Chapter 811: Pirate Hokage!
World, Red Line.
The RL1557 Area is where the No.0002 Star Gate is located.
Since the World Government designated the Demon Slayer World as a 'Limited Open World', many non-official and Military vehicles and Personnel have started appearing here.
Every day, various vehicles carrying people or goods queue up to enter and exit the 'Shrinking Tunnel'.
They all belong to the Royal Merchant Fleets of the various Affiliated Countries, many of which have hired 'Top 100 Contestants' as Guards.
Although there isn't much danger in the Demon Slayer World itself, they must maintain a sufficient presence in front of those Otherworlders.
This is the pride of being Sea Star People.
Of course.
There are also Merchant Caravans formed by various countries from the Demon Slayer World, but they all operate together under the 'League of Nations' and are then picked up by People sent by the Ubuyashiki Family.
It's worth mentioning.
Currently, both the Chairman of the 'Demon Slayer International Alliance' and the Family Head of the Ubuyashiki Family are Muzan Kibutsuji.
He also partnered with the commercial company formed by Morgan William and his group from the East Blue, primarily using former Members of the 'Demon Slayer Corps', becoming a Big Shot active between the Demon Slayer World and the World.
His Influence/Power has already attracted the Attention of many Affiliated Countries.
Especially his Identity as the Chairman of the 'Demon Slayer International Alliance', which keeps him busy promoting his Plan to obtain a World Conference Seat.
In Muzan Kibutsuji's view, this is very Hope.
After all, both Breathing Styles and Nichirin Blades have now become indispensable Resources within the World Government, not to mention his own inherent Value.
Returning to the Star Gate side.
The entrance to the 'Shrinking Tunnel', which was originally supposed to allow Freedom of entry and exit, was currently guarded by a large Quantity of Army Soldiers, who ordered everyone to wait patiently on both sides of the Paths.
No one raised any objections to this Situation.
After all, it was clear at a glance that a World Government Team was heading to the Demon Slayer World, so they had to be given priority passage at such a Time.
So everyone just craned their necks, looking curiously into the distance, while simultaneously discussing their own Speculations.
The biggest possibility was a Military Troops.
After all, it was already nearing February, and this year's New Star Gate hadn't opened yet, so it was highly likely the World Government was preparing for the Conquest of a new Otherworld.
Although the official side had never announced the opening Time of the New Star Gate, everyone wasn't stupid; they could guess the approximate Time based on various pieces of Intelligence and Details.
It was just a bit late this year; in the past, the war always started in January.
[Swish swish swish swish...]
Not long after, everyone saw streaks of Black Afterimages approaching rapidly from a distance, accompanied by Whistling Sounds. Their Quantity was hard to calculate, but definitely over a hundred.
Above their heads, a mass of 'Dark Clouds' closely followed.
"Are those Crows?"
Those with good eyesight quickly recognized the Truth of the 'Dark Clouds'; they were actually formed by countless pitch-black Crows gathered together, and the Black Shadows darting below were their Masters.
The Ninja Unit of the Sea Ninja Village!
Each of these Ninjas wore a Black Battle Suit, with white Masks on their faces. Some of those in the front row also wore a black Alias over their upper bodies.
They wore Headbands on their foreheads imprinted with the Five-Circle Cross. On their backs, they either carried a Long Saber or a Long Bow, and small pouches containing Pills or Kunai were attached to their legs.
"So these are Ninjas, huh? They certainly have quite the Aura, but why does their running movement look so strange?"
A strong man who had ranked fifty-third in the previous 'Top 100 Combat Power Competition' said with his arms crossed, laughing as he watched the Ninjas flash past him and disappear into the tunnel.
"Indeed, swinging their arms backward while leaning their upper bodies forward... does doing that really make them run faster?"
Another young man who had ranked seventy-third asked with some Doubt, immediately answering himself, "Their Speed is quite fast."
He then began to Thought, wondering if he should also try imitating that movement.
After all the Ninjas had smoothly run into the 'Shrinking Tunnel', everyone waited for about ten more minutes before seeing the Army Soldiers leave under the leadership of a Major.
However, the discussion about the Ninjas didn't decrease but rather increased; everyone seemed full of interest in Ninjas.
One more thing.
Why would the World Government Mobilize so many Ninjas? Someone observant had roughly counted just now, and there were nearly two hundred Ninjas!
Imperial Arms World.
Inside Noah's Ark, Im was looking at the Academy of Science's Research Report on Wind Stone. He merely glanced over the overly Professional Data and explanations, his main focus being on the Result.
That is, was this Wind Stone useful to the World Government?
"So that's it. Wind Stone needs to be activated with Mental Power..."
According to the Content in the Report, Wind Stone, this Minerals containing Wind Attribute Magic Power, indeed possessed enormous Value.
Over in the Zero Magic World, both the Hanlin Academy Council of the Tristain Kingdom and the Nevarthes Elf Kingdom possessed the Technology to combine Wind Stone with Machinery.
