The air in Minato's office was tense, thick with the weight of decisions that would shape the future of the war. Minato leaned over his desk, the map of the Lightning Nation sprawled across its surface. The flicker of candlelight danced on the parchment, highlighting the jagged mountain ranges and valleys that shielded Kumogakure. Around him stood Tsunade, Hiashi, Shikaku, and Kakashi—his inner circle, each of them deep in thought, awaiting his words.
"We're close," Minato began, his blue eyes fixed on the capital's position marked on the map. "Kumogakure is only a little over a dozen kilometers out. We're on the cusp of a major breakthrough. But we need to decide how we proceed from here." His voice was measured, but the underlying urgency was palpable.
Hiashi, arms crossed, was the first to speak. "We need to move quickly, Hokage. Kumo is faltering. We should press the advantage while we have it and finish them off. Iwa's forces are still at our back, and we can't afford to drag this out. Taking Kumo quickly would be a decisive blow, both strategically and psychologically."
Minato nodded. "I agree, Hiashi. We've seen success with a fast-paced strategy. Every time we've pushed hard, we've taken significant territory, especially the outer regions. We need to maintain that momentum."
Tsunade, who had been watching silently, raised an eyebrow. "Minato, with all due respect, we're risking outrunning our supplies. We've been advancing faster than our logistics can keep up. Medical units at the front are already reporting minor shortages. If we keep up this pace, those 'minor' issues could turn into major problems. We need to slow down, regroup, and resupply before we make our next move."
Shikaku shifted slightly, his calculating eyes scanning the map. "She's right. I've been wondering why Kumo isn't putting up more of a fight. It's not like them to just roll over, especially this close to their capital."
Minato exhaled sharply, waving a hand dismissively. "It's likely that most of their military is made up of conscripts from the outer territories—territories they annexed decades ago. These people don't have much love for the Raikage or his regime. I'd wager they're barely motivated to fight, and that's why we've seen such little resistance."
Tsunade sighed heavily, frustration flickering in her eyes. "There you go again, speculating about Kumo's territories. You're more focused on absorbing their land than winning the war."
Minato's lips curved into a thin smile. "I'm only making an observation, Tsunade. Nothing more."
But the undertone in his voice was clear. The territories he spoke of—the ones closer to Konoha, populated by people who resembled them more than the citizens of Kumo proper—were of particular interest to him. Absorbing those regions would not only weaken Kumo but would provide Konoha with a population he considered more "manageable."
Shikaku, ever the tactician, leaned forward. "We should advance, but cautiously. I suggest we send ANBU teams ahead of the main force. They can gather intel, find weak points in Kumo's defenses, and clear a path for the main assault. That way, we don't rush in blindly, and we still maintain some of our momentum."
Kakashi, standing by the window with his mask half-shadowed, finally spoke. "It's a solid plan. The ANBU have been effective in harassing attacks, but reconnaissance and infiltration are what we're trained for. If we deploy them now, we could get critical intel that could shorten this campaign."
Hiashi nodded in agreement, though his tone was more urgent. "It's wise, but we can't waste too much time. Every day we delay gives Iwa more time to regroup and potentially hit us from behind. Kumo is the key, and we need to take it fast."
Minato's eyes flicked between his advisors. He could feel the weight of the moment. "Alright," he said after a moment of silence. "We'll proceed as follows: we'll deploy the ANBU teams ahead of the main force for reconnaissance. In the meantime, we'll pause for four days to gather supplies and resupply our front lines. When the ANBU reports back, we'll strike."
He stood straight, looking each of his advisors in the eye. "We're going to win this war. Kumo and Iwa will be nothing but footnotes in history, their cultures, their lands, absorbed into Konoha's might. We're on the verge of greatness here—glory for Konoha."
His voice dropped to a near whisper. "And especially, for her people."
