Although Shizune's talent wasn't on the same level as Kurenai's, when it came to obedience and reliability, Tsunade was most satisfied with Shizune.
At the very least, Shizune would take care of her.
Unlike that bratty Kurenai.
"Alright, the matter of team-leading is settled. Go back, rest up, and prepare for the next war."
For Shiki and Tsunade, giving blessings to Kurenai and Shizune was just a quick sentence.
But this battlefield they were heading into…
As cruel as it was, it was also the kind of grind that forged ninjas into something sharper.
"Yes!"
Kurenai stopped smiling and, like Shizune, nodded firmly before heading off to prepare.
…
Three days later, the entire atmosphere of Konoha had shifted.
The familiar peace was gone—replaced by the suffocating tension of slaughter.
In those three days, Konoha had recalled every shinobi stationed outside the village.
Every ninja was now gathered, sitting in formation, preparing for war.
Even civilians had begun to realize it…
A new ninja world war was coming.
"Is… is this really going to become a war?"
"I heard three villages are joining forces to attack Konoha this time!"
"Three!? Then Konoha is—isn't it going to—"
"Idiot. Konoha is strong. We'll be fine!"
Some people had already begun to panic.
They were just civilians and once a village lost a war, the defeated always suffered.
But panic or not, nothing could stop the Third Great Ninja War from coming.
Early in the morning, after Shiki tidied himself up, he picked up his swords, with Kurenai following behind him, and headed toward the designated assembly point.
"Oh, right."
Shiki glanced sideways at her. "When we reach the battlefield, pay attention to your safety."
He knew Tsunade was strong — very strong — yet he still couldn't stop himself from reminding her.
"Oof, don't worry!" Tsunade grinned and waved him off. "It's just the weakest of the Five Great Villages — Sunagakure!"
She knew Shiki worried too much, so her whole expression brightened to reassure him.
The Third Kazekage was missing.
The only true powerhouse left in Sand was Chiyo.
And Chiyo's puppets? Perfectly countered by Tsunade's monstrous strength.
Not to mention Orochimaru was also assigned there.
Unless something truly unexpected happened, the Sand battlefield would be fine.
"Alright, go. Shikaku and the others should've already gathered every ninja."
With one last sentence, Tsunade turned and left with Shizune.
Shiki didn't say anything more — just smiled.
Tsunade really always wanted to show off in front of him.
…
When Shiki arrived with Kurenai, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans had already assembled nearly two thousand ninjas.
"Lord Shiki!"
The moment he appeared, everyone greeted him respectfully.
This was their commander for the coming battlefield.
Even though he hadn't fought publicly for years, many people here knew very well how terrifying Shiki's strength was.
A strong commander meant peace of mind.
"Lord Shiki," Shikaku stepped forward, "all units have assembled. Do we depart now?"
During the Second Ninja War, Shiki had already collaborated with the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, so their coordination was nearly perfect.
"Hm."
Shiki nodded and was about to give the order—
Until his gaze caught someone.
"…Shinnosuke?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke—one arm missing.
That was a face Shiki couldn't forget.
Being suddenly addressed, Shinnosuke's expression stiffened.
Still, he stepped forward and nodded.
"Commander Shiki."
Even after all these years, Shinnosuke still hated Shiki for cutting off his arm.
But Shiki was now the commander of the entire Cloud battlefield.
Shinnosuke wasn't stupid — openly clashing with Shiki was suicide.
Whether Shinnosuke tried to attack him or not, Shiki honestly didn't care.
An ant was an ant.
He could crush him whenever he wanted.
Still, seeing him like this—one-handed—was mildly entertaining.
"So, you've mastered one-handed seals."
If he hadn't, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never have allowed him back into battle.
"This is all thanks to Lord Shiki," Shinnosuke said bitterly.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have spent years training one-handed seals."
"Hahaha! You're welcome, you're welcome."
Shiki smiled lazily. "If needed, I can teach you how to make hand signs with your feet."
Cut off your remaining arm and make you train foot seals.
"You—!"
Shinnosuke glared at him.
This was a threat.
A very clear threat.
"What? Do you want to say something?"
"…No."
He wanted to spit out curses, but he knew better.
Shiki wasn't joking. If he felt like cutting off Shinnosuke's last arm, he would.
One-handed sealing had taken him years to master — foot sealing would effectively end his entire ninja career.
Those nearby who understood the situation kept their heads down, pretending not to hear anything.
Neither Shiki nor Sarutobi Shinnosuke were people they could afford to offend.
"Hah."
Seeing Shinnosuke reduced to this, Shiki smirked.
How stunning.
A few years ago, the guy was fierce enough to try assassinating him.
Even though he lost his arm back then, Shiki could at least respect the courage.
But now?
He didn't even dare talk back.
Losing interest, Shiki waved his hand and signaled Shikaku and the Ino-Shika-Cho leaders.
They began leading their armies toward the Cloud battlefield.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
One after another, shinobi silhouettes vanished toward the horizon.
"Hmph…"
Watching Shiki's figure disappear, Shinnosuke's eyes darkened.
"Just wait… the revenge for my arm… I will make you pay."
Originally, Hiruzen wanted Shinnosuke on the Iwagakure front.
But when he heard Shiki was leading the Cloud battlefield…
Shinnosuke insisted on transferring.
All for revenge.
But Hiruzen agreed because he knew —
even if Shiki disliked Shinnosuke, he wouldn't kill him.
As long as Shinnosuke survived, Hiruzen wouldn't question it further.
At this moment, Shinnosuke tried to hide the hatred in his eyes.
But not everyone failed to notice.
"Lord Shiki," Shikaku murmured quietly beside him.
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