Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru

Chapter 25: Battlefield

The First Ninja War, despite being called a "war," was more like two villages locked in a prolonged battle of attrition Konoha versus Kumogakure, and Kirigakure versus Iwagakure. Compared to the large-scale conflicts that would occur in the future, this war was relatively monotonous. Still, the fighting dragged on for years, and Orochimaru couldn't quite understand how these small forces, with only a few thousand on each side, could sustain such a lengthy conflict.

"Are they really that cautious, dragging things out for years?" Orochimaru mused to himself, though he quickly dismissed the thought. It wasn't his place to question the strategies of warlords or generals from centuries past.

He originally had plans of his own plans to exchange a weakened version of the basic gene enhancing fluid he had recently developed in exchange for Konoha's support in furthering his scientific re

"Be careful," Hiruzen said after checking the condition of the nearest corpse. "We're still half a day's journey from the front line, but things can change quickly."

The three young ninjas nodded, their senses sharp and alert.

They were about to continue when suddenly—

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Six figures appeared out of nowhere, surrounding them. The sound of shuriken cutting through the air filled the clearing.

Jiraiya and Tsunade were startled, quickly assuming defensive positions. Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, observing the six figures that had surrounded them. He focused on the forehead protectors they wore.

"One of our own?" Orochimaru murmured under his breath.

In the chaos of battle, identifying friend from foe was crucial. The forehead protector was the first line of identification. Even if an enemy used transformation jutsu, they wouldn't attack someone wearing the same village's protector unless they were absolutely sure.

The leader of the group, a ninja wearing sunglasses, stepped forward.

"Is that you, Hiruzen sama?" the man asked.

Hiruzen smiled slightly. "Ah, Aburame Takuya. It's good to see you."

Hearing their leader's name called, the other five ninjas visibly relaxed. They lowered their weapons and dispersed slightly, allowing the tension in the air to ease.

"Identity confirmed. Stand down," Takuya ordered his men.

Orochimaru, watching all this unfold, realized just how tense and dangerous the battlefield really was. It was much more rigorous than he had imagined. Even in seemingly safe territory, trust was something fragile and easily broken.

This was the reality of war a reality they would soon face firsthand.