minato is the best decision.

Translation: The record of instantly killing fifty ninjas with one's own power is still extremely exaggerated even today, so assigning this task to Minato is the best decision.

The record of instantly killing fifty ninjas with one's own power is still extremely exaggerated even today, so assigning this task to Minato is the best decision.

We need period.

As for the big burly guys on the Cloud Village side, are they especially adept at strength-and-speed clashes?

Translation: As for the big burly guys on the Cloud Village side, are they especially adept at strength-and-speed clashes?

As for the big burly guys on the Cloud Village side, are they especially adept at strength-and-speed clashes?

We need question mark.

On Leaf Village's side, it's not just one person who knows Flying Thunder God!

Translation: On Leaf Village's side, it's not just one person who knows Flying Thunder God!

On Leaf Village's side, it's not just one person who knows Flying Thunder God!

We need exclamation.

Speaking of which, how are the preparations of the Second Generation?

Translation: "Speaking of which, how are the preparations of the Second Generation?"

Speaking of which, how are the preparations of the Second Generation?

We need question mark inside quotes.

Yuzhi stroked his chin, suddenly thought of something, and then asked.

Translation: Yuzhi stroked his chin, suddenly thought of something, and then asked.

Yuzhi stroked his chin, suddenly thought of something, and then asked.

We need period.

The war has basically already begun; if he doesn't speed up a bit, he'll probably really miss out.

Translation: "The war has basically already begun; if he doesn't speed up a bit, he'll probably really miss out."

The war has basically already begun; if he doesn't speed up a bit, he'll probably really miss out.

We need period inside quotes.

Fumen has already made full preparations; now he's just waiting to revive himself.

Translation: "Fumen has already made full preparations; now he's just waiting to revive himself."

Fumen has already made full preparations; now he's just waiting to revive himself.

We need period inside quotes.

ZhuZhang hearing this couldn't help but laugh; this time, with foreign enemies invading Leaf Village, he didn't lift a finger—according to his own words, there was no need to involve him at all.

Translation: ZhuZhang hearing this couldn't help but laugh; this time, with foreign enemies invading Leaf Village, he didn't lift a finger—according to his own words, there was no need to involve him at all.

ZhuZhang hearing this couldn't help but laugh; this time, with foreign enemies invading Leaf Village, he didn't lift a finger—according to his own words, there was no need to involve him at all.

We need period.

But ZhuZhang knows his younger brother probably feels unwilling, after all the 'prosperous era' of 'all heroes gathering for a grand event' he could only sip soy sauce, and he himself can't stand it either.

Translation: But ZhuZhang knows his younger brother probably feels unwilling, after all the 'prosperous era' of 'all heroes gathering for a grand event' he could only sip soy sauce, and he himself can't stand it either.

But ZhuZhang knows his younger brother probably feels unwilling, after all the 'prosperous era' of 'all heroes gathering for a grand event' he could only sip soy sauce, and he himself can't stand it either.

We need period.

Now that Leaf Village is launching a counteroffensive, wanting to turn the peaceful ninja world into a hotbed of 'vibrant life, myriad things competing to grow,' he doesn't want to miss it no matter what.

Translation: Now that Leaf Village is launching a counteroffensive, wanting to turn the peaceful ninja world into a hotbed of 'vibrant life, myriad things competing to grow,' he doesn't want to miss it no matter what.

Now that Leaf Village is launching a counteroffensive, wanting to turn the peaceful ninja world into a hotbed of 'vibrant life, myriad things competing to grow,' he doesn't want to miss it no matter what.

We need period.

Especially since Leaf Village is going to act against Cloud Village, he absolutely doesn't want to miss it—back then he died in Cloud Village.

Translation: Especially since Leaf Village is going to act against Cloud Village, he absolutely doesn't want to miss it—back then he died in Cloud Village.

Especially since Leaf Village is going to act against Cloud Village, he absolutely doesn't want to miss it—back then he died in Cloud Village.

We need period? The line ends abruptly; we keep as is.

Have to say, Senju Fumen is still a petty, evil 'little devil'!

