Three Against One, and Half of Them Die? Can They Even Fight?

"Call!"

The battle just now was short, and he only used a few combination Ninjutsu, but it consumed a lot of his Senjutsu Chakra, nearly 50% of it.

The greater the power in Sage Mode, the greater the sense of loss upon exiting.

However.

Preparation takes ten minutes. If his Shadow Clone hadn't known in advance, giving Kyohiko ample time to prepare, he wouldn't have been able to use Sage Mode at all.

No wonder Minato Namikaze wasn't too keen on using him.

In that time, he could have killed several ordinary people.

but.

The added power is truly formidable.

With just one technique, as long as Kyohiko maintains its effect, he can suppress the Ninjutsu defenses of several Iwagakure Jonin, leaving them no time to defend themselves.

Without Sage Mode, they would have had a hard time killing the hunter and completing their retreat in less than a minute.

"Kakashi, they've stopped chasing. Put the body down."

The Minato senses its surroundings.

They fled in one go and reached the vicinity of their previous meeting point across the border. Moreover, he and Kai still retained considerable fighting strength, and even if the pursuers came, they would be able to fight back.

This is also Kyohiko's opinion.

To kill just one person, there's no need to use all your strength; all you need is a knife to tear an opening.

"Kyohiko, what kind of technique is that?"

Kakashi couldn't resist.

Kyohiko's condition just now was truly terrifying.

That's not Water Dragon Bullet.

Even the Second Hokage probably didn't possess this kind of power.

"Sage Mode."

Kyohiko explained.

Then he reminded him, "Do you remember the Chiriku we encountered before?"

"Chiriku..."

Kakashi recalled for a moment, and the monk's technique came to mind.

Come to welcome· Senju Kill.

It can automatically protect and counterattack, making it an absolute defense that gave Kyohiko a huge headache. It took him a long time to gradually figure out its patterns.

"His technique is a type of Senjutsu. Although what I just used was a regular Ninjutsu, the Chakra I used was Senjutsu Chakra."

Kyohiko explained.

Kakashi nodded, indicating that he understood.

The Ninjutsu hasn't changed, but the energy it drives has.

so.

The power is also very different.

He immediately understood what Kyohiko had been doing all this time for the past month.

Sage Mode!

That's truly a powerful force.

Kakashi couldn't help but ask enviously, "Is this technique difficult to learn?"

"Everyone's situation is different."

Minato Namikaze spoke while Hand Seals, "Like Kyohiko, he has a lot of Chakra, is intelligent, knows how to use Genjutsu to hypnotize himself, enter a calm state, and has awakened Wood Release..."

"For him, Sage Mode is definitely beneficial; he needs to use it frequently and practice it regularly. But for me, it's not so practical..."

Minato Namikaze used himself and Kyohiko as examples in his analysis.

Kakashi listened attentively and roughly understood why Jiraiya hadn't let him train...

The more Chakra, the greater your chances of mastering it.

Someone like him.

Lightning Style: Rasengan can only be used twice, so why bother figuring out Senjutsu Chakra?

Kakashi sighed softly.

Minato sealed the headless corpse away, and then took out the covenant.

Various terms and conditions were written on it.

"Iwagakure and Kusagakure have indeed joined forces. Although it's only in terms of intelligence and supplies, the Land of Grass has very close commercial ties with us, so there must be quite a few spies within our country."

His face looked grim.

The actions of the Land of Grass are tantamount to betrayal!

"This was expected. Since he met with several Iwagakure ninjas, he had already made his decision. But now that we've killed a few of Iwagakure, he might have to reconsider."

Kyohiko said.

He rubbed his temples. "Let's go back to China and then deliver the message to the Teacher."

"Um."

Minato Namikaze nodded and put away the Alliance Scroll.

Just then, Kyohiko suddenly looked in a certain direction.

"The enemy is coming!"

"Let's go, I have the Flying Thunder God Technique; I'll cover your retreat later."

Minato handed the scroll to Kyohiko.

Kyohiko nodded.

The four of them headed towards the border together.

Upon reaching the river, they were surrounded by two squads, two of which they had encountered at the border.

"Is the Kusagakure really going to become direct enemies with the Konoha?"

Minato Namikaze stood in front, looking around.

"You were the ones who crossed the line first."

A Jonin stepped forward.

Minato Namikaze nodded. "Then there's nothing more to say."

Then--

In an instant, he had run more than ten steps away.

Kyohiko and his two companions followed closely behind.

The opponent dared not be careless and immediately set up a battle formation. Seeing Minato rushing over, they unleashed Explosive Tag and Fire Style one after another.

Even more extreme, some began to Hand Seals and set up Imprisonment Jutsu.

Kyohiko's gaze swept across the area.

"Left."

"Um."

