Was This Man the Reincarnation of Senju Tobirama?
At the border of the Land of Earth, Ōnoki personally led his men, rushing all the way.
When they arrived at the Kannabi Bridge, they found that the bridge ahead was already blocked.
Something's happened in the Land of Grass!
Ōnoki frowned. "What happened in Kusagakure? Where are our Anbu Ninja were infiltrating the Land of Grass?"
"Have no idea..."
Kitsuchi was bewildered, looking at the array of Grass Ninja in front of him, and couldn't figure out what was going on for a moment.
Ōnoki was deep in thought.
"Lord Tsuchikage, some unforeseen events have occurred in our Kusagakure. Our leader, Asano Yu, has passed away, so we are unable to entertain you. Please do not cross the border and cause us trouble."
A figure walked out from behind the Grass Ninja.
He was also carrying two ninjas dressed as members of the Anbu).
Lord of Hozuki Castle, Wuwei.
Ōnoki recognized the other person.
This person is also a child prodigy, and this year, at a young age, he has already become very powerful, responsible for guarding many vicious criminals.
The Anbu Ninja in their hands were none other than Ōnoki's subordinates.
Wuwei actually stepped in.
It seems that a major upheaval has truly occurred in Kusagakure, to the point that even he can no longer remain in Hozuki Castle.
He forced a smile.
"Of course, our Iwagakure very much wants to be on good terms with Kusagakure. Since your village has encountered some trouble, we certainly won't rashly cross the border."
"We don't know which side these two are from. Since we've encountered them, we'll leave them to Lord Tsuchikage to handle."
Wuwei arrogance nor servility, he returned the person to their rightful place.
Ōnoki nodded, led the person back, and then said goodbye amicably.
Take them back.
On the way, Kitsuchi still hadn't figured out what was going on.
"The leader of the Grass Ninja was killed by themselves?"
"Definitely not."
Ōnoki glanced at his foolish son. "The Grass Ninja wouldn't dare do something like that, and even if they did, their attitude wouldn't change so quickly. Konoha must have intervened."
He was guessing...
Who orchestrated the events in Kusagakure?
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, who resigned, or Danzo in Kyoto, or perhaps...?
Orochimaru?
He was filled with doubts, but for now, all his questions would have to wait until the two unconscious people woke up.
After being brought back to the base, the two quickly regained consciousness after being treated by Medical Ninja.
After they regained consciousness, they quickly noticed Ōnoki and immediately told him what they had learned in a panic.
Kitsuchi was shocked. "You're not joking, are you?"
"How could I joke about such a thing?"
The two Anbu Ninja answered bitterly.
Ōnoki sat in the chair without saying a word.
Two people, two techniques.
Even a few hundred pigs wouldn't be so easy to kill, let alone a hundred or so Chunin Jonin. Could it be that Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha have been resurrected in Konoha?
His gaze was icy. "You went and confirmed it with your own eyes?"
"At first, I also found it unbelievable. I secretly sneaked in to observe, and indeed, there were horrific signs of destruction near the entrance to the Kusagakure of Land of Fire. I heard that many people's bodies were not even found intact."
The Anbu Ninja's face turned deathly pale.
That scene was horrifying; he was terrified just by looking at the situation, let alone the Grass Ninja he was facing.
Seeing his father remain silent, Kitsuchi asked again, "Who is leading this?"
"I heard it's Jiraiya, one of the Sannin."
"It was him?"
Kitsuchi was somewhat surprised.
The Sannin are renowned, but many believe that Jiraiya's thinking was closer to that of the Third Hiruzen Sarutobi, and that he preferred to promote peace rather than war.
I never expected this.
This attack on Kusagakure was led by Jiraiya, and it was a devastating, thunderous strike.
It's really...
Stunning.
He looked at his father.
Ōnoki remained silent.
If such terrifying power truly exists, he must reconsider his battle plan against Konoha. Otherwise, if Iwagakure is the first to charge in, they may suffer heavy losses, and someone else may ultimately reap the benefits.
He looked at Kitsuchi and his two men, forcing a smile.
"You may all go and rest. We'll discuss the follow-up plans when we return to Iwagakure tomorrow."
"Yes!"
The most powerful way to intimidate an enemy is not through direct destruction, but by keeping them guessing about the extent of your capabilities.
This is also why Jiraiya only allowed Dai and Chen Baojun to take action.
but.
