Chapter 826: Strongest Spear!
[Roar!!!]
Amidst the Sand Dune that had been brutally bombarded by 'Meteor Fall', another Loud Noise echoed, drawing everyone's Gaze.
The Yellow Sand that had just fallen back to the Ground from the Sky was once again shaken up to High Altitude, forming a large Yellow Sand Screen.
At the same time,
A hazy Blue Light was seen slowly walking out. As expected, it was the Third Raikage, appearing within Crocodile's Line of Sight, leaving Blood Prints with every step, a long diagonal Bloody Wound across his Chest.
He was naturally also silently watched by Tengen Uzui and the group of Sea Ninja who had returned to the City Wall Top at some point behind him, as well as Rasa and the Sunagakure Jonin a kilometer away.
At this moment,
The vast Sand Sea and the magnificent Rōran served as the perfect stage and background.
They were the spectators, the Third Raikage was the Protagonist, and Crocodile, grinning with a playful Smile on his face, exuded a villainous Aura.
However,
The heads 'growing' in the Sand in the distance, with their blurry Positioning, were somewhat ambiguous – it was unclear if they were spectators or part of the background...
Gusts of Sandstorm blew past, the Atmosphere was somewhat Solemn, and also somewhat tragic.
"Huff—huff—"
The Third Raikage paid no mind to the terrifying Wound on his Chest or the Blood flowing from his Body. His tiger-like eyes, filled with Killing Intent, were fixed intently on Crocodile's eyes.
His Breathing was heavy and rapid, and the surging Lightning Flame on his Body was forcefully stopping the bleeding for him with its High Temperature.
"This Old Man doesn't care who you are!"
"Next, prepare your Resolve and receive this full-powered strike from me,"
"Heh—"
Crocodile's composed Smile remained on his face. He didn't immediately answer the Third Raikage.
First, he took out a new Cigar from the inner pocket of his Black Justice Coat, bit down on it, lit it with a Lighter, then put the Lighter back in his outer pocket. He then held the Cigar between two fingers, took a deep puff, and exhaled.
"Huuuush—"
Instantly,
A gust of Sandstorm blew past, conveniently sweeping away the White Smoke he exhaled. Along with it, the hem of his Coat of Justice also began to flutter in the Wind, and the Cigar was back in his mouth.
Only after doing all this did he give his response in his magnetic Voice.
"I'll give you three minutes."
"If you take longer than that, I'll end this Combat."
As the first Powerhouse Crocodile encountered in the Ninja World, he was very happy that the Third Raikage was a guy with considerable Courage.
Compared to that, if he were a Coward, it would make him quite unhappy.
So, being in a good mood, he was willing to give the Third Raikage a chance to show himself.
But the moment his Voice fell, a brilliant blue lightning flash had already burst forth in front of him, then passed through his Body in the blink of an eye.
Several seconds later, a furious Roar finally reached Crocodile's ears.
"I, the Raikage, am the strongest Ninja under the Heavens, unique and unparalleled! There is nothing this Hell Stab cannot pierce!!"
Behind him,
The Third Raikage raised his Right Hand, with only his index finger extended. His face was filled with deep shock. His full-power strike had actually been dodged by the opponent.
No, that wasn't right.
The opponent's Body hadn't made any dodging movements, and he had indeed passed through the opponent's Body, yet there was no Touch Sensation feedback.
"How long are you going to stand there like an idiot? You don't have much Time left, Strongest Raikage~"
Crocodile slowly turned around and reminded the Third Raikage, looking at his back.
However, he was actually surprised by the Speed the opponent had just shown. Fortunately, at the critical moment, he had predicted the opponent's Landing Point in advance and then actively separated his Body using Element Transformation.
Mainly, he wasn't sure yet if this Lightning Release Chakra could touch his Main Body after Element Transformation.
This was also the reason he was willing to give the Third Raikage some Time.
"Bastard, don't underestimate the Strength of the Raikage!"
The Third Raikage heard the Flippancy in Crocodile's tone. The Rage already ignited in his Heart was like a Bowl of Gasoline being poured on it, causing his Lightning Release Chakra to surge even higher.
[Roar!]
With a Thunder-like Loud Noise from the flat ground, the Sandy Ground where he stood instantly exploded, and he himself once again transformed into an incredibly fast Electric Flash, charging towards Crocodile.
This time, Crocodile didn't dodge at all, nor did he use Armament Haki to strengthen his Attack and Defense. He relied entirely on his left hand, transformed into a Sand Hook, to meet the Third Raikage's index finger, which was condensed with a large amount of Lightning.
[Bang————]
Somewhat unexpectedly, yet somewhat naturally, the scorpion-like Sand Hook was easily pierced by the One Finger Nukite. The large amount of Lightning that burst forth exploded it into a mass of Yellow Sand, scattering in Mid-air.
"His Body turned into Sand. That strike just now didn't cause him any damage?"
The Third Raikage frowned and turned around, looking at the broken wrist area of Crocodile, where the Palm was rapidly recovering into a Palm as Sand gathered. His mood became even heavier.
