Attack on Konoha, Identity Leaked

Deep in the mountain forest, Feng Yao advanced with caution.

Moonlight filtered through the towering trees, casting a patchwork of fragmented shadows.

The only sounds were the chirping of birds and the gentle murmur of flowing water.

The closer they drew to the heart of Konoha, the more dangerous it became. Feng Yao and Zabuza moved with extreme care; even in the dead of night, they had already encountered no fewer than three patrol squads.

He and Zabuza were responsible for the assault and intelligence gathering, while Hashiba Hideyoshi remained on the perimeter to provide support and extraction.

Feng Yao did not want to strike here. He was heading for the Hokage Rock; only from that vantage point could his ninjutsu command the field, making both offense and retreat viable options.

Yet, this did not mean he was out of danger. Once he made his move, he would inevitably draw the siege of the entire Konoha ninja force. Beyond the Jonin, he might even alert the Hokage himself.

Beyond completing the system's mission, he had his own targets to eliminate.

There were the two Anbu ninjas, Tanaka and Tankyu, who had hunted him outside the city, as well as the mastermind who had secretly murdered the old physician.

However, he would have to judge the situation as it unfolded. There was certainly no time to hunt them down now; if things turned dire, survival had to remain the priority. He could not risk his life for the sake of revenge.

"The village patrols rotate every half hour. It's strict, but not without openings. I will strike from the Hokage Rock once the next patrol cycle ends. Listen for the signal, then attack the Konoha intelligence department and retrieve what I need. If it proves impossible, prioritize your survival and join Hideyoshi to extract me."

Zabuza was taken aback upon hearing this. In the world of ninjas, the mission was held above life itself, yet Feng Yao had just told him to prioritize survival. This moved the man whose heart had long since turned to ice.

"Rest assured, Leader. I will secure the intelligence. Please, take care of yourself."

With those words, he vanished into the darkness. Given the instincts honed by years of assassination, surviving within Konoha should not be difficult for him.

With that thought, Feng Yao continued toward the Hokage Rock, moving cautiously by the memory of the twelve years he had once lived here.

One hour later.

Feng Yao finally arrived safely at the Hokage Rock. He stood at the highest point of the stone faces, looking down at the entire Konoha Ninja Village as the late-night breeze brushed against his mask.

This was the perfect place to strike!

Just as he pressed his palms together to weave hand signs—

Whoosh.

Whoosh.

Two figures appeared instantly before him. One pressed a kunai against his throat from behind, while the other gripped the hand he had just raised to weave signs.

"Sorry, I don't know what you're planning, but I can't let you run wild in Konoha."

"So this is the brat who supposedly peeked at the Scroll of Seals and obtained information on the Nine-Tails? Are you wearing a mask because you're too afraid to show your face?"

One voice sounded languid, the other firm.

The two Jonin who had arrived were Hatake Kakashi and Sarutobi Asuma. Both had been scheduled to lead their squads on missions recently.

However, the Third Hokage had suddenly informed them that Anbu members had reported a tip from a nearby city: a ninja was inquiring about the whereabouts of a physician.

It was suspected that Feng Yao had returned to the Land of Fire, and he had brought two formidable ninjas with him.

According to the Anbu field manual, a threat of Feng Yao's level shouldn't have required their personal intervention.

But then, they discovered a sudden influx of A-rank missions within the village.

Under normal circumstances, that would be a good thing, but it had happened right as Feng Yao returned, and he had brought reinforcements.

This gave the Third Hokage a faint scent of a conspiracy.

A moment later, he realized this was an attempt to draw away the village's combat strength.

Such an act could already be considered a terrorist operation against Konoha.

Consequently, he had ordered several squads that were supposed to be deployed to remain behind.

He then assigned the Jonin among them the special A-rank mission of guarding Konoha.

At this moment, Feng Yao's eyes widened. Just as he prepared to fight back, the kunai in Kakashi's hand pressed tighter against his skin.

It felt as if the slightest movement from Feng Yao would cost him his life.

On the outskirts of Konoha, three Konoha ninjas had completely surrounded Hashiba Hideyoshi, who was waiting to provide support.

"You're one of the ninjas here to attack Konoha, aren't you? Are you going to come with us quietly, or do you want us to beat you into submission? Honestly, I suggest the first option; it'll save us both some time."

Gekko Hayate spoke wearily, dark circles under his eyes.

