Orochimaru Has a Knack for Fishing

In the Anbu, Tsunade's Shadow Clone manipulated Crystal Ball in their hands, using it to move around and observe the situation within Konoha.

This is a secret technique left behind by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

With this technique, combined with Konoha's Great Barrier, one can lock onto a person as long as they know the characteristics of that person's Chakra.

During this time, she kept her Shadow Clone in the Anbu, practicing this secret technique.

She hadn't mastered it for very long.

"Let's check on Mitokado Homura first."

Tsunade around and saw Mitokado Homura leading A and the other three, walking down the village street.

"Ninjas from Kumogakure)."

"So, Kyohiko and the others should be back too?"

She immediately placed her hand on the Crystal Ball, slowly expanding her senses. Relying on her Barrier and perception abilities, she quickly locked onto Kyohiko's Chakra aura.

Soon, an image appeared on the Crystal Ball.

In the Kyohiko, one of them sat cross-legged, meditating with his eyes closed, while the other repeatedly kicked and occasionally performed various techniques such as Hand Seals.

"This is..."

Strength of a Hundred?

Even through the Crystal Ball, Tsunade could still see that Kyohiko was using a technique that was essentially Strength Enhancement Technique.

Because she'd used that trick far too many times.

After observing for a while and scanning the area carefully, she quickly noticed something unusual.

This doesn't seem to be just superhuman Strength of a Hundred.

One punch.

A burst of intense lightning erupted, instantly shattering the rocks.

Lightning Style Chakra?

Tsunade was surprised.

Unleashing Strength of a Hundred with Lightning Style Chakra...

What is this for?

Tsunade was puzzled.

The greatest advantage of Strength of a Hundred is that it requires no Hand Seals and has a fast burst speed, but when combined with Lightning Style Chakra, its power is only increased slightly, while its greatest advantage is lost.

After all, it seems that Kyohiko still needs to form hand Hand Seals with one hand to maintain the massive burst and release of Lightning Style Chakra.

In her view, this was a pointless improvement.

but.

The next moment, her eyes widened several degrees.

Some details are not clearly visible through the Crystal Ball, but Tsunade is, after all, one of the Legendary Sannin, and has seen more Ninjutsu and Chakra Ninjutsu than Kyohiko has.

She could tell at a glance that Kyohiko's technique of covering his entire body with Lightning Style Chakra was quite similar to the Lightning Release Armor of the Kumogakure.

"Kyohiko went to Kumogakure and stole their Lightning Release Armor... and reverse-engineered it?"

Tsunade was surprised and excited.

Lightning Release Armor is the strongest secret technique of the Kumogakure, and it cannot be passed on to outsiders. Even if we cannot reverse engineer all of it, just a small part is of great significance.

but.

Judging from Kyohiko's current state, it seems he's trying to develop his own "Lightning Style Mode".

Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

"Strength of a Hundred!"

Lightning Style Chakra instantly converged.

Following closely behind.

Bang!

With one punch, earth and stones flew everywhere, leaving a deep, cracked crater.

Compared to normal Strength of a Hundred, it seems to have less destructive power. However, in reality, the moment the Lightning Style Chakra is highly concentrated and explodes, the power, defense, and piercing ability of his Chakra are all greatly enhanced.

This attack consumes little energy, yet possesses far greater power!

As expected of the secret technique passed down through generations of the Kumogakure.

He glanced at the system.

Before I knew it, my Lightning Release Chakra Mode had gone from "beginner" to "proficient".

Besides Kyohiko's exceptional Chakra control and his expertise in Lightning Style Chakra and body control, the fusion of Strength of a Hundred techniques was also a major reason for his breakthrough.

"A's Lightning Release Armor is likely designed to enhance strength, so its defense is far inferior to that of the Third Raikage."

Kyohiko seemed to be deep in thought.

The Third Raikage's "Strongest Shield" was his Lightning Release Armor, but his strongest attack relied on the "Hell Stab."

certainly.

It's not that the Third Raikage was weak.

However, since he already has a strong offensive skill, he focuses more on defense.

"Continue."

When Ai arrived in Konoha, the complexity of his emotions was beyond even the comprehension of his subordinates.

Konoha, located in the heart of the Land of Fire, is far more prosperous than Kumogakure.

Caravans and commissions are better than those from Kumogakure.

The only thing that Kumogakure can compare to Konoha is its harsh environment, which has fostered a group of indomitable ninjas with formidable Taijutsu.

In Taijutsu and Lightning Style, the Kumogakure is still stronger!

Ai thought to himself.

What he didn't know was that after learning that the Kumogakure had visited Konoha, Tsunade immediately began to make a series of arrangements, including an order that they were not allowed to run in the village.

Want to go for a run?

Can.

You can roam freely in the Forest of Death and the mountains, but you must never appear in Konoha, and you must never be seen by the people of Kumogakure.

There were also some instructions from the Ninja Academy.

However, there isn't enough time to make changes yet.

so.

