"Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
Suddenly, a green figure burst onto the battlefield. With a powerful roar, the just-risen Kisame was struck by this vibrant Leaf ninja. The spinning kick landed with devastating force, sending him crashing to the ground.
Coughing up blood, Kisame's narrowed eyes burned with rage as he locked onto the streak of green that had blindsided him.
"Leaf reinforcements are coming soon!" shouted a Mist ninja concealed in the shadows. The cry was followed by the hiss of smoke bombs exploding, obscuring the battlefield.
"Yo! The proud blue beast of the Leaf... Might Guy! Burn, youth! Ah, youth! This is youth!"
Might Guy stood tall, his expression radiating over-the-top excitement as he launched another Mist ninja skyward. But before the green-clad Leaf ninja could revel in his moment, a thick veil of smoke engulfed the area, blocking all sightlines.
Within the haze, Suikazan Fuguki's frustration was palpable. The great sword Samehada was missing. Normally, its retrieval was a simple matter of summoning, but this time, his attempts failed. Panic flickered in his cold, calculating eyes.
"Retreat!" he roared, prioritizing his own survival over the prized sword. Disappearing into the smoke, Fuguki's barked order was followed by the signal flare of the Mist ninjas.
The night sky lit up with bursts of light as the Mist forces executed a swift, disciplined retreat, leaving behind a chaotic and battered battlefield.
"Lord Yoru."
"We won."
"Haha! The little cubs of the Mist have run off."
"Lord Yoru, are you injured?"
Cheers erupted among the Leaf ninjas as they realized the Mist ninjas had withdrawn. Leaf reinforcements streamed into the area, bolstering their ranks. Despite the victory, Kurenai, Uzuki Yugao, and Mitarashi Anko—Yoru's temporary bodyguards—remained vigilant. Exhaustion was etched on their faces, but their formation remained solid. They suppressed personal feelings, driven by their unyielding sense of duty.
More Leaf ninjas arrived, their admiration clear. The spectacle of the grand jutsu duel earlier had left a deep impression. Many of these soldiers were veterans of the Third War, accustomed to witnessing legendary figures like Jiraiya and Orochimaru in action. Yet tonight, Uchiha Yoru's power seemed no less remarkable.
"Everyone, be on high alert. The Mist could still be planning an ambush. Stabilize the camps and prepare defensive lines immediately," Yoru commanded, his voice steady despite the fatigue in his frame.
"Medical ninjas, treat the injured! Hyuga units, scan the perimeter to guard against counterattacks. And clean the battlefield—check for traps left by the enemy."
As the orders flowed, the strange black curse marks retreating from Yoru's body caught the attention of those nearby. They rippled and receded like ink draining from his skin. The same marks marred the faces of his guards, including Anko, whose inexperience left the patterns incomplete.
While unusual, such peculiarities were not unheard of in the ninja world. The Leaf soldiers wisely chose not to question their leader's secrets.
"Yoru, are you alright?" Might Guy asked, still catching his breath after his dynamic entrance. His concern was evident despite his weary tone.
Uchiha Yoru managed a faint smile. "I'm fine, Guy. But be cautious. Suikazan Fuguki led this attack. He's cunning and dangerous. Cancel the pincer attack plan; it might be a trap."
Turning to the surrounding Leaf forces, Yoru's voice grew firm. "Fuguki is a trusted aide of the Fourth Mizukage. He's not as injured as he appears. Fortify our defenses. Move quickly!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Leaf ninjas snapped into action without hesitation. Years of training had shaped them into obedient tools, conditioned to execute commands without pause.
Kurenai and Anko remained on high alert beside Yoru, while Yugao prepared to administer medical ninjutsu.
"Save your chakra. I'm fine," Yoru reassured her with a raised hand. Though drained, he knew his limits.
The battle had been harrowing. His knowledge of Kisame's tendencies and Fuguki's overconfidence had given him the edge. Still, the clash had pushed him to the brink.
A sharp pain in his left eye drew a shiver from him. His Mangekyo Sharingan—a gift and a curse—demanded a steep price. The ocular power, though devastatingly effective, left him painfully drained.
For a single minute, his Mangekyo technique had amplified his jutsu and genjutsu to godlike levels, allowing him to crush the Mist forces. Combined with the enhancements of the curse marks, he had reached a terrifyingly high combat tier—a near Kage-level presence.
Even so, the experience underscored the danger of over-reliance on such powers.
"Lord Yoru, your eye," Yugao said, stepping forward despite his protests. Her voice carried a gentle but firm resolve. A soothing green light enveloped her hands as she began to treat the bloodshot veins and traces of blood marring his vision.
"Guy, organize three squads to reinforce Kakashi immediately. The Mist may have other plans," Yoru ordered, his voice steady despite the fatigue weighing him down.
"I won't let my comrades down! That's the power of youth!" Guy declared before dashing off, determination burning in his eyes.
The Leaf camp buzzed with activity as reinforcements flowed in and defensive measures were strengthened. Yoru stood at the highest vantage point, breathing deeply as medical ninjas worked to ease his strain and replenish his chakra.
"Lord Yoru!" A scout's urgent report shattered the relative calm. "Bad news. Shisui's base has been attacked. Mist ninjas have stolen our Chakra metal and destroyed critical supplies."
"Simultaneously, Lord Hizashi reports another warehouse has been set ablaze. Medical kits, kunai, explosive tags—all lost."
The news hit like a hammer, leaving a somber pall over the camp. Despite the earlier victory, the losses were severe. Uchiha Yoru's expression hardened as he assessed the situation.
"Order all units to remain on high alert. The Mist's tactics tonight confirm their intent to weaken us through multi-pronged harassment. Request reinforcements from the village and expedite the resupply process," Yoru commanded.
He paused, his tone growing grave. "Tonight, our forces fought valiantly, but the failures fall squarely on my leadership. I'll accept full responsibility for the loss of resources and report the situation to the village."
"Lord Yoru, no!"
"You can't take the blame for this!"
The outcry was immediate, a testament to the loyalty and respect Yoru had garnered. Many of these soldiers had followed commanders who shirked responsibility in the face of setbacks. Yoru's willingness to shoulder the burden, despite his valor on the front lines, only deepened their admiration.
Among the ranks, his figure grew larger in their minds, eclipsing even the legends they had once revered. Uchiha Yoru—a leader who fought, protected, and bore the weight of failure—was becoming an icon in his own right.
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