The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

Tsunade murmured to herself, a faint pleading look appearing in her amber-like eyes.

This is enough to prove how critical the current situation is. Tsunade is not as arrogant as Danzo. She knows very well how strong Menma is, who can easily defeat Jiraiya and Naruto in Sage Mode.

The intelligence report stated that he single-handedly defeated the Third Tsuchikage, the Four-Tails, the Five-Tails, and the combined forces of the Yellow Earth. While others did not believe it, Tsunade was quite convinced of it. Menma, who could achieve this level, was certainly not far behind even if he was not as good as her great-grandfather. He was someone that could not be dealt with by numbers alone.

On the other side, Naruto, who had just left, was naturally unaware that his Hokage, who appeared to be incredibly strong-willed, was now relying on the protection of some vague and ethereal ancestor.

Naruto also had no time to deal with these issues.

To know.

Naruto is only 15 years old now.

At this age, he should be full of aspirations for life, but now he has to face such a cruel situation.

It is already commendable that they can maintain even a minimum level of rational thinking.

"Naruto-kun, are you going to the front lines?"

On the road where Naruto had just left the Hokage Building and was heading back to his house.

Just around the corner.

A timid voice rang in Naruto's ears.

next second.

A beautiful figure came into Naruto's view. With long, smooth, black hair, bright eyes like stars, and a delicate and refined aura, the person standing in front of Naruto was none other than Princess Hinata Hyuga of the Hyuga clan.

"Hinata? Ah, it hasn't been decided yet, and Granny Tsunade doesn't allow me to go to the front lines for the time being."

Naruto was taken aback at first, then gently shook his head and said.

"Really? Naruto?"

Upon hearing that Naruto hadn't gone to the battlefield immediately, Hinata's eyes immediately showed a hint of surprise and relief.

Hinata doesn't understand many things.

She only cared about Naruto's safety.

Just like the battle with Nagato in the original work.

The fact that Hinata was the first to jump out to rescue Naruto when he was subdued by Pain speaks volumes.

In the little girl's heart.

Naruto's importance is self-evident.

"Huh? Of course it's true, why would I lie to you, Hinata?"

"Then, if Naruto-kun ever has to go to the front lines, please be sure to take me with you. My Byakugan can definitely help you, Naruto-kun."

Hinata took a deep breath, as if she were using all her courage, and slightly raised her eyelids, looking directly at Naruto, and said in a very firm tone.

"Huh? I'm afraid that won't work. Uncle Hiashi probably won't let you go to the front lines, Hinata."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, seemingly a little slow to react, and replied.

"No, it's okay. I'll try to persuade Father. As long as Naruto-kun doesn't suddenly disappear, it'll be fine. If you insist on going to the battlefield, please take me with you, Naruto-kun."

Hinata shook her head firmly and said that unlike before when she would blush when she looked at Naruto, this time Hinata stared straight at Naruto without ever looking away. Especially when she said the words "suddenly disappeared", if Naruto had been more perceptive, he could have heard the slight tremor in her voice.

Hinata was terrified that one day she would suddenly hear the news of Naruto's death.

In the heart of this young girl.

This is the last thing she wants to see, and it would break her down. So, if that day were to come, Hinata hopes that she will die before Naruto.

This was Hinata's decision.

Just like in the original work, when faced with the invincible Pain, he still stood up resolutely.

"Huh? Hinata, why do you insist on coming to the front lines with me? It's very dangerous there, I think..."

Naruto still didn't quite understand Hinata's thoughts, and he hadn't finished saying what he wanted to say to Hinata to give up her desire to go to the battlefield with him.

Hinata interrupted him.

"Aren't we comrades? Naruto-kun."

Meeting Hinata's pure, innocent eyes, Naruto was momentarily speechless.

"So, I want to help you, Naruto-kun."

Hinata remained resolute, speaking each word with unwavering conviction.

Hinata...

Naruto felt as if something was blocking his throat, and he remained silent.

"Yes, Naruto, it would be quite strange if you refused this."

"We're comrades, Naruto-kun. Please make sure we go to the front lines with you when the time comes."

"Naruto, we will always be your partners."

It was at this very moment.

Located on both sides of the road.

Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Lee, Sakura, Kiba, and others have all stepped forward. As the most outstanding members of the next generation of various ninja clans in Konoha, these young men and women are generally not easily dispatched to the front lines unless it is truly a do-or-die situation.

Even the ninja clan needs to preserve their lineage.

Moreover, unlike the original work where Obito's declaration of war was the Infinite Tsukuyomi, which almost destroyed all of humanity's future hopes, this one naturally involved everyone, young and old, who could go to the battlefield. After all, if they failed, it would be no different from death, so they would definitely have to fight.

But in this life, the battle with Menma is different.

Even if you fail, there is still another path to choose from.

Even though their interests are almost intertwined with those of Konoha, a ninja village is a ninja village, and a ninja clan is a ninja clan; they can never be confused.

Those in power in each of the major families are well aware of this.

Didn't you see that even Shikaku didn't bring Shikamaru along this time?!

It's all about preparing for the worst.

They are willing to die for the village, but their next generation must be properly taken care of. This is also a little thought that Shikaku and the others have.

However, these teenagers clearly do not obey the wishes of their parents.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 468 Striving

Fight for your comrades.

This was the determination of these young men, and it was also for the sake of their fathers who had already gone to the battlefield. They wanted to prevent their fathers and mothers from watching their fathers and mothers go to fight while they sat in the back waiting for the outcome. Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, and the others could not accept such a situation, no matter what it was.

They all willingly accepted it together.

"Everyone...."

Seeing the determined expressions on the faces of Shikamaru, Hinata, Choji, Shino, and the others, Naruto's voice trembled with emotion.

Even though the road ahead is bleak and there is no bright future in sight, at least he still has a group of companions he can entrust with his most sincere trust. At least for the sake of these companions, Naruto feels that he must do something.

"Ah, then let's fight side by side!"

Naruto took a deep breath, nodded firmly, and finally revealed his signature sunny smile, speaking in an unprecedentedly resolute tone.

"Haha, that's more like it."

"This is the Naruto we know and love."

"No matter what kind of enemy we face, we will definitely defeat them!"

"That's exactly how it should be, Naruto!"

The resolution they made together, the unwavering resolve in their hearts—they may not yet know what terrible things await them, but at least for this moment, their hearts stand together.

Perhaps only Sakura Haruno's thoughts are slightly different.

After all, as a former member of Team 7, Sakura Haruno's senses were somewhat stronger and more unique than the others, especially regarding Sasuke's defection.

Even though almost three years have passed.

Sakura Haruno still harbors resentment, and in this life, unlike the original story, Naruto is more fixated on his older brother, Menma Uzumaki, than Sasuke. This obvious difference will cause Sakura Haruno's mindset to change.

'Sasuke-kun, where are you now? Are you doing well? Will we ever meet again?'

The slightly cold-looking face of the boy that surfaced deep in my mind.

At that moment, Sakura Haruno's hands clenched unconsciously, and a faint glimmer of hope flashed in the depths of her eyes.

at the same time.

The Uchiha Sasuke who was being talked about by Sakura Haruno also faced his own trial.

The distant southern sea frontier.

On that small country where the aroma of tea permeates all four seasons.

In the secret base set up by Orochimaru in an extremely desolate area.

"Pfft!"

With an indifferent expression, Sasuke wielded the Kusanagi sword in his palm, having just killed his last training target, when suddenly he seemed to sense something.

Turning around, he looked coldly at a shadowy spot to the east and said in a detached tone, "You can't hold back now? I thought you'd wait until next year, Orochimaru."

The words that fell.

The figure that then appeared.

Familiar, eerie snake eyes, skin as pale as a sickly pale complexion, and a chilling aura that emanates from his body at all times.

"Hehe, Sasuke-kun, your senses are getting sharper and sharper. Hmm, it is a bit early, but not by much. Just like we agreed three years ago, I'm here to collect my reward. Sasuke-kun, are you mentally prepared?"

Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely, his snake-like eyes fixed intently on Sasuke, the greed deep within them blatantly undisguised.

"As for the reward? That depends on whether you have the ability, Orochimaru!"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, and a sharp aura emanated from him, accompanied by a bloody stench.