The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

Shouldn't this be the perfect opportunity to press their advantage? If they cripple or even destroy one ninja village first, they'll have more room to maneuver and more freedom to maneuver afterward, right?

"Shibuki-san, don't forget, this time it's a joint attack by Konoha and Kumogakure. Our attack this time was timed, and Kumogakure gave us that time. Konoha's advance force has already reached a close area. If we continue to pursue, we will not only extend our supply lines, but also increase the distance between us and the Grass Ninja. Once we are surrounded, we will be the ones to lose. It's best to stop while we're ahead and consolidate our defenses. As long as we don't attack, it will be difficult for Kumogakure to send more troops. This loss is enough to make them wary. Not to mention, Kumogakure also has to be wary of other ninja villages. If Kumogakure doesn't come, then Konoha's defenses are as solid as a rock."

After a slight pause, Mianma continued.

Ultimately, Takigakure Village was still the weaker party.

With the addition of Kusagakure, their combined strength is barely enough to contend with the others. Although Menma is very strong, he can only be considered to have just stepped into the Super Kage level. He is stronger than the current Five Kage, but he is still a long way from the level of Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju, who can stand alone in the Super Kage level and crush the Five Kage at will.

Mianma cannot single-handedly determine the fate of the world.

We must take all factors into account.

A conservative retreat here is the best option.

When Shibuki heard Menma's words, he also showed a look of realization, and even Ajun, who flashed over from behind, nodded inwardly.

At this moment.

Ah Jun was the one who truly dispelled any doubts or worries about the other party.

This is indeed a trustworthy entity.

Whether it's personal ability or mental skills, they far exceed the direct sensory experience that comes with age.

Menma is indeed the one who possesses the ability to lead Takigakure to its peak and create the future.

'Perhaps it would be the right thing to do if that day ever came?'

Ah Jun arrived at a nearby location.

Looking at Menma's still very young and innocent face, a thought that he had once strongly resisted and even opposed resurfaced in his mind.

Humans are ultimately among the most pragmatic of all creatures.

"Ah, Jun-san, how is it? After the initial cleanup of the battlefield, what are the respective losses for both our side and the Cloud Ninja?"

"Yes, Lord Shibuki, Menma-kun. According to preliminary statistics, in this battle, we killed more than 1,300 Cloud Ninja and seriously wounded or captured more than 600 Cloud Ninja. The number of Cloud Ninja who were able to retreat smoothly was less than 1,000. Our side suffered more than 800 casualties, and the proportion of those killed in battle was as high as two-thirds. A considerable number of our personnel died in the final stage of the Cloud Ninja counterattack."

The results were brilliant.

However, the price that Takigakure paid was quite severe.

With over 800 casualties, including more than 500 killed in action, such a loss has severely weakened Takigakure.

But this is a price that must be paid.

These Cloud Ninjas were all elites handpicked by the Fourth Raikage. Unless they were captured due to serious injuries and inability to resist, the proportion of Cloud Ninjas who surrendered in battle was generally very low. Among the Five Great Ninja Villages, the most fanatical were the Mist Ninjas, while the most resolute were the Cloud Ninjas.

Their education and their past experiences do not allow them to easily kneel and surrender to the enemy on the battlefield.

So it is.

In the final battle, in order to cover their comrades' retreat, the berserk Cloud Ninjas actually dragged many Takigakure Ninjas to their deaths.

In terms of fighting spirit and combat strength, the Takigakure ninja are far inferior to the Kumogakure ninja.

Therefore, paying such a price and achieving such a result can already be considered a great victory.

"Yes, those who die in battle must be properly buried, and the corresponding compensation should be distributed to every household according to the village's regulations. Wounded comrades should also receive immediate treatment to ensure their speedy recovery."

Hearing the number of casualties among his own Takigakure ninja.

A hint of sadness also appeared in Shibuki's eyes.

In the end, Shibuki was still a soft-hearted person. Even though he knew that this was the price to be paid for the war, he still couldn't help but feel sad.

It can only be said that this has both advantages and disadvantages.

A leader can have, or should have, a compassionate heart, but it should never be completely filled with or even controlled by compassion.

Necessary cold-bloodedness and cruelty.

This is also a quality that a leader should possess.

Shemu could be a good leader in peacetime.

But in times of war, his gentleness could very well be the greatest harm he could inflict on his own ninja village.

