One day later.
Konoha obtained useful military intelligence from the mind of a minor Rain-nin officer. They mobilized most of their forces and launched a large-scale military operation.
All three Sannin participated in this battle, and as expected, Ryun was by their side.
As for the specific mission objectives of this operation, a mere genin like him had no clearance to know. Orochimaru did not explain, and Ryun did not bother asking.
However, this operation took place during the day, suggesting it was a frontal assault.
Regardless, Ryun simply followed Orochimaru's orders on where to attack and how to fight.
"When the battle starts later, stick with the group and be careful. The battlefield is dangerous. Do not act recklessly. Survival is the top priority..." Orochimaru privately instructed with a serious expression.
"I understand." Ryun nodded. He showed no signs of panic, his calm and composed demeanor drawing attention and discussion from the ninja behind him.
"So young. That kid must have just graduated from the Ninja Academy."
"That's Orochimaru-sama's disciple. Don't let his age fool you. Rumor has it his strength is already on par with a jonin..."
"No wonder he has such complete equipment... a long sword, armor, even more weapon pouches than others..."
"What's that kid's name?"
"They say he's from the Uchiha clan."
"What? An Uchiha? He doesn't look like one..."
"I'm not sure either. I think his name has 'cloud' in it... Ah, I forgot what it was... I remember Lady Tsunade calling him earlier..."
"Ryun." Ryun turned to the group and introduced himself with a smile.
His powerful spiritual energy and sharp senses allowed him to clearly hear the nearby chatter.
"Ah... haha, right, right. Brother Ryun..." Many nodded and smiled at him.
"The battle is about to begin. Quiet down!" An elite jonin ordered sternly.
The laughter and noise immediately ceased as everyone gripped their weapons, awaiting orders.
A few minutes later.
The three Sannin suddenly shunshined forward without warning, launching a direct assault on an enemy position.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Toad, slug, and giant snake—the three great summons appeared simultaneously. With the Sannin leading the charge, Konoha officially began another large-scale campaign.
"Charge!"
An elite jonin shouted, and the Konoha ninja followed the Sannin's lead, launching a frontal attack on a major Rain-nin encampment.
The sounds of battle cries filled the air as both sides engaged in a fierce offensive and defensive battle. Soon, the explosions of explosive tags drowned out the voices of the ninja.
Amid the rain, flames of war burned fiercely, and bright blood gradually stained the damp earth.
Ryun did not charge into the enemy camp like the Sannin. Instead, he maintained a considerable distance, relying on his throwing skills to attack.
In fact, most Konoha ninja—and even the enemy Rain-nin—fought this way. Battles typically began with an exchange of projectiles and explosive tags.
Only after exhausting their long-range options would they switch to ninjutsu, usually mid-to-long range techniques.
Once ninjutsu was depleted and chakra ran low, both sides would finally engage in close-quarters combat with blades (or kunai), deciding victory or death.
Those who foolishly rushed in without following this order would quickly become living targets on the battlefield, either riddled with projectiles or obliterated by ninjutsu.
Only the Sannin, with their immense skill and the thick hides of their summons, dared to charge into enemy lines. Ordinary jonin would not act so recklessly, opting instead for steady and methodical tactics.
Kunai tied with explosive tags could fly quite far. Ryun carried a large number of both, and his precise throwing skills soon claimed the lives of several Rain-nin.
This type of combat required little finesse from him. He simply identified clusters of enemies and hurled explosive kunai at them.
Once his explosive kunai were exhausted, he switched to shuriken, and then to poisoned senbon.
Of course, while attacking others, he also had to avoid being attacked himself...
A moment ago, an unlucky chunin near him had been blown sky-high by an enemy's explosive tag, dying instantly. The sight made Ryun's eyelids twitch... and he redoubled his caution.
"Help me!!!"
A poisoned genin writhed on the ground, foaming at the mouth and convulsing—clearly afflicted by the infamous Salamander venom feared by Konoha ninja.
This toxin was widely used among Rain-nin. Poisoned needles were nearly impossible to defend against. A single prick meant certain death without immediate medical intervention.
Ryun happened to be nearby but had no intention of saving him. While he knew medical ninjutsu, there was no time for rescue in the chaos of battle.
After forcefully throwing a shuriken, he immediately used the Body Flicker Technique.
The moment he vanished, an explosive kunai detonated where he had stood.
The poisoned genin was caught in the blast, his body reduced to charred remains.
Hesitation was fatal on the battlefield. A single misstep could cost Ryun his life.
"You three ignorant brats again! Coming here to die?" Hanzō of the Salamander's furious roar echoed from within the Rain-nin camp.
'It's Hanzō! How dare the Sannin face him?!'
Hearing the voice of the "poisonous tumor," Ryun's heart pounded.
He sensed imminent defeat for Konoha.
Throughout the Fire-Rain War, the Sannin had never won a single battle against Hanzō.
From what Ryun had gathered, the Sannin had indeed been beaten repeatedly by Hanzō over the past six months. Why would they dare a frontal assault now? Were they insane?
As Ryun puzzled over this, a booming voice infused with chakra answered his question.
"Hahaha! A mere clown dares impersonate Hanzō of the Salamander? Die!!!"
Based on partial intelligence gathered the day before, the Sannin had deduced that the Hanzō in this camp was an imposter.
This large encampment housed critical supplies. Konoha had long sought to destroy it, but scouts occasionally spotted Hanzō's figure nearby...
Assuming the demigod was stationed here, Konoha had never risked an attack.
Now, with the Sannin's deduction that Hanzō was absent, they swiftly mobilized forces for a full-scale assault.
Without facing that man, the Sannin feared no Rain-nin. Unleashed from Hanzō's suppression, the three great summons ran rampant through the enemy camp, slaughtering all in their path.
The man impersonating Hanzō of the Salamander was soon slain by Jiraiya.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Konoha's victory was all but assured.