Chapter 623 The worsening situation

Whoosh!

Just as the patrolling Konoha Ninja took out a signal flare, a blue electric light struck.

Bang!

Intense pain made the patrolling Ninja’s pupils dilate, and then he was sent flying backward like a cannonball.

“Finish them quickly!” Fourth Raikage Ay ordered the Kumogakure Jonin rapidly approaching behind him.

Although Konoha did not deploy a Ninja Force nearby due to the limited number of Ninja, there were still some Ninja guarding the border.

The first thing Fourth Raikage Ay and his forces had to do was eliminate Konoha’s border defense forces in the northern Land of Fire, causing Konoha to lose sight of the northern Land of Fire to some extent.

Kumogakure never thought of defeating Konoha with a Ninja Force of 1,200; they were merely the vanguard, responsible for opening up the situation.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

The Kumogakure Jonin led the charge, swiftly sweeping the surroundings and eliminating all Konoha Ninja within sight.

There were already fewer Ninja patrolling at night than during the day, and under the sweep of the Kumogakure army, they had no time to send news back to Konoha. At most, they could only alert nearby squads, but it was useless.

However, in this sensitive wartime period, no news was, in fact, also news, just a slightly delayed realization.

Several border patrol squads suddenly went missing, which drew Konoha’s high attention, and they immediately dispatched elite Ninja Force squads from nearby to investigate.

“How is Orochimaru commanding this? Even when the Iwa Ninja Force was about to attack the northwest front, he didn’t transfer any Ninja from his Ninja Force, and as a result, Kumogakure managed to sneak in without a sound!”

Looking at the grim intelligence from the front lines, even the more composed Homura Mitokado couldn’t help but speak with some intensity.

Danzo Shimura had just died, and Konoha being invaded by Kumogakure would undoubtedly make the other Great Shinobi Villages covet Konoha.

“The demise of Root has deprived us of a considerable portion of our intelligence capabilities. If Danzo hadn’t died in the Land of Rain with Root, perhaps Orochimaru’s side would have detected Kumogakure’s movements.” Utatane Koharu still harbored resentment over Danzo Shimura’s unauthorized actions.

If he wanted to court death, fine, but he also brought such great trouble to Konoha.

“The most important thing now is not to assign blame, but to solve the problem.” Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the table, emphasizing.

“There is an enemy Ninja Force of unknown numbers within the country. This is not only a threat to the Land of Fire but also a huge threat to Konoha.”

There are no rules in Ninja warfare about not harming the homeland. If given the chance, Kumogakure would certainly be happy to engulf all of Konoha in war.

“Why don’t we have Jiraiya lead his force back to the north, and then have Orochimaru mobilize his force to cooperate with Jiraiya? That should be able to eliminate the Kumogakure in the north.” Utatane Koharu suggested.

Jiraiyas Ninja Force was in the Land of Grass, northwest of the Land of Fire, while Orochimaru’s Ninja Force was in the Land of Hot Springs, northeast of the Land of Fire.

With two large Ninja Force departing from their respective directions, even if Kumogakure had a Ninja Force of two thousand, they might not be able to withstand it.

“Jiraiya’s side cannot be moved.” Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately rejected.

“In recent years, Iwagakure and us have had many grievances. If Jiraiya’s force withdraws, Iwagakure is very likely to reassemble a Ninja Force for a surprise attack.” Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said.

Although Iwagakure had always been at a disadvantage in the wars between Iwagakure and Konoha, it was not enough to cause significant damage to the Five Great Ninja Villages. Iwagakure still posed a huge threat to Konoha.

“Let Minato or Muzuki go, and then draw some Ninja from various forces and Konoha to assist.” Homura Mitokado thought for a moment and said.

Many Ninja in Konoha were qualified to lead a Ninja Force, and many experienced Jonin were qualified, but if an additional condition was added, that they must be able to eliminate or repel the enemy Ninja Force, then the range of options narrowed.

Basically, only the strongest few from a certain era were qualified.

“This issue must be resolved as soon as possible, otherwise, it will be difficult to explain to the Daimyo.”

Although the Daimyo only nominally led Konoha, as the official military force of the Land of Fire, Konoha had the responsibility to protect the Land of Fire. If the Land of Fire suffered foreign invasion, it was Konoha’s fault.

“Then it will be Minato.” Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

For killing enemies on the battlefield, both Minato and Muzuki could do it, but for developing training teams, Minato was definitely no match for Muzuki.

So, when Minato could spare time, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not want to send Muzuki.

…

Due to the death of Danzo Shimura, all major Shinobi Villages were sending more spies to the Land of Fire, paying close attention to the situation there.

As a result, the intelligence that the Kumogakure Ninja Force had broken through the Land of Fire’s defenses quickly reached the desks of the leaders of the major Shinobi Villages.

