In Naruto, build the strongest Hidden Mist Village.

Chapter 38 The Aftermath of the War, The Coming Counterattack!
This technique is truly a genius idea!

Within the ice-style technique, traversing the high heavens like a bird, Orochimaru couldn't help but admire it in his heart.

Touching the white clouds, his eyes kept looking down at the ground, and a sense of fervor and restlessness appeared deep within them.

Ice Release, perhaps it could also be considered as a vessel option?
While Orochimaru was still deep in thought, Kaguya Naoki spoke up.

"Lord Orochimaru, we have arrived."

Composing himself, Orochimaru glanced at Konoha not far away and chuckled a few times.

"Then goodbye, Kaguya Naoki."

Then, it slowly emerged from the ice mirror, soared to the treetop, and fell to the ground like a boneless snake.

Without a trace of lingering attachment, they vanished into the jungle in the blink of an eye.

Behind him, Naoki Kaguya emerged from the ice mirror, an uncontrollable smile playing on his lips.

As Orochimaru disappeared into Konoha, Naoki Kaguya's lips slowly curled into a smile.

Currently, among the Kage-level figures still alive in Konoha, only Orochimaru can be considered a shoo-in for victory.

Minato Namikaze's Flying Thunder God Technique is utterly ineffective. Although it's barely effective in close combat, it allows him to carry Kaguya Naoki through the air and into the sea, directly into dangerous situations.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, in his prime, a ninjutsu expert, is still a step above Orochimaru in strength. Unless it's the Dance of the Dry Fern, within his domain, Naoki Kaguya doesn't think she can defeat him.

Kushina, once she unleashes her full power, is invincible, so there's no need to say more.

Therefore, the best outcome would be to allow Orochimaru to maintain Konoha's defenses.

In this way, no matter what major changes occur in Konoha in the future, Kirigakure will have an opportunity to continue its attack.

Alternatively, when Konoha gathers its forces to launch another counterattack against Kirigakure, it would be convenient for them to gain reputation once more and then negotiate peace at their leisure.

So, Orochimaru, given your personality, in order to maintain some equal standing with your future partners, you'll definitely continue to serve as the commander-in-chief, right?

You absolutely must.

If it were someone else, I might have to reconsider whether or not I should grind reputation again.

After all, only you have a 100% chance of winning.

. . . . . . . . . .

"Orochimaru, is this the complete report?"

Amidst the swirling smoke, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, put down the scroll that Orochimaru had hastily written, suppressed the urge to sigh, and placed the scroll on the table.

"Yes, the Third Generation."

Orochimaru's voice was somewhat cold.

Sensing the hidden dissatisfaction in his disciple's tone, the Third Hokage cleared his throat and began to defend Minato Namikaze.

"Minato did indeed seize the opportunity, gathering all the ships in the Land of Water and destroying them in one fell swoop."

"The reason for the failure is not him."

"According to intelligence personnel, Kaguya Naoki used Ice Release to construct a bridge across the sea, allowing all the Hidden Mist ninja to arrive at lightning speed and trap you there."

"Besides you, Hizashi, Kakashi, and the others have all fallen into the hands of Kirigakure."

The third generation's voice sounded somewhat aged, and the smoke couldn't hide his tired face.

This battle resulted in enormous losses, including a significant number of elite troops and the future of Konoha, all of which were lost in this conflict.

"What a terrifying brat," Koharu Utatane couldn't help but exclaim, while Homura Mitokado, sitting next to him, nodded in agreement.

A nobody before the war caused Konoha to suffer a humiliating defeat and destroyed a significant portion of its manpower.

The way the battle was turned around left these strongmen of Konoha completely baffled.

Who would have thought that he could build such an ice bridge?

Once his old friends had fallen silent, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke to Orochimaru again in a slightly aged but still powerful voice.

"Orochimaru, do you still have the confidence to defend my last line of defense once again?"

"I'll have Kushina help you."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room suddenly fell silent.

Thump, thump.

In the silence, Orochimaru could clearly hear the hearts of many people begin to beat rapidly several times.

Kushina, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?

Orochimaru's expression turned somewhat amused.

Naoki Kaguya, watch out, I'll go easy on you and spare your life.

But a Jinchūriki, or a Nine-Tails that goes berserk, won't.

Orochimaru took a step back, concealing his entire expression with his long hair.

“Teacher, I am naturally confident.” Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and was about to adjourn the meeting when a man exuding a chilling aura opened his throat and spoke in a condescending tone.

"I have a proposal."

"Our forces are depleted; we should bring the Uchiha clan into the battlefield."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in agreement without hesitation.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a barely perceptible smirk, which quickly vanished.

"It's time for some newly graduated genin to get some experience on the battlefield."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes suddenly sharpened.

"Absolutely not, that's the future of the village."

Danzo's voice also turned cold.

"Hiruzen, you are too weak."

"How can we resist the army of Kirigakure without sufficient troops?"

"And there's Sunagakure."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes suddenly sharpened, revealing an indescribable ruthlessness.

"Since we're going to form an alliance, let's get them to contribute some troops."

"The rest is up to you, Danzo."

Danzo's voice suddenly stopped, and his eyes turned cold and ruthless.

Sand Village, perhaps?

For the sake of Konoha's future, you must send troops.

If you don't send troops, then you'll have to experience my power.

"Alright, let's end it here."

Having gathered his forces, Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief, waved his hand, and the group walked out the door.

boom!
The door closed, leaving only Hiruzen Sarutobi in the office, and the noise subsided.

"Someone is coming."

"Go and call Kushina here."

A member of the Anbu received the order and swiftly flew out of the Hokage's office.

Not long after, a red-haired woman walked into the Hokage's office and addressed Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting in a high position, with a somewhat unrestrained voice.

"Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly, revealing a kind smile, and his voice became gentle.

"Ku Yukina."

"Take the kunai that Minato gave you."

"If the battle goes unpredictable, do not use the Nine-Tails' power lightly. Let Minato take care of Kaguya Naoki."

Kushina nodded, gripping the Flying Thunder God kunai tightly, a fire burning in her eyes.

. . . . . . .

"Lord Naoki".

"Ah."

"Where's Kakashi?"

"Take me to see him."

"Yes, my lord."

The Hidden Mist ninja's eyes still shone with fanaticism as he voluntarily opened the prison gates.

Click.

A sliver of light shone in.

Kakashi sat quietly in the hay until he saw a familiar figure, at which point he stood up tremblingly.

"Lin."

"Let's have a proper talk."

Naoki Kaguya said to the masked woman behind him who was sobbing softly.

"I'm going to see Lord Hyuga Hizashi."

This timeline is too confusing, there's no unified explanation, which is frustrating.

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(End of this chapter)