"Is it a Secret Technique similar to the Kirigakure Hozuki Clan's Water Transformation Technique, or perhaps the opponent's Bloodline Limit..."
But there was one thing he still couldn't figure out.
Regardless of whether this Sand Transformation Technique of the opponent was a Secret Technique or a Bloodline Limit, its essence was still Earth Release, right? So why was his Lightning Release Chakra ineffective against it?
Cloud Hidden Village also had Intelligence and Combat Experience regarding the Water Transformation Technique.
He remembered it clearly stated that Lightning Release had a very strong Counter effect on the Water Transformation Technique, which could cause the Hozuki Clan to lose Control Ability over their Water Transformation Body under the stimulation of Electro.
On the other side,
Crocodile's Smile became even brighter.
He took the Risk of his left hand being injured, or even broken, to confirm a very important Intelligence: the Ninjutsu and Chakra of This World could not harm the Element Transformation of a Logia User.
Of course,
Water Release might still have some effect on him, which was quite annoying.
Why did his Sand-Sand Fruit inexplicably have a Weakness where Water could directly hit his Main Body?
It wasn't fair!
However, the Third Raikage didn't give up the Combat just because he discovered Crocodile had the Sand Transformation Ability. Instead, he continued to maintain his Lightning Release Armor and launched an extremely high speed, fierce Offensive against the latter.
[Bang bang bang bang...]
The Scene was like streaks of blue electric light attacking Crocodile in the center from all directions, constantly blasting his Body into masses of yellowish-brown Sand.
It seemed as though the latter had fallen into a Disadvantage of being passively beaten.
But both the Combatants and the spectators elsewhere clearly Understand that the Third Raikage, who was helpless against the Sand Transformation Ability, was the one at a Disadvantage.
But not necessarily.
Rasa, a kilometer away, felt that this might turn into a War of Attrition.
From the current Battle Situation, that unknown Sand Control Powerhouse, although very Strong, seemed to be slower than the Third Raikage, thus unable to launch an effective Counterattack against him.
Then it would depend on whose Chakra would give out first.
The key was that his Position was too far from the Ground; he couldn't hear the Conversation between Crocodile and the Third Raikage at all.
"The Combat has become boring, and the three minutes are up."
At this moment, Crocodile casually glanced at the Third Raikage, who was preparing to charge at him again.
But this glance caused a loud alarm to ring in the latter's Heart. He felt an extremely Strong and profound terrifying Aura suddenly emanate from the former, pressing down on him like an invisible Tsunami pushing the Air.
"Bring whatever Means you have!"
All this stimulation and Pressure not only didn't cause Fear in the Third Raikage's Heart, but instead stimulated his whole Body, making his Hot Blood Boiling. A violent Aura, Accompanied By a Roar, erupted.
He concentrated all his Mind and Strength on his Right Index Finger, which actually began to flash with Black Lightning.
"Witness the Strength of the Raikage! This is the Strongest Spear of the Ninja World!"
"Hell Stab: Extreme, Black Lightning, One-Finger Nukite!"
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(End of this chapter)
# Chapter 827: You're Very Weak!
"Are you unconvinced?"
Crocodile's dead fish eyes narrowed. A smoking Cigar was clenched in his mouth, his Right Hand was in his Pocket, and only his Left Hand, transformed into a Sand Hook, was raised in front of his Chest.
Behind him, the pitch-black Coat of Justice billowed with the Sandstorm, which in turn swirled around him, forming wisps of Sand Mist.
The next moment.
Along with the Sand Hook, his entire Left Arm turned into earthy Yellow Sand, vibrating at a frequency that seemed blurry to the naked eye, even carrying a faint buzzing sound.
In this instant.
The Third Raikage moved, transforming into a black and blue alternating Electric Flash and charging forward in a straight line without any fancy moves.
Fast!
Within this mere distance of less than a hundred meters, his Speed was unparalleled, incredible, fast enough to rival true Lightning.
At the same time, a terrifying sound like Thunder, an earth-shattering Loud Noise, produced a surging Sound Burst and Shockwave, forming visible rings of Ripple in the Air.
The Sand Layer on the ground was as if a thousand tons of Explosives had detonated, forming a soaring Sand Screen behind the Third Raikage.
However.
Crocodile's Momentum was even greater.
His Left Arm, transformed into a high-vibration Sand Blade, carried surging Haki Strength and slashed vertically with lightning-fast Speed.
A Sand Blade Slash, whose Sharpness was enough to sting the naked eye just by looking at it, instantly cut through the Desert Earth in front of him, and within it, wisps of purple Lightning formed a Coating.
[Roar!]
Instantly, the enhanced Desert Treasure Blade and the ultimate One Finger Nukite collided In the Court.
The Rumble was like Thunder roaring before their eyes, and a visible, thick Air Current exploded outwards, pushing out Tsunami-like Sand Waves in all directions.
The Cloud Hidden Ninjas who were restrained in the Sand Layer saw this scene with immense Despair.
Just the Aftermath alone was enough to kill them, but some stronger Cloud Hidden Jonin saw Hope. As long as the surrounding Sand Layer was scattered, they would have a chance to escape.
