Chapter 10: Trial by fire

The Raikage's office was filled with an atmosphere of frustration and determination. Raikage Ay sat behind his imposing desk, flanked by the Tsuchikage Onoki and the Mizukage Mei Terumi. Maps and battle plans lay strewn across the large wooden table, while the Kages discussed the aftermath of the recent Anbu infiltration.

Raikage Ay slammed his fist on the table, causing the various papers to flutter. "Eight artillery pieces and two thousand rounds of ammunition! Gone! Those bastards hit us where it hurts!"

Onoki, the Tsuchikage, grumbled as he leaned on his floating rock platform. "Their stealth was impressive, I'll give them that. But we can't afford to be on the backfoot. Without our artillery, we've lost our main advantage."

Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, nodded, her expression one of simmering anger. "It's a blow, no doubt, but we can't let it demoralize our forces. We need to strike back hard and fast before they can capitalize on this."

Raikage Ay leaned back in his chair, considering his next move. "Our artillery was our trump card, but since we can't rely on that anymore, I think it's time to deploy our other crucial weapons."

Onoki's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You're suggesting we send our Jinchuriki to the front lines? It's risky, but perhaps necessary."

Raikage Ay nodded decisively. "Yes, Bee and Yugito will go with a brigade of shinobi from Kumo, Iwa, and Kiri. Bee is more than just a Jinchuriki; he's an accomplished shinobi with the experience of a Jonin. Yugito is a seasoned fighter, versatile enough for both combat and espionage."

Mei Terumi interjected, her tone concerned but resolute. "And their chemistry together? Can they work in unison effectively?"

Ay's expression softened slightly as he spoke of his jinchuriki. "They've always shown great synergy during training sessions. I trust them to deliver on the battlefield. Bee and Yugito will smash through the first of Konoha-Suna's lines of defense."

Onoki tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Roshi will join them. The Four Tails host has seen many battles and is a veteran of the last great war. His experience will be invaluable."

Mei Terumi nodded in agreement. "Kiri will send two brigades to balance out the forces. We need to ensure a strong front."

There was a moment of silence as they each absorbed the gravity of their decision. The Mizukage's gaze shifted to the map, her voice dropping to a somber tone. "I haven't seen my niece, Fuu, in a long time. The Seven Tails Jinchuriki… I assume the enemy has her captive."

Ay's jaw tightened. "We'll find her, Mei. But for now, we need to focus on the immediate threat. Bee and Yugito will head to the front lines. Their mission is to break through the enemy defenses and reclaim our momentum."

Onoki's gruff voice broke through the tension. "This is our best chance. We need to hit them hard and show them that we won't be cowed by their sabotage."

Mei Terumi nodded firmly. "Our forces are ready. We need to keep up the pressure and not let them regroup."

Raikage Ay stood, a commanding presence radiating determination. "Agreed. We strike at dawn. Bee and Yugito will lead the charge, with Roshi and our combined brigades following. This is our moment to turn the tide."

The Tsuchikage floated off his platform, his stern expression mirroring the seriousness of their mission. "We'll show them the power of our Jinchuriki. Let's make sure they regret ever challenging us."

Mei Terumi stood as well, her eyes steely with resolve. "For our villages, for our people. We will succeed."

As the three Kages finalized their plans, the room was charged with a newfound sense of purpose. The stakes were high, and the upcoming battle would be crucial in determining the course of the war. With their Jinchuriki at the forefront, they prepared to unleash their full might against the enemy, ready to rebound from their setback and push forward to victory.

The trench's canteen was a crude but necessary setup amidst the war-torn landscape. Soldiers milled about, taking what little respite they could from the grueling battles. Sasuke sat at a rough wooden table, methodically eating his lunch. The meal was simple, a far cry from the comfort food of home, but he ate it without complaint. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a familiar figure—Sakura.

"Sakura!" he called out, a rare smile breaking through his usual stoic expression.

Sakura turned, her own face lighting up when she saw him. "Sasuke! Mind if I join you?"

"Of course," he said, motioning to the empty seat across from him.

As Sakura sat down, she looked at Sasuke's face, noting the lines of fatigue and the shadows under his eyes. "It's been a while since we've had time to talk. How are you holding up?"

Sasuke shrugged, taking another bite of his food. "As well as can be expected, I guess. It's tough out there."

