Chapter 131: 127: Akatsuki and Nagato (1)
Regardless of Ayane's attitude, she always maintained a smile on her face, even when angry, making it nearly impossible for anyone to discern her emotions. In a peculiar way, she can be more dangerous than Ruri.
Ruri, on the other hand, wears her emotions on her sleeve. When she's happy or angry, it shows plainly on her face.
Currently, she was furious, the kind of burning anger..
Unless Shiraishi provided a reasonable explanation, he couldn't predict the terrible things that may unfold.
Katsuyu's clone on Shiraishi's shoulder sensed the brewing tension in the room. It seemed unfazed, slithering down Shiraishi's back to the ground as if it had nothing to do with the imminent showdown.
Katsuyu's clone mused about the rich and colorful emotional life of Shiraishi-sama.
Shiraishi tried to ease the oppressive atmosphere in this deep quagmire.
"So, what's wrong with you two? No need to greet me with such scary expressions."
However, Ruri responded with a disdainful snort. "I should be the one ashamed, disappearing for over a week without a word. If you hadn't returned now, I would have thought you disappeared completely."
Ayane chimed in with criticism. "Indeed, Shiraishi-kun, do you realize the trouble you have caused us by leaving here suddenly? You disrupted our work routine, and we were genuinely concerned for your safety."
Shiraishi could proba6 imagine how devastated Ruri and Ayane must have felt during his absence. Usually, he handled everything himself. Ruri handled security and extermination, while Ayane handles the supervision. Asking them to fill his shoes undoubtedly added considerable stress.
"I'm not a child; there's no need to worry about my safety. But now that I'm back, I'll pay more attention next time."
The abruptness of his departure was the main issue. He hadn't initially planned to go to the Shikkotsu Forest. Katsuyu had summoned him using reverse summoning jutsu, it was a decision beyond his control.
His intention had been to summon a part of Kaysuyu to gather information about the forest before making a decision. But after he signed the contract in a tricky a, Katsuyu whisked him away to Shikkotsu Forest. There wasn't time to explain to Ruri and Ayane.
Furthermore, Shikkotsu Forest offered an ideal environment for practicing Sage Mode. It took him several days to learn the Katsuyu's Healing Sage Made, so coming back in a short time was impossible.
Ayane directed her attention to the silent slug beside them. "So, this one is from the Shikkotsu Forest..."
Ruri also shifted her gaze over, looking at the slug with great interest.
Shiraishi explained, "Yes, it's a clone of the Slug Sage in Shikkotsu Forest. I came here with important matters to attend to this time. Just call her 'Kaysuyu,' that's her name."
"Good afternoon to both of you."
soft and waxy voice sounded.
Since it was their first encounter and they weren't acquainted, Ruri and Ayane merely nodded in greeting.
Compared to newly arrived summoned beasts like Katsuyu, those born from their lineage possessed more knowledge.
Since the both of them came here together, so Shiraishi asked,
"Did you come to see me for a reason?"
The way they acted as a teacher and questioned his crime before did scare Shiraishi a little bit.
"Basica6, I came to assess your situation. The group of trainee medical ninjas has safely arrived in the Land of Fire by sea. They should be entering Konoha at this moment. Additionally, it's confirmed that the Third Kazekage of the Sunagakure disappeared before the Third Ninja World War began. The cause of his disappearance remains unknown, and the possibility of assassination cannot be ruled out."
Ruri provided a concise summary of the situation.
The disappearance of Kazekage, one of the Five Kages, was a significant matter. Ruri couldn't understand how someone could silently abduct a Kage, one of the Five Kages alone without making a sound.
Shiraishi was surprised. Originally, the disappearance of Kazekage was mere speculation among various parties.
Now that it's confirmed that Kazekage disappeared before the war, it meant all the nations possessed concrete evidence of his disappearance. Otherwise, such a declaration wouldn't have been made.
Of course, it could be a scheme devised by Suna, but that seemed unlikely.
