NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42: We Won!
The final battle of the Shinobi World War had erupted—a last-ditch counterattack from the four great shinobi villages, a battle that would decide the victor.
However, this war no longer had much to do with Mochizuki Hui. He was just a small ANBU member, only seven years old and not even at the level of a Jonin. He had no ability to influence the outcome of this final battle.
In fact, even a Jonin would find it difficult to sway the course of such a war.
This was a conflict involving thousands, tens of thousands of combatants—a life-and-death struggle where countless forces clashed. In such a large-scale battle, an individual's strength seemed insignificant.
Only those with truly extraordinary power could sway the direction of a war—figures like the Kage of the five great villages, Madara Uchiha, Jinchuriki hosting the Tailed Beasts, and other Kage-level shinobi. Their personal might could singlehandedly shift the tides of battle and alter the outcome of the war.
Alternatively, there were those with strategic brilliance who could devise the most effective battle plans for their shinobi villages.
These tacticians could lead their forces to gain significant advantages on the battlefield, tipping the scales toward victory—individuals like the future Shikaku Nara or Shikamaru Nara.
Mochizuki Hui, at this moment, was neither of those.
Thus, after completing his assassination mission, Mochizuki Hui found himself with nothing to do once again.
He was ordered to remain in Konoha and await further instructions, but in reality, this was to keep him away from the frontlines.
With the final battle underway, Tobirama Senju dared not risk having Mochizuki Hui on the battlefield, fearing any potential harm coming to him.
Mochizuki Hui understood this well. He knew his current strength was still lacking. Even if he went to the battlefield, he wouldn't be able to contribute much, and in critical moments, he might even become a burden to Tobirama.
So, he quietly stayed in Konoha, focusing on his training while waiting for the war's conclusion.
Not only Mochizuki Hui, but Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru had also ceased their missions and stayed within Konoha.
Their teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, an exceptional shinobi, was undoubtedly at the frontlines during this time.
This, at least, kept Mochizuki Hui from getting too bored.
He wasn’t particularly worried about the outcome of this war.
He didn’t believe that the small actions of a yet-to-mature "butterfly" like him could drastically alter the results of the First Shinobi World War.
However, the waiting was simply torturous, especially when you cared about the outcome.
During the final battle, Konoha became unusually quiet.
Ninjas were rarely seen in the village anymore, aside from some young Genin and essential guard forces.
Konoha had thrown almost everything it had into this final battle.
A loss would lead to unimaginable consequences.
Even the villagers wore expressions of anxiety and worry, their faces seldom showing smiles.
Everyone was awaiting news from the battlefield, their attention fixed on updates from the frontlines.
The tense atmosphere began to affect Mochizuki Hui as well. Though he knew rationally that his actions likely wouldn’t alter the outcome, a growing concern gripped his heart.
Perhaps the small things he had done on the battlefield had set off a chain of events that could lead to an unexpected shift in the war’s outcome.
Because he cared, he couldn’t help but overthink.
On this day, the weather was clear, the sky filled with clouds, and a gentle breeze blew through the village.
The village remained as quiet as before, with many staying inside, staring blankly out of their windows, silently praying for good news.
From one of Konoha’s training grounds, the rhythmic sounds of shuriken and kunai striking wooden targets could be heard.
Four young figures were scattered around the field.
Mochizuki Hui was practicing his shuriken techniques, each thrown kunai and shuriken hitting their mark, with many landing on the bullseye.
This was unusual.
Normally, in a distraction-free environment, Mochizuki Hui wouldn’t miss the bullseye. It was clear he was distracted.
Not far from him, Tsunade sat on a bench, her eyes on Mochizuki Hui, but her gaze distant and unfocused.
Orochimaru stood on the grass, staring at a dried leaf in his hand, lost in thought.
As for Jiraiya, he wanted to talk to someone, but seeing his three friends all lost in their own worlds, he gave up and lay under a tree, letting his mind wander.
Then, suddenly, the quiet of the village was broken by a rising commotion.
A noise began to spread, growing louder and louder.
This caught the attention of the four young shinobi.
“What’s going on?” Jiraiya stood up, standing on the tree to get a better look, curious.
Mochizuki Hui, on the other hand, stopped his repetitive practice, closed his eyes, and focused on the growing noise from the village.
Tsunade and Orochimaru both turned toward the direction of the commotion, confusion on their faces.
Finally, a smile spread across Mochizuki Hui’s face, a smile of pure joy.
He had heard the words coming from the village.
It was news of victory from the battlefield.
“We’ve won.”
He spoke aloud, surprising the other three.
Tsunade, unsure, asked again, “We’ve won the war?”
“Yes,” Mochizuki Hui confirmed with a firm voice, “We’ve won this war.”
Konoha had won the war.
The entire village erupted with excitement, as if life had returned to every corner.
Mochizuki Hui and his three friends ran through the village, joining countless children and teenagers who were also running through the streets.
As they ran, they shouted at the top of their lungs, “We’ve won! We’ve won the war!”
Hearing the shouts, people began flooding out of their homes, faces filled with joy and relief.
Soon, the streets of the village were filled with people.
Everywhere, voices rang out, filled with the same message.
“We’ve won!”
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