Hearing that the ghost army was being controlled, Naruto immediately blurted out:
"Then let's just take down the one pulling the strings!"
But Tsunade shook her head, her tone grim."It isn't humans controlling them, Naruto. They're monsters from another world—creatures called Wuliang."
At that, Naruto's hands and feet went stiff. His face drained of color."Wh-what? That sounds way too creepy! I can't handle this kind of horror stuff!"
Ignoring his comic relief, Tsunade continued, her voice steady and heavy with history:"Long ago, in the era when ninjas sought to conquer the continent, they forged an Undead Army using the power of Wuliang. With that monster leading them, the army ravaged nation after nation. The entire continent was nearly destroyed in an instant. That is the true nature of the ghost army now threatening us."
Her eyes darkened as she went on."Back then, the Priestess Miroku of the Land of Demons used her power to seal Wuliang's body in the shrine of the Land of Swamps, and its soul deep within the underground palace of the Demon Country. Only that saved the world. But now, the demon has risen once more. The ghost army has broken free and marches toward the sealed shrine. If Wuliang's body and soul reunite… the consequences will be catastrophic."
Naruto swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper."C-catastrophic? Like… what exactly will happen?"
Tsunade didn't hesitate."The world will be destroyed."
Her firm words sent a nervous shiver through Naruto.
Unrolling a map, Tsunade pointed to the marked locations."There's only one way to stop it: we must escort the Priestess of the Land of Demons to the shrine. She alone can seal Wuliang's soul and body again."
The revelation rippled through the shinobi ranks.
"So that's the truth behind the demons…""The Undead Army was really that strong? To almost wipe out the entire ninja world…""Don't exaggerate! It was only because the Third Great Ninja War had just ended. Every nation was already bleeding from casualties. The demons took advantage of that weakness! And besides, they barely made it into the Land of Fire before they were sealed again."
Snide remarks flared across the gathered leaders:
"Ha! Maybe the Hokage thinks losing the Land of Fire means losing the whole world.""Ridiculous. Just because Konoha was weak doesn't mean the rest of us were. If it had been the Raikage, Wuliang wouldn't have stood a chance.""What a joke! Don't forget, even the Third Raikage fell before Iwagakure's might. Only our Tsuchikage has the strength to face Wuliang head-on.""Great. Then we of Kirigakure will sit back and watch you lot fight to the death. Once you've torn each other apart, we'll reap the spoils of the entire ninja world.""Tch, stop boasting. If you keep bragging, even a Konoha Genin could 'slay' Wuliang at this rate!"
Mocking laughter erupted."Yeah, look—it's just a puppet on the sky screen anyway! Haha!"
The heated debate didn't ease anyone's dread. Sakura, standing in silence, felt her chest tighten. The idea of facing an enemy capable of destroying the world made her palms cold. Her voice trembled:"…Is this really the kind of enemy I'll have to fight one day?"
Experience was something no book could teach. Not everyone was born with iron nerves. For a rookie fresh out of the Academy, the weight of such a revelation was crushing.
Kakashi, however, merely observed her quietly. She's young, but she'll grow. Becoming Chunin in just a few years proves she has potential. No need to coddle her—learning to regulate her emotions is part of a ninja's path.
At the Konoha gates, Neji stood before his team, his tone sharp and commanding:"Listen carefully. The mission's purpose is to protect the VIP. Sakura—you will remain at their side at all times. If they're injured, you provide emergency medical aid immediately."
Sakura blinked in surprise. Medical duties…?
Beside her, Kakashi rubbed his chin thoughtfully."Hmm. Medical ninja might actually be a good direction for you."
Sakura steadied her breath, curiosity peeking through her nerves."Teacher Kakashi… do you really think I'd be good at that?"
Kakashi nodded."Medical ninjutsu demands precise chakra control. From what I've observed, you excel there. Alternatively, you could also explore genjutsu."
Naruto's eyes lit up with admiration."As expected of Sakura! You're way more awesome than certain people who just sit around waiting for me to save them!"
Sasuke only scoffed, uninterested. His focus was still fixed on chasing raw power.
Neji turned his gaze to Lee next."Lee, you'll handle direct combat."
Lee straightened instantly."Understood!"
Neji explained,"In situations where enemy abilities are unpredictable, your taijutsu—untainted by chakra—has an advantage. To a certain extent, it's universal."
Lee beamed with fiery resolve."Leave it to me! I'll fight until my last breath if I must!"
Meanwhile, outside observers whispered and mocked from the shadows:
"Konoha's intelligence leaks just keep coming. Even their missions are being broadcast now, haha!""Pathetic. This can only be the work of enemies throwing dirt on the Leaf.""Exactly. There's no way Konoha would willingly expose itself like this."
But the Third Hokage's expression stayed grim. Conspiracies or not, the sky screen was still shining above them, revealing their secrets to the entire world.
"Then, let's move out." Neji finally ordered, turning on his heel.
"W-wait a sec!" Naruto barked, puffing up angrily. "Aren't you forgetting something? What about my mission?"
Neji glanced back, voice deliberately casual."Yours is the same as Lee's—combat duty."
Fortunately, Naruto didn't notice the dismissive tone. His eyes blazed with determination."Got it! If an enemy shows up, I'll chase them to the pits of hell itself if I have to!"
Snickers erupted again from the sky screen commentary.
"He didn't even notice Neji's perfunctory tone, did he?""Honestly, the Hyuga's plan isn't bad. Chunin take command, Genin support. Makes sense.""Still… does Naruto have ADHD or something? He's way too hyper."
Naruto scowled at the mocking words. His glare shifted to Neji. This guy… first he ignores me, then he glares at Sasuke like they're the same kind of arrogant jerk. Ugh!
Neji, unfazed, continued watching the unfolding events on the sky screen, calm and composed.