NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31: Chapter 29 – The March Toward War
Chapter 29 – The March Toward War
Kurozan's Army – Moving Toward Konoha
The moon cast an eerie glow over the vast army advancing through the Land of Fire. Titans moved in calculated strides, their chakra-infused bodies pulsating with power. Their eyes gleamed with a cold, unnatural light—mindless weapons of destruction under Kurozan's control.
Among them marched warriors from different lands—rogue shinobi, mercenaries, and those who had abandoned their pasts for the future Kurozan promised. The world had rejected them, and now they would return the favor.
Tsunade rode alongside Kurozan, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.
She could feel the weight of what was coming.
"You're quiet," Kurozan noted.
Tsunade exhaled through her nose. "We're heading straight into a battle that could reshape the world." She turned to him. "You don't seem concerned."
Kurozan smirked. "Because I know how this ends."
Tsunade's jaw tightened. "You're underestimating Naruto."
Kurozan's gaze flickered with amusement. "No, I'm counting on him."
Tsunade frowned. "You want him to come after you."
Kurozan's smirk widened. "Of course. He's the key piece in this war."
Tsunade looked forward again, silent.
Deep down, a small part of her still wondered—was there another way?
But she knew the answer.
She had burned that bridge the moment she chose to stand at Kurozan's side.
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Konoha – Preparing for Battle
Naruto stood atop the Hokage Monument, staring out over the village. The weight of the moment pressed down on him.
Tsunade was coming.
No, Tsunade was leading the army coming for them.
A gust of wind carried Sasuke's voice as he approached. "They're close."
Naruto didn't turn. "I know."
Sasuke came to stand beside him, his Sharingan scanning the horizon. "Are you ready for this?"
Naruto exhaled slowly. "Do I have a choice?"
Sasuke glanced at him. "You always have a choice."
Naruto's fists clenched. "She was the one person I thought would never turn her back on Konoha."
Sasuke remained silent for a moment before saying, "You still think you can save her."
Naruto didn't answer.
Sasuke's eyes darkened. "Don't let your emotions get in the way. If she stands against us—"
"I know," Naruto snapped, turning to face him. "But I'm not just going to kill her."
Sasuke held his gaze for a moment before looking away. "Then you better be prepared to fight her at full strength."
Naruto's stomach twisted at the thought.
Because deep down, he knew Sasuke was right.
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The Akatsuki Observes
Pain stood within the ruins of Amegakure, his Rinnegan gazing toward the distance. The tension in the world was thick enough to suffocate.
"Kurozan is making his move," Konan said, stepping beside him.
Pain remained still. "So is Naruto."
Konan studied him. "And us?"
Pain finally turned to her. "We wait."
Konan's brow furrowed. "You still think we can control the outcome?"
Pain's expression didn't change. "No." He looked back toward the sky. "But we will be the ones who decide the ending."
Konan's fingers clenched at her side.
She wasn't sure whether that was hope or a warning.
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The Final Night Before Battle
The camp was silent, the air thick with anticipation.
Tsunade sat on a log near her tent, staring at the flames of a small fire. Memories of Konoha flooded her mind—the people she once called family, the lives she had fought to protect.
And now, she would be the one threatening them.
Footsteps approached. She didn't need to look to know who it was.
Kurozan sat beside her, watching the fire. "Thinking about tomorrow?"
Tsunade exhaled. "It's hard not to."
Kurozan studied her for a moment before speaking. "Do you regret standing here?"
Tsunade was silent.
She didn't have an answer.
Kurozan's gaze darkened slightly. "You're still hesitating."
Tsunade's jaw clenched. "I chose this path. I won't turn back."
Kurozan's smirk returned, but there was something dangerous in his eyes. "Good."
A gust of wind rustled through the camp.
Because tomorrow, the world would change forever.
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At Dawn – The March Continues
The sun barely peeked over the horizon as Kurozan's army began its final approach toward Konoha.
Naruto and his forces stood at the village gates, waiting.
It was time.
End of Chapter 29
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