They just didn't have the energy to help the other Chunin and Genin anymore.
At the same time.
A Sand Tornado covering an area of three to four hundred meters rose into the sky In the Court, powerfully blocking the Line of Sight of all observers.
Only occasionally could they see purple, black, and blue Lightning shooting out from within.
"Natural Disaster Rank Combat..."
One kilometer away, a Sunagakure Jonin muttered to himself while holding a Telescope.
In fact, even without a Telescope now, everyone could see the raging Sand Tornado, but this wasn't controlled by Crocodile; it was the Sandstorm naturally stirred up by the Aftermath of the clash between their Techniques.
"The Third Raikage is actually this Strong?"
Rasa was also somewhat surprised and uncertain. If the opponent had used this Technique against him before, his Magnet Release Gold Dust might not have been able to block it.
But how could he know that this was the Third Raikage's desperate Special Move, a Technique that broke through the Limit of his own Strength!
However.
This towering Sand Tornado came and went quickly. Not long after it formed, it was forcefully blown apart by the ultimate Radiance bursting from within.
"Wow!"
"Be careful!"
When the rolling Air Current swept over, some Genin from Sunagakure couldn't stabilize their Figure and were forcefully blown into the Mid-air, causing a series of terrified screams.
Fortunately, some capable Chunin and Jonin took action and pulled them back.
Seeing this scene, Rasa frowned slightly, but still used Sand Control Technique to create a thick Sand Wall in front of the Team, blocking the subsequent wind and waves.
The reason he didn't use Gold Dust was because Gold Dust would reflect dazzling Golden Light under the Sunlight, and he didn't want to attract attention from that side yet.
After all, it was still unclear whether that Sand Control Powerhouse was an enemy or a friend?
At the same time.
As the Sandstorm dissipated and the Radiance faded.
Crocodile and the Third Raikage were both in a Sand pit with a Diameter of two hundred meters.
However, their conditions were vastly different.
Although the former had a look of surprise, he was not only completely unharmed, but even his Attire hadn't suffered much Destruction. The latter, however, was clearly much more battered.
Except for his pants, which remained relatively intact for some reason, his upper garment, boots, and even his Headband had disappeared without a trace.
And the most striking change was the disappearance of the Lightning Release Chakra on his body, a section of his index finger on his Right Hand was broken, and a diagonal Bloody Wound had appeared on his Chest.
It happened to form a large X shape with the previous Wound!
The One Finger Nukite, which the Third Raikage was proud of and called the 'Strongest Spear', and the Lightning Release Armor and tough body, called the 'Strongest Shield', were completely broken by Crocodile's Desert Treasure Blade!
Only his Gaze remained firm and unyielding.
However.
This could not help him break free from the Palm that was gripping his Neck and lifting his entire body into the Mid-air.
This Palm was extremely large and powerful, and each finger wore colorful, jeweled Rings. Its Master was naturally Crocodile, who was before him.
"Who do you think I am, huh?"
The magnetic, hoarse voice sounded again. Crocodile, with a smoking Cigar in his mouth, narrowed his long dead fish eyes and looked at the Third Raikage's Gaze, which was filled with Anger and unwillingness.
"You seem to think you're very Strong, don't you? But you can't even protect your own Subordinates. You, are actually very weak..."
As he said this, the Desert outside the pit behind him was covered in Corpses.
Those were the Cloud Hidden Ninjas who didn't survive the previous Aftermath, densely packed. Although it couldn't be described as blood flowing like a river, it could be described as Bloodstains everywhere and Corpses strewn across the field.
After all, there were as many as two to three thousand Human!
However, there were also some lucky Jonin and Chunin who had consciously fled towards the Great Sea, no longer daring to stay here for even a second.
Such a Great Victory, yet so tragic, was not strange.
Crocodile's Strength was no longer what it used to be. He possessed powerful Armament Haki, Observation Haki at the Future Sight Rank, and the Logia System Sand-Sand Fruit Ability, which had been Awakened for a long time.
Coupled with Life Return and Six Powers compensating for his shortcomings in Physical Ability and Martial Arts, and having specifically spent a large amount of Time and energy Cultivating Sword Dao to enhance the Power of the Desert Treasure Blade, he finally comprehended the Realm of the Breath of All Things of a Sword Master.
And the faintly discernible Conqueror's Haki...
All of this combined meant that although Crocodile's Military Rank was only Admiral, his Strength had already reached the level of an Admiral.
This also matched his current Epithet of 'Admiral Candidate'.
If needed, the World Government could make him the third Army Headquarters Admiral at any time, but he still lacked certain Military Merit as a stepping stone for formal Promotion.
So, the Third Raikage's defeat was actually not unjust.
"You... you... who exactly are you..."
The Third Raikage, being choked by the Neck, spoke out word by word with difficulty, his crimson eyes filled with Killing Intent and Anger.
"I'm not a novice who will obediently answer whatever you ask. Since you're the loser, just be obedient~"
Crocodile didn't bother to answer. Once he captured him and brought him back, if the people above valued this guy, the people below would be responsible for providing an Explanation.