Sakura nodded, her eyes reflecting the same exhaustion. "I know. It's been brutal. But we have to keep going, for everyone back home."

They fell into an easy conversation, reminiscing about their days at the academy and the early missions they went on together. The sight of a rat scurrying into a hole nearby startled Sasuke, while Sakura only looked on with amusement.

"Damn rodents..." Sasuke grumbled.

"Remember our first mission with Kakashi-sensei? The one with the cats?" Sakura laughed, the sound a welcome relief from the constant tension of war.

Sasuke smirked, shaking his head and settling his gaze on the rat's hole. "I try not to. But yeah, those were simpler times. Funny we could use some of those nasty creatures around here I think."

Sakura's expression softened. "I miss those days. Even with all the crazy things that happened, it was better than this."

Sasuke nodded in agreement. "I miss them too. We never knew how good we had it."

They continued to chat, trying to forget the war around them for just a moment. Sasuke felt a sense of normalcy return, something he hadn't felt in a long time. But their brief respite was interrupted by the arrival of Shisui.

"Sasuke," Shisui called, making his way over to their table. He held a scroll in his hand, his expression serious.

Sasuke looked up, puzzled. "Shisui, what's going on?"

Shisui handed him the scroll. "This came in. It's a summons from the Hokage himself."

Sasuke took the scroll, breaking the seal and reading the contents. His eyes widened slightly. "We're being summoned back to Konoha? Why would Minato-sama want us specifically?"

Sakura's face mirrored his confusion. "What's it about?"

Shisui shrugged. "The scroll doesn't say much, just that we need to report to him immediately. I'm sure it will be fine."

Sasuke felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was relieved to get a break from the constant fighting. On the other, he was nervous about what the Hokage could want from him. "I guess we should get ready then."

Sakura reached across the table, squeezing his hand. "Be careful, Sasuke. And come back soon, okay?"

Sasuke squeezed back, offering her a reassuring smile. "I will. And I'll make sure to bring you something nice from the village."

Shisui patted Sasuke on the back. "Let's go. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back."

As they made their way out of the canteen, Sasuke looked back at Sakura one last time. She waved, a worried but hopeful look on her face. He nodded to her, trying to convey that everything would be alright.

In his mind, Sasuke was curious and slightly pleased at the thought of leaving the front lines, if only for a while. The constant fighting had worn him down, and he welcomed the chance to return to Konoha, even if he didn't know why the Hokage wanted to see him.

As they walked through the trenches towards the transport area, Shisui glanced at Sasuke. "It's not often we get called back like this. Any ideas on what it's about?"

Sasuke shook his head. "No idea. But whatever it is, it must be important."

Shisui nodded. "We'll find out soon enough. Let's just hope it's good news."

They continued in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The summons was a mystery, but for now, it was a welcome break from the chaos of war. As they prepared to leave, Sasuke couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something significant. The war was far from over, and their roles in it were about to change in ways they couldn't yet foresee.

Naruto stood outside his father's office, a mix of curiosity and apprehension churning in his stomach. The summons from Minato had come unexpectedly, and he wasn't sure what to expect. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and pushed it open.

Minato looked up from his desk, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Naruto, come in. We have much to discuss."

Naruto entered, closing the door behind him. "You wanted to see me, Dad?"

Minato nodded, standing up and gesturing for Naruto to follow. "Yes. There are some people I want you to meet. Come with me."

As they walked through the corridors of the Hokage's building and out towards the training grounds, Minato began to explain. "The war is taking a toll on everyone, and we need all hands on deck. The elders and I have decided for you to begin preparations to be deployed to the front."

Naruto listened intently, his curiosity piqued. "Deployed? But I thought-"

Minato cut him off gently. "I know you have a lot of questions, and I know you've been through a lot. But we need you now more than ever. I've arranged for you to join a squad of experienced soldiers who will help you transition into your duties."

Naruto's mind raced with questions, but he kept them to himself, focusing instead on what his father was saying.

Minato continued, "These soldiers have been through the thick of it, and their skillsets will be invaluable to you. I think you'll find them quite capable."

As they approached the training grounds, Naruto could see two figures standing in the distance. As they got closer, he recognized one of them but couldn't quite place where from. The other, however, was entirely unfamiliar.

