Naruto: Hidden Mist's Great Blacksmith

In Orochimaru's view, Hiruzen is worried that Minato's appointment might face opposition from him and Danzo. Therefore, he urges himself and others to engage in a great battle with Hidden Mist Village. Once the battle begins, there will be no time or energy to deal with the matters of the "Hokage."

After the war ends and we return to Konoha, Minato's position as Hokage will already be solidified. At that time, even if Danzo and I have major objections, they will be pointless. Moreover, Jiraiya has been deliberately arranged to supervise Danzo and me.

"Sarutobi-sensei, this proves that you are actually aware of my abilities. You even know that my abilities surpass Minato's. Otherwise, you wouldn't be this worried. You wouldn't take such measures."

"Then why did you choose Minato instead of me? Am I not your disciple?"

Upon hearing Jiraiya's words, Orochimaru's lips curled into a cold smile. "I don't need this position of Hokage. It's just that Sarutobi-sensei, your actions have truly disheartened me. If we must fight, then let's fight."

Orochimaru remained silent, not speaking further. Danzo glanced at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, what kind of raid are you referring to? Did Hiruzen give you any plans?"

Danzo originally intended to remain silent like Orochimaru. The arrangement of having Jiraiya as the commander irritated Danzo to the extreme. However, Danzo also felt that this was indeed an opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the Hidden Mist army. If they could use the time when the Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Rock Village have not yet reacted to completely destroy the Hidden Mist Village, it would be Konoha's breakthrough to end the war.

Without the Hidden Mist Village as an opponent and with the Hidden Sand Village as an ally, Konoha would have the advantage of two against one. Whether it's the Hidden Cloud Village or the Hidden Rock Village, neither would stand a chance against Konoha. At this moment, the Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Rock Village could not cooperate, especially since the Third Raikage had just died. Konoha could even benefit from the war between the Hidden Cloud Village and the Hidden Rock Village.

This prospect greatly tempted Danzo. Moreover, it wasn't Danzo who had lost the position of Hokage, but Orochimaru.

Danzo wasn't too concerned about this matter. However, he changed his approach by not acknowledging Jiraiya as the commander of this operation. Instead, he asked Hiruzen for the plan, making it seem as though Hiruzen was the actual commander. This made Danzo feel more comfortable.

"Hiruzen-sensei's orders are for us to launch a direct assault. Each of us will lead a Ninja army and attack the Hidden Mist army from three different directions. They will surely be unable to stop us."

Jiraiya agreed with Hiruzen's point. On the Hidden Mist side, with Fuguki Suikazan and Kurosuki Raiga already present, and possibly Hoshigaki Kisame as well, they were no match for the three of them.

"Based on previous observations, their Zanpakuto abilities have complementary aspects. Therefore, by attacking from three different directions, we can separate them. If united, their strength increases while ours remains the same. If separated, their strength weakens while ours remains the same."

"Furthermore, our strength is already superior to theirs! We will definitely win this battle! The revival of Konoha starts with this battle. Let's congratulate Minato with our victory."

It would have been better if Jiraiya hadn't said this. As soon as the words were spoken, Orochimaru's expression immediately darkened. Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya, feeling a deep sense of unfamiliarity, as if he were looking at a stranger rather than a former teammate and companion.

"Indeed, Minato's appointment as Hokage, aside from Sarutobi-sensei's decision, was also greatly influenced by Jiraiya's support. Once you have a disciple, do you no longer need your former companions?"

One side is a disciple, the other side is a partner. However, Jiraiya did not see any issue with supporting Minato. In Jiraiya's view, he was merely making the best choice for the village. Minato was a more suitable candidate for Hokage than Orochimaru. Jiraiya had no ulterior motives.

"Let the battle begin!"

The sudden attack from Konoha arrived in an instant.

An ANBU Ninja arrived at Forging Island at high speed.

"Ao-senpai, Mizukage-sama has issued an order! You are to immediately support the front lines."

"Me?" Ao was taken aback. He was well aware of his current situation. Having received the Byakugan, he was a thorn in Konoha's side, a target. If he went to the front lines, Konoha Ninjas would definitely focus on him. Once targeted, his Byakugan could be seized by the Konoha Ninjas, and he might even lose his life. Sending him to the front lines was an extremely unreasonable order. It was no different from handing the Byakugan back to Konoha for free.