That shocking scene left a deep impression on everyone in Konoha.
Back in the Land of Fire, many people couldn't help but want to ask, but some were too embarrassed, while others didn't want to bother Might Duy and Chen Baojun.
They must be exhausted right now.
Inside a makeshift tent.
Chen Baojun sat up, and in front of him stood a young boy of about ten years old.
"Gravel, did you see that?"
"Yes, Teacher Chen!"
Kawakami Reki stood still, tears streaming down his face.
He was unable to learn Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. Before that, he tried his best to become an excellent ninja, but he didn't have a clear direction or confidence in his heart.
But now.
He saw a goal, a role model.
His Teacher, Might Duy, weren't they the guiding lights ahead of him?
"Keep it up! One day, you'll become a great Taijutsu ninja, just like Dai!"
"Yes!"
Higashi, BJ, and their companions from the Land of Fire reunited with the Ino-Shika -Land of Hot Water Ino-Shika-Cho appeared and disappeared in the distance.
After exchanging intelligence and explaining their responsibilities, the two sides were about to part ways.
"The four of you bear the responsibility of maintaining stability in Kumogakure. Don't linger in the Land of Hot Water! You're still too young; you can't handle the excitement there!"
Yamanaka Inoichi laughed.
"We've all been here before, and my Teacher wasn't with us, so we were completely able to keep our composure."
Kyohiko received the call very smoothly.
Yuzuki Uzumaki was taken care of by Yamanaka Inoichi's wife, and Kyohiko often visited and wandered around with her. Over time, Yamanaka Inoichi became the most familiar with him among the Ino-Shika-Cho.
Immediately, cheerful laughter echoed through the woods.
Jiraiya's jokes never go out of style.
After laughing for a while, Shikaku composed himself and forced a serious expression.
"If danger arises, prioritize your own safety above all else; the mission is secondary. This is the Lord Hokage's instruction, and it is also our opinion."
"Yes, I understand."
Minato nodded.
He handed over a Kunai engraved with a special mark, saying, "These are the coordinates for the Flying Thunder God Technique. If we encounter danger, we'll send you a message immediately."
"Okay, we'll wait here for your good news."
Nara Shikaku nodded.
Besides them, there are more than a dozen elite squads here, mostly composed of Jonin and Chunin, many of whom are ninjas from the Hyuga and Aburame.
If a fight really breaks out, they can be the first to search for and provide support.
Take care of each other and say goodbye.
Kyohiko and his companions entered the Land of Hot Water, and the streets led towards the Land of Lightning.
Before their arrival, the Anbu had already gone to Kumogakure to convey Konoha's attitude and intentions, and Kumogakure agreed to their request.
so.
On the road, there will be no threats other than those related to the geographical environment.
Even Minato Namikaze was somewhat shocked upon entering the Land of Lightning.
The area is surrounded by high mountains, making it almost uninhabitable. Even the occasional canyons are often too harsh for habitation. Only a few places have large populations, forming small towns.
It's been the same all along.
"So this is what the Land of Lightning is like..."
After walking for half a day, Kakashi felt a mix of emotions he couldn't quite describe.
The Land of Lightning is too rugged!
He could imagine what the lives of the common people living here were like; compared to them, the people of Konoha and the Land of Fire were far too fortunate.
No wonder they strive to become stronger.
Kai said in a low voice.
During the Chunin Ninja Exams, besides the Kirigakure ninjas, the Kumogakure ninjas left the deepest impression on him.
Tenacious, resilient, and belligerent.
Especially the Yugito Nii".
Kyohiko laughed and said, "Sympathize with them?"
"Not really..."
Kakashi shook his head.
After a pause, he said, "I was just wondering what the other three major powers are like."
"The central and northern parts of the Land of Wind are all desert, vast and boundless, with only some oases suitable for habitation. The Land of Earth is somewhat better..."
Minato Namikaze recounts the situations in various countries.
Every country has its own difficulties.
No wonder they wanted to fight us.
Kakashi sighed softly after hearing this.
Kyohiko smiled and said, "Wars between countries are ultimately about self-interest. Our conflict with Sunagakure stems from the Land of Rivers."
"The Land of Rivers?"
Kakashi paused for a moment to recall, then nodded slightly.
He's been there.
Logically, it should have been a rich and prosperous land, but in reality, the Land of Rivers was filled with chaos and war, with many missing-nin fleeing there, causing immense suffering to the residents.