For example, Wind Stone Elevators, Wind Stone Gates, and Wind Stone Airships.
Even the 'Hurricane Gun', which was still in the Experiment stage and used Wind Stone as Energy, was a Firearms that could shoot out a Whirlwind from its Muzzle.
However, these items were limited to use only by Mages, because only they could Mobilize their own Mental Power.
In other words.
In the Zero Magic World, a Civilian couldn't even make an elevator move...
That somewhat weakened the Utilization Value of Wind Stone. After all, even here on the World, not everyone knows Haki.
That's right.
According to the Academy of Science's Experiment, whether using Observation Haki to scan over the Wind Stone or Armament Haki to touch it, it could be activated.
This wasn't strange, as Haki itself originated from Willpower, and its external manifestation was Mental Power.
"In that case, this Wind Stone will be difficult to use on a large Scale among the Civilian..."
Im was deep in Thought.
From the World Government's perspective, this seemed like a good thing, but from the perspective of a Civilization, it was more harm than good.
He had originally Thought of using these Wind Stones to make the Style of the World's Cities full of a sci-fi feel – the kind of Screen Feed with flying cars everywhere, where even Houses floated in the air, shimmering with green light.
Before that, however, it would be better to equip every Airship with it first, to quickly free the Air Force from their Reliance on the Float-Float Fruit Ability.
Thinking this, Im placed the Report on the corner of the table.
There were actually many other things worth paying Attention to in the Zero Magic World, but since he had already made the Decision to open the sixth Star Gate the day after tomorrow, he could only put them aside for now.
Furthermore, with Kizaru stationed there, whether it was the rebirth of the 'Magic Progenitor' Brimir or the opening of Space Gates by other Otherworlds for invasion, he believed they could handle it.
The only Worry was that so-called God of the Void.
If Brimir could instantly destroy a Mountain Range with the Void Secret Technique, one could imagine how Strong the God of the Void who granted him this Strength was.
Only with Kizaru's Speed was there a possibility of surviving and escaping back if he encountered them.
"Ah, let's first focus our Attention on the Ninja World. The mysterious God of the Void might be Strong, but the Otsutsuki Clan is not easy to deal with either..."
Im leaned his back against the wide chair, his faint gaze looking at the Power Ceiling of the Study Room.
"Pirate and Hokage, are they finally going to face off?"
How many flame wars this topic had caused in his Previous Life! Now, it was about to be presented before him, and he might even need to personally participate.
"So, who will be my Opponent?"
The first stage of the Ninja World Arc's Content has come to an end. Next... the Ninja World Arc.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 812: Rōran's Calamity!
The sound of the wind, like something whimpering, always entered the spacious stone hall through the windows.
A beautiful woman with long dark red hair used her clear reddish-brown eyes to look at the Scenery outside the window, but could only see a vast yellow World.
Outside, a Sandstorm was blowing. This was not strange, as this City was originally located in the Desert. It's just that the Scale of this Sandstorm was unexpectedly large.
Perhaps because of this, this gentle woman, dressed in a classical purple dress with skin like Jewel, had unconcealable worry in her Gaze, or perhaps she was troubled by other reasons?
Just as she gently stroked the Ruby on her neck and was somewhat lost in Memory, the Main Gate behind her suddenly opened.
Immediately, a hurried-looking, short, stout man walked in.
"Her Majesty the Queen, the people who went out for Detection have returned, but only two people came back."
The man knelt on the ground, and looking sadly at the Queen's Back View, said.
"How could this be..."
The Queen suddenly turned around and hurriedly asked, "Who all came back?"
"Buen and Tashi."
"What? Then Mr. Hara is... Does Sister Mako know?"
The Queen's face was filled with worry and regret, because Mr. Hara was Sister Mako's husband.
"She should know by now." The short, stout man sighed, and then said again, "Her Majesty the Queen, but I think you should pay more attention to the Situation outside."
"You can get up first, Salai."
Queen Sara heard this, her Gaze immediately became serious. "What is the Situation in Sunagakure? Did they block the invasion from Cloud Hidden Village?"
"You guessed correctly!"
Speaking of this, the short, stout Salai straightened up, grinned with Excitement, revealing his characteristic single upper front tooth.
"According to the Intelligence gathered by Buen and the others, on Sunagakure's side, although due to the disappearance of the Third Fukurokuju, they were initially beaten back step by step by the Cloud Hidden Troops led by the Third Raikage."
"But when they went deep into the Desert, they were harassed by Sunagakure's various Traps, Assassination, and Poison Gas, and were finally repelled by a Sunagakure Jonin named Rasa, who used powerful Magnet Release to control Gold Dust like Sea Waves!"
"That's great!"
After listening, Queen Sara immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and sat back on her Throne somewhat tiredly.
At the same time, using her soft, fair fingers, she massaged her temples.
