Naruto: Fate System

Despite Shin, Konan, and Nagato holding deep contempt for the past arrogance of Kumo, Shin, seeing their genuine approach this time, decided to respond generously.

The Kumo envoy knelt before them, head bowed in a display of respect that would have been unthinkable months ago.

"We can discuss an alliance, but I think Kumo should also demonstrate its sincerity," he said, studying the envoy's reaction carefully.

The envoy raised his head slightly. "What kind of demonstration did you have in mind?"

If there were benefits to be gained, Shin wasn't entirely unwilling to let bygones be bygones. After all, the Land of Rain and the Land of Lightning did not share a border.

The physical distance and lack of direct conflict between them provided a sufficient foundation for cooperation. There was no need to let old grudges get in the way of practical alliances.

Besides, whether due to the inevitable convergence of timelines or the apparent destiny of Konoha, the situation there had been steadily improving since Minato regained his resolve.

Shin needed more strategies to carve out opportunities in both space and time.

Akatsuki had fully secured a passage from the Land of Rain's border all the way to the mountainous region around the Kannabi Bridge. With every passing day, his preparations became more robust. The six battalions were growing stronger, their new recruits adapting quickly to Akatsuki's methods.

However, a week later, an unexpected turn of events shifted the balance in Konoha's favor.

A breathless messenger burst into Shin's command room, face pale with shock.

"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen... they've fallen!" the messenger gasped.

"To whom?" Shin demanded, though he already knew the answer.

"A single kick from Konoha's Eternal Genin!"

In a spectacular display of power, Duy activated the Eight Gates Released Formation and obliterated the Seven Swordsmen with a single kick.

As a result, Kiri's offensive came to a screeching halt, forced into a defensive strategy. Their ambitious landing operations descended into an embarrassing stalemate.

This gave Konoha a much-needed breather.

Jiraiya, who was in charge of the southern front, even offered to personally head north to provide reinforcements, though he was ultimately dissuaded. Nevertheless, Konoha redeployed some of its southern forces to the north, further easing the pressure on Minato.

The delicate balance of the war shifted again. Because of Kiri's failure in the south, Shin, stationed in the north, found himself under greater pressure.

This left him momentarily at a loss for words.

"In just over a month, Minato has really managed to turn things around. Fate certainly works in mysterious ways," he muttered with a sigh, marveling at Konoha's resilient luck.

Fortunately, he hadn't been idle over the past month.

New recruits had seamlessly integrated into the six existing battalions, and Akatsuki had begun taking full control of the defenses in the mountainous region near the Kannabi Bridge.

He had even summoned Hiruko, who knelt before a large blueprint spread across the wooden table, fingers tracing along the bridge's support structures.

"Look here," he said, tapping specific points on the blueprint. "The bridge relies on these three main support pillars. The central one bears most of the weight, but it's the rear support that's crucial. The stone composition changes at this point—" his finger slid to a marked section, "where they had to adapt to the terrain. Different materials, different stress points."

Shin studied the markings. "And?"

"They used a softer stone for that section. More flexible, yes, but also more vulnerable to focused chakra bursts." Hiruko sketched quick calculations in the margin. "A properly timed explosion here, combined with destabilization of these support cables... the whole structure would collapse inward rather than outward. Minimal debris spread, maximum structural damage."

"And Konoha's forces?"

"They'll expect us to defend the obvious points." Hiruko drew a series of small circles around the front approaches. "Their demolition teams will focus here and here. But if we place our forces to funnel them toward these positions..." He traced a path along the blueprint's edge. "We can make them think they're outmaneuvering us while leading them exactly where we want them."

"Well thought out," Shin nodded. "Keep studying the terrain. I want options for every scenario."

As Hiruko left to continue his analysis, Shin turned his attention to the steady stream of intelligence reports flowing in.

A young scout slipped into his command room, still covered in mud from the field. "Shin-sama," he said, kneeling to mark a position on the large map spread across the table. "Konoha's forces are on the move. They're establishing a forward base here, in the eastern forests around Kusa."

"How many?"

"At least three companies, with more arriving daily. They're building supply lines, setting up medical stations. They're being cautious, but their direction is clear."

For now, Minato didn't have many options.

To swiftly end the northern conflict, his attention ultimately fell on the Kannabi Bridge. Despite noticing Akatsuki's movements, he had no better alternatives.

Konoha's stretched resources made severing supply lines the most cost-effective strategy in the short term. Thus, despite suspecting interference from Akatsuki, Minato had no choice but to proceed.

Konoha advanced their frontlines, establishing a forward base in the regions around Kusa and slowly moving their forces toward the mountainous region, preparing for a decisive strike on the bridge.

It seemed as though fate had returned to its original trajectory. The inevitable confrontation was drawing near.

Before the climactic battle, however, Shin was surprised by an unexpected incident. Konan had returned from her routine mission to Sora-ku, but something about her expression made him uneasy.

"I met someone interesting," she said.

"Who?"

"You're not going to like it." She paused for effect. "Uchiha Shisui."

"You said... you ran into Shisui in Sora-ku?" he asked.

