Although numerous enemies blocked their path, possessing unique combat techniques and likely possessing formidable strength, Haseo's squad remained calm and composed.
Haseo himself had experienced far greater battles—situations where the imbalance of power was far worse than this. As for Hatake Sakumo... how do you even describe him? The present-day Sakumo was basically the kind of guy who'd stay cool as long as he had snacks in his pocket.
The two Hyūga clan members wouldn't panic either. Trained as elite warriors by the oldest ninja sect, they maintained their composure even when surrounded.
For ancient, powerful clans like the Hyūga or Uchiha—who possessed kekkei genkai manifesting through inherited organs—there generally existed an underlying arrogance that went something like, "We are the elites; all other ninja are trash."
The difference between them was that the Hyūga were more reserved. Even if they held such views, they kept them deeply hidden and would never voice them outright… Sometimes, though, a Hyūga clan head might quietly mutter "The Hyūga Clan is the strongest," but only late at night—after all enemies were eliminated and no allies were nearby.
The Uchiha, however, weren't nearly as restrained. Their pride often surfaced openly… or perhaps on them, such an attitude would be better described as "aloofness."
"The enemy should be Hanzo of the Rain Village. Prepare yourselves for battle. Also, make sure not to inhale any of the surrounding poison gas—it looks deadly enough," Haseo finally identified their opposition to his subordinates.
A village leader, a military commander of an entire nation, personally acting as a bandit just for the sake of five billion ryo—such desperation perfectly illustrated the saying, "Desperation makes men lose their ambition."
Strictly speaking, the troubles facing the Land of Rain stemmed from the mess left behind by the previous leader. If he hadn't insisted on continuing hostilities against Konoha despite having absolutely no hope of victory, the country wouldn't have deteriorated into its current pitiful state.
His achievement ensured the Land of Rain still maintained full independence today, without being dominated or relying on major nations. His crime, however, was causing widespread destruction of production facilities and plunging Hidden Rain Village into chaos.
But now that the former leader had died, the current leader inevitably bore all the consequences.
Seizing money belonging to Konoha naturally invited retaliation, yet Rain Village differed from Cloud Village—in Rain, starvation was already looming, so who cared about Konoha's future reactions?
Even Cloud, famous among the Five Great Ninja Villages for its aggressive tendencies, would hesitate—but the Land of Rain didn't care. That was exactly what people meant by "the desperate have nothing to fear from the secure." You Konoha want to wipe me out with overwhelming force? Fine, I may be weakened, but wouldn't you also consider the stance of Earth and Wind Nations surrounding me?
Then, facing the mist, Haseo calmly said, "Rain ninjas, are you here for the money? Unfortunately, you'll never get it. It's on me, and right now I'm performing a Reverse Summoning.
As for my three subordinates... I give them to you. Feel free to kill them—they certainly aren't worth five billion anyway."
"This... sounds pretty terrifying. Haseo hasn't even started the battle yet, and he's already undermining his own team's morale."
But these words had an obvious effect. The mist in the forest began to stir, and soon a cloaked figure emerged slowly from within it.
"Konoha Jonin Haseo. Never thought you'd be the one sent on this mission."
A person wearing a gas mask walked out from the mist. It was none other than Hanzo of the Rain Village, someone Haseo had met briefly before.
Even while speaking with Haseo, he kept his footing on the edge of the mist, maintaining a posture ready for immediate retreat... This man truly was extremely cautious.
This was simply Hanzo's personality, but it became even more pronounced when facing Haseo. Of course he recognized Haseo—Rain Village had collected extensive intelligence about him.
You could even say among all the ninja villages, Amegakure possessed the second most comprehensive information about Haseo after Kumo. After all, that scene several years ago left an indelible mark on Hanzo. A cold shiver ran down his spine every time he recalled how Haseo had stabbed him in the back.
"I didn't expect to meet you again in this place either, Hanzo of the Rain Village," Haseo said.
At this point in time, Hanzo should have been entering the mature phase of his ninja career. Although he hadn't reached his peak yet, he was approaching it. So theoretically speaking, he wasn't an easy opponent to deal with.
But Haseo didn't fear confronting Hanzo at all—in fact, he rather looked forward to this confrontation.
Because coincidentally, Haseo wanted to test something out. He hadn't expected a suitable sparring partner would come knocking so promptly.
Now I wonder, if Haseo actually came out on top, would he earn the title of "Sannin"... Oh wait, considering there are four of us, maybe it should be "Shannin"?
Though thinking about it, this seemed impossible. Despite Hanzo gaining fame earlier than Haseo, currently comparing their reputations across the entire Ninja World, inevitably Haseo's reputation overshadowed Hanzo's. After all, Haseo's track record spoke for itself.
Awarding a title to someone more renowned than yourself? Hanzo still had some pride left.
Only when Hanzo's name echoed across the entire Ninjutsu World, eclipsing Haseo's fame—and only if that happened before the outbreak of the Second Great Ninja War—would such a title make sense. And even then, Hanzo would have to survive long enough for the war to come, and replicate the achievements he'd made in the past.
There were quite a few preconditions to that scenario.
"Are you someone who would abandon your subordinates?"
Hanzo asked Haseo directly. He also realized things were getting complicated, since this physical trap proved ineffective against Haseo, meaning he could indeed leave anytime.
"Not necessarily. Don't let my politeness fool you—we're strictly colleagues. Nothing personal."
Haseo not only undermined his side's morale upon starting the encounter, but continuously kept damaging it.
"No... You wouldn't do that. Definitely not."
But now, Hanzo's voice grew firm, as though he'd studied Haseo's character thoroughly—understanding him better than Haseo understood himself.
However, whether this judgment stemmed from Hanzo's assessment of Haseo or was merely wishful thinking, he ended up being right. Haseo indeed wouldn't just walk away so easily.
"Fine, you were right. And if you came here to rob me, the goods are on me. If you want them, come and get them."
Who's stronger, Hanzo or Haseo right now? It's hard to tell. Hanzo's poison techniques are especially tricky. The outcome can only be decided in battle.
Yet at this moment, an arm holding a tanto blade blocked in front of Haseo, and then its owner spoke: "Haseo, if this man really is the leader of Amegakure, would you let me try fighting him next?"
Sakumo Hatake's eyes were serious, determined, and full of expectation.
While it's hard to judge the strength difference between Haseo and Hanzo, other comparisons are more clear-cut. At this point in history, the Sannin were still not as seasoned as the Legend of the White Fang, and even the Legend of the White Fang was somewhat inferior to the Half-God.
Faced with Sakumo's reaction, Haseo first felt astonished, then considered it and continued speaking, "Are you sure? This opponent isn't easy to deal with. Even I don't have much confidence."
"I'm sure," Sakumo replied immediately.
That immediate reply alone was enough to show his attitude.
"Then fine, you… give it a try."
So go ahead and try—after all, even though there may be differences in strength between Sakumo and Hanzo, the outcome can only be decided in battle.
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