Naruto: Becomes a Rebel Ninja After Annihilating the Hyuga Clan - Chapter 102

“Naruto, do you see it? This is the determination of everyone protecting Konoha, protecting you. This is the true essence of the Will of Fire,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said softly to young Naruto as they stood on the cliffside.

Naruto looked at the chaotic battlefield that Konoha’s streets had become, tears welling up in his eyes. “Grandpa Third, those bad guys… they’ve broken in.”

Hiruzen patted Naruto’s head, gently advising, “Don’t focus on those bad guys. Throughout Konoha’s history, there have always been bad guys, but they have never succeeded. Look at the good people, those who sweat and even give their lives for Konoha… your father was one of them. Remember them, realize who they are fighting for.”

Naruto nodded blankly. “I’ll remember… but…”

But what good will that do?

Konoha is about to be trampled by the bad guys!

This crisis was far more severe than Neiki and the Uchiha rebellion. Konoha had already evacuated most of the civilians, the children yet to graduate from the Ninja Academy, promising younger members of various clans, and many supplies had all been relocated. The village had become the final battlefield to resist Kumogakure’s invasion. Ever since Neiki’s betrayal, they had prepared for the worst.

Naruto was the last child remaining in Konoha, a significant risk. The Nine-Tails within him was a great lure for Kumogakure, and any oversight could bring disaster. But Hiruzen believed that Naruto’s growth was worth the risk.

As a highly potential ninja of the new generation and the son of Minato Namikaze, if Konoha truly fell, Naruto would be the best bearer of the Will of Fire. He needed to witness how his predecessors steadfastly resisted the enemy, to connect this to the decisive and heroic figure of his father. He should etch this scene deeply in his mind.

“Just remember it well,” Hiruzen nodded, satisfied, then added, “Konoha has never been just a place. It is the people who share the same belief — you, me, your father Minato Namikaze, and those standing against the invaders today. As long as the spirit of the Will of Fire flows within you all, as long as you are here, Konoha will never perish.”

Naruto couldn’t fully grasp the meaning of these words. He was anxious and confused, feeling powerless as he was too young and weak to contribute. He had never faced bloodshed and lacked the courage to stand before the enemy. He could only watch helplessly, which left him feeling deeply frustrated.

Hiruzen observed all of this and knew it was time.

“Ebisu.”

A figure with dark glasses landed behind them.

“After I die, follow my previous instructions. Lay low for a while, then hand Naruto over to Jiraiya when he arrives,” Hiruzen instructed calmly before smiling at Naruto. “Remember, little Naruto, Konoha’s future is in your hands.”

With that, he disappeared, heading swiftly toward the battlefield where the Fourth Raikage was.

Naruto’s anxiety peaked, and he tried to follow, but Ebisu held him back.

“You need to watch,” Ebisu said.

“Watch what?” Naruto asked in fear, turning to Ebisu.

Ebisu remained silent, not answering.

Watch what?
Watch the Hokage embody the Will of Fire.

Hiruzen formed seals mid-air.

“Summoning Jutsu: Monkey King Enma!”

As he landed, he slammed his hand onto the ground, dark runes spreading outwards, summoning the towering figure of Enma.

“Enma, transform into the Nyoi-bo!”

“Yes!!” Enma roared, creating a significant commotion.

In the distance, the Fourth Raikage, A, dropped the unconscious Iruka and turned to Hiruzen with a wary expression.

“Oh, finally here, huh?”

The Professor, renowned throughout the ninja world, was not to be underestimated, even in his old age.

“I thought you’d keep sending these small fry to their deaths.”

A cracked his neck, his joints popping loudly.

Hiruzen glanced at the injured Iruka and the other wounded but still standing Konoha ninjas, and said quietly, “You all fall back. Leave this one to me.”

The wind swept through the street, leaving Hiruzen and A facing each other. The cawing of crows added to the desolate atmosphere. The Nyoi-bo stood firm, Enma’s eyes peeking out to scrutinize the opponent.

“Old friend, this is going to be a tough battle.”

“Yes, I know,” Hiruzen understood the opponent’s strength, but he was prepared to die for Konoha. “I’ve escaped death twice already. Whatever happens now, I’ve already won.”

Enma understood Hiruzen’s resolve. There was no turning back; the invaders intended to destroy Konoha. Hiruzen had every reason to fight to the death. Enma fell silent, knowing there was no changing Hiruzen’s mind.

“You are strong and talented. Minato Namikaze himself told me this. You have the potential to achieve great things. Why are you invading Konoha?” Hiruzen asked, shaking his head like a wise elder.

“Heh,” A grinned, “I’m invading Konoha to achieve even greater things for Kumogakure.”

He glanced toward the cliff where two blurry figures stood. “If I’m not mistaken, that must be the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?”

“If you surrender the Nine-Tails, Hinata Hyuga, and the Five-Tails you captured in the Land of Rain, I’ll spare Konoha. What do you say?”

Hiruzen’s eyes turned cold. This wasn’t a negotiation; it was a psychological attack. Agreeing would shatter the fragile unity Konoha had rebuilt since Neiki’s betrayal. Those who upheld the Will of Fire would be utterly disillusioned.

There was nothing to say. It was time to fight.

If he couldn’t win, he would ensure mutual destruction.

Hiruzen formed a shadow clone.

A shook his head, clenching his fists. “Very well. We’ll take what we want by force.”

Black feathers drifted down as the two faced off.

### Chapter 104: The Will of Fire

In the next second, A, crackling with lightning, suddenly appeared in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

His elbow came crashing down fiercely.

