"Hidden Mist Technique?"
This seemed to be a technique that used chakra to create a dense fog and confuse the enemy's vision. Since the fog was generated from the caster's chakra, it could disrupt the Sharingan's sight.
The Byakugan seemed unaffected, after all—it was an observation ability that could see through obstructions.
"That's right. This Hidden Mist Technique has caused us quite a bit of trouble. These days, at least five people have to travel together to deal with Hidden Mist's assassination techniques."
Five people entering the Hidden Mist Technique and standing back-to-back to protect one another? A simple but useful tactic.
But that very formation gave Hidden Mist opportunities to exploit a numerical advantage. Besides, the Hyuga and Uchiha clans disdained working together.
Aside from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Hidden Mist should have other powerful Jonin. Their assassination techniques were famous throughout the Shinobi World.
Now that the Fourth Mizukage had taken office, the Bloody Mist Village should have already begun, though it was nowhere near as severe as when Obito controlled it later.
If I remembered correctly, the isolationist policy had started after the Third Mizukage took office. They were not particularly friendly toward those with Bloodline Limits.
"Do we have any clear information on the enemy's Elite Jonin?"
"I'm sorry. Other than the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and a sensory-type ninja named Ao, we have no information on anyone else. It is truly shameful."
That only showed how badly this eastern front needed reinforcements. That old Third Hokage had actually sent the Uchiha, battle maniacs skilled in Fire Release and the Sharingan, here.
If he had gathered those skilled in Wind Release on the eastern front to counter the Hidden Mist Technique, then deployed the Uchiha clan at the border against Sunagakure, the war would have gone much more smoothly.
"It's fine. So all I need to do is observe the Hidden Mist ninja while staying alert for their attacks, right?"
"That's right."
"Then give me some supplies, like Explosive Tags. I'll go take a look around by myself."
Bang—
Suddenly, Shisui braced both hands against the table, craned his neck forward, and looked at me suspiciously.
"By yourself? That's too dangerous. We still haven't found a countermeasure against Hidden Mist's assassination techniques. Please form a team before heading out!"
No wonder Shisui was worried about me. Although he was different from ordinary Uchiha, he still had that proud blood in his bones.
He was probably thinking that if even the Uchiha clan's Sharingan could not deal with the Hidden Mist Technique, then outsiders naturally could not handle it either.
But... leaving aside the differences in people's instinctive perception of danger, Observation Haki alone was enough for me to withstand all their attacks.
"Don't worry, Shisui. Since graduating, I've never lost except when sparring with Senior Sakumo."
Hearing that, Shisui was briefly stunned before nodding.
"I understand. Then I wish you the best of luck."
"Don't worry."
After visiting Fugaku and Hiashi as well, I officially obtained permission to act alone.
The news of Sakumo and me defeating Rasa had already reached this front. Having received the information, the two clan heads naturally trusted me and did not stop me.
I left the camp and wandered around. Before I knew it, I had arrived at a very familiar forest, where several conspicuous reefs were especially eye-catching.
"If I'm not mistaken, this should be where the Seven Ninja Swordsmen became the Auspicious Trio. If what I've done hasn't changed the history of the eastern front, then Guy and the others will encounter the Seven Ninja Swordsmen here, and Might Duy will come to their rescue by opening the Gate of Death."
This should be the place, Lord Qingyue. You can make some preparations and familiarize yourself with the terrain. The current Lord Qingyue probably does not yet have the strength to face seven Jonin alone.
Hill was right. Against two Jonin, I still had a chance of winning. Against three, I could still win as long as one of them was not skilled in close combat.
With four, it would be difficult. Not to mention that this time, I would be facing seven people, all wielding ninja swords and skilled in close combat.
This was practically a hell-difficulty game. It could even be called an unfair game.
Even a Kage might not be guaranteed victory against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen at once, much less me as I was now.
I still wanted to keep the Devil Fruit's abilities hidden for a while, and even if I used them, I had no way of fighting seven people alone.
The best outcome would be to stall them as long as possible so Guy and the others could retreat, then slip away myself. Or I could tell others the information in advance and set up a counter-encirclement.
There were too many difficulties with the latter. Whether they would believe me was one thing; timing and personnel deployment alone made it practically impossible.
There was one more option: ask Hill to possess me again and have him blast the area with a King-tier or Emperor-tier Magic spell.
But that would expose far too much information. At that point, I really would not be able to explain myself.
Just as I was thinking, unnatural white mist suddenly drifted in around me, disrupting my vision and affecting my other senses as well.
The Hidden Mist Technique? I hadn't expected it to come so quickly.
After realizing I had been surrounded by Hidden Mist ninja, I immediately used chakra to raise my Dragon Saint Battle Aura to the highest intensity I could currently achieve.
With my current Dragon Saint Battle Aura, even a full-force strike from an ordinary Kage might not be able to take my life. Of course, if I took a Dust Release hit, I would still die.
"A Konoha ninja? You dared to come out alone. You really don't think much of us, do you?"
A voice came from somewhere, but within the thick fog, no figure could be seen at all.
"At this age, carrying a ninja sword at your waist, wearing a cloak, with your forehead protector tied around your left arm, and that conspicuous blond hair. I see. You're Konoha's recent rising star, White Fang's last disciple."
So I was already quite famous in the intelligence networks of other villages too. But the reason I was famous was Sakumo, which was a little irritating.
I was strong too, okay?
"Getting arrogant just because you achieved something. Killing people like you is the most addictive."
"Is that so? If I add you to my achievements too, perhaps my reputation will become even greater."
Even as we spoke, I remained completely focused, searching intently for their positions.
Observation Haki really was useful—a true sixth sense that surpassed the five senses.
My Observation Haki should be close to Katakuri's by now. If only Armament Haki were just as easy.
"Enough nonsense. Die!"
They finally attacked. Four people rushed in from different directions, each wielding either a kunai or a short blade.
The most troublesome part of Hidden Mist's assassination techniques was being unable to see the enemy. But as long as Observation Haki found them, it was nothing more than an ordinary charge.
I gripped my sword with both hands, judged the timing, and swung the ninja sword like flowing water, easily blocking the four unguarded charges.
"What?!"
"This guy... can he determine our positions?"
Although the four had attacked simultaneously, some of them had deliberately slowed down to ensure they could kill me.
Four invisible figures attacked my vital points at completely different speeds. Ordinary ninja truly would have had no way to deal with that.
After blocking their attacks, I adjusted my blade's path and instantly unleashed a double slash, successfully killing two of them.
This was the charm of Water God Style's defensive counterattacks!
"Have you got it backward? You're the challengers—the idiots who provoked Konoha. Don't even think about leaving alive!"
Before you continue