Chapter 856: Konoha Prepares!
Ninja World.
In the border forest between the Land of Fire and the Country of Rivers to the west.
Nara Shikaku, who was ordered by the Third Hokage to meet Minato Namikaze and the others and Arrest the one impersonating the First Hokage, was standing on a thick Tree Branch of a Large Tree with Yamanaka Inoichi and the Hyuga Clan's New Clan Head, Hyuga Hiashi.
Around them, Konoha Ninja wearing Green Vests and serious expressions could be seen.
"Everything is set up. Based on Minato Namikaze's Speed, they should arrive here in about two hours."
"Alright, thank you for your hard work."
Nara Shikaku, with his arms crossed over his Chest, merely nodded after hearing Yamanaka Inoichi's words, appearing very calm. It was as if he was completely unconcerned about the impending Combat.
However, Yamanaka Inoichi, who was most Familiarize with him, could tell that Nara Shikaku's Heart was actually very heavy.
Or rather, everyone who knew the Intelligence Content couldn't feel relaxed right now.
Yamanaka Inoichi sighed softly, "I hope our preparations will be effective."
A shocking Body Size of three meters, powerful Martial Arts Fist Force, and the ability to use the legendary First Hokage's Wood Release.
Their Strength was so great that they could shatter Hizashi Hyuga's Rotation with a single blow, take Gaku Inuzuka's Clan Taijutsu Secret Technique Fang Wolf Fang head-on, and heavily injure both him and his dog.
Furthermore, Minato Namikaze even concluded that the opponent possessed a powerful Sensory Ability capable of predicting his Flying Thunder God's Landing Point.
Besides that, the opponent's Wood Release could even heal others' Injuries. Hizashi Hyuga and Gaku Inuzuka, who were heavily injured, were said to have recovered at an extremely fast Speed after only being pierced by a Tree Branch for a short time.
This meant the opponent could potentially heal themselves during Combat.
Honestly, a Wood Release Powerhouse with such comprehensive Abilities, who seemed proficient in everything.
If it weren't for the Third Hokage, as well as Danzō and the two Advisors, flatly denying the opponent's Identity, and even taking out the First Hokage's Portrait to compare with the opponent's Face sketched by Minato Namikaze...
...they might have actually thought it was the 'God of Shinobi', Hashirama Senju, reappearing in the world.
So, who could the opponent be? This question had actually been considered within Konohagakure.
Among them, Homura Mitokado, one of the Advisors, suggested referencing Crocodile's self-introduction and wondered if it could be the First Clan Leader of the Senju Clan.
In his view, the opponent's Wood Release was absolutely genuine, so they must be related to the Senju Clan by Bloodline.
Although even within the Senju Clan, only Hashirama Senju possessed Wood Release, a Bloodline Limit is a Bloodline Limit, and its essence is still inherited through Bloodline.
However, a single sentence from Danzō during the Meeting left Homura Mitokado speechless.
"If the opponent is a former Powerhouse of the Senju Clan, then why would they pretend to be the First Hokage in front of Minato Namikaze and approach our Konohagakure with this Identity?"
Everyone could understand the deeper meaning in Danzō's words.
That is, regardless of whether this person was related to the Senju Clan or not, they clearly harbored ill will towards Konoha.
Nara Shikaku, who also attended the Meeting, strongly agreed with this point.
He even thought the opponent was a bit foolish.
If they wanted to approach Konohagakure and gain their Trust, they shouldn't have impersonated the First Hokage.
If they had simply claimed to be the Old Ancestor of the Senju Clan, like Crocodile did, then there would have been practically nothing for them to Doubt.
But things had come to this point. Since it was confirmed they were an Enemy, they had to find a Method to take them down first, and then find a Method to extract more Intelligence and completely tear apart the mystery surrounding them.
Nara Shikaku, based on the Intelligence transmitted by Minato Namikaze, first judged that in the face of the 'fake First Hokage's' Wood Release Ability, having a large number of ordinary Lower Level Ninja was meaningless. It would only increase Casualties and subsequently affect the Entity Morale.
Therefore, he immediately made the Decision to only lead thirty Jonin, twenty Special Jonin, and fifty Chunin from the Great Ninja Clans.
Don't look at them as just Chunin. These are Ninja who either possess a Bloodline Limit or a Clan Secret Technique. In other Great Ninja Villages, they would at least be considered Special Jonin, and in Small Ninja Villages, they would be sufficient to hold the position of Jonin.
This was basically a consensus among all Konoha Ninja. Even if other Ninja Villages were unhappy, they could only curse in secret, and no one openly questioned it.
After all, in the previous two Great Ninja Wars, Konohagakure had indeed defeated the other Ninja Villages single-handedly.
Not to mention that even the Tailed Beasts within the Village were voluntarily distributed to them by the First Hokage.
Therefore, the Ninja Unit led by Nara Shikaku was equivalent to one hundred Jonin Rank Ninja in the entire Ninja World.
And their Target was only one person. This shows the extraordinary Importance placed on this mission. One must know that even Great Ninja Villages with relatively fewer Ninja, like Sunagakure and Kirigakure, would not have more than one hundred Jonin, including Special Jonin.
This was Konohagakure's Deep Foundation.
"Have everyone get into position, but remind them not to harbor Killing Intent before taking action, and there's no need for excessive obvious hiding. Just act like you're normally keeping watch around the area."
Nara Shikaku reminded all the Ninja around him through his Earphone.
"The opponent possesses extremely powerful Sensory Ability, so no matter how we hide, they will likely discover us easily."
"Therefore, it's better to first pretend to be a Guard Squad here to welcome them."
This was also the Benefits of him only bringing one hundred people. This number was neither too many nor too few; it was perfectly reasonable to call it a Guard.
The opponent was impersonating the First Hokage, so it was also reasonable for their Konohagakure to be a bit more formal.
No one replied through the Earphone, but they all began to consciously relax their Body and Mind.
Some who had already hidden, after Consideration for a few seconds, then naturally walked out of their hiding places, or voluntarily stopped using Invisibility, Earth Release, and other Ninjutsu that seemed ill-intentioned.
Everyone present was an experienced old Ninja, and naturally understood Nara Shikaku's meaning.
They even Rapportly adjusted their respective positions into a two-layered inner and outer Protection Formation, which made Nara Shikaku smile casually upon seeing it.
"You truly are reliable, everyone..."
Seeing so many excellent Colleagues, his Heart suddenly felt less heavy.
"Even if you aren't, even if you truly are the First Hokage, or some First Clan Leader of the Senju Clan, as long as you harbor hostility towards the current Konoha, we will definitely be able to stop you!"
Nara Shikaku slowly clenched his hands into fists, secretly gave himself Encouragement in his Heart. The Gaze fixed in the Direction of the Country of Rivers was filled with determination.
On the other side.