Immediately, a cloud of Yellow Sand suddenly rose around him, and in the blink of an eye, it vanished with the Third Raikage.
One kilometer away.
"Lord Rasa, what should we do next?"
A Sunagakure Jonin looked at Rasa with some hesitation. The other Jonin also focused their Gaze on him, waiting for his Decision.
Now everyone knew that if the Third Kazekage could not be found for a long time, then Rasa, who had repelled the Third Raikage, would most likely be the next Fourth Kazekage.
"First, return to the Village, then Dispatch a Team to inquire..." Rasa took a deep look in the direction of Lou Lan City.
As for why he didn't approach the other party now, that was unknown.
Perhaps... he was afraid?
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 828: Cataclysm!
Imperial Arms World.
Above Heavenly Gate Holy Island, within the Green Space of the Door-Door Fruit, a Super Large Ship, a full fifteen kilometers long, was slowly floating in Mid-air.
"Lord Imu, CIPHER POL-No.1 is following the Order you issued and escorting the four Cloud Hidden Ninja who were Capture Alive to Wano Island on the Sea Star Mainland." Stussy looked at Im, who was sitting behind the Office Desk, with her beautiful, tender eyes and reported softly.
"Alright."
Im, however, seemed oblivious, calmly watching the Screen Feed on the Virtual Screen.
After the great battle Inside Lou Lan City, the Cloud Hidden Ninja who could still perform Operations successfully retreated outside the Fortress. However, there were still some Injured inside the Fortress who were severely wounded and unable to move.
Sea Ninja and Cipher Pol treated everyone equally, providing treatment to anyone who could be saved.
After all, these people could provide valuable Intelligence. Moreover, once the Ninja World was completely Conquered, they might even become allies.
Therefore, the Sea Ninja were most concerned about this.
They weren't fools; they had normal IQ. Once the Ninja World was Conquered, these Ninja would definitely belong to the Sea Ninja Village. At that time, the Influence/Power of their Sea Ninja Village would surely greatly increase.
Perhaps they might even learn Chakra and various Ninjutsu.
As for the Third Raikage in the Video Feed, not long after being captured by Crocodile and brought back Inside Lou Lan City, he fell into a Coma due to excessive blood loss.
The World Government naturally wouldn't just stand by and watch him die.
After all, both his Identity and Strength held considerable Value.
Therefore, upholding the World Spirit of 'embracing all rivers and tolerating the Multiverse', they immediately had him taken to the World Hospital on the Canberra Continent in the Titan World.
It's worth mentioning that the Dean there is Marco, formerly of the Whitebeard Pirates and currently also serving as an Air Force Headquarters Vice Admiral.
It is believed that under the miraculous effects of the Phoenix's Blue Flames, the Third Raikage will be able to recover from his Injuries before long.
At that time, he will likely be the first of the Ninja World's Higher-ups to learn the Truth about the World Government.
Of course.
He will also be the first of the Ninja World's Higher-ups to be taken Captive by the World Government. One can imagine that for the Third Raikage himself, this will be a lifelong disgrace.
There's nothing that can be done about it; he can only consider himself unlucky.
"Also, Admiral Araki has completed the Renovation of the Flower Chamber in Pangaea Castle. On the very first day he returned to Army Headquarters, he applied to Marshal Raymond to enter the Ninja World and participate in the Combat." Stussy said, looking at the notebook in her hand.
"However, Marshal Raymond refused him, citing the current Situation, which doesn't require more Admirals for now. But he also stated that the Ninja World is a relatively Strong World, and there will definitely be opportunities for him to be deployed."
Upon hearing this, Im knew that Raimon had made his Choice between Crocodile and Araki.
Namely, the Candidate for the third, and final, Army Headquarters Admiral Quota.
Compared to Sengoku, who had no one to choose from, Raimon had been in a state of pleasant dilemma for quite some Time.
Besides these two.
There were also Jozu, Oven, Onigumo, Cracker, and a group of other excellent Admiral Combat Powers.
Logically, Crocodile's Origin was that of a Pirate, while Araki's Origin was cleaner, which was naturally an Advantage. But he joined later.
His Strength was slightly weaker compared to the former, and his Military Merit was also somewhat insufficient.
Moreover, unlike Raimon and Sakazuki, he didn't particularly value Origin. Perhaps he did initially, but it had been five years, and he had long forgotten about Pirates or non-Pirates.
Therefore, he ultimately chose to let Crocodile be the first Army Headquarters Vice Admiral to enter the Ninja World and participate in the Combat.
This was to pave the way and build the bridge for his Promotion to Admiral.
See? As soon as he went over, he captured some Raikage and brought him back. This is Military Merit!
"Crocodile is good; his Aura as an Admiral is also more sufficient. Araki is a bit... lacking in this regard." Im chuckled inwardly.
"However, Crocodile has already reaped the benefits of the first major Military Merit, so it's time to give Araki a chance to perform."
Primarily, Im was looking forward to the scene when Araki appeared before Konoha, and the Expressions of those Konoha Ninja. It would definitely be very exciting!