"Sunagakure blocked Cloud Hidden Village, so the Land of Wind will be fine, and we Rōran can also continue to live peacefully."
"Um... Her Majesty the Queen, if something really happens, we can ask Konohagakure in the Land of Fire for help."
Salai spread his hands and said to her, "Didn't the Ninja from Konohagakure two years ago help us defeat the detestable Minister Anrokuzan?"
"This... I'm sorry, I really can't remember."
Sara stopped her hand movements and shook her head somewhat uncomfortably.
She could remember a part about Minister Anrokuzan, after all, he was someone who existed when her Mother was still alive. But what everyone often mentioned before, about Minister Anrokuzan imprisoning Citizens, manufacturing War Puppets for him, and finally being defeated by Konoha Ninja, etc., she really couldn't remember.
But the collapsed Spire outside, the destroyed Paths, and that Short Sword with the Konohagakure symbol on it were truly real.
Sara's Gaze subconsciously looked towards the Chakra Blade hanging on the wall.
What exactly happened back then?
Why every time she saw it, her Heart would always feel Sorrow.
This was to blame Minato Namikaze for only Sealing the Memories of a few of them at that time, but neglecting the Citizens of Roran...
So Sara sometimes would even have the thought of personally going to Konohagakure to find someone. Unfortunately, too many places in Rōran were destroyed before, she and the Citizens worked hard together to rebuild for nearly two years, and only managed to tidy up a part with great difficulty.
Yes, only a part.
Even now, Inside Lou Lan City, many collapsed Spires can still be seen.
A dilapidated appearance like it had just gone through War.
The main reason was because these tall Spires were all built when Minister Anrokuzan was present, using the Energy of the Dragon Veins and a large number of Puppetry to Construct them.
And now the Dragon Veins have been Sealed again, and Minister Anrokuzan is dead.
Those Puppetry that lost their Kinetic Energy, because no one could use them, and their Materials were valuable, were all thrown into the Warehouse for storage.
As a result, relying solely on Manpower and basic Equipment, it was simply impossible to deal with all the Building Debris.
So Sara a few days ago thought of a Method.
Which was to Employ the Ninja from Sunagakure to come and help.
As for the Reward, although Rōran was not very rich, the Puppetry in those Warehouses could probably be used as payment.
After all, Sunagakure's demand for Puppetry could be said to be the greatest among the Five Great Nations.
It's just that no one expected, a shocking Accident suddenly occurred.
The Lord Third Fukurokuju of Sunagakure inexplicably disappeared.
Also disappeared at the same time was the grandson of Elder Chiyo of Sunagakure.
This directly caused the entire Sunagakure to Riot, a large number of Sand Ninja were sent out to conduct a Carpet-like search.
Even here in their Rōran, several waves of Sand Ninja had come.
Sara didn't dare to stop them at that time, and could only fully cooperate with their Operation, even her own Bedroom was searched once.
Under this Situation, how could Sunagakure have the time to help Rōran deal with Construction Waste?
Although these were all caused by the Rogue Ninja of their Sunagakure, including the death of her Mother, the Previous Queen, logically speaking, Sunagakure had certain Responsibilities for this.
But as one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, Sunagakure didn't mention a single word about this.
Sara also didn't dare to offend Sunagakure.
Because Rōran, in terms of Geography, was considered a Vassal State of the Land of Wind, and she herself didn't have much Strength.
From this point of view, when An Lushan was present before, the Situation was actually much better.
At that time, there was the Strength of the Dragon Veins, and a large number of Combat Puppetry were constantly Patrolling Inside Lou Lan City.
Even if Sand Hidden Ninja passed by, they had to be more well-behaved.
Therefore, sometimes a Nation's Military Power and National Happiness Index cannot be achieved simultaneously.
A Nation that can achieve both, that is truly an incredible Great Nation!
And Sara, on her side, was thinking, wait until this Disturbance passes, then find Sunagakure again to issue an Employment Mission.
After all, Sunagakure can't possibly always use most of its Ninja on searching for the Third Fukurokuju and Elder Chiyo's grandson, right?
Moreover, if they don't accept Missions, where will their Income come from?
Who doesn't know that the Land of Wind is the poorest among the Five Great Nations?
But Sara could never have dreamed, that just as Sunagakure began recalling its Ninja.
The Third Raikage of Cloud Hidden Village actually led a Large Force, took a Lap around the Sea Route, from the Land of Tea on the Southeast Sea, suddenly entered the territory of the Land of Wind, like a Sharp spearhead, charging directly towards Sunagakure's Position.
Suddenly, the War between the two Great Ninja Villages began.
Roran could only tremble from afar.
Sara could imagine, if Sunagakure was really destroyed because it had no Fukurokuju, by the Third Raikage.
Then the fate of their Rōran would definitely not be good.
Who doesn't know that the Raikage of the Land of Lightning has always been the most hot-tempered one...