Inside Konohagakure, the current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was standing by the Office window wearing his Hokage Hat. He was also gazing in the Direction where Nara Shikaku and the others were.
Rōran, Crocodile who performed the Capture Alive of the Third Raikage, and this Powerhouse who clearly wasn't the First Hokage but possessed powerful Wood Release Ability.
All of this gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a Feeling of unease.
"Old man, I'm back."
Suddenly, the The Gate behind him was pushed open, and a tall, white-haired man walked in. It was Jiraiya, one of the 'Sannin'.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, his brow seeming to relax slightly. He smiled and said, "How was it? Did the Great Toad Sage see anything?"
"The Sage just told me one thing... 'Good thing'." Jiraiya replied with a look of confusion.
"Good thing?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled for a moment. What did that mean? Why was it a good thing...?
At the same time.
In the Room of the Konoha Intelligence Analysis Team.
Orochimaru, wearing a Konoha Alias, was examining a Large Scissors and a strangely shaped Pistol he had just received.
His Gaze was no different from the three Special Jonin around him; it was filled with Doubt.
Because Orochimaru found that he actually couldn't understand...
Thank you very much to Hall Master nil Prison Yama for the 5000 Qidian Coin Tip! Bow! Thank you for your Support and Encouragement!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 857: Tactics Successful!
In the dense Forest.
Five figures moved extremely swiftly, leaping forward between the Large Trees.
The Whistling Sound, the thudding sounds of footsteps, Accompanied By the rustling of Tree Leaves, rose and fell.
Hizashi Hyuga and Gaku Inuzuka took the lead, Araki and Minato Namikaze were in the middle, and Choza Akimichi followed behind, simultaneously supporting Sara, who was sitting on his Multi-Size Technique-enhanced giant Palm.
At this moment, Araki was experiencing this method of Ninja travel with great interest.
Jumping around was quite interesting.
According to the habits of their World, they would usually walk or run on the Ground.
If it were someone with a more irritable Personality, they might directly break the Trees blocking their path, like a Fierce Beast rampaging through the forest.
This was not strange.
When many Pirates explored Islands, their Posture was even fiercer than the Wild Beasts on the Island.
At the same time.
Araki also noticed something else: ever since entering the territory of the Land of Fire, he found that the Trees were unusually tall.
Every single one looked like it was over a hundred, or even several hundred years old in Tree Age. In comparison, the Trees within the Country of Rivers previously were normal in both Density and Volume.
This kind of Detail might not be noticed by most people, but as a Mori Mori no Mi Ability User, he was particularly sensitive in this regard.
Recalling the relevant Intelligence about Hashirama Senju.
Araki felt that these Trees under his feet were likely Manufacturing by the other party using Wood Release.
"If it's just this level, it seems similar to me... Unfortunately, you're already dead, lahahaha----"
Araki laughed wildly in his Heart.
He knew about the Impure World Reincarnation, but he wasn't even afraid of Hashirama Senju when he was alive, so why would he Scruple an Edo Hashira who was reportedly weaker than when he was alive?
"What Wood Release? It doesn't even have Elementalization Ability. My Woods-Woods Fruit is the true King of nature!"
In Araki's view, if Hashirama Senju could dominate the Ninja World with Wood Release and be called the 'God of Shinobi', then he should be able to achieve the same with his own Strength.
Not to mention that the other party was already dead. This was his confidence in daring to venture into Konohagakure alone.
A certain Intelligence Advantage combined with powerful Strength.
Araki had actually given it some Thought, rather than being completely thoughtlessly impulsive.
Of course, regarding the Matter of impersonating Hashirama Senju, he hadn't really thought it through. After all, Minato Namikaze had asked too abruptly at the time, giving him only a few seconds for Thought.
However, Araki didn't care in his Heart whether his Lie would be exposed.
He just needed Minato Namikaze and the others to take him to Konohagakure.
There was no other Method.
Who told him he couldn't turn into a Sandstorm and fly over from High Altitude like Crocodile?
Of course.
Araki could also fly using Moonwalk or use Element Transformation to pass through from deep underground, but how could that compare to the comfort of being invited in?
"First Hokage, I saw Konoha Ninjas about one kilometer ahead. It should be the Team coming to welcome you."
At this moment, Hizashi Hyuga, who was in front, suddenly spoke.
"Not bad, not bad. It seems that Third Hokage is a good person, quite enthusiastic, lahahaha!"
Araki scanned over with Observation Haki and indeed Perception one hundred Aura that had no Killing Intent whatsoever, no hiding whatsoever, and whose positioning was very reassuring.
This made the Smile on his face even brighter. It seemed his Identity hadn't been exposed.
"Naturally, First Hokage."
Minato Namikaze softly agreed with a smile while following beside Araki, but in his Heart, he was already certain that the other party was not the First Hokage.
On the other side.
Original Copy, Sara, who was sitting cross-legged on Choza Akimichi's large Palm, slowly stood up with a complex Expression.
She ultimately didn't tell Minato Namikaze and the others about the World Government Matter.
Because the Matter of the World Government saving Rōran had only happened recently, and she had witnessed it personally and experienced it herself.
That kind of Ripple from Despair to being saved was still fresh in her Memory even now.
In comparison, the Matter of Minister Anrokuzan's Rebellion and subsequent defeat by the Konoha Ninjas was learned entirely from the Citizens, due to her Memory being sealed.
Therefore, Sara still followed her Heart and was unwilling to be an ungrateful person who betrayed the World Government, but she also prayed for Konoha's safety in her Heart.
This was the only thing she, a weak Women, could do.
At the same time.
A Distance of less than one kilometer might be too exaggerated to describe as arriving in an instant for Powerhouses who were at least Jonin Rank.
But arriving in a moment was no problem at all.
Soon, both sides met in a specially cleared Open Ground in the forest, and Nara Shikaku took the lead, going up to meet them with a smile.
"Thank you for your hard work, Minato, Hizashi, Gaku, Choza."
After greeting his familiar Colleagues, Nara Shikaku looked at the extremely tall Araki with a very sincere Expression, mixed with a certain curiosity and respect.
"This must be the First Hokage. It is a great honor to meet you here!"
"I am the current Clan Leader of the Nara Clan, Nara Shikaku, and I am also the person in charge of Escorting you to Konohagakure, by order of the Third Hokage."
Seeing this, Araki immediately threw his head back and laughed heartily: "Lahahaha, then let's go quickly! I can't wait to see Konoha!"
At the same time, he began to recall general Intelligence about the Nara Clan in his mind, thinking to himself: "A Secret Technique that manipulates Shadow to Control others' Bodies? Somewhat interesting..."
"Okay."
Nara Shikaku Respectfully nodded, but his Gaze turned to Sara, who had just jumped down from Choza Akimichi's Palm.
"This should be Her Majesty the Queen of Rōran. Given that you do not possess Ninja Ability, we have prepared a Sedan Chair for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, a Chunin from the Sarutobi Clan walked up from behind and slowly led the somewhat Unease Sara away.