The room fell silent for a moment, the unspoken meaning behind his words lingering in the air. Minato's disdain for the people of Kumo was no secret to those closest to him. To him, their annexation wasn't just about land—it was about bringing "order" to what he saw as a lesser people. A new order.
Finally, Minato raised his hand in a crisp salute, the salute of Konoha's military forces. "Glory to Konoha."
The others joined in without hesitation, their voices uniting in the familiar refrain.
"Victory to her people."
The words hung in the air, heavy with both hope and the weight of what was to come.
Naruto made his way to the park bench, the cool night air refreshing against his skin. The moon hung high in the sky, bathing the village in a soft, silvery light.
As he approached the bench where he and Hinata had been meeting almost every night, his heart beat a little faster. Their meetings had become the highlight of his day, and every time they sat together, he found himself wanting to stay longer.
But tonight, something was different.
When he arrived at the bench, Hinata wasn't there. That was strange. She was always there first, usually waiting for him with a soft smile. He glanced around, frowning slightly, before sitting down.
The air was peaceful, the village quieter at this hour. Naruto closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the stillness, though a part of him couldn't help but feel a little uneasy without her presence.
Moments later, he heard the familiar sound of soft footsteps approaching. He turned and saw Hinata walking toward him, her face lit by the glow of the moon. His heart eased at the sight of her.
"Sorry I'm late, Naruto," she said softly, bowing her head in apology. "I got caught up with something important."
Naruto smiled and shook his head. "It's okay, Hinata. I know you've been busy lately. Things are crazy with everything going on." He leaned back, resting his arms on the back of the bench. "It's not like we're at war or anything," he joked weakly, though there was an edge of seriousness in his voice.
Hinata sighed, sitting down beside him. "I hope Sakura and Sasuke are okay," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "They've been out on the front lines for two weeks now… and from what I've heard, the fighting is getting worse."
Naruto hesitated, his gaze falling to the ground. He wasn't sure how to ask what was on his mind, but it had been nagging at him. He finally worked up the nerve, his voice quiet. "Hinata… have you ever… fought in a real battle before?"
She paused for a moment, her expression unreadable. "No," she answered honestly, shaking her head. "I've been on missions, sure, but I've never been in a large battle. The ANBU usually handles more... specialized tasks. We're rarely involved in direct combat."
Naruto nodded, feeling a bit awkward for bringing it up. He ran a hand through his hair. "Sorry. I didn't mean to ask you something so personal."
Hinata gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes soft. "It's okay. I understand why you asked. A lot's changed since you were gone. It's only natural you'd be curious."
Naruto sighed deeply, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "I'm probably going to be deployed soon," he said quietly. "I've been training for this for so long, but… honestly, Hinata, I'm scared."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly, and she watched him as he continued.
"I mean… I've never been in a real war. I've trained for it, yeah, but there's a big difference between training and actually fighting." His voice wavered slightly. "I'm scared of messing up… of getting people hurt… of killing people."
Hinata gently reached out, placing her hand on his cheek, turning his face toward hers. Her touch was soft, but firm. "Naruto," she said quietly, "it's okay to be afraid. Kakashi-sensei always told me that fear is the fire that forges strength. It's what drives us to be better, to be stronger."
Naruto chuckled weakly, though his eyes were still heavy with worry. "Well, in that case, I must be the strongest guy in the village, 'cause I'm absolutely terrified."
Hinata laughed lightly, a soft sound that made Naruto's heart skip. "You are strong, Naruto," she said more seriously. "You're one of the strongest people I know. And I know you'll pull through. You always do."
Her words hit him like a gentle wave, warm and reassuring. Naruto caught her hand in his, holding it between his palms. He wanted to tell her that he wasn't just trying to pull through for the village—he was doing it for her. More than anything, he wanted to make her proud.
But the words caught in his throat, and he settled on a simple, "Thank you, Hinata. You… you always know what to say."
Hinata smiled warmly at him, her hand still in his. "It's my duty as your friend," she said softly.
