Chapter 32: Chapter: 32 The Return of the War King and Reunion with a Good Friend
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The movement of a large-scale legion-level troop forces everything along the way, be it demons or monsters, to step aside.
This group of over 200 clan ninjas was a reinforcement unit dispatched by Uchiha Rei, also serving as a farewell gift for Kyosuke.
Along the journey, Maya was constantly busy, using genjutsu to evaluate the loyalty of these ninjas.
Those willing to accept the test and successfully pass it would officially join Kyosuke's direct command, becoming members of his core force.
As for those unwilling to undergo the test, it was fine—they had their own ambitions, and he couldn't demand complete openness from everyone.
As long as they obeyed orders, they could still be counted as part of the Southern Legion's combat sequence.
A few troublemakers with ulterior motives had already been noted down in secret by Uchiha Izumi, who would ensure they met their end on the battlefield at an appropriate time.
To unify the unit, the Southern Expeditionary Force dragged their pace, turning what would have been a two- or three-day journey into a full seven days.
The officer in charge of the reception force cursed him in his heart countless times.
But when the moment came, they still had to put on a polite front and greet him courteously.
"Commander Kyosuke, welcome."
"Mm."
Kyosuke glanced at him indifferently, nodding arrogantly without any intention of lingering.
The main force pressed on at full speed; if the reception unit hadn't been quick enough, they might have been swept into the rushing crowd.
"Damn it," a clan member finally muttered angrily after the group had passed.
"These Southern Legion folks are too full of themselves!"
"Hmph."
The officer in charge, who had been ignored, muttered with a strange tone, "Go win some battles before acting high and mighty."
In truth, he was equally displeased—anyone would be in his position.
But lacking the strength to retaliate, what could he do? Confront Kyosuke now?
The stories of people being killed to establish authority in the youth training camp had already reached the main battlefield, and he had no desire to become the next topic of discussion.
"Follow them," he ordered.
Soon, the Southern Legion entered the military fortress constructed by the Uchiha clan.
The existence of ninjutsu had made the infrastructure industry in the Naruto world extraordinarily advanced.
The 50-mile-long camp was lined with numerous watchtowers and fortifications.
At intervals of 100 meters, there was a sentry post, each manned by Uchiha ninjas.
Should the barrier department detect any abnormality, an order would be issued immediately, ensuring clan members could arrive at the site within ten seconds.
Seeing this, Kyosuke understood that the intensity of the battles on the main front far exceeded the wars in the southern territories.
Perhaps aware of the reception force's complaints, Clan Leader Tajima dispatched personnel to meet him for the second time.
This time, Kyosuke could no longer maintain his cold demeanor.
"Long time no see, Keisuke-sensei," he greeted.
The visitor was Uchiha Keisuke, the man who had once been his teacher.
"The clan leader sent me to welcome you," Keisuke said, his tone tinged with emotion.
In just over a year, the boy who had once struggled to maintain his Sharingan had now become a significant figure within the clan.
His gaze lingered on the short sword at Kyosuke's waist, and Keisuke felt fortunate that he hadn't turned down the teaching job back then.
It was easy to flatter someone in power, but only he had offered precious guidance when Kyosuke was still at his lowest.
This rare bond, if used wisely, would be enough for Uchiha Keisuke to benefit from for a lifetime.
"You all stay here and wait," Kyosuke instructed his forces briefly before following his teacher to the core area.
On the way, Uchiha Keisuke provided a brief overview of the battlefield situation.
"Three months ago, the clan leader and Senju Butsuma fought a fierce battle, ending in mutual injuries."
"Senju Butsuma is that strong?"
"He is a peak clan leader-level powerhouse with immense strength."
Hearing this, Kyosuke fell silent, once again recognizing the brutality of the Warring States Period.
Although he had made considerable progress, he was still far from being able to roam freely in this dangerous world.
If he treated the Senju like the Nara or Akimichi clans, his days of defeat would not be far off.
Keisuke continued his explanation: "Actually, the main battlefield is manageable. Our clan has cultivated this area for years, and the Senju cannot break through easily."
"The real concern lies elsewhere."
Kyosuke understood his teacher's implication. The Uchiha had poured all their resources into resisting the Senju, leaving them vulnerable on other fronts.
The Uzumaki clan was now eyeing them hungrily, and the Uchiha were indeed struggling.
The role of the Southern forces was to reinforce the front against the Uzumaki.
"I won't hide it from you," Keisuke said, surprising Kyosuke with his next words. "Not long ago, Ashina Uzumaki personally led a force into battle, and we suffered a significant defeat, losing our commander on the spot."
A commander capable of leading an army was at least an elite jonin.
For Ashina Uzumaki to kill such a leader on the battlefield meant he at least has clan leader-level strength.
"All these years, the world has greatly underestimated this Uzumaki clan leader," Keisuke remarked.
As his teacher noted, this leader of the Land of Whirlpools possessed terrifying power that struck fear into all.
"Who is overseeing the situation there now?"
Kyosuke asked with great concern.
Surely that damned Tajima didn't expect him to face the Uzumaki clan alone.
If that were the case, betraying the clan on the spot would seem more appealing.
"It's the clan's Second Elder," his teacher revealed, causing Kyosuke to twitch slightly.
During the Warring States Period, prominent clans had many branches and side families. To protect their interests, most clans established councils of elders.
The Uchiha were no exception.
Uchiha Rei, for example, was a powerful elder responsible for managing threats in the southern territories, and the Second Elder held a similar role.
"What's the Second Elder's strength?"
"He should also be at the clan leader level."
"That's somewhat reassuring," Kyosuke muttered.
With a powerful figure holding the line, he finally felt a bit relieved.
After all, he didn't want to lose everything he had worked so hard to build.
"Kyosuke!"
A familiar voice interrupted the teacher-student conversation.
Looking up, under the blazing sun, a spiky-haired youth in red armor stood on the battlements, smiling down at him.
The sunlight was dazzling, and Kyosuke couldn't make out the youth's face clearly.
But the overwhelming aura of dominance gave away his identity immediately.
"Madara!"
Chakra erupted beneath his feet as Kyosuke shot forward like lightning.
With a short sword in hand, faint electric sparks flickered along the blade.
"Bring it on!"
Madara drew his long sword, excitement evident on his face at the sight of his friend.
However, their form of greeting was somewhat unusual.
A terrifying burst of air pressure gathered as Madara slashed horizontally with his blade, bringing it down with the force of a crushing mountain.
The sheer ferocity of his strike made Kyosuke's heart skip a beat.
Uchiha Style: Step Explosion!
"This bastard is trying to kill me!" Kyosuke thought.
[Chapter End's]
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