Seeing this, Minato Namikaze breathed a sigh of relief in his Heart.
"Then let's depart now..."
Nara Shikaku smiled at the impatient Araki, then shouted loudly the words 'Form Formation' to the surrounding Ninjas, and at the same time quickly leaped towards a Large Tree in front.
"Hmm?"
Araki hadn't understood what Form Formation meant yet.
He just saw Nara Shikaku start moving and subconsciously lifted his foot to follow, thinking he would be jumping around on Trees again next.
But who would have thought that the soles of his feet were stuck tightly to the Ground covered with layers of fallen leaves.
This made him lower his head and look Doubtfully. As he saw the dense Black Markings spreading up from his ankles, a series of quite uniform shouts suddenly sounded beside his ears.
"Ninja Art: Shadow Imitation Technique!"
The next moment, streaks of Black Shadow shot out from all directions like Arrow skimming the Ground, and in the blink of an eye, they successfully connected beneath Araki, who seemed unable to move his feet.
Immediately.
Everyone saw Araki's Body frozen in place, and the Black Markings that had initially spread up had now covered his entire Body.
"Hoo----"
Seeing this scene, Nara Shikaku, who was also performing a Secret Technique on a Large Tree in the distance, immediately let out a long breath, and an Expression of Delight appeared on his face.
"Tactics Successful!"
As these words came out of his mouth, the surrounding Konoha Ninjas also beamed with Delight and smiles one after another.
No one expected the process would be so smooth.
The Binding Jutsu improved into a Formation, combined with the Shadow Imitation Technique of ten Nara Clan members, made them believe that no matter how Strong the opponent was, they wouldn't be able to move a single finger.
"What is this Situation?"
Choza Akimichi and Gaku Inuzuka were a bit confused by this situation, while Hizashi Hyuga was thoughtful, simultaneously pulling away from Araki.
"This person is fake, not the First Hokage! You guys stay away from him first!"
Nara Shikaku shouted loudly to the two of them, then immediately turned his head to look at Yamanaka Inoichi, who was standing beside him.
"I'm counting on you next."
"Okay!"
Yamanaka Inoichi had already prepared the starting pose for his Secret Technique, aimed the Hand Signal formed into a Lap at Araki below, and shouted: "Ninja Art: Mind Transfer Technique!"
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 858: Everyone, watch out!
"Ninja Art: Mind Transfer Technique!"
This is the Foundation Ninjutsu of the Yamanaka Clan's Secret Technique.
The general Effect is to focus all of one's Spirit onto a single point and release it towards the Target.
Yes.
All Mental Power!
Although it can only hit in a straight line, if successful, it allows one's Consciousness to invade the Target's mind, while simultaneously forcing the opponent's Spirit into slumber, achieving the Effect of Controlling their Body for a short period.
It is generally mostly used for Spy Missions.
Of course.
It can also be used for Control during encounter battles, but this Technique is very reliant on Teammate Protection.
Because once one invades the Target's mind, their own Body will also fall into a Coma due to losing Consciousness.
Nara Shikaku's Tactics were to first Restrain Araki's Body, then have Yamanaka Inoichi Control the opponent's Spirit and Consciousness, and finally bring him back to Konohagakure for a series of subsequent Processes.
In fact, there were also two Special Jonin from the Yamanaka Clan present at the scene.
But the Mind Transfer Technique is different from the Shadow Imitation Technique; its Power is not strengthened by the number of users. Therefore, it was better to have Yamanaka Inoichi, the Clan Leader, perform it himself.
This was not only more reliable but also a form of Respect for the opponent's Strength.
"Pfft----"
But the next second, just as Hyuga Hiashi, who was nearby, was about to support Yamanaka Inoichi's unconscious Body.
The latter suddenly spat out a mouthful of Blood, his originally rosy Expression instantly turned pale, and his Gaze was filled with terror and disbelief.
"How is this possible!!!"
"What happened?"
Because he needed to maintain the Hand Signal for the Shadow Imitation Technique, Nara Shikaku could only turn his head in surprise and doubt, asking urgently.
Hyuga Hiashi, supporting the weak Yamanaka Inoichi, also wore a doubtful Expression.
The surrounding Ninja noticed the Situation here, and the forest instantly fell silent, the Atmosphere also quickly became filled with Nervousness.
"A wall... he, in his mind, there is an incredibly hard wall..."
Just as Yamanaka Inoichi was Speaking haltingly with his mouth full of Blood, Araki below let out a wild, ear-piercing laugh that made everyone uncomfortable.
"Lahahaha----Lahahaha----"
Araki already understood what the Situation was now.
He had been exposed, which was a little sad~~
But when he discovered that someone on the opposing side was actually trying to use a Mental Power to assault his Consciousness.
And based on the Ninja World Intelligence in his mind, after roughly guessing what Ninjutsu was being used, an uncontrollable amusement instantly surged up.
"Even this old man's Will cannot be shaken by Conqueror's Haki, and you, with Mental Power not even as strong as a splash of piss, want to rush in?"
"Lahahaha, you're killing me with laughter! What ignorance, what fearlessness, what utter lack of self-awareness! This is enough for me to laugh for a whole year!"
Although Araki didn't have Conqueror's Haki, he wouldn't be shaken unconscious by other people's Conqueror's Haki either.
Yamanaka Inoichi's Mind Transfer Technique could only be said to be extremely clever in its application of Mental Power, but the problem was that his total amount and intensity of Mental Power were insufficient.
He simply couldn't Breakthrough the Haki Defense in Araki's mind.
The inner essence of Haki is Willpower, while its external manifestation is Mental Power. Therefore, it has a confrontational relationship with the Mind Transfer Technique within the same Domain.
This caused him to be like a Human Cannonball crashing headfirst into a Steel Wall.
According to the Effect of the Mind Transfer Technique, which synchronizes damage to the Main Body, he naturally ended up with a broken head and bleeding profusely, spitting out Blood.
It was already very lucky that he didn't crash himself to death on the spot, and it could be considered that his Will was firm.
Araki's laughter and words made the Expression of all the Konoha Ninja present turn ashen.
Among them, the two Special Jonin from the Yamanaka Clan clenched their teeth even tighter, glaring angrily. Their own Clan Leader had been so insulted and severely injured.
Unforgivable!
"So what? You still can't move now, can you?"
Nara Shikaku retorted with an Angry Expression, while also shouting loudly, "Execute Plan B!"
"Ninja Art: Shadow Neck Binding Technique!"
Ten Nara Clan, including Nara Shikaku himself, spoke in unison.
Immediately, Araki noticed Black Shadow-formed Palms, which surprisingly climbed up his Body like phantoms. Based on the Name shouted out by the opponents, they should be coming for his Neck.
At the same time.
