The Titan Curse: A Shinobi’s Reign

Chapter 28 – The Road of No Return

Somewhere in the Wilderness

Tsunade stood at the edge of Kurozan's growing encampment, watching as his forces trained. Titans loomed in the distance, their chakra-infused bodies radiating unnatural energy. Some still retained fragments of their former selves—others had become little more than mindless weapons.

She had seen battlefields before. She had watched Konoha make decisions that led to the deaths of thousands. Yet this… this was something else entirely.

Kurozan stepped beside her, his presence as commanding as ever. "Regrets?"

Tsunade crossed her arms. "No."

"Good." He smirked. "Because after today, there's no turning back."

Tsunade glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

Kurozan turned toward the main tent, where several of his top commanders were gathering. "Come. It's time you saw what happens next."

---

Kurozan's War Council

The large tent was filled with battle-hardened warriors, defected shinobi, and strategists who had pledged themselves to Kurozan's vision. A massive map of the Elemental Nations lay on the table, markers representing key strongholds.

At the center of it all stood Kurozan.

"We're done waiting," he said, his voice calm but absolute. "It's time to move."

A murmur spread through the room.

A missing-nin from Iwa spoke first. "Where do we strike?"

Kurozan's crimson eyes gleamed. "Konoha."

Tsunade stiffened.

A shinobi from Kiri frowned. "Is that wise? They still have powerful fighters. Even with their Hokage aging, they have Naruto Uzumaki, the strongest of this generation."

Kurozan's smirk widened. "Naruto will come. That's exactly what I want."

Tsunade's fists clenched. "You're baiting him."

"Of course." Kurozan leaned forward, hands on the table. "Naruto will chase Tsunade to the ends of the earth. If we control the battlefield, we control the fight. And once he's gone, Konoha collapses."

Tsunade held his gaze. "You're assuming I want him dead."

Kurozan chuckled. "I'm assuming you want to be free."

Tsunade didn't respond.

Because deep down, she wasn't sure anymore.

---

Land of Fire – Naruto's Decision

Naruto paced in the Hokage's office, his mind a storm of emotions.

Tsunade had turned down Mifune's offer. She had chosen Kurozan.

And now Kurozan was moving.

Kakashi leaned back in his chair. "We can't afford to be reckless."

Naruto stopped, glaring. "I'm not waiting for them to come to us. If we do, it'll be too late."

Shikamaru, arms crossed, sighed. "You're not wrong. But we need to be smart about this."

Sasuke, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Tsunade isn't being held hostage." His dark eyes narrowed. "She's standing at his side willingly."

Naruto's fists clenched. "Then I'll find out why."

Sasuke shook his head. "That's a waste of time."

Naruto spun toward him. "She's like family, Sasuke!"

Sasuke's expression didn't change. "She made her choice."

The words stung.

But Naruto wasn't ready to accept that.

---

Akatsuki Moves in the Shadows

Pain stood atop the ruined tower of Amegakure, his Rinnegan scanning the horizon.

"Kurozan is advancing," Konan said beside him. "War is inevitable now."

Pain remained still. "Then we let it happen."

Konan frowned. "You want them to weaken each other."

"Yes." Pain's voice was emotionless. "Only when the world is at its weakest can we truly bring peace."

Konan hesitated. "And if Kurozan wins?"

Pain's gaze darkened. "Then he learns the meaning of pain."

---

Kurozan's March Begins

The night was eerily silent as Kurozan's forces began their march.

Titans moved with terrifying precision, their chakra-infused bodies pulsing with power. Shinobi flanked them, weapons ready.

Tsunade rode at Kurozan's side, her mind racing.

For so long, she had fought against wars like this.

Now she was at the heart of one.

Kurozan glanced at her. "Still with me?"

Tsunade took a slow breath.

"…Yes."

She wasn't sure if it was a lie.

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