The word stung more than it should have—friend. Naruto felt his heart sink slightly. It was so strange; they were so close, yet this invisible barrier seemed to keep them from crossing that line.
His mind drifted back to the conversations he had with Bee in Kumo, about love and relationships. Bee had talked about how love was the strongest force, how being with Yugito made him feel invincible. Naruto wondered if the warmth he always felt around Hinata was the same thing Bee had been talking about.
Hinata suddenly looked up at the sky, her gaze turning distant. "The stars are so bright tonight," she mused, her voice soft.
Naruto took the opportunity to look at her, admiring the way the moonlight illuminated her features.
Over time, he had noticed how beautiful she had become, but lately, he found himself stealing glances at her more often. She wasn't just the shy girl he remembered from their childhood. She had grown into someone strong, confident, and kind.
When she turned her gaze back to him, he felt his face heat up, quickly looking away. His mind was racing. The word 'friend' still echoed in his head, but deep down, he knew he wanted more than that. He didn't want to just be her friend anymore.
He had fallen for her.
But he didn't know how to say it. He didn't want to risk ruining the bond they had now by admitting his feelings. For now, he'd keep it to himself, unsure of how to move forward but certain that his heart belonged to Hinata.
Hinata's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Isn't the sky beautiful tonight?" she asked as she looked up at the vast expanse of stars.
Naruto nearly said something embarrassing, something obvious like, 'not as beautiful as you', but he managed to hold back, simply nodding in response. "Yeah, it really is," he replied, smiling awkwardly.
He tried to joke, his tone light but tinged with a hint of melancholy. "I wonder if I'll still have time to do this when I'm deployed soon. Just sitting under the stars like this, looking up at the sky. I bet they don't have moments like this on the battlefield."
Hinata's smile was soft, but there was something else behind it, something unreadable. "I don't know either," she admitted quietly.
Naruto's brow furrowed as he noticed her expression change. "Hey, is something bothering you?" he asked, leaning closer to her, concern etched on his face.
Hinata hesitated, wringing her hands together as if trying to find the right words. His eyes softened as he called her name again, "Hinata…"
She exhaled, her breath shaky. "I'm going to be deployed tomorrow," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "To the Lightning Nation."
Naruto blinked, stunned. "Wait, tomorrow?" he echoed, his voice thick with disbelief.
Hinata nodded, her eyes flickering with a mixture of determination and sadness. "The ANBU is needed for a special mission. I don't know all the details yet."
Naruto was silent for a moment, trying to process what she just said. Finally, he asked, his voice low, "Are you ready for it?"
Hinata looked down at her lap, then back at him. "I am," she said with a small nod, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty.
Naruto found himself feeling a pit form in his stomach. He didn't want to admit it, but the idea of Hinata being on the frontlines terrified him. It was one thing knowing she was strong, another knowing she was heading into the heart of the war.
He was about to say something when she smiled at him, that soft, reassuring smile she always gave him.
"Don't worry about me," she said gently. "I'll be fine."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit foolish. "I know, I know. It's just... I can't help it. I care about you too much."
Hinata's heart fluttered at his words, her cheeks warming as she tried to hide the blush creeping across her face. She offered him a reassuring nod. "I'll be okay. I promise."
A moment of silence passed between them, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Naruto broke it, his voice hesitant. "Hinata, why are you here with me tonight? I mean, with your team leaving tomorrow, shouldn't you be with them?"
Hinata shifted slightly, her fingers brushing nervously against each other. "We're not leaving at dawn or anything," she explained. "And I wanted to see you." She paused, her voice growing softer. "One more time, before..."
Her words hung in the air, the unspoken meaning heavy between them. She didn't need to say it. Naruto knew exactly what she meant.
The war had taken many lives. There were no guarantees. This could very well be the last night they had together.
Naruto's heart raced, and he suddenly realized that if he didn't say what he had been holding back, he might regret it forever. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say.
