Wrecking The Past

24

Shikaku Nara stood at the edge of the war council tent, his arms crossed over his chest, watching Naruto Uchiha orchestrate the strategy for their next operation. The dim light of the lanterns illuminated Naruto's face, highlighting the sharp intensity of his crimson eyes as he reviewed reports and gave orders. Every movement was precise, and every decision was calculated.

For a moment, Shikaku allowed himself to marvel at the young Uchiha. Despite his prodigious skills, he had been skeptical when Naruto was handed a commanding role, but those doubts had long since vanished.

"What fucking tool," Shikaku muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a faint smile. "No, this shinobi. He's a damn miracle in this war."

He leaned closer to a veteran commander beside him. "You see how he's minimizing exposure here?" Shikaku pointed to the layout Naruto was explaining, showing how a flanking maneuver would corner the enemy forces while keeping their shinobi out of sight lines.

"Yeah, I see it," the other commander replied. "Not a single unnecessary risk. It's like he's seeing three moves ahead."

Shikaku chuckled. "It's not just his tactics. It's his resolve. No casualties under his leadership. Do you know how impossible that is?"

The commander nodded. "You think he'll pull it off again this time?"

Shikaku didn't answer immediately. He watched as Naruto turned toward the assembled shinobi, his calm but authoritative voice cutting through the room. Despite his youth, Naruto exuded a gravity that made even seasoned veterans listen.

"He's going to pull it off," Shikaku finally said. "He always does."

***********

Naruto stood in front of a large map pinned to the wall of the strategy tent. Lines and markings crisscrossed the parchment, denoting enemy hideouts, patrol routes, and potential weak points. A kunai in his hand traced the path of their ambush route as he explained their plan to the group of shinobi gathered before him.

"The enemy has established three forward bases here, here, and here," Naruto began, his tone steady and focused. "Each one is heavily fortified, but they're reliant on supply lines that converge at this choke point." He tapped the map with the kunai.

"We'll strike the supply line first, cutting off their resources. A small diversion team will draw their attention away from the main route, allowing the ambush squad to eliminate the convoy. Afterward, we'll regroup here to prepare for the next phase."

Naruto turned to face the group, his crimson Sharingan eyes meeting theirs one by one. "Your roles have been assigned based on your strengths. There's no room for error, but more importantly, there's no room for loss. We've come this far without casualties, and I'll be damned if I let that change now."

The shinobi nodded, their expressions resolute.

Naruto began to call out names, assigning each shinobi their specific role with precise instructions. When he finished, he stepped back, folding his arms across his chest. "Trust each other. Trust the plan. Dismissed."

As the shinobi dispersed, murmuring their acknowledgments, Naruto remained by the map, his gaze lingering on the markings. His war fan leaned against the wall beside him, a silent reminder of the burden he bore.

***********

Outside the camp, Kushina Uzumaki knelt by the edge of the barrier seal, her fingers glowing with chakra as she traced intricate patterns on the ground. The air shimmered faintly, the protective dome keeping them hidden in plain sight. She worked with practiced precision, but her mind was elsewhere.