After Stussy left, the Study Room returned to quiet, and his thoughts focused on the Netherworld.
The reason for sending the Cloud Hidden Ninja to Wano Island was, of course, to send their Souls to King Yama of the Netherworld.
This way, King Yama could find the Underworld Coordinates of the Ninja World, then lead his Hell Army to invade the Pure Land and tie down the Sage of Six Paths, who had already undergone Soul Transformation and completely become the Lord of the Pure Land.
As for who was Stronger or weaker, Im didn't know.
Speaking of Strength, the current Sage of Six Paths was, after all, not the Sage of Six Paths from back then who possessed the Power of the Ten-Tails. Presumably, he would be somewhat weaker?
Regardless.
He only needed King Yama to prevent the Sage of Six Paths from arbitrarily interfering with the Combat in the Human World.
As for the Result.
If they could win, there would be both good and bad outcomes. If they couldn't win, there would be two possible Situations: one was being killed on the spot by the Sage of Six Paths, and the other was returning with severe Injuries.
Regardless of the Result, it seemed like it wouldn't be a bad thing for him?
Meanwhile.
In the Ninja World, Rasa had already returned to the Village with three thousand Hidden Sand Army troops and immediately requested to convene an Elder Council.
At the Meeting.
He spoke out everything he had seen without reservation, and also called in two Jonin who were present at the Time to prove that what he said was true.
Indeed.
This caused shock among the Hidden Sand Elders around the Round Table.
Annihilating more than half of the Cloud Hidden Great Army in one fell swoop, and easily defeating and Capture Alive the Third Raikage – this sounded simply like a fantasy, and some people even subconsciously felt that Rasa and the others were talking nonsense.
How could such a fierce Powerhouse exist in this Era?
And it was even that Third Raikage!
If it were other Kage, they might think there was some possibility, but now all the Jonin who went out were saying the same thing, which meant that what Rasa and the others said must be true.
"Therefore, I would like to ask all the Elders to recall if such a person has ever appeared in our Sunagakure or the Land of Wind?"
Rasa stood before the Round Table with his arms crossed and said in a deep voice, "The opponent's Height is extremely great, estimated to be nearly three meters. It's impossible for there to be no Intelligence!"
Three meters, what kind of Concepts is this?
Equivalent to a normal Adult standing next to the opponent, their Head might only reach the other person's Waist, definitely considered Giant Height.
Such a person will have their own Legend in any Era.
The Oldest Elder present, after Meditation, said, "This... This Old Man really can't recall any Legends of Giants within our Land of Wind."
Rasa and the others immediately showed expressions of disappointment.
"Let's still invite Advisor Chiyo and Advisor Ebizo. If that three-meter-tall Sand Control Powerhouse truly originated from our Land of Wind, then only those two might have heard of him."
The elderly Elder said with a Bitter Smile.
"That's the only way. So, should we send someone to Rōran to proactively contact this Giant Powerhouse?" another Elder raised the question.
"Yes, he crushed the Cloud Hidden Troops and Capture Alive the Third Raikage, and it happened within our Land of Wind. Cloud Hidden Village will absolutely not let this go, and it will definitely trigger a great war between the two countries!"
"But if that Powerhouse is our ally, it seems we don't need to worry about Cloud Hidden Village, right?"
"Indeed!"
Inside the Sunagakure Higher-ups' Meeting Room, the Elders were engaged in a heated discussion, speaking over each other. At this moment, Rasa poured a basin of Cold Water on them.
"What if, on the other hand, the opponent completely ignores us, or even holds hostility towards us?"
"This----"
The Elders were instantly struck speechless, exchanging silent glances. One of them smiled bitterly and said, "If that were truly the case, that would be a Cataclysm..."
The Strongest Third Kazekage was gone, and currently, there was only Rasa, who was considered a Kazekage Candidate.
But Rasa's Strength could only rely on the Desert to block the Third Raikage, and that Powerhouse who Capture Alive the Third Raikage was himself a super Powerhouse of Sand Control!
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(End of Chapter)
Chapter 829: See for Yourself!
A gloomy Stone House, with only a single incandescent lamp providing dim, yellow light.
This seemed to be a place specifically used for Interrogation, with various torture Items placed everywhere. Many dried and blackened bloodstains could also be seen on the Ground.
At this moment.
Three Cloud Hidden Ninja, wearing grey shirts and pants with single-shouldered white vests, were tied to a somewhat dirty wooden frame, their heads hanging low, seemingly having lost Consciousness.
The Cloud Hidden Ninja who survived from the Land of Wind had not yet managed to return to the Land of Lightning, as the journey was long.
But with such a group of Panic-stricken Cloud Hidden Ninja passing by, many of them injured, and no sign of the Third Raikage, how could the Intelligence Department of other Ninja Villages not take advantage?
It was inevitable that some Cloud Hidden Ninja would mysteriously disappear along the way.
"Lord, the Intelligence from their Memory has been summarized."
A male Ninja with somewhat brownish-yellow hair handed the notebook containing a lot of Writing to Danzō, who had been waiting behind him for a long time.