Ultimately, the problem lies in the presence of two major ninja villages and a powerful nation on the border, each vying for control of the area. Consequently, neither nation can acquire it, nor does either want it to develop.
Peace is so hard to achieve.
He let out a long sigh.
Minato Namikaze walked ahead, glancing around but not joining their conversation.
Because he couldn't answer it either.
Peace...
Jiraiya is now deeply confused, let alone him.
Kyohiko knew.
The events in the Land of Grass have had a significant impact on everyone.
This is inevitable in war.
He thought for a moment and said, "Many countries start wars to plunder resources and acquire more land. What we can do is not start such wars."
Alternatively, establish a unified nation encompassing the entire Shinobi World.
Unify consciousness and reduce war.
Kyohiko added in his mind.
Kakashi nodded and sighed, "You're right! Complete peace is too difficult; we can only manage ourselves."
Just then, four figures appeared at the mountain pass ahead.
"So you are envoys from Konoha?"
One of them stepped forward; he was burly and strong, and looked intimidating.
Judging by appearance alone, you would never guess that the other person is good at speed.
Kyohiko looked at Minato.
Minato nodded slightly and stepped forward, saying, "I am Minato Namikaze, the squad leader, and I have been ordered to discuss future cooperation with your village."
"My name is Ai, and I'm responsible for meeting you, but..."
Ai grinned, "Before that, I want to have a fight with you guys!"
Then, he looked at the three people around him and whispered, "Don't underestimate him. This man single-handedly stopped many of our ninjas!"
After hearing this, Kyohiko looked at the others.
The one carrying the spiked knife is likely Killer B, while the other two are less familiar and are probably Jonin Kumogakure.
This lineup...
It's more like a show of force, a way to intimidate them.
Minato Namikaze looked at the four opponents, then at his three teammates, and said, "Ninjas value teamwork, so why don't we all attack together?"
"Um?"
Ai raised an eyebrow.
His expression turned cold as he said, "You have three children here. Do you really think they're stronger than our Kumogakure's Jonin?"
Ai is very competitive, and he made preparations for this challenge by collecting information about Minato Namikaze.
Minato's current attitude is making him very unhappy.
"Or do you look down on the ninjas of Kumogakure?"
"That's not the case."
Minato Namikaze smiled. "I have enough faith in my subordinates' abilities, and besides, I also have a very outstanding Konoha from Jonin on my side."
He pointed at Kyohiko.
Kyohiko understood immediately, took a step forward, and smiled.
Killer B stared at him and said, "Big brother, he seems to be the Kyohiko Yoshimine that Yugito mentioned."
Kyohiko Yoshimine?
Ai recalled the name slightly.
A genius boy from Konoha, an eight-year-old Jonin, swiftly defeated Yugito Nii in his Tailed Beast Cloak form...
Does this person truly possess the strength to make Minato Namikaze confident?
Ai became interested.
His attitude softened somewhat, and he nodded, saying, "Alright, then I'll see what your subordinates are capable of. Hiro, Murazawa, Wada, you all join forces."
"Yes!"
The three responded.
Kyohiko whispered the same advice, "Kakashi, pay close attention to their techniques and fighting styles."
Um?
Kakashi glanced at it, then realized—
Yes!
When it comes to Lightning Release Ninjutsu, who is more familiar with it than the ninjas of Kumogakure?
Minato and Kyohiko wanted them to join in so that he could learn about and become familiar with the fighting style of Kumogakure!
He nodded slightly.
"So..."
Ai grinned, and a powerful Chakra aura suddenly erupted from his body. With a "whoosh," he rushed forward.
However.
Almost simultaneously, a wall of water rose from the ground, separating the inside from the outside.
Water Style · Water Wall!
Unlike ordinary Water Wall, it rotates like Uzumaki. In addition to the water wall itself, the force generated by the rotation is enough to block many attacks.
but--
"It can't stop me!"
With a shout, Ai Li charged forward and unleashed a powerful punch.
The Water Wall shattered!
Inside the Water Wall, the four members of Konoha had already set up their battle formation.
Killer B Bee, with perfect timing, appeared beside him in an instant, his spiked blade piercing through the water and heading inwards.
Just then, Ai saw Kyohiko's Hand Seals change.
Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!
"You all retreat."
Kyohiko's gaze sharpened, and Hand Seals.
With just two seals, the Water Wall that had not yet fallen gathered around him, transforming into a roaring water dragon.
