Chapter 528: Four Red Yang Formation
Konoha, Hokage Tower Conference Room.
After the group discussed some details, Shikaku Nara, who had been silent for a long time, spoke again: "Lord Hokage, the village's top-tier combat strength is severely lacking. Do we have any other reinforcements?"
Shikaku seemed to be asking Kakashi, but his peripheral vision flickered toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen knew what he meant. He glanced around at those present. Seeing they were all privy to the events of the Uchiha Massacre night, he said, "I have already contacted Itachi Uchiha through special channels. He will return as soon as possible."
"At that time, he will be operating under the identity of an ANBU member. I ask for everyone's cooperation."
Everyone understood that "cooperation" meant: Do not leak Itachi Uchiha's identity.
No one objected. Their attitude toward Itachi was vastly different from the original story.
In the original timeline, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura hadn't relied on these clans. Using only ANBU and Root, plus the double agent Itachi, they had annihilated the entire Uchiha clan overnight. This event had greatly shaken the major clans, making them fear they would be next. No one felt their own clan could compare to the Uchiha. At that time, the vast assets, both movable and immovable, left by the Uchiha clan had all gone to the Hokage's faction. These major clans didn't even get a sip of the soup. Therefore, they held a very negative view of Itachi, who had chosen to side with the Hokage's faction and attack his own people. Itachi had significantly weakened their voice in the village.
But in this world, everyone had played a part in wiping out the Uchiha clan. The Hokage's faction wasn't as dominant. And Itachi had, at least, once been their ally on the same front. So, everyone's perception of Itachi was actually quite positive. Especially since, after the Uchiha were wiped out, these major clans had directly carved up the Uchiha's immense properties. Although Danzō later took these back, Kakashi had now given them back again.
Besides these legitimate assets, with the tacit approval of Konoha's leadership, these major clans had even obtained quite a few Sharingan eyes. In any case, many Uchiha had used Izanagi—a forbidden technique that consumes a Sharingan—that night. Many Uchiha also carried spare three-tomoe Sharingan. The Hokage's faction couldn't possibly confirm if a few were missing.
Hiruzen didn't care about their attitude toward Itachi. He added, "During Itachi's return, Sasuke Uchiha's whereabouts must be carefully managed. They cannot be allowed to come into contact."
Kakashi nodded. "I understand."
At this point, Shikaku Nara asked again, "Lord Third, Danzō has left the village. Is there any possibility that Lady Fifth might return?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "I contacted her. Tsunade explicitly refused me. She will not participate in anything related to Konoha anymore."
Shikaku fell silent. He had expected this outcome. Although the person who drove Tsunade away was Danzō, Danzō was merely the executor behind the scenes. What truly broke Tsunade's heart were the ordinary Konoha villagers she had desperately tried to protect. For Tsunade, it wasn't that Danzō forced her out; it was that her own home could no longer tolerate her. So, even though the instigator, Danzō, had stepped down, Tsunade's inner conflict remained unresolved.
No one present was foolish; they all understood Tsunade's mindset and wisely didn't press the issue.
Next, Shikaku asked, "Lord Third... what about Orochimaru?"
Hiruzen still shook his head. "Orochimaru refused to see the person I sent."
Orochimaru actually couldn't spare the time right now. He had possessed Hyuga Meian and transplanted Kimimaro Kaguya's cells; his body was constantly changing. Orochimaru needed to carefully experience these changes, analyze their subtle details, and find ways to integrate them into his knowledge base. Orochimaru was, at heart, a scientist. He wasn't like that "Genius," Obito Uchiha, whose understanding of power remained only at the level of using it, never knowing how to develop it.
Orochimaru's ambition was immense. His goal was to achieve the "Creation of All Things" through his own plan, not to become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki by following the path Madara Uchiha had laid out, like Obito. Whether he would go after the Tailed Beasts in the future, Orochimaru hadn't decided. But he knew that if he first achieved the Creation of All Things, and then became the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, Madara and Black Zetsu certainly couldn't control him. Directly becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, however, would very likely mean falling into Black Zetsu's trap.
Shikaku Nara sighed. If those two were still in the village, they would have the confidence to resist Iwa. Especially hearing that Orochimaru could summon the Edo Tensei bodies of the First and Second Hokage to fight... that could completely make up for the village's deficit in high-end combat power.
The group discussed other matters for a while. Finally, Shikaku spoke again. "Lord Hokage, can we send the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to the front lines?"
Kakashi's eyes flickered. Namikaze Naruto wasn't just the Jinchuriki; he was his sensei's only child. Naruto was still a child. If there was any other choice, Kakashi would definitely refuse. But given the current situation, Konoha truly faced the danger of annihilation.