Translation: Have to say, Senju Fumen is still a petty, evil 'little devil'!

Have to say, Senju Fumen is still a petty, evil 'little devil'!

We need exclamation.

Then it's set, but this matter will trouble Senior ZhuZhang.

Translation: "Then it's set, but this matter will trouble Senior ZhuZhang."

Then it's set, but this matter will trouble Senior ZhuZhang.

We need period inside quotes.

Yuzhi hearing this wasn't surprised; he lightly nodded and then looked at ZhuZhang with some curiosity.

Translation: Yuzhi hearing this wasn't surprised; he lightly nodded and then looked at ZhuZhang with some curiosity.

Yuzhi hearing this wasn't surprised; he lightly nodded and then looked at ZhuZhang with some curiosity.

We need period.

Senior ZhuZhang, do you seem happy? What happy thing did you encounter?

Translation: "Senior ZhuZhang, do you seem happy? What happy thing did you encounter?"

Senior ZhuZhang, do you seem happy? What happy thing did you encounter?

We need question mark inside quotes.

I guess so.

Translation: "I guess so."

I guess so.

We need period inside quotes.

ZhuZhang's smile remained unchanged, he lightly nodded and said.

Perhaps it's because peace is about to arrive; anyone would be glad about this.

At this point, ZhuZhang's gaze turned to the window, and his smile grew even brighter.

Peace is one side, and the other side is Ban.

This time, he has already met Ban, understood Ban, and completed the final "decision".

All that has passed has already become vapor; now he hopes that when the present ends, they will have a better future—

The march of war draws ever nearer; after the Leaf Village forces finish gathering, they head straight toward the front line.

This time, besides the "veterans" from the third war, many newcomers have joined, even some outstanding freshly graduated Genin have been summoned!

Naruto, Sasuke, and Ningji naturally aren't missed, and likewise clan ninjas like Dingji, Shikamaru and Ino haven't escaped.

However, Leaf Village's recruitment of Genin in this age bracket remains restrained, since they are indeed quite young.

Besides that, they aren't the only ones who need to level up properly!

Over the years, Leaf Village's talent pipeline has never stopped, but because there hasn't been intense war, no young ones have risen.

Not looking far back, the generation that grew up with Itachi Uchiha includes many youths; now each is sixteen or seventeen, and they form the main force.

Further down to Naruto's level, there are five grades of "still nursing" youths; they are already qualified ninjas and urgently need experience.

The Leaf Village Ninja System, excluding unsuitable students, low‑rank Genin, academy teachers, and civilian staff, still numbers tens of thousands.

Although launching an attack on the entire ninja world is somewhat insufficient, Leaf Village's talent reserve truly hasn't lagged, and this is credited as a joint achievement of Minato and Yuzhi.

As Leaf ninjas each set out toward their battlefields, the other villages have truly begun to descend into chaos.

In every village, people are anxious; although they are gathering forces, everyone knows this time is dangerous.

"Our Kage have all been captured, the vanguard annihilated, and Leaf Village still has so many terrifying people; can we really succeed?"

"Moreover, we are the same as Leaf Village people—same culture, same history and language; if Mist Village can side with us, why can't we?"

These two thoughts keep circulating among the three great ninja villages, while the small nations have gone completely silent; to be precise, they've become somewhat numb.

Moreover, at this stage, the small nations' voices aren't heard at all, and no one cares about them.

"Everyone, let's discuss what we should do now."

Fortunately, in this most difficult phase, the leaders of the major villages can still maintain a certain composure.

Even though they know the situation is truly dangerous, they must stay calm; otherwise they'll be completely doomed.

Hailao Cang sat before the video, watching the sorrowful faces on screen, and sighed helplessly before speaking.

"So, have you all already prepared to surrender?"

"Surrender is impossible; the village is the hard work of our predecessors, we are already different from Leaf Village, and I will never allow surrender!"

Tuta shook his head at those words; this is indeed something he won't permit—if we truly surrendered, how could we answer the Cloud Village elders?

Because the Fourth Raikage was captured and Qi La Bi disappeared—most likely also taken prisoner—Tuta, as Cloud Village's third‑rank figure, naturally became the "Acting Raikage".