Tsunade didn't rush to have them taken to the Ninja Academy. Instead, she scheduled the exchange and visit to the Ninja Academy for the third day, and the negotiations with the Nara Clan and other families that controlled special medicinal materials for the second day.

Three days later, in Konoha, at the temporary residence of the Kumogakure.

"Darui, Samui."

"Yes!"

The two children immediately stood up.

Ai said, "You two are usually quiet, but I know you have a way of thinking and wisdom that surpasses your peers. What are your thoughts on Konoha?"

"Waste."

Samui snorted coldly.

Darui thought for a moment, then continued, "Konoha is very prosperous and wealthy, but precisely because of this, their Ninja Academy is quite lax, and the teaching focuses more on theory..."

"Isn't theory good enough?"

Ai couldn't help but laugh.

Darui shook his head. "It's not that it's bad, but if you don't survive, you're nothing. If you survive, you have plenty of time to learn these things. Konoha's policies are too foolish."

"Haha, you're absolutely right."

Ai laughed loudly.

He set up Barrier around himself, so he wasn't afraid of people eavesdropping.

A few seconds later, his smile faded.

"That's right, I brought the three of you here to show you the decay and incompetence of Konoha. You saw those ninjas today; Konoha doesn't have that many geniuses."

Ai knows.

The presence of Kyohiko Yoshimine and Kakashi Hatake was somewhat of a blow to these kids.

The purpose of this proposal to bring them along was to let them see what the real Konoha is like.

"The more prosperous a place is, the more it breeds decay. You cannot be like them, obsessed with wealth and family power all day long, understand?"

"Yes!"

The three answered in unison.

Now that she finally had some free time, Tsunade was able to call Kyohiko over.

Inside the office, her face clearly showed displeasure.

"Kyohiko, since you returned to the village, have you come to see me on your own initiative?"

"Sister, you're so busy, I couldn't possibly bother you. Besides, I've been quite exhausted from my trip to Kumogakure these past few days and need time to rest."

Kyohiko chuckled.

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him.

If she hadn't mastered the Telescope Technique, she would have really thought that Kyohiko was recuperating at home. In reality, however, this kid had been secretly practicing the Lightning Release Armor of Kumogakure.

She sighed helplessly.

"You're too obsessed with Ninjutsu research. Lightning Release Armor is good, but A from Kumogakure is still around. Can't you wait a little longer?"

"I'm hiding, and my senses are sharp enough... Wait, how did you know, sis?"

The moment Tsunade revealed the truth, Kyohiko understood the reason, so the "accident" was all an act.

Tsunade was naturally extremely pleased with herself.

Afterwards, she showed off the new Ninjutsu she had mastered.

but.

While the Telescope Technique is useful, it relies on Konoha's Barrier, making it difficult to spy on activities at greater distances and thus unsuitable as a regular reconnaissance Ninjutsu.

Then, she stopped smiling.

"You almost steered the conversation off course. How did you learn Lightning Release Armor?"

"I discussed it with Kakashi and got some inspiration. After that, I started to figure it out on my own. I don't know if it's right or not... I just practiced according to my feelings. So far, the direction seems to be right, but it just can't achieve the effect of the Kumogakure."

Kyohiko replied.

Tsunade hesitated, her expression complex.

In just four days, Kyohiko had mastered the Lightning Release Armor and integrated his own elements into it.

You're still not satisfied?!

"The Kumogakure has only gradually mastered this technique since the Second Raikage began studying it. How could you possibly have learned it so quickly?"

Tsunade sighed.

Then, with a serious expression, she said solemnly, "You did well this time. After temporarily stabilizing Kumogakure, we can free up our resources to target one specific area."

With that, Tsunade a cold snort.

She has a different personality from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi is willing to compromise with any external enemy as long as it doesn't threaten Konoha's peace; he will only take action if the enemy threatens Konoha's safety.

This was true of previous wars and the expulsion of Danzo.

But her attitude was--

The Sunagakure not only dispatched many Sunagakure ninja to infiltrate Konoha, but also sent...

"However, we cannot be the ones to start this war."

Kyohiko reminded him.

Tsunade nodded, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I'll give him a chance. Don't worry, Orochimaru is an expert in this area."

That's true.

Orochimaru is an old fishing enthusiast.

Kyohiko nodded in agreement.

Tsunade paused, then looked at Kyohiko.

"I plan to deliberately provoke Sunagakure into making a move, subdue them first, and then slowly deal with Iwagakure and Kirigakure. Alternatively, once Sunagakure is subdued, the other two villages may not be willing to intervene."

"My sister is wise."

Kyohiko immediately began to flatter him.

Tsunade said, "I'm not asking you to praise me. I wanted to ask, if you're not tired, why don't you go help out in the west? The war there is about to start, and your speed and mobility pose a great threat to the puppeteers."

"Protecting Konoha is our inescapable duty."

Kyohiko spoke with righteous indignation.

