Chapter 93: Betrayal!

Fujinaka Genma’s arrival made Michimura Yajuan breathe a great sigh of relief—even if it was only a shadow clone, it was worth over a hundred men.

As expected.

Fujinaka Genma did not disappoint him.

On that very day, he killed over fifty Iwa ninja, including chūnin and jōnin, before exhausting his chakra and dispelling the clone.

Though this did not alter the overall battle situation, Fujinaka Genma’s overwhelming combat power and the horrific death toll he inflicted caused the Iwa forces to pause their assault, giving Michimura Yajuan precious moments to catch his breath.

The next day, Omoi received intelligence that Fujinaka Genma’s shadow clone had reappeared on the Grass Country battlefield, instantly enraging him.

But more than anger, there was helplessness.

What could he do?

He could only squeeze every last ounce of Fujinaka Genma’s combat potential.

Thus, every day Omoi coordinated with the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Old Purple, to drain Fujinaka Genma’s energy and prevent him from focusing elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Danzō could only watch from behind with his men.

At this moment, watching Fujinaka Genma fight, he suddenly understood.

“Power requires strength to sustain it!”

If he had sufficient strength now, he could continue leading Konoha to victory and gain even greater prestige.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped down in disgrace, the next Hokage would inevitably be him.

Then he could wield the Hokage’s authority to implement his own talents, his own ideals, and guide Konoha toward greatness, surpassing the Senju era.

Danzō kept imagining this in his mind, his heart swelling with fervor.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Fujinaka Genma, however, was fighting with deep frustration.

He couldn’t unleash his full power, yet he was forced into battles that offered him no gain and little meaning—this was unbearable.

Old Purple was like a cockroach that wouldn’t die; jinchūriki had this advantage—their tailed beast’s power allowed them to recover from injuries at an astonishing rate.

Several times, Fujinaka Genma had considered simply taking the Four-Tails away.

But he couldn’t.

Perhaps White Zetsu or Black Zetsu were hiding nearby, observing his battles and gathering intelligence.

If he revealed his powerful Jin Gang Sealing now, they would surely watch him closely from now on.

Kushina Uzumaki being the Nine-Tails jinchūriki couldn’t be changed—this meant she would inevitably be targeted.

He had to keep this trump card hidden.

So.

The battle dragged on in stalemate.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

Intelligence arrived from Konoha.

The Third Raikage had died in the Land of Earth.

Leading the Cloud ninja into the Land of Earth, the Third Raikage stayed behind alone to face an estimated ten thousand Iwa ninja—and died from exhaustion.

This intelligence jolted Fujinaka Genma awake.

Right now, if he didn’t reveal his Mangekyō Sharingan or Jin Gang Sealing,

His arsenal of Lei Dun techniques and the Wanzi series was hardly different from the Third Raikage’s.

The only real difference was his ability for large-scale destruction.

But even so, facing ten thousand ninja, he’d be worn down and killed too.

“Thankfully, I have Flying Thunder God—I could retreat safely even if I found myself in the same situation.”

Fujinaka Genma silently rejoiced.

At the same time, with the Third Raikage dead, he saw how the situation was developing.

If he struck the Iwa hard enough, he could temporarily end the war with them.

The Iwa were now fighting on three fronts.

Though the Cloud ninja had retreated, they wouldn’t give up—they’d have to be heavily on guard, diverting vital resources.

On top of that, the Sand ninja were still locked in bitter combat with the Iwa.

Fujinaka Genma considered it: the entire ninja world had become a chaotic mess.

“These mercenaries have zero strategic thinking.”

Fujinaka Genma couldn’t help but complain.

Everyone wanted to carve a piece out of the Land of Fire, yet none could unite.

Konoha Year 46, March.

Minato Namikaze, after constant travel, was finally assigned to sabotage the Iwa supply lines in Grass Country.

First cut off their supply lines, then launch a decisive counterattack to kill them in one blow.

This would force the Iwa to seek peace talks.

This was Hiruzen Sarutobi’s plan.

Fujinaka Genma also received Hiruzen Sarutobi’s order to assist Minato in carrying out the mission.

Clearly, they intended to use shadow clones.

“I wonder if sensei Minato will split his forces…”

Looking at the order sent from Konoha, Fujinaka Genma thought to himself.

If he splits forces, given the relationship between Kakashi and Obito Uchiha, trouble is highly likely.

If one team falters, even eighty percent of their full strength is optimistic.

“Michimura Yajuan’s side only needs one Minato.”

“The key is Shinobu Kyo Bridge!”

After long contemplation, Fujinaka Genma sought out Danzō and laid out his plan.

Danzō frowned: “Itachi want me to withdraw my troops and assist Itachi in destroying Shinobu Kyo Bridge?”

“But what if the Iwa advance through the Land of Rain?”

“Then their deployment in Grass Country instantly becomes a feint.”

Fujinaka Genma stared at Danzō. “Then stop them!”

“With my speed, I can return within a day!”

“Can Itachi guarantee the Iwa won’t break through Danzō’s lines within a day?”

Danzō narrowed his eyes. “Can Itachi ensure absolute certainty?”

“I can.”

Fujinaka Genma spoke with finality.

“I’ll leave behind several shadow clones to slow the Iwa’s advance and keep them from noticing for a while.”

“Besides, using the Land of Rain as a buffer and depth is another way to hold them back.”

“Even Omoi can’t manage to disperse his forces effectively.”

Fujinaka Genma spoke one after another.

To be honest, he had already prepared to break ties with Danzō.

After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi had granted him autonomy—he’d never used it until now. It was time.

Danzō’s eyelid twitched, his inner fury burning.

No one except Hiruzen Sarutobi had ever dared speak to him like this, never dared subtly threaten him—not one!

“Damn it!”

“Unforgivable!”

At this moment, Danzō suddenly realized.

Fujinaka Genma was utterly beyond his control.

And such a talent, if not under his command, would inevitably become his enemy—a roadblock to his ambitions.

Such a man must be eliminated!

Fujinaka Genma frowned—he sensed a flicker of killing intent.

Though it vanished quickly, it made him wary.

Danzō, this fake Hokage, had actually developed murderous thoughts toward him.

Suddenly,

Danzō’s expression turned cold. He turned his back to Fujinaka Genma and said, “If Itachi insist, then do as Itachi wish.”

“Thank Itachi, Danzō my lord!”

Fujinaka Genma bowed, then turned and left.

Back at his resting place, Fujinaka Genma closed his eyes and thought.

Would Danzō target him now?

It was possible.

This man had no moral limits.

Then how would he act?

Fujinaka Genma pondered.

The most likely method would be to use others as tools.

Danzō himself does not yet have the strength to deal with himself.

“Could he have leaked my information?”

Finally, Fujinaka Genma muttered to himself.

That night, deep into the hours.

In the Land of Earth, the forward command post, Tsuchikage Ōnoki stared at the intelligence report handed to him and said grimly, “Can we be certain this information is accurate?”

“We cannot confirm.”

“This intelligence was voluntarily disclosed by Konoha.”

“However, it is said that Fujinaka Genma and Danzō are not on good terms.”

Ōnoki frowned in thought, and after a long while said, “Notify the Land of Grass and the forces guarding Kunqiao, and have them prepare.”

“Also, notify the village and dispatch reinforcements immediately.”

“I hope… it’s not too late!”