shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 42: Konoha Reinforcements

Uchiha Tsukiko's gaze instantly turned cold. He issued a command to his elite squad:

"Prepare for battle. Do not let anyone approach these Uzumaki clan members."

Tsukiko swiftly moved to the front of the group, his hand seals forming at lightning speed.

Facing the overwhelming number of enemy pursuers, he unleashed Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame without hesitation.

A raging sea of flames surged forth once more, sweeping toward the advancing ninja coalition forces.

The enemy fell into chaos, scrambling to counter the inferno with Water Release techniques. However, under Tsukiko's immense chakra output, the fire blazed like a ravenous beast, devouring everything in its path.

Without delay, he followed up with Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, causing a massive wave of trees to burst from the ground, entrapping the enemy within its grasp.

The pursuing ninjas stood no chance against such overwhelming power, each one falling before Tsukiko's relentless assault.

Then, with a cold and ruthless expression, he activated Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs, swiftly eliminating the remaining enemies.

The Uzumaki ninjas watched the scene in sheer awe.

Never had they witnessed such power. Never had they imagined that Uchiha Tsukiko could single-handedly crush the enemy pursuing them so effortlessly.

"Rest assured, I will escort you safely to Konoha's reinforcements," Tsukiko declared firmly. "The sacrifices of Uzushiogakure will not be in vain—I will do everything in my power to protect you."

Moved by his strength and determination, the Uzumaki survivors slowly gathered their resolve. Though they were still mourning their fallen kin, they now saw a glimmer of hope through Tsukiko's unwavering will.

With that, Tsukiko led the survivors toward the designated rendezvous point with Konoha's reinforcements.

He remained on high alert, shielding them from any potential threats as they journeyed forward.

To the Uzumaki survivors, Tsukiko was an impenetrable fortress—standing firm, unwavering in the face of danger.

As they pressed on, their despair began to fade, replaced by determination. They knew that the sacrifices of Uzumaki Jinjin and the elders had been made so they could survive—to carry on the bloodline and the hope of their people.

They could not let those sacrifices be in vain.

Tsukiko, too, understood that while this battle was still undecided, the fall of Uzushiogakure was inevitable.

His mission was not just to protect the survivors but to ensure that hope still remained for the future of the ninja world.

His resolve had never been stronger—he would use his power to change the course of this war.

---

After an arduous journey filled with hardship and battle, Uchiha Tsukiko and the survivors finally arrived at the designated meeting point.

They were utterly exhausted, but Tsukiko's determination carried them forward.

In the distance, Konoha's banners appeared on the horizon.

It was the reinforcement force personally dispatched by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi—led by Sakumo Hatake, Tsunade Senju, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke, alongside a battalion of elite jōnin and chūnin.

Their arrival brought a much-needed ray of hope to the battlefield.

"Konoha's reinforcements have arrived!"

Hope reignited in the eyes of the Uzumaki survivors. They knew that as long as they could regroup with Konoha's forces, they would finally escape the horrors of the battlefield.

A small wave of relief washed over Tsukiko's heart—his mission was finally nearing completion.

He quickened his pace, leading the survivors toward the Konoha reinforcements.

The moment they reached the Konoha forces, Konoha's ninjas swiftly stepped forward to assist, tending to the wounded Uzumaki members without hesitation.

Tsunade immediately began emergency treatment for the injured, while Sakumo Hatake approached Tsukiko with a look of both admiration and concern.

"You did well, Tsukiko, bringing them this far," Sakumo said, clapping a hand on Tsukiko's shoulder in genuine praise.

Tsukiko gave a slight nod before handing over a scroll containing crucial intelligence. His expression was solemn.

"Sakumo-senpai, this contains detailed information about the battlefield in Uzushiogakure. Uzumaki Jinjin and several elders sacrificed themselves to allow their people to escape. They held back the Third Raikage and the ninja coalition at the cost of their lives."

A heavy silence fell over the Konoha forces as they absorbed the devastating news.

The Uzumaki clan was more than just an ally to Konoha—their sealing techniques were integral to the village's strength.

Now, with their leaders slain and their homeland in ruins, the Uzumaki clan teetered on the edge of extinction.

Anger and sorrow smoldered in the hearts of the Konoha shinobi.

Sakumo Hatake's eyes darkened as he scanned the battlefield report.

Tsukiko knew that mourning would have to wait—this was the time for action.

As Konoha's elite, their duty was clear: to avenge their fallen allies.

---

"All forces, listen up!"

Sakumo Hatake turned to face the assembled Konoha shinobi, his voice ringing with unwavering resolve.

"Uzushiogakure has fallen into ruin. Uzumaki Jinjin and the elders gave their lives to ensure the survival of their people. We will not let their sacrifice be in vain!"

A fierce determination ignited in the eyes of Konoha's warriors.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke unsheathed his blade, his voice resolute.

"The Uzumaki have given much to Konoha. Now, it is our turn to fight for them!"

"That's right!" Tsunade declared, her voice firm. "We share the same blood. The enemies of Uzushiogakure are the enemies of Konoha!"

Sakumo's gaze swept across the battlefield.

Then, with steely determination, he gave the order:

"All units—march on Uzushiogakure! Make those who dared attack our allies pay the price!"

With that command, the Konoha reinforcements surged forward, advancing toward the ruined capital of Uzushiogakure.

---

At the vanguard, Uchiha Tsukiko's heart burned with rage.

Though his body was weary, his fury far outweighed his exhaustion.

As they neared their destination, the remnants of the enemy ninja coalition were already in retreat—preparing to withdraw to their strongholds.

"This is where they die."

Tsukiko's voice was cold and filled with killing intent as he launched himself into battle, blade gleaming in the moonlight.

Under his command, Konoha's forces launched a devastating assault.

With one swift motion, Tsukiko split a Kirigakure ninja in half, his blade carving through the enemy like a specter of death.

Without pause, he unleashed Fire Release: Dragon Flame Song, sending a massive serpent of fire roaring into enemy ranks, triggering a series of fiery explosions.

Sakumo Hatake dashed through the battlefield with blinding speed, his White Fang blade cutting down foes like a storm of death.

The enemy coalition, unable to withstand the combined might of Konoha's elite, quickly collapsed.

"These are the ones who destroyed Uzushiogakure. Today, we will repay them in blood!"

Tsunade's voice rang across the battlefield as her chakra-infused fists obliterated a Kumo ninja with a single punch, the sound of shattering bones echoing in the chaos.

Fueled by righteous fury, Konoha's warriors fought like demons, tearing through enemy lines and shattering their formation.

Tsukiko once again unleashed Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, trapping the enemy in a vast thicket of trees.

Then, he followed up with Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs, sending a storm of deadly wooden spikes to finish them off.

The battle raged on as Konoha pressed forward, forcing the enemy into full retreat.

The war for Uzushiogakure was not yet over, but Konoha's vengeance had only just begun.