Before the first light of dawn touched the sky, Sarutobi Ryo stepped back, and with a soft poof , he was done.
He had managed to grasp some of the Hyuga Clan's secrets of chakra control.
Or, more accurately, he now understood the basic principles of their training methods.
Even without the Byakugan, he could use what he learned, along with his right eye's ability to see heat, to try and control his chakra with incredible precision.
What truly mattered was understanding the whole system of their training.
The Hyuga Clan's approach to chakra training focused on the flow and fine-tuning of chakra control.
Those with exceptional skill could freely release chakra from every acupuncture point in their body.
Sarutobi Ryo thought about these ideas, eagerly anticipating how his own training would improve.
Soon after, Sarutobi Ryo left.
The room was completely silent, except for the Branch Family girl, who stared blankly at the ceiling, fresh tears adding to the old streaks on her face.
----
As the sun rose, Hyuga Natsu, having pulled herself together, quickly left.
Sarutobi Ryo continued his training without any guilt.
If anything happens, no one will suspect me. They'll just blame Hyuga Natsu.
Days passed.
Sarutobi Ryo's training showed some small improvements.
Finally, news arrived from Kirigakure.
Aburame Shiku had been found by the enemy. While trying to escape, he was badly wounded and near death.
By the time Hatake Sakumo arrived, Aburame Shiku was barely alive.
The information Aburame Shiku passed on revealed that the Third Mizukage, to convince the Land of Water's leaders to provide supplies for the war, had turned the people against the Yuki Clan.
The Yuki Clan became the scapegoats. After they were wiped out, the unrest in the country calmed down, at least for a while.
Now, Kirigakure was ready to launch a large-scale attack on other countries.
Hearing this, Hatake Sakumo immediately returned to Konoha and told the leaders everything.
Hatake Sakumo's information explained why Kirigakure had waited so long to make a big move.
Because he brought back this news, Konoha now had a chance to prepare for Kirigakure's attack.
In the original timeline, the ruins in the Land of Whirlpools would become Kirigakure's base for attacking Konoha again.
Therefore…
Many ninja were sent to the Land of Whirlpools Ruins to set up a base.
At first, Konoha had been worried about sending troops, mainly because of the cost.
Also, Kirigakure's small attacks had made Konoha less alert, creating a "boy who cried wolf" situation.
In the end, Hatake Sakumo confirmed the enemy's plans, stopping a disaster before it happened.
This made the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, very relieved, and he praised Hatake Sakumo in front of everyone.
At the Jonin Squad meeting, Namikaze Minato felt a twinge of sadness as he watched Hatake Sakumo receive praise.
Because, in the original timeline, Konoha would have ignored Kirigakure's attacks, which would have led to chaos and heavy losses when Kirigakure finally attacked.
Hatake Sakumo's survival had changed things for the better.
Normally, this wouldn't be a problem.
But now, Hatake Sakumo had done a great service by figuring out Kirigakure's plan.
His contribution to the war was significant.
Also, Aburame Shiku, who should have died, was still alive because of Hatake Sakumo's rescue.
Because of his near-fatal injuries, he passed on the leadership of his clan to his younger brother, Aburame Shibi.
Another important piece of information came to light.
The Kirigakure ninja who had badly injured Aburame Shiku was a girl named Terumi Mei, about the same age as Kakashi.
This was shocking.
Everyone was doubtful, but they knew that the ninja world was full of geniuses.
To defeat the experienced Aburame Shiku at that age showed just how talented Terumi Mei was.
Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Ryo knew the truth.
Terumi Mei would become the Mizukage in the original timeline, so her talent should not be underestimated.
"Then, let the Hyuga Clan be the reconnaissance Squad…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen assigned the tasks.
Kirigakure ninja were known for their Hidden Mist Technique, which could block vision.
Even the Sharingan couldn't see through the thick fog made of chakra.
Only the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan, with its ability to see through anything, could pierce the fog.
Having them lead the way made the most sense.
----
Time passed quickly.
As many Konoha ninja were sent to the Land of Whirlpools Ruins, the Third Shinobi World War began in earnest.
Hozuki Mangetsu appeared as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Led by Yagura, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist repeatedly attacked the Land of Whirlpools Ruins.
The two sides fought fiercely on the island, with many ninja dying every day.
Kirigakure, acting as if lives meant nothing, continued to launch attacks on the Land of Whirlpools Ruins, sacrificing their ninja without hesitation.
This made the Konoha leaders suspect that the Third Mizukage was deliberately sending his subordinates to their deaths.
Sarutobi Ryo and Namikaze Minato secretly agreed with this idea.
Because the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure was being controlled by Uchiha Madara.
Uchiha Madara didn't care about the lives of Kirigakure ninja.
He simply wanted to make Konoha suffer.
The war continued to worsen.
Bodies were being carried off the battlefield every day.
To make up for the losses, Konoha began promoting many children to Chunin.
Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, Morino Ibiki, Mitarashi Anko, and other children became Chunin and were sent to the battlefield.
Kakashi also became a Jonin.
He was still smiling proudly when Sarutobi Ryo made him face reality.
"Wartime promotions like these mean that Konoha is running out of people. Given Kakashi's age, it's strange for him to become a Jonin so quickly."
Konoha's apparent success hid many problems.
The real trouble was bound to happen sooner or later.
Just as smiles never disappear but only move to someone else, the trouble Konoha was about to face would be a sign of its downfall.
That was…
Konoha's troop numbers… were not enough…
When the Konoha leaders realized this, Sarutobi Hiruzen was filled with worry.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura continued to act as if everything was fine, using song and dance to hide the truth.
As for Shimura Danzo, no one knew what he was thinking.
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 264 (Vol 2 Ch 206) (+143 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 138 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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]