Now things are looking up.
Although the World outside was still blowing a sky-obscuring Sandstorm.
But Sara felt that the 'Dark Clouds' above Roran were starting to dissipate.
Wait for a while longer, wait until Sunagakure has a new Fukurokuju, then the Situation should be able to stabilize.
At that time, send people again to Employ Sand Ninja to come and help deal with the collapsed Building!
But Sara could never have imagined, about fifty kilometers South Side from Roran.
A Ninja Unit with a strength of three to four thousand people was slowly approaching, enduring the sky-filling Sandstorm.
"That should be the Small Country of Rōran, right? Just right to replenish Water and Food..."
A stout old man standing at the front of the Team, with dark skin, light yellow long hair and a long beard, looked ahead with a chilling Gaze, completely unconcerned by the raging Sandstorm.
On his bare right shoulder, the large character 'Thunder' engraved there exposed his Identity!
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 813: Principle Unknown!
The large Sandstorm that had lasted for nearly a week finally showed significant signs of dissipating after one night.
Although the sky was still somewhat hazy yellow, there was much less sand and dust in the wind, the Line of Sight became clearer, and some Sunlight could be seen in the sky.
As for the howling wind that still roared, it was unavoidable.
After all, any wind blowing through this City filled with High Towers would always make this eerie, ghost-like sound.
But even though the weather had improved, Sara's mood felt like it had plunged into the Abyss.
Her beautiful reddish-brown Eyes were filled with terror.
Everything before her seemed to be covered in a layer of Darkness, and she sat powerlessly on the Throne, at a loss.
Just moments ago, Salai had told her that the Third Raikage and the several thousand Cloud Ninja Troops he led were less than twenty kilometers away.
What should she do now?
She wouldn't be so naive as to think that the Third Raikage was coming with a friendly Attitude!
"Her Majesty the Queen, what... what should we do now?"
The plump Salai asked anxiously, his face full of panic.
Now, their only backbone was Queen Sara.
"Go!"
Sara immediately Stand Up, clenched her Fist with firm resolve, and issued an Order to Salai:
"Tell everyone to leave here quickly and head west. There's a not-so-large Oasis about thirty kilometers away!"
"Remember, be sure to tell them to only bring Food and water. Other things can naturally be found after the Cloud Hidden leaves. Also, I'm entrusting Sanari to everyone..."
Sanari was her Daughter, only one year old this year. As for her Father, he was not worth mentioning.
Because the tradition of Rōran was that the Queen's husband was not important, and the Queen's Son was not important.
But the Queen's Daughter, as the next Queen, was very important.
"Ah, then, what about you?" Salai shouted in shock.
"I will stay here and meet with the Third Raikage. As a Queen, how can I not even meet the Murderer who destroyed my own Nation?"
Sara forced a Smile. Seeing that Salai wanted to say something else, she waved her hand to stop him. "Alright, hurry up. We don't have much Time."
"Besides, I am a King of a Nation, after all. According to the Rules of the Ninja World, Ninjas cannot kill me."
"Yes."
Seeing the Queen say this, Salai could only nod helplessly, then gritted his teeth and turned to leave.
He quickly ran towards where Highness Sanari was, relaying the Queen's Order to everyone he met along the way.
"Is Rōran still going to be gone..."
In the Main Hall, Queen Sara slowly walked to the wall, took down the Chakra Blade hanging there, and held it in her arms, letting out a long sigh filled with Sorrow.
"It's just a pity that I still can't remember your appearance. I can only vaguely see in my dreams that your hair is golden color..."
At the same time.
Just as the City of Rōran was falling into chaos.
In the huge Underground Space hundreds of meters below the ground.
A pale blue Light Spot appeared out of thin Air in the center, illuminating this dark Environment.
When this bright Light Spot formed a square Star Gate three meters high and two meters wide, filled with brilliant Starlight, as if the Milky Way was rotating within, all the light and shadow on its surface began to rapidly disappear.
It turned into a Door of Space where only the Edge glowed with Starlight, but the scene on the other side could be seen inside.
"Beginning Testing of Planet Gravity, Atmospheric Component, Air Temperature... Testing passed. Beginning Scan of nearby Environment. No Creature within a five-hundred-meter radius. Large amounts of biological information detected two hundred meters above."
At this moment, the first Figure to walk out of The Gate.
It was actually a small robot with a pair of small White Wings on its back, wearing a pure white Uniform.
It kept rotating its round Eyes, Scanning its surroundings, and constantly spouting various Professional terms from its mouth.
"Testing Result: Safe for activity."
As soon as it finished speaking, it turned and walked back into the Star Gate.
For the next minute, the Star Gate floated there alone, in the center of what appeared to be some kind of mysterious Altar, surrounded by four black Sculptures wearing Cloaks.
The entire scene looked very strange and terrifying.
[Swish! Swish! Swish!]
Suddenly, three Afterimages enveloped in bright Radiance.
They rushed out of the Star Gate at a Speed that seemed blurry to the naked eye, then quickly stood at three corners.
They held up the Seashells in their hands, which were emitting dazzling Golden Light, above their heads.
In an instant, they dispelled most of the Darkness in this Underground Space.
"This place is a bit troublesome..."
A Ninja from the Shenhe Island Nation in the Imperial Arms World, now a Genin of the Sea Ninja Village, looked at the Environment where there were vertical cliffs all around, with no bridges or Paths, and a look of helplessness immediately appeared on his face.
Yes.
This place where they were, which seemed to be an Altar, was actually standing alone in the center of the Underground Palace.
Looking into the Distance, they could see what was probably the Stone Gate exit.
But unless they could fly, they definitely couldn't get across.
"It must be broken. Look here, there are obvious Cracks."
Another Genin from the World knelt down and pointed to the Edge of the Altar in front of him.
"What should we do then? Not many people here can use Moonwalk."
The third Genin said this while walking to the center of the Altar, carefully observing the handle of the short Blade stuck in the ground. "This should be a Kunai."
After this period of hard training, every Ninja in the Sea Ninja Village could now skillfully use Kunai in Combat, so they could naturally recognize it easily.
"Could something be Sealed below here?"
The Ninja narrowed his Eyes, looking at the various Rune marks on the ground, and guessed with some surprise.
"Don't worry about it for now. First, send some people up to take a look, figure out exactly where in the Ninja World this is, and then find a Method to create a Path!"
Just then, Tengen Uzui walked out, carrying two dark gold Nichirin Blades on his back.
He was the Captain for this Mission.
Following behind him were Fukurokuju, Hotei, Yazaemon, Bishamon, and Takumi, who were also Jonin from the Sea Ninja Village.
They were all former Members of the Mimawarigumi, and their Height was below two meters.
Compared to Daikoku and Hanzo, who were four or five meters tall, they would be too conspicuous in this Ninja World.
However, these five were Tengen Uzui's Deputies, so they had to obey Tengen Uzui's Orders during the Mission.
Because Tengen Uzui's Strength was the Strongest.
"Hotei, Takumi, take a few people who can use Moonwalk and go out from above to take a look. Remember not to expose your Figure."
Tengen Uzui looked up at the light above his head and said.
"Yes!"
"Okay, Captain!"
Hotei, who had a cloud belt floating around him, and Takumi, who was only one meter fifty tall and looked like a blonde Western doll, accepted the Order, and then called out the Names of ten people from inside the Star Gate.
Out of the two hundred or so Ninja Troops, only this many people had mastered Moonwalk.
This shows how high the Difficulty of Moonwalk is.
The reason why there were so many at the Air Force Headquarters was entirely because the World Government had transferred most of the Moonwalk Experts from the Army and Marines.
"Not bad."
Hotei scanned the ten Ninjas in front of him, all of whom were Chunin.
After all, it was impossible for Genin to know Moonwalk.
But his next sentence was very strange.
"Invisibility!"
The next moment.
Including him and Takumi beside him, the twelve people.
A strange Air Current surged from their bodies, causing their black clothes to sway non-stop in the wind.
Soon, their Figures quickly disappeared, but the unique Bursting Air Sound of Moonwalk could still be heard.
Yes.
This was the only Ninjutsu that the World Ninjas knew.
Invisibility Technique.
It could truly make them invisible right in front of people. Zoro in the Canon had witnessed it with his own Eyes!
Principle Unknown, and don't ask...
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 814: Feeling Envious!
Imperial Arms World.
Im, who was inside Noah's Ark, naturally kept a constant eye on the exploration of the Ninja World.
When the first-hand news from the Titan World, Canberra Continent, was sent back to the World, the Five Elders quickly delivered the intelligence to him.
"Rōran?"
"This Small Country is still here? Then what time point in the Ninja World is this?"
Im in the Study Room was slightly stunned.
Because this was a Movie Version, he had only watched it once and hadn't deeply considered the time point when the story took place.
"I remember Uzumaki Naruto found the Rouran Ruins within the Land of Wind while pursuing a Sand Village Rogue Ninja, and then he was time-traveled to the Past by the power of the Dragon Veins, where he met the young Minato Namikaze and little Kakashi..."
Im started to figure it out.
Since Minato Namikaze was still around, it must be during the Three Great Ninja Wars period.
Right.
Roran was said to have been destroyed in war, most likely affected by the Three Great Ninja Wars.
"Hoo—"
Thinking of this, Im felt a sense of relief.
Because in his opinion, the period of the Three Great Ninja Wars could be said to be the second weakest time in the Ninja World.
Why second?
Because the weakest period was from Naruto Uzumaki's birth until three years before the Fourth Great Ninja War.
To put it simply, it was the first part of Hokage.
Aside from the Akatsuki members, what kind of riff-raff were the Five Great Ninja Villages?
