Chapter 508: Soul-Scorching Flames
Kamizuru Tsuruhime and Fujii Kaoru suddenly came to Ishiro with a training problem.
He was curious. Normally, even if they had a problem, they wouldn't be in such a hurry to find him, as he would be fulfilling his teaching duties in a few days anyway. For them to come directly to the Tsuchikage Tower meant one of two things: the problem was either urgent or severe.
"Teacher Ishiro," Tsuruhime began, "I had an idea today to use Kaoru's flames to cultivate my bees. Her flames are weaker than normal, they can't even light dry grass, so they're much safer. I thought I could use them to train my bees' fire resistance."
Ishiro's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea. If you succeed, your bees will have their first powerful ability."
But Tsuruhime's face was mournful. "But it failed. Even though Kaoru's flames aren't hot, they killed the bees very quickly."
Ishiro was stunned. "How is that possible?"
He had tested it. Fujii Kaoru's flames weren't even as hot as boiling water, meaning they were less than 100 degrees Celsius. When she attacked someone, they just felt a stinging heat, but were not seriously injured. Such a flame shouldn't be able to kill bees so quickly.
Fujii Kaoru shot a glance at Tsuruhime, then said with a grin, "I don't know why either, Teacher Ishiro. Tsuruhime's bees died in droves without even being burned."
Ishiro thought for a moment. "Try it again. I'll watch."
"Okay," they said in unison.
Tsuruhime released a few dozen bees, which hovered in the air. Ishiro glanced at them and nodded. They're even smaller. It seems she's been working on that.
Then, Fujii Kaoru's hands flew through seals as she cast the Great Fireball Technique.
Seeing her speed and the number of seals, Ishiro sighed. Her progress was obvious. If there wasn't a problem with her flames, her performance was already on par with many fire-style chunin.
Unfortunately, he still hadn't figured out what was wrong with them.
He refocused his attention on the bees, maximizing his Mind's Eye perception.
The next moment, the flame touched the bees. Before the eyes of the three, the bees suddenly struggled violently for a few seconds, then all fell to the ground, dead.
Ishiro was stunned. He hadn't seen the problem. But the scene was so familiar.
He thought for a moment and then remembered: the Ghost Fire!
He had once experimented with it. He remembered that when it devoured the souls of small animals, their deaths looked just like this.
Could it be? Do Fujii Kaoru's flames attack the soul? he thought, his heart pounding with excitement.
This discovery was too unexpected.
Under the expectant gazes of the two girls, he thought for a moment. "Come. I'll take you to do an experiment."
He took them to the laboratory of Katsumata and Natsuki.
Considering the danger of the Ghost Fire and the sealed object in the shrine, this lab was a separate building with no other structures nearby, guarded by several Anbu squads.
They entered. In the hall, he first saw Natsuki lying on a sofa in the corner, reading a book. He glanced at it and saw it was the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques. It seems this girl has really been working harder than before.
Seeing him, she didn't get up, just gave a simple greeting. "Brother, what are you doing here?"
"I have something for you two. Where's Katsumata?"
"He's inside, experimenting," she said.
Ishiro nodded. He had Kaoru and Tsuruhime wait in the hall while he went to find him.
His goals for the two were slightly different. For Natsuki, considering her talent, he hoped she would eventually become a combat ninja specializing in Yin Release. For Katsumata, he hoped he would become a research ninja, a theorist who could research how to cultivate Yin Release for the village. Of course, soul sealing was also one of his research directions.
He walked into the experimental area and found Katsumata in the shrine, repairing the seal on the stone statue. This was a method he had come up with to test the effectiveness of soul seals. If the strange sensations in the shrine lessened after he filled in the gaps in the statue, it meant the seal was effective.
Ishiro called Katsumata and the three in the hall to the lab where the Ghost Fire was studied.
Then, he took out the Ghost Fire and had Fujii Kaoru cast her fire jutsu on it.
As expected, when hit by her flames, the Ghost Fire immediately began to flee as if strongly stimulated.
He then cast a fire jutsu of his own. When his flames hit it, it also dodged, but its reaction was far less intense.
"Just as I thought. Kaoru, your flames don't attack the body, but the soul," Ishiro concluded.
"The soul?" Fujii Kaoru was confused. This was clearly beyond her knowledge.
"You don't understand? Simple. Have your Senior Katsumata and Sister Natsuki teach you." He turned to them. "Katsumata, Natsuki, I'll leave this little junior sister to you."
With that, he and Tsuruhime prepared to leave, leaving a bewildered Kaoru behind.
Natsuki immediately protested loudly. "Brother, how could you do this? We still have a lot of research to do! How can you be so lazy as to push off teaching your own disciple onto us?"
Ishiro waved his hand. "This is the duty of a younger sister. If you don't believe me, go and ask around. Which younger sister doesn't go through this?"
Natsuki shouted, "Nonsense! I've never heard of anyone dumping their disciple on their sister!"
"Remember your Sister Megumi?" Ishiro said. "Didn't she dump you on her younger sister to take care of when you first came? Today, it's your turn to take care of someone else."
Natsuki was stunned. She remembered that when she had first arrived, Megumi's younger sister had indeed taken care of her. She was speechless.
Seeing her at a loss, Ishiro laughed. "Take good care of Kaoru. Help her understand the nature of her flames, and then teach her some basic knowledge of Yin Release. Maybe she can even help you with your research in the future."
With that, he vigorously ruffled her hair and strode away, leaving her shouting and cursing her unreliable older brother.
The sudden progress with Fujii Kaoru put Ishiro in a great mood. After sending Tsuruhime back to the village, he also began to train.
Since Kaoru was now studying Yin Release, Squad 7 couldn't take on any missions. He decided to go into closed-door training.
He hadn't practiced Light Release since his discussion with Ōnoki. His use of it like a conventional ninjutsu in Konoha had been surprisingly effective, which had increased its importance in his eyes.
With Ishiro in seclusion, the shinobi world was temporarily quiet.
Everyone needed time to process the recent events.
For example, in Kirigakure, they had been in meetings ever since the night of the Uchiha's extermination. But since they hadn't been involved at all, they had been unable to get a clear picture of the situation in Konoha.
This was yet another meeting.
Kisame first had an intelligence ninja brief everyone. "Synthesizing all the intelligence, we can now finally confirm that there were two battlefields on that night. The first was inside Konoha, and the result was the annihilation of the Uchiha clan. The second battle was in the latter half of the night and the next morning, and the result was that Sunagakure was directly conquered by Iwagakure."
"It is confirmed that besides a few who have escaped to Iwagakure, the only Uchiha left in Konoha are the two brothers, Itachi and Sasuke."
"In addition, Fugaku Uchiha is likely dead, but the whereabouts of Shisui Uchiha and the other Mangekyo user, Izumi Uchiha, are unknown. We have inquired with Iwagakure, but their attitude is a bit ambiguous. Although they haven't refused, they haven't immediately given us the information we want."
"The next day, Itachi Uchiha was put forward by Konoha as the scapegoat and is now listed as an S-rank missing-nin."
"The situation in Suna is clearer. The several thousand-strong army that fought Iwa was completely wiped out, and Ryosuke was also killed. The Third Kazekage puppet, which could control metal, should have fallen into Iwa's hands. However, it seems the One-Tails Jinchuriki is still with Suna."
"In addition, there is intelligence that during this attack, Iwagakure produced another Kage-level fighter: Shinya Matsutani, also a disciple of the Tsuchikage. He used senjutsu in that battle. It is said that on that night, both the Kazekage and the Raikage were in Konoha. The Tsuchikage took advantage of their absence and Konoha's inability to act to launch a surprise attack on Sunagakure. This is everything that happened on that night. This intelligence has basically been confirmed."
He paused, then continued, "The chaos in Konoha has not stopped since. There is intelligence that Iwagakure has been supporting Danzō. Danzō's rise to power was inseparable from Iwa's cooperation. The direct cause of Tsunade's abdication was Kakashi Hatake killing a squad of Anbu. The true story of this incident is still unclear; not many people in Konoha know the details. But it's not important now. With Tsunade stepping down and Danzō taking power, Kakashi has been cleared of all charges. One more piece of confirmed intelligence: Tsunade left Konoha immediately after resigning. That is the summary of the recent major events in the shinobi world."
Kisame waved his hand. "You may go."
After the ninja left, he looked at the high command. "The chaos of these past few days has finally been clarified. Now, let's analyze the intelligence."
Mei Terumī said, "First, let's analyze the change in the number of Kage in each village. Iwagakure has gained one Shinya Matsutani, plus that Mangekyo user Uchiha Sōkai, reaching a terrifying nine. This number is frightening. Since the founding of the villages, no village has ever reached this number. In some eras, the entire shinobi world didn't even have that many. Then there's Suna. Ryosuke is most likely dead, leaving only Rasa. At a time when the number of Kage is suddenly increasing, Rasa can only turtle up. Next is Konoha. The confirmed Kage are the Sixth Hokage Danzō, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Kakashi Hatake. But considering the missing Shisui and the scapegoat Itachi, there are five in total. The Uchiha are likely still loyal to Konoha. On the other hand, the Fifth Hokage Tsunade, I don't think she needs to be counted anymore. After this, with her proud personality, she probably won't fight for Konoha again. Finally, Kumo and the Akatsuki have not changed."
Everyone nodded. Kisame said, "I agree with this analysis."
Mei continued, "Next is the overall strength besides the Kage. We don't have the specific numbers for Iwa's losses in the attack on Sunagakure, but at most it's only a thousand. Their losses are not great. They have been expanding their army for years, and their numbers will only continue to grow. They have many small and medium-sized countries supporting them, so they can afford it. In contrast, Suna has lost its main force. It will be impossible for them to recover in the next few years. We can disregard them in the struggle for hegemony. Then there's Konoha. Their losses from this internal strife are definitely not small. Not only was the entire Uchiha clan wiped out, but the casualties among the ninja who participated in the encirclement would not be small either. Although we don't have the numbers, it's certain that Konoha's strength has been greatly damaged. Otherwise, they wouldn't have signed that reparations treaty with Iwa for no reason."
"Based on this data, Iwa can now completely disregard us. As long as the Akatsuki is on their side, the two of them can completely suppress the four of us. Fortunately, the Akatsuki's demands have always been strange; they have little interest in participating in wars. If Iwa really went to war with us, they wouldn't necessarily participate. So, let's not consider the Akatsuki for now. And in the current situation, Rasa is like a frightened bird. He will definitely choose to focus on development. So let's not consider Suna either. That leaves Iwagakure with the ability to fight one against three. Even if we ally with Konoha and Kumo, we can no longer completely suppress them."
Kisame and the others nodded. "Alright, Mei has analyzed it very thoroughly. Next, let's discuss the issue of taking sides. Iwagakure's conquest of Sunagakure has already shown their ambition to unify the world, and they have begun to act on it. Should we continue to follow them?"
Everyone was silent for a moment, then Mangetsu Hōzuki said, "I think we should change our stance. It's still not too late to start suppressing Iwagakure's development. With the momentum they're showing, in a few more years, they really could destroy the three of us by themselves. By then, even if we change our stance, it will be too late."
Mei also nodded in agreement.
Ning Mizunashi was more thoughtful. "If we choose to suppress them, by what means?"
Mei and Mangetsu didn't understand his meaning and looked at him with confusion.
At this moment, Elder Genshi spoke. "Ning is right. When we formulate a strategic policy, we must have a clear direction. The Tsuchikage is very good at this. Before, Iwa was constantly suppressing Suna. Before this battle, the entire village of Suna, even including their retired ninja, could only muster so few troops. Why? Because every blow from Iwa hit Suna where it hurt the most. What is Suna's greatest weakness? Funds. They are famously poor. All of the Tsuchikage's moves were aimed at this. He even won over the Land of Wind's Daimyo and had him cut Suna's military funding. After such a precise suppression, Suna declined and was defeated by Iwa in a single blow."
"If we are to join Konoha and Kumo to suppress Konoha, what specific methods will we use? Do we go directly to war, as we have against Konoha for the past few decades? Or economic sanctions, like Iwa against Suna? Or does anyone have another idea?"
Mei and Mangetsu thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a feasible method. An immediate war was basically impossible. Iwa had dared to repeatedly cause trouble because they had suffered light losses in the last war and their strength was intact. But of the other villages, only Kumo was in slightly better shape. A war definitely couldn't be fought.
Economic sanctions were even more out of the question. Iwagakure now controlled the trade of half the shinobi world. Who could suppress whom?
After a long silence, Mei asked unwillingly, "Then what do we do? Do we just watch Iwagakure get stronger and stronger? Watch them destroy Suna today, Kumo tomorrow, and Konoha the day after? And then we'll be next?"
Ning was also at a loss for words. He looked at the Elder, hoping he would have a good idea.
But before he could speak, Mangetsu spoke first. "Has everyone analyzed the age composition of Iwagakure's Kage-level fighters? Ōnoki is from the older generation. The Tsuchikage, Ikura, and Kitsuchi are the middle generation. Kawakita, Shinya, and Sōkai are the next generation. Han and Rōshi are Jinchuriki and don't count. The number of Kage in Iwagakure is increasing with each generation. I'm wondering, in a few more years, will the next generation have even more? If we simply choose to suppress them, rather than weaken them through force, the rate at which their Kage increase might be faster than our four villages combined."
Ning was shocked. He hadn't thought of that. He paused, then said, "Among the younger generation of our village, are there any worth cultivating?"
Mangetsu's face was ugly. "My younger brother Suigetsu's talent is very good, but he was taken by that Uchiha and not rescued last time."
