Reborn in Konoha; I Think I’m Cultivating Immortality

Outside Konoha, nearly a thousand ninja stood in formation, their eyes fixed on the young man standing before them.

Many of these ninja came from the major clans of Konoha, though there were plenty of civilians among them as well. Together, they would follow Mochizuki Hui to the Kumogakure front.

This wasn't the entire force Konoha had prepared for the Kumogakure front. At the Land fof Fire's border, another thousand or so were already stationed, bringing the total number of Konoha ninjas for this front to around 2,500. Their enemy, however, would field nearly ten thousand.

The difference in numbers was staggering. Each village had a limited pool of ninja—no more than around ten thousand each. 

Konoha's forces were larger than any of the other villages, but with the four great villages attacking simultaneously, they were stretched thin across multiple fronts. This left only a small number of Konoha shinobi for each battle.

But Konoha's strength had always rested in the quality of its ninja. Their skill, combined with the abundance of high-level fighters, meant they still had a fighting chance.

In the world of ninjas, top-tier combat strength made all the difference. An individual at a high enough level could lay waste to an entire ninja village. 

Take Edo Tensei Madara, for example—he had single-handedly wiped out nearly ten thousand ninja in the Allied Shinobi Forces.

But now, Konoha didn't have anyone like that.

So many of the gathered ninja wore expressions of worry and doubt. This time was different from the last war, where the enemy had been forced to fight deep within the Land of Fire, wary of each other as much as of Konoha. 

This time, the enemy's numbers were overwhelming—three, maybe even four times their own.

The gap was intimidating, and even the proud Uchiha felt unsettled. Many were visibly anxious.

Mochizuki Hui noticed their fear, saw the confusion and uncertainty in their eyes. He stepped forward, and, in a calm but powerful voice that reached everyone, began to speak:

"War is upon us. It's something none of us wanted, but we cannot change the fact that it's coming.

"The four great ninja villages have joined forces against us. They have nearly forty thousand ninja—that's four times our number.

"This war will be brutal. Many of us will fall in battle. There is no avoiding it. Death… is the inevitable end for all life.

"But while we cannot escape death, we can choose how we meet it. We can choose to die fighting, protecting the people we care about. Or we can choose to run, to flee day after day, clinging to life in fear until the end finally comes.

"As the old saying goes, every person must face death—either light as a feather or heavy as a mountain. I don't know what each of you will choose. But if I die in this war, my death will have meaning. I will not run, because behind me… is Konoha.

"Behind me is my family, my friends, and the people I love. If I turn my back and flee, they will be left to face a terrible fate. Perhaps they will be slaughtered by the enemy, or perhaps they'll survive, only to wander as exiles in a cruel world, starving and homeless. As long as I live, I won't allow that fate to befall them.

"I will protect my family, my friends, my village, and all those I care about. As long as I draw breath, I will guard them with my life. 

"No matter how powerful the enemy or how vast their numbers—if they threaten what I hold dear, I will fight with everything I have. I will crush all who come against us!

"This war will be no different. Our enemies are strong, and they outnumber us four to one. But as long as I live, I will not allow a single enemy to set foot in Konoha!

"I know many of you feel pessimistic about this war. Your eyes tell me that you doubt our chances, that you're afraid. And that's normal. We're all human. Anyone would feel this way facing such overwhelming odds.

"But please… have faith in me. Believe in everyone here who shares this same resolve. We will win this war!

"The four great villages are up against a force willing to risk everything for those they hold dear. Our enemies face people who will not hesitate, who fear no death. 

"And I ask you now—have faith in yourselves. Believe that as long as there's even a sliver of hope, the ninja of Konoha will never give up!

"Now, tell me: Do you fear death?"

His gaze swept across the thousand faces before him, his voice a resounding challenge.

"NO!" "NO!" "NO!"

One by one, they answered, their voices swelling into a deafening chorus that echoed to the heavens. With Hui's words, their fear had faded, replaced with a resolve that will shake the heart of many.

As he had said, behind them stood Konoha—their home. How could they allow the forces of the four great villages to reach it, to shatter everything they fought to protect?

At that moment, it didn't matter who they were—their rank, clan, or background. 

Whether they had met Mochizuki Hui before or were seeing him for the first time, whether they were from the prominent clans or commoner backgrounds, whether they were new Genin or the head of the Uchiha clan—in that moment, they were all Konoha ninja.

Finally, Mochizuki Hui raised a hand, motioning for them to quiet down. A smile crossed his face, his voice filled with confidence.

"I have seen the resolve and determination in each of you. I've seen our courage and our shared beliefs. And I believe that every single one of you will become a hero of Konoha.

"But remember, as much as Konoha needs heroes, it needs living heroes more. So don't throw your lives away. Survive… for the sake of those who cannot be replaced.

"This time… Konoha will be victorious!"

The crowd felt a powerful surge of resolve. They now had not only the courage to face death, but also the determination to survive, to return home.

A thunderous roar erupted from the ranks outside Konoha.

"KONOHA WILL WIN! KONOHA WILL WIN! KONOHA WILL WIN!"

The chant echoed far and wide, even reaching the villagers within Konoha, who clenched their fists and joined in: Konoha will win!

Standing at the edge of the crowd, Tobirama Senju watched his young successor with a proud smile, as if he could already see the bright future Mochizuki Hui would bring.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo, watching in awe, exchanged a look, each seeing admiration and unshakable resolve in the other's eyes.

"Then let's move out! Destination: the Kumogakure front. Objective: Defeat the invaders and protect Konoha!"

At the front of the formation, Mochizuki Hui raised his hand and led the charge, running at the head of nearly a thousand ninja. 

Though he was only sixteen, the entire force surged forward, following him with unwavering hope and determination.

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