"Are they trying to target me so soon, now that they have controlled the Yagura-sama? Aren't they afraid of exposure? Indeed, that puppet master is from Konoha! Damned Uchiha!"

The ANBU Ninja quickly explained, "Ao-senpai, the front lines have been suddenly attacked. Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Shimura Danzo have all appeared on our Hidden Mist Village army's side, each leading three separate armies, attacking from different directions."

"Fuguki-sama and the others were caught off guard and suffered severe injuries. They have now retreated to the sea. The casualties are extremely heavy. Fuguki-sama was defeated by Jiraiya. Kisame was defeated by Orochimaru. Only Raiga-sama, facing Shimura Danzo, has a certain advantage. However, the number of Ninjas and their strength on both sides are not on the same level. Konoha has diverted all the Ninjas that were previously facing the Hidden Rock Village and Hidden Cloud Village to this battle. Therefore, Mizukage-sama ordered that all available Ninjas from the village go to support."

Ao's eyes widened. "What?"

This situation was completely unexpected for Ao. Konoha had actually redeployed all the Ninjas that were facing the Hidden Rock Village and Hidden Cloud Village? In Ao's view, this was an extremely risky choice. If they failed, Konoha would face enormous losses. If the Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Rock Village armies breached Konoha, given the style of these two Ninja villages, Konoha would likely face a devastating outcome.

"Really?"

The ANBU Ninja nodded seriously. "Of course it's true. Many Ninjas have already been sent to the front lines. If the situation weren't truly urgent, Mizukage-sama wouldn't have ordered you, Ao-senpai, to go as well."

Ao nodded. "Alright, I'll go immediately." With that, Ao quickly turned and made his way to Soma.

"Soma..."

Ao repeated the ANBU Ninja's words.

 "Konoha is redeploying personnel and launching a surprise attack on the Hidden Mist army? Our forces are suffering severe casualties?"

Soma's expression changed. He knew about the Third Ninja World War but was not very clear on the specific details. He only knew about the disastrous defeat of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Uchiha Madara's covert schemes, and the disappearance of the Third Kazekage...

Soma did not expect that under the current circumstances, Konoha would be so decisive, redeploying Ninjas from other fronts to launch a full-scale attack on the Hidden Mist Village. However, Soma then thought of another point.

In other words, the Third Ninja World War has already gone beyond the timeline of the original plot. It's very likely that this situation is a "change" rather than something from the original storyline.

"Aren't they worried about the Hidden Rock Village and Hidden Cloud Village? Or have they reached an agreement with these two Ninja villages?"

"But how could true predators be restrained by an agreement? The signing of an agreement is merely a prelude to breaking it!"

Ao glanced back at the Mizukage's Building. "Soma, while I'm away, you must be careful. The one controlling Yagura-sama is most likely someone from Konoha. They will definitely use this opportunity to do something. They wouldn't take such a big risk just to cause a little damage to our Hidden Mist Village."

Soma nodded. "Ao-senpai, I'll be cautious."

"With Lord Third here, my safety is actually not much of a problem."

"And my strength is not weak now either."

With Yagura's orders, a large number of Ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village were sent to support the front lines. Ao, Terumi Mei, Hoshigaki Ryukame... Even the Hozuki Clan sent many of its members. The future of the Hidden Mist Village was at stake, and despite any conflicts with the village, the Hozuki Clan could not defy Yagura's orders at this moment. They would become the focus of the entire village's ire if they did.

Soma shook his head. "Konoha is truly taking a bloodthirsty approach this time. Given Hiruzen's style, he wouldn't be the type to make such a decision. But the news is real. Is there another reason behind this?"

Soma pondered for a long time. Such a risky move was not in Hiruzen's style. If it were Danzo, Soma would consider it possible. If the Hokage of Konoha were an extremist Uchiha, Soma would not find such a decision surprising.

"Besides the major Ninja villages, there are only a few who are qualified to plot behind the scenes."

"Uchiha Obito, Nagato, Black Zetsu..."

"But they have no reason to aid Konoha."

