Namikaze Legend

Chapter 20: The Last Stand

The Fourth Hokage of Konoha was feared in the entire world. Enemies trembled just by his name, he moved faster than lightning and was said to be the smartest man of the world.

He had the ability to foresee what events may happen in the world...it was a trait he inherited from his late father. It was due to this ability that Konoha was still standing in the war against 3 great nations.

Despite the heavy losses, weak moral...they were holding the enemy.

Minato was sitting in a small dark room, eyes fixed on the small screen in front of him. Around him were a few people, shinobi on whom the future of Fire Country depended.

On his right was sitting his most trusted Anbu commander Baku, the man was stoic as ever...however if one observed carefully they could see the man was doing his best to stay calm and control his emotions.

Minato didn't blame the man one bit...after all any father would be devastated when his son fell in battle.

"Baku...I'm sorry for your loss," said Minato honestly, but the man just gave Minato a determined look.

"There is no need for any condolences, my son died in the line of duty. He died defending his country and his comrades...I'm proud to be the father of Commander Fox of 1st company of blacklight," said Baku proudly,

No sadness, no regret...this man was a true shinobi. Minato doubted he would be the same if anything happened to either of his sons.

"Minato...what should we do now? The soldiers at Shanxi are leaderless and outnumbered, they'll be butchered like dogs. Maybe we should send them reinforcements," said Tsunade urgently,

"I agree with her, those kids need help. I can divert my troops to their position...they would reach there in a few hours. The situation is urgent," said Kagami seriously, and Minato gave both the veteran shinobi a acknowledging nod.

Beside Kagami sat his old teammate Danzo Shimura and the man was stoic as ever, however he did gave a firm nod to Baku in respect for his son's sacrifice which the blacklight commander accepted.

"What's the status of Hiruzen's Company? Are they out of River Country yet?" asked Danzo flatly,

"Hiruzen-sama is getting his men out, but it would take another 2 days for his company to reach Shanxi, and his men won't be in top condition. And we can't afford to send reinforcements from 5th division. We will need them for the invasion we are planning against Iwa," said Minato sternly,

"Minato, there won't be an invasion if we lose Shanxi. That entire company will be wiped out...and Iwa would run straight into Konoha," said Kagami irritatingly, what was going on?

Baku stood up from his seat and without a word started walking towards the screen in the room. Everyone could see the faces of the remaining blacklight forces on Shanxi.

"You people don't understand the situation at all. Those are my soldiers out there, after Han's death they are facing a grave challenge. An obstacle which they have to overcome, they have trained for years for such situations. If you rush in there and we are somehow able to win Shanxi...it would destroy my troops anyway," said Baku calmly,

"What do you mean?" asked Tsunade curiously,

"Those soldiers out there have lost the will to fight, they have to change that. Even if some of them survive this battle, they will never have the confidence to win if you send reinforcements, they will become dependent. The enemy fears blacklight because we are the best soldiers of Konoha...if you save them today, they will die tomorrow anyway. Let them win this battle on their own, there will be arguments, there will be fights...but if they win this battle they will form a bond that cannot be broken...they will become invincible," explained Baku briefly, and the leaders in the room felt the passion behind his each and every word.