January, 39th Year of Konoha.
After several months of recovery, Orochimaru and Tsunade once again led Konoha's forces back into the battlefield.
Rather than deploying thousands of shinobi into a single war zone, they divided their army into two advancing fronts moving north. One force entered the Land of Earth through the Land of Rain, while the other pushed directly into the Land of Grass. This strategic split made Konoha's intentions clear, they planned to deal with Iwagakure first before freeing their strength to face the more formidable Kumogakure.
Although Ōnoki had predicted this move, the reality of it still weighed heavily on him. Over the past year, the Hidden Mist Village had suffered a sudden attack, Hanzō had fallen, and Sunagakure had been defeated. The situation was steadily worsening, and Iwagakure now stood in a precarious position.
Between the two battlefronts, the one that concerned Ōnoki the most was the southern border of the Land of Earth. That was where Konoha's "Lightning Flash" and Sakumo Hatake were stationed.
Even before Orochimaru's reinforcements arrived, Konoha had already fought multiple large-scale battles against Sunagakure along the border. With superior numbers, the Iwagakure commander Fūga advanced step by step, steadily reducing Konoha's maneuvering space. Within a month, he reclaimed lost territory and forced Konoha's army back toward the Land of Rain.
With Roshi's use of the Four-Tails, the advantage seemed firmly in Iwagakure's hands.
Yet just as victory appeared certain, the smaller Konoha force suddenly surged with renewed strength and launched a counterattack.
Sakumo Hatake led only a thousand shinobi but charged straight into the enemy ranks, his White Fang blade flashing as he carved a path forward. Surrounded by Iwagakure forces, he nearly killed Fūga in the chaos.
At the same time, Senju Nawaki and Hyuga Hiashi each commanded five hundred shinobi, striking from both flanks and disrupting the enemy formation.
Although Konoha was still outnumbered and struggled to halt Iwagakure's advance completely, the situation shifted again when another commander appeared behind enemy lines.
Konoha's Lightning Flash, Hayashi, entered the battlefield alone and recreated his previous feat, blocking thousands of enemy shinobi by himself.
Roshi was no ordinary opponent. He fought fiercely, holding his ground against Hayashi's massive chakra manifestation. Without his resistance, Iwagakure's forces might have collapsed under the pressure of that single assault.
In the end, Iwagakure was forced to retreat back into the Land of Earth, while Konoha secured control of the border.
Ōnoki's plan to contain the war within the Land of Rain had completely failed.
Under these circumstances, Orochimaru and Tsunade advanced along both fronts with three thousand reinforcements. Left with no alternative, Ōnoki mobilized a large portion of Iwagakure's forces to reinforce the battlefield.
Soon, the total number of shinobi on both sides reached nearly fifteen thousand.
It became one of the largest confrontations of the Third Great Ninja War.
...
The Land of Earth, one of the Five Great Nations, was known for its harsh terrain, second only to the Land of Wind. Vast stretches of barren rock dominated the landscape. Strong northern winds carried gravel across the mountains, scattering it into neighboring regions, a phenomenon known as Rock Rain.
Despite its desolate environment, many Konoha shinobi still considered it preferable to the endless rainfall of the Land of Rain.
At the border encampment of the Land of Earth, inside a large command tent, only two figures were present, master and disciple, Hayashi and Orochimaru.
Since Hayashi had been reassigned from the Land of Wind battlefield, nearly two years had passed since they last met. After handling their respective duties, they finally found a rare moment to speak in private.
"The current situation is this," Hayashi said as he pointed at the map laid out before them. "Iwagakure has deployed an additional five thousand shinobi, spread across the Land of Earth, maintaining distance while watching our movements."
Orochimaru nodded slightly before asking, "Are Fūga and Roshi truly that capable?"
"They are," Hayashi replied. "Fūga is extremely cautious, and Roshi has near-complete control over the Four-Tails. Even when I trap him in a genjutsu using the Mangekyō Sharingan, the tailed beast disrupts it almost immediately. Their coordination is seamless."
In a one-on-one fight, Hayashi had no doubt he could defeat Roshi. However, the battlefield was far from ideal. Iwagakure had the advantage in numbers, Fūga rarely exposed himself, and Roshi was always heavily guarded. There was little opportunity for a direct confrontation.
Orochimaru folded his hands, thinking for a moment before speaking again.
"When the Third Hokage sent me here, he specifically told me to keep an eye on you and limit your use of the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Hayashi gave a small smile. "I'm aware."
After several uses, he had already realized that the strain of the Mangekyō was less severe than expected. Overuse still caused discomfort and eye pain, but his vision had not deteriorated.
His enhanced vitality played a key role. With his strong chakra reserves and increasing recovery ability, the strain on his body was significantly reduced. It was similar to how certain individuals could endure the burden of powerful abilities due to their unique constitution.
Still, Hayashi understood his limits. His body could not yet compare to the legendary resilience of the First Hokage. To reach that level, far more effort would be required.
"At least it buys me time," he thought.
Orochimaru suddenly changed the topic.
"Danzo approached me with a proposal. He wants my help researching the First Hokage's cells."
Hayashi paused briefly.
So Danzo had already begun considering that path.
Given the setbacks on other battlefields, it was not surprising. Seeking greater power through unconventional means was entirely in character for him.
Fortunately, such research would not yield immediate results. Even for Orochimaru, it would take considerable time before any practical application could be achieved.
Without proper control, attempting such enhancements would be extremely dangerous.
Hayashi remained silent for a moment, his thoughts turning inward.
For now, there was little he could do on the battlefield. But once the war ended, he needed to confirm certain things as soon as possible.
Preparation was essential.
The conversation shifted again as Orochimaru brought up another subject.
"I've examined the Mangekyō Sharingan you provided," he said. "Both contain an immense concentration of Yin Release chakra. They can be considered the pinnacle of that aspect."
As he spoke, he took out a glass container from his pouch and tossed it toward Hayashi.
"This one belonged to your father."
Hayashi caught it carefully.
Orochimaru clearly had access to detailed knowledge about these eyes, including their potential evolution. Given their importance, Hayashi decided it was best to keep them in his own possession from now on.
There was trust between them, but boundaries still mattered.
Neither of them needed to say it aloud.
"By the way," Hayashi said after a pause, "why are there Root operatives near you?"
Although Root operated under ANBU, their presence was distinct. Their movements, their aura, it was all different. Even with careful concealment, Hayashi had noticed the white-haired operative immediately.
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly.
"You mean Otsu," he said, his tongue briefly flicking out as he spoke. "An interesting individual."
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Happy New Month