"I... I love you, Hinata," he confessed, his voice shaking slightly but full of sincerity.
Hinata froze, her wide eyes staring at him in disbelief. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Naruto continued, determined to explain everything while he still had the courage.
"I think I've been in love with you for a while," he said, his voice growing steadier. "Even when I was in captivity, I couldn't stop thinking about you. Wondering if you were okay, if you were happy, even when I wasn't around. I didn't understand it at first. But... every time I thought about you, all I could remember was how kind you are, how smart, how hardworking, and..." he hesitated, then smiled shyly, "...how beautiful you've always been."
Hinata's breath caught in her throat. "Naruto..."
He held her gaze, his eyes full of emotion. "I'm sure of it now. I love you, Hinata."
The silence between them was deafening. Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, each second feeling like an eternity. He braced himself for her response, not sure what to expect.
Then, to his surprise, Hinata reached out and took his hand in hers. "Naruto," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I would never forget you. I could never move on from you. Because... I love you too."
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, his breath hitching. "You... you do?"
Hinata nodded, her cheeks flushed but her expression determined. "I've had these feelings for a long time, but I never knew how to tell you. I never thought you'd feel the same way."
Naruto whispered her name, his heart swelling with emotions he had never fully understood until now.
"I've always held on to you," Hinata continued, her voice thick with emotion. "It's what kept me going. And now, I'm telling you... I love you, Naruto. I always have."
Before Naruto could stop himself, he placed his hand on her cheek, gently pulling her towards him. Their faces inches apart, he leaned in.
Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss—full of all the emotions they had been holding back for so long.
The kiss was brief, but when they pulled apart, their eyes locked, and everything between them felt different. Hinata's hands found his face, cupping his cheeks as she kissed him again, this time with more passion, more urgency.
Naruto's heart raced as he kissed her back, their lips moving together in perfect sync. It was everything he had imagined and more. He could feel her warmth, her love, and it made his heart feel like it was going to burst.
A voice crackled through Hinata's radio, but they ignored it, too lost in each other to care. Naruto's hand reached for her, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss as if this was their last chance to be together.
The voice came through again, more urgent this time. Hinata suddenly pulled away, the reality of the moment crashing back down on them. She fumbled for the radio, responding quickly, her voice steady but her eyes still full of emotion.
"I... I have to go," she said to him quietly, getting to her feet.
Naruto stood as well, his heart heavy with the weight of their goodbye. They stood there for a moment, looking at each other, neither wanting to be the first to say it.
"So... this is it," Naruto said, his voice thick. "Goodbye... for now."
Hinata nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "For now," she echoed softly.
Naruto forced a smile. "Be safe out there, okay?"
Hinata smiled back, though her heart was breaking. "I will," she promised, her voice low.
They stood there for a long moment, neither wanting to leave. Finally, Hinata stepped closer, reaching up to kiss him one last time. As she pulled away, she pressed an object into his hand.
Looking into his eyes, she whispered, "I love you. I'll carry you with me, always."
Naruto's throat tightened, and all he could manage was a weak smile as he watched her walk away, disappearing into the night.
As she vanished from sight, Naruto stood there, alone under the stars, looking at the necklace she left with him, and vowing to never let her down.
Fuu sat in a tent, waiting patiently, her fingers tapping the edge of her seat rhythmically. The tent was one of hundreds located at the barracks used by the 2nd Shinobi amphibious division, of Kirigakure. The sound of footsteps approached, and soon a Kiri soldier appeared at the entrance, nodding for her to follow.
Without a word, Fuu stood and followed him, weaving through the barracks until they reached another building—a more official-looking structure, lined with stone walls and guarded doors.
She stepped inside and made her way down the hall to a room where her aunt, Mei Terumi, was seated behind a desk, meticulously sorting through various documents. The flickering light from the lamp on her desk cast soft shadows across her face, highlighting the sharp focus in her eyes.
Fuu cleared her throat softly, greeting her aunt. "Aunt Mei."