Ten Sarutobi Clan, ten Uchiha Clansman, and ten Shimura Clan also stepped out from among the Ninja who had been watching.
They stood around on the Tree Branches, quickly forming Hand Seals with their hands in front of them.
"Fire Release: Great Flame Technique!"
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
The raging tide-like Flame and surging Gale combined, forming an even fiercer, scorching hot Sea of Fire faintly emitting White Light, engulfing Araki, whose Body Size was like a Little Giant, In the Court.
Yet, even such terrifying Wind Release and Fire Release Joint Ninjutsu.
Under the Chakra Control of these thirty excellent Ninja, there wasn't the slightest sign of it dissipating outwards.
Instead, as it visibly rotated upwards, it formed a giant Flame Tornado far higher than this Forest Sea.
However, this scorching hot temperature also caused the nearby Lap of Trees to gradually show signs of wilting.
It even forced the vigilant Hyuga Clan, Inuzuka Clan, Akimichi Clan, and other clan Ninja who specialized in Melee Combat, who were standing by, to repeatedly retreat under the pressure of the Hikari coming at their faces.
He's finished!
This was the thought of most people present. In a Situation where his Body couldn't move, taking such a horrifying attack head-on meant there was absolutely no possibility of survival.
"Not good!!"
But Nara Shikaku and the other nine Ninja of the Nara Clan didn't think so.
Although the Flame Tornado was still roaring and burning, they, who had been continuously maintaining the Shadow Imitation Technique, clearly felt... the opponent moved!
This caused their Expressions to change drastically one after another.
But hindered by the fact that they didn't know what was happening inside the Flame Tornado, they could only watch their Shadows retract along the Ground back under their feet.
"Clan Leader Hiashi!"
Nara Shikaku instantly thought of the person with the Byakugan nearby. He needed to know Araki's Situation.
Hyuga Hiashi had kept his Byakugan activated. Hearing Shikaku call out to him, he understood tacitly and said in a deep voice:
"He's still inside, but a protective layer made of wood has appeared around him, like a Water Formation Wall, and there's absolutely no sign of it being burned or melted by the Flame."
"Also, this person has no Chakra inside his body!"
"Huh?!"
Nara Shikaku and the weak Yamanaka Inoichi were shocked again. What did it mean to have no Chakra inside his body?
How could he use Wood Release without Chakra?
[Roar----]
But before they could ask one more question, the imposing Flame Tornado In the Court finally exhausted its Chakra and dissipated on the spot.
The Air that had been heated by the Hikari also quickly cooled down.
However.
Everyone's Gaze was focused on the Zone filled with Magma and Scorched Earth. Indeed, an inverted bowl-shaped barrier stood tall there.
But why was it black?
Moreover, looking at its smooth surface and flowing sheen, it didn't look like Wood Release at all; it was more like Metal similar to Steel.
"Execute C..."
Just as the entire scene fell silent, and only Nara Shikaku was about to loudly give an Order.
"Shut up!"
"Next is this old man's show time!"
Araki's roar suddenly sounded.
At the same time, all the Konoha Ninja present discovered that whether it was under their feet or the nearby Trees, everything began to shake violently and undergo secondary growth at a Speed visible to the naked eye.
"Not good!"
Minato Namikaze, who had been unable to intervene and could only silently throw specially made Kunai or leave behind Flying Thunder God Seals in hidden places nearby, saw this scene and his Expression changed drastically.
"Everyone, watch out!!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 859: Crippled His Feet! (Three-in-One Chapter)
In fact, Minato Namikaze didn't need to remind them.
Facing the sudden situation where the entire Forest seemed to be reviving into Demons and Ghosts.
Although the hundred Elite Ninja present showed surprise, they still reacted immediately.
After all, they had a general understanding of Wood Release's Ability beforehand.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"
Ball of Fire the size of a Soccer ball were spat out from the mouth of a Jonin from the Uchiha Clan.
They exploded one after another, shattering the large number of Tree Branch attacking from all directions.
And around him.
Ninja from the same clan, relying on the Sharingan's super Insight.
While nimbly dodging quickly, they swung their Long Saber coated with Wind Release or Fire Release Chakra, hacking at the Trees to provide Space and Time for those behind them to form Hand Seal and cast Ninjutsu.
The other Ninja also displayed their various Means.
Inuzuka Clan's Fang Over Fang, Akimichi Clan's Partial Expansion Jutsu, Nara Clan's Shadow Sewing Technique, Hyuga Clan's Air Palm, Rotation, Shimura Clan's Wind Release, Sarutobi Clan's Fire Release...
Diverse and varied, yet all could temporarily protect their own Safety.
Only the two Special Jonin from the Yamanaka Clan were the most helpless.
They could only barely cope with Martial Arts, with the help of their other Colleague.
Nara Shikaku hadn't thought about clearing the Trees here beforehand.
But doing so would easily expose Aramaki's intentions, severely affecting the success rate of the first step of the Plan, which was to Control his Body.
Secondly, Minato Namikaze's Intelligence made it very clear that Aramaki had the Ability to create large areas of Forest in an instant within Rōran, even without any Trees.
So clearing the Trees here didn't have much meaning.
"Damn it, we can't just passively defend, we must find a way to deal with him!"
This Jonin from the Shimura Clan, seeing that he had just used Wind Release: Vacuum Wave to cut through a piece of Tree Branch.
In the blink of an eye, more thick and long Tree Branch grew out, and he shouted towards his surroundings with a grim Expression.
But just as his voice fell.
First, he heard a 'splat' sound, and at the same time felt a Severe Pain from his back.
Tadanao Shimura looked down in disbelief at the bloody Tree Branch piercing through his Chest.
"Er ah----"
But that wasn't all, his originally strong Body actually withered at a speed visible to the naked eye, turning into a skin-and-bones Elderly person in an instant.
The same thing happened repeatedly around them.
Any Ninja who was pierced by a Tree Branch, no matter how big the Wound, would have their Life Force rapidly sucked dry, becoming emaciated and on the verge of death.
This caused the Expression of all the Konoha Ninja still desperately resisting the Tree's siege to change drastically, their hearts filled with Fear.
"What vicious Wood Release, is this really Wood Release?!"
Nara Shikaku used 'Shadow Tentacles' to solidify his Shadow, blocking the surrounding Tree Branch.
At the same time, he glared angrily at Aramaki, who was still standing in the center of the Scorched Earth in the distance, seemingly doing nothing.
"Ninja Art: Shadow Summoning Technique!"
He immediately used another Secret Technique of his clan.
As the Hand Seal were completed, the Yin Release Chakra within his Body surged out.
Within a large area, the various Shadow on the Ground stood up like a chaotic dance of Demons, launching a frantic attack on the demonic-like Trees.
The Shadow of the Trees were attacking the Trees themselves!
This was the astonishing Scene that appeared with the activation of Nara Shikaku's Ninjutsu.