Oh, except for Guy.
"As for the Third Great Ninja War, the Ninja World did produce many talented people, but without Guy, who could open the Eight Gates, they lost a major weapon."
As for the Eight Gates of his father Duy, he was actually able to let three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen escape.
This shows that the Power of his Eight Gates was definitely far inferior to his Son's.
Immediately after, Im's Attention turned to Roran itself.
Its Value lay in two points.
The Dragon Veins and the Queen's Clan who could Control the Dragon Veins.
According to the Explanation in the Movie Version, the Dragon Veins were the Earth Vein Power of the Ninja World, which was the Natural Energy of the Planet.
However, to develop the Dragon Veins, they would definitely have to wait until the Ninja World was completely conquered.
So Im was very much looking forward to the performance of his subordinates.
He himself loved watching the show of Pirates vs. Hokage.
For this, he specifically gave the Order not to use the Auxiliary Legion this time, but to let the World Government's Main Battle Legion directly take over the war.
On the other side.
Ninja World, within the borders of the Land of Wind.
In the vast and boundless Golden Sand Sea, stood a peculiar City with spires standing in great numbers.
The Sandstorm stirred up by the tail end of a Sandstorm covered it with a layer of half-hidden, half-revealed light yellow silk, giving it a subtle hazy beauty.
However, this Ancient Country of Rōran, with its long history, had empty streets and alleys at this moment, while outside the city stood Cloud Hidden Ninja after Cloud Hidden Ninja, wearing grey shirts and single-shoulder white coats.
Some had ice-cold Expressions, some wore cold smiles, and their entire bodies exuded an Aura of Brutality.
A grim Atmosphere enveloped every corner of this place.
Even the Sandstorm seemed to shiver when it blew past here.
Then it quickened its 'Footsteps' and hurried past, making the whistling sound even more eerie.
"Raikage-sama, there's no one left Inside the City, but the Queen of Rōran is still sitting on the Throne. She said she wants to talk with you and also questioned why we attacked them without reason..."
A Cloud Hidden Jonin with a black eye patch over his left eye and a calm demeanor walked into the large tent and conveyed the Report from the Ninja Inside the City to the Third Raikage, who was full of Killing Intent.
"Humph, since there's no one left, then take all the Food, water, and Medicine. As for her wanting to see me, let her come find me herself!"
The Third Raikage was very disdainful towards the Queen of Rōran, who was still putting on airs at this time.
However, he also knew that the King of a country like this really couldn't be casually slaughtered. Otherwise, they would definitely be feared by those Daimyo.
This was also a Rule of the Ninja World.
No matter how the subordinates fought and killed, people like Daimyo and Kings could not be touched.
At least on the surface it was like this. As for how things were operated secretly, that was another matter.
As for what happened after the country was destroyed, and these people who were no longer Kings or Queens later died by whose hand, no one cared.
Anyway, the people and forces who carried out the National Destruction and the killing of the King could not be the same.
If they didn't want National Destruction, then it could only be house arrest.
Tsuchidai asked with doubt, "Your meaning is for us to bring the Queen of Rōran over?"
"No, This Old Man doesn't have the time to waste words with her. After the Supplies are obtained, you will bring her out, then burn this place down with a fire, and let Rōran be extinguished from now on!"
The Third Raikage let out a cold snort and made an extremely cruel Decision.
Traveling a thousand miles to get here this time, but failing to destroy Sunagakure in one fell swoop, had already filled him with a belly full of Rage. He might as well set a fire in the Land of Wind and destroy one of their Small Countries before leaving.
"Uh—Yes!"
Tsuchidai's expression was somewhat complex. He felt that doing this was a bit excessive.
But seeing the Third Raikage's gloomy expression, he didn't dare to say anything more.
"Report!"
But just then, an Afterimage swept past the tent entrance and instantly appeared before the two people, urgently shouting in a half-kneeling posture:
"Our personnel Inside Lou Lan City were attacked by a group of Ninja with unidentified identity! The Queen of Rōran has escaped from our Control!"
"What?"
The Third Raikage raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then heard Jonin Dodai ask with doubt, "Could it be that there are Sand Ninja hidden inside Rōran? But if that's the case, then why did you say their identity was unidentified?"
"Because the symbol engraved on their Headbands is not the symbol of Sunagakure, but a kind of... pattern with four lines connected to five circles, and the clothes on their bodies are mainly black!"
The Cloud Hidden Chunin who came to Report quickly explained.
"This..."
The Third Raikage and Jonin Dodai looked at each other.
Approximately twenty minutes ago.
As soon as Hotei and Takumi flew out of the Underground Palace, they were first surprised by Rōran's architectural style with its spires standing in great numbers and crisscrossing Sky Bridges.
Immediately after, each leading five Chunin, they split up and acted.
At the same time.
They also no longer used anything like Moonwalk, after all, its Commotion was really not small.