Tsunade sighed, looked at Kyohiko, and then said seriously, "Kai only knows Taijutsu and is not suitable for going to the battlefield in Sunagakure, so I plan to let him stay in the village to train."

Kyohiko had anticipated Tsunade's plan, but he was still somewhat surprised and taken aback.

"Can Hong graduate now?"

"If you really want to make a career in medicine, your current knowledge and skills are not enough. But if you want to progress faster, you have to get close to the battlefield and go to the front lines."

Tsunade said.

Then, she sighed softly, "Before she starts storing Chakra through the Yin Seal, let's go broaden our horizons and, incidentally, reduce casualties in the west."

Medical Ninja are a rare commodity.

but.

On the western battlefield, facing Sunagakure, Medical Ninja are the most needed type of ninja.

In the Land of Rivers, a ninja was panting heavily. His mask, which he usually used to conceal his identity, was missing, and his face was pale, yet he dared not stop for even a moment.

He knew.

Although I took the Antidote, those pills couldn't neutralize all the toxins; they only temporarily slowed their spread.

And he had to deliver the intelligence!

Only when he saw a boundary marker in front of him and vaguely sensed some familiar Chakra aura did he stumble and fall to the ground.

On his deathbed, he saw two people approaching him.

but.

This is a puppet...

He was completely relieved.

It's unlikely that the puppet was an enemy in disguise.

The Anbu Ninja struggled to pull out a scroll, and then breathed his last.

A small snake silently slithered into the nearby bushes.

"Rasa is our ninja!"

They immediately stepped forward and took the scroll from the other person's hand.

The next moment, Rasa arrived.

He reached for the scroll, opened it, and a look of joy immediately appeared on his face.

Such crucial intelligence was somehow obtained by the Anbu!

He immediately closed the scroll.

"Intelligence is crucial. I must see Lord Kazekage immediately. You must guard this place securely. If there is any unusual activity, immediately launch a signal flare. I will dispatch three teams to provide support once I return."

"Yes!"

His men secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The more important the intelligence, the greater the chance that Konoha will catch up.

Without the second half of the sentence, they would have to consider whether to sneak away.

Rasa returned immediately.

He readily agreed and, upon returning to the base, immediately dispatched three squads to provide support, including Pakura, who possessed the skill of the Scorch Release.

However.

When they arrived, the Konoha ninjas had already engaged them in battle, seized the body, and disappeared into the jungles of the Land of Rivers.

What happened?

"They came to seize the body, and accused us from Sunagakure of sending spies to harm Konoha. The body was the evidence. We were no match for them, and they took our comrade."

The puppeteer lowered his head, overwhelmed with shame.

but.

He's just Chunin, how could he possibly be a match for two or three squads from Konoha?

Pakura frowned, looking rather worried.

Konoha's actions appear to be an attempt to seize the initiative and strike first.

"What intelligence have they obtained that has Konoha so anxious?"

Rasa rushed over and met with the Third Kazekage.

He presented the intelligence.

After reading the Third Kazekage, he immediately stood up.

Is this true?

"That Anbu was poisoned, but his will was strong, and he held on until he reached the border before dying."

Where is Orochimaru?

The Third Kazekage was not entirely at ease.

Rasa shook his head. "They didn't chase after us, but I vaguely sensed Konoha Ninja. Upon returning, I immediately sent Pakura with reinforcements."

"Konoha Ninja..."

The Third Kazekage gradually came to believe that the information he possessed was genuine.

The intelligence report stated...

The Konoha ninjas are suspected of using a forbidden technique with severe side effects, requiring a period of rest and recuperation after use. Moreover, only two people in Konoha are capable of using this technique.

In addition, there is another piece of intelligence—

A letter arrived from Konoha, instructing Orochimaru to select physically strong elite Jonin and transfer them to Konoha for another mission.

"An elite Jonin a powerful physique..."

"Tsunade is really anxious."

The Third Kazekage patted the scroll in his hand.

He knew.

He said Tsunade was anxious, but actually, it was him who was anxious.

Perhaps those two really did have side effects from forbidden techniques, but according to the intelligence, these side effects can be recovered through rest and recuperation.

If Konoha can weather this period, gather numerous elite Jonin, and cultivate even more ninjas who have mastered forbidden techniques, how could Sunagakure dare to fight them?

Beat?!

A dangerous thought arose in the mind of the Third Kazekage.

He immediately Hand Seals.

Before long, a member of the Anbu arrived.

Did Orochimaru Jonin any Jonin?

"Yes, we haven't figured out their purpose yet. Ebizo is still sending people to search for clues..."

"Give this to Ebizo."

The Third Kazekage handed over the scroll.

The other party accepted it and immediately turned and left.

The Third Kazekage let out a breath.

If it's true, then this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

We must seize this opportunity, no matter what!

He looked at Rasa.

"Send someone to contact Kirigakure immediately and tell them the same information, so they can be on the lookout for similar incidents in the east."

"Yes!"