Lightning Style Chakra appeared on Kakashi's body.

However.

"I'll go first!"

Might Guy's speed increased dramatically in an instant.

Open the Gate of Opening!

He rushed forward, only to be met with several Explosive Tag, however—

Whoosh!

Might Guy leaped high into the air, avoiding the range of the Explosive Tag, and threw several Kunai carrying Explosive Tag in his backhand.

Boom!

A series of explosions threw the surrounding area into chaos.

Kai did not seek to kill.

His Explosive Tag were primarily used to cover for Kyohiko and Kakashi.

Having worked together on several A-level missions, they are already very skilled in this area, so there's no need to elaborate.

The Kakkō died down slightly.

Before the four people surrounding them could close in and rearrange themselves, a figure suddenly appeared among them, and then—

The opponent Hand Seals and drew his sword.

The next instant, several figures emerged from his body and charged towards them.

This is...

The Dance of the Crescent Moon in Konoha?

They were horrified and quickly moved away, but then they sensed that something was wrong.

"No, it's Genjutsu!"

The first person to break the Genjutsu witnessed the following scene:

Blood gushed from the necks of both companions, their faces filled with shock, fear, and disbelief.

The other was kicked away.

Although he is still alive, he is not far from death.

really.

The next second, two knives appeared, one slicing across his neck, the other piercing his heart.

In the blink of an eye, the three opponents had vanished into the woods on the opposite bank of the river, leaving only...

remain...

His lips trembled, utterly terrified.

The other squad, which had been standing just moments before, collapsed in unison after a fleeting yellow blur.

Wow, so fast!

how...

How could it be so fast!

His legs felt weak.

In the lingering Kakkō of the Explosive Tag, Minato Namikaze turned to look at him, his usually smiling face now filled with majesty and killing intent.

"Whether you want to be friends or enemies, I advise you to think it through carefully."

Then, in an instant, the other party had vanished without a trace.

A considerable amount of time passed.

Asano Yu chased after them to the shore and saw the mess on the ground; his face immediately darkened.

"Tsuchiya? Tsuchiya!"

"Ah? Ah! Chief!"

The Tsuchiya seemed to wake from a dream, and shuddered all over.

Asano Yu.

The man was deathly pale, his lips trembling, and he appeared extremely frightened and terrified.

He frowned.

"What's going on? They..."

"I... this... in one glance, in just one glance, it's all gone!"

Tsuchiya spoke incoherently, and then he broke down in tears.

Asano Yu was deeply shocked.

A Chunin, while perhaps not on Chunin major villages like Konoha or Iwagakure, is still quite knowledgeable and experienced. For him to be so terrified shows just how formidable his opponent truly is!

only...

Why is he still alive?

Someone capable of killing these people instantly actually let him go so easily.

Asano Yu immediately asked, "Who is that? Jiraiya?"

"No, not Jiraiya. Yellow, yellow hair, like light! Oh right, he said, 'Let's think carefully about whether we're enemies or friends.'"

Tsuchiya described it, his voice trembling.

Asano Yu silent.

It really is Konoha!

He sighed softly and said, "I just hope that Iwagakure won't be so careless as to lose what's most important, otherwise Kusagakure's position will be..."

Asano Yu was filled with worry.

Iwagakure has become very strong in recent years, with its number of ninjas rising rapidly and its recovery from the war being extremely fast.

But on Konoha's side...

Danzo's departure doesn't seem to have had a significant impact on Konoha; they remain powerful!

At that moment, he already regretted it.

Had he known this would happen, how could he have ever associated with Iwagakure?

Even if Iwagakure wins against them, how much benefit will they ultimately gain?

Trying to get something from a tiger!

Asano Yu was inwardly annoyed, but he couldn't show it. Instead, he displayed great confidence and even laughed.

Tsuchiya was bewildered, not understanding why the chief was still laughing.

"My lord."

"Don't be afraid. Shinobi World Konoha suffered for a long time. No matter how strong Konoha is, it can't challenge the entire Shinobi World!"

The Land of Grass still has a way out, but he has no way out!

The Land of Earth, a stronghold near the border.

"Where are the Medical Ninja?"

"Quick!"

"There are wounded!"

Shouts were heard repeatedly.

Soon, the Medical Team rushed in from inside, quickly lifted the Mahiru onto a stretcher, and carried it into the house while using Medical Ninjutsu to maintain its wounds.

but.

Judging from the Mahiru's condition, it was clearly severely injured, with more breath in than out.

Ōnoki rushed out.

After glancing at it, his face darkened.

Three squads went, but less than half returned, and one Jonin was seriously injured...

Wrong!

Where's hunting?

Kari is very important in the Explosion Corps, Ōnoki intends to train him to be the core of the next generation of the Explosion Corps. His strength is beyond doubt.

