The Kirigakure ninja reconnaissance team entered the forest first to scout for ambushes ahead. Regardless of whether there was an ambush or not, they had to relay the results of their investigation back. The main force of Kirigakure ninjas then followed, entering the forest and deciding whether to advance and what measures to take based on the intelligence gathered.
The reconnaissance team cautiously advanced through the jungle. As experienced ninjas, they naturally understood that this environment was ideal for ambushes. During their training in Kirigakure, they often faced missions involving ambushing others in the jungle or detecting and disarming traps.
No one spoke; instead, they silently used hand gestures and other means to convey orders to their companions. They were all experienced Kirigakure ninjas. Even if they didn't encounter any worthy opponents within the Land of Water, the records and battle examples left by their predecessors who participated in the Ninja World Wars provided opportunities for simulated training.
Through these records, the Kirigakure ninjas responsible for reconnaissance could learn the tactics their opponents had used and how to overcome them. Those who came with Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira's forces were, naturally, the elite reconnaissance ninjas of Kirigakure. In the village's brutal atmosphere, those without strength could not gain recognition; they would either die early on the battlefield or be assigned to insignificant positions, left to fend for themselves.
Based on the intelligence relayed by these Kirigakure ninjas, the main force led by Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira entered with confidence. The two highest-ranking Jonin, Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira, analyzed the incoming intelligence together, deciding on their next course of action.
"Could it be that the enemy really hasn't set an ambush here?" Hozuki Gengetsu asked in surprise after reviewing multiple intelligence reports and finding nothing unusual.
"Perhaps the enemy truly doesn't have many people and doesn't want to waste numbers here unnecessarily," Akira speculated.
"That's truly gutless." Hozuki Gengetsu pouted. He was only boasting. In a ninja's principles, if one cannot defeat the enemy, then abandoning direct combat and choosing to bring back intelligence is the standard response; no one can point out any error in it.
"Even if there aren't many people, the one leading the team is the famous Sarutobi Hiruzen. Not even having the idea to delay us is somewhat disappointing," Akira first nodded in agreement, then changed his tone, "However, don't celebrate too soon. Perhaps the enemy is waiting ahead."
"Waiting is fine. I'm just afraid he doesn't have the courage," Hozuki Gengetsu said, feeling the burning sensation on his body begin to sting, and his mood gradually grew irritable.
Seeing Hozuki Gengetsu in this state, Akira shrugged slightly. Compared to Hozuki Gengetsu's uncle, the Second Mizukage, Hozuki Gengetsu's temper was much worse and much more direct.
Although the Second Mizukage was also a cruel and warlike person, he never showed any cruelty in front of others, instead presenting a smiling and benevolent appearance.
But anyone who had interacted with the Second Mizukage for a period knew that his benevolent exterior was merely a facade. His temperament was unpredictable, leaving people bewildered, and his true nature was as the world knew it—a complete warmonger, much like Kinkaku and Ginkaku of Kirigakure.
After the First Mizukage's death, even the Second Kages of other countries, who also had ideas of strengthening their military and expanding outwards, largely concealed them given the ninja world situation at the time. Only the Second Mizukage made no attempt to hide his efforts, vigorously strengthening Kirigakure's power. It also helped that the Land of Water was geographically distant from the mainland, making it very troublesome for others to pay attention.
In Akira's heart, the Second Mizukage had always been a dangerous leader. Working under him was certainly not easy. In comparison, the current Third Mizukage, though serious, at least spoke his mind directly, unlike the Second Mizukage's unpredictable nature, which made him seem approachable.
Well, someone like Hozuki Gengetsu, however, didn't seem so annoying.
As the Kirigakure forces slowly advanced, a slight anomaly suddenly came from ahead. Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira immediately ordered a halt, then listened intently. It was quiet ahead, seemingly just their imagination, but Hozuki Gengetsu, who already harbored doubts, didn't think so. He waited in place for intelligence to arrive.
After a while, the expected intelligence was delayed. Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira's expressions immediately darkened. They exchanged glances, instantly knowing that something had happened. It seemed Sarutobi Hiruzen had indeed set an ambush here. While startled, they also felt a faint excitement.