His idea was simple.
No matter how many Trees you have, the corresponding Shadow must be the same number, so they can just cancel each other out.
The only question was whose Chakra would run out first!
As expected.
The Shadow Summoning Technique indeed had a good Effect.
The Pressure on the Konoha Ninja was greatly reduced.
This also made them shift their Gaze, filled with Rage and Killing Intent, towards Aramaki in their Delight.
They felt it was time for a Counterattack!
"A bunch of Ant trying to shake a Sky-Piercing Great Tree~"
But Aramaki first scanned all the Ninja with disdain, then spread his arms and laughed wildly:
"Even a small appetizer makes you use all your Strength, weak, too weak, lahahahahaha~~"
[Rumble Rumble Rumble]
Along with his unrestrained laughter, the Earth began to shake violently.
In an instant.
One new Tree after another rose from the Ground, and the surface of the existing Trees also grew more thick and long branches.
If there wasn't enough Space, they would intertwine and cluster together.
At the same time.
All the Trees grew taller, thicker, and harder at an extremely fast Speed.
The attacks from the Shadow could only cause the Epidermis to crack, unable to cause any more Destruction.
"How could this be..."
The astonishment on Nara Shikaku's face lingered, and facing such a magnificent and spectacular Scene, a splash of Despair began to rise in his Heart.
His Shadow Summoning Technique simply couldn't keep up with the Speed of the Trees' growth.
If he wanted to desperately keep up, he would have to exhaust all the Chakra in his Body.
But he suspected that even if he exhausted it, the opponent could create more, stronger Trees.
"Ah ah ah!"
"Ah ah ah ah, damn it----"
The casualties among the Konoha Ninja increased rapidly.
Because they not only had to face the siege of more, and significantly tougher, Tree Branch.
They also had to endure the hammering of giant wooden fists that were comparable to those using Super Expansion Technique.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Minato Namikaze immediately bit down hard on his Right Hand thumb.
The moment Blood splattered out, he slapped it directly onto the surface of the rough Tree Trunk bulging high beneath him.
[Bang!]
A dense cluster of black Incantation appeared around his Palm, and at the same time, a large amount of White Smoke gushed out.
He wanted to invite the Toads from Mount Myōboku to assist in Combat.
That's right.
Not just one Toad, but he was preparing to summon more Toad Warrior.
But when the Smoke cleared, Minato Namikaze was stunned.
Because nothing appeared!
"What's going on? Did I not use the Summoning Jutsu correctly in my haste?"
However, the large number of incoming Tree Branch and giant wooden fists forced him to suppress his shock and instantly transfer to another Position using Flying Thunder God, then try again.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
[Bang!]
A cloud of White Smoke appeared, but again, no Toad figure emerged.
This time, Minato Namikaze felt Unimaginable. Could something have happened at Mount Myōboku as well?
At the same time.
The Elite of the Wood Leaf Faction, in order to stop Aramaki, unleashed their respective powerful Means against him.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Wolf Inuzuka, the current Clan Leader of the Inuzuka Clan, quickly created a physical entity Manifestation of himself under the Protection of several clan Ninja nearby who were desperately using Fang Over Fang to prevent the Tree Branch from approaching.
"Inuzuka Style: Human Beast Transformation - Three-Headed Wolf!"
Wolf Inuzuka, his Shadow Clone, and his Ninja Dog, Shiro, whose Body Size was huge but whose breed was clearly a Husky, were all engulfed in the large cloud of White Smoke that burst out.
[Boom!]
When the White Smoke was dispersed by a giant dog paw, a super Husky nearly ten meters tall with three heads was revealed.
Its bared teeth and fierce appearance seemed to desperately want to look more ferocious.
However, these were just the preparation stages.
Next, they would jointly use the Inuzuka Clan's Highest Level Taijutsu Secret Technique.
Fang Passing Fang Revolving Fang!
Because he had already heard about Gaku Inuzuka's desperate Fang Wolf Fang being punched apart by Aramaki.
So he directly used this ultimate Technique that could even cut through the Hyuga Clan's Rotation!
Although the Hyuga Clan had never acknowledged this claim.
It didn't matter!
In an instant, this giant three-headed Husky leaped into the Air, quickly forming a horizontally high-speed rotating Form.
It was like a flying circular buzzsaw!
But it could cut through the Trees blocking its path, accurately rushing towards Aramaki's Position.
The piercing buzzing sound attracted the expectant Gaze of many Konoha Ninja around.
"Good, good, show me all your Means, this is interesting, lahahaha!"
Aramaki laughed heartily, tilting his Head back.
He always felt that witnessing these flashy Otherworld Technique was one of the Joys he could Experience in the War of Conquest.
The next moment.
To Aramaki's left and right, from the still steaming, Aura-emitting Scorched Earth, two incredibly thick and long Trees, comparable to thousand-year-old Ancient Tree, rose from the Ground.
When Clan Leader Wolf Inuzuka's Fang Passing Fang Revolving Fang approached within ten meters of him, two pitch-black giant palms, glowing with a metallic Black Glow, slammed together.
Everyone only heard a Loud Noise erupt with a 'Boom'.
They saw surging Air Current of Chakra squeezed out from the gaps between the two Palms, causing Aramaki's long hair and the Black Coat on his Body, which still had a Smile on his face, to flutter violently.
The faint Firelight on the Ground, which had dimmed, brightened again under the blowing of these Air Current.
The entire process happened too quickly.
The originally imposing giant rotating disk was slapped motionless by the two Palms the moment it reached Aramaki.
When the pitch-black giant palms slowly separated, Minato Namikaze, Nara Shikaku, Choza Akimichi, and others in various locations all had their Expression change drastically.
"Clan Leader!!"
The Inuzuka Clan Ninja, led by Gaku Inuzuka, screamed repeatedly.
Because they saw that Wolf Inuzuka and his Ninja Dog 'Shiro' were not only covered in Blood and their limbs twisted, but both had rolled their Byakugan and fallen unconscious.
Tragic, too tragic, it was unbearable to look at!
"Hmm?"
Just as Aramaki habitually prepared to mock them, he found a guy in a strange posture suddenly appearing in front of him.
Interestingly, a green Tai Chi Eight Trigrams formation diagram also appeared under his feet.
But that wasn't all.
Another figure darted out from behind this guy, two pairs of scarlet Eyes staring intently at him. He could see three small black Tomoe rapidly spinning in their Pupil.
"Sharingan!"
"Gentle Fist Style: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"
Hyuga Hiashi, with his Byakugan activated, joined his index and middle fingers together, carrying strands of blue Chakra Air Current, and heavily struck Aramaki's overly broad bare Chest with lightning Speed.
"Two Palms!"
Following this, subsequent attacks came one after another.
"Four Palms!"
"Eight Palms!"
"Sixteen Palms!"