Thus, Kakashi looked at Hiruzen, hoping he had a better idea. Unfortunately, Hiruzen merely nodded at him. Hiruzen also agreed to send Naruto to the battlefield.
Actually, Kakashi didn't know Hiruzen had another consideration. Konoha would have to deploy almost all its forces this time. In that case, the front lines might actually be safer than the rear. Even if they didn't plan for Naruto to fight, bringing the Nine-Tails to the front was a more secure option.
Clenching his fists, Kakashi finally sighed. "I will consider it."
Seeing this, Shikaku Nara said no more. He didn't push Kakashi. He knew Kakashi understood the bigger picture and would make the decision when the time came.
...
Two days later, Ishiro led an army of over ten thousand Iwa-nin to the former northwest region of the Land of Fire.
Ishiro looked at Ōnoki, Kawakita, Shinya Matsutani, Han, Sōkai, and Izumi Uchiha beside him. "In a moment, all of you will show yourselves with me. Let Konoha know we have arrived."
The group exchanged glances, unsure of Ishiro's meaning.
Ishiro explained, "After Konoha confirms we are on the front lines, Lord Third, Kawakita, Han—I will have Akino Atsumi teleport the three of you back to the village."
"If Kumo doesn't come, fine. But if Kumo does come, we'll give them a surprise."
Ōnoki's eyes lit up. "Akino Atsumi can already teleport people with the Flying Thunder God?"
Ishiro nodded. "Yes. I've tested it. She can perform long-range, point-to-point teleportation."
(There was one thing Ishiro didn't mention: Akino had created many specialized kunai, wooden boards, clothes, etc., inscribed with her Flying Thunder God markers. Ishiro had secretly sent people to place these items all over the shinobi world.)
Ishiro continued, "Kumo has kept its doors closed for years, researching who knows what. Maybe they've developed some secret weapon."
"Even if we can't heavily damage Kumo this time, we must find out what they are up to."
Ōnoki nodded. "Rest assured. But... if we all leave, will just the four of you be alright here?"
Ishiro said, "No problem. I won't lead the army across the border."
...
Subsequently, the seven of them began patrolling the border in groups of two or three, making a grand show of it.
First, Ōnoki and Izumi Uchiha went as a pair, one in the air, one on the ground. They reached the border and launched a barrage of long-range ninjutsu toward areas where Konoha ninja might be hiding. After exchanging a few long-range jutsu with the hastily arrived Hiruzen Sarutobi, they withdrew, leaving Hiruzen suspicious and feeling unfulfilled.
Not long after Ōnoki and Izumi returned to the Iwa camp, Han, Kawakita, and Shinya Matsutani went out together. Hiruzen hadn't left yet, so the two sides engaged in another lively round of ninjutsu offense and defense. Hiruzen was cautious; whenever Kawakita tried to get close, he would increase the distance. Finding no opportunity for a surprise attack, the three eventually chose to return to camp. Before leaving, however, Han fired a Tailed Beast Bomb in Hiruzen's direction. Unfortunately, Hiruzen detected it early and dodged.
Finally, Ishiro and Sōkai went out. Hearing Hiruzen was at the border, Ishiro thought that if he got a chance, he might as well just kill the old man. The Sage of Six Paths probably wouldn't interfere with him killing Hiruzen Sarutobi. Unfortunately, Hiruzen, alone, was extremely slippery. If Ishiro advanced, he retreated. If Ishiro retreated, he slowly followed. He simply refused to give Ishiro a chance for a direct confrontation.
This left Ishiro helpless. Against a Kage-level opponent who had abandoned all face and was ready to retreat at any moment, even Ishiro, who could fly, couldn't do anything. Especially since Hiruzen was the type who mastered all five nature transformations and excelled at various escape techniques.
After patrolling around and achieving nothing, Ishiro returned to camp.
However, after making this round, Ishiro didn't immediately send Ōnoki and the others back.
He said to the group, "Konoha now knows we are here. But just this isn't enough. We need to apply even greater pressure to force them to ask Kumo for help."
"Tomorrow morning, several of us will cross the border directly and test the quality of Konoha's army."
Ōnoki thought for a moment and finally asked the question that had been bothering him: "Ishiro, given the current situation, instead of setting a trap for Kumo, I think attacking Konoha directly is more advantageous."
"With Akino Atsumi here, we can immediately summon two more Kage-level shinobi from the village. Then we press forward with our entire army and simply crush Konoha with absolute strength."
"We fight a quick battle, then rapidly return to reinforce the village. Kumo definitely won't have time to react."
"What exactly are you hesitant about? Why do you consistently have no plans to attack Konoha?"
Ishiro was silent for a long time, then waved his hand at the others, signaling them to leave.
