Youth Arc: Sortie

"Hidden Mist Jutsu?"

It seemed to be a technique that generated dense fog with chakra to confuse the enemy's vision. Since the fog was created from the caster's chakra, it could disrupt the Sharingan's sight.

The Byakugan, however, seemed unaffected by it. After all, it was an observational ability capable of seeing through obstructions.

"That's right. This Hidden Mist Jutsu has caused us quite a bit of trouble. These days, whenever we head out, at least five of us have to travel together to deal with Hidden Mist's assassination techniques."

Entering the Hidden Mist Jutsu with five people standing back-to-back and protecting one another? A simple but effective tactic.

But precisely because of that formation, Hidden Mist could find opportunities to create a numerical advantage. Besides, the Hyuga and Uchiha clans disdained cooperating with each other.

Aside from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Hidden Mist should have other powerful Jonin as well. 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. It just was nowhere near as severe as it would become later under Obito's control.

If I remembered correctly, the isolationist policy had begun after the Third Mizukage took office. Those with bloodline limits were not treated very kindly.

"Do we have confirmed information on any enemy elite Jonin?"

"I'm sorry. Other than the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and a sensory-type ninja named Ao, we have no information on the rest. It is truly shameful."

That only showed how desperately 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 the people skilled in Wind Release on the eastern front to counter the Hidden Mist Jutsu, then stationed the Uchiha clan at the border to fight the Sand Village, 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 planted both hands on the table, craned his neck forward, and looked at me suspiciously.

"By yourself? That's too dangerous. We still haven't come up with a countermeasure for Hidden Mist's assassination techniques. Please form a team before heading out!"

It was no wonder Shisui was worried about me. Though he was different from ordinary Uchiha, he still had that proud blood in his bones.

He must have thought that if even the Uchiha clan's Sharingan could not deal with the Hidden Mist Jutsu, outsiders naturally would not be able to either.

But... setting aside the fact that people had different instincts for sensing danger, Observation Haki alone was enough for me to withstand every attack.

"Don't worry, Shisui. Since graduation, I've never lost a fight except when sparring with Sakumo-senpai."

Hearing that, Shisui froze slightly before nodding.

"I understand. Then I wish you all the best."

"Don't worry."

After speaking with Fugaku and Hiashi as well, I officially obtained permission to act alone.

Word that Sakumo and I had taken down 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 in a very familiar forest. 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 Dai will come to their rescue by opening the Gate of Death."

[This should be the place, Lord Qingyue. You can make preparations and familiarize yourself with the terrain. The current Lord Qingyue likely does not yet have the strength to face seven Jonin alone.]

Hill was right. I could still fight two Jonin, and I could win against three as long as one of them was not skilled in close combat.

Four would be difficult, let alone seven opponents this time, all wielding ninja blades and specializing in close combat.

This was practically a hell-difficulty game. It could even be called an unfair game.

Even a village Kage might not be guaranteed a victory against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen at once, let alone me as I was now.

I still wanted to keep my Devil Fruit ability hidden for a while longer, and even if I used it, there was no way I could fight seven people alone.

The best outcome would be for me to stall them for as long as possible so the others could retreat, then slip away myself. Or I could tell someone the information in advance and set up a counter-encirclement.

There were too many difficulties with the latter. Whether they believed me was one matter; timing and personnel allocation alone made it nearly impossible.

There was one other way: ask Hill to possess me again and have him unleash a King-tier or Emperor-tier Magic spell to blow up the battlefield.

But that would expose far too much information. By then, I truly would not be able to explain myself.

Just as I was thinking, unnatural white fog suddenly drifted in around me, obstructing my vision while also affecting my other senses.

Hidden Mist Jutsu? I hadn't expected it to come so quickly.

Once I realized 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 attack from an ordinary Kage might not be able to take my life. Of course, if I took a Dust Release hit, I would still be dead as hell.

"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 in the dense fog, no figure could be seen at all.

"At this age, with a ninja blade at your waist, a cloak, a forehead protector tied around your left arm, and that conspicuous blond hair. I see. You're Konoha's recent rising star, the White Fang's last disciple."

So I had already become quite famous in the intelligence networks of other villages. But it was because of Sakumo that I was famous, which was a little irritating.

I was strong too, okay?

"Getting arrogant just because you've achieved something. Killing people like you is the most addictive thing."

"Is that so? Then if I add all of you to my achievements, perhaps my reputation will become even greater."

Even as we spoke, I remained completely focused, searching intently for their figures.

Observation Haki really was useful—the true sixth sense, transcending the five senses.

My Observation Haki should be close to Katakuri's by now. It would be nice if Armament Haki were just as easy.

"Enough nonsense. Die!"

They finally made their move. Four people attacked from different directions, each wielding a kunai or short blade.

The most troublesome thing about Hidden Mist's assassination techniques was being unable to see the enemy. But as long as I could locate them with Observation Haki, it was nothing more than an ordinary charge.

Gripping my blade with both hands, I waited for the right moment and swung my ninja blade like flowing water, easily blocking the four attackers' unguarded charge.

"What?!"

"This guy... can he determine our positions?"

Though all 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.

That was the beauty of Water God Style's defensive counterattacks!

"Did you get it wrong? You're the challengers—the idiots provoking Konoha. Don't even think about leaving here alive!"