“Lightning Style: Heavy Flow Storm!”

“Nyoi-bo: Adamantine Prison Wall!” Hiruzen struck the ground forcefully with the Nyoi-bo, shouting loudly.

…

“Shadow Imitation Technique: Black Higanbana!” Black shadows extended like twisting tendrils from Shikaku, spreading in all directions, instantly immobilizing the ten or so Kumogakure ninjas still fighting.

From the sky, the extended black shadows resembled a blooming black higanbana.

“This…”

The captured Kumogakure ninjas struggled, sweat trickling down Shikaku’s forehead. While maintaining the jutsu, he shouted, “Choza, what are you doing?”

“Oh—” Choza Akimichi snapped back to reality.

“Expansion Jutsu!”

“Human Boulder!”

A massive rolling ball crushed the restrained Kumogakure ninjas into the ground.

The battle eased for a moment.

“Don’t get distracted!” Shikaku reminded, standing up and taking a deep breath.

“No… I just…” Choza hesitated, gripping his staff.

As a longtime friend with a sharp mind, Shikaku could easily see the worry on Choza’s face. He frowned, “What’s wrong? Didn’t we already send Chouji to the shelter? What are you still worried about?”

To alleviate the concerns of these ninjas, their children and non-ninja wives had been evacuated earlier.

“The Akimichi clan’s secret techniques haven’t been passed on to him yet…” Choza hesitated before voicing his concerns to his smart friend.

“I… I don’t mind sacrificing myself to protect Konoha, but Chouji and some of the younger members of the Akimichi clan have already been sent away. I didn’t expect things to get this bad. You and Lord Hokage didn’t mention that the reinforcements might not arrive, so the secret techniques haven’t been…”

Shikaku was stunned, looking around at his comrades’ complicated expressions. He then walked up to Choza, put a hand on his shoulder, and whispered, “The authenticity of that information is still uncertain. Konoha’s situation isn’t that bad yet. Besides, you can’t go back; your presence is too conspicuous. As the head of the Akimichi clan, everyone is watching you. If you retreat, others will think you’re fleeing. Keep fighting. I’ll arrange the transfer of the secret techniques.”

Choza looked up with gratitude. Shikaku was indeed the best!

“Thank you!”

“No need for thanks,” Shikaku shook his head, called over an injured but still agile ANBU, and gave him instructions. The ANBU looked at Choza, then quickly departed.

Choza wanted to ask if the ANBU knew where the secret techniques were stored, but seeing another wave of enemies approaching, he swallowed his question, grabbed his staff, and plunged back into the battle.

Without his final worries, his fighting spirit surged.

“Kumogakure scum, take this!”

…

“Is it time?” Kabuto asked softly in the darkness.

“Not yet,” Orochimaru shook his head. “What’s the rush?”

…

“You’re pretty good,” Samui commented softly, looking at the heavily injured Y?gao Uzuki, whose katana was broken.

This praise wasn’t just because Y?gao’s “Oborozukiyo” had nearly killed her, but also because, while other Konoha ninjas had retreated, Y?gao alone remained, blocking their advance.

“However, your decision was unwise. If I’m not mistaken, your comrades retreated to regroup for a stronger resistance. By stubbornly staying here, you’re disrupting their plans.”

“Shut up,” Y?gao tossed aside her broken katana and picked up another from a fallen ANBU, pointing it at Samui.

More Kumogakure ninjas passed by, but Y?gao only kept her eyes on Samui.

She could only block Samui, no one else.

“You’ve resolved to die,” Samui shook her head. Known as an ice queen in Kumogakure, this was the first time someone had called her “annoying.”

Samui wasn’t angry. She respected worthy opponents, especially a fellow female swordswoman. As a student of Killer Bee, who wielded seven swords and unique taijutsu, she was excited to fight.

Switching to a long sword, she thought of Killer Bee’s teachings and attacked Y?gao swiftly.

The sound of clashing weapons echoed.

The battle rhythm was intense.

Kumogakure, known for its swordsmanship, rivaled even Konoha’s sword techniques. Killer Bee’s fight with Sasuke in the original series demonstrated this skill level.

The next moment, Samui found an opening, disarming Y?gao and striking her chest with the hilt, knocking her down.

Samui then angled her blade to stab Y?gao.

Y?gao’s eyes showed relief.

It’s finally over…

Sorry, Hayate, I couldn’t avenge you…

I hate what Konoha has become.

But in its time of crisis, I can only repay it with my life…

Memories flashed before her eyes. She lay on the ground, smiling, awaiting death.

Her boyfriend, Hayate Gekk?. He was fatally wounded during the Uchiha rebellion and died in the explosion at the ninja hospital caused by Neiki. Now she could finally see him again.

Her comrade in ANBU, Kakashi Hatake. He stopped Y?gao from avenging Neiki, urging her to stay calm and consider the bigger picture. She heeded his advice, and they severed ties. Looking back, she realized he must have been heartbroken, too.

Kurenai Y?hi. As fellow female ninjas of similar age and appearance, they were close friends. Unfortunately, she also died at Neiki’s hands. Damn that Neiki.

Life is short.

Y?gao’s entire life flashed by in a brief moment.

Sunlight on her face was blocked by a shadow. She thought she had reached the afterlife and opened her eyes.

The figure before her wasn’t tall, even a bit annoying. How did he end up in the afterlife? Shouldn’t he be fighting for Konoha?

So annoying… Y?gao thought and punched his back.

White hair swayed in the wind. Kakashi looked down at her, slightly exasperated.

“Calm down…”

Life is long.

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