Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The moonlight gradually faded, and the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and mist, illuminating the earth and dispelling the coolness of the night.

After a night of anticipation, news spread across the Konoha camp that Uzumaki Raiden and his team had successfully captured the Four-Tails Beast. Morale soared throughout the stronghold. Under Raiden's deliberate efforts, the news also reached the Rock Ninja forces in the Land of Birds.

Last night, after realizing their leader had vanished during a Konoha ambush, the deputy commander's initial reaction was to suppress the information. However, by morning, when word of "Konoha's capture of the Tailed Beast" reached the Rock Ninja camp, it caused widespread panic. Despite Kitsuchi's attempts to contain the news, it spread uncontrollably, plunging the camp into disarray.

Seizing the opportunity, Uzumaki Raiden dispatched numerous Konoha ninjas into the Land of Birds, targeting Rock Ninja strongholds. Facing severe injuries and low morale due to Roshi's fall, the Rock Ninja troops abandoned their offensive stance, retreating and fortifying their defenses. Kitsuchi swiftly sent word to Iwagakure, awaiting Onoki's instructions.

As the conflict intensified, Raiden's forces captured two strongholds with ease. At the third, however, they found the defenses abandoned. Realizing that the Rock Ninja might be retreating, Raiden deployed scouts to track their movements. His forces divided into smaller units to clear out the remnants of Rock Ninja strongholds in the Land of Birds.

By evening, in the heart of the Land of Birds:

"I didn't expect Kitsuchi to abandon the Land of Birds so decisively after all the effort they put into it," Raiden remarked, sitting in a conference room at a former Rock Ninja stronghold. He studied the map before him with slight regret. "If they hadn't retreated, we might have had a chance to intercept and weaken their forces before they reached the Land of Earth."

Throughout the day, Konoha's battlefront had pushed into the Land of Birds, establishing a new base of operations. Meanwhile, Raiden summoned the Jōnin commanders for a meeting. Elsewhere, Konoha ninjas combed the jungle, eliminating any remaining Rock Ninja outposts.

In the conference room, high-ranking commanders gathered. Minato Namikaze sat nearby, with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin standing obediently behind him. While they were not qualified to participate in such a meeting, Raiden, with an eye on cultivating future leaders, had permitted them to attend as Minato's guards.

The assembled commanders, seasoned by countless battles, exuded a palpable intensity. For Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, the oppressive atmosphere was overwhelming, a stark introduction to high-stakes strategy meetings.

"Captain, the Rock Ninja retreated swiftly," Aburame Shibi remarked. "While we've advanced to the Land of Birds, our actual elimination of their forces has been limited. Should we press our advantage and attack the Land of Earth before they recover their morale?"

Raiden pondered for a moment. "Our priority is to secure control of the Land of Birds before advancing. Hizashi, has there been any response from the Third Hokage?"

"No, Hokage-sama likely hasn't received our report yet," Hizashi replied.

Raiden nodded. "What do we do with the Tailed Beast? Return it, or...?" Sarutobi Shinnosuke ventured, curious. He knew Raiden's unorthodox style—rarely seeking permission from the Third Hokage and often acting decisively on his own.

"I don't intend to return it," Raiden said. "Letting it go would be an invitation for Rock Ninja to attack us again. A Tailed Beast is both a risk and an opportunity. I want it to remain in the village."

Shinnosuke voiced concerns about retaliation. "Iwagakure might respond aggressively. Should we release it in the Land of Earth, as we did with the Five-Tails before?"

Raiden dismissed the idea. "That won't work. If they could recapture the Five-Tails, they'd likely do the same with this one."

Discussions continued, with differing opinions on what to do with the Tailed Beast. Some advocated keeping it, while others suggested using it offensively or leaving the decision to the Third Hokage.

Minato observed the dynamic with interest. Though Raiden commanded immense respect, the assembled commanders were divided into factions—radicals, traditionalists, and independents—all bringing unique perspectives.

Ultimately, the meeting ended with no consensus on the Tailed Beast. However, Raiden decided to secure the Land of Birds fully before advancing into the Land of Earth.

Two days later, orders from the Third Hokage redirected Raiden's troops to the Land of Wind, where they would assist Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Minato was instructed to lead his team through the Land of Rain, infiltrate the Land of Earth, and destroy the Kannabi Bridge, a critical supply route for Rock Ninja forces.

In recognition of their accomplishments, the Third Hokage promoted Kakashi to Jōnin, marking a new chapter for Minato's team.

(End of Chapter)