"Yes, Lord Shibuki."

Upon hearing Shemu's order, Ajun immediately replied in a serious tone.

"After dealing with these matters, immediately order everyone to return to defense. Then, according to the previously established strategy, connect the defensive lines. I will contact Kusagakure. Our next step is to combine the strength of both major ninja villages!"

Menma picked up where Shibuki left off, looking at Ajun and saying.

"Yes, please rest assured, Menma-kun, I will give the order."

Ah Jun nodded.

After pausing briefly and seeing that Menma and Shibuki had not given any instructions, he bowed to them and then leaped away from the spot.

At this moment.

Ah Jun also seemed to place Menma and Shemu on an equal footing.

"So, our next step is to solidify our defenses and then observe the next moves of the other ninja villages?"

Shemu asked with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

"No, there is still so much we need to do, such as publicizing today's victory so that the entire ninja world knows that our Takigakure is no longer the same Takigakure we used to be!"

Mianma stood tall and spoke in a grand and majestic tone.

After a slight pause, Shibuki smiled and nodded emphatically.

"That's absolutely right!!"

A victory is glorious enough even in a battle between the five great ninja villages, but it becomes even more so when the victor is Takigakure and the vanquished is Kumogakure.

By the time the battlefield cleanup was completed.

When the remaining Takigakure ninjas returned to Takigakure with the wounded and prisoners, the gloom that had been hanging over the villagers was finally dispelled.

Before this, few people in the village, including the attacking Takigakure ninja, believed they could win the war.

Our opponent is the Hidden Cloud Village!

It was still led by the Fourth Raikage himself.

A significant portion of the villagers were already prepared for defeat, or even to flee Takigakure.

In other words, the time frame is unequal, and there aren't many opportunities.

Otherwise, it's almost certain that some traitors would emerge within Takigakure and actively contact Kumogakure.

And now, this victory.

It also completely dispelled the fear of everyone in Takigakure Village.

Whether it's Menma or Shibuki, they naturally understand these things, and therefore, at this moment when the war ends.

The victorious Takigakure ninjas, under the instructions of Menma and Shibuki, returned in a grand manner through the main gate of the village. Victory is meant to be celebrated, especially since it was the victory of this special war.

The Takigakure ninjas, returning with their heads held high, and the Cloud ninjas, who had been captured, formed a stark contrast at this moment.

"They actually won!?"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible! We actually managed to defeat the Cloud Ninja?! And it was a force personally led by the Fourth Raikage?!"

"Nothing is impossible. Look at these! There are hundreds of Cloud Ninja prisoners!"

"Hmph, I heard that even the Fourth Raikage was defeated head-on by Menma-sama, and fled in severe injuries!"

"Huh!? It's that Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!?"

"What are you talking about?! That's Lord Menma! Show him some respect!"

"Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Our Takigakure village actually managed to defeat Kumogakure village? Am I dreaming, old man?!"

"Haha, now who would dare say that our Takigakure Village is trash!"

"And with the alliance with Kusagakure, our Takigakure is truly about to rise to prominence!"

"The sixth greatest ninja village is none other than our Takigakure Village!!!"

The news spread rapidly.

Whether you believe it or not in your heart.

But as hundreds of Cloud Ninja prisoners were brought back to Takigakure, and as news spread throughout the village among the many Takigakure ninjas,…

The people of Takigakure must accept the fact that their village has decisively defeated Kumogakure!

This was a result that far exceeded expectations.

While shocking everyone in Takigakure, it also boosted the morale of everyone in the village.

Any fear.

No hesitation whatsoever.

They would all be completely dispelled in a glorious victory.

Humans have always admired the strong!

This is ingrained in our very being.

What was your previous identity? What is your current age?

No, these are not the main issues.

If Menma can lead Takigakure to defeat the enemy, achieve victory, or even reach the pinnacle, everyone in Takigakure will be willing to follow Menma and submit to him.

This is reality!

All the previous restlessness, timidity, fear, and frustration were swept away at this moment.

Of course, this is how recognition and support are gained.

It is superficial and unstable.

Mianma did not truly gain the recognition and support of these people; it was merely a false illusion brought about by victory.

Menma must lead them to victory after victory in order to truly establish himself in this ninja village. Only after time has passed and he has gained loyal followers can he truly establish himself.

But that's a story for another time.