Neiki looked at the Flying Thunder God kunai in his hand, his expression gradually settling into calm.
Originally, he had planned to wait until his analysis progress reached a higher level, then use the omnipotent power of Shibai Space to complete the final stage of the Flying Thunder God Technique when facing the terrifying Sharingan user hidden behind Kirigakure.
But now—
It seemed that even this small reserve of Byakugan Essence could no longer be saved.
The ship cut through the wind and waves as it sailed across the sea.
The island ahead was already close. Without the need for binoculars, the deserted pier and scattered figures along the shore were clearly visible.
Shizune frowned slightly, confusion evident on her face.
"Why are we fighting Kirigakure ninja in the Land of Waves?"
Before Tsunade could respond, Nara Suzaku, a jōnin of the Nara clan, shook his head with a helpless sigh.
"Because we have no choice," he said."Kumogakure hasn't made a move yet. We can't fight on three fronts at the same time."
"We must create a time gap—so Kirigakure has to be dealt with first."
A ninja village was a military organization.
The ninja academy was a military school.
And ninjas were weapons of war.
Tsunade glanced at Neji, surprise flickering briefly in her eyes.
But there was no helping it.
The two remaining survivors of the Hyuga Clan in Konoha had no choice but to cling tightly to a powerful protector—otherwise, they would be devoured piece by piece.
"If that's how you see it," Tsunade said after a pause,"then do your best to atone for your mistakes."
"Your Byakugan will be extremely valuable in the coming battle against Kirigakure."
"When this war ends, I will personally remove your shackles."
Her voice was firm and resolute—but several ninjas frowned.
Those words carried a meaning very close to:
From now on, this person is under my protection.
"Senior Haiyi once read my memories," Neji said quietly."And I believe he was right."
Whether Konoha survived this war would depend on whether they could properly handle Kumogakure's eventual assault.
They couldn't afford internal chaos.
Soon, the white-eyed boy—his hands and feet bound in heavy shackles—was escorted to the bow of the ship.
"If we don't deny this advantageous terrain to Kirigakure," Suzaku continued,"they may choose not to engage us at all."
"Yes," Tsunade replied.
Shizune glanced at Suzaku, then at Tsunade's calm expression, her heart conflicted.
Based on her understanding of Tsunade, she knew this was not a strategy Tsunade liked—but Konoha's situation had become desperate.
"But if we choose the Land of Waves as the battlefield," a young genin asked hesitantly,"won't many innocent civilians be harmed?"
Tsunade glanced at him, then at the surrounding Konoha ninja.
No one spoke.
"As a sword," Suzaku said flatly,"a ninja does not choose whose blood stains the blade."
"This is war."
That was the core of the issue.
Time was not on Konoha's side.
If Kirigakure waited until Kumogakure mobilized before acting, Konoha might truly collapse under a three-front siege.
This was the second time Tsunade had seen Neji.
The first time was before departure—when she had ordered Neji's shackles removed.
Not long after, they were put back on.
Once again, it was a decision made by everyone.
Neji's expression remained calm, but his thoughts were turbulent.
Defeating Kirigakure was a crucial step in Konoha's five-stage war plan. Tsunade's eastern forces had to fight quickly—and return just as fast.
Among the Five Great Ninja Villages:
Sunagakure was the weakest, but still an ally.
Kirigakure and Iwagakure followed.
Kumogakure was now the strongest.
Konoha—having lost both the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan—was no longer dominant.
"So although my brother committed the crime," Neji said quietly,"I also benefited from the sudden 'freedom' brought by the destruction of the Hyuga main family."
"I am not innocent."
Tsunade looked at him for a long moment.
She couldn't tell whether he was being sincere—but his words undeniably eased the hostility of the surrounding ninja.
"I've always opposed treating you like a prisoner," Tsunade said at last."Your brother's crime is not yours."
"But since you're willing to shoulder responsibility—"
She turned toward the island ahead.
"Use your Byakugan."
"Tell me—how many Kirigakure ninja are ambushing the shore?"
Neji activated his Byakugan, his gaze piercing the distance.
"…Two," he said calmly."Scouts. And they're not much faster than us."
Suzaku laughed.
"That's manageable."
Tsunade nodded once and raised her hand.
"Then we land first."
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