But the sharp glint in his gaze made it clear that if the opponent refused, he would be the first to strike.

The remaining two, Yamashiro Aoba and Namiashi Raidō, were a duo known for a combined strike that no one could withstand.

"Oh my, are you Konoha Jonin? Or perhaps Special Jonin? You're giving me such a thrill right off the bat, I might not be able to handle it! Hahaha!"

Seeing so many enemies, Hashiba showed no signs of panic; instead, he let out a wild, arrogant laugh.

Ignoring the disparity in numbers, he drew his katana and charged at them first.

"Storm Release: Phantom Radiance!"

Blinding light flashed incessantly across the area.

"Is this guy a lunatic?" Yamashiro Aoba cursed, drawing his own kunai to engage him in battle.

The thunderous roar of explosions and the clash of steel confirmed that Hideyoshi had already engaged Gekko Hayate's squad.

The scene shifted to Zabuza, who had arrived at the Konoha Intelligence Division. Though it was near the headquarters, it was guarded only by Morino Ibiki and a few ordinary chunin.

A massive explosion reached Zabuza's ears, startling even Morino Ibiki and his men, who had no idea what was happening.

Zabuza knew this was the signal. In truth, it was just Hideyoshi engaging the enemy, but it mattered little; as long as someone drew the village's attention, it was enough.

With that thought, Zabuza flicked his wrist.

Swish.

With a single sound, the entire blade of the Kubikiribōchō sank into Morino Ibiki's neck, instantly carving a massive, gaping wound.

Morino Ibiki clutched his throat as blood sprayed out in increasing amounts, until he finally collapsed onto the cold ground.

As for the other two chunin, they were finished off by Zabuza before they could even utter a sound to raise the alarm.

This, however, caused him to knit his brows, muttering to himself, "This is far too smooth. Even if Konoha's defenses were weak, they shouldn't be this pathetic."

Just as he moved to inspect the bodies, the scene before him suddenly shifted.

Trees erupted from the bodies of the three Konoha ninja, and a figure emerged from the foliage—it was Yuhi Kurenai, who had recently been promoted to jonin.

"Since you've discovered it, your reaction is quite good. I was hoping to wait a little longer before making my move."

Her firm, calm voice reached Zabuza's ears. Yuhi Kurenai excelled in various genjutsu; the moment Zabuza had swung his blade, he had already fallen into her trap.

Seeing this, Zabuza's expression turned grave. His eyes darted rapidly as he searched for a way to break the situation.

"It seems we were discovered long ago. Are you planning to wipe us all out? But I'm not so easily dealt with."

Atop the Hokage Rock, Kakashi and Feng Yao remained in a standoff. Hearing the explosions and seeing the intense flashes from outside the village, Kakashi spoke casually.

"The Third Hokage ordered us to keep you under surveillance long ago. By now, your companions have surely engaged us, but unfortunately, they cannot win—and neither can you."

Feng Yao felt the cold, biting chill of a kunai against his throat. He narrowed his eyes but remained silent.

Asuma, standing opposite, felt a sense of unease. Any ordinary ninja would be struck with fear in such a situation, yet this man remained so composed; he certainly had guts.

"Kakashi, it's been a while. Since our parting in the Land of Waves, I trust you've been well?"

Feng Yao turned his head to glance at Kakashi, who finally recognized the voice.

This was the mysterious ninja who had rescued Zabuza in the Land of Waves! Feng Yao and that mysterious ninja were one and the same!

He immediately shouted to warn Asuma beside him, "Asuma, be careful! This guy isn't as simple as the mission report suggests. He's an incredibly terrifying individual—don't let your guard down!"

As he spoke, he lifted his headband with his other hand, his Sharingan locked firmly onto Feng Yao.

Last time, he had won by a stroke of luck through a gamble, but he knew his own strength was actually inferior to his opponent's.

However, this was Konoha Ninja Village. If he and Asuma could stall the opponent, they could hold out until the Third Hokage arrived to provide support.

Hearing such a warning from Kakashi, Asuma naturally dared not be arrogant.

He drew his unique weapons, the Flying Swallow, with his free hand. Yet, after speaking, Feng Yao stood as still as a meditating monk, showing no further reaction.

Just as Asuma felt a flicker of confusion, Kakashi's Sharingan perceived something. He suddenly shoved Asuma aside with great force.

"Dodge! Quickly! This guy is stalling for time—he's covered in Explosive Tags!"