The moment Nara Shikaku reached that conclusion, he immediately shot subtle glances at Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi.
The two instantly understood—and swallowed the objections they had been about to voice.
Their trust in Shikaku was absolute.
Konoha Camp – Allied Command
After Uchiha Akihito's declaration, silence settled over the tent.
His words had stirred their fighting spirit—but without reinforcements, facing Kumogakure in a decisive battle was no trivial matter.
Yes, the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara may have treated tailed beasts like pets…
But how could they possibly compare themselves to the God of Shinobi and the legendary "Asura of the Ninja World"?
The Cloud's AB Combination—Raikage A and Killer B—was no less renowned than Konoha's "Yellow Flash."
Against enemies of that caliber… did they truly stand a chance?
The air grew heavy.
Following Akihito into battle against Kumogakure carried enormous risk.
Not every shinobi was born fearless.
It was Shikaku, the sharpest mind present, who broke the silence.
"Since Akihito-sama has decided," he said calmly, "I, Nara Shikaku, will follow."
Chōza and Inoichi stepped forward without hesitation.
"The Akimichi (Yamanaka) clan will also follow Akihito-sama."
Hyūga Hiashi still had reservations. He looked directly at Akihito.
"Akihito… are you truly confident?"
Akihito answered lightly, as though the matter were trivial.
"Of course."
"I never fight a battle I'm not confident in."
Hiashi studied him for a moment, then nodded. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly.
"In that case, the Hyūga will stand with you."
"I believe you will lead us to victory."
With several key figures voicing support, the remaining shinobi found their courage rekindled.
"So what if we're outnumbered?"
"With Akihito-sama here, what do we have to fear?"
"He defeated the Two-Tails—why would the Eight-Tails or Raikage be different?"
"Kumo lost to us once already. They're not invincible!"
The men and women who had reached the frontlines possessed resolve.
If the Hyūga and Ino–Shika–Chō were unafraid, why should they cower?
Two shoulders, one head.
If they died, they would die as heroes—not deserters branded with shame for life.
The atmosphere shifted.
"Akihito-sama, you are the Supreme Commander."
"Give the order!"
Seeing this, Akihito nodded inwardly.
At critical moments, Konoha shinobi still possessed backbone.
Had they not stood unyielding during Pain's invasion?
With their support, he now truly had the strength to challenge Kumogakure.
But strength alone would not suffice.
Kumo still held the advantage in overall military power.
Victory would require precise strategy.
Akihito turned to Shikaku.
"I will handle the Fourth Raikage and Killer B."
"The rest must be contained."
"You are the allied strategist. The task of devising our containment plan is yours."
Shikaku smiled faintly.
Akihito had taken the heaviest burden—the AB Combination.
As for restraining the rest of Kumo's forces, that was manageable.
They still had the Hyūga, the Ino–Shika–Chō, and the Uchiha.
If they succeeded in holding the line, Akihito would claim the first merit of the battle—
And Shikaku, as architect of the strategy, would naturally claim the second.
Akihito returned goodwill with goodwill.
Two intelligent men required few words.
After brief thought, Shikaku proposed:
"Ino–Shika–Chō will focus on containing the Two-Tails."
"Hiashi will lead the main force in coordinated suppression."
"What do you think?"
Akihito nodded.
The arrangement aligned perfectly with his own thoughts.
Hiashi possessed both prestige and leadership—placing him in command of the allied ranks was appropriate.
Ino–Shika–Chō handling Yugito would demonstrate their full commitment.
With such coordination, restraining Kumo's army should be achievable.
Everything now hinged on one question:
Could Akihito defeat the AB Combination?
He was confident.
What Minato Namikaze had once accomplished—
He could accomplish as well.
Two Kage-level opponents were formidable—
But not insurmountable.
Retreat was not an option.
Even if Akihito wished to withdraw, the higher-ups in Konoha might not allow it.
He could already foresee the rumors:
"Uchiha Akihito fled the battlefield."
"Konoha suffered heavy losses because of him."
The tragedy of Sakumo Hatake still lingered as a warning.
Akihito would not repeat the White Fang's fate.
The higher-ups sought to weaken the great clans through Kumogakure's hand.
Very well—
He would unite the clans and defeat Kumo instead.
If they triumphed without reinforcements, even the most malicious critics would struggle to find fault.
The strategy set, all that remained was to await the enemy's move.
Kumogakure's forces had regrouped.
With the Raikage's temperament, it would not be long before he struck.
Akihito gave the final order:
"Return and rest."
"When Kumo attacks, this single battle will decide everything."
The commanders dispersed.
Though the plan was clear, the coming fight would be brutal.
The Fourth Raikage had not come merely for show.
All hope now rested on Uchiha Akihito.
Shared glory—or shared ruin.
If he won, they would become heroes.
If he fell—
They would fall with him.
Two days passed like fleeting shadows.
At last, unable to endure the silence any longer, the Fourth Raikage bared his fangs at Konoha.
Defeating Uchiha Akihito would merely be the appetizer.
His true ambition—
Was to march into the Land of Fire and rewrite the history of the shinobi world.
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