"However, after the Third Kazekage disappeared, Sunagakure still had the guts to launch a war against Konoha, which is really courageous."
Ruri had personally experienced the might of the Suna's ninja forces during the Second Ninja World War.
While Suna had Kekkei Genkai and plenty secret ninjas, they couldn't compare to the Konoha's power.
Konoha's Kekkei Genkai ninjas and secret ninjas might individually fall short in terms of strength compared to top-tier ninjas. However, when assessed collectively, they possessed a superior deterrent effect. Their mere presence, in terms of deterrence, outshone even individually powerful ninjas.
The Uchiha clan had earned its reputation this way.
Whether through individuals or clans, as long as they could serve as an effective deterrent, they were considered strong.
After losing a prominent ninja like the Third Kazekage, Sunagakure's audacity in launching a war against Konoha is rather impressive to Ruri.
"That's not courage. If the Kazekage's disappearance was planned, it's not an act of courage, and if it was accidental, then it's a desperate move," Shiraishi replied.
"Desperate?"
"Instead of having the people within their own village fight over the position of the Fourth Kazekage, it was better for them to transfer their conflicts and use their success in attacking Konoha to determine the Fourth Kazekage. This strategy prevents internal strife and ensures that their earlier plans don't go to waste. Even with the loss of the Third Kazekage, Sunagakure's equipment will surpass Konoha's hasty response."
Shiraishi was impressed by Suna's shrewdness.
Their quick response indicated that the high-level ninja in the five major nations had their own benchmarks for sensing the state of war and its direction.
These individuals couldn't be underestimated.
While Shiraishi may have personal issues with the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, he acknowledged that the Third Hokage had stabilized Konoha's situation, albeit at the expense of other ninja.
Suna's approach is to avoid self-destruction due to internal conflicts and instead let those die alongside Konoha's ninja. This strategy not only determines the Fourth Kazekage but also weakens Konoha while achieving Suna's goals.
Likely, this decision was made by Suna's Chiyo siblings. They had served as the right and left hands of the Kazekage since the time of the Second Kazekage Shamon.
Now, being nearly fifty years old, they had missed the prime age for competing for the position of Kazekage. It was logical to use war as the path to promotion for the Fourth Kazekage.
Shiraishi inquired, "Who are the candidates for the Fourth Kazekage now?"
"According to unverified information, it appears to be a Jonin, Rasa," Ruri replied.
"Rasa? The ninja who uses Magnet Release and controls gold dust? He's quite strong and has a special ninjutsu to suppress the One Tails'. It's no surprise that he'll become the Fourth Kazekage."
To become one of the Five Kages, you had to possess the ability to suppress aTailed Beast, which Rasa did.
Additionally, he had powerful abilities and a ninjutsu that could counter the One Tail, earning him the trust of the Third Kazekage. As long as he gained enough merits in the war and secured the position of Fourth Kazekage, there should be no obstacles.
Shiraishi may not know everything about famous ninja from various nations, but he had heard of some of their exploits.
Notable figures included Rase from Suna and the Scorch Release user, Pakura.
He also knew about the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure.
As well as the Son of the Tsuchikage Kitsuchi and Gari of the explosion release from Iwagakure.
In addition, there was the Son of the Third Raikage from Kumogakure, the rap expert Killer Bee.
These people are powerful ninjas who had gained fame in the ninja world over the recent years.
In comparison, Shiraishi, who had been an unknown Chunin in Konoha, was in a completely different league.
However, as he became an S-class defected ninja of Konoha, Shiraishi was certain that his reputation had grown significantly. Nevertheless, he found the rank of Chunin a bit bothersome no matter how you look at jt
"Speaking of Suna, I plan to go to the Land of Wind soon."
Shiraishi pondered for a while, and said to Ruri and Ayane.
"To the Land of Wind?" Ruri questioned.
"There's an underground dragon vein in Roran, containing a vast amount of chakra. I intend to use it for my own purposes."
"Roran? The hidden nation within a nation?" Ruri recognized the name, albeit vaguely.
