“This technique is truly a genius concept!”
Soaring through the air with Ice Release, feeling as free as a bird, Orochimaru couldn’t help but marvel at the sensation.
Touching the white clouds, his eyes constantly scanned the ground below, a flickering mix of hunger and agitation.
Ice Release could be another vessel option.
While Orochimaru was lost in thought, Naoki Kaguya spoke.
“Orochimaru-sama, we’ve arrived.”
Regaining his composure, Orochimaru glanced at Konoha in the distance and chuckled.
“Then goodbye for now, Naoki Kaguya.”
With that, he slowly stepped out of the ice mirror, landing gracefully on the treetops like a boneless snake.
Without a hint of reluctance, he instantly vanished into the forest.
Behind him, Naoki Kaguya emerged from the ice mirror, an uncontrollable smile forming on his lips.
Watching Orochimaru’s figure disappear into Konoha, Naoki’s smile widened.
Only Orochimaru could be deemed a sure victory among the Kage-level figures in Konoha.
Minato Namikaze’s Flying Thunder God Technique made him elusive. Despite his relatively weak close combat, he could quickly teleport Naoki Kaguya to dangerous places.
In his prime, Hiruzen Sarutobi was known as the “Professor” of ninjutsu and was still stronger than Orochimaru. Naoki thought he could defeat him by using the Dance of the Seedling Fern in his domain.
Kushina Uzumaki, in her agitated state, was unmatched and required no further discussion.
Therefore, the best outcome was to keep Orochimaru maintaining Konoha’s defense.
Regardless of any significant changes in Konoha, Kirigakure could seize the opportunity to continue its advancement.
Or, if Konoha gathered forces to counterattack Kirigakure, it would provide Naoki another chance to bolster his reputation and negotiate for peace.
So, Orochimaru, with your personality, you will continue as the commander to maintain your position for future collaboration, right?
You must.
If it were anyone else, I might have to reconsider boosting my reputation again.
After all, you can only guarantee a 100% victory.
“Orochimaru, is this the full report?”
Amidst swirling smoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi put down the hastily written scroll from Orochimaru, suppressing the urge to sigh as he placed it on the table.
“Yes, Third Hokage.”
Orochimaru’s voice was somewhat cold.
Sensing the hidden discontent in his disciple’s tone, Hiruzen cleared his throat and began defending Minato Namikaze.
“Minato indeed seized the opportunity by gathering all the ships in the Land of Water and destroying them in one go.”
“The failure wasn’t his fault.”
“According to the intelligence, Naoki Kaguya used Ice Release to construct a cross-sea bridge, allowing all Kirigakure ninjas to arrive swiftly and trap you there.”
“Besides you, Hizashi Hyuga and Kakashi have all fallen into Kirigakure’s hands.”
Hiruzen’s voice sounded old, the smoke failing to conceal his weary face.
This battle had cost too much. Not only had significant elite forces been lost, but the future of Konoha had also been buried in this battle.
“Truly a terrifying kid,” Koharu Utatane couldn’t help but exclaim. Sitting beside her, Homura Mitokado nodded repeatedly.
A kid who was unknown before the battle had turned Konoha into a laughingstock, destroying a considerable amount of its combat strength.
The way he turned the tide of battle left these Konoha veterans astonished.
Who would have thought he could build such an ice bridge?
After his old friends fell silent, Hiruzen spoke again, his voice aged but still vital, addressing Orochimaru.
“Orochimaru, do you still have the confidence to guard the final line of defense?”
“I will send Kushina to assist you.”
As his words fell, the room suddenly grew silent.
Thump, thump.
In the silence, Orochimaru could hear many hearts start to beat faster.
Kushina Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Orochimaru’s expression turned playful.
Naoki Kaguya, be careful. I might spare you, but the Jinchuriki won’t, especially if the Nine-Tails berserk.
Orochimaru stepped back, hiding all his emotions behind his long hair.
“Sensei, I naturally have confidence.”
Hiruzen nodded, about to dismiss the meeting, when a cold man emitting an aura of menace spoke.
“I have a proposal.”
“With our forces spread thin, we should deploy the Uchiha to the battlefield.”
Hiruzen nodded in agreement without hesitation.
Orochimaru’s mouth curled into a barely noticeable smirk, quickly vanishing.
“It’s also time for some newly graduated Genin to gain some battlefield experience.”
Hiruzen’s eyes suddenly sharpened.
“Absolutely not. They are the future of the village.”
Danzo’s voice grew cold.
“Hiruzen, you are too soft.”
“Without enough forces, how can we fend off Kirigakure’s army?”
“And Suna.”
Hiruzen’s gaze became fierce, an inexplicable ruthlessness within.
“If they want to be our allies, they should contribute their forces.”
“The rest is up to you, Danzo.”
Danzo fell silent, his eyes filled with cold determination.
Sunagakure…
For Konoha’s future, you must deploy troops.
If you don’t, you’ll taste my wrath.
“Enough, this meeting is over.”
With the forces gathered, Hiruzen breathed a sigh of relief, waving his hand as everyone left.
Bang!
The door closed, leaving Hiruzen alone in the office, the room falling silent.
“Someone.”
“Bring Kushina Uzumaki here.”
An ANBU received the order and swiftly left the Hokage office.
Shortly after, a red-haired woman entered, her bold voice respectfully addressing the Hokage seated high above.
“Hokage-sama.”
Hiruzen nodded slightly, showing a loving smile, his voice becoming gentle.
“Kushina.”
“Hold on to the kunai Minato gave you.”
“If the battle takes an unpredictable turn, avoid using the Nine-Tails’ power. Let Minato deal with Naoki Kaguya.”
Kushina nodded, gripping the Flying Thunder God kunai, a fire burning in her eyes.
“Naoki-sama.”
“Hmm.”
“What about Kakashi?”
“Take me to see him.”
“Yes, sir.”
The Kirigakure ninja opened the prison door, still showing hunger in his eyes.
Click.
A sliver of light shone in.
Kakashi sat silently in the straw, only standing up trembling when he saw a familiar figure.
“Rin.”
“Go have a talk.”
Naoki Kaguya spoke to the woman in tears behind him.
“I will go check on Hizashi Hyuga.”
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