Having Konoha and the Hidden Mist Village mutually exhaust each other is indeed a result many factions would be pleased to see. This includes the Hidden Cloud Village, the Hidden Rock Village, and even the Hidden Sand Village, which is allied with Konoha. Uchiha Obito and others are also in this group.

However, the crux of the issue is convincing Konoha. It's not as if the Hidden Cloud Village and the Hidden Rock Village sent Konoha a letter saying, "We're fighting each other, so go ahead and attack the Hidden Mist Village. We absolutely won't launch a surprise attack." 

Konoha isn't that foolish. The reason Konoha is taking such action must be because they have confirmed that, under the condition that the Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Rock Village cannot concentrate their forces to attack Konoha in the short term.

"Enough thinking about it."

"There's no use in thinking more now."

"After this battle, I'll understand the true reason behind Konoha's bold move."

"Right now, what's more important is how the Hidden Mist Village will defend against Konoha's attack."

"Orochimaru, Shimura Danzo, Jiraiya—three Kage-level Ninjas."

"Even with Zanpakuto, Fuguki-san and the others are still somewhat lacking."

"Moreover, if Konoha has redeployed their forces originally stationed against the Hidden Rock Village and Hidden Cloud Village, the Hidden Mist Village has no advantage in terms of ordinary Ninjas."

"The Bloody Mist has significantly reduced the number of Ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village."

"The current situation can be said to be a comprehensive disadvantage."

"I don't know to what extent Ao-senpai can utilize the Sword of the Darkness Flame's abilities, but it shouldn't reach the level of changing the tides of the war on its own."

"If it really comes to it, then it will be the time for the Hidden Mist Village to counterattack."

"Lord Third, wielding the Skeleton Emperor, alone can fight an entire army."

"Yagura-san's Water Mirror Jutsu is also very powerful."

Genji and the others believe that Yagura is being controlled by Konoha. But Soma knows that Yagura is controlled by Uchiha Obito. Uchiha Obito does not want the Hidden Mist Village to do well, but he also does not want to help Konoha at this time. He would prefer to see both sides suffer mutually.

"I hope this time the village's casualties won't be too severe."

"The Hidden Mist Village is still not strong enough."

Soma shook his head. "Even with the many Zanpakuto I've provided, it's still like this."

"Juzo-senpai, Fuguki-san, Raiga-san—ultimately, their talent is somewhat lacking."

"I'll have to wait until Kisame, Terumi Mei, Utakata, Ameyuri, Hozuki Mangetsu... and others grow up. Only then will the Hidden Mist Village's top-level Ninjas not be weaker than Konoha's."

"In other words, Konoha's foundation is just too deep."

No matter how much Konoha declines, it remains strong in terms of top-level Ninjas. Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Hiruzen, Minato, Shimura Danzo... Even Uchiha Fugaku, who is suspected to have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan. Hyuga Hiashi, who can kill a Hidden Cloud Village Jonin with a single hand chop. Tsunade, who is wandering outside...

These individuals may not all reach the level of Kage, but they are certainly exceptional among elite Jonin. The Hidden Mist Village, Hidden Cloud Village, Hidden Rock Village, and Hidden Sand Village don't have as many top-tier experts. Smaller Ninja villages even more so.

"But it will take quite a while for Kisame and the others to fully mature."

"During this period, aside from improving Forging Techniques, crafting Zanpakuto, learning Ninjutsu, and enhancing strength, I should actually think of ways to boost the strength of the ordinary Ninjas in the Hidden Mist Village."

"Otherwise, if I haven't relied on the Blacksmith System to elevate my personal strength to the Ultimate level, and the Hidden Mist Village is breached by other Ninja villages first, that wouldn't be good."

"Now, the development of the Ninja world no longer fully matches the original storyline."

"Improving the strength of ordinary Ninjas will enhance the overall strength of the Hidden Mist Village and increase my own self-preservation capabilities."

"I can start with the Stable Rock Style."

The Third Mizukage once said—regardless of the victory or defeat of the Hidden Mist Village, Soma, your life need not be a concern.

For a talent like Soma, other Ninja villages would not want to kill him.

However, not dying doesn't mean things will be easy.

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