Chapter 131: Kakashi and the Raikage Competing in Lightning Style? (Patreon)

Sarutobi Asuma and the current head of the Shimura family exchanged wry smiles.

Did they dare to disagree with Tsunade? They knew Tsunade was sort of punishing them and diminishing the strength of their two families, but they didn't dare to voice their concerns.

Asuma was relatively unconcerned.

At any rate, he had a strained relationship with his father since childhood and had never paid much attention to his family’s affairs. In his youth, he had chosen to become one of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas, distancing himself from the Sarutobi clan.

He only succeeded as clan head due to his status as the third Hokage's son.

The Shimura family, on the other hand, lived in constant fear because of Danzo's actions, worried that Tsunade might seek retribution on them one day. However, they hoped that if they proved their worth in this mission, the Shimura clan might be able to secure its future.

Tsunade was satisfied with the situation.

If it weren't for Colt's "casual" remarks, she wouldn't have realized how much the Shimura and Sarutobi clans, which had long been allied with the Senju, had grown.

This presented an excellent opportunity to weaken their influence.

These folks were all over the most important and hidden positions…

As the Hokage, she was all about maintaining the balance.

"Hokage-sama, I wish to join the front lines as well!" Hiashi stood up, volunteering.

He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

‘It’s time, brother…’

Tsunade considered for a moment before agreeing to his request.

“I’ll allow it!”

The war, was really… happening.

**********

Early the next morning, the advance troops set out to construct border fortifications and gather intelligence.

Colt departed with the main force on the third day.

Before leaving, Ino and Hinata watched him with tears in their eyes, like young brides seeing their beloved off to war.

Colt gently patted their heads. He couldn’t help the helpless smile that sprung on his face.

"When I return from this battle, I'll spend more time with you both."

In the distance, Kurenai also silently observed him.

"Be careful..." she whispered.

"Uncle Hiashi, Uncle Inoichi, Uncle Shikaku, Uncle Chōza," Colt greeted the seasoned shinobis in the army.

Everyone here had a close relationship with him, either as future in-laws or as the parents of his friends.

Seeing Hiashi and Inoichi together made him feel slightly guilty.

"Colt, the outcome of this battle depends on you," Shikaku then said.

"If you have any ideas, feel free to share them."

Shikaku knew that although Tsunade had named him the commander-in-chief, the real master of the battlefield was Colt. The essence of this war was to earn more recognition for him.

Shikaku didn't mind this at all; on the contrary, he was pleased to see Colt succeed.

With Colt's strength, any amount of credit would be enough to secure the position of Hokage. Given Colt's good relationship with the Ino-Shika-Chō families, their smooth development would be assured when he became the Hokage.

"Uncle Shikaku, you’re joking. You are the commander-in-chief this time, you know what’s best to do,”

“But, if we talk about suggestions, I do have a modest one," Colt responded humbly, then looked mischievously at Kakashi.

This was Tsunade's first major battle since taking office. She absolutely had to win, and win decisively.

As one of Konoha's top Elite Jōnin, Kakashi naturally joined the team as a result.

Kurenai had wanted to come as well, but Colt persuaded her to stay behind.

Her Genjutsu specialty skills wouldn't be as effective on such a large battlefield, and she could easily get hurt.

"Kakashi-sensei is Konoha's foremost Lightning Style expert. Let him compete against the Raikage in Lightning Style techniques. If he wins, it will be a tremendous blow to the Cloud shinobi's morale."

Kakashi felt resigned.

‘This kid…’

Of course, it had to be him. Did this mean Colt wanted him to die faster?

Everyone laughed, understanding that Colt was teasing Kakashi.

Due to the large amount of supplies they were transporting, the entire force moved slowly.

After exchanging greetings, Colt approached an Anbu team.

He had another task: to guard Yugito, the two-Tails Jinchūriki.

Seeing Colt approach, a flicker of fear passed through Yugito's eyes.

She couldn't forget what this man had done to her when they fought.

It had been so intense, so fast, so painful.

He showed no mercy at all. In the end, she had passed out from the pain!

Colt glanced at Yugito without any sympathy.

They were enemies; why should he pity her? In fact, the more he saw her, the angrier he became.

If it weren't for her, none of this would have happened.

He decided he needed to add something to her body, to make some adjustments.

With this in mind, Colt instructed several Anbu.

"Stay alert and don't let anyone disturb me."

Then, under Yugito's terrified gaze, he approached her step by step.

"What are you doing?" she cried.

"Be patient for a while. You'll be fine soon," he replied.

It took two full days for the large force to arrive near the border. They set up tents as a temporary headquarters.

Shikaku took the information sent by the advance troops and sat in the main seat, with Hiashi and Colt, the two highest-ranking individuals, on either side.

War was complicated, but it was essentially a game of intelligence and power.

When the enemy attacks, you defend. When they defend, you strike.

When you're about to fall, you quickly recover.

In short, it's necessary to respond reasonably and play your cards calmly.

Shikaku frowned after reading the intelligence gathered over the past few days. The situation was not optimistic.

The commander of the Cloud shinobi was Darui, the well-known right-hand man of the Raikage.

However, their true central figure was the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B, who was said to be able to perfectly wield the power of his Tailed Beast.

Shikaku quickly made a decision and assigned the tasks.

Hiashi and Chōza were to lead the troops from the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, respectively, to hold the two flanks. Kakashi would lead an elite squad as a mobile force to provide support where needed.

As for Colt and himself, he would remain at the headquarters for the time being.

"Leave the medical matters to me. I am quite a good medical ninja," Colt said with a smile.

Shikaku slapped his forehead, remembering that Colt was indeed Konoha's medical expert.

This kid had so many talents that it was easy to overlook some of them.

"Colt, you have the [Wood Style] and the [Sharingan]. You should always be ready to face the Eight-Tails. Don't take it lightly however and be careful and vigilant," Shikaku reminded him earnestly.

On today's battlefield, Colt was the only one who could compete with the Eight-Tails. The rest of them could only use their lives to slow it down if it came down to it.

"Don't worry, Uncle Shikaku. The Eight-Tails will be a good learning experience for me but nothing more than that," Colt assured him confidently, putting many minds that were nearby at ease.