At that thought, Nara Shikaku immediately shot a look at Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi.
The two understood at once and swallowed the words they had been about to say.
Their trust in Shikaku was absolute.
Konoha CampAllied Forces Command
Yusuke's words left the room in silence.
Though his speech had stirred a spark of fighting spirit, deciding to face Kumogakure in a decisive battle without reinforcements was no trivial matter.
Even if the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara could treat Tailed Beasts as playthings—
How could they compare themselves to the God of Shinobi and the Shura of the Ninja World?
The AB Combo's reputation rivaled that of Konoha's "Yellow Flash."
Against such formidable opponents… did they truly stand a chance?
Each person harbored different thoughts. The silence in the tent was suffocating.
Following Uchiha Yusuke into battle carried undeniable risk.
Not every shinobi possessed unshakable bravery.
The first to break the silence was Konoha's sharpest mind—Nara Shikaku.
"Since Lord Yusuke has made his decision, I, Nara Shikaku, am willing to follow."
The moment he spoke, Chōza and Inoichi immediately declared their stance as well.
"The Akimichi clan is also willing to follow Lord Yusuke."
"The Yamanaka clan is also willing to follow Lord Yusuke."
Hyūga Hiashi still had reservations. He looked at Yusuke and asked in a steady voice,
"Yusuke, are you truly confident?"
Yusuke appeared completely at ease.
"Of course."
"I never fight a battle I'm not confident in."
Hiashi nodded, the tension in his expression easing slightly.
"In that case, the Hyūga will stand with you to the end."
"I trust that you will lead us to victory."
With several key figures committing to remain and fight, the rest of the shinobi felt their blood stir.
"Isn't it just fighting outnumbered?"
"With Lord Yusuke here, what do we have to fear?"
"He defeated the Two-Tails—why would the Eight-Tails and the Raikage be any different?"
"They already lost to us once. Kumogakure isn't that impressive!"
…
Those who had come to the front lines possessed a certain level of resolve.
If the Hyūga and the Ino–Shika–Chō were unafraid, how could they shrink back?
Two shoulders, one head—who was afraid of whom?
If it was a fight they wanted, then let it be a fight.
Even if they fell in battle, they would at least be remembered as heroes.
Better that than living as deserters, unable to hold their heads high for the rest of their lives.
With that, emotions surged.
"Lord Yusuke, you're the commander."
"What do you need us to do?"
"Just give the order!"
Watching the scene unfold, Yusuke nodded inwardly.
At critical moments, Konoha shinobi still possessed courage.
During Pain's attack on Konoha, many had shown unyielding resolve in the face of death.
With their support, Yusuke finally had the strength to stand against Kumogakure.
That said, Kumogakure's overall power still surpassed theirs.
To achieve victory, they would need a precise and effective strategy.
Yusuke turned to Shikaku calmly.
"I will handle the Fourth Raikage and Killer B."
"The rest of Kumogakure's forces will need to be restrained by all of you."
"You're the allied strategist. I'll leave the containment plan in your hands."
Shikaku smiled faintly and nodded.
Yusuke had taken on the burden of facing the AB Combo.
Tasking them with restraining the remainder of Kumogakure was far from impossible.
Though Kumogakure had the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, the Ino–Shika–Chō, along with the Uchiha and Hyūga, were no pushovers either.
If they successfully stalled Kumogakure, Yusuke would claim the greatest merit—
And as the one who arranged the strategy, Shikaku would naturally follow close behind.
Yusuke returned Shikaku's trust almost immediately.
When two intelligent men dealt with each other, matters moved swiftly.
After brief consideration, Shikaku proposed,
"I, Chōza, and Inoichi will hold off the Two-Tails."
"Hiashi will lead the main force to provide flanking containment."
"What do you think, Yusuke?"
Yusuke smiled and nodded.
The arrangement aligned perfectly with his own thoughts.
Hiashi, being highly respected, could command the allied forces in his stead without controversy.
The Ino–Shika–Chō taking responsibility for Yugito also demonstrated sincerity.
With their cooperation, restraining Kumogakure's army should not be an issue.
Victory would ultimately hinge on whether Yusuke could defeat the AB Combo.
Yusuke was confident.
If Minato Namikaze could accomplish such feats—
So could he.
Two Kage-level opponents alone were not enough to corner him.
Retreat was never an option.
Even if Yusuke wished to withdraw, Konoha's higher-ups might not grant him that opportunity.
He could already foresee it—should he retreat, rumors would immediately spread.
Uchiha Yusuke fled without fighting.
Konoha suffered heavy losses because of him.
The lesson of Sakumo Hatake still loomed large. Yusuke had no intention of following the White Fang's tragic path.
Konoha's higher-ups sought to weaken the major clans through Kumogakure's hand.
Yusuke would respond in kind—
By uniting the clans and defeating Kumogakure outright.
If they could win without reinforcements, the higher-ups would find it difficult to nitpick, no matter how hard they tried.
With strategy settled, all that remained was to await Kumogakure's move.
The two Kumogakure forces had already converged.
Given the Fourth Raikage's temperament, it would not be long before he issued his challenge.
Yusuke spoke calmly and gave the order.
"Return and rest well."
"When Kumogakure advances, the outcome will be decided in a single battle."
Everyone nodded and dispersed.
Though the tactics were set, the coming clash would undoubtedly be fierce.
The Fourth Raikage had not come all this way to stand idle.
Defeating Uchiha Yusuke was merely the appetizer.
What he truly wanted—
Was to march straight into the Land of Fire and reshape the history of the ninja world.
Want More? Get up to +60 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ https://www.patreon.com/aureliusstudios
➤ +300 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
Thanks for the support!