All of the ninjas wore identical headbands.
Nara Shikaku served as strategist for the great war. Kakashi, Law, the King of the Land of Iron, Huang Tu, and the Fourth Raikage's subordinates led various divisions.
On Akatsuki's side, a hundred thousand troops, all elites resurrected by Kabuto through Edo Tensei, stood ready. There were Jinchuriki, a combined army of those hosts, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist forming a fearsome unit. Among them, the most striking were the past Hokage of the Fire Country.
Their opposing army, raised by Uchiha Obito using White Zetsu cells, numbered hundreds of thousands.
The battle officially began.
Among the Ninja Allied Forces, Kakashi's unit was suddenly engulfed in a thick fog. Ordinary eyes could see nothing, and Kakashi immediately recognized the technique—it was the same as Zabuza's from years ago. His expression darkened.
"Everyone, stay alert," he warned, his voice tense. "This time, we face a formidable opponent."
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle. From the fog, figures emerged, one by one falling under precise attacks. A Kubikiribocho gleamed in one warrior's hand, and Haku's Ice Release Bloodline Limit dispatched countless ninja with frozen shuriken.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "Do not move. Follow my lead." He activated his Sharingan, observing every shadow within the mist.
A familiar face materialized silently, sword poised toward him. Kakashi dodged effortlessly, eyes sharp.
"Oh, Kakashi, it's been a while, hasn't it?" Zabuza said, squinting, a ghost of a smile on his lips. Memories of past battles flashed through Kakashi's mind.
"Zabuza…" he murmured. Combat erupted immediately.
"By the way, how's Naruto?" Zabuza asked.
Kakashi's eyes hardened. "Naruto has grown into a full-fledged ninja."
Zabuza's smile softened.
Meanwhile, in the thick fog, a lone young man seemed to see through the haze.
"Hey, are you part of the Ninja Allied Forces?" one soldier called, cautioning him. "Do not wander off; this place is dangerous."
Ashveil glanced casually toward the army, a faint curve on his lips. "Me? I'm just passing by."
In the next moment, he vanished entirely. Alarmed, the soldiers shouted.
"You're not one of ours! Get out before the battle reaches you; even the aftermath could kill you!"
Ashveil smiled faintly but said nothing, slowly blending into the fog. Then, using his Conqueror's Haki, he concealed his presence completely, observing Kakashi and Zabuza's duel without interference.
"As expected, Kakashi remains formidable," Ashveil commented. "His Sharingan and Bloodline Limit surpass Zabuza's. Most of Zabuza's techniques are ordinary by comparison. Kakashi is effectively undefeated."
The fight continued, a dance of skill and strategy. Kakashi ultimately gained the upper hand and prepared to seal Zabuza. In that moment, Ashveil appeared.
Kabuto, controlling Zabuza via Edo Tensei, squinted. "Is that Ashveil? I expected him to join the strongest Jinchuriki. Why is he here with Zabuza's group? They're just ordinary individuals. What's his plan?"
Kakashi and Zabuza both sensed Ashveil's immense power, now heightened with Conqueror's Haki.
"Is this person part of your forces, Zabuza?" Kakashi asked, wary. "When did such a terrifying figure appear in the Shinobi World?"
Zabuza paused, realization dawning. Ashveil must have been resurrected by a powerful organization, and this young man was likely its leader.
"Now, Kakashi, you're in trouble," Zabuza muttered, grimacing.
Kakashi amplified his Ninjutsu, alerting everyone nearby. "All units, assist immediately! Support Kakashi!"
The soldiers reacted in shock, realizing the gravity of the situation. Kakashi, revered across the Five Great Nations, was calling for aid. They surged forward toward Ashveil.
"They say that's Ashveil… the same man who almost destroyed Konoha," murmured one ninja, eyes wide. "He nearly killed the village's Nine-Tails as well."
In the Land of Lightning, soldiers grew even more cautious. A single individual of this caliber could devastate entire squads.
Kakashi coordinated a full-scale assault. Water, Fire, Lightning, and Wood Release Ninjutsu combined into a barrage aimed at Ashveil.
Yet with Conqueror's Haki, Ashveil blocked every attack. The blows struck the ground with crackling force, leaving him unharmed. Calmly, he stepped forward toward Kakashi.
Kabuto's lips twitched in a mix of amusement and apprehension. With Ashveil aiding him, dealing with Kakashi would be far easier.
Kakashi's forehead was slick with sweat. "Did I encounter an almost unbeatable opponent right from the start?" Even as the Copy Ninja, famous throughout the Five Great Nations, he understood the difference between skill and true power.
Just when all thought Ashveil would strike, Kabuto's eyes widened. Ashveil's target was not Kakashi, but Zabuza.
"Does Ashveil have a grudge against Zabuza?" Kabuto muttered. "Or is there a deeper plan?" His premonition grew heavier.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Obito fought alongside Naruto, Sasuke, and others. A White Zetsu appeared beside him, reporting the unfolding events. Obito's expression stiffened.
"Do not be distracted," he reminded himself. "The most urgent task is to summon the Ten Tails. Only then can ultimate victory and Rin's salvation be achieved."
With Kabuto under his control, Obito faced no immediate threats. Retreat was not an option. The world already knew his intentions, and any hesitation now would jeopardize future plans.
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Milestone
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters