The Path of a Ninja

The border conflict between the two countries of Wind and Fire continues, and most of the members of the Root are on the periphery of the Wind-Fire Battlefield, doing their best to block internal news of the fighting.

The Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth have always been opportunistic and opportunistic. Whenever there is conflict in the Shinobi World, these two countries will definitely take action.

If specific information about the conflict between the wind and fire can be suppressed and delayed for some time, then so be it.

The Land of Land of Wind is mostly desert, and its resources cannot compare to those of the Land of Fire. The Land of Wind has always coveted the Land of Fire's fertile western territories and has already sent very dangerous signals.

At this busy time, Danzo received a report from his subordinates in the Land of Tea regarding the Uchiha.

This caused Danzo to struggle with his own conscience, unsure whether to prioritize internal stability or external threats, and he raised his vigilance against the Uchiha to its highest level.

In the dim candlelight, Danzo closed his eyes, deep in thought.

The Root's intelligence network is extensive, and it has a thorough understanding of information about Iwagakure and Kumogakure.

Although news of the battle between the wind and fire factions was blocked, the earth and lightning kingdoms were still aware of the conflict. However, due to Danzo's cover-up, the extent of Konoha's casualties remained unknown to outsiders.

The Land of Lightning has always harbored ambitions to challenge the Land of Fire and vie for the title of the strongest ninja village. Furthermore, the Land of Fire possesses fertile land and a superior geographical location.

If the Wind, Lightning Konoha, even if Konoha were powerful, it would still face the risk of being overthrown and destroyed.

In this external environment, all the ninjas of Konoha need to fight to protect Konoha.

If internal strife is instigated at this time, resulting in severe damage or even the destruction of Konoha, then even if the internal strife is won, it will be meaningless.

Just moments before receiving Aburame Ryoma Aburame's report, Danzo was still thinking about how to sow discord between the Tu and Rai kingdoms and how to make them fight each other.

"There are more important things to do right now, and we may need to rely on the Uchiha's power. It's not the best time to eliminate them."

The candlelight flickered in the dimly lit room.

After resting for a few days in Yuho City, Ruofeng's condition recovered somewhat.

Naraku led two escort teams, forming a front and rear formation, and set off to return to Konoha.

Because Uchiha Seki had stayed in Yuho City for a long time, Naraku appointed him as the successor to the title of Yuho City Lord, and he and Uchiha Hyaku jointly managed the affairs of Yuho City.

The original squad leader of the allied Guard Corps was changed to Uchiha Ruofeng. Ruofeng, who had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, was to be taken by Naraku's side.

Ruofeng's Mangekyo is powerful, the main reason is to prevent him from being harmed by others. These people are too cunning, Naraku don't trust them.

During this battle with Root, Naraku noticed some of his own shortcomings.

Naraku is proficient in Ninjutsu of various attributes, excelling in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and Ninjutsu. He is especially skilled in Substitution Technique, including Earth Substitution, Water Substitution, Water Clone, Earth Clone, and Earth Style: Earth Spear. His mastery of these techniques primarily focuses on survival skills.

Now that the Dark Release Kekkei Genkai is also available, most ninjutsu are ineffective against Naraku.

Naraku is a relatively difficult type to kill, but he has sufficient defense and survivability, while his powerful offensive Ninjutsu is somewhat lacking.

Fire Style Ninjutsu is like a direct-fire cannon; most of it can only attack forward.

While the Chidori -style Ninjutsu provides a powerful boost, it targets only one type of enemy and may not be effective against those focused on self-preservation and playing defensively.

The prerequisites for the Kirin are too numerous; it requires using the Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique to launch it into the sky and create cumulonimbus clouds.

If Naraku was fighting in the basement, it would be somewhat plausible that he could fake a miss by firing into the sky.

In mountainous or plain areas, wasting Chakra by unleashing a powerful fire dragon into the sky would be rather comical. Any experienced or cautious ninja could guess what such an action was preparing for.

Furthermore, the Great Fire Dragon requires a significant amount of Chakra. Although the subsequent Lightning Release: Kirin doesn't consume much Chakra and only requires manipulation, it still has too many limitations and is somewhat impractical.

While the Kirin has many weaknesses, its advantages are also obvious. It is a Ninjutsu that descends from the sky, with a wide range and great power, capable of wiping out an entire area in one fell swoop. This makes Naraku both love and hate it.

"The Storm Release: Storm Demon Dragon has a similar effect. It seems I need to urge Hayata to speed up his search for Kekkei Genkai."

Konoha

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched as Shimura Danzō the door and left, his face expressionless. After a moment of contemplation, he said in a deep voice:

"Ghost Fox, go and summon Orochimaru."

"Hi!"

A response came from the Anbu in the corner of the office, and then the person slipped out the window and disappeared in a few quick movements.

The Third Hokage sighed upon hearing Danzo's report on the numerous Uchiha affairs and the unusual activities of other major nations.

The ninjas of the Land of Earth began infiltrating and invading the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass, while the Land of Lightning stockpiled supplies on their southwestern border.

The actions of these ninja nations put immense pressure on the Third Hokage.

Faced with this worrying situation, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not want to sit idly by and wait for his doom.

Bang bang

The knocking interrupted the Third Hokage's contemplation.

"Come in!"

"Teacher"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, Orochimaru's prized disciple, pushed open the door and entered. Orochimaru was wearing a green Konoha vest, with long black hair reaching his waist and two earrings on his ears.

His attire was somewhat strange, but Sarutobi Hiruzen knew very well that his disciple was a powerful ninja with both great wisdom and Ninjutsu.

Looking at his beloved disciple Orochimaru, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but smile slightly, but the smile vanished in Flash Cut, and he immediately said seriously:

"Orochimaru, I have a dangerous mission for you to carry out. I hope you can fulfill my expectations."

Upon hearing the words and noticing the Third's serious expression, Orochimaru couldn't help but stick out Orochimaru tongue, wanting to wash his face.

"Cough cough."

Seeing Orochimaru's actions, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but cough. This disciple was good in every way, but this face-washing gesture with his tongue was unbearable for him.

Hearing the Third Hokage cough, Orochimaru refrained from making any movements and asked:

"What task has made you so serious, teacher?"

"Take it and you'll see."

Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up a mission scroll from his desk and tossed it to Orochimaru. Their master-disciple relationship was excellent, Sarutobi Hiruzen was less pretentious.

Orochimaru took the scroll that Sarutobi Hiruzen to him, opened it, and took a look.

Orochimaru didn't feel anything about the S-rank designation until he read further down the text, at which point Orochimaru pupils constricted slightly.

"Teacher, are you sure this can be done?"

"Orochimaru, if it were you, I believe you could do it."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru held the scroll in his hands, glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, and then looked at the scroll in his hand again.

"Okay, I'll get ready and leave. If I die, please don't be too sad, teacher."

"As your teacher, I believe you have the ability to complete this task."

I hope I can live up to your expectations.

Orochimaru chuckled self-deprecatingly, then took the scroll and left the office.

Watching Orochimaru's departing figure, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. For this kind of mission, Orochimaru was the best candidate to carry it out; even White Fang was not as suitable as Orochimaru.

Orochimaru, I hope you are safe and sound.