Since dealing with Hanzō, he hadn't personally visited Sora-ku in a long time. With Konan now contracted with the ninja cats, she often handled transactions in Sora-ku on his behalf to avoid running into Shisui.

He had heard that Shisui had awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan. Further attempts to manipulate him carried significantly higher risks with diminishing returns. Thus, Shin had decisively faked his death, effectively ghosting Shisui like a heartless scoundrel.

But now, through an unexpected twist of fate, Konan had reconnected with Shisui.

His first concern, however, was for Konan. He rushed to her side, checking her eyes for any signs of genjutsu influence.

"You're okay, right? Did he use genjutsu on you? Do you feel any strange emotions toward Konoha or the Uchiha? Are you sure nothing's wrong with you?"

How should I even check its effect?

Thankfully, Konan burst into laughter at his over-the-top concern, waving away his hovering hands.

"Don't worry. He didn't mean any harm. He didn't even activate his Sharingan the entire time. In fact, when he learned I was from Akatsuki, he helped me a great deal." She seemed genuinely amused by his worried reaction.

"Really…?" Shin asked, still not entirely convinced.

"Yes," Konan confirmed. "But during our conversation, he kept thinking about someone—an Ame ninja named Aizen. I don't suppose you remember such a powerful ninja, right?"

Shin immediately realized she had figured out his disguise. He played along, feigning innocence despite knowing he'd been caught.

"How did you respond?" he asked.

"I told him we had no record of this ninja's death, nor had we taken in anyone of his caliber. But I also mentioned that after the war, many of Hanzō's followers stayed behind in Ame, living incognito. Akatsuki never drove them out and actually welcomed them to help rebuild."

Her response made Shin chuckle. He saw through her ploy: she was hinting to Shisui that Aizen might still be in Ame, planting a seed of hope to keep him intrigued.

"You've grown cunning, Konan," he remarked.

Konan blinked her innocent eyes. "Did I say anything untrue? Besides, who taught me to be this way? Isn't it thanks to a certain leader? Perhaps our dear Aizen?"

Caught off guard, Shin coughed awkwardly and looked away.

He then asked, trying to regain control of the conversation, "Did Shisui say anything else?"

"He asked me to help him find Aizen. He said he desperately wanted to see this old friend again. So, any instructions for me, Shin?"

The unexpected encounter left Shin deep in thought. Yet he couldn't help but laugh at the irony: why did it feel like every time he was about to confront Konoha, some twist of fate would expose their internal "leaks" in the most peculiar ways?

"These 'coincidences' keep piling up at crucial moments," he murmured, more to himself than to Konan. Each revealed connection offered new possibilities, new angles to exploit. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to form a clearer picture, though not necessarily the one he had expected.

Was it serendipity, or was Konoha truly a sieve, riddled with gaps and vulnerabilities?

Konan watched him carefully, waiting for his response. Her growth from a simple follower to a cunning strategist in her own right was both impressive and slightly concerning.

She had learned his lessons perhaps too well—yet another variable he would need to account for in his calculations.

But for now, he had a more immediate concern: how to turn this unexpected reunion with Shisui to their advantage.

The coming battle at Kannabi Bridge would have to account for this new development—but then again, adaptation had always been his strongest suit.

---

Since the connection with Shisui was re-established, Shin naturally had no intention of letting it go.

However, he had no plans to "resurrect" and meet Shisui in person. The risks were too high, the variables too unpredictable.

Shin decided not to meet him rashly until Shisui's Mangekyō abilities were fully understood.

Out of caution, he decided to have Ayumi deliver a letter in her cat form rather than let Konan meet Shisui again.

To make the act more convincing, he deliberately waited three days and even had messengers spread news throughout the Land of Rain, posting notices in Ame and surrounding villages to search for an Ame ninja named Aizen.

Given Akatsuki's meteoric rise, he believed that spies from other villages were present in the Land of Rain. He could almost picture them now, scribbling their reports in hidden corners.

When these spies delivered the news back to Konoha, his sudden letter to Shisui after months of silence wouldn't seem abrupt.

This was professionalism at its finest.

Before Ayumi departed, he prepared a lavish spread of fresh mangoes and other fruits besides bananas—entirely in the sweet, ripe varieties she loved.

The mangoes were perfectly golden, their flesh tender and juicy. A small investment for what was to come. Besides, she might need the energy.

Ayumi gave him a suspicious look, her trunk swaying as she sniffed the air. "These are my favorite mangoes! You're just sending me to deliver a letter, so why are you treating me to such a grand meal?"

"Are you hiding something from me?"

Her trunk curled inquisitively, intelligent eyes fixed on Shin with that peculiar intensity that seemed to see right through deception.

Shin replied with a straight face. "How could I? This is just my way of thanking you for all your support over the years." And insurance, in case things go wrong with those unpredictable Uchiha.

Ayumi's ears flapped skeptically, but tears of emotion ultimately escaped from her eyes. The scent of ripe mangoes was too tempting to resist.

"Well, never mind! Let's eat first!" She delicately picked up the fruit pieces with her trunk.

