Konoha, Just Like Kizaru

Chapter 121: 121 Rebel Army: One Stick Shoot



Time passed quickly, and three months had gone by since Kakashi and his team completed their first mission.

Obito's strength had grown rapidly after unlocking his Sharingan, especially with a genius like Kakashi on the team and Rin providing excellent support. 

Their teamwork was seamless, and they completed missions with ease. Even B-level missions posed no big problem to them, a growth rate that caught the attention of the Third Hokage.

At the Forest of Death training ground, Simu handed each of them a silver note.

"Here's your reward for this mission—50,000 Ryo each," 

Obito frowned at the note and protested, "Simu-sensei, you didn't even help with this mission. Why do we have to give you half the reward?"

Simu, sitting cross-legged on the ground, pulled out a silver note of 150,000 Ryo, shook it slightly, and sighed dramatically.

"No choice, that's how it works. As your leading Jōnin, I'm entitled to half the team's earnings according to village regulations," Simu explained with a shrug.

Obito immediately protested, "That's so unfair!"

Meanwhile, Kakashi and Rin remained calm. They understood the value of Simu's special training. 

Without it, they would likely still be stuck doing C-level missions like their peers. Thanks to Simu, they had advanced to completing B-level and even A-level missions.

Simu, unbothered by Obito's complaints, pulled out a wooden stick to begin the day's lesson. However, an Anbu ninja suddenly appeared beside him.

"Simu-sama, Lord Hokage requests your presence."

Simu frowned slightly. What could it be now? I just returned with the team.

Turning to his students, he said, "You're on your own for training today." 

With a nod to the Anbu, Simu disappeared in a flash of light, reappearing moments later in the Hokage's office.

As soon as Simu arrived, he could tell something was off.

Not only was the Third Hokage present, but so were notable figures like Danzo, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Nara Shikaku, and Kato Dan. It reminded Simu of the time he was at the center of a disciplinary meeting.

With that thought, he nonchalantly opened the window and jumped in.

Everyone was accustomed to Simu's unorthodox behavior by now. Only someone like him would dare act so casually in a place that symbolized the authority of the Hokage.

Still, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura looked visibly displeased. Simu noticed their expressions and decided to prod.

"Ah, what a surprise to see the two advisors here today. Didn't Lord Hokage mention you were planning to retire due to health reasons?" 

Simu said, feigning innocence while throwing a subtle jab.

Over the past two years, Simu's sharp remarks and targeted actions had gradually undermined their influence. 

And, whether by coincidence or intention, the Third Hokage had quietly enabled his behavior.

The strength of the two advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, had declined to almost nothing. 

If not for their status as disciples of the Second Hokage, they might have already lost their positions as advisors.

Hearing Simu's sarcastic remarks, they held their tongues, not daring to respond. 

The last time they had crossed Simu, he had used his missions to uproot all the shady dealings tied to their clans. As a result, the Mitokado and Utatane clans were now on the verge of decline.

"Alright, Simu, enough of that. I called you here because there's an important matter to discuss," the Third Hokage interjected, cutting off Simu's teasing.

"Got it," Simu replied casually, finding an empty chair and slumping into it.

The current Jōnin squad leader, Nara Kazuichi—Shikaku's father—stood up and pointed to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth on the map.

"According to Anbu's intel, a group of rebels has been spotted near the border between the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire," Nara Kazuichi began. 

"These rebels are secretly backed and supported by Iwagakure.

"We've also detected large Rock Shinobi activity along the border. Additionally, reports indicate that the Land of Wind recently sent an envoy to the Land of Earth, and Iwagakure seems to be preparing for an attack on the Land of Fire."

"Their estimated ninja force is around 8,000, and the main battlefield will likely be the Country of Grass."

The Country of Grass, a small nation situated between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, served primarily as a buffer state. 

Militarily weak, it played little role beyond separating the two larger nations.

The Third Hokage lightly tapped his fingers on the table. "So, the Land of Earth has finally decided to act..." His voice trailed off before he continued. 

"Let's discuss, who will be the commander this time?" Everyone's eyes swept back and forth in the conference hall.

Eventually it all fell to Simu.

"Me?!" 

Simu pointed at himself in disbelief.

Sure, he'd completed numerous S-rank missions over the years, but those were mostly solo missions. 

Commanding a troop was an entirely different matter, and not something he considered his strength.

Nara Kazuichi spoke calmly, "Tsunade-sama is currently focused on training medical ninjas and cannot be deployed." 

"Jiraiya is stationed at Kikyo Mountain to prevent any moves from the Land of Lightning. Orochimaru-sama is fighting with Sand Shinobi forces in the Land of Rain. After thorough consideration, you're the only one available."

Simu sighed internally. The Land of Fire was surrounded by enemies, and it seemed like the burden was falling squarely on his shoulders.

The Fire Country's abundant resources made it a prime target for the other nations, and now, after three years of war, Konoha's exceptional performance had begun to alarm the other four great powers. 

Their fear had driven them to unite with the intent of defeating Konoha and carving up the Land of Fire.

Simu leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. 

After a moment, he finally agreed, "Fine, I'll take the role, but I want Minato with me."

"Namikaze Minato?" Nara Kazuichi glanced at the notes in his hand before nodding toward the Third Hokage. 

"That can be arranged."

Third Hokage then turned to Kato Dan. "You'll accompany Simu to the battlefield. Strike Rock Shinobi with a decisive blow as quickly as possible, ensuring they don't dare challenge us again."

Kato Dan, a skilled ninja from the same generation as the Sannin, had originally been destined to die in a conflict between Kumo Shinobi and Sand Shinobi. 