Minato stopped a few feet away from them and turned to Naruto. "Naruto, meet your new squadmates. This is Shisui Uchiha," he said, pointing to the man with the sharp, determined eyes. "And this is Sasuke Uchiha."

Sasuke's eyes locked with Naruto's, and there was a brief moment of recognition, though Naruto couldn't remember where he knew him from.

Shisui stepped forward, offering a respectful nod. "It's an honor to meet you, Naruto. Thank you, Hokage-sama, for this opportunity."

Sasuke was less enthusiastic, his greeting more formal. "Naruto, welcome to the squad."

Naruto nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "Thank you. I look forward to learning from both of you."

In Sasuke's mind, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance. He remembered Naruto as Hinata's old friend, someone who had always seemed a bit lost to him. But now, here he was, being thrust into their ranks.

Shisui, sensing the tension, smiled warmly. "We're here to help you get up to speed, Naruto. The battlefield is a harsh teacher, but we'll do our best to prepare you."

Naruto appreciated Shisui's attempt to ease the situation. "I won't let you down. I want to help end this war."

Minato watched the exchange, his face impassive but his mind relieved that the introductions were going smoothly. "I'll leave you three to get acquainted. Shisui, Sasuke, I trust you'll take good care of him."

Shisui nodded confidently. "Of course Hokage-sama."

Sasuke added, "We'll make sure he's ready."

Minato turned to Naruto one last time. "Remember, son, your goal is to help bring an end to this conflict on Konoha's terms. Learn from them, and stay focused."

Naruto nodded firmly. "I will, Dad."

As Minato walked away, the three of them stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their responsibilities settling in.

Shisui broke the silence. "Alright, Naruto. Let's start with a quick rundown of what we do and what you'll need to know."

Naruto listened intently as Shisui explained their roles and the nature of their missions. He was determined to absorb as much information as possible.

Sasuke watched Naruto closely, assessing his demeanor. He could see the determination in his eyes and decided to give him a chance. "We've been through a lot, Naruto. This war isn't easy, but with the right training and mindset, we can turn the tide."

Naruto looked at Sasuke, grateful for the support. "Thank you, Sasuke. I'll do my best."

Shisui placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We're a team now. We'll watch each other's backs. Let's get started."

As they began their training, Naruto felt a renewed sense of purpose. The past week had been a whirlwind of emotions, but now, he was ready to face his role head-on. He suppressed any conflicting thoughts, focusing solely on the task at hand. His resolve to help win the war and bring peace grew stronger with each passing moment.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the forest. In the trenches of the screening zone, Konoha shinobi remained vigilant, their senses sharpened by the constant threat of attack. The air was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves and whisper of the wind raising their alertness.

"Stay sharp," one of the Konoha shinobi murmured to his comrades. "The enemy could strike at any moment."

"Yeah, but it's been quiet for too long," another responded, scanning the horizon with narrowed eyes. "Too quiet."

High above, the lookouts peered through their binoculars, some making use of their dojutsu to observe the dark expanse of no man's land. The silence was unsettling, and their nerves were on edge.

Then, without warning, the first lookout's body went rigid, a strangled gasp escaping his lips as he fell lifeless to the ground. The others didn't have time to react before they too were taken out, one by one, by a dark, shadowy figure moving with deadly precision.

The figure moved swiftly, its presence undetectable until it was too late. As the last lookout fell, the shadowy figure found itself close to the trenches, pausing to survey the area. Face concealed behind a mask, the figure dropped down below, dressed in the all-black Kumo Anbu attire. Her eyes gleamed with determination as she formed a series of hand signs.

[Summoning Jutsu]

In a puff of smoke, a squad of Kumo Anbu appeared around her, moving into their positions with practiced ease.

The woman wasted no time. She focused her chakra, her hands moving through another set of hand signs, executing a signature jutsu of the two tails jinchuriki

[Mouse Hairball]

From her mouth, several small, glowing orbs of chakra shot out, racing towards the searchlights of the trenches. They struck with pinpoint accuracy, destroying the lights and plunging the area into darkness. The Konoha shinobi scrambled in confusion, their vision impaired.

"What's happening?" one of them shouted, panic evident in his voice. "We've lost the lights!"

"Stay calm!" another yelled. "Regroup!"

