Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

With a loud boom, the sky exploded, and a dazzling flare lit up the heavens.

Shirou turned back in shock and fury, only to see a flare not far behind him. The enemy had been discovered!

"The Rain Ninjas are behind us! Prepare for battle!"

With Shirou's roar, the surrounding Konoha Ninjas quickly gathered. The fifty or so ninjas on their side, along with more than twenty reinforcements, dashed toward the direction of the signal flare.

"One hundred and fifty-two Rain Ninjas spotted ahead. Five of our ninjas have already depleted their chakra..."

As seventy-plus Konoha Ninjas sped through the forest, the Hyuga brothers, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi, activated their Byakugan on either side, their faces grave as they shouted out the information about the enemy ahead.

"Hold off this Rain Ninjas unit! We can't let them destroy the rear!"

The distance was too close. In the blink of an eye, they spotted the Rain Ninjas emerging in the forest not far away.

"We were so close! Just a little more, and we'd have been buried alive!"

"Damn Konoha invaders! I'll kill every one of you!"

The elite Rain Ninjas, who had narrowly survived via Earth Release techniques, roared in rage as they emerged from the ground, only to see the Konoha Ninjas charging toward them.

"It's the Konoha Ninjas! Break through them quickly and regroup with Lord Hanzo!"

Boom! Boom! Boom!

 At the same time, flares lit up one after another in the rainy night. When the Rain Ninjas saw these flares, their eyes widened in despair.

"Nine! Only nine squads of ours remain. Four squads were buried alive!"

"Kill them! Kill all these Konoha Ninjas!"

The Rain Ninja army, originally split into thirteen squads for their operation, had been devastated by Konoha's ruthless tactics. Konoha had gone so far as to bury explosive tags across the entire area.

On a distant hill, Hanzo had also narrowly escaped and was both furious and alarmed. He hadn't expected Konoha to be this ruthless, which also revealed Konoha's determination to end the war quickly.

So many explosive tags—such an extravagant use would even make the Five Great Ninjas Nations cringe.

"Kill!"

In the pouring rain, the elite Rain Ninjas who had just emerged from the earth were met with the fierce gaze of Uchiha Shirou. His expression hardened as he shouted:

"Plan B, now!"

At his command, over fifty Konoha Ninjas behind him quickly prepared themselves. Shirou formed hand seals, gathering chakra into his throat.

Fire Release: Hiding in Ash and Dust Technique

Shirou leaped high and spat out a scorching mass of ash mixed with fire. Upon landing, the ash spread outward, engulfing the forest and the Rain Ninjas within.

This B-rank Fire Release technique, though not particularly difficult to learn, consumed an enormous amount of chakra. Even among the Uchiha clan, few used it due to its high chakra cost.

But Shirou poured even more chakra into it this time. The ash cloud blanketed the forest, and the Rain Ninjas were quickly caught in its suffocating spread.

"Not good! It's Fire Release! The ash is burning hot!"

"Defend yourselves, quickly!"

As the gray ash swept toward them, accompanied by flames and intense heat, many Rain Ninjas let out cries of pain. Even the heavy rain couldn't fully mitigate the damage. It was fortunate that these were elite ninjas with ample chakra reserves.

The most basic application of chakra—coating it around the body—provided a degree of protection. This was why Fire Release techniques rarely outright killed a ninja.

"Now!"

The moment Shirou unleashed his jutsu, Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Hizashi, and two sensory ninjas shouted in unison.

Having prepared in advance, the four hurled shuriken in precise arcs, while the other Konoha ninjas threw kunai tied with explosive tags, following the trajectory set by the shuriken.

A series of explosions erupted within the ash cloud.

First, Shirou had used the ash cloud to obscure the area. Then, the Hyuga and sensory ninja pinpointed the Rain Shinobi's positions with their Byakugan and skills. Finally, the rest of the Konoha Ninjas followed up with kunai and explosive tags, catching the Rain Ninja completely off guard.

Water Release: Water Formation Wall

Within the ash cloud, the sound of water surging could be heard as the Rain NInjas used Water Release techniques to defend themselves.

This area, with its rain-soaked climate and terrain, was a paradise for Water Release users.

"Three o'clock! Twelve o'clock!"

Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi, with veins bulging on their foreheads, used their Byakugan to locate the densest areas of jutsu within the ash cloud. They called out the coordinates just as a sharp sound pierced the air.

The Rain Ninjas, still within the cloud, turned in shock toward the source of the sound.