Hidden Mist Village, Mizukage’s office.

Third Mizukage put down the intelligence, his lips slightly curled, revealing a sincere smile.

“As expected, someone couldn’t stand the loneliness and made the first move.”

Third Mizukage really wanted to defeat Konoha, to regain the face he had lost before, and at the same time, to make Konoha return the several Ninja blades of Hidden Mist.

However, he didn’t want to be the first to act and had been waiting for a leader.

“Have Yagura come over.” Third Mizukage called out to an Anbu and ordered.

Although Yagura Karatachi had suffered a rather tragic defeat last time, Third Mizukage believed the main reason was not Yagura Karatachi himself, but that the opponent’s strength exceeded expectations.

Before Muzuki appeared on the Hidden Mist battlefield, let alone Hidden Mist, even Konoha hadn’t expected Muzuki to possess such strength.

“Lord Third Mizukage!” Yagura Karatachi greeted Third Mizukage respectfully after arriving at the Mizukage’s office.

Third Mizukage had always cultivated him as the Fourth Mizukage, and Yagura Karatachi had always remembered this. Their relationship was very good.

“This time, you will still be the commander of the force. Work hard and retrieve everything we Hidden Mist lost, twofold.” Third Mizukage said with a smile.

Yagura Karatachi looked at Third Mizukage with gratitude.

Because Third Mizukage was protecting him, the great defeat last time did not cause him too much criticism, but Yagura Karatachi still felt tormented by it internally.

Because he was a Ninja with his own pride, having suffered such a painful defeat, he couldn’t get over that hurdle in his own heart.

“I will certainly not disappoint you and the Village’s expectations. This time, we will surely crush the Konoha Ninja Force!” Yagura Karatachi said with a serious expression.

Since that great defeat, Yagura Karatachi had learned from his painful experience, not only studying more military strategies and tactics but also strengthening his own training.

This change was not enough to be called a complete transformation, but compared to before, there was certainly progress.

Facing the same situation, he was confident he could do better than before.

“It’s good that you have this confidence.” Third Mizukage said with a smile.

Confidence is very important. If you don’t even believe you can do it, how can you make others believe you can do it?

“When you reach the Land of Waves, don’t rush. Wait for my orders.”

Kumogakure’s force had only just entered the Land of Fire and had not yet engaged in fierce clashes with Konoha’s Ninja Force, so Third Mizukage was not in a hurry to have Yagura launch an attack.

The current Ninja World situation was chaotic, and if there was an opportunity, they might even choose not to attack the Land of Fire, and instead attack another great nation.

Revenge was important, but they couldn’t forget the original intention of participating in the war. Hidden Mist Village participated in the Shinobi World War to gain a share of the continent’s interests, and nothing else.

…

Hidden Sand Village, Kazekage’s office.

“Still no major battle with the Konoha Ninja Force, huh.” Rasa put down the intelligence in his hand with a look of regret.

He only wanted to see Konoha and Kumogakure fight until blood flowed like rivers, no matter whose blood it was.

Kumogakure had taken advantage of Sunagakure’s internal strife, striking hard and delivering several severe blows to Sunagakure.

Even Sunagakure, a great power among the Five Great Ninja Villages, became weakened after suffering continuous blows from internal strife and Kumogakure’s invasion.

Therefore, Rasa was eager to see Kumogakure suffer.

As for Konoha, the reason was even simpler: the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire were separated only by the Land of Rivers, too close.

Rasa did not want a neighbor stronger than Sunagakure. If he had a choice, he wanted a half-dead neighbor who needed Sunagakure’s help.

A neighbor that could bring help to Sunagakure was a good neighbor.

…

Compared to the restless Hidden Mist and the indifferent Sunagakure, Iwagakure’s approach to the current Ninja World situation was a different choice.

Land of Rain, Six Paths City.

“In today’s Ninja World, I’m afraid there isn’t a Ninja who doesn’t know Sōsuke.” Kitsuchi looked at the increasingly prosperous town and couldn’t help but feel emotional.

The first time he came to Six Paths City, it wasn’t even as good as some remote small Villages, but now it was a seemingly prosperous town.

And Sōsuke’s growth was even more exaggerated than Six Paths City. The first time he knew about Sōsuke, Sōsuke was just a Ninja with a small reputation in the Land of Rain.

Now, Sōsuke was famous throughout the Ninja World, becoming a legendary Ninja who surpassed Hanzo the Salamander.

“As expected of him.” Thinking of Sōsuke’s character and abilities, Kitsuchi felt that all of this was normal.

Then Kitsuchi withdrew his gaze and headed straight for the Shinobi Sect stronghold.

Kitsuchi often acted as Iwagakure’s representative to interface with the Shinobi Sect, and most Shinobi Sect Ninja were familiar with Kitsuchi. He quickly met Sōsuke in the Shinobi Sect’s reception room.

