Progress, Education
In Chiyo's backyard, by the pond, Chiyo and Ebizo were leisurely fishing, completely unaffected by the storms and turmoil outside.
Even when the Fourth Kazekage visited, they were treated with indifference. Although this Kazekage was only acting, it was enough to show the attitudes of the two.
"Elder Chiyo, the outside world is in an uproar. Are you just going to ignore it like this?" Rasa was getting anxious. He had been watching the two elders fish for an hour, and his already limited patience had long since worn off.
"It's not that we're ignoring it, but things have come to this point, what's there to hesitate about?" Chiyo asked Rasa, puzzled.
"With gain comes loss. Since Kazekage has chosen this path, why be so hesitant now?" Ebizo added.
Indeed, given Sunagakure's current situation, it's impossible for them to both take a bite out of Konoha without launching the first attack. If Sunagakure doesn't find an outlet for its frustrations, it will explode from within.
At that point, it won't be a question of whether or not we can bite into Konoha, but rather whether or not we'll be bitten back.
The Kazekage in coming here was simply to gain the support and approval of these two elders. Now that they have both said so, the battle can begin. After all, if it doesn't start soon, Sunagakure will be finished!
Soon, all sorts of rumors were spreading rapidly throughout Sunagakure.
Some say that Konoha did not abide by the alliance treaty and helped Sunagakure attack Iwagakure.
Some say that the Third Kazekage was assassinated by Konoha in collusion with Iwagakure.
Some even claim that during the battle between Sunagakure and Iwagakure, Konoha sent elite ninjas to ambush and kill Sand Village Ninja.
In short, all sorts of rumors detrimental to Konoha spread everywhere, quickly forming a force targeting Konoha.
This power is lying dormant, brewing, but clearly, the day it erupts is not far off.
Konoha, Taiichi.
After nearly a month of effort, Taiichi's improvements to the Flying Thunder God Technique have finally achieved a phased result.
Taiichi's original idea was too idealistic. In actual operation, even with Taiichi's current abilities, he was still unable to realize a new technique that integrates perception, feedback, and Reverse Summoning in a short period of time.
The unfinished product that Taiichi has developed currently lacks the most important sensing ability. It's not that Taiichi can't complete this function. If Taiichi month, it is believed that it will be easy to completely improve it.
But time was running out. Today, Taiichi received orders from the Hokage; his team would once again—
They were dispatched to the Southern Battlefield, but this time it wasn't as a mission as before. Instead, they joined the Shinobi Army and went to the front lines to receive orders.
The departure time is set for tomorrow morning.
This forced Taiichi to stop the research, but the good news is that although it was a half-finished product, the basic functions were completed, only the original fully automatic mode was changed to the current semi-automatic mode.
Looking at the brand-new Flying Thunder God Kunai in his hand, he realized that due to the lack of a perception module, the user could only actively trigger the spell on them to call upon Taiichi from afar for support.
Although it differs from the design, the current functionality is sufficient. As long as Taiichi takes the time to study it, it can eventually be improved. Therefore, Taiichi will no longer invest in that Skill Points.
After a month of hard work, Taiichi's achievements are not just a half-finished product; his strength in all aspects has been comprehensively improved.
Name: Taichi Matsushita Occupation: Chunin Lv9 (967/1600)
Talent: Diligence Makes Up for Mediocrity, Academic Overachiever, Potent. Age: 10 years old. Physique: 28.
Strength: 25
Agility: 25
Spirit: 29 (+1)
Chakra: 59000 (62400)
Attribute Points: 25
Skill Points: 10
Fire Nature Transformation Lv12 (3423/4000)
Wind Release Nature Transformation level 12 (312/4000)
Water Nature Transformation Lv12 (123/4000)
Earth Style Nature Transformation Lv8 (103/1400)
Lightning Nature Transformation level 7 (1158/1200)
Yang Release Nature Transformation Lv11 (1001/3000)
Yin Release Nature Transformation Lv8 (731/1400)
Chakra Shape Transformation Lv11 (811/3000)
Chakra Control Lv12 (843/4000)
Ice Attribute Nature Transformation level 8 (501/1400)
Skills: Advanced Taijutsu Lv6 (5412/7000), Advanced Meditation Lv6 (4404/7000), Advanced Swordsmanship Lv6
(4422/7000), Chakra Enhanced Strength Lv9 (720/1400), Sealing Jutsu Lv11 (2511/3000), Flying Thunder God Lv6
(431/1000)
Comment: Go for it, young man! You're ready. The village is too comfortable; the battlefield is your true home.