This was certainly Sarutobi Hiruzen ambushing the Kirigakure ninjas, but it also meant Sarutobi Hiruzen himself was tied down here. Although they might fall into a disadvantageous situation, there was a chance they could eliminate Sarutobi Hiruzen. This kind of trade-off, in Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira's view, was very worthwhile.
"Go, see what's happening." With that, Hozuki Gengetsu led the way. As a Jonin, it was impossible for him not to know how to scout; this was a basic ninja skill. For a Jonin at the pinnacle of a ninja village, even if not transcendent, this basic skill was mastered proficiently.
The Kirigakure ninja squad quickened their pace, advancing while remaining vigilant of their surroundings. They all understood the current danger; no intelligence had come from the reconnaissance team ahead, meaning it was highly likely something had gone wrong. Either they were dead, or they were in a state where they couldn't transmit information.
If it was the latter, they could still believe the situation wasn't so bad. But if it was the former—if those Kirigakure ninjas, who were essentially elite scouts, could be eliminated without a sound—then the danger of the enemy's ambush, even without knowing anything, could be imagined.
Although most of the Kirigakure ninjas felt danger, due to their ninja obedience and with Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira leading the charge, they also felt a surge of courage—if Jonin Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira were at the very front, what reason did they have to retreat?
Because they were operating in the complex environment of the forest, the entire Kirigakure ninja squad adopted a dispersed formation, moving in groups of four at a regular pace.
After running for a while, the group didn't see the bodies of the reconnaissance Kirigakure ninjas, nor did they know where they had gone. All intelligence had completely ceased since earlier. This made Hozuki Gengetsu mutter to himself. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen and his people had set an ambush, how could they have left no trace? Those were the elites of Kirigakure; how could they have been silently eliminated?
Just then, Hozuki Gengetsu suddenly heard someone shout "Stop!" He quickly turned around and saw a nearby squad immediately give chase. He could vaguely make out a person with vibrant red hair being pursued, which meant that person was a ninja of the Uzumaki clan. Latest Novel
—So, someone from the Uzumaki clan was involved after all?
Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira did not act rashly, allowing the Kirigakure ninja squad to pursue the Uzumaki ninja. Not long after, other squads also noticed traces of other people. Some went to pursue, while others, concerned about the distance, maintained a certain distance from the enemy. Those Kirigakure ninjas who went to pursue also lost track of their targets and, to avoid separating from the main force, had to return.
At this point, the already dispersed formation became even more scattered. Although they hadn't yet reached the point of being completely lost, Hozuki Gengetsu still felt they could regroup in time, but for some reason, he felt uneasy.
Suddenly, a scream came from nearby. Hozuki Gengetsu quickly turned around and saw a Kirigakure ninja squad standing still in surprise, extending their hands forward, as if hitting some obstruction. Immediately after, they started shouting, but no sound came out; only their frantic gestures could be seen.
"This is..." Hozuki Gengetsu's eyes widened slightly, as if he had thought of something. Just as he was about to act, he suddenly felt a burst of heat from behind.
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall." Hozuki Gengetsu quickly turned around, spitting out a clear stream of water to block the oncoming flames. At the same time, he leaped backward, avoiding the surging steam.
Akira, seeing this, narrowed his gaze slightly, formed a hand seal, and an ice mirror condensed out of thin air, blocking the flames that had completely evaporated the Water Formation Wall. Although it quickly melted, it bought them some time to steady themselves.
"A person from the Yuki clan," the person who used the Fire Release ninjutsu said in surprise upon seeing the scene, then swaggered in front of the two, smiling at them.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen." Hozuki Gengetsu looked at the black-armored ninja before him with hatred. The stinging sensation on his body grew stronger, making his mind increasingly clear. He felt better than ever. Previously, Sarutobi Hiruzen had hidden in the town, giving Hozuki Gengetsu no chance for a direct confrontation. Now, he had finally gotten his wish, and Sarutobi Hiruzen was facing not just him, but also Akira, who was also a Jonin.
Hozuki Gengetsu glanced at the Kirigakure ninjas who were blocked by something and couldn't advance. Other ninjas, both Konoha and Uzumaki, began to appear behind them. In this situation, they could only abandon their plan to leave and instead fight the enemies behind them.
The Konoha ninjas and Uzumaki ninjas also had no intention of engaging in direct combat. Instead, they led the Kirigakure ninjas away from the area, gradually disappearing from the vicinity of Hozuki Gengetsu, Akira, and Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Are you planning to hold off two of us by yourself? We had the same idea, but are you really that confident, thinking such a small number of people can deal with so many of us?" Hozuki Gengetsu said with a sneer.
"Of course not. These people certainly can't completely wipe you out. Even if they only heavily injure you, we probably wouldn't have many people left on our side. I wouldn't do something so unprofitable," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile.
"Then what do you mean?" Hozuki Gengetsu asked, observing his opponent's movements. They seemed to be chatting, but in reality, they were looking for weaknesses in each other, using words as weapons.
"Uzumaki clan ninjas aren't particularly skilled in direct combat. Rather, they are more suited for supportive roles, such as sensing, constructing barriers, assisting with seals, and so on. And among the many ninjutsu mastered by the Uzumaki clan, some are very suitable for this kind of place. Even if they can't eliminate the opponent, they can at least restrain them for a period, disrupt their direction, and so forth," Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira were startled upon hearing this. In the previous Ninja World War, the Uzumaki clan was primarily responsible for constructing barriers and using sealing techniques to store and transport items. The main forces engaging in combat were Konoha ninjas and the samurai army of the Land of Fire. Therefore, they were unaware that the Uzumaki clan also possessed ninjutsu suitable for this situation.
As for Konoha, with the venerable Uzumaki Mito, they had a fairly good understanding of what the secret techniques of Uzushio could achieve. In formulating the plan to aid Uzushio, these secret techniques were naturally considered and refined through repeated practice and deliberation.
Upon arriving in Uzushio, Sarutobi Hiruzen had discussed the overall evacuation plan with Uzumaki Masanori, the town's leader. This included how to delay the enemy in a forest ambush. During that time, Sarutobi Hiruzen had his Konoha ninjas and Uzumaki ninjas conduct multiple simulated tests, finally achieving a certain level of synergy between the two sides, allowing them to execute the plan here.
And now, Sarutobi Hiruzen saw the plan working perfectly. The Kirigakure forces had been drawn away, leaving only Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira here. Just as the opponents wanted to eliminate Sarutobi Hiruzen here, Sarutobi Hiruzen also intended to eliminate Hozuki Gengetsu here. As for the additional Jonin from the Yuki clan, that was an unexpected bonus, but it also increased the pressure.
However, what did Sarutobi Hiruzen have to fear? He was very confident in his own strength. Even if his opponents were two Jonin, could they really eliminate Sarutobi Hiruzen? Haha, they themselves might have that idea, but Sarutobi Hiruzen intended to tell them with facts—
Pipe dreams!
As Hozuki Gengetsu and Akira were surprised, the ground in front of them suddenly split open, and a "Sarutobi Hiruzen" emerged from it. In a blink of an eye, he unleashed a sharp, arrow-like bolt of lightning, aimed directly at Hozuki Gengetsu's head, leaving almost no time to react.
Hozuki Gengetsu had, after all, fought Sarutobi Hiruzen before and was somewhat familiar with his methods. He had also informed Akira. At this moment, Hozuki Gengetsu himself had no way to avoid it, nor did he intend to. Instead, he began to borrow, while Akira on the other side used a Wind Release technique, turning the lightning into nothingness.
The "Sarutobi Hiruzen" who emerged from the ground used Lightning Release, then clapped his hands on the ground, and Earth Dragon Bullet flew out. Hozuki Gengetsu also used Water Release, clashing with it.
The Water Release Hozuki Gengetsu used was the A-rank ninjutsu, Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique. Even the Earth Dragon Bullet, which was supposed to counter it, couldn't stop it. At the same time, Akira formed a hand seal, and ice mirrors formed in the air. He himself drilled into the ice crystals and moved rapidly within the ice mirrors. The path he took was precisely where the Great Waterfall Technique passed, and the giant waves of the waterfall rapidly froze.