Attack
Uchiha Gen swiftly packed his gear, stepped out of the tent, and greeted with a warm smile: "Hello everyone."
Hyūga Tokuma wore his standard Konoha forehead protector and a traditional white battle suit that accentuated his Byakugan heritage, layered beneath a forest-green chūnin vest. His sharp, calm features carried a quiet confidence, though his face softened slightly when his Byakugan wasn't activated.
Baiyun Zaomo had his dark hair tied neatly in a ponytail, his Konoha headband secured across his forehead. He wore a sleek black battle suit under a green chūnin vest and carried a ninja blade strapped across his back. His sharp, determined gaze and heroic demeanor gave him a commanding presence.
"Hello, Captain," Hyūga Tokuma and Baiyun Zaomo said in unison.
"Hello, Captain."
Yūhi Kurenai's reaction came a second slower, distracted in thought. Realizing her lapse, her fair cheeks flushed faintly with embarrassment as she hurriedly offered her greeting.
Uchiha Gen nodded slightly before turning to Kurenai with a playful smile. "Kurenai, long time no see. You've become even more beautiful."
Her initial happiness was veiled with a modest scoff. "What use is beauty in battle? It can't be eaten."
"But you're truly impressive—you've already become a jōnin, just like Hatake Kakashi," she added with a tinge of admiration.
What a contradictory woman, Gen mused internally.
"Being a jōnin isn't that special," Gen replied humbly. "You still need to work hard if you want to put food on the table."
Duplicitous man, Kurenai thought. If only you could hide that smug grin, I might believe your humble act.
He chuckled. "Alright, back to business."
"Everyone, introduce yourselves properly. Kurenai, you start."
This was standard procedure—team members couldn't fight effectively without understanding each other's strengths.
Yūhi Kurenai nodded and spoke confidently, "My name is Yūhi Kurenai. I specialize in genjutsu. I look forward to working with you."
Standing in the center, Hyūga Tokuma followed. "I am Hyūga Tokuma. I specialize in taijutsu and reconnaissance using my Byakugan. Please give me your guidance."
Then Baiyun Zaomo stepped forward. "I'm Baiyun Zaomo. I excel in Wind Release ninjutsu and swordsmanship. I look forward to working with you all."
These weren't fresh academy graduates; all three were experienced chūnin capable of leading missions independently. Their team formation was temporary, so brief introductions sufficed.
"Well done. While there's time, find a place to train together. Build your teamwork and improve your coordination."
"Yes, Captain!" Tokuma and Zaomo responded simultaneously.
"Wait, Captain, you haven't introduced yourself yet. To them, you're still the same mysterious figure from before." Kurenai's playful pout showed a hint of frustration.
"Ah, my bad—I forgot."
"I'm Uchiha Gen. I specialize in genjutsu and Fire Release, but I'm also proficient in Wind and Earth Release. I have some skill with kenjutsu and throwing techniques as well."
His genjutsu must be incredible—probably stronger than mine. But how does it compare to his father's legendary prowess? Kurenai wondered quietly.
"Alright, let's move out."
The four left the camp and spent two hours sharpening their teamwork. While their individual strength remained unchanged, their coordination improved significantly.
The next day arrived swiftly. With Konoha's reconnaissance progressing smoothly, the village officially launched its assault.
The first objective was to dismantle the traps set around Kirigakure's encampment.
The legendary Sannin—Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Minato Namikaze—personally led the reconnaissance force, using kunai with attached explosive tags to clear the traps from the offensive path.
Konoha's main army advanced behind them, led by Tsunade, ready to exploit any openings.
Unwilling to watch their traps be dismantled, Kirigakure dispatched elite squads to intervene. But against three Kage-level powerhouses, the Mist-nin were swiftly overwhelmed—falling with ease.
To truly challenge Konoha's reconnaissance team, Kirigakure would need either their full military might or direct intervention from Yagura Karatachi and the village's elite combat forces.
Yet, deploying large numbers was risky—only high-ranking Kirigakure officials had access to the full defense layout. A misstep could trigger their own traps.
Yagura, not yet a perfect Jinchūriki, wasn't willing to risk open confrontation with Tsunade and three Kage-level leaders backing Konoha's advance.
Instead, Kirigakure abandoned direct interception, using the delay to prepare a battlefield to their advantage.
Their base was situated by a vast forest lake spanning tens of thousands of square meters—ideal for water-based combat.
Chūnin and higher-ranked Mist-nin used Water Release techniques to manipulate the lake, saturating the battlefield and transforming it into a soggy swamp, enhancing their abilities.
But Konoha's forces were undeterred. With seasoned fighters and an environment similar to the Land of Whirlpools, they were more than prepared for water-heavy combat.
Rather than a chaotic charge, Konoha's shinobi launched an organized attack—kunai and shuriken rained from above, and coordinated squads advanced strategically.
Explosive tags, expensive and typically reserved for emergencies, were freely used by wealthier chūnin and jōnin in the opening assault.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions shattered the mist, scattering Kirigakure's forces. However, casualties remained minimal—Mist-nin were adept at navigating the fog.
Without needing orders, Konoha's Wind Release users—bolstered by Orochimaru, Minato, and Jiraiya—unleashed a coordinated windstorm, clearing the heavy mist in a violent gust.
As the fog dispersed, it became clear: Kirigakure's forces had begun flanking from both sides. Without the sudden intervention, Konoha's army could have been caught off guard.
Now exposed, both sides had no choice but to engage directly.
Kirigakure couldn't afford to retreat from the territory they had secured—it was time for an all-out battle.
The fighting erupted around the lake and forest. Thousands of shinobi clashed, driven not by personal vendettas but by duty and allegiance.
In a remote section of the battlefield, Team Gen faced off against a four-man Kirigakure squad.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Uchiha Gen's Kusanagi Blade flashed as he deflected incoming shuriken. With a swift, diagonal slash, the blade extended unnaturally—an advanced kenjutsu technique.
A Mist-nin, caught mid-air, had no choice but to block desperately.
Bang!
The force of the clash sent the Mist-nin crashing to the ground. Before the enemy could recover, Gen closed in, Kusanagi's edge poised for a decisive thrust.
The Mist-nin tried to defend, but Uchiha Gen's power was overwhelming. The blade pierced through the weakened defense, sinking into his chest.
I'm not a master of war, Gen thought wryly. But this will do for now.
Subscribe to patreon.com/Kvnggamer for 30+ chapters