It raised its head and surged towards them.
Call out!
Minato, Kakashi, and Guy retreated and scattered in all directions.
Ai and Killer B also used their speed to retreat.
but--
The next moment, they saw Kyohiko maintain the water dragon with one hand, form a hand Hand Seals with the other, and his figure quickly transformed into a shadow Shadow Clone.
The Shadow Clone forward in an instant, its hand gripping the dragon's head as it abruptly turned.
Killer B, who had dodged the water dragon's attack, immediately sensed something was wrong, but it was too late to escape.
Boom!
Tentacles sprouted from his body, sheltering him in their midst.
The water jet, like a spinning drill, rushed wildly toward the center, scraping terrifying blades of water in all directions as it charged.
Killer B had seen Water Dragon Bullet Water Dragon Bullet before, but never one like this.
Having misjudged the attack, it was too late to dodge. Murazawa and Wada dared not approach the barrage of water blades, let alone offer any assistance.
At that moment, Ai Body Flicker Technique beside him.
With Chakra highly concentrated, he unleashed a punch that shattered the water dragon, transforming it into countless water blades that surged in all directions.
Kakashi, who was observing from the shadows, was extremely surprised.
Kyohiko's Water Dragon Bullet has undergone a completely new change...
Water dragon, water blade.
The combination of two variations makes this technique even more difficult to guard against.
But.
The ninja from Kumogakure named "A" actually shattered the water dragon and blocked the subsequent water blades with his own body.
What an incredibly powerful defense!
He immediately understood what Kyohiko wanted him to pay attention to—
This special Lightning Style defense!
Even if not everyone can master it, learning even a few techniques might make you safer when releasing Lightning Style: Rasengan.
They were surprised, and Ai and Killer B more shocked.
The enormous tail, now half severed, was rapidly regenerating, but they had never seen such a powerful Water Dragon Bullet before.
This reminded them of Senju Tobirama then.
That Second Hokage also possessed incredibly powerful Water Style.
Just like before my eyes.
Could this person be the reincarnation of Senju Tobirama?
While they were still in shock, they heard two screams from the side.
Ai turned her head to look.
Meanwhile, the Konoha ninjas worked together to knock Murazawa and Wada unconscious, though it was unclear what methods they used.
That was fast!
"It's four against two now."
Minato Namikaze laughed, "You see, we haven't underestimated your village's strength; on the contrary, we've shown the utmost sincerity."
After a moment's thought, Ai finally nodded in agreement.
"In terms of teamwork and coordination, you are indeed better than the four of us, but with only two of us left, we might not necessarily lose."
"Are you confident?"
Ai looked at the people around her.
Killer B drew his twin swords. "Of course, big brother, you idiot..."
"Bang!"
Ai punched him on the head, roaring, "Don't use your weird rap in this kind of situation!"
"Yes!"
Killer B behaved himself.
Minato Namikaze quietly put away the two Kunai, smiled, and said, "Let's do it again!"
Then, Ai and Killer B quickly moved forward and charged towards Kyohiko.
Let's take down this one who's good at Ninjutsu first!
but.
In the next instant, Kyohiko formed a hand Hand Seals and swiftly drew his sword.
Genjutsu, Konoha Style: Willow!
Ai stopped in place.
Upon Killer B immediately realized it was Genjutsu and stretched his tentacles out in that direction.
Just as the Genjutsu was dispelled...
A Kunai flew in.
He immediately used his knife to block it.
But the next second, Minato Namikaze appeared where the Kunai was.
At the same time, Kyohiko arrived and slashed at Killer B with his sword. Kakashi and Guy arrived shortly after and also rushed forward.
Minato gripped the Kunai.
Rasengan!
Ai's pupils contracted.
He hadn't expected that Kyohiko would also possess Genjutsu.
Although it was only a momentary lapse in concentration, it was enough to be fatal for them. Fortunately, his speed and reaction were astonishing, and he immediately dodged to the side.
even.
Ai's elbow struck Minato, his Lightning Style Chakra highly concentrated.
Lariat!
Once hit...
He was still figuring out how to save the person when he found that they had vanished without a trace.
Where are they?
Ai was stunned for a moment, but the next second, he knew where the person had gone.
behind.
How could it be so fast?
It's Kunai!
The image of the Kunai flying past flashed through his mind, but unfortunately—
Boom!
The Rasengan slammed him deep into the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.