However, Simu's rise had altered history, allowing Kato Dan to survive. 

This also meant Tsunade avoided the heartbreak that would have led to her blood phobia and withdrawal from the battlefield.

A single decision had essentially preserved two major combat assets for Konoha. 

Not to mention, after three years of rigorous training, Kato Dan's strength had significantly improved.

Appointments were finalized quickly, and Konoha's war machine began operating with precision once again. 

A solemn atmosphere enveloped the village—war was never easy. It brought death and the pain of families torn apart. Countless ninjas received sudden orders, instructing them to follow Simu to the battlefield.

Simu's home was no exception to the chaos.

Kushina glared at him intensely. "I'm going to the battlefield with you!"

"I'm coming too!" Mikoto added, raising her hand in determination.

Under the relentless training of Simu's Raime Hakke, Mikoto had successfully awakened a three-tomoe Sharingan. 

Her strength now rivaled that of an average Jōnin. 

However, even a Jōnin was merely a larger piece on the chessboard of war, always at risk of being overwhelmed and killed.

"I want to go with Simu-kun too..." This time, even Lindy voiced her desire to join him on the battlefield.

Surrounded by their unwavering determination, Simu had no choice but to promise that he would take them along—once they were strong enough.

"I'll take you when you become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki," he teased Kushina with a smirk.

Kushina pouted. "Promise?"

"Promise." Simu nodded with a chuckle.

Without delay, Simu transformed into a flash of light, landing gracefully at Konoha's gates.

There, a team of six elite ninjas awaited him, joined by 2,000 soldiers from the border forces. Together, their 8,000-strong army was prepared to face the Rock Shinobi.

Among the group were Minato, Kato Dan, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, all ready for battle.

Standing at the forefront, Simu's coat of justice billowed in the wind, giving him the commanding presence of an admiral.

"Wow, for once, Simu-sensei actually looks kind of cool," Obito whispered to Rin.

Rin chuckled softly. "He's always been reliable, you know."

"Tch, reliable? He's always skimming off our mission rewards…" Obito's grumbling was quickly lost in the clamor of the marching troops.

Simu led a massive force of thousands of ninjas on a large two-tailed beast, heading straight for the border.

On a hillside at the border between the Country of Grassand the Country of Fire, a base stood. This was the stronghold of the rebels. 

Though labeled a rebel army, it was actually a group of rogue ninjas who had been involved in underground bounty exchanges for years. Their numbers were around four to five hundred.

This force was essentially a creation of Iwagakure, designed to disrupt the region.

"Boss, do you think we're being too obvious? Will Konoha come for us?" 

One of the rebels voiced his concerns. While they were all desperate, the reputation of Konoha made many nervous about facing their retaliation.

The leader of this rebel group was a former Konoha Jōnin named Akanishi Jin. 

He had defected during a mission and, for years, survived as a bounty hunter. Now, with the support of various forces, he had become the leader of the rebel army.

Akanishi Jin glanced around coldly.

"Brothers, Konoha is facing many crises right now, struggling to protect itself."

"What we need to do is take advantage of this weakness and strike!"

"Think about how these great nations treated us in the past. Now it's our turn to get revenge!"

"Let them feel the power of the wandering ninjas!"

Akanishi Jin's words were powerful and inspiring. Many of the rebels were former wandering ninjas, pushed out by various villages for years. Now that they had come together, they were eager for a chance to build something of their own—and a chance to exact revenge on the major powers.

Sure enough, under Akanishi Jin's encouragement, the rebels' faces lit up with fanatical expressions.

"That's right! We're going to show those big countries our power!"

"We'll build our own ninja village and become the rulers of the ninja world!"

The stronghold was filled with a fanatical energy, but it was quickly interrupted when a ninja rushed in, breathless.

"Boss, it's bad! Konoha's army is here!"

The rebels, who had just been united, instantly fell into panic.

"What do we do now?"

"Didn't you say Konoha wouldn't come? Why are they here?"

Akanishi Jin's face turned pale. He realized they were just a mob, not prepared for this.

"Quiet! Let's see who Konoha sends to die now!" Akanishi Jin shouted, silencing the group.

He stepped out of the stronghold and saw something in the distance. A huge monster, wrapped in faint blue flames, stood before them.

It was Two-Tails.

Simu stood atop Two-Tails, hands in his pockets, watching coldly.

"Is that guy the leader of the rebel army...?" 

Simu muttered as he slowly removed his glasses.

He then pulled out a huge mace, one he had specially commissioned from the forging ninjas in the village. 

It weighed almost a thousand kilos, and its sharp iron teeth were capable of tearing through enemies effortlessly.

Obito and Kakashi exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing. If they had to train with that thing, they'd be long gone by now.

Just as Jin Akanishi was about to speak and negotiate with Simu, he saw the figure in the distance slowly descend to the ground.

Simu raised the mace in his hand, and a surge of purple-red lightning danced around his body. A terrifying aura radiated from him, like an ancient beast awakening.

The powerful Armament Haki, combined with lightning, surrounded the mace. 

"Mighty Country," Simu muttered softly.

Then, in an instant, all the energy that had been silently building up was unleashed, as if thrown like a baseball.

Akanishi's eyes widened in shock. 

No way... is he really using his full power right away?

The explosive force ripped through the entire stronghold. A terrifying dark red energy column destroyed the entire mountain where the rebel army was based, vanishing completely.

As the mountains disappeared into thin air, the Konoha fighters finally understood why the village had chosen Simu as the chief general for this mission.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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