Chapter 567: Chapter 567: Simulated Invasion Battle
A year passed swiftly, transforming the special training camp into an integral part of the ninja system. What was once an exclusive program had now become the standard pathway for ninja graduates. Upon leaving the academy, every student entered the camp, and those who persevered long enough graduated into the advanced ranks.
The system was now streamlined. Ordinary training camp graduates could strive to qualify for special training. Those who excelled might even progress to the highly coveted position of instructor.
A Rigorous Instructor System
The instructor training program was now a demanding process. Shinobi selected for promotion underwent a grueling three-month evaluation period. They had to strengthen themselves continuously while mastering the art of mentoring others. Only those who met both criteria could officially become instructors.
During this time, notable figures like Terumi Mei, Uchiha Shisui, Nozuki, Hatake Kakashi, and Uchiha Obito had all achieved instructor status. Even those previously overlooked, such as Might Duy, had risen thanks to the new opportunities provided by Reiki's potions.
Might Duy, once derided for his limitations, had grown into an inspiring force. With the support of Reiki's medicine, he could now use the Eight Gates without suffering from their debilitating aftereffects—save for the Death Gate, which remained a last resort. His transformation into an elite combatant had inspired others to follow his example, leading to the birth of a special Taijutsu-intensive class under his guidance.
Preparing for a New Simulation
Reiki, accompanied by Shizune, arrived at Kaguya Otsutsuki's gravity-controlled world. Even at the outskirts, they felt the oppressive pressure bearing down on them.
Inside, shinobi from across the villages were training under extreme conditions. This time, Kaguya herself had decided to elevate their preparation by simulating another battle against an Otsutsuki invasion.
"Next, we'll simulate the third battle of the Otsutsuki invasion," Kaguya announced, her voice carrying authority. She gestured at Reiki. "You're with me. Prepare for combat—you have three hours."
Reiki groaned as he was pulled toward Kaguya by the gravitational force. "Another mock battle? These simulations always make me feel like a traitor. Fighting you guys like this... it's just wrong."
Kaguya raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You didn't seem too conflicted the last two times, judging by how merciless you were."
"Well, I have to respect the realism of the training," Reiki replied, scratching his nose. "If I hold back, it wouldn't be helping them—it'd be hurting them."
Shaking her head at his response, Kaguya accepted the potions and chakra energy Reiki offered. With Reiki's chakra reserves containing the power of all nine tailed beasts and the ten-tails entity Mochizuki, she found the energy easy to absorb due to their shared Otsutsuki lineage.
"This rich, varied combat style is becoming addictive," Kaguya admitted, drinking the potion. "If we maintain this level of battle, even those gods in Takamagahara wouldn't dare stand in my way."
Battle Formation and Tactics
The shinobi below prepared themselves in teams. The Uchiha, Hyuga, and Nara clans had each formed tactical units. Other groups specializing in secret arts, ranged attacks, and physical combat stood ready in their positions.
As the third simulated invasion began, Might Duy led the charge, opening the Eight Gates and launching an aggressive assault. He was joined by the Akimichi clan, Cloud Village shinobi utilizing Lightning Armor, and Iwagakure's earth-nature specialists employing hardening techniques.
Tsunade and Uzumaki Kushina stood at the forefront, with Kushina entering her Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and charging into battle.
Kaguya observed their movements carefully. "Reiki, it's time to start. Their strategy seems different this time. What are you planning?"
To her surprise, Reiki began distributing potions to others mid-battle preparation.
"What are you doing?" Kaguya asked, baffled.
"Oh… I forgot. I always hand out potions during fights," Reiki said innocently. He quickly recomposed himself, dismissing the thought as he readied his weapon, Murasame—a spear that radiated an ominous energy. Rising into the air, he prepared to meet the advancing forces head-on.
The Clash Begins
The simulated battle erupted in chaos. Matt Duy, glowing with the energy of the Eight Gates, blitzed forward with astonishing speed, taking on Kaguya and Reiki in tandem. Behind him, the combined forces of the allied shinobi launched coordinated attacks, each group utilizing their specialties to maximum effect.
The Uchiha team unleashed a barrage of Fire Release jutsu, while the Hyuga team disrupted chakra points with their precision strikes. The Akimichi expanded to form living shields, and Cloud shinobi, wrapped in Lightning Armor, zipped across the battlefield, striking with devastating force.
Reiki's Role in the Simulation
Reiki held his ground against the onslaught, his spear spinning in arcs that deflected incoming attacks. Despite his earlier complaints, his actions were calculated and ruthless, cutting through enemy lines with precision. His mastery of Yin-Yang chakra enhanced his attacks, making them nearly impossible to block.
Kaguya, meanwhile, played the role of an invincible invader, her Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack devastating the field. Yet even she found herself challenged by the improved teamwork and tactics of the shinobi.
Growth Through Struggle
Though many shinobi fell back, exhausted, they quickly recovered with Reiki's distributed potions and pushed forward again. The cycle of battle, recovery, and adaptation pushed them beyond their limits.
Kushina's Nine-Tails Mode, combined with her Uzumaki vitality, made her a powerhouse, while Tsunade's monstrous strength and chakra control kept her at the forefront. Even the younger shinobi showed promise, with Shisui's speed and Obito's calculated attacks forcing Kaguya to adjust her approach.
"Impressive," Kaguya muttered, genuinely pleased by the progress. "If they continue like this, the Otsutsuki clan might actually face a real threat."
Victory Through Unity
As the simulation ended, the shinobi regrouped, battered but not broken. Despite the overwhelming odds, their teamwork and perseverance had made a noticeable impact.
Reiki, standing alongside Kaguya, smirked. "See? The harder we push them, the stronger they get."
Kaguya nodded, her expression softening. "Perhaps… perhaps they do stand a chance against the gods."
The training camp's efforts were paying off, and the simulated invasion battles had prepared the shinobi for whatever challenges lay ahead. While the road to unity was far from over, the spark of hope had been reignited in the ninja world.