The current Danzō had not yet obtained Uchiha Shisui's Sharingan.
Therefore, his face wasn't wrapped in any Bandage, making him look much cleaner in appearance.
However, his Habit of wearing a black Robe hadn't changed. Coupled with his gloomy Expression, he exuded an Aura that made people feel depressed.
"Mm."
Danzō took it. The Mind Reading Technique mastered by this Ninja of the Yamanaka Clan could view past Memory not only from a Living Person but even from a dead person, as long as their Brain still had activity.
It was just that this person seemed a bit too straightforward; he even recorded everything the Third Raikage said.
Including the sentence: 'A bunch of stinking rats from the sewers, do you even deserve This Old Man's respect? Even if that Danzō were here, if he didn't kneel, he wouldn't have the Qualification to speak to This Old Man.' This was also written down completely, word for word.
Seeing this made Danzō's Heart burn with Evil Fire.
But Yamanaka Asaichi in front of him maintained a blank Expression, leaving Danzō speechless and forced to suppress his displeasure.
However.
The following Content made Danzō unable to help but wear an Angry Expression, and the hand holding the notebook made a chilling sound from the force he was applying.
"What a bunch of rats! How dare they impersonate Konoha Ninja and This Old Man's Root!"
It had always been their Root impersonating Ninja from other countries to cause trouble. Now, someone was actually using this tactic against their Root.
It was utterly shameless, outrageous, and going too far!
This scapegoat situation truly fell from the sky.
He believed it wouldn't be long before rumors started spreading throughout the Ninja World that their Konoha Root Ninja had not only taken Control of Rōran in the Land of Wind but also that a Nameless Expert had defeated the Cloud Hidden Troops and even managed to Capture Alive the Third Raikage.
At that time, the Cloud Hidden Village would definitely make things difficult for Konohagakure, and other Great Ninja Villages nearby would also send more Spies to gather Intelligence.
But the problem was, they didn't do any of this!
Of course, deep down, Danzō hoped that the Powerhouse who Captured Alive the Third Raikage was truly someone from his Root, preferably a Powerhouse who was completely under his Control.
Merely using the Sand Control Ability to restrain over three thousand Cloud Hidden Ninja in the Sand, rendering them unable to move, including many Jonin.
This Strength was definitely greater than that of the Third Kazekage, who was said to be the Strongest in history.
Others might not have seen it, but Danzō had participated in the Second Great Ninja War ten years ago and had personally witnessed the scene when the Third Kazekage made his move.
"Lightning Release Chakra is ineffective against the Sand he controls?"
Danzō narrowed his Eyes, feeling somewhat surprised and suspicious. He felt this Intelligence was very crucial because it violated the basic relationship between Chakra Natures.
So he wondered, would Water Release be effective against this Sand Control Technique?
Although theoretically, as an Earth Release technique, Sand Control Technique should Counter Water Release.
But he vaguely remembered that his Teacher back then, meaning the Second Hokage, had mentioned that his Water Release could break the Sand Control Technique.
However, there was a problem here.
That is, if the Combat location was within the Land of Wind, it would be difficult to perform Water Release in the dry Desert, except for a very few Water Release Powerhouse.
So, with Lightning Release being ineffective, how should they deal with this overly tall Nameless Expert?
Danzō habitually fell into Thought about this question.
Because he was certain this person would pose a threat to Konohagakure. If this person was also a Powerhouse from Sunagakure, the threat would be even greater.
Although Sunagakure had always been the weakest among the Five Great Ninja Villages, it was still one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, strong enough to easily crush other Small Country Ninja Villages in the Ninja World.
Not to mention, according to previous Intelligence, Sunagakure also had Rasa, who could repel the Third Raikage.
"Is Sunagakure about to rise?"
Danzō's mood was heavy. He felt he should inform that Sarutobi guy about this Matter as soon as possible. As a Higher-Up of Konohagakure, he was all too aware of the impact such a Genius could bring.
After all, Konohagakure had the most Genius, and perhaps because of this, they didn't cherish them as much.
"It's best to find a Method to deal with this as soon as possible..."
Thinking this, Danzō, enveloped in cold Killing Intent, turned and left the gloomy Prison Cell.
As for the three Cloud Hidden Ninja, they wouldn't be killed for now. Orochimaru had been needing quite a bit of Experiment Material lately, and it was unknown when he would achieve results from his Research.
The First Hokage's Cells... every time he thought of them, his Heart filled with anticipation.
"I Hope to witness the Strength of Wood Release soon..."
Danzō's low murmur echoed in the empty Underground Base, then was swallowed by the Darkness.
At the same time.
Just as Danzō had thought, with the appearance of a large number of defeated and fleeing Cloud Hidden Ninja, the Matter that occurred in the Land of Wind gradually became known to various countries.
Especially Kirigakure in the Land of Water and the Stone Village in the Land of Earth.
Their Anbu had also captured some Cloud Hidden Ninja, more or less.
