Naruto: Fate System

Konoha had many issues, but it was undeniable that it also had numerous geniuses and heroes. So many, in fact, that it would make even Ōnoki jealous.

And among them, Minato stood out as the most remarkable.

Kitsuchi continued, "Our intel shows that five days ago, Minato clashed with the A–B Combo in the Land of Frost. Once again, he came out unscathed, and since then, he has disappeared from our intelligence network."

"You understand what this means, don't you? For a ninja like Minato, once he vanishes from our radar for more than three days and remains unharmed, all previous location intel becomes obsolete."

"No one can predict where he'll appear next."

Kitsuchi gave Shin a complicated look. His gaze carried encouragement and support, but also a trace of ridicule and satisfaction.

"This time, before we came, my father reminded us to assist in your defense. However, if you fail this test, I'm afraid our support from Iwa will end here."

His meaning was clear: while alliance was indeed a mutually beneficial choice, not just anyone was qualified to partner with Iwa.

After all, Iwa was still one of the proud Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Before this, there was no precedent of the major villages forming alliances with smaller ninja villages during the Great Ninja War.

Ōnoki intended to first assess their strength, demanding Akatsuki prove their worth before proceeding further.

If Akatsuki was easily crushed by Minato, then there would naturally be no need to discuss the alliance further.

Such an attitude—it was just as arrogant as ever.

Shin chuckled softly, his fingers tapping a lazy rhythm on the table's edge, and said, "Has Iwa ever managed to gain the upper hand against Minato? You even issued an order allowing your ninjas to abandon their missions upon encountering him."

Kitsuchi, however, was not angered. Instead, he chuckled and replied cheerfully, "That's right. We can't handle Minato. But we deployed over 7,000 ninjas in a direct war. No matter how many of our people he kills, our frontlines still steadily advance into the Land of Fire."

"Can Akatsuki achieve that?"

Shin was momentarily taken aback by Kitsuchi's counter. One must admit: sheer numbers were indeed the greatest advantage of a major village.

Iwa once mobilized 10,000 ninjas in one go just to bring down the Third Raikage in the original story.

The total number of Akatsuki members recruited so far, including those who had been killed or left over the years, didn't even exceed 10,000.

It was like a battle of 300 against 10,000—there was no doubt who held the strategic advantage.

Back when he managed to capture Kitsuchi alive, it was only due to the advantage of a localized skirmish where neither side went all in.

So despite his impressive performance during his first attack, the inherent numerical disparity ensured that Iwa continued to view them with an air of superiority.

Shin was well aware of this disadvantage. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to persuade Iwa to help with their defense.

But in negotiations, one couldn't let the other side keep pressing on one's weaknesses.

When it was time to be strong, one had to stand firm. Even if it was just bluffing, you had to show your strength first.

"True, Akatsuki can't manage such wide frontlines. But are your forces really in a good place now?" he asked with a calm smile.

"Look at your exchange ratio. The numbers that really matter."

"How many lives do you have to sacrifice just to kill one Konoha ninja? Three? Five? Or have you already been pushed to a 10-to-1 ratio by Minato?"

"Do you know what our exchange ratio was during our last attack? Should I say it out loud?"

The smile vanished from Kitsuchi's face.

Given the stellar performance of his subordinates in achieving an incredible exchange ratio, Shin couldn't let this opportunity slip. When it came to hitting where it hurts, he was an expert.

Kitsuchi's previously relaxed demeanor shattered. His chubby face scrunched up in frustration, like earth cracking under pressure.

Even Deidara, who had been full of arrogance, turned his head and pretended to admire the scenery, trying to avoid the awkward atmosphere.

Exchange ratios on the battlefield were a sore subject Iwa never wanted to touch.

Talking about it was nothing but a painful reminder of losses.

With that, the opposing momentum was extinguished, and the scales of negotiation shifted back in favor of Akatsuki.

"Please don't talk to us about proving our strength. Iwa isn't even qualified to question the capabilities of Akatsuki."