Mei didn't look up right away, simply gesturing to the seat across from her. "Fuu. Sit."
Fuu complied, seating herself and folding her hands neatly in her lap. Mei continued sifting through papers for a moment longer before setting them down and meeting Fuu's gaze.
"So, what brings you here? I assume you've completed the training I set for you?" Mei's voice was calm, laced with a certain expectation.
Fuu nodded. "Yes, Aunt Mei. I completed the course yesterday."
Mei raised an eyebrow in mild approval, her expression almost unreadable. "You always exceed expectations. Well done."
"Thank you." Fuu offered a polite nod, though her tone lacked enthusiasm.
Mei continued speaking without really looking at her. "I'll begin drafting a new regimen for you. The next phase of training will be more demanding."
Fuu's heart sank slightly at the words. She had expected more than just another assignment. A pause hung in the air before she finally spoke, voice steady but firm. "Aunt Mei… may I ask who exactly I'm training to fight?"
Mei's gaze lifted from the documents, her expression curious. "What do you mean by that?"
Fuu leaned forward slightly, searching her aunt's eyes. "I mean… most of my training seems to be about combat in harsh, dry environments—far from the type of terrain we'd encounter defending Kiri. I thought I was preparing to protect our nation, but lately… it feels like I'm being prepared for something else."
Mei sighed, looking down for a moment before responding. "I'm simply ensuring you're ready for anything. A shinobi of your caliber must be versatile."
Fuu, clearly unsatisfied with the vague response, pressed further. "Why do I feel like we're preparing to fight Suna?"
Mei visibly tensed, her back straightening in her seat. "Suna?" she echoed, her voice calm but slightly colder.
Fuu nodded. "Yes. I know our history with them—how we've always been rivals—but those rivalries were peaceful. If you're planning to start a war with them… I don't understand how that benefits Kiri. It could ruin our relationship and bring unnecessary harm to both nations."
Mei's expression darkened, though her tone remained composed. "You're young, Fuu. There are things you don't yet understand about how the world works."
"I'm old enough to see that you're leading us down a dangerous path," Fuu shot back, her voice edged with frustration. "And old enough to know it's the wrong one."
Mei remained silent for a moment, studying her niece closely. Then, she rose from her desk and moved to a large map hanging on the wall, gesturing for Fuu to join her.
"Come here," Mei said softly.
Fuu stood and approached, her eyes following Mei's finger as it traced along the map, resting on the arid lands between Kiri and Suna.
"Do you see these lands?" Mei asked, her voice smooth, almost soothing. "They are barren, uninhabited by any major settlements. To the naked eye, they appear worthless. But in truth, these lands hold vast, untapped resources—minerals, metals, and more."
"Resources that other nations, beyond even the Five Great Shinobi Nations, are already eager to acquire. We can harness them for ourselves, but only if we act first."
Fuu furrowed her brow. "But why now? Why go after Suna's territory? What about diplomacy?"
Mei let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked warmth. "Diplomacy is the luxury of the powerful, Fuu. It is something we must earn. Kiri has been isolated for too long, constrained by our geography. Our population is growing, and our resources are dwindling. We need space—land where our people can settle, expand, and flourish. These lands offer that. With them, we could ease the pressure at home and secure a future for the next generations."
Fuu's eyes widened as she listened. "You… want to take their land for our own?"
Mei turned to look at her, her gaze sharp. "Yes. And more than that, we must establish ourselves as a dominant force on this continent. The dynamics between the nations are shifting, Fuu. The old alliances and rivalries are crumbling, and new powers are emerging. If Kiri does not act now—if we do not seize the opportunity—we will be left behind, forgotten in the shadow of stronger nations."
Fuu shook her head slowly, disbelief clouding her expression. "But what about Suna? Their people will suffer. You'd sacrifice their lives for land and resources?"
