Chapter 130: Pre-war Preparations
"Ninjutsu unit, over here!"
"Sealing unit, Medical unit, with me!"
"Assault unit, to this side!"
On the coast of the Land of Whirlpools, three consecutive shouts rang out, dividing the gathered Uzumaki clansmen into three distinct formations.
Masahiko's three disciples each took command of a unit, while Masahiko appointed himself the "Supreme Commander of Operations."
Originally, Masahiko hadn't intended to mobilize the entire clan; he felt he was enough to handle the situation. Unexpectedly, Izuko-kun was the one who proactively proposed that the clansmen participate. According to her, the average strength of the Uzumaki ninjas had dropped by an entire rank over the past twenty years. If they continued to live in such comfort, they would eventually devolve into a clan of only Genin and Chunin.
Masahiko hesitated for a long time but ultimately didn't say that he could handle it alone. As ninjas, they had to face various dangers; he couldn't protect them forever.
The scene was somewhat chaotic as logistics ninjas distributed weapons. Besides the standard kunai and explosive tags, there were various weapons developed by Yuna-kun over the years.
Unfortunately, in the ninja world, the amount of chakra-conductive metal was limited. Even though the Uzumaki had been collecting it for years—and even bought some from the Hidden Leaf at a "friendship price"—they only had five Tailed Beast-level Chakra Diffusion Cannons. There were about a dozen more with smaller lethality, along with miscellaneous items like modified hand cannons and two things resembling air guns.
Masahiko had tested them all. Most were effective against Genin and Chunin but had little impact on Jonin. However, they were perfect for the Uzumaki ninjas who specialized in sealing; since they didn't have Masahiko's level of skill, using complex sealing arts in the heat of battle was unrealistic.
Raising the Morale
"Sensei, the ninja units are assembled. Won't you say a few words?"
Izuko-kun approached Masahiko and asked. Masahiko paused, wondering, "Say something?"
He walked to the front of the crowd and slowly ascended into the air. Looking down at the slightly panicked ninja units, he sighed.
"Perhaps Izuko-kun's approach is right. As ninjas, they must have courage, or they will stagnate."
In his eyes, only the dozen or so ninjas in their forties and fifties remained calm. They had experienced the Warring States Period in their youth, and their psychological fortitude was far superior to the younger generation.
Looking at the whispering youths, Masahiko's expression turned stern. Everyone present suddenly felt a wave of pressure. It wasn't just aura; Masahiko had actually applied a force field, secretly activating Sage Mode to expand its range.
The scene fell silent as everyone turned their gaze toward Masahiko. He released the force field, and the crowd felt a weight lift from their hearts, though they remained solemn due to his serious expression.
"There is no need to explain why everyone is gathered here; you should already know," Masahiko spoke loudly. "Over the past month, the Hidden Mist has sent multiple spies. Nearly ten have been caught, and there are likely many more who haven't been. With me in the clan, they cannot evade our perception, but the geography around the Land of Whirlpools has likely already been leaked."
"More importantly, it has been a week since we caught the last spy. I personally patrolled the coast and found nothing. This means the Hidden Mist has likely moved past the reconnaissance phase and is preparing to attack."
"In other words, the war is beginning!"
As Masahiko finished, the crowd began to whisper again. Very few could remain calm. Masahiko sighed, having thought of many inspiring speeches, but he ultimately chose to use practical action to boost morale.
A massive surge of chakra erupted from Masahiko. Even those who weren't sensory ninjas could feel the pressure from up close—this time, it was genuine aura.
Masahiko turned toward the sea.
"Sage Art: Dust Release — Limit Stripping Technique!"
A brilliant white crystalline structure shot from Masahiko's hand, striking the sea surface dozens of miles away. Unlike hitting land, there was no earth-shattering explosion, but the calm sea instantly erupted into violent waves. A vortex with a diameter of a thousand meters appeared at the point of impact. The sea spun and receded; despite it being high tide, the water was forced back.
By the time everything calmed down ten minutes later, the sea had receded several thousand meters. The people on the coast suddenly felt as if they were standing in the middle of a desert.
Masahiko turned back to the now completely silent ninja units and nodded with satisfaction at the result.
"Do you see? With me here, the Hidden Mist is nothing to fear!" Masahiko shouted again.
The silence persisted as the crowd remained immersed in this earth-shattering ninja power. Finally, after a long silence, someone shouted excitedly: "Great Elder! Great Elder!"
Masahiko waved his hand, and the scene instantly went quiet. "With me here, victory is certain. But the battlefield is ever-changing; you must still be careful."
"We will be!"
"No problem!"
"Rest assured, Great Elder!"
Various responses rang out. Having witnessed Masahiko's power, their confidence was visibly bolstered.
The "Babysitter" Strategy
Izuko-kun walked to Masahiko's side with a bitter smile. "Sensei, in the end, we're still relying on your protection. What happened to letting the clansmen experience war?"
Masahiko paused and shook his head. "I can't just stand by and watch. As long as I'm here, I will protect them. I originally planned to solve all the enemies myself, but now I'll let the clansmen participate. I just... don't know how many will be sacrificed this time."
Izuko-kun's expression darkened. "Sensei, as long as there is war, there will be sacrifice, won't there? You can't watch over the entire Land of Whirlpools at once."
Masahiko nodded. "Have you arranged the elite members of the Patrol?"
"I have split them up and assigned them to every squad," Izuko-kun replied. "I hope they can save a few lives at the critical moment."
Since Izuko-kun had proposed the mobilization, she had a plan. These clansmen had very little combat experience, mostly accumulated from escort missions. Compared to the ninjas of other villages, they were lacking. Throwing them onto a battlefield suddenly would make it hard for them to utilize even seventy percent of their strength.
To avoid unnecessary losses, Izuko-kun dispersed the Patrol elites, giving each of them specific targets to protect. This would allow the clansmen to be tempered by battle while avoiding excessive casualties.
"Sensei, as long as you hold back all the S-rank ninjas and above, Kento-kun, Nanako-kun, and I will also join the ranks of those protecting the clansmen. It should be fine."
Masahiko nodded. "Using war to temper the clan... you've really thought this through. With the three of you acting as babysitters, there shouldn't be any major issues. Let's proceed with your plan."
Watching Izuko-kun turn to command the units, Masahiko sighed. "After Ashina's death, Izuko-kun has truly grown up."
"Wait, aren't I the Supreme Commander of Operations? Why do I feel more like a political commissar...?"
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