Hyuga Hiashi's hands completely formed Afterimage, and only muffled Collision sounds could be heard.
To be honest.
He was also forcing himself to use Gentle Fist, because he couldn't see any Chakra within Aramaki's Body.
Therefore, he could only focus on hitting the important Chakra Point areas of the Human Body, hoping that the penetrating Force of Gentle Fist could have some Effect.
"Thirty-two Palms!"
Finally, Hyuga Hiashi roared: "Sixty-four Palms!!"
[Bang bang bang bang...]
After a rapid and dense series of sounds, Hyuga Hiashi originally thought his Strength would be enough to push Aramaki's Body back, but he was shocked to find that the latter remained completely still.
"Wh-what..."
Hyuga Hiashi looked up in disbelief, shocked to see Aramaki looking at him with a playful Gaze, occasionally glancing at Yashiro Uchiha behind him.
"What are you doing?"
Aramaki deliberately put on a confused look, while casually patting his Abs.
"You rushed all the way to me with all your might, just to poke me with your fingers? And the other one is just staring at me with his Eyes?"
"H-how... how is that possible..."
Hyuga Hiashi and Yashiro Uchiha's Eyes were wide with Rage, they were practically going crazy.
How could their clan's Bloodline Limit and Secret Technique, so famous in the Ninja World, have no Effect at all?!
The Inuzuka Clan's Fang Passing Fang Revolving Fang at least made a lot of Commotion, but when it came to them, it seemed like they just heard a sound?
No.
The Sharingan didn't even make a sound...
"Boring, what kind of damn prestigious clans, get lost!"
Aramaki finally made his move. His Right Hand became blurred almost instantly, and the already pale faces of Hyuga Hiashi and Yashiro Uchiha in front of him changed even further.
Their extraordinary Insight allowed them to clearly see Aramaki's Right Hand swinging over, but they despairingly found that their Bodies couldn't react in time at all.
No.
The Hyuga Clan still had one Technique they could use!
"Rotation!!"
Hyuga Hiashi no longer cared about Yashiro Uchiha beside him.
Because he felt a huge crisis of impending death.
So he directly expelled the Chakra within his Body from every Chakra Point all over his Body, and began to rotate in a clockwise Direction.
The next moment.
Yashiro Uchiha was blown away by the Force of the Rotation, and at the same time, Aramaki's Palm also struck the surface of the Rotation.
[Boom!]
An Unimaginable Palm Force, wrapped in powerful Haki, collided with the rapidly rotating Chakra Energy Sphere.
A deafening Loud Noise erupted immediately.
The strong Force stirred up a Gale of Air Current, large areas of Scorched Earth were completely overturned, and the surrounding Trees and Branches and Leaves were either broken on the spot or developed spiderweb-like cracks.
And the Result was that the Rotation, which had just formed for less than a second, was blasted apart by a single Palm.
Hyuga Hiashi himself was sent flying out like a Cannonball, crashing through Tree after Tree along the way, and eventually disappeared...
"Clan Leader!!!"
This time it was the Hyuga Clan Ninja who screamed.
Hizashi Hyuga, as the younger brother, had personally experienced it, so he wasn't shocked for too long by the Rotation being blasted apart. Instead, he immediately flew over to search for Hyuga Hiashi.
Yashiro Uchiha, who was thrown out by the Rotation and suffered considerable Injuries in the distance, felt a sense of relief in his daze after seeing Hyuga Hiashi's fate.
"Ah, I almost died... Er ah----"
But before he could finish his sentence, he felt a Severe Pain in his back.
Then, in horror, he watched his Strength rapidly drain away, eventually turning into an emaciated Elderly person on the verge of death.
It turned out that a nearby Tree Branch had 'conveniently' stabbed him.
"Ah ah ah, you've gone too far, I'm really angry, be prepared, you Bastard First Hokage!!"
"Super Expansion Technique!"
Choza Akimichi could no longer suppress the Rage in his Heart when he saw all this. He immediately used Partial Expansion Jutsu with all his might, rapidly expanding his Body Size to be comparable to a Mountain Peak.
He was now almost level with Rōran's Central High Tower.
As for the title.
He really didn't know Aramaki's name, so in his Anger, 'Bastard First Hokage' just slipped out.
And this Scene, which was several times larger than the Giants of the World, naturally successfully attracted Aramaki's surprised Gaze.
"Watch me flatten you!"
Choza Akimichi roared in Anger and swung a Heavy Punch as large as a mountain peak towards the Scorched Earth area where Aramaki was located.
He didn't care at all about the large number of Tree Branch spreading up from under his feet.
He also didn't care about the hammering of the giant wooden fists, which were more like massages than attacks.
But his Scruple for the Ninja on his side at the Scene prevented him from using the accompanying 'Human Bullet Tank'.
However, even this seemingly simple downward punch had exaggerated Power.
The huge Volume combined with the explosive Speed and Fist Force directly stirred up a surging Hurricane, tearing apart the Air within a radius of several hundred meters.
Loud Noise of Sonic Boom mixed with Air Blast Sound, forming rolling Air Current in Mid-air.
The Gale swept across the entire Scene.
And the Fist itself was like a Meteorite falling from the sky, Chakra and Wind Pressure squeezing out a thick layer of light blue Air Layer on its surface.
"A little interesting, you can become this big, lahahaha!"
But this terrifying Scene, enough to scare people to death, brought a look of excited Excitement to Aramaki's face.
Ten meters in front of him, the two wooden palms that had just blasted apart Wolf Inuzuka's Fang Passing Fang Revolving Fang grew larger against the Wind again.
More Trees in the surrounding chaotic Sea of Trees also climbed upwards, continuously converging near the two wooden palms with long arms,
They intertwined and merged along the way, making the Volume of the wooden palms increasingly Gigantification.
It was as if the Earth itself had extended out an Unimaginable terrifying giant palm.
[Boom----]
The left wooden giant palm firmly received the Heavy Punch of Choza Akimichi, who was as tall as a Mountain Peak.
In an instant.
White Qi Mist accompanied by a terrifying Rumble that echoed through the sky.
Even though the Collision point was several hundred meters above the Ground, the resulting Shockwave still broke and sent flying large areas of Trees.
The Konoha Ninja within were naturally not spared.
Facing this Natural Disaster-like Gale and Air Current.
Only a small portion of the Jonin were lucky enough to use various Defense Ninjutsu in time.
And most people could only watch helplessly as they were swept into High Altitude, and then thrown far, far away amidst Screams...
"This..."
Minato Namikaze, who had used Flying Thunder God Technique to flash to a very distant location, stood on the top of a Large Tree.
In front of him were Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi, whom he had rescued at the last moment.
The three of them looked powerlessly at the other towering giant fist, whose surface was stained with a layer of black, heavily striking Choza Akimichi's left Cheek.
The entire process seemed to slow down.
