The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

This surge in numbers is just the beginning. Some Iwa ninja have even crossed the border. Although the number is small, it is already a very dangerous trend, even though they are currently doing so under the guise of assisting their allies.

But then this force arrived.

It is enough to disrupt the regional balance.

Most importantly, the leader was Onoki's son, Kyoto, and the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, Han, was also dispatched to the front lines at the same time.

This is the configuration.

That would be enough to attack any ninja village.

Furthermore, Onoki himself was prepared to go into battle. The strength that Menma had shown in the previous war made Onoki feel that it was necessary to use an even more luxurious lineup than when he besieged the Third Raikage.

Once Kirigakure achieves a truly substantial breakthrough on the southern front, Onoki will lead his army south.

However, instead of receiving news of a breakthrough at the Kirigakure front, Onoki received intelligence that the Hidden Light Village had strengthened its forces on the northwestern border.

Although this was an expected development.

But when he actually saw Menma being genuinely wary of him, Onoki felt quite moved.

'What an extraordinary young man!'

The Land of Earth, Hidden Rock Village.

In his spacious office, which belonged solely to Onoki, Onoki looked at the intelligence report in his hand, subconsciously shook his head, and said softly.

To put it bluntly...

Menma was truly the most outstanding young man Onoki had ever seen in his decades of life. Even Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju would have been significantly different at Menma's age. This was not only reflected in his personal strength, but also in his qualities in all aspects.

Nine-tailed Fox is one aspect.

But Onoki saw more of Menma's own strengths.

because of this.

Onoki felt increasingly sorry.

Why couldn't I have been more insistent in inviting Menma to join Iwagakure back then?

Thinking about this.

Onoki felt extremely sorry about it.

But this emotion only lasted for a moment.

There are no "what ifs" in this world.

Menma and his forces in the Hidden Light Village are now a real threat to the interests and safety of the Hidden Stone Village.

Even if it's a pity.

Ohnoki also wanted to completely eliminate this hidden danger.

He will not allow a second Konoha to appear!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 426 The So-Called Prophecy

The northern border is becoming increasingly tense and solemn.

Even though war hadn't started, Onoki's continued reinforcements meant that, in the eyes of Kumogakure and Konoha, the village that had reached an agreement with Kirigakure must be Iwagakure. Konohagakure, in particular, had been in a similar situation after the previous major battle, when the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure personally sent an envoy to negotiate with them to jointly deal with Menma and Hikarigakure.

There was no follow-up to that.

But what about now?

This creates a situation of being attacked from both the north and south.

This clearly proves Onoki's ambitions.

This wasn't just Tsunade's opinion; even Shikaku was subconsciously deceived. After all, Iwagakure's intentions were too obvious!

At least we can only guess about the situation with Kumogakure and Iwagakure. We can't be sure that Iwagakure and Kirigakure are colluding. We can only say that they are the most suspicious.

They, Konoha, have solid evidence to back it up.

That special diplomatic conversation took place only a few months ago; it's only mid-June now.

The Hidden Stone Village had already reached its limit of patience.

How could Konoha not firmly pin the blame on Iwagakure?

As soon as the war started there, a large number of Iwa ninja began to gather in the northwest. In less than half a month, the war has already confirmed that the number of Iwa ninja has exceeded three or four thousand in the tri-border area of ​​the Land of Earth, the Land of Waterfall, and the Land of Fire, and it is still expanding.

The man known as Tsuchikage, who was considered a strong candidate to succeed the Fourth Tsuchikage, personally appeared at the front lines.

Ostensibly, they are ready to send troops to assist allies in need of help.

But what is their real intention? Isn't it as obvious as a louse on a bald man's head?

However, internal complaints are one thing.

Overt actions are another matter entirely.

That is, regardless of Iwagakure's attitude, Tsunade will not make a judgment herself until Iwagakure takes formal action. This is also Shikaku's suggestion, if the war is limited to Hidden Light Village and Hidden Mist Village.

Let them fight it out themselves.

Regardless of the outcome.

Konoha should not get involved unless an almost impossible miracle occurs, and Kirigakure defeats Hidden Light Village's main force on its own. Only then will Konoha consider changing its plans.