Ignoring the annoying comments, Taiichi's other abilities have been progressing steadily over the past month. His wind and water attributes have finally reached level 12, following his fire attribute.
The Nature Transformation in ice attribute was also stimulated, directly increasing proficiency by 1000 points.
This can be described as a double celebration.
With such capabilities as a foundation, Taiichi was full of confidence in safely surviving the Third Shinobi World War. He believed that even if he encountered the dying Madara Uchiha, he could easily survive, even if he couldn't defeat him.
Armed with the latest specially made Flying Thunder God Kunai, Taiichi went straight to the hospital to find Nonō.
When Taiichi found Nonō, the students following her had changed again. This time, the Medical Ninja who had only learned a little bit of the basics were also transferred to the Southern Front.
The current Konoha Hospital is like a large factory, where a large number of students who have just mastered Chakra are sent here to temporarily learn some basic medical knowledge and first aid techniques before being quickly sent to the front lines.
Those who are capable can continue to learn in subsequent practice, while those who are mediocre may be killed by the enemy in some mission, leaving only a name on the Memorial Stone.
Taking advantage of Nonō's free time, Taiichi pulled her into his office and stuffed a prepared Flying Thunder God Kunai into her hand.
"Sister Nonō, this is a specially made Flying Thunder God Kunai. If you ever encounter any danger you can't withstand, just inject your Chakra into this Kunai, and I can use the Flying Thunder God technique to come and help you."
Nonō looked at the Kunai in her hand with some surprise, she really didn't expect it to have such a function, but then she thought that if she encountered such a situation, what use would it be even if Taiichi came over? So she made up her mind that even if she really encountered danger, she would not use it.
As if sensing Nonō's thoughts, Taiichi added, "My sister might not fully understand my current strength. With the Flying Thunder God Technique, even if I can't win, escaping is still very easy. So if you encounter any danger, be sure to call me!"
Seeing Taiichi's unusually earnest gaze, Nonō knew Taiichi surge of relief and a deep sense of security. "Don't worry, I understand. I'll definitely do as you say when needed!"
Having received Nonō's affirmative reply, Taiichi finally felt relieved. With the dual protection of the Sealing Talisman and the Flying Thunder God, unless the enemy was truly strong enough to kill Nonō in one blow, he would ultimately be able to rescue her.
This is all for the sake of working tirelessly for the past month. Being able to protect the people I care about is the best reward for all the hard work I've put in during this time.
The war broke out more suddenly than expected. That very afternoon, a declaration of war reached Konoha and spread throughout the entire Ninja World.
The Sunagakure, citing the lack of assistance from its ally Konoha during the Sand-Rock War, brazenly broke its alliance agreement and declared war on Konoha.
What a flimsy excuse! Just a few days ago they were fighting to the death with Iwagakure, and now they're declaring war on Konoha. Anyone with eyes can see that Sunagakure and Iwagakure have reached a tacit agreement to jointly deal with Konoha.
At the same time, an urgent communication from Jiraiya at the front lines was delivered to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Sunagakure has assembled 3,000 Shinobi Army, personally led by the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, and entered the Land of Rivers yesterday at noon. Jiraiya has already ordered his troops to consolidate their defenses, and the two sides are currently engaged in small-scale skirmishes in the Land of Rivers.
A tense atmosphere instantly filled the entire Konoha. Although small-scale battles had been taking place around Konoha since the beginning of the year, they were too far removed from the villagers, so they didn't really feel it. Some were even unaware that the border had begun to become unstable.
--
This time, Sunagakure's formal declaration of war completely shattered the Konoha. The shadow of war quickly enveloped the entire Konoha as the declaration of war was sent. Both ninjas and Civilian knew that war had come.
Shops reacted the fastest, with prices of all kinds of daily necessities rising rapidly, and villagers also panic-buying various supplies.
Taiichi walked through the chaotic streets. Although he knew that this was just a brief frenzy caused by fear, and that most people would go back to doing what they were doing once their emotions calmed down, he could still see the fear that everyone had of war.
Just then, an Anbu Ninja wearing an animal mask suddenly appeared in front of Taiichi.
"Special Jonin Taichi Matsushita, the Hokage-sama orders you to immediately assemble your squad at the village entrance. Reinforcements will depart for the front lines in one hour."
Taiichi was slightly taken aback. It seemed that the situation at the front was really tense. The village wasn't even willing to wait a single night.
"Yes, sir! I will obey your orders Hokage-sama!"