Mei's expression hardened. "In our reality, the weak perish, crumble to dust and are forgotten in the sands of history. But the strong, they endure, flourish; at the expense of the weak. That is the nature of this world. Suna has grown complacent. They've allowed themselves to weaken, content with being a running dog for their strong neighbour."
"If we don't take what we need, someone else will. Do you understand now, Fuu? This is about survival. About strength."
Fuu stared at her aunt, her mind racing. "So, this is what all my training has been for? To help you conquer Suna?"
Mei nodded calmly. "Yes. You are one of our greatest assets, Fuu. Your power—your connection to the Seven-Tails—makes you indispensable. With you at our side, we will ensure that Kiri remains strong, feared, and respected. This is our future."
Fuu swallowed hard, her chest tightening as the weight of her aunt's words sank in. "And if I refuse to be part of this?"
Mei's smile was thin, but her voice remained gentle. "You won't refuse, Fuu. I know you understand the importance of strength. You've always been one of us, and you will do what is necessary for your village. For your family."
Fuu felt a chill run down her spine but said nothing. Mei moved back to her desk, the conversation seemingly over. She glanced at Fuu once more, her expression softening slightly.
"Take a few days off to rest. I'll draft your new training regimen soon." Mei's voice was calm, as if she had just discussed something as mundane as the weather.
Fuu nodded weakly, her mind still reeling from everything she'd heard. She stood and turned to leave, her feet heavy as she made her way toward the door.
"Fuu," Mei called softly, stopping her in her tracks.
Fuu turned, meeting her aunt's gaze one last time.
"Work hard and keep pushing. Your country needs you to be strong," Mei said, her voice almost tender.
Fuu hesitated, the weight of her aunt's words pressing down on her. "I will," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, before turning and leaving the room.
As she stepped outside, the night air hit her, cold and biting. Fuu walked through the barracks, her heart heavy with a mix of anger, confusion, and sadness. She had always looked up to her aunt, admired her strength and leadership. But now… now she wasn't so sure.
As much as she hated to admit it, Mei was right about one thing—Kiri needed to be strong. But at what cost?
The assault on the Kumo defensive position had begun with brutal precision. Sasuke and Shisui moved through the dense underbrush alongside the 2nd Combined Arms Division of Konoha and the 32nd Expeditionary Brigade from Suna.
The treeline they set out to secure offered a strategic advantage, a perfect flanking route to collapse the enemy's defenses. Their breath came steady, disciplined, as they advanced through the shadows of the forest. Each step calculated, each movement purposeful.
Shisui, always composed in the heat of battle, led the small squad forward. Their objective lay ahead: a communications bunker, vital to the enemy's ability to coordinate.
Reports suggested it housed a crucial relay point. If they could destroy it, the Kumo forces would be crippled, unable to effectively resist the coming assault.
Sasuke felt the tension rise in his chest as they closed in on the bunker. The air was thick with the smell of mud and sweat, the distant rumble of battle hanging just beyond the treeline. Shisui gave a brief signal, and they pushed forward, sweeping through the thin defense perimeter until they reached the bunker's entrance.
"Inside," Shisui muttered under his breath. "Let's move."
They breached the bunker with swift, lethal efficiency. The Kumo soldiers inside barely had time to react before the squad descended upon them.
A flurry of steel and jutsu tore through the cramped space. Sasuke cut down two defenders in rapid succession, the crackling hiss of his Chidori illuminating the darkened interior for brief moments as he moved like a shadow through the narrow corridors.
Suddenly, Sasuke noticed something out of the corner of his eye. In a dimly lit corner, crouching behind a crate, a Kumo soldier hunched over a large radio transmitter.
The man's eyes were wide with fear as he spoke into the device, barely managing to choke out the words: "Copy coordinates… 671834, dash, 877654…"
Sasuke didn't hesitate. In an instant, he was on the man.
The Kumo soldier, in a blind panic, scrambled for a nearby weapon, but it was too late. Sasuke's blade struck true, and the man crumpled to the floor.