And his task is to carry out the former Raikage's will; he would rather die in battle than see his village and land swallowed by Leaf Village!

"First, let's discuss a plan; Leaf Village has already moved."

Huang Tu sighed helplessly; at this moment he looked especially disheveled.

He had been in Leaf Village before, but everything happened so fast that before he could act, he was already besieged by Leaf Village Jonin.

If Dida La hadn't reacted quickly and fled with him, he probably would have been left behind in Leaf Village!

Dida La's operation this time was also unusually unsuccessful; he originally intended to indiscriminately bomb a key Leaf facility.

Before he could act, Leaf forces swarmed and beat him; barely managing to lift off amid the chakra tide's rumble, he found himself already defeated.

Having no choice, he could only run back with the nearest Huang Tu.

It can be said that this time they truly suffered more than a simple defeat!

Now Dida La looks dazed, and no one knows what he's thinking all day, but Huang Tu is too lazy to bother.

He actually doesn't have much goodwill toward Dida La; who could tolerate a guy daring to set off explosions inside the village, except perhaps his father?

"We really should find a way."

Tuta nodded, and spoke with utmost seriousness.

"Leaf Village has already acted; without a good solution we truly cannot resist, and they have many strong ones over there, while we—"

"So, what about those Akatsuki Organization members?"

Hailao Cang heard this and immediately asked.

"This time the Akatsuki members seem to contribute little; did they actually go to Leaf Village?"

"Yes, I can prove that."

Huang Tu frowned and said, Tuta's previous words seemed to hit his heart; he answered while pondering.

"However, they didn't even have time to do anything; our people were already surrounded, and Leaf's strong ones are many, so they could only retreat in the end."

"Although that's the case, I think they are still trustworthy, because their hatred toward Leaf is deep."

"Everyone is aware of the Akatsuki's hatred toward Leaf, and it must be said that the Akatsuki members' strength is indeed formidable."

"Just the thought that such a large village now has its mind entirely on relying on this rebel‑ninja‑formed organization makes them feel somewhat resentful."

"What exactly do they need to give their all, we must know a definite answer."

Though feeling uneasy, Tuta solemnly asked.

"I will get to the bottom of this problem; I will definitely give everyone a definite answer."

Huang Tu nodded seriously, saying that this issue indeed needs clarification, and regardless, the Akatsuki members are still very valuable!

Moreover, at this moment Huang Tu recalled something; he hadn't forgotten that someone had quietly approached them and provided a lot of Leaf Village intelligence.

Whether that person is alive or dead is hard to judge, but at this stage, their value seems to have increased.

If they can use this person for something, perhaps they truly still have some chance!

"Everyone, I've been pondering a question."

After a moment of silence, Huang Tu then solemnly opened his mouth to ask.

If I have a way to let our seniors, our first, second, etc. Hokage all awaken and participate in this war,

Although this method would somewhat desecrate the souls of our seniors and disturb their sleep, in this critical moment, do you all think this method is effective?

——

You actually thought of using such a method?

In an underground chamber within Rock Village, Danzo's face grew somewhat solemn as he sank into thought; he now also faced a major problem.

Although the failure of these Rock Village people let him breathe a little easier, it immediately made him feel especially displeased.

Despite having provided so much intelligence, these people still managed to lose in such a pathetic state, and even allowed Leaf Village to capture their shadows.

Even judging from some scattered reports, Leaf Village seems to have suffered no harm at all; if this continues, what right does he have to criticize Yuzhi, this incompetent Hokage?

If, taking advantage of the current low morale of the major ninja villages, we let this damned Yuzhi in one go achieve the great feat of 'expanding territory and opening up land,' what chance would he have left?

Thinking of this, Danzo's face twisted somewhat, especially now that Leaf Village has set out; this truly makes him unable to accept it!

Must I really spend my whole life hiding like a rat in the sewers?

Just thinking of Yuzhi's evaluation of him, even though he is unwilling to admit it from the bottom of his heart, the fact is he is now truly no different from a rat in the sewers.