Once everyone had left the tent, Ishiro sighed. "Lord Third... remember that 'Little White Ball'? Its original owner... doesn't want me to move against Konoha."
"'Little White Ball'?" Ōnoki froze, then realization and shock hit him. He blurted out, "Ishiro! That 'Little White Ball'... was artificially created? And that person is still alive?"
Ishiro shook his head. "This topic ends here. I cannot say more."
Ōnoki quickly shut his mouth, never mentioning attacking Konoha again. He knew about the 'Little White Ball.' According to Ishiro, his ultimate goal was to achieve the five-nature Kekkei Mōra. The creator of the 'Little White Ball' had undoubtedly already reached that level, or perhaps even higher. Ōnoki didn't dare imagine what would happen if such an existence turned against Iwagakure. He broke out in a cold sweat just thinking about it.
...
Early the next morning, Ishiro left Kawakita, Shinya Matsutani, and Han to guard the camp. He himself took Ōnoki, Sōkai, and Izumi Uchiha across the border, flying toward the location of the Konoha camp.
(Kawakita and the others had already clearly revealed their identities. But while Sōkai and Izumi had used Fire Release, their specific jutsu could be faked. So Ishiro planned to show their faces again, at least letting the Hyuga clan see clearly that these two weren't using Transformation Jutsu.)
Konoha had massed an army of seven thousand here. The highly alert Konoha camp reacted the moment Ishiro's group of four crossed the border. Before the four could even get close, waves of large-scale ninjutsu flew toward them from the Konoha side.
The four of them dodged the ninjutsu in the air while continuing to close the distance. Ōnoki wanted to attack, but Ishiro said, "Wait. Let's see Konoha's methods first."
"Over the years, the individual strength of our village's ordinary ninja is already not much weaker than Konoha's."
"In fact, because we don't have Konoha's strict requirements for learning ninjutsu, in terms of average combat power, our Iwa-nin might even be above Konoha's."
"But in large-scale army battles... I'm still not sure if we can compare to Konoha."
"This army before us is undoubtedly Konoha's main force now. Let's see what level Konoha's large-scale army tactics can reach."
Ōnoki thought about it and had no objection. So, the four began to rapidly dodge Konoha's ninjutsu attacks in the air. Only when dodging was impossible would they counterattack, using their own ninjutsu to cancel out the attacks.
At first, Ishiro and Ōnoki seemed to handle it with ease. With Ishiro's jutsu casting speed, the Konoha army's conventional ninjutsu couldn't touch them. But as Konoha revealed one trump card after another, dodging became increasingly difficult for the four of them. In the end, they were actually forced back to where they started.
Looking at the large ink birds filling the sky ahead, the swarms of Kikaichū, some hawk-like summons Ishiro hadn't seen before, and the ninja hidden on the birds' backs using special concealment techniques... Ishiro felt a bit impressed. Konoha really had a lot of tricks.
Thinking back on the long-range genjutsu that appeared from time to time, the Mind Body Disturbance Technique and other Yin Release ninjutsu, and the many war machines unseen in the original story... Ishiro felt that Konoha's decades of dominance were well-deserved.
Ishiro said to Ōnoki, "Let's attack. Test Konoha's defenses."
Ōnoki nodded grimly. Konoha's anti-air attacks just now had nearly cost him dearly. If Ishiro hadn't detected the Transparency Jutsu user hidden on a hawk's back in time and blasted him away with Shinra Tensei, Ōnoki would be heavily injured right now, at the very least.
Next, Ishiro and Ōnoki unleashed their power, beginning to bombard the Konoha army with large-scale ninjutsu. Sōkai and Izumi also attacked intermittently with Fire Release.
However, Konoha's performance next shocked Ishiro and Ōnoki even more.
Faced with the long-range, large-scale bombardment from the four of them, Konoha directly adopted an "attack-versus-attack" strategy. They didn't passively choose defensive ninjutsu, but directly used various offensive combination jutsu to disperse Ishiro's and the others' attacks.
Under the coordination of Konoha's command system, the offensive ninjutsu used were perfectly calibrated—just enough to break apart Ishiro's group's jutsu without wasting too much chakra. While defending, the Konoha army, under this controlled system, could still maintain a very rhythmic offense, constantly keeping pressure on the four attackers.
Ishiro's group used every means at their disposal but couldn't breach the Konoha army's hedgehog-like formation.
After retreating some distance, Ishiro said, "Truly breathtaking."
Ōnoki agreed. "Yes. It's also a ninja army, but Suna simply cannot compare to Konoha."
"We couldn't find any openings in Konoha's formation, and we constantly had to guard against attacks coming from angles we overlooked."
"Ishiro, if not for your perception covering the entire battlefield, this fight would be impossible."