They could clearly see the fat on Choza Akimichi's face being squeezed out in layers of flesh marks under the Oppression of the giant fist, his huge Head tilting to the right.
Finally, he fell heavily into the Sea of Trees, which was like a green carpet, and at the same time, a large area of Smoke and Dust, resembling a curtain, was stirred up.
"This is... not even on the same dimension..."
Nara Shikaku muttered in Despair.
He had completely Experienced what it meant that in the face of absolute Strength, all Tactics, Plan, and Strategy were meaningless.
Yamanaka Inoichi covered his forehead and echoed in disbelief: "Even if the First Hokage were alive, it would probably be no more than this, right?"
"Precisely because of this, we must find a way to stop him from approaching Konoha!" Minato Namikaze said with a determined Expression.
Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi fell silent upon hearing this.
How to stop him?
"I will first take the two of you back to Konoha, please be sure to inform the Third Hokage of the situation here!"
Minato Namikaze said with a serious Expression but a calm tone, "Next, I will find a way to restrain the opponent and try my best to buy more Time and Intelligence!"
Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi nodded heavily, looking at Minato Namikaze's determined Gaze.
"Okay."
"But if possible, please save Choza, please, Lord Minato!" Nara Shikaku requested sincerely, using Honorifics.
"Naturally, I will do my best to save every Partner of Konoha!"
After speaking, Minato Namikaze placed his hands on their Shoulders again, and then disappeared from the top of this Large Tree with a whoosh.
On the other side.
As Choza Akimichi's Body Size continued to shrink due to falling into a Coma.
The two giant hands formed by the convergence of countless Trees clasped together in the Air and visibly merged with each other.
"Moo----"
In the blink of an eye, a Giant Wooden Ox with many tender green Tree Leaves on its Body appeared in Mid-air. It had two thick and sharp horns and let out a long bull roar that echoed throughout the entire Sea of Trees, tilting its Head back.
Aramaki, with his Black Coat fluttering in the Wind, stood with his hands clasped in front of his Chest on the broad bull Head, gazing in the Direction of Konohagakure.
Behind him.
Wolf Inuzuka, Hyuga Hiashi, Yashiro Uchiha, Hizashi Hyuga, Choza Akimichi, and other twenty-odd Konoha Ninja who were severely injured and on the verge of death, or had fallen into a Coma.
They were wrapped in thick Tree Branch and lying on the back of the Wooden Ox.
These were the people Aramaki felt had good Strength, so he deliberately held back.
Because he knew very well that the World Government's purpose was not Destruction and Slaughter, but Conquest and Rule.
Therefore, these guys who were powerfully defeated by him would more easily develop Fear towards the World Government after understanding everything, and naturally would be more likely to surrender.
"Lahahahaha, this is the Scope of an Admiral, Crocodile is still far behind, lahahahaha~~"
Aramaki laughed wildly, facing the strong Wind.
And the Wooden Ox beneath him slowly moved towards Konoha with a Rumble in every step.
"Konoha will be suppressed by me, Lord Aramaki!"
"You can't have your way with that..."
Just then, a calm voice sounded.
"Hmm?"
Aramaki glanced slightly and saw Minato Namikaze, with orange-red Eye shadow, appearing on the top of the left horn. In his Right Hand, he held a light blue Energy Sphere with a Diameter of about ten meters.
"Sage Art: Super Great Ball Rasengan!"
"Sage Art?"
At this moment, a general description of Sage Jutsu flashed through Aramaki's mind, and he prepared to blast it apart with his own Fist again.
"Hmm?!"
But just as he was about to raise his Right Hand, his Gaze froze for a moment, and then he immediately stopped his movement.
[Boom!!]
However, Minato Namikaze's Sage Art: Super Great Ball Rasengan did not hesitate at all, immediately slamming into Aramaki's Position, even blasting apart the entire giant bull Head.
"Did it succeed?"
Minato Namikaze's Heart was filled with Delight, but he also felt that a Powerhouse like Aramaki shouldn't be defeated so easily.
Indeed.
Sharp Wood Spikes with Sonic Boom Airwave shot out from the fractured surface of the bull's Body. Their Speed was extremely fast, but Minato's Reaction and Speed were even faster.
All the Wood Spikes only passed through a flash of yellow, while Minato Namikaze's figure had already appeared on the bull's back behind them.
But the moment he appeared.
Two sharp, slender Wood Spikes seemed to have known he would appear here long ago.
They shot up from the Ground almost a second before Minato Namikaze appeared, just piercing through the Soles of his feet, Blood splattering.
This caused his Pupil to suddenly shrink into pinpricks. Almost the moment the Pain Sensation reacted, he used Flying Thunder God again and disappeared without a trace.
"Hmph, crippled your feet, let's see how you Flash now!"
Aramaki slowly floated up from the surface of the bull's back in another spot, a cold Smile on his face.
He had truly felt Killing Intent just now, preparing to directly kill Minato Namikaze.
But Minato Namikaze's Reaction Speed was simply too fast. Before the Wood Spikes could continue drilling up along his ankles, he had already escaped.
On the other side.
Inside a very cozy home in Konohagakure, Minato Namikaze, with his feet covered in Blood, suddenly appeared in the Hall.
"Ah ah ah!"
Upon reaching here, his nerves seemed to relax. He covered his Legs willfully, letting out an uncontrollable Painful Scream.
"Minato!!!"
Kushina, who was originally standing in the Kitchen boiling meat soup, screamed when she saw this Scene. She threw down the soup ladle and pounced towards Minato Namikaze...
Chapter 860: Holy Land Suspicions!
"How could this be..."
Inside the Hokage's Office in Konohagakure.
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened with a solemn Expression to Nara Shikaku's Report.
As for Yamanaka Inoichi, his Spirit had suffered a severe blow. Not long after returning, he couldn't hold on any longer and fell into a Coma. He was currently receiving treatment in the Hidden Leaf Hospital.
Fortunately, Nara Shikaku was in decent condition. Aside from his Expression being somewhat pale due to excessive Chakra consumption, he was mostly unharmed. However, as the Captain of this Operation, nearly the entire Whole Army of a hundred Elite Ninja was wiped out. Among them were nine Clan Ninja, so one can imagine how much Suffering he was currently experiencing.
Also present in the Office were Shimura Danzō, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, who had rushed over after hearing the News.
Orochimaru was there because he found that he couldn't understand the Imperial Arms: Everything Cutter and Ministerial Arms: Prometheus at all. He didn't understand why they possessed extraordinary Mass and Function despite clearly not being Chakra Metal. One could say they were in no way inferior to the seven Ninja Swords of Kirigakure, or their Konohagakure's Raijin Sword. Therefore, Orochimaru was now full of interest in anyone from Rōran. Naturally, this included Araki, who was currently approaching Konohagakure. Honestly, he had even thought about going to Rōran himself to investigate...
