Born To Rise In Konoha-Chapter 112

Tsunade spoke gravely as she referenced the latest correspondence from Orochimaru. A few days ago, he had informed her that the war between Konoha and Sunagakure had officially reached its decisive phase. Both sides had deployed their final trump cards. The outcome might be determined very soon.

Because of this, Konoha had redirected a greater number of ninja to that front, determined to secure victory. The stakes were high. Winning could shift the momentum of the entire conflict, perhaps even save the village from collapse.

"If we win," Tsunade said, "the other villages will think twice before making their move. If we lose... well, it’s not uncommon for fair-weather allies to turn when the wall begins to crumble."

"We can’t just sit around and wait for Kirigakure to come knocking," one voice interjected. "It’s time we took the initiative!"

Mito Menma’s eyes swept the length of the war table, gauging the reactions of the shinobi and clan leaders seated there. His words weren’t just commentary — they were steering the meeting toward a decision.

Though now retired, Mito Menma had fought in the Warring States era and during the First Great Ninja War. Alongside the Third Hokage, he had seen the village through its lowest points. His nature was assertive, battle-tested. He didn’t care for passivity, regardless of age or political tension.

Konoha had remained on the defensive too long. While resources and troops were focused on the more active fronts, this battlefield had become stagnant — too quiet. But a recent shift in intelligence hinted at opportunity, and Menma was determined not to waste it.

The table fell silent.

If Konoha launched a proactive strike, as Menma suggested, casualties would undoubtedly rise. Every clan present knew that. These weren’t faceless soldiers—they were sons, daughters, kin. The room’s stillness wasn’t cowardice, but consequence.

Tsunade broke the silence.

"What, no one else has anything to say?" She leaned back in her chair, scanning the room. "Long-term pain is worse than short-term action. I agree with Councilor Menma. Konoha should seize control of this war."

Her voice was firm—unyielding.

"But," she added, "we’ll need a detailed strategy. Something realistic and effective. We’ll discuss specifics tonight. Come prepared."

---

Meanwhile...

"Hah... what a relaxing day," Saitama muttered, perched atop a wooden crossbeam, legs swinging idly. Sitting beside him, Silent (Shizune) didn’t respond immediately.

"No missions today? I didn’t see you around all morning," she asked, glancing sideways as her short hair rippled in the wind.

"You’re with Lady Tsunade all day. Shouldn’t you know best?"

Saitama didn’t even bother to look at her, his eyes locked on the distant tents with an expression of boredom.

"I’m not part of those strategy meetings. When they start talking war, I know better than to get close," Shizune huffed, lightly punching his arm. She’d grown more relaxed around him lately.

"We’ll probably go on the offensive in a few days," Saitama said offhandedly. "Tsunade-sama is tired of sitting back and waiting."

He had been present at the war meeting earlier. Thanks to his recent exploits and rising reputation among Konoha’s younger generation, he was allowed to attend select high-level briefings. Uchiha Amaki, in particular, had taken an interest in him—perhaps seeing Saitama as someone who could influence the future of the Uchiha clan.

"Oh, that. I overheard bits of it, but unless you have a mission, it doesn’t affect you much," Shizune replied.

"Too lazy to explain it to you," Saitama muttered, leaping off the beam. His stomach grumbled audibly.

"It’s already noon," he added. "Time to eat."

"Hey! Wait for me!" Shizune chased after him, a little annoyed that he walked off without warning.

Although she was a few years older than Saitama, she was still shorter than him. Saitama had shot past 170 centimeters in recent months, which—compared to the past life he vaguely remembered—made him feel as if he’d finally broken past "second-stage malnutrition."

"Where are you headed?" Shizune asked.

"Where else? The mess tent," Saitama said, patting his stomach. Under his hand, his hard-trained abs flexed instinctively.

"I’ll come, too. I need to bring something back for Lady Tsunade anyway."

"Suit yourself." He strode ahead, the short sword at his waist swaying as he walked. Shizune jogged to keep up, her hair bouncing behind her.

---

Inside the mess tent...

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

Saitama gnawed on a roasted animal leg, tearing off chunks with his teeth and chewing lazily.

"Do you always eat like a starving rogue?" Shizune muttered, her brows twitching as she watched in disbelief.

"No missions today, so I can finally enjoy myself," he replied, clearly pleased with the food.

"Well, you could at least slow down. It’s not like anyone’s going to steal it."

"There’s nothing wrong with how I eat." Saitama raised an eyebrow. "I’m not even being loud about it."

He glanced around dramatically—there really wasn’t anyone else nearby.

"Nothing, nothing," Shizune said quickly, looking away before he could read too much into her expression.

"Tch," he muttered, brushing her off and digging back into his meal.

In the end, he devoured food meant for five people—including four hefty hind legs of some kind of animal—without much effort.

"Ahh, that hit the spot," Saitama sighed, leaning back with his arms behind his head.

"Are you done now?" Shizune stared at him, stunned at how much food he had consumed.

"Yeah, pretty much." He picked up a toothpick and stuck it between his teeth, mentally applauding Konoha’s logistics division.

"Let’s go?" she prompted, picking up a bento prepared for Tsunade.

"Sure."

As they stepped outside...

"Yo, Saitama!"

They ran into Uchiha Mori just as he was heading in to eat.

"Hey." Saitama raised a hand lazily, the toothpick rolling in his mouth.

"What’s with that look?" Mori smirked at him, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"What do you think I’m doing here—eating, obviously," Saitama replied dryly, giving Mori a side-eye.

"Riiiight," Mori grinned, giving him a thumbs-up with both hands, clearly implying something else.

"Tch."

Saitama grabbed Shizune by the wrist and pulled her along, muttering under his breath.

"Saitama!"

He paused and looked back.

"Do your best!" Mori mouthed silently, pumping his fist in encouragement.

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