Fast-spinning wind blades tore through the ash cloud, their sound masked by the rain and their approach hidden by the smoke. By the time the Rain Ninjas noticed, the wind blades were already upon them.

Wind Release: Shuriken

These wind blades, formed by shuriken made of chakra-infused metal, became razor-sharp when imbued with Wind Release chakra.

"Watch out! It's the Konoha Ninja..."

The wind blades sliced cleanly through the Rain Ninja's Water Release defenses. Blood sprayed as the blades continued their deadly path, cutting down multiple shinobi in their wake.

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough

A Rain Ninja using Wind Release roared, expending a massive amount of chakra to summon a powerful gust that blew away the ash cloud.

But as the smoke cleared, what they saw chilled them to the bone: dozens of spinning wind blades heading straight for them.

Wind Release: Shuriken

From afar, Uzumaki Kushina stood with chakra-infused shuriken in hand. Her crimson lips moved as she channeled Wind Release chakra, spinning the shuriken into large wind blades nearly a meter in diameter, which she hurled toward the densest clusters of enemies.

"Good job, Kushina!"

As the smoke fully cleared, the Konoha NInjas cheered at the sight of the Rain Ninja's devastation. Without hesitation, they charged forward, kunai in hand.

The battlefield was littered with the bodies of the Rain Ninja—many dead, others gravely injured. First, they had been burned by Shirou's large-scale Fire Release. Then came the barrage of explosive tags. Finally, the relentless wind blades had torn through their ranks.

A force of over 150 Rain Ninjas had been reduced to barely 100, many of whom were wounded. The battle had swiftly shifted in Konoha's favor, despite initially being outnumbered.

Shirou smiled as he surveyed the results. Uzumaki Kushina's Wind Release technique, often used by Danzo in the original timeline, was as flashy as it was deadly. Its sharpness was terrifying, capable of slicing through stone like butter. While Kushina's mastery of Wind Release still needed improvement, her vast chakra reserves more than made up for it. She could simply cast more attacks until the enemy was overwhelmed.

"Damn you, Konoha! Kill them!"

"I'll kill every last one of you!"

"Brother! Brother! I'll avenge you!"

Amidst a chorus of enraged shouts, the Rain Ninja launched a counterattack. In the pouring rain, neither side showed mercy as the battle raged on.

"Execute Plan A!"

Though caught off guard, the Rain Ninja quickly regrouped. Their leader, a Jonin, shouted commands to organize their counteroffensive.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique

Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique

Nearly a hundred Rain Ninjas roared as they unleashed Water Release techniques. In this rain-soaked terrain, their chakra costs were significantly reduced, and their techniques were far easier to execute.

More than fifty Rain Ninjas joined forces to unleash a Water Release jutsu, creating an utterly terrifying scene akin to a natural disaster. Even Shirou's expression turned grim as he observed the spectacle.

Although he had never witnessed Kisame's peak-level jutsu, this many ninjas working together and taking advantage of the terrain created a tsunami-like Water Release that was surely no less powerful than Kisame's abilities.

"Konoha scum, die here in the Land of Rain!"

Under the enormous combined Water Release jutsu, a tsunami instantly surged forward. On the crest of the wave, over a dozen ferocious water dragons roared and charged toward them.

The Konoha ninjas were stunned by the sight but had prepared for this in advance. After all, they knew they were fighting Rain Ninja and had made necessary preparations.

Earth Release: Moving Earth Core

Led by Shirou, eight Chūnin and Jōnin with Earth Release affinity stepped forward, quickly forming hand seals before slamming their hands on the ground.

The ground ahead rumbled and collapsed, revealing a massive gorge that extended deep into the underground river below.

As the tsunami-like disaster reached this massive trench, it roared and surged downward, instantly transforming from a catastrophic wave into a harmless stream of water. Only about a meter-high splash of water came pouring toward them, while the rushing currents in the trench visibly drained into the underground river.

This wasn't due to the strength of their Earth Release jutsu but rather the clever use of the terrain. By combining Earth Release with the underground river, they created a channel to redirect the water. Even though the underground riverbed was now wrecked, it still had a vast space below, like a black hole, swallowing the water relentlessly.

The Rain Ninja had taken advantage of the terrain of the Land of Water, but so had they.

"Kunai with Explosive Tags!"

At this moment, Uchiha Mikoto's cold voice rang out. Instantly, the prepared Konoha ninjas launched another wave of kunai, each tied with explosive tags, at the Rain Ninja.