“Regarding the misfortunes of your Sect, we Iwagakure deeply apologize. We never expected Konoha to still harbor ill intentions and covet the Land of Rain.” Kitsuchi recited the speech he had prepared in advance.

It would be truly difficult for him to come up with these words himself.

Watching Kitsuchi say he was very sorry with a resolute expression, Muzuki thought that Kitsuchi must have had poor grades in his disguise class when he was at the Ninja Academy.

“It may not be Konoha coveting the Land of Rain; perhaps it’s just Danzo Shimura himself who has a prejudice against me.” Muzuki replied with a smile.

He could guess Iwagakure’s purpose with just a thought.

At this time, coming to find Sōsuke, who killed Danzo Shimura, what else could it be but to make the Shinobi Sect a pawn for Iwagakure to use against Konoha?

“Is there some hidden truth in this?” An Iwagakure Jonin who arrived with Kitsuchi’s heart stirred, and he quickly asked.

Regarding the reason for Danzo Shimura’s death, the most widespread rumor in the Ninja World currently was that Konoha wanted to seize Sōsuke’s sage art inheritance, so they sent Danzo Shimura to assassinate Sōsuke.

However, Ninja from the Great Shinobi Villages didn’t really believe it. The Five Great Ninja Villages had deep foundations, possessing countless secret techniques and Ninjutsu. It would be too demeaning to act for a sage art inheritance whose contents were unknown.

Saying that Konoha was suppressing the Land of Rain was slightly more credible, as the Land of Rain was indeed showing signs of improvement.

“Just a personal guess. After all, it happened suddenly, and I haven’t investigated it thoroughly yet.” Muzuki shook his head and replied.

He did know the inside story, but it was impossible to reveal it.

The Iwagakure Jonin believed Sōsuke was hiding something but found it difficult to press further, so he closed his mouth.

They might be able to control the Shinobi Sect through various means, but they had no good way to deal with Sōsuke.

As the saying goes, the barefoot are not afraid of those with shoes.

If Sōsuke was pushed too hard and disbanded the Shinobi Sect, then went to the Land of Earth alone to cause destruction, Iwagakure would truly have a headache for a while.

“The cooperation with the Shinobi Sect has brought considerable gains to Iwagakure, so we want to deepen our cooperation with the Shinobi Sect.”

Although Kitsuchi was not good at social niceties, he could see that Sōsuke did not want to talk much about Danzo Shimura’s matter, so he switched to another set of rhetoric.

“What kind of deep cooperation?” Muzuki asked, feigning interest.

Even though he already knew the content of the upcoming conversation, he still had to put on an act.

After all, Iwagakure had also contributed a lot to the construction of Six Paths City and had also contributed a lot of commission fees to the Shinobi Sect, so he should give them some face.

“Expanding the scale of Ninja training, jointly establishing Ninja Academys, and Iwagakure can also entrust a portion of its missions to the Shinobi Sect.” Kitsuchi stated the conditions Iwagakure could offer.

The Shinobi Sect only had so many Ninja, and any major actions were easily noticeable. Recently, Iwagakure in the Land of Rain had discovered the Shinobi Sect’s plan to establish a Ninja Academy.

“There should be more than just these, right?” Muzuki said with a smile.

Establishing a Ninja Academy was indeed a considerable pressure for the Shinobi Sect before, but that was only before Muzuki took over the Amegakure.

After taking over the Amegakure, Muzuki could completely have some Rain Ninja receive training and then serve as teachers.

Kitsuchi nodded and continued: “To protect the requirements of our partners, Iwagakure will send Ninja to protect the Shinobi Sect, ensuring the safety of the cooperation.”

“Sōsuke, what do you think of this deep cooperation?” Kitsuchi asked, looking at Sōsuke.

Kitsuchi felt that his father’s conditions were already quite good, practically raising the Shinobi Sect like a small Iwagakure Village.

“Iwagakure’s conditions are very good.” Muzuki said with a smile.

“Then…” A smile appeared on Kitsuchi’s face, thinking Sōsuke was about to agree.

Before Kitsuchi could finish speaking, Muzuki interrupted: “However, I refuse.”

If he were to truly engage in this so-called deep cooperation with Iwagakure, then Iwagakure Village would be able to legally and reasonably deploy a Ninja Force in the Shinobi Sect.

Not to mention Muzuki wouldn’t agree, even if Hanzo were here, Hanzo would absolutely not agree to such so-called cooperation.

The smile on Kitsuchi’s face froze. He didn’t expect Sōsuke to suddenly change his demeanor.

PS: Recently, it might be due to lack of sleep, my mental state has been generally poor.

Today, I wanted to write more during the holiday, but I’ve only managed to write about four thousand characters so far.

I hope I can fall asleep before one o’clock today and adjust my routine.