Although Shizune's talent couldn't compare to Kurenai Yuhi's, Tsunade was most satisfied with Shizune's obedience.
At least she wouldn't deliberately provoke or anger her.
"Alright, just let me handle the team arrangements. Go back, get a good rest, and prepare for the coming war."
With Aoyama Ryuyun and Tsunade's status, protecting Kurenai Yuhi and Shizune was simply a matter of a single command.
However, going to the battlefield was also a form of tempering.
Though dangerous, it was an opportunity for a shinobi to grow rapidly.
"Yes!"
Kurenai Yuhi no longer joked around. Like Shizune, she nodded seriously and began preparing to leave.
Three days later, Konoha's atmosphere had shifted completely — from peace to an air thick with killing intent.
In just three days, Konoha had recalled all shinobi who were on missions outside the village.
Ninja from every clan, along with common-born shinobi, were all preparing for war.
Even the civilians now understood that another Shinobi World War was about to begin.
"Is a war really starting?"
"I heard this time three villages are joining forces against Konoha!"
"Three? Does that mean Konoha is going to—?"
"Nonsense! Konoha's the strongest — nothing will happen!"
Despite the bravado, fear was spreading among the villagers.
They were all Konoha citizens — if the village fell, their fates would be grim.
But they were only ordinary people.
No matter how panicked they were, they couldn't change the inevitable outbreak of the Third Shinobi World War.
Early in the morning, after finishing his preparations, Aoyama Ryuyun fastened Kureki and Sakuraju to his waist.
With Kurenai Yuhi following close behind, he headed toward the designated assembly point.
"Oh, right — be extra careful on the battlefield."
Even though he knew Tsunade's strength was formidable, Aoyama Ryuyun still couldn't help but remind her.
"Don't worry! It's just Sunagakure — the weakest of the three."
Tsunade knew he was merely worried about her, and her tone carried a trace of pride.
The Third Kazekage had vanished.
At this stage, the only true powerhouse in Sunagakure was Granny Chiyo, whose puppet techniques were easily countered by Tsunade's monstrous strength.
And with Orochimaru also on that front, as long as no unforeseen events occurred, the Sand front would be the least of Konoha's concerns.
"Alright, you should go too. Shikaku and the others have probably gathered the shinobi already."
After saying one last thing, Tsunade turned and left with Shizune.
Aoyama Ryuyun simply smiled — Tsunade always wanted to prove herself before him.
When Aoyama Ryuyun arrived with Kurenai Yuhi, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio had already assembled two thousand shinobi.
"Lord Liu Yun!"
As soon as he appeared, everyone straightened and greeted him respectfully.
He was the commander for the Hidden Cloud Village front.
Even though he hadn't fought publicly in years, many still remembered his power.
A strong leader naturally gave confidence to those under him.
"Lord Liu Yun, everyone's assembled. Shall we depart?"
Nara Shikaku approached, standing beside Aoyama Ryuyun.
They had fought together during the Second Shinobi World War; their coordination was seamless.
"Mm."
Aoyama Ryuyun nodded slightly and was about to give the order when a familiar figure caught his eye.
"Shinnosuke?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke. That one-armed silhouette was not something Aoyama Ryuyun could easily forget.
Called out by name, Shinnosuke's expression darkened slightly, but he still stepped forward and nodded stiffly.
"Leader Liu Yun."
Even after all these years, Shinnosuke still resented the man who had severed his arm.
But Aoyama Ryuyun was now the battlefield commander for the Hidden Cloud front — and Shinnosuke wasn't foolish enough to provoke him openly.
To be frank, Aoyama Ryuyun couldn't have cared less about him.
Whether Shinnosuke tried to assassinate him or not made no difference. He was merely an insect — easily crushed.
Still, that one-armed state did pique his curiosity.
"Looks like you've mastered one-handed seals."
If he hadn't, Hiruzen Sarutobi never would've allowed him to set foot on the battlefield.
"I have you to thank for that, Lord Liu Yun."
If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have spent years relearning how to fight.
Aoyama Ryuyun smirked.
"Hahaha! You're too kind. If you'd like, I can teach you how to weave hand seals with your feet next."
Cut off your remaining hand — then you can practice properly.
"You—!"
Shinnosuke's face darkened with fury.
This was clearly a threat!
"What? You want to say something?"
"...Nothing."
He wanted to shout back, but he knew better.
With Aoyama Ryuyun's temperament, he would absolutely make good on that threat.
One-handed seals were already difficult enough — if he had to learn them with his feet, his shinobi career would be over.
Those nearby who knew of the past between the two wisely looked straight ahead, pretending not to hear.
They couldn't afford to offend either side.
"Heh."
Seeing Shinnosuke swallow his pride, Aoyama Ryuyun chuckled.
So cowardly.
Years ago, this same man had the courage to attempt his assassination.
He'd lost an arm, and with it, his spirit.
Bored of the exchange, Aoyama Ryuyun waved his hand dismissively.
With himself and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio leading, the army of two thousand shinobi began to move.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Under Aoyama Ryuyun's command, the figures of Konoha's elite vanished into the distance, rushing toward the Hidden Cloud Village battlefield.
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