Plans cannot keep up with changes; although Danzo has always understood this principle, Leaf Village becoming this strong, and Yuzhi being this strong, is truly not what he wishes to see!

So, should we help them revive those former shadows to counter Leaf Village?

Danzo frowned, thinking to himself, if Leaf Village does not suffer large-scale losses, then Yuzhi's position will be unshakable.

If Leaf Village does not carry out advantageous retaliation for this matter, then he will be even less able to attack Yuzhi through public opinion.

Therefore, no matter how you look at it, assisting these Yellow Earth people in performing the 'Impure World Reincarnation' seems advantageous, but if this matter were exposed, he would then have absolutely no chance!

How exactly should I choose.

Danzo pulled an old face into deep thought, still hoping to become Hokage, and now this is his most critical moment.

To do, or not to do.

To gamble, or not to gamble.

At this moment, Danzo had completely fallen into predicament, and in his mind two little figures seemed to appear.

One told him to do it, this being his only chance, while the other told him: 'Good, good!'

I, the old man, have done it!

Moments later, Danzo suddenly slapped the table and stood up, his eyes filled with resolve.

If I cannot push that evil Uchiha guy from the Hokage position, then I, the old man, will ultimately be unable to control Leaf Village.

Only Leaf Village under my leadership is truly correct; therefore this guy must be kicked off the stage of history, and I must erase his traces in Leaf Village!

After all, Danzo's long-held inner desire prevailed, and he finally made a decision that goes against his ancestors.

Moreover, Danzo had indeed given it thorough thought; he clearly knows that everyone in Leaf Village now looks to Yuzhi, and as long as he makes no mistake, Yuzhi will not step down.

And Yuzhi is a smart person; whether it's handling the Uchiha clan or the Police Force, his ability and wisdom have already been proven.

Expecting him to make a mistake is unlikely; thus the only other way to make him step down is public opinion!

Although public opinion is, in Danzo's view, utterly worthless, after all he has always maintained 'the people have the right to know, and he also has the right to remain silent'.

As long as I don't speak, as long as someone dares to stir up trouble, or if I eliminate those who stir up trouble, there would be no problem; Danzo has always been experienced in such matters.

But when the pressure cannot be contained, that is when a flood erupts, and Danzo can completely act as the one pushing it!

You won't make a mistake, right? Then I will force you to make a mistake elsewhere.

As long as enough people die and the delay is long enough, the populace's war enthusiasm will decline.

Danzo silently murmured to himself, his eyes, as dead as ashes, full of sharp light.

By then, even if you want to stop, you won't be able to; all war losses will be calculated on your head, and then I will be secure!

Danzo clenched his fists; although he is a dead man, he also felt his heartbeat quickening.

That is merely a delusion, but he is still exceptionally excited.

Moreover, such entanglement can also reach the point of draining these villages; once I take over Leaf Village, I can continue the counteroffensive, so...

Drain can never be one-sided with Leaf Village being drained alone; likewise, these attacked villages cannot escape, and as long as the drain is large enough, it is not a bad thing for him!

Moreover, Impure World Reincarnation is in his hands; as long as he can control Leaf Village, he can completely turncoat in one strike, thoroughly changing everything.

Looks like I already know what to do!

Danzo clenched his fists; the remaining matters have become simple, as long as he masters Impure World Reincarnation and does not inform anyone that they are being controlled.

Besides that, it's an identity issue; after careful thought, he believes that as long as he lets these people not reveal themselves one by one, that's fine, and he has even already figured out the rationale!

If we do this, perhaps Leaf Village will also notice and adopt the same method; by then, what it will become, nobody knows.

Moreover, this technique is Leaf Village's; they have a way to dispel it, so not letting people know is the correct choice.

Besides that, if you let your people die and then know they can be summoned back, what consequences would that have on ethics and thought?

Therefore, we must not lightly expose that we have this ability, especially not exposing my existence, which is crucial.

Danzo took a deep breath; with this reason, there will absolutely be no problem, and the rest is just slowly, step by step, realizing his dream!

——

Lord Madara, are you speaking the truth?