Blood pooled beneath him, mixing with the dirt and dust of the bunker.
"Shisui!" Sasuke called, pointing to the large radio transmitter. "They were relaying coordinates."
Shisui's eyes narrowed as he studied the device, piecing it together. "They've been giving their command real-time updates. We need to move—this entire position could be compromised."
With a grim nod, Sasuke followed Shisui out of the bunker. As they emerged into the open air, a strange, faint whistling sound pierced the silence. It was distant at first, barely noticeable, but it grew louder, sharper, until—
BOOM!
The ground shook violently as an explosion tore through the earth just ahead of them. Sasuke flinched, eyes wide, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He turned to Shisui, panic rising in his chest.
"What the hell was that?!"
Another explosion rocked the treeline, this time closer—too close. Trees splintered, dirt and debris flying in every direction. Shisui grabbed Sasuke by the shoulder, his voice urgent. "Everyone, fall back! NOW!"
But the order came too late. The sky seemed to rain fire as the barrage intensified, shells whistling overhead before slamming into the ground with deafening force.
The company, which had been advancing in coordinated formation, dissolved into chaos. Men screamed as the explosions ripped through their ranks.
The once-disciplined lines were now panicked, disoriented. Bodies were flung through the air like ragdolls, the sound of shrapnel cutting through flesh mingling with the roar of the detonations.
Sasuke's heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted back towards the treeline. Every step felt like a gamble, each footfall potentially his last.
Another shell exploded to his left, and he felt the heat of the blast singe his face as he dove behind the cover of a fallen tree.
"Shisui!" he called, his voice barely audible over the chaos.
He searched desperately, eyes scanning the carnage, when suddenly—
BOOM!
An explosion landed just behind him, the shockwave lifting him off his feet. Time seemed to slow as Sasuke was hurled through the air.
His vision blurred, the world spinning in a nauseating swirl of smoke and fire. He hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind from his lungs.
For a moment, everything was still. The only sound was the high-pitched ringing in his ears. Groaning, Sasuke forced himself to his knees, dirt clinging to his face and clothes. His vision swam as he struggled to focus.
"Shisui!" he yelled again, his voice hoarse.
Finally, through the haze of dust and smoke, he spotted him. Shisui was slumped against a tree, blood streaming down his face from a deep gash on his forehead. He was struggling to stand, his hand pressed against the wound to staunch the bleeding.
"I'm fine," Shisui called weakly, though his voice betrayed his pain. "I can still fight."
Sasuke rushed to his side, looping his arm around Shisui's shoulders to help him up. Together, they stumbled away from the treeline, the relentless barrage continuing to rain destruction around them.
The ground shook beneath their feet, craters forming where the shells landed. The air was thick with smoke, ash, and the stench of burning flesh.
Sasuke glanced around, his heart sinking as he took in the devastation. The Konoha and Suna forces were in full retreat, scattering in every direction as the artillery tore through their lines.
What had started as a carefully planned assault had devolved into a nightmare. The once-strong offensive had crumbled under the sheer destructive power of this new weapon.
"We need to get out of here," Sasuke muttered, his voice tight with urgency.
As they limped through the chaos, the sound of artillery fire echoed in the distance. The alliance forces were broken, the assault an utter failure.
For the first time in the war, it felt like they were no longer in control. Kumo had unleashed something new, something terrifying, and Konoha had no idea how to stop it.
A sense of dread settled in Sasuke's chest as they finally escaped the immediate danger. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning—a new chapter of the war had started, and this time, Konoha and Suna weren't the ones calling the shots.
"We'll regroup," Shisui muttered, wincing as he leaned on Sasuke for support. "But things are different now. We need to be prepared for what's coming."
Sasuke didn't reply, his eyes still fixed on the horizon where the smoke from the bombardment curled into the sky. The future of the war was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the rules had changed. And Kumo wasn't playing fair anymore.