Both sides understood perfectly well that an alliance was inevitable. The question now was who would dictate its terms.

But the manner of alliance—how it would be established—was another matter entirely. Shin leaned forward slightly, his shadow stretching across the table like a reaching hand.

Now that he had regained the upper hand, he immediately proposed, "Your father has stated his terms. Now, shouldn't you hear mine?"

"Since you wants us to prove our strength through this test, we need proper reinforcements and support first."

"The forces you've sent aren't nearly enough to handle Minato."

His eyes narrowed as he delivered his next demand. "Iwa must send more squads and teams to this front. Moreover, the entire southern region must be handed over to Akatsuki for full defense control."

Seizing the advantage from their verbal exchange, he made a highly aggressive demand. So aggressive that Kitsuchi couldn't help but frown repeatedly.

"More reinforcements? Then you must first tell us the plans you've uncovered regarding Minato. And if we hand over control of the southern region, what guarantee do we have that you'll return it after the war?"

Return it? Of course not! As if we'd give back such valuable territory.

Shin had no intention of returning anything. But of course, he couldn't say that outright.

"Minato's plans will naturally be shared in the future. But right now, there's still much intel that needs further verification. During this period, we require full cooperation for our operations."

Kitsuchi hesitated. "Why not share the intel first? Then we can better coordinate our cooperation."

"That won't do." Shin shook his head. "This intel was hard-earned after seizing it from Root."

"You know, Danzō is a master of sealing jutsu. Root's combat strength is exceptionally high, and we paid a steep price to acquire this intel."

At that moment, Kitsuchi stared at him intently, while Deidara gawked in disbelief.

That guy is a wreck—crippled in the Land of Rain and nearly killed by an Uchiha. Now you're praising him just to squeeze more resources from us?!

"The Root is extremely elite. We paid a huge price to acquire this intelligence, and we deserve compensation," Shin stated seriously.

Not being good with words, Kitsuchi's face twisted with frustration as he struggled to find a counter-argument. The large man's fists clenched and unclenched, a habit that betrayed his discomfort with diplomatic matters.

He ultimately had to relent.

"Our group will all stay behind to help you defend. I can also authorize handing over the three small towns around the mine to you. Reinforcements are already on their way." He paused, measuring his next words carefully. "As for the additional aid you requested, I will need to consult my father."

Shin smiled and nodded, accepting everything on the spot. Not perfect, but he had gained enough. He was satisfied—being too greedy was never wise.

The strategic part was a success; next, it would inevitably come down to kunai and ninjutsu.

---

Shinno burst into the busy command tent, face flushed with anger. He found Minato studying battle reports and started ranting his report.

"Our previous defeat wasn't just due to our lack of preparation. Some clans' behavior was utterly disgraceful! They've completely betrayed the Will of Fire!"

However, Minato calmly interrupted him. "Stop, Shinno. They haven't betrayed us. They just lack confidence in victory. I'll give them that confidence."

Shinno was taken aback as his words were cut short. He looked up, only to see Minato patting his shoulder and walking away resolutely.

At that moment, Shinno, who had been away from the village for a long time, seemed to understand why front-line ninjas often referred to Minato as "the sun."

The way the other shinobi's eyes followed their commander—it was like watching flowers turn toward sunlight.

His style was truly different from other commanders. He wasn't as strict and impartial as Orochimaru or as bold as Jiraiya.

Minato's confidence always inadvertently warmed and encouraged everyone around him, like rays of sunshine breaking through storm clouds.

He wasn't naive about Konoha's problems. He knew perfectly well about all the problems at the front lines. But rather than criticize, he chose patience—offering encouragement again and again.

"It's okay, I'll handle it."

"No worries, leave it to me."

"Don't blame them; I'll give them confidence."

His words weren't just empty promises—they were guarantees backed by action and results.

This was his charm—his confidence. And he always delivered on it.