However, even so, their movement Speed was also incredibly fast.
Although they didn't have the boost of Supernatural Energy like Chakra, their powerful Physical Ability was enough to compensate.
Coupled with the effect boost of the Invisibility Technique, it made everyone display the four words 'mysterious whereabouts' to the fullest.
Even the Whistling Sound generated at high speed would be perfectly concealed by the sound of the wind that was everywhere in Rōran.
But as they ran, they discovered that they couldn't see a single person inside this city.
But that's not right.
Didn't that Automatons say before?
There was a lot of Life Information above, so where were they?
"Stop."
At this moment, Hotei's Observation Haki sensed human Aura ahead, and he quickly lowered his voice to call out to the five Chunin beside him: "Three hundred meters ahead, four Targets, silent tracking..."
No one answered.
But Hotei didn't care at all and advanced slowly and silently.
However, even so, his Speed was also much faster than ordinary people running.
He just suppressed his Footsteps to the point where they were almost inaudible.
Not long after.
He saw four grey-white Afterimages rapidly moving towards the Central High Tower.
The jumping movements constantly made between the Sky Bridges were really too Ninja-like.
But when Hotei saw the way these people ran upwards by stepping on the High Tower surface, he suddenly felt envy in his Heart.
Regarding Chakra.
They had already understood it when they were in Sea Ninja Village.
Although they didn't know where the World Government obtained this kind of Intelligence.
But looking at it now, there was no problem.
However, next, Hotei and others were a bit awkward.
Because they could only run up by following the Sky Bridges and the Corridor inside the tower.
No way.
The Commotion of Moonwalk was too big, and climbing the tower wall barehanded would also waste too much Stamina...
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 815: A Mere Raikage!
The Central High Tower of Rōran has a total of sixty floors and stands two hundred meters tall.
Its Height has reached that of skyscrapers in the Modern World, and this kind of Building is truly unique in the Ninja World at this time.
Back then, the Sand Village Rogue Ninja, Hundred Legs, after manifesting as Minister Anrokuzan, although he did indeed enslave the Citizens of Rōran to manufacture Puppetry for him, it must be admitted that he also brought many things to Rōran.
Now, the people of Rōran can enjoy Heating, running water, Electric Light, and even Elevators and apartments in this Desert. They truly have him to thank for using Dragon Veins and Puppetry to build all of this.
Of course.
Minister Anrokuzan's Operation Method was not smart enough. He could have completely made the Citizens of Rōran willingly work for him, for Rōran, and for themselves, yet he chose the most foolish forced Slavery.
This is a limitation in thinking.
And on the very top floor of this Central High Tower is the Main Hall used by the Queen when meeting outsiders.
At this moment, Sara sat upon the Throne, calmly looking at the four Cloud Hidden Ninja who had suddenly appeared in the Palace Hall like phantoms.
"I never expected that you, the Queen of Rōran, would still be here."
One of the Chunin, wearing a black shirt and a white single-shoulder coat, held a dark Kunai with Sharpness in his hand and said, looking at Sara with great surprise.
"As the Queen, I naturally stay with my Nation."
After speaking, a cold smile appeared on her face: "Moreover, you are Cloud Hidden Ninja, one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, not those savage, lowly, damned bandits. I have nothing to worry about, do I?"
"..."
The four Cloud Hidden Ninja's faces immediately darkened, but they didn't know how to respond. It was the leading Chunin who reacted and mocked, "If that's the case, why did you have your Citizens evacuate beforehand?"
"Because I thought the attackers were those savage, lowly, damned bandits, which led to the current misunderstanding. But who would have thought that dignified Cloud Hidden Ninja, one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, would appear here, wouldn't you say?"
Sara immediately retorted without politeness.
This completely stumped the Cloud Hidden Chunin. His eloquence was no match for hers.
But it didn't matter, the opponent's life and death were in his hands!
"Oh, Queen Lord, that's just how the world is. No matter how eloquent you are, without Strength, you are still a Lamb waiting to be slaughtered. I advise you to be a little gentler, perhaps then you might be favored by some Lord in our country~"
"Hahahahaha!"
For a moment, the Solemn and spacious Main Hall was filled with the unrestrained laughter of the four Cloud Hidden Ninja.
This made Sara on the Throne extremely ashamed and angry. She subconsciously clenched her small fists tightly, yet she was helpless, only able to glare at them, gnashing her teeth.
"I want to see your Raikage! I want to ask why you attacked my Rōran without cause! Has the dignified Cloud Hidden Village also started engaging in banditry!"
Hearing this, the four Cloud Hidden Ninja stopped laughing and looked at each other.
After all, Sara was a Queen of a Nation. If she requested to see Raikage-sama, they would definitely be responsible for relaying the message. Otherwise, if something went wrong, they would definitely be the ones who were unlucky.
"Yageyi, go and Report!"