These six people present could be said to be the Higher-Ups of Konohagakure at the moment. As for Tsunade, she had not yet returned to the Village.
As Nara Shikaku's Report continued, aside from Orochimaru, who remained Expressionless, the other five people's Expressions gradually turned grim. The Air Pressure in the room had dropped to a point where it was almost suffocating.
Twenty Jonin, thirty Special Jonin, fifty Chunin, all without exception were Ninja from the Great Ninja Clans. Adding Minato Namikaze, Choza Akimichi, Hizashi Hyuga, and Gaku Inuzuka, that makes twenty-four Jonin! And they were Konoha's Jonin! Such a luxurious lineup, even with preparation, was actually Slaughtered by that guy impersonating the First Hokage? The losses were heavy!
The key was that Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the current Hokage, didn't think he could defeat such a lineup in an Encirclement and Suppression. Not to mention that among them was Minato Namikaze, who had skillfully mastered and further improved the Flying Thunder God Technique...
"So, we Paid with nearly a hundred Elite Ninja, and the Intelligence we gained is that the opponent is named Aramaki, his Mental Power is so Strong that he can immune to Genjutsu, including Mind Transfer Technique and Sharingan..."
"...He can break free from the Control of Shadow Imitation Technique and Binding Formation through some Ability, he has no Chakra in his Body, Chakra Point Strike from Gentle Fist Style is ineffective, and he doesn't even budge."
"...His Physical Skill is so Strong that he could shatter the Hyuga Clan Leader's Rotation with a single palm strike, sending the person flying out of sight, their fate unknown; knock out the Akimichi Clan Leader using Super Expansion Technique with a single punch; and even Wood Release was ineffective..."
Orochimaru used his somewhat hoarse but highly charismatic Voice to softly summarize the key Content from the Intelligence. This also made Araki's image more concrete and vivid in everyone's minds.
However, every sentence he spoke made this image seem even more terrifying. Even the faint Smile that was originally on his face vanished without a trace after he finished the last word, and he subconsciously extended his scarlet Informant to lick his thin lips.
"Even the First Hokage Lord wouldn't be much more than this when he was alive..."
Jiraiya muttered to himself with a stiff Expression. He couldn't even think of how to deal with this kind of enemy now.
"The opponent should still be approaching us now. The urgent Matter at hand is to find a Method to block him and repel him!"
At this moment, Shimura Danzō said heavily with a cold Expression.
"If a hundred Ninja aren't enough, then a thousand! If a thousand aren't enough, then five thousand, or even tens of thousands of Ninja!"
He didn't believe there was anyone in this World who could fight against ten thousand. Not even the First Hokage, who was called the 'God of Shinobi'.
This wasn't strange. Because although Shimura Danzō and these people had seen Hashirama Senju when they were Young Men, their Age was too young, and they had no chance to witness the latter's Combat Scene.
Therefore, their Understanding of Hashirama Senju's Strength was still limited to the Scope they could Understand.
For example, Speculation might be that he was slightly Stronger than the Third Raikage, Hanzo, or their Teacher Senju Tobirama?
In this Ninja World Era. Perhaps only Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Stone Village, had a relatively clear Understanding of the higher Realm.
Because when he was young, he was beaten up by Madara Uchiha together with Second Tsuchikage Mu, so he naturally had a deep appreciation.
Unfortunately. The six people in this Hokage's Office did not have this Understanding. They also couldn't imagine the Realm that Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were in.
Naturally, they felt terrified and unbelievable about the Strength Aramaki displayed.
"Jiraiya, you will serve as the Commander next. Organize the Defense Line as quickly as possible. Absolutely do not let the opponent step half a step into the Konoha Main Gate!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't think of a better Method for a while.
"If necessary, This Old Man will personally take the field. Orochimaru, Danzō, you must also be prepared. Konoha has reached a critical juncture!"
"Hmph, I naturally Understand."
Danzō seemed to hear the deeper meaning in these words and glared at Hiruzen Sarutobi with displeasure.
"Do you think This Old Man is the kind of person who would stand by idly and watch Konoha be harmed for personal gain?"
"You've misunderstood me, Hiruzen!"
"When it comes to love for Konoha, my 'Root' is deeper than anyone's, including yours..."
Therefore, Danzō always felt he was more suitable to be Hokage than Hiruzen Sarutobi. Because he wouldn't be indecisive and weak towards outsiders like the other party.
"..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't offer any comment on this, only dealing with Danzō with silence. This also caused Anger to appear in the latter's eyes.
Danzō felt that Hiruzen didn't Understand him at all!
[Bang!]
Just then, the Office Door was suddenly pushed open. The Gaze of the six people swept over in unison, and at the same time, their Body Muscles instantly tensed.
One must know that even Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, the two Advisors from the Administrative Department, were Jonin. They were also Disciples of Senju Tobirama, and their Strength was considerably Stronger than that of ordinary Leaf Jonin.
"Minato?!"
However, after seeing the person who arrived, the Aura that the six people had just raised instantly returned to normal. But their eyes all held obvious surprise and doubt.
Because Minato Namikaze's current appearance was very disheveled. Not only were his feet wrapped in thick Bandages, but he was also sitting in a wheelchair pushed by his wife, Kushina. Even his usual bright and gentle Smile, like the Sun, had disappeared, replaced only by deep worry and Suffering on his face.
"What happened to you?"
Jiraiya, as his Teacher, hurried over to ask. When he had previously heard Nara Shikaku say that Minato Namikaze had gone alone to hold back Araki, he actually hadn't been very worried.
Because Jiraiya knew better than anyone what Realm Minato Namikaze's Flying Thunder God Technique had reached. Even if the First Hokage were alive, he wouldn't be able to stop Minato Namikaze!
"Teacher, I have more Intelligence about that Araki, but there's something I need you to confirm first. During the Combat, I found that Summoning Jutsu was ineffective. Mount Myōboku didn't have any Toads responding to my Summoning..."
"What?!"
Jiraiya was very surprised to hear this. He really wanted to say how could this be possible? But seeing the serious Gaze of his Disciple, he immediately held it back.
"Then let me try."
Immediately, under the gaze of everyone in the room, Jiraiya skillfully used the Summoning Jutsu, then slapped his palm onto the cold Ground.
[Roar!]
White Smoke surged out, and Jiraiya's Expression suddenly changed drastically. Because as the Smoke slowly dissipated, truly nothing appeared.
"How is this possible!"
Now Jiraiya realized the Matter was troublesome. Because if he couldn't Summon Toads, then it would be impossible for the Toads to use the Reverse Summoning Technique to Summon him to Mount Myōboku. But why...
"Summoning Technique!"
Suddenly, Orochimaru, who had been silent all this time, also used it once. After the White Smoke dissipated, similarly, not a single Serpent appeared.
This made him lick his lips and sneer, "Interesting, it seems these Holy Lands know some Matters that we don't~"
(End of this chapter)