However, because they didn't have Ninja like the Yamanaka Clan who were useful for Intelligence Detection, the methods and process of Interrogation were much more brutal and bloody.
But what needed to be known, was known.
For example, the group of black-clothed Ninja who occupied Rōran claimed to be Konohagakure's Root Ninja.
If this was true, did that mean the Sand Control Powerhouse who Captured Alive the Third Raikage was also from Konoha?
This immediately made Konohagakure the Focus of the Ninja World.
Of course, some people doubted the authenticity, wondering why that Sound Release Ninja named Tengen Uzui would expose himself as a Konoha Root Ninja.
However, this doubt disappeared with more detailed Intelligence.
Because it was stated very clearly here that they initially pretended to be Ninja from some Sea Ninja Village, even preparing their attire and Headbands.
And the Identity of Konoha Ninja, as well as Root Ninja, was something the Third Raikage himself tricked out of them.
Furthermore, concerning that group of 'Sea Ninja,' they were extremely proficient in Strong Fist Style Taijutsu, Illusionary Sword Technique, and could even generally suppress the Cloud Hidden Ninja who were originally skilled in Martial Arts and Swordsmanship.
Also, the Intelligence that they had a Crow Ninja Beast per Personnel, many were skilled in Archery, and possessed some kind of Small Explosive Pill and Long-Handled Repeating Firearm, was successively learned by the Higher-Ups of various countries.
"Aside from Archery, no matter how you look at the others, they seem to fit Konoha's existing characteristics quite well..."
Inside the Stone Village's Tsuchikage's Office.
Ōnoki, who was not yet sixty years old this year, was wearing a red shawl. He was reading the Interrogation Intelligence sent by his Son, Kitsuchi, and said thoughtfully while stroking his Chin.
Strong Fist, Genjutsu, Swordsmanship, Crow Ninja Beast, and relatively high Weapon Technology...
"But what about Sound Release and Sand Control Technique? Also, it's mentioned here that the opposing Ninja had no Chakra Signature on their bodies and didn't use any conventional Ninjutsu?"
The honest and sturdy Kitsuchi Shake Head and said, "It is quite strange. But I'm very curious about that person being three meters in Height. How tall is that? I wish I could see it for myself."
At two meters and seventeen centimeters himself, he had always felt he was quite tall in the Ninja World.
But Ōnoki felt a bit annoyed hearing this.
"Hmph, what's the use of just being tall? It just makes you a bigger target!"
Thank you very much to Reader 'yilHell Yama' for the 500 Qidian Coin Tip! Bow! Thank you for your Support and Encouragement!
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 830: Be More Cautious!
Approximately one week later. Jonin Dodai finally led the nearly one thousand ninja, exhausted in both body and mind, back to the Cloud Hidden Village in the Land of Lightning.
Heaven knows how difficult their journey was along this sea route, which required bypassing more than half of the Ninja World's coastline.
The lack of water and food was manageable; with the enthusiastic contributions from the Land of Tea along the way, they had just enough. However, once night fell, ninja from various sides would always harass them. As a result, a few people went missing almost every day.
This made it impossible for them to sleep. Furthermore, on the vast and turbulent sea, the climate was also a big problem; if it worsened even slightly, the sea waves would become very troublesome.
When Lord Third Raikage led them before, why didn't it feel this difficult?
[Bang!!] The high-quality office desk was smashed by a punch, and even the ground was violently shaken, producing fine cracks.
"This is impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Ay, the son of the Third Raikage, less than twenty-five years old this year, was in his prime youth. Compared to his father, who had learned some restraint due to old age, his temper was much more volatile.
As soon as he heard the news that Tsuchidai brought back, he was first in disbelief, followed by an uncontrollable surge of rage erupting in his heart.
"My Dad is invincible in the Ninja World!"
"He's always been the one to crush others, how could he possibly be defeated by someone else, and even capture alive!"
Tsuchidai and the others in the Raikage office were all silent for a moment. They also found this matter unbelievable. Even though Tsuchidai had experienced it firsthand, he still had a sense of unreality.
He even had a slight speculation in his heart: was it possible that he had fallen under genjutsu?
But this was just self-comfort.
"Brothers, calm down, gotta think 'bout what to do now, yo, brothers!" Killer B, who was not yet an adult but already 1.7 meters tall, wore black glasses on his face and reminded them with a rap rhythm and hand signals.
"I know, B." Ay's emotions calmed down. Looking at his little brother, he said, "We have to find a method to rescue Dad!"
"No problem, brothers, we'll go together, brothers~" Killer B agreed without hesitation.
"Huh?!" But Jonin Dodai and the surrounding few Jonin all had a great change in expression. They thought Ay wanted to go to the Land of Wind, which would make the situation uncontrollable.
Speaking of which, the Cloud Hidden Village is the only ninja village among the Five Great Nations that doesn't have elders.
It's more similar to a gang style.
Ay glanced at Tsuchidai and others, and said in a deep voice, "I know what you want to say. Don't worry, I have no intention of going to the Land of Wind. After all, even Dad wasn't an opponent, so there's no use in me going."
