Chapter 75.2- One Thousand Hands

—

“For someone with the ability to teleport, it’s almost impressive how you’ve somehow managed to be late” Uzume said in greeting when I appeared next to her, using the marker I had on her skin. I’d placed markers on her, Uraume, and Shikahime after our last meeting. Permanent markers on skin this time rather than just giving them kunai to carry around. If things did ever go irreparably wrong, I knew I would always be able to reach them. That was enough to settle a lot of my fears around bringing them with me— more the latter two than Uzume to be honest. Uzume could only be beaten by surprise, I was certain. As long as she was paying attention, I couldn’t see anyone not named me or Ay managing to get the better of her. Her mangekyou ability was just broken like that.

I looked around the gathered group of shinobi. They stood in clumps, discussing among themselves, gossiping, catching up. I allowed it for a minute more as I made my choices about what to say and what not to say. I knew there were spies among us. Probably spies within this very battle force. Most definitely spies among the civilians that stood around watching what we did. So whatever I said would be reported to their masters. My strategy, my plan. Good thing it wasn’t a very complicated plan then.

“Form up” I said, using a handy application of wind release to carry my voice across the crowd. I did not yell, but each man, woman, and child heard me all the same.

“My name is Shorirama Senju. As you all know I have recently been named and sworn as the Fourth Hokage of this our Village hidden in the Leaves. The Village my Grandfather founded and my Granduncle nurtured. I plan to continue their legacy. To grow this village to heights that would make previous achievements look like child’s play, but first we have another matter we must handle. Our great village is at War. The Hidden Stone, the Hidden Cloud, the Hidden Sand, the Hidden Mist, and the Hidden Rain have all dared to spill the blood of Konoha Shinobi. Shall we leave that insult unanswered?” I asked. I heard a chorus of nos, but they were halfhearted and disjointed.

“I asked if we shall leave all loved ones unavenged” I repeated. This time the chorus of nos was stronger. But not enough.

“I asked if Konoha is too weak to take vengeance” This time, the nos threatened to blow me off my feet with their ferocity.

“Good. Today we take that vengeance. Iwa took Kusa on their way here. We’re going to stop by and show them what Konoha can do. And then we are going to march straight into the Land of Earth. Kumo is attacking Iwa right as we speak. When we arrive, it will be just in time to fuck the both of them in the arse” I heard Uraume sniff at my choice of phrasing, but the cheers from the crowd drowned it out.