After her feast, Ayumi patted her belly in satisfaction with her trunk. Then she transformed into her cat form and secured a small messenger pouch. "I'm off!"

Shin waved goodbye, watching her disappear.

Though he sincerely hoped all would go well, deep down, he couldn't guarantee the safety of the mission when facing the unstable and volatile Uchiha clan.

That clan's minds were utterly unpredictable.

"So at least I made sure you had a good meal before you left. If anything happens, safe travels, Ayumi. Amen."

After her departure, Shin made a devout sign of the cross over his chest.

---

Fortunately, this time, Shisui didn't descend into the abyss of extreme emotions. The gamble had paid off, at least for now.

Madness hadn't consumed his mind—he just seemed to feel emotions more intensely. The Mangekyō's curse hadn't taken full hold yet.

A few hours later, Ayumi returned to Akatsuki's front-line base. She transformed back into her elephant form upon arrival, clearly annoyed, her grey hide damp from the rain and something else.

She demanded that Shin help dry her off with a wave of her trunk.

"Humans with overflowing emotions are so troublesome!" She shook herself, spraying water droplets everywhere. "That Uchiha kid hugged me and wouldn't stop crying after reading your letter! What on earth did you write to him?"

"Have you started targeting boys now? Am I not enough?"

The room fell silent, and everyone turned to Shin with strange expressions. Their gazes seemed to say: We never knew you were this kind of leader.

Shin coughed awkwardly and reluctantly explained, helping dry Ayumi's hide, "It wasn't much. I just told him I was safe in the Land of Rain and encouraged him to move forward, improve himself, and break free from confusion."

Konan, standing nearby, looked at him skeptically. "That's all? This doesn't sound like you."

Shin shot her a sideways glance, still working on the Ayumi's hide. "And what exactly is 'my style' in your mind?"

Konan covered her mouth and laughed lightly. "What do you think? Don't you have any self-awareness?"

Rolling his eyes at her, Shin decided she wasn't worth educating further.

"After such a long silence, we need to rebuild and strengthen bonds first. Making excessive demands too soon is risky. Everything must proceed gradually, like nurturing a plant. Even harvesting leeks requires waiting until they've grown tall enough."

"Besides, as long as the Uchiha clan regains their spirit and stands tall, that alone is the best support they can provide us."

Konan threw him a knowing look. Always the same with you, Shin. Claiming you don't know how to manipulate people, yet here you are, pulling strings like a puppeteer.

Nagato, being more straightforward, stepped forward from the shadows where he'd been quietly observing. "Why would the Uchiha clan standing tall be helpful to us?"

Shin paused his gentle wiping of Ayumi's still-damp hide. The elephant had settled next to his chair, her trunk contentedly wrapped around his wrist as he worked.

Despite her earlier complaints, she was clearly enjoying the attention, making soft rumbling sounds.

"I still don't know why you're so good at getting reactions from humans," she mused, her trunk idly playing with a piece of mango. "Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. You even managed to earn the cats' trust with me being..." She gestured at her elephant form with a self-deprecating wave of her trunk.

---

After reading the letter, Shisui, tears streaming down his face, left Sora-ku and went straight to his battlefield commander, Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya-sama! I request to be sent back into battle! I can still fight!"

His fighting spirit was at an all-time high.

But Jiraiya hesitated to approve his request. The Sannin rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"Shisui, it's not that I want to hold you back, but right now, our priority is defending our current lines. Other fronts will likely make breakthroughs soon."

As Minato's teacher, he kept up correspondence with his disciple and was well aware of his current plans.

He had already sent all his available reinforcements northward and even wrote to Orochimaru, asking him to ease up on demands for additional resources to ensure Minato received full support.

Just as Shin anticipated: Konoha was a cohesive unit with finite strength. When they punched hard in one direction, other areas naturally had to withdraw.

However, Shisui, now fired up by the long-overdue letter, was unstoppable.

"No problem, Jiraiya-sama. I don't need reinforcements. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are defeated, and their front lacks a high-mobility support team. I can fight alone and achieve more victories for the village!"

Jiraiya tried to dissuade him, but the Uchiha left with a determined declaration. "I'll prove the Uchiha's worth to the village!"

Jiraiya was dumbfounded.

It was clear he needed an Uchiha User Manual. His outdated approach couldn't compare to Shin's single letter.

With just this, Shin effectively wrested control of Shisui from Jiraiya's hands.

This, too, was a kind of NTR...

Jiraiya was on the verge of losing it. Standing in his tent, watching Shisui's figure disappear into the rain, he could feel the situation spiraling out of control.

Shisui had no idea of the expectations and value he carried. There was no way the Uchiha clan would let him take such reckless risks alone. Their pride wouldn't allow it, and their protective instincts would drive them to action.

When the entire Uchiha clan moved en masse, how would Kiri respond?

Could the rest of Konoha's forces really sit idly by?

Well, if Danzō were in charge, maybe. But Jiraiya certainly couldn't.

War was always a domino effect. One move triggered another, then another, until the battlefield became an intricate dance of chaos and destruction.

At that moment, he could already see his battlefield consumed by endless chaos and flames of war. The rain wouldn't be enough to douse these flames.