Three squads composed of Jonin and elite Chunin were so easily killed!

"Kitsuchi, what happened? I told you to take some men, and you brought back so few?"

Unable to contain his anger, Ōnoki berated his son.

Kitsuchi dared not refute.

The person was broken by him, and the scene was truly shameful.

He got a scolding.

After calming down a bit, Ōnoki let out a breath and asked, "Who attacked you?"

"The other party is disguised..."

Kitsuchi recounted the situation at that time in detail.

Ōnoki was stunned for a moment, then looked at the others, and finally his gaze returned to Kitsuchi.

Others might exaggerate their abilities out of fear of being held accountable, but Kitsuchi wouldn't.

He understands his son.

Ōnoki remained silent.

Such powerful Lightning Release Ninjutsu, such a terrifying combination of Ninjutsu...

Kumogakure?

but.

The Kumogakure has absolutely no reason to attack the Kusagakure because of its own affairs.

They're not that close to Konoha.

It's unlikely.

Ōnoki looked at his son, his expression slightly better than before.

If the enemy's Ninjutsu was truly that powerful, and they had laid an ambush beforehand, it's not surprising that so many people were killed.

In ninja warfare, elemental advantages and intelligence are crucial.

Hunti's death was clearly due to a lack of understanding of the enemy's Ninjutsu, which is why he tried to confront them head-on, resulting in a heavy loss and his death.

The most terrifying one was the one who covered the attackers.

"Which side do you think they're on?"

"It feels like it's from Konoha."

After a moment's hesitation, Kitsuchi finally shared his opinion.

Ōnoki nodded.

A hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

Initially, they felt that with Konoha losing powerful ninjas like White Fang and Danzo, and the Third Hokage being forced to step down, Tsunade would inevitably lead to instability within the village.

Intelligence indicates that there are indeed disagreements between Konoha and the Land of Fire, which presents an opportunity for them.

but.

Looking back now...

Now is not the best time to take action against Konoha.

"Alliance Scroll on Hunt?"

"Yes, we couldn't recover it."

The Kitsuchi bowed its head, obediently accepting its punishment.

Ōnoki shook his head. "They excel at speed, and their Ninjutsu is effective against you. Chasing after them will only lead to your death."

Jonin Konoha skilled in Lightning Style and Water Style?

There was no such person in their intelligence.

"Lord Tsuchikage, shall we continue fighting?"

"Wait and see."

Ōnoki shook his head.

Then he smiled and said, "Given the current situation, Kusagakure cannot stand idly by; they must intervene."

Should they surrender or fight to the bitter end?

Given the current state of Kusagakure, the latter possibility seems more likely.

"We lost the initiative, but gained a village of cannon fodder. It might not be a bad thing for us, it's just a pity for Shou and the others."

Not long after, news came from the Medical Team that the Mahiru had died.

Border of the Land of Fire.

Jiraiya was pondering how to negotiate with the Kusagakure and threaten them to stabilize the current situation, but unexpectedly, more than an hour later—

A Toad appeared on his desk.

"Jiraiya, this is the information Minato sent."

"Minato?"

Jiraiya was slightly taken aback.

He received the information from Nagato, and less than half a day has passed since then. What information has Minato sent?

Upon opening it, Jiraiya jumped to his feet.

"This is?!!"

The agreement between Iwagakure and Kusagakure bears the signatures of both parties.

On one side is Kitsuchi.

On the other side is Kusagakure Yu, the leader of Asano Yu.

Judging from the handwriting, it is most likely genuine.

Minato actually managed to get his hands on such important information?

Unbelievable!

Jiraiya was utterly shocked, then immediately looked at the Toad: "How did they get them?"

"I don't know, but they're already on their way to find you."

"Looking for me..."

Jiraiya realized the truth.

Yes!

To obtain this scroll, one must have already reached the Land of Grass.

It's only a ten-minute walk to where he is.

but.

Go and greet them; it might be faster that way.

Jiraiya put away the scroll and immediately headed towards the border region.

Halfway there, he could already sense the Chakra auras of Kyohiko and Minato.

The five people met in a grove of trees.

"You..."

"Teacher, don't rush to talk. Let's find a place to stay first, and then discuss what to do next."

"There are no villages or towns around here, where would we stay? Besides, we ninjas don't care about these things."

Jiraiya had no time to think about where to live.

Minato, Kakashi, and Guy were also confused.

residence...

The real issue now is what's happening in Kusagakure, isn't it?!

"It won't be long."

Kyohiko spoke, Hand Seals.

The next moment, logs rose from the ground and quickly transformed into the shape of a small room.

Wood Release: The Hall Technique

Very successful!

Kyohiko chuckled.

"Come on, let's go inside and talk."

Is that even possible?

The four of them were speechless for a moment.