"Phew----" Tsuchidai and others immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
At the same time, they were surprised that the other party could maintain such rationality in his great rage, as if he had suddenly become steady.
"Then what are you planning?"
"I will station five thousand troops along the border of the Land of Fire, demanding an explanation from them. At the same time, I will contact the Stone Village in the Land of Earth and Kirigakure in the Land of Water to discuss suppressing the Land of Wind with them!"
Ay's fierce gaze looked out the window at the dark clouds and towering mountain peaks.
The rumbling sound faintly coming from the clouds seemed to indicate that another thunderstorm was coming soon.
But the Cloud Hidden Village is different from the Rain Hidden Village.
Every time after a heavy rain, they would welcome excellent weather. When that time comes, the sky will be clear and the blue will be like a wash, and he believes that all the matters will get better like this.
Because their Cloud Hidden Village has enough strength!
"Good idea. Regardless of whether those people are Konoha ninja or not, Konoha must provide an explanation. As for Sunagakure, other ninja villages definitely don't want to see them have such a powerhouse..."
Jonin Dodai nodded repeatedly in thought.
"Even Kirigakure, which is the furthest from the Land of Wind, would likely be interested in those long-barreled firearms capable of rapid-fire, as well as the pill-shaped high-power explosives."
Compared to pistols, this kind of weapon can already pose a significant threat to ninja.
In that case, if Kirigakure doesn't find a method to obtain samples and then gain manufacturing ability, then when other Great Nations have them and they don't, they will inevitably fall into a passive state.
Therefore, Kirigakure definitely cannot continue to watch from the sidelines this time.
"B, your next mission is to go to Cloud-Lightning Gorge and practice the Tailed Beast Bomb. Master its use as quickly as possible!" At this moment, Ay seemed to think of something else and looked at Killer B very seriously.
"Now that Dad isn't here, other ninja villages might invade us. At that time, I need you to continuously release Tailed Beast Bombs from the back to defeat them, and I will absolutely not let the enemy get close to you!"
"But... my Lariat isn't finished yet..."
"Your Lariat ends here. Listen well, you are not allowed to leave the village one step from now on, understand?!" Ay shouted angrily.
The Cloud Hidden Village must now rely on a mature Jinchuriki, which is the strength of the Tailed Beast, to stabilize the situation.
Although there is still the Two-Tails in the village, they haven't found a suitable Jinchuriki yet, so for now, they can only rely on Killer B to guard the village.
Even if he leaves the village himself, he cannot let Killer B go out.
"Alright, brothers, I understand!"
Killer B didn't say anything more. He turned around and left directly, preparing to go to Cloud-Lightning Gorge to start practicing the Tailed Beast Bomb, even though a thunderstorm was about to start outside.
Because he could feel his Big Brother's anxious and unease mood.
Since that's the case.
Then he will race against time to do what he can, and help his Big Brother as much as possible!
On the other side. Inside Konohagakure in the Land of Fire.
The current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was nearing fifty years old, wore a Hokage Hat on his head and a white Hokage Robe, looking troubled at the various intelligence reports and letters sent by the Kage of other ninja villages on his office desk.
Standing before him were his three Old Partners, Shimura Danzō, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane.
"Alright, it's been a few days since we got the intelligence. You should have a decision in your heart by now, Hiruzen," Danzō said expressionlessly.
"What other decision could there be? Just tell them the situation in detail. As for whether they believe it or not, that's up to them," the Third Hokage picked up his pipe and took a puff.
"You know I'm not asking about that." A few ripples appeared in Danzō's originally calm gaze. "Those firearms and explosives are good things, and we need more intelligence about that Giant Powerhouse."
"Haven't you already dispatched people to investigate these? Why are you asking me?" The Third Hokage glanced at the other party while smoking. Furthermore, he had actually already dispatched three Anbu teams to the Land of Wind long ago.
"My meaning is to send people to contact Cloud Hidden, Stone Hidden, and Hidden Mist to form a Four-Country Allied Forces to apply pressure on the Land of Wind!" Danzō said very forcefully.
"Hey, but haven't you thought about it? Easily defeating a Cloud Hidden Great Army of over three thousand, and then capturing alive the Third Raikage, what level of strength is that?" The Third Hokage paused with the pipe in his hand, his gaze fixed deeply on Danzō's eyes.
"Do you think our teacher could do that?"
"This..." Danzō was startled in his heart. He opened his mouth, unsure how to answer. Could their teacher, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, do these things?
He instantly had the answer in his heart.
After all, if he could do that, it would have been impossible for him to be killed by Kinkaku and Ginkaku, who were leading twenty Jonin.
The number of Jonin in that Cloud Hidden Great Army of over three thousand would definitely not be less than that number, plus the Third Raikage who easily defeated Shiki.
"Your meaning is..." Koharu Utatane came back to her senses, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi with an expression of astonishment. Homura Mitokado's expression beside her was identical.
"My meaning is that it's better to be more cautious."
(Author's note: Hey everyone, how's this Ninja World arc so far? Is it okay? If it's not good, I'll take a few days off to sort out my thoughts.)
(End of Chapter)