"Damn it! Fight back! Don't stop!"

The Rain Ninja roared in anger, but the battle quickly revealed the stark difference between a smaller ninja village and a major one.

The gap wasn't just in ninjutsu or tools but also in the diversity of the ninjas themselves. This diversity wasn't about raw power but rather the variety of skills and techniques.

In the Amegakure, due to its reliance on the local terrain, most ninjas had Water Release affinity. Even those with other affinities, like Fire Release, found it hard to develop their abilities in such an environment and often faded into obscurity.

This lack of diversity left the Rain Ninja at a disadvantage when facing the more balanced and varied Konoha forces.

"Don't let the Water Release ninjas form a joint jutsu!"

Shirou's voice echoed through the air as he transformed into a flash of lightning, charging into the Rain Ninja ranks. His Kusanagi Sword, crackling with lightning, swiftly cut through the Rain Ninja.

"Charge!"

"Shirou!"

"For the glory of the Uchiha!"

In an instant, the Konoha ninjas surged forward, giving the Rain Ninja no chance to perform another joint Water Release jutsu.

Water Release techniques generally relied on volume rather than destructive power. However, in terrain like the Land of Rain, where water was abundant, a large number of Water Release users combining their efforts could create disasters akin to natural calamities.

For example, while ten Lightning Release users might create a visually impressive display, ten Water Release users in such a terrain could unleash a catastrophic tsunami.

Quantity could indeed transform into quality!

"There's a trap! The Konoha ninjas had a plan from the start. Our information has been leaked! Quickly, inform Lord Hanzo!"

Despite having the advantage in numbers, many Rain Ninjas were already injured. A Jōnin, furious at the Konoha attacks, roared in anger.

From the very beginning, the Konoha ninjas had executed a meticulously planned strategy, exploiting the Rain Ninja's weaknesses.

The Rain Ninja's Water Release techniques could no longer form large-scale joint attacks. The water-affinity Rain Ninja fought with a sense of frustration and helplessness.

Lightning Release: False Darkness

A terrifying Lightning Release jutsu was unleashed, causing two Rain Ninjas performing Water Release to scream in agony as the lightning surged through the wet battlefield.

The Konoha Special Jōnin who had cast the Lightning Release shouted angrily:

"Don't underestimate the will of fire of Konoha ninjas!"

"Kill!"

The Rain Ninja and Konoha ninjas clashed in a chaotic melee. The battlefield descended into utter disorder.

The Konoha ninjas' goal wasn't to kill but to create chaos and stall the Rain Ninja, putting them in an extremely passive position.

Although the Rain Ninja still had the advantage in numbers, this was Konoha's battlefield. More and more Konoha reinforcements arrived from all directions.

As the number of Konoha ninjas surged, the Rain Ninjas found themselves dragged into an unwinnable war of attrition.

"Konoha ninjas, don't underestimate us!"

A furious roar echoed from the distance as a massive explosion erupted on a nearby hill. The battlefield was filled with the sounds of combat everywhere.

...

The Konoha ninjas were rapidly converging on the locations marked by nine flares. Meanwhile, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, leading an elite strike force, had already targeted the Amegakure's leader, Hanzo of the Salamander.

"Lord Hanzo! Four of our battalions haven't returned. They're likely lost. The other battalions are also being ambushed…"

Amidst the heavy rain, Hanzo stood atop his summoned salamander, his expression grim as he gazed at the approaching Konoha army. His hoarse voice echoed:

"We've been outplayed by Konoha's young generation. It seems the surprise attack I meticulously planned was leaked from the start. Impressive young ones."

Though his words carried praise, Hanzo's eyes gleamed with an icy light. It was clear that someone in the village had betrayed him. However, for now…

"Fire the signal flares! Summon all Rain Ninjas to converge here. Lure Konoha's main forces to this spot. Here, I will teach these Konoha upstarts a lesson. War is not only about intelligence but also strength!"

"Yes!"

Even in the face of an ambush, the Rain Ninja behind Hanzo remained resolute. Their gazes toward their leader were filled with worship and fanaticism.

To them, Hanzo of the Salamander was a god of the Land of Rain.

Hanzo coldly surveyed the Konoha corpses strewn around, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"Let these Konoha ninjas witness the true power of the Rain Ninja!"

At the same time, Hanzo discreetly glanced at his summoned salamander. Behind his breathing apparatus, a cold smirk slowly formed on his lips.

The poison of his salamander would be most devastating when used against large numbers of enemies.