The Allied Forces of Konoha had just slain the last resisting ninja of Amegakure.
Their hearts were racing with excitement.
No doubt, their enemies felt fear in their final moments.
How could Konoha's shinobi infiltrate their stronghold without making a sound?
Why were their guards suddenly ambushed, not even having time to raise the alarm?
They couldn't understand it.
In truth, even the shinobi of Konoha felt some unease.
Under Yukika's command, they silently eliminated every scout along the way, ensuring not a single piece of intel was leaked.
His command was... mysterious, almost uncanny.
What kind of method had he used?
Could it be that the Senju clan's sensory abilities surpassed even those of the Hyuga?
Hiashi Hyuga glanced at himself, then at Senju Yukika in the distance. Deep down, he felt the Hyuga were practically obsolete when the Senju were around.
No... it wasn't just the Senju.
It was him. Yukika.
Even the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had participated in this battle, but ultimately it was the Hyuga who racked up a significant number of kills thanks to their prowess in close combat.
"Stop overthinking. Let's go," said Shōmoku, casually patting Hiashi on the shoulder as he pulled him forward.
"This is just the beginning for everyone."
Inside the temporary command center, Yukika looked down calmly at the map spread before him.
Frankly, this level of victory was hardly satisfying.
He wanted everyone to fear the name Senju, to remember it with dread.
Taking one step into the heart of the Land of Rain wasn't enough.
There were more battles ahead.
He needed to react to Hanzo the Salamander—and go even deeper!
His achievements thus far left Sarutobi Hiruzen with no room for criticism. In fact, they gave him no reason to dismiss Tsunade as supreme commander.
Military power must remain in his hands.
That said, Yukika understood the weight of his contributions. Still, some formalities had to be observed.
"This victory was a result of everyone's efforts. I'll have White Fang record the details and submit the honors to the Hokage for proper recognition."
That's what a true commander does.
The shinobi around him were full of admiration, many giving him a thumbs-up.
Yukika's refusal to hoard credit earned their deep respect.
"Alright, tell the troops. Once we've regrouped, we press forward."
With a firm tap on the map, Yukika pointed to a marked location.
"From here... we march straight to Amegakure!"
Amegakure.
Inside a heavily fortified building, Hanzo the Salamander paced back and forth.
Something didn't feel right.
And after reviewing the intel on Konoha again, that unease only deepened.
Especially because…
It was already noon—yet no word had come from the frontline garrisons that were stationed ahead of Konoha's troops.
The Demigod was unsettled.
Monitoring intel from across the Land of Rain and overseeing strategic operations—that was his daily routine.
He trusted no one but his own eyes.
"Still no word?" Hanzo demanded, throwing the door open and glaring at his subordinates.
"No, sir," a nervous ninja replied. "We've sent messengers to follow up, but... still nothing."
This man before them wasn't just their leader. He was the Demigod of the shinobi world—the pillar keeping the Land of Rain from collapsing.
If even he couldn't stay calm, how could anyone else?
"Commander!"
Just then, a ninja rushed in, dropping to one knee.
"Konoha's allied forces have broken through three defensive lines—they're heading straight for Amegakure!"
"What did you say?!"
Hanzo grabbed his own arm in disbelief, the tubes on his face spewing violet gas.
He couldn't believe it—three defensive lines wiped out in just one night?
And the worst part?
No intel.
Impossible.
The ninja, gasping in fear under Hanzo's grip, knew all too well the terror his leader inspired. This man could kill with nothing more than a breath.
"Useless."
Hanzo narrowed his eyes, tossed an antidote into his mouth, and dropped it on the ground.
Looking at his trembling subordinates, he realized the message was genuine.
He had to act.
But how did Konoha's forces get this far?
Frowning, Hanzo waved his hand and gave his command:
"Sound the call. I'm going personally."