In the Land of Waterfalls, Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu sit together, and beside them are Black Zetsu, Obito Uchiha, and Itachi Uchiha, whose face looks somewhat gloomy.

The Leaf Village delegation, each of them, has a profound impact on them.

Obito and Itachi Uchiha need no further words; they have once again been beaten to the point of losing their bearings, and this crushing defeat again fills their hearts with sorrow and indignation.

Even if they cannot understand why they have become this way, that deep defeat has already been etched into their hearts.

Obito now only hopes that Nagato will quickly finish collecting the tailed beasts' chakra; this time Nagato did not act, and according to the information he later transmitted, he is gathering the tailed beasts' chakra.

Yuzhi has set his sights on the tailed beasts, so he naturally dare not act rashly; therefore he can only wait for the tailed beasts' chakra to overflow, and now he seems to have already gained some harvest.

And Itachi Uchiha was also filled with sorrow and anger; he didn't care at all how the war erupted, his mind was occupied solely by Sasuke's murderous gaze.

He dreamed of saving the Leaf Village, of saving Sasuke, but he realized he was really no different from a clown.

No matter what he did, it was useless; in others' eyes he had always been a despised figure.

If his conviction hadn't been firm, he probably wouldn't have made it this far.

"Even though it's painful, I must endure; Madara Uchiha actually appeared."

He gave Madara Uchiha a vague stare, this being his first time seeing the legendary figure, and his appearance was destined to herald a tragedy.

He had read some records; he knew this guy had once attacked the Leaf Village, and if left unchecked the Leaf Village would certainly face trouble.

"Even if disaster strikes, I must stop it all; no matter what, I will succeed!"

Itachi Uchiha shouted in his heart, but unfortunately he probably heard no words.

The goddess's rejections are all the same, while each sycophantic clown has its own merits.

The Leaf Village was, to him, nothing less than a goddess, and he himself had long been an outright clown, though he was unaware and deluded.

As for Heijue, he now felt a complete sense of decay.

"Why has that guy reached this point?"

Heijue didn't approach the Leaf Village, but that didn't mean he couldn't sense everything happening there, especially since Yuzhi's chakra tide spread so far that it would be hard not to notice!

That surge of power, those fluctuations, that blood‑born, fear‑like aura—all told him that Yuzhi had reached the level of his two great seniors.

Yuzhi had completely transformed, no longer belonging to humanity, and to deal with him they might truly need his mother.

"Why is this happening, how did it happen?"

Heijue couldn't help but shout inside; he once again thought of Uchiha Ying, repeatedly doubting whether that woman was his sister.

Or perhaps she is simply the embodiment of his mother's chakra?

Otherwise, why, with this woman, could Uchiha Haori make such a leap to where he is now?

He just didn't dare to be sure, let alone certain of any of this, since Yuzhi was a typical opponent of the so‑called "Moon Eye Project."

"If we really were to do it, we wouldn't even think about unifying the ninja world; with such power we'd have already captured all the tailed beasts!"

Since it's not that, they must be enemies, but that enemy is perhaps a bit too powerful; Heijue even doubts whether Madara Uchiha becoming the Ten‑Tail jinchuriki makes him a rival.

At times, Heijue truly wonders whether he should do something.

For example, guiding the Alien Overlord?

He still knows about his mother's clan; to deal with Yuzhi it seems only the alien Otsutsuki can manage, but the problem lies in—

"These people also want to kill my mother; what should we do?"

Heijue truly fell into despondency, a deep helplessness and despair spreading in his heart, and now all he could rely on was Madara Uchiha.

Because only Madara Uchiha still has the potential to act; of course Itachi Uchiha isn't without chance, but he hopes there is still time.

And now he heard an even worse piece of news: the Senju Clan's ZhuZhang had revived, leaving them with what chance?

"Yes, that's right, ZhuZhang revived, not Kaguya's reincarnation."

Madara gave a slight nod; his expression turned somewhat cold, seemingly displeased, yet his mind was fully resolved.

ZhuZhang's revival wasn't a bad thing for him, especially since they had already completed the final "cut‑off."