The Cloud Hidden Chunin finally gave the Order to one of the Genin.
Although the person named Yageyi showed a displeased Expression on his face, he still honestly agreed and quickly left through the broken Window.
"Then, Queen Lord, please wait quietly for Raikage-sama's reply."
After speaking, the Cloud Hidden Chunin put his Kunai back into the Ninja Tool Pouch on his leg, then leaned against a nearby Stone Pillar and closed his eyes to rest.
They had confirmed that there was no one else in Lou Lan City besides this Queen, and outside the city were Raikage-sama and their Large Force, so they felt they could rest for a while.
Ever since Raikage-sama decided to launch an Attack while Sunagakure had lost the Third Kazekage, they had gone around a large half circle along the coastline of the Ninja World Continent.
Not to mention the journey from Cloud Hidden Village out of the Land of Lightning.
They had to travel by Ship via the sea route, passing the Whirlpool Country Peninsula, reaching the Land of Tea south of the Land of Fire, and then using the Land of Tea as a springboard to advance by running on the Sea, infiltrating the territory of the Land of Wind.
Next was the Combat with the layers of intercepting Sand Ninja. Fortunately, Third Raikage-sama always personally led the charge, like a Raijin of utmost Sharpness, tearing through all the Sand Ninja blocking their path.
Unfortunately, less than fifty kilometers away from Sunagakure, they were blocked by that Rasa with endless Sand Gold.
Considering that their side's Water and Food were insufficient, Raikage-sama had no choice but to announce a retreat, but he didn't expect to conveniently destroy Rōran, this Small Country, along the way.
Actually, he felt there was no need for National Destruction. He figured Rōran wouldn't dare refuse to provide Clean Water and Food and a temporary resting place.
However, since Raikage-sama had already decided this, he, a mere Chunin, had no Qualification to raise objections.
It was just that his Body and mind were indeed quite tired.
If only he could soak in a Hot Spring, then hold a soft body and have a good sleep...
"Hmm?"
However, the next second, he suddenly felt his Throat felt cold. His Body jolted, about to react, but it was already too late. The cold Touch Sensation sliced past!
His Adam's Apple, which had been moving, was easily cut open by an invisible sharp blade, and warm and scarlet Blood immediately flowed out.
"Uh, ah----"
He wanted to shout something, but the surging blood blocked his windpipe, preventing sound. The last Screen Feed he saw with his violently trembling Pupil was the scene of the other two Genin also being Assassinated.
As for Substitution Jutsu, this basic Ninjutsu is just an Illusion that instantly swaps one's own Position with a certain object through High-Speed Movement and Invisibility Technique.
This means it requires prior preparation and has a higher success rate only if the opponent doesn't possess strong Sensory Ability.
It is not a life-saving Divine Skill that allows one to escape at any time by pressing a button like in a certain game.
This type of Ninjutsu does exist.
That is Izanagi, one of the Mangekyo Sharingan Dojutsu.
But this Cloud Hidden Chunin couldn't understand how there could be enemies in Rōran?
This question, he could only take to the Pure Land to ask the Sage of Six Paths...
"You!"
Sara, in shock, Stand Up from the Throne, looking at the six black-clothed Ninja slowly appearing from the Air.
And the three Cloud Hidden Ninja who had been smugly moments before were desperately clutching their Throats and struggling in Despair at their feet. Not long after, they lay in a Pool of Blood, becoming still, with occasional slight twitching in their Bodies.
"Very good, it seems as expected, no need to worry about normal Communication."
Hotei said to Sara. His Expression and tone were very serious and earnest, giving people a sense of reliable Safety.
"What happened here, I have roughly understood from your previous Dialogue."
"So, this Rōran Queen, I think you and your Nation currently greatly need our help. How about it? Do you want to Employ the Ninja of our Sea Ninja Village?"
"Sea Ninja Village..." Sara felt a bit disappointed in her Heart.
For a moment just now, she had thought it was the Ninja from Konohagakure coming to save her again. Then she shook her head and gave a bitter smile repeatedly.
"Forget it. Outside the city are over three thousand Cloud Hidden Ninja, and even the Third Raikage is there. A Small Ninja Village like yours cannot afford to provoke them. Quickly escape."
She had never heard of any Sea Ninja Village, so she naturally regarded it as some unknown Small Ninja Village.
"That won't do! Looking at the current Situation, whether you Employ us or not, we will have to cross paths with those Cloud Hidden Village Ninja!"
Hotei looked through the broken window at the Sky outside the city and revealed a cold smile.
The World Government's purpose is the Conquest of the entire Ninja World. How could they avoid it just because they encountered a mere Raikage?
Very grateful for Reader Twenty-Eight's 300 Qidian Coin Tip! Bow! Thank you for your Support and Encouragement!
Very grateful for Wriggling Helmsman's 110 Qidian Coin Tip! Bow! Thank you for your Support and Encouragement!
(End of this chapter)