(Two Weeks Later)
Naruto was standing in his own tent surrounded by his comrades-old and new on both sides as they all looked at the map laid out in front of them.
"How were the results of the joint training?" asked the Kiri General,
"Very well, General. The men understand our objectives and have synced well with each other's fighting styles. There is always room for improvement but we can't wait any longer lest our enemies become suspicious" reported Commander Saji, leader of the Kumaon Brigade.
"We are ready for hell, General. The capital will burn alongside the Daimyo's clan" promised Arashi, his second in command drawing a swift glare from Naruto.
"You will do no such thing, Arashi. The people are not our enemy, any who raises their hand against them shall face execution with my own hands" warned Naruto fiercely,
"Naruto, there may be some casualties of innocents in the fighting" pointed Mangetsu,
"Then you will protect them from dying. A warrior's duty is to protect his people and not terrorize them. This will be an honorable army. Rapers shall be castrated and crucified, Murderers of innocents shall be buried alive and looters shall have their eyes gorged and hands severed. The only one you shall kill in the capital is the Daimyo, his clan and any fighter that stands in the way of that objective. Those that surrender shall be taken alive" ordered Naruto fiercely, his glare daring anyone to argue otherwise.
"Honorable but dangerous" warned Jinpachi, earning a cold smile from the blonde.
"Those are my orders. If any of you or your men are against this then there's no point in starting a civil war. We have to be better than the Daimyo even if it costs us heavily. It's easy to destroy but much harder to sustain. Destruction and terror are remembered for long, but kindness and selfless service are remembered much longer. Win your own people and I promise you one day this world shall be yours" urged Naruto,
A tense few moments followed but the General didn't budge until one by one his supporters nodded their consent in deferment.
"Who leads the Capital's defense?" asked Naruto seriously,
"General Abe. An honored veteran of the First Great Ninja War, he's a shrewd leader with a true sense of duty. Do not underestimate him, General Namikaze. As long as he remains in the Capital, the royal army will fight till the last man to protect the feudal lord. You must either win him over or defeat him honorably in combat for his army to see the futility of this civil war, although that still might not be enough in the worst case" advised Commander Saji honestly,
Naruto placed a strong rock inside the Capital and looked at the marking signifying the strong walls and defenses of the city.
"You must pull the royal army outside the city walls to force a decisive battle. A war of attrition is not something we can afford lest Kirigakure send reinforcements to encircle us. I'll take a 500 strong shinobi force alongside Kisame and Zabuza and stop that from happening. The rest 9,500 warriors, the 501st and you Commanders shall join Mangetsu in taking the Capital" instructed Naruto,
"Don't you think you should have more men, General? You are talking of attacking Kirigakure!" warned Zabuza,
"The village is not my enemy, Zabuza. It's the usurper and his followers, I know how to deal with them. By the time I am done, they shall face a punishment worse than death for their crimes and any that tries to support them shall meet the same fate. I can do it!" promised Naruto resolutely,
For a moment, they were all taken aback by this show of confidence but on remembering the General's past exploits none questioned him further.
"Very well, Naruto. Is there any suggestion or strategy you can recommend for taking the Capital?" asked Mangetsu honestly,
ВЫ ЧИТАЕТЕ
The Seventh Swordsman
Фанфик"My sword is yours in victory and defeat", Naruto remembered pledging those words to the Second Mizukage as he became one of the feared Seven. He swore to defend Kiri, to protect its people and serve its Kage until his dying breath. But he also made...