"We must accelerate, Uchiha Haori, Uchiha Ying, and Senju ZhuZhang—none of those guys are easy to handle.

Without absolute power we cannot defeat them, so the Moon Eye Project and the Ten‑Tail Project must both be sped up!

How are things on Nagato's side, and how prepared is he now?

"He said he's controlling a heretical golem to absorb chakra."

Heijue didn't wait for Obito to speak and answered immediately, his heart racing with anxiety.

"Even so, there's still a chakra deficit—take the One‑Tail and the Nine‑Tail; without those forces the heretical golem can't be activated.

Moreover, the chakra is still far short; even if the Ten‑Tail were activated, it likely wouldn't last, and waiting for the Ten‑Tail to brew all its chakra takes time.

But now, time truly isn't on our side.

"I know that problem, but I want to ask you a few questions."

Madara nodded, then gave Heijue a detached stare.

"I recall that Cloud Village had two idiots who entered the Nine‑Tail's belly; they must have Nine‑Tail chakra within them, right?

Furthermore, the former One‑Tail jinchuriki, and even the One‑Tail's seal, should possess such chakra.

By extension, even those jinchuriki who have died—does that mean they no longer hold the tailed‑beast chakra?

It's just Kaguya's reincarnation; I know the technique, so why worry about these issues if we use it properly?

Besides that, the Ten‑Tail brewing all its chakra takes time; besides us, does anyone else know this?

"This"

Heijue instantly grasped Madara's meaning: as long as they display enough deterrence to keep the Leaf Village from acting rashly, they can completely stall time!

Indeed they are currently far behind, but even so, having such power as a foundation…

"Then, when the time comes, we can still do something!"

Thinking of that, Heijue finally smiled and nodded; he truly had a change of heart, and Madara had also changed a lot.

"It seems this time we also have to do something, to prevent the Leaf Village from too easily targeting these villages; their existence can help me draw more vitality."

"Just do it, anyway those villages mean nothing special."

Madara let out a cold snort in his mind; in truth he wished everything would end sooner, letting other villages do as they please, for only when they are destroyed will peace arrive.

Yet, though he thought that, he couldn't speak so bluntly; he tilted his head and continued.

"These villages aren't as significant to us as imagined; if they can buy us a little delay it's best, otherwise it doesn't matter.

Their value at most is to let the Leaf Village showcase more strength, and to let Uchiha Haori expose more of his abilities.

And we only need to observe carefully, waiting for the right moment, and then—

At this point, Ban paused, then gave a meaning‑laden smile.

"Then we can erase all these problems completely."

——

"It seems we truly have set off a war across the entire ninja world."

Inside Leaf Village, at Yuzhi's home.

Hikari leaned on the sofa, looking at Yuzhi beside her, and spoke with a hint of emotion.

"Hmm, indeed it is so."

Yuzhi sat up, casually wrapped an arm around Hikari, and laughed as he spoke.

"But there's no need to be so sentimental; I promised you I'd break this world's shackles and overturn its order.

Now I've already done it, and I'm almost there; the dawn of peace is near. Isn't it fine to be a bit happy?"

"Am I not happy?"

Hikari let out a light laugh and gently shook her head at Yuzhi.

Hikari has never been a saint; few who rise from war feel this way, otherwise her first thought after being unearthed wouldn't be to destroy the world.

As for war casualties, she won't ask or speak much; wars always claim lives.

Especially a war that creates world peace by breaking the original order—there will inevitably be those who die resisting, and bloodshed is inevitable.

"I'm just marveling at how quickly all this arrived, far faster than I imagined."

"Otherwise what?"

Yuzhi rolled his eyes, embraced Hikari, and laughed as he asked.

"Do I have to take another approach, slowly gnawing at them?"

"What kind of gnawing method?"

Hikari was also curious; after all, Yuzhi's mouth always produces oddly strange remarks.

"For example, send some people to their remote border areas and coax the locals into joining us."