Ishiro nodded. "The one commanding Konoha should be Shikaku Nara. The one relaying orders and receiving feedback should be Inoichi Yamanaka."
"I heard both their voices just now. It's a pity... our village doesn't have talents like that."
"These years, I've only focused on taking disciples with various research talents. I haven't cultivated a command-type genius."
"When this year's class graduates, I'll make finding a disciple in this area a priority."
"Let's fall back. I have one last move."
(In the battle just now, the four of them had used everything. Ishiro had used both Porcelain Release and Light Release. Ōnoki had used Dust Release. But Konoha had neutralized them all.)
The four rapidly retreated. As Ishiro retreated, he split off five shadow clones.
The moment he did, Konoha sensed it and immediately reacted.
"Sage Art: Five Elements Great Consecutive Bullets Technique!" Ishiro's five clones cooperated to cast the jutsu, while his main body immediately took the other three and fled rapidly.
On the other side, Konoha's response was also timely. Rows of earth walls erupted from the ground. But these walls weren't straight. They were angled at a pre-calculated slope, designed to redirect the explosion's shockwave upward along the incline. Of course, these earth walls alone couldn't completely block the explosion. But their efficiency was astonishing; one angled wall was almost as effective as three to five vertical ones in defending against an explosion.
Layer after layer, the earth walls cast by the Konoha army weakened the blast's power. After the earth walls were spent, came curtains of water. These, too, didn't face the explosion head-on, but, like the earth walls, redirected the shockwave high into the air. The water curtains sometimes closed to block the impact, sometimes opened to release the pressure, their effect no less than the earth walls'.
After that came Rashōmon gates of various sizes. They stood chaotically before the Konoha army, seemingly without pattern. But when the explosive shockwave rolled over them like a tide, it was momentarily halted by these sturdy gates. By the time the shockwave passed the Rashōmon gates, its initial overwhelming momentum was gone, replaced by chaotic, swirling winds. Although these winds still rushed toward the Konoha army, they dissipated their energy fighting amongst themselves along the way.
When the winds finally reached the front of the Konoha army, they met a crimson, flame-like barrier: Konoha's strongest barrier, the Four Red Yang Formation. This was originally a barrier requiring four Kage-level ninja. But Konoha had arranged ten Elite Jōnin at each of the four corners of their army. Forty Elite Jōnin worked together to cast a weakened version of the Four Red Yang Formation.
When the explosion's shockwave, weakened layer by layer, finally reached the Four Red Yang Formation, it caused only faint ripples on its surface.
...
On the other side, Ishiro, who had fled rapidly with the others, cooperated with Ōnoki to dig a deep pit with Earth Release and bury themselves. He had been using his Mind's Eye to sense Konoha's countermeasures.
Once the explosion's aftermath subsided, Ōnoki asked Ishiro, "How did the Konoha army fare?"
Ishiro sighed. "The Konoha army is unharmed. Let's retreat."
The Sage Art: Five Elements Great Consecutive Bullets Technique cast by five clones this time wasn't Ishiro's limit. But Konoha had even brought out a cheat like the Four Red Yang Formation. Ishiro felt that even if he exhausted all his chakra for an all-out attack, it would likely be useless.
Emerging from underground, the four of them glanced back at Konoha's position, then quickly departed.
As Ishiro flew, he kept muttering, "Four Red Yang Formation... Four Red Yang Formation! What a great technique. Why didn't I think to ask Danzō for it earlier?"
Hearing Ishiro, Ōnoki looked back at the barrier reaching toward the sky. "That barrier is called the Four Red Yang Formation?"
Ishiro nodded. "That's right. Truly an unparalleled defensive technique."
"Even if Konoha hadn't weakened my attack layer by layer earlier, that Four Red Yang Formation alone could have blocked it."
Ōnoki also sighed. "Just how many treasures does Konoha have? Is there any hope of getting our hands on it?"
Ishiro said, "Konoha probably considers it a trump card. Getting it through official channels might be difficult."
Ōnoki's eyes lit up. "What about... unofficial channels?"
Ishiro grinned. "Unofficial channels... well, that depends on Danzō."
"Danzō must have seen the scroll for the Four Red Yang Formation. Even if he hadn't before, he definitely would have after becoming Hokage."
"If we can find Danzō, and offer him a tempting enough price, there's still hope of trading for it."
"Danzō should be at the lowest point in his life right now, having fallen suddenly from his peak. I imagine he must be feeling anxious."
"At a time like this, for Danzō, everything is negotiable."
Ōnoki said, "When we get back, ask the village's intelligence ninja."
"Enough time has passed since the Konoha coup. They should have tracked Danzō's whereabouts by now."
Ishiro grunted in agreement and said no more.
(End of Chapter)
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