Taiichi immediately agreed, and the Anbu vanished in Body Flicker, apparently to inform the others.
Taiichi didn't dare to hesitate. Time was of the essence, so he immediately sent two Shadow Clones to notify Yohei and Saori, while his main body rushed home and retrieved the various supplies he had prepared: medicine, Kunai, Shuriken, Explosive Tag, and spare Short Sword.
This trip isn't something I'll be back in a month or two, so I can't be careless with my supplies; I have to bring everything I can.
Especially the various special medicines made on a regular basis, those are life-saving things, but when it comes to the battlefield, it may be difficult to even find all the materials to make them on the spot.
After finishing packing, it was almost time, Taiichi didn't delay and headed straight for the village entrance.
Meanwhile, at the village entrance, more than a hundred ninjas had gradually arrived, gathering in small groups of two or three, quietly discussing Sunagakure's declaration of war against Konoha.
Some were filled with righteous indignation and cursed the Sunagakure Demons for their ingratitude.
Some were filled with excitement, eager to seize this opportunity to make a name for themselves.
Some were also worried, wondering if they could survive the war.
When Taiichi arrived, he was greeted by this lively scene. Overall, Konoha's morale was still very high. After all, just two months ago, the Southern Front, led by Jiraiya, had given Sunagakure a sound beating.
Even if war breaks out again, the Konoha Ninja still have a strong psychological advantage.
Taiichi quickly found his team in the crowd. They were with Kakashi and the others, and Yohei and Obito were arguing heatedly. Obito's face was flushed with excitement, and he was clearly getting a little carried away.
When Taiichi got closer and listened, he immediately realized that Yohei was looking for another opportunity to teach Obito, but the way he was doing it was a bit harsh!
"Obito, I've heard you're quite the ladies' man, but it turns out all your suitors are old ladies!" Yohei said with an exaggerated expression.
"Who—who said that!" Obito his arms, vehemently defending himself. "I just happened to run into a lot of elderly ladies today. They work so hard, of course I had to help them!"
After hearing Obito's explanation, Kakashi rolled his eyes, and Rin smiled helplessly. It was perfectly normal for this kind of thing to happen to Obito.
Saori, on the other hand, was completely bewildered and listened with utter confusion.
"If I hadn't happened to see you, you might still be helping the old lady cross the street, and who knows when you'd be able to get to the meeting."
Yohei's tone had become somewhat somber, but Obito clearly hadn't grasped its meaning yet.
"It's okay, I can make it. It's just crossing the street, it'll be quick!" Obito was still trying to justify himself, clearly having forgotten who the person who was Tenten late since their school days was.
At this moment, Kakashi and Rin could no longer remain indifferent. They also realized that Yohei was taking this opportunity to warn Obito, and they stared at Obito seriously.
For a ninja, having no sense of time can be a fatal flaw.
"Not to mention that this is an emergency assembly to support the front lines, if you are late, will you be considered a deserter?"
For example, if Lin is fighting desperately against the enemy and waiting for rescue, but you die because your rescue is not timely, what would you do?
I heard you're often late because you're helping others. Is that what you mean by being able to make it on time?
Every word Yohei felt like a sharp thorn piercing Obito's heart, leaving him speechless and his heart heavy. The thought of Rin collapsing in a pool of blood because he couldn't save her in time made Obito's heart clench.
"I—I—can't—how could I!"
Obito opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single complete sentence.
Lin felt a pang of pity and was about to speak when Kakashi grabbed her arm. This was a rare opportunity; if they could correct Obito's bad habit of being late, it would be a great thing for both him and the team.
"You should act within your capabilities. Since you like helping old ladies so much, why don't you learn Shadow Clone? Don't tell me you can't learn it; the truth is, you haven't even tried to learn it. Don't you think there's something wrong with your attitude?"
We're at war now. If you continue like this, would you rather die on the battlefield first, or see Rin or Kakashi die before you?
"Please—please stop!"
Obito was now covering his ears, his face full of dejection, showing none of the fierce and aggressive demeanor he had just displayed.
Taiichi was standing not far away, thought that Yohei had finished educating him, so he walked up and gently patted Yohei's shoulder, indicating that he could stop. If he continued like this, it would be bad if he really broke Obito.
Yohei, having received a signal from Taiichi, took a deep breath and calmed himself down.
He was really angered by Obito today. In fact, he ran into Obito not long after he went out and witnessed him helping three old ladies find their way.
If it weren't for the fact that the meeting time was approaching, and he hadn't personally dragged Obito here, who knows if Obito would have encountered some other strange old lady.