At present, there wasn't a single front-line commander in the entire shinobi world as diligent or as active in battle as Minato. It was no wonder Jiraiya once proudly said, "Any outstanding ninja will seem dim in comparison to Minato."

But at that moment, no one in Konoha realized the hidden danger: if such a radiant sun were to one day be extinguished, it would be a devastating blow to those who had grown accustomed to its light.

Wasn't that always the way? The brighter something shone, the deeper the shadows it threw.

Unfortunately, Shinno, serving as Minato's advisor, hadn't realized this either.

Instead, because of Minato's recent words, he couldn't help but feel a growing admiration for the sun.

Perhaps this is what true leadership looks like, Shinno thought as he watched Minato's retreating back.

---

Not long after, Minato arrived near Akatsuki's defensive line. He crouched beside a Hyūga scout in the dense foliage, both silently watching the enemy territory below.

Just five days ago, he was in the Land of Frost, battling the Fourth Raikage and Killer B. Now, he was already scouting the southern borders.

This unparalleled mobility was what allowed him to single-handedly stabilize the chaos in the north.

There, the combined forces of Iwa and Kumo boasted nearly three times the number of Konoha's ninjas. And that didn't include smaller villages like Kusa and Taki secretly lending support.

And as Kitsuchi had previously mentioned: if Minato vanished from intelligence reports for three days, everyone along the front line would be on edge, forced to stay alert.

Even with three times their numbers, the enemy was struggling, their progress slow.

"Were you badly beaten by Akatsuki's attack earlier?" Minato asked casually, his eyes never leaving the defensive positions ahead.

The Hyūga assisting in reconnaissance shifted uncomfortably. "We truly underestimated their offensive tactics. They launched attacks on multiple fronts simultaneously and used an unknown method to reposition their main force midway. We... we were completely outmaneuvered."

"I see..." Even upon hearing this, Minato didn't criticize. "It's not your fault. I share responsibility for not anticipating Akatsuki's attack."

"No, Minato-sama, how can this be blamed on you?"

Raising his hand to interrupt, Minato said, "I'm the front-line commander. That naturally makes it my responsibility. But we can learn from their tactics. When we launch our offensive next, we won't let Akatsuki relax."

"Please go back and ask the elders of your clan: do you still trust Minato?"

From start to finish, he didn't utter a single word of blame. The Hyūga beside him was so moved by this that he felt his blood boil.

"We have always trusted you, Minato-sama! This time, even if it means defying the orders of the clan's elders, we will follow you to the end!"

In truth, the clan elders weren't foolish; they wouldn't issue such shortsighted orders.

And so, the problem that Shinno couldn't solve despite breaking his back was resolved effortlessly by Minato in a matter of moments. This was Minato's personal charm.

---

Another two days passed. Inside his command tent, Shin stared at the map, constantly revising his plans.

"Are the outposts along the supply line complete? Have the reinforcements Iwa promised arrived?"

"Leave the patchwork defenses entirely to Iwa; they have plenty of genin for that. Our forces should prepare for rotation and be ready to assist at any time."

During these two days, Minato remained invisible in the intelligence networks of all villages.

At this point, Shin could no longer hold on to false hopes—he was destined to face Minato.

The waiting was the hardest part.

Fortunately, the mines they had seized earlier were back in operation. A new manager had replaced the slain mine owner's family and was fully managing the site, now producing resources for Akatsuki without interruption.

From a broader perspective, time was still on the side of the Land of Rain.

Until that evening...

---

"The defensive line is under attack!" A messenger burst into the command tent, sweat streaming down his face. "Konoha has replicated our earlier tactics, launching simultaneous assaults from multiple directions!"

"Moreover, reports from Iwa indicate that every attacking unit carries Minato's marked kunai!"

Shin couldn't help but smile wryly. He didn't just copy our strategy - he improved it.

He hadn't expected someone as straightforward as Minato to use underhanded tactics—let alone master them so quickly. But then again, this was what being a shinobi meant.

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