Jonin

The Land of Fire was flat and expansive.

Its soil was fertile, and its resources abundant.

It was said that this vast forest had been created long ago by Hashirama Senju using Wood Release.

Unlike the harsh environments of other nations—wastelands, deserts, towering mountains, or vast seas—the Land of Fire's resource reserves would only grow deeper with time.

Konoha's ability to fight one against four during the Third Great Ninja War was not merely because it had many Kage-level experts, but more because of its superior resource reserves.

When there was no powerhouse capable of sweeping through the ninja world and victory had to be decided through war, the side with more abundant supplies would always win.

War was a battle of logistics.

This was especially true for ninja wars. Ninja tools such as kunai, Shuriken, and Exploding Tags all came at a high cost.

The carriage was pulled by three fine horses, racing swiftly along the main road.

Inside the carriage, Ryōken and Tetsuki sat on opposite sides, and the air fell quiet for a time.

Ryōken had nothing to say. He kept looking at the scenery outside; this was his first time leaving the village.

Tetsuki, meanwhile, felt somewhat awkward. After all, she had used Ryōken as a shield.

Time passed as the carriage sped onward, gradually moving away from Konoha.

The forests thinned out.

Yet the environment was still countless times better than that of the Land of Earth or Wind Country.

Suddenly, a strange glint flashed through Ryōken's eyes.

Before long, the convoy indeed came to a stop. Tetsuki poked her head out and asked quietly.

"Qing Chuan, what happened?"

"It's Konoha ninja. They said they discovered something unusual."

A trace of confusion passed through Qing Chuan's indifferent eyes before he immediately ordered someone to find out what was going on.

"Ah!"

A moment later, a terrified scream suddenly rang out, making Tetsuki freeze.

Ryōken slowly stood up, stretched lazily, and said, "Didn't expect to have work to do before we've even left the Land of Fire."

As he spoke, he gave Tetsuki a meaningful look.

Then he turned and stepped out of the carriage.

Tetsuki followed closely behind.

Not far ahead, Kouichi Uchiha and two others were confronting a scar-faced ninja.

The ninja stood before the three of them, radiating an astonishing killing intent. The three inexperienced brats trembled all over, unable to move.

Kouichi Uchiha's eyes were filled with fear and despair. Is this the aura of a Jonin? Just the aura alone is enough to keep me from moving.

No, I'll die.

The Rain Ninja Jonin coldly glanced at the forehead protectors worn by the three. If I can't kill the White Fang, then I'll kill every Konoha Genin I find.

Ever since escaping from the White Fang that day, he had been wandering around the Land of Fire, hoping to complete Lord Hanzo's mission and bring back Asai Hane.

Unfortunately, Ryōken had remained in Konoha without budging, while the situation in the Land of Rain was on the verge of erupting. He did not have much time left to waste here.

He had not expected to run into a Konoha Genin team just as he was preparing to return to the village today. He might as well kill them to vent his anger. It was better than accomplishing nothing for so long.

"Bullying children has gotten you pretty full of yourself."

Ryōken arrived at the scene at an unhurried yet swift pace, calmly looking at the Rain Ninja Jonin.

His expression was somewhat solemn, but he was not afraid.

Even though his chakra had yet to complete its transformation, a Jonin was still not qualified to make him fearful.

"Hm?"

The Rain Ninja Jonin showed a hint of surprise. He sized Ryōken up, then sneered. Another brat.

Ryōken slowly walked in front of Nawaki Senju and the other two, kicking each of them away with one foot.

Seeing Ryōken's indifferent attitude, the Rain Ninja Jonin's face immediately darkened with anger. With a cold snort, he suddenly raised his long sword and slashed down.

Close combat?

A trace of mockery appeared in Ryōken's eyes. Jonin in this ninja world were strong because of their ninjutsu. In taijutsu and close combat, Ryōken even dared to clash with Kage-level experts.

Without hesitation, he abruptly drew his sword. A hazy blue sword aura flickered over the blade, and a teasing gleam flashed through Ryōken's eyes.

Clang!

Sparks scattered everywhere!

A surging force erupted.

The Rain Ninja Jonin's hand shook violently, and his long sword nearly flew from his grip. He could not help but be startled.

The long sword in his hand suddenly erupted with an astonishing chakra fluctuation, knocking Ryōken's blade aside.

At the same time, he rapidly retreated, shooting far backward. He stared at Ryōken warily and exclaimed in disbelief.

"Chakra Flow? How is that possible?!"

Since obtaining this sword from the village, he had never suffered a loss in close combat. Usually, once his sword passed, his opponent died.

Yet now, he had actually been forced back by a youth.

That almost tangible sharpness reminded him of that nightmare-like scene from the past.

The invincible Hatake Swordmanship.

Ryōken was also somewhat surprised. He carefully examined the long sword in the Rain Ninja Jonin's hand. Its cold gleam remained as sharp as ever; after taking Ryōken's strike head-on, it was still smooth and unmarked.

This was not an ordinary katana, but a ninja sword.

And it was likely no run-of-the-mill ninja sword, or it would not have remained completely unharmed.

A grim, murderous aura spread through the air.

The two stared at one another.

The air seemed to freeze.

At this moment, Nawaki Senju and Kouichi Uchiha recovered one after another from the suppression of that aura. Nawaki Senju hurriedly shouted, "Hey, come back! That guy's a Jonin. Let's take him together."

Kouichi Uchiha paid no attention to that idiot. He looked around, considering which direction would offer the best chance of escape later.

This place was not too far from Konoha. If he ran far enough, he might encounter Konoha patrol ninja. Then he would be saved.

He certainly did not believe that some random warrior guard could stand against a Jonin.

As for his teammates, a bewitching red light flashed through Kouichi Uchiha's eyes. Once they were all dead, naturally no one would know that he had abandoned his companions.

Worry and despair also surfaced in Tetsuki's beautiful eyes. Everyone in this convoy combined probably would not be enough for this Jonin to kill. Now, she could only hope that the youth recommended by Uncle Hatake was strong enough.

Geniuses were all powerful, right?

Tetsuki looked at Ryōken eagerly, thinking uncertainly.

If Hatake Sakumo had heard that, he would likely have felt greatly wronged. He had never imagined that they would encounter a Jonin on this journey. No matter how strong Ryōken was, he could at most threaten a Jonin. To truly fight a Jonin was a near-certain death sentence.

Qing Zang frowned tightly. Rather than feeling happy that Ryōken seemed capable of holding off the Rain Ninja Jonin, his heart turned cold. Ryōken being strong displeased him greatly.

Moreover, he did not even know how strong Ryōken was. He only knew that Ryōken's sword was fast.

Ryōken's mind was free of distractions.

This was his first time facing a true Jonin expert. The previous Asai Hane had made a temporary breakthrough, and even the system had not classified him as a Jonin.

The sword aura grew even brighter.

It danced, just like Ryōken's current emotions.

Excited, yet fearless.

At this moment, Ryōken truly understood.

Battle was the true essence of the strong.

His previous opponents had all been too weak.