Is Hanzo dangerous?
Of course he is. Even the combined strength of the young Sannin could not defeat him. Shibi, as he is now, does not even possess half of their strength from back then. If he were to face Hanzo directly, he would likely be defeated in an instant.
Fortunately, Shibi does not need to confront him head-on. His task is to rely on long-range tracking through his insects and determine Hanzo's location. Once that is done, others will take over.
But does that make it safe?
Not at all.
There is a simple rule for survival, especially for those who rely on small, fragile creatures. You must detect the predator before it detects you. If not, you end up as nothing more than a quick meal.
In that sense, Shibi is like the insects he commands, while Hanzo stands at the very top of the shinobi world.
Following that logic, Shibi should be safe.
But theory and reality are not the same. Sometimes, even if you notice your opponent first, it does not guarantee survival. Hanzo's Body Flicker Technique is exceptional. In terms of speed alone, Shibi cannot compare.
So Shibi set out, but not alone.
Although his combat ability is respectable, he is facing someone known as a demigod. He needed dependable support.
He brought along Inuzuka Gaku, mainly for his ninken, and Hyuga Hizashi joined as well.
Hizashi had a somewhat rough personality and a sharp temper, but he was still well-regarded. At the very least, when taking on a mission with extremely high risk, Shibi did not forget him.
As for matters back home, there was no time to worry about them now.
The three departed with determination, accompanied by a ninken, several watermelons, and countless insects, disappearing into the vast forest.
Before leaving, Hayashi provided them with antidotes prepared by Nono, specifically designed to counter the poison of Hanzo's salamander.
With such preparation, the only thing they lacked was someone capable of matching Hanzo in direct combat.
Unfortunately, there were only two such individuals in the camp, Hayashi and Sakumo. Both were commanders responsible for larger operations and could not act as escorts.
All that remained was to trust in their ability and luck.
Their mission was critical and would influence the direction of the war. But before that, Konoha still had to eliminate the Hidden Rain forces within the Land of Fire.
As the conflict spread deeper, battles reached areas that had never seen war before.
A small nation invading a great one was unprecedented, and from the beginning, it drew the attention of the entire shinobi world. The outcome would affect the balance of power everywhere.
By the end of August, the war had already lasted over a month.
At that time, within a dense forest in the Land of Fire, more than a dozen figures moved rapidly and appeared at the edge of the woods.
From their attire, they were clearly shinobi from Amegakure.
"Beyond this forest is Konoha's supply route. That is our target," the leader said with a faint smile.
The idea of a smaller nation striking back against a major power filled him with satisfaction.
Without hesitation, he led the group into the forest.
What he did not know was that Konoha shinobi were already waiting.
"Nine o'clock direction, nine hundred meters, fifteen targets, moving fast," Himeji said calmly.
Her eyes had fully recovered, allowing her to return to missions without any drawbacks.
"Fifteen..." Hayashi murmured.
He rose to his feet and vanished instantly using the Body Flicker Technique.
Himeji remained where she was.
Moments later, Hayashi returned, his presence carrying a faint killing intent.
"It is done. Let's move."
Himeji nodded, though she felt slightly unnecessary. Her role was purely reconnaissance.
She glanced briefly at the moon above, recalling the Tenseigan Hayashi had mentioned, then refocused.
The Byakugan's detection ability was invaluable. It was no surprise that other villages had once gone to extreme lengths to obtain it.
After more than a month of continuous fighting, Konoha and Rain shinobi were locked in constant conflict.
Konoha's strategy was clear, eliminate all Rain shinobi within the Land of Fire, then push the front line toward the Land of Rain.
Hayashi and Himeji were not the only ones carrying out such missions. Almost every shinobi was deployed across the region, including Sakumo.
Camp operations were currently maintained by Shikumo.
"The next group... thirty enemies."
Once Himeji confirmed their position, Hayashi disappeared again.
They did not bother concealing their movements. In most cases, Himeji would detect the enemy long before they could react.
Speed and awareness were enough.
A kunai pierced the chest of the final enemy.
Blood spilled onto the ground as dozens of Rain shinobi lay lifeless nearby.
To Hayashi, eliminating them was as simple as completing a routine task.
They prepared to move again, but this time, something changed.
Hayashi suddenly stopped.
A falcon descended rapidly from the sky.
"The camp only sends communication birds in emergencies," Himeji said, her tone tense.
Hayashi extended his arm, allowing the falcon to land. He removed the scroll attached to its leg and read it.
"Hanzo... Shibi and the others have located him."
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