Kisame said, "There is one named Zabuza Momochi. His strength is good. I plan to give him a sword. If he is cultivated well, he has a chance of reaching the Kage level. There is another named Ringo Ameyuri. Her talent is also good, and she is very skilled with Lightning Release. But to reach the Kage level, unless she has a miraculous encounter, I don't think the chances are high. There is also one named Chōjūrō. His talent is good, but he is still young."
Everyone was silent. Kirigakure's foundation was originally very deep, but it had all been squandered by Obito. Otherwise, with the Fourth Mizukage Yagura still around, the Kaguya clan still around, and both Tailed Beasts still here, their strength would not be that much weaker than Iwagakure's.
Elder Genshi asked, "How is the recovery of the Three-Tails and Six-Tails progressing?"
Kisame said, "We haven't found the exact location of the Six-Tails yet, but we're close. But we have no leads on the Three-Tails at all."
Mei immediately asked, "You've found the Six-Tails? Where?"
"Not confirmed yet, but we know it has appeared in several places. The Anbu are still investigating. The Three-Tails may have revived in the water. I have not yet received any reports of its whereabouts."
The Elder sighed. "The Three-Tails is too lazy. If it stays in one body of water, it will be very difficult to find. How about this? After we recover the Six-Tails, let's mobilize the entire village and search every large lake and all the waters around every island in the Land of Water."
Ning was shocked. "Mobilize the entire village? Won't that cause too much of a stir? The cost will also be too high."
"The shinobi world is changing too quickly. We can't afford to wait," the Elder said helplessly. "We don't have many talented young ninja to cultivate. We can only rely on the Tailed Beasts. After we recover the Six-Tails, Ning, you will become its Jinchuriki. The village is in urgent need of top-tier combat power; we don't have time to raise a Jinchuriki from a young age."
Ning nodded. He had intended to become a Jinchuriki even before they had dealt with Yagura.
"The same goes for the Three-Tails," the Elder continued. "Find a suitable elite jonin to become its Jinchuriki."
Kisame nodded. "I will arrange it."
He looked at the others. "I have heard everyone's discussion. Both sides have their pros and cons. I have decided to continue to stand with Iwagakure. Even if we are to change our stance, it will have to be after we have recovered the two Tailed Beasts. If we change our stance now, we will have no way back. Iwagakure and the Tsuchikage will not accept us again. But if we don't change our stance now, we can always adjust our strategy later. Konoha and Kumo are always waiting for us to switch sides. And before we recover the Tailed Beasts, our strength is inferior to theirs. Even if we ally, we will just be the junior partner. But if we ally with them after recovering the two Tailed Beasts, then we will be the leader and will have more say."
Elder Genshi and the others thought for a moment and agreed with his decision.
Then Kisame said, "Iwagakure's attitude toward us is now very subtle. They didn't give us a share of the spoils this time. They must be waiting for our decision. Since we have decided to continue to stand with them, we must show some sincerity. Does anyone have any good suggestions?"
Mei frowned. "Iwagakure violated the alliance treaty, going to war with one of the Six Great Villages without the consent of its allies. They should be the ones to give us an explanation. Why should we be the ones to make concessions? The Tsuchikage is too overbearing."
But Mangetsu retorted, "The relationship between nations and villages is not bound by treaties. It relies only on strength."
Mei snorted but agreed with him and did not argue.
Mangetsu continued, "Whether we make concessions in benefits or strengthen the treaty, it's all useless. I have a special idea. Didn't the Tsuchikage split up the Land of Wind? The entire country is still under the rule of one Daimyo, but its military territory is managed by Suna, Iwa, and the Akatsuki in different regions. We can follow this model and govern the Land of Hot Water in separate regions with Iwagakure."
Ning had a flash of insight. "Mangetsu, you mean, change the current chaotic situation of three parties intermingling, and directly divide the territory, each managing its own, each demanding military funds from the Daimyo, without interfering with each other?"
Kisame said, "This is a good method. Since Iwa is promoting this model in the Land of Wind, they must like it. If we propose to jointly manage the Land of Hot Water, they will definitely agree. At the same time, they will also understand that we have not changed our stance. Most importantly, this will not harm our interests, and can also improve the situation of our garrison there. It's killing several birds with one stone."
Elder Genshi thought for a moment, also felt it was a good idea, and nodded in agreement.
And so, Kisame dispatched a sizable negotiating team to Iwagakure, ostensibly to discuss the joint management of the Land of Hot Water, but secretly to show their stance.
♧♧♧
-> SUPPORT ME WITH POWER STONE
-> FOR EVERY 200 PS = BOUNS CHAPTER
♧♧♧
-> 35 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.patreon.com/c/Segais
(Just remove the hyphen to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you