Otherwise.

The best option is to sit back and watch the tigers fight.

Tsunade also listened to Shikaku's advice very well.

They simply adopted a stance of holding back, at most ordering the border troops of neighboring countries to strengthen their defenses.

In the end.

The ninja villages of various countries to date.

Contrary to Obito's expectations, they did not immediately and enthusiastically join the siege of Hidden Light Village.

No leader of any ninja village is easy to deal with. If there is an opportunity, it depends on how big that opportunity is. Menma and his Hidden Light Village have already proven their strength in previous wars.

Therefore, the attitude towards Menma's faction must undergo a fundamental change. This is no longer the same as the previous Takigakure and Kusagakure, but a force that can truly rival the Five Great Nations and is a powerful one at that.

An attack by Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) is enough to make them abandon their previous judgment and join in?

It can only be said that Obito was too naive to predict the judgment of these ninja village leaders.

These people are the type who won't act until they see a clear benefit.

And just as the ninja villages of various countries in the ninja world returned to a military stalemate, in a special spiritual space...

Nestled within a mountain range that resembles a paradise on earth.

"puff!"

A thick plume of white smoke appeared out of thin air and then vanished just as quickly, revealing a tall figure wearing a red coat and a headband with the character "油" (oil) on his forehead.

On the opposite side stood two small toads.

These are the two toads, Fukasaku and Shima, and this place is one of the three famous sacred sites – Mount Myoboku.

That figure was none other than Jiraiya, the so-called hero of Konoha, who was immersed in the huge lie of the prophetic child woven by Mount Myōboku.

"Why did you call me here in such a hurry, Fukasaku and Shima? The situation in the ninja world is very critical right now. The previous war hasn't completely subsided, and now another war has broken out. I can't leave Konoha for too long."

The moment Jiraiya appeared, he looked at Fukasaku and Shima with a slightly solemn expression and spoke.

The current Hidden Leaf Village is entirely held up by Tsunade and Jiraiya. Although Jiraiya values ​​the existence of the 'Child of Prophecy,' the safety of Konoha still holds considerable weight in his heart.

If possible, Jiraiya would like to achieve both.

"It's related to this great battle, no, it should be more specific to Uzumaki Menma. Since that great battle, we two old bones reported the details to the Great Sage. The Great Sage didn't react until yesterday afternoon, when he woke up from his sleep and brought a new prophecy. This is more important. Little Jiraiya, the Great Sage also called you here this time."

"The toad in the corner spoke solemnly."

Jiraiya's expression turned serious the moment he heard those words.

The Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku.

It is a legendary being that has lived for thousands of years and knows the Six Paths Sage from mythology.

The prophesied son.

It was this Great Toad Sage who told Jiraiya this, and Jiraiya firmly believed in it. He pursued peace, just like the First Hokage, hoping to see people understand each other and build a world. Jiraiya staked everything on the Child of Prophecy, firmly believing that the Child of Prophecy would definitely be able to realize this dream.

However, he still cannot be certain who the prophesied child is.

Twenty years ago, he thought it would be Nagato, because that child possessed the legendary Rinnegan.

Later, Jiraiya thought it would be Minato, because Minato's growth, his gentle personality, and most importantly, his successful ascension to the position of Hokage all made Jiraiya believe that this prophesied child was Minato.

But Minato died in battle.

He died on the night of October 10th, Konoha 48.

At that moment, Jiraiya had already begun to waver a little, and after Naruto grew up, everything he showed made him feel that Naruto would be the child of prophecy.

Because of Naruto's aura and unique personality, Jiraiya saw a great sense of hope.

It's just that the surface is covered in freckles.

This breaks that possibility once again.

Jiraiya was actually quite confused during this period.

He was already somewhat unsure where to begin his search for the Child of Prophecy, since the Great Toad Sage's original prophecy stated that the person who would bring about a great and positive change to the world would be his disciple, Jiraiya.

Where is this disciple now?

Naruto has been captured?

The missing Nagato?

There's also the possibility that Menma might change her mind.

If it weren't for the series of events in Konoha that required his attention and attention, forcing Jiraiya to suppress the chaotic thoughts in his heart, he would only become more and more confused.