But in the darkness, they were at a severe disadvantage. Yugito, blessed with night vision from her connection with Maatatabi, moved through the trench with incredible speed and efficiency. Her claws glowed with chakra as she sliced through the defending forces, her movements a blur.

One by one, the Konoha shinobi fell, unable to see their attacker. Yugito's prowess was unmatched, her agility and strength decimating the defenders. The Kumo Anbu squad moved in sync with her, their actions coordinated and deadly.

The remaining defenders in the screening line attempted to retreat to the first line of defense as planned, but the Kumo Anbu hiding in the foliage picked them off with precision strikes. Yugito's assault was relentless, and soon the trench was littered with the bodies of the fallen.

As the last of the defenders fell, Yugito reached for her radio, removing her mask. "This is Yugito Nii. The sector is secured, no survivors on the enemy's part."

The success of the assault was due in no small part to the experimental uniform designed specifically for the task. The fabric, infused with chakra, allowed Yugito to move undetected by the Hyuuga's Byakugan. The defenders had been blind to her presence until it was too late.

By wiping out the screening zone, Yugito and her squad had ensured that the first line of defense remained unaware of the impending assault. Now, three brigades of Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri shinobi were set to move in, capitalizing on the darkness to assault and secure Konoha's first line of defense.

From a distance, the reinforcements began their advance, the ground trembling under the weight of their numbers. The brigades were bolstered by the presence of the Eight-Tails and Four-Tails Jinchuriki, their formidable power a terrifying prospect for any opponent.

Yugito watched as the brigades moved in, her eyes filled with steely determination. The war was far from over, but tonight, they had struck a significant blow against their enemies. The first line of defense would soon fall, and with it, the tides of war would shift once more.

The night air was filled with the sounds of approaching footsteps and the distant rumble of marching soldiers. Yugito took a deep breath, her senses heightened, ready for the next phase of the battle. The moon continued to shine down, bearing silent witness to the chaos unfolding below.

Minato sat behind his desk, the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. The dim light of the candles flickered in the room, casting shadows on the faces of his trusted advisors gathered around the table. Tsunade, Shikaku, Danzo, and Hiashi, the inner circle of Konoha's leadership, wore expressions of deep concern.

"The situation is deteriorating rapidly," Tsunade said, breaking the heavy silence. "Kumo's capture of our first line of defense has thrown our forces into disarray."

Minato nodded, his eyes cold and focused. "I received the reports this morning. The news about the jinchurikis in the forefront is particularly troubling. We believed they were still missing."

"Clearly, we were misinformed," Shikaku added, his fingers steepled as he analyzed the situation. "Their presence means the enemy is far stronger than we anticipated."

Danzo leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "This is why we need to deploy Naruto. His power is crucial if we are to counter their jinchurikis."

Minato sighed, rubbing his temples. "Naruto has been prepared for this moment. But I still feel he is not ready."

"The battlefield will forge him into what we need," Danzo retorted. "We can't afford to be sentimental. Our lines are at risk of collapse."

Hiashi spoke up, his voice measured but urgent. "Suna's reports indicate they are under heavy artillery fire. They're being fixed in place, unable to assist us with shinobi. However, they can send Gaara. Kazekage Rasa deems it important enough to send Gaara to bolster our forces. If Konoha falls, there will be nothing between the enemy and Suna."

Minato closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the burden of his position. "I understand the gravity of the situation. But Naruto is a valuable asset, and I must consider his readiness as well as that of the village."

Tsunade placed a hand on Minato's arm, her voice softer. "Minato, we all understand your hesitation. But if we don't act now, there might not be a village left to protect."

Shikaku nodded in agreement. "Naruto isn't alone. He'll have the Uchiha pair with him. They're both experienced soldiers, their exploits have gained them a reputation amongst our generals. They can help guide him through this."

Minato's mind raced. He had trained Naruto himself, preparing him for this very moment. Yet, the idea of sending him into the heart of the conflict without being fully prepared gnawed at him.

Danzo's voice cut through his thoughts. "Hokage, we're out of time. We need Naruto on the battlefield. Now."

Minato took a deep breath, the decision weighing heavily on him. "Very well. We'll deploy Naruto, Sasuke, and Shisui immediately."

Hiashi nodded solemnly. "It's the right choice, Minato.