Yuzhi recalled the deeds of the ancestors of Eagle Sauce across the ocean, the true ancestors, then made some alterations and said,

"If no one bothers them, we directly clash with the locals; our people suffer casualties, then we can call Leaf Village to dispatch troops to protect 'overseas expatriates'."

With justification, others cannot refuse; finally we force them to compensate, and if they refuse compensation we use land as collateral.

If the coaxing succeeds, we stir these line‑filling babies against locals; if we win, we force the locals to pay, and if they lack money we use land as collateral.

If we lose, we call Leaf Village's troops to protect the expatriates, then force the locals to pay, and if they have no money—

"So we use land as collateral, right?"

Hikari was speechless at Yuzhi's words, shook her head and said,

"It's a way to deal with those so‑called small nations; shameful, yet it does have some logic, since they wouldn't dare complain."

"That is natural."

Yuzhi nodded, then continued as something occurred to him.

"Otherwise, I'll have the Leaf Village juniors learn geography by attacking those places,"

Is this something a person would say?

Hikari looked at Yuzhi and found her husband was indeed a bit over the line.

Although in some aspects he has always been excessive.

Fortunately Yuzhi doesn't know what Hikari is thinking, otherwise he would truly want to educate her.

Before his transmigration, there really was a nation's citizen who learned geography by noting which places his country bombed each year.

"Alright, let's drop that. I think the war won't last much longer, but your issue is more worth my attention,"

Yuzhi embraced Hikari, his hand gently stroking.

"Although you've reached a boundary and even awakened the Rinnegan, overall your power hasn't yet reached the 'Life Metamorphosis' level.

I feel you could advance further; we need to find a suitable time to complete everything.

Besides that, my dear wife, aside from us having no children, everything else has been done; shall we consider the wedding?

Yuzhi has completed the Otsutsuki transformation, but Hikari hasn't done it yet.

It's not that Hikari can't; she feels she needs time to settle, as rising too quickly isn't a good thing for anyone.

Without enough grounding, it's hard to fully wield one's power, and likewise hard to truly understand it; aside from hanging on the wall,

Yuzhi is literally hanging on the wall, and his progress does frustrate him; if he didn't have the 'Divine Ascension Stair', he might not have been so smooth.

This smoothness means he can maximize his power, yet because of the lack of grounding, his handling of details may be somewhat problematic.

But these are minor issues; what he lacks now is not time, and Hikari is the same, and Yuzhi is confident he can help her see it through!

Hikari glanced at Yuzhi, especially looking down at his hands that kept climbing and had already reached the summit; she rolled her eyes but didn't object.

"Let's just finish the final step; after all, I'm not you, lacking your remarkable talent. Anyway we aren't short on time, so we can take it slow."

"Oh."

Yuzhi shook his head; Hikari's decision left him a bit helpless, but it's not a big deal.

With the Rinnegan, Hikari can handle those Otsutsuki who like to cause trouble; even without causing trouble, Hikari wouldn't fear them.

The Rinnegan chakra mode gave Hikari enough power; even though its duration isn't especially long, it's sufficient!

"As for the wedding, though I think we don't need to follow worldly traditions, having such a ceremony isn't bad; what about after everything ends?"

When Hikari said this, she seemed somewhat nonchalant, as if indifferent, but her slightly flushed face showed she did care.

Yuzhi couldn't help but laugh at this, though he didn't mind, since at his level many things are irrelevant.

But a ceremony is still needed, as a sort of accounting between them.

"As for what you said about having a child, I think it's not that you're not trying hard enough?"

Hikari turned slightly, then embraced Yuzhi's neck and spoke softly.

"So, shouldn't you try a bit harder?"

"Hmm, indeed."

Hearing that, Yuzhi's smile widened considerably; he grabbed Hikari and headed straight for the room.

Although the sun hasn't set yet, so what?

Come on, as a man, when it's time to work hard, you must work hard; you can't let others think you're incapable, right?

Just as Yuzhi was about to kick open the door and enter, he suddenly noticed a string of information flashing across his retina.

【Main Quest: Unification of the World Completed】

【Calculating Rewards】

【Calculation Complete】

【Reward Obtained: Soul Smelting Furnace】

"????"