Due to its location deep within the desert of the Land of Wind, Roran wasn't well-known, but it is also true that this country hasn't received much attention.
"I heard that even Suna ninjas who are familiar with the terrain may get lost and die of thirst when encountering sandstorms there. Shiraishi-kun, I'll go with you, my exceptional perception might come in handy."
Ayane volunteered herself to join the journey, drawing a dangerous glint from Ruri's narrowed eyes.
"Uh... Let's discuss it when the time comes. I don't know much about Roran. Before heading there, I'll send scouts to gather information about the country and then make a decision."
Shiraishi sensed the rekindling tension in the air and decided to defuse it by redirecting the conversation. He pointed to the distant mountain with its top gouged out, asking,
"By the way, what happened to that mountain? Do you know?"
Ayane touched her lower lip with her fingers, pondered for a moment, and then smiled slightly. "I don't know, maybe a meteorite fell from the sky and struck it. Don't dwell on such matters, Shiraishi-kun. It's not a significant issue, after all."
Ruri chimed in "It could have been an earthquake."
Shiraishi, however, was 100% certain that the mountain's top had been deliberately removed by these two. The real question was which ninjutsu they had used to achieve such an effect.
Even Ayane's Air Gid Strike, when used repeatedly, couldn't have accomplished it so swiftly. Nor did it appear to be the result of Ruri's Sage Mode Fire Extinguishing Jutsu. Shiraishi couldn't think of any other possibility besides the two of them being engaged in a fight.
....
"Jiraiya-dama, the support troops sent from the village have arrived," reported a Jonin in the Konoha camp.
Jiraiya, seated in the command center, acknowledged the news. Unlike Orochimaru, Jiraiya was grappling with Iwagakure ninjas who were just as formidable as those from Sungakure.
Lately, he had engaged in battles against Kitsuchi and Gari, experiencing both victories and losses. However, due to the aggressive Iwagakure, he had no choice but to adopt a defensive stance.
The major reason for this was the significant numerical disadvantage Konoha faced. With the arrival of support, the situation should improve considerably. Jiraiya thanked the Jonin who delivered the news and patted his shoulder.
"Thanks a lot."
The Jonin then shared another vital piece of information. "By the way, Jiraiya-sama, there's another important message to convey."
Jiraiya inquired, "What is it?"
"It appears that Kumogakure has been showing signs of activity," the Konoha Jonin reported, a stern expression on his face.
"Kumo?" Jiraiya's voice carried a hint of tension.
Kumogakure from the Land of Lightning were renowned in the ninja world for being mad men. They continuously sought powerful ninjutsu, self-improvement, and military advancement, competing with Konoha in the five major ninja villages.
If they entered the battlefield, it would undoubtedly complicate matters. Konoha was already under significant pressure facing Iwa and Suna. With Kumo joining the fray, a third front would emerge, increasing the pressure on Konoha.
"Who are they targeting?"
Jirai also felt great pressure.
The prospect of Kumo's involvement weighed heavily on Jiraiya. He also lamented that he hadn't fully mastered the Sage Mode during his time at Mount Myoboku. P
Summoning the two great sages from Mount Myoboku to enter their unique Sage Mode would greatly improve their situation.
"We're not sure yet. Our Anbu have only picked up on some of Kumo's activities, but their specific intentions remain unclear."
"I see. You can go now."
"Yes"
The Jonin left the room, leaving Jiraiya deep in thought. As he reclined in his chair, he let out a sigh.
"War... How many lives will be lost in this conflict?"
He wore a pained expression.
Moreover, Konoha had recently experienced a shocking mass defection incident, which implicated the Uchiha and Hyuga clans and even the Nine Tails Jinchuriki and his disciple Minato.
Jiraiya knew about Minato's resurrection thanks to the great toad sage's treasure, although he was unaware of the severe side effects.
Once the war ended, Jiraiya intended to visit Mount Myoboku in person to express his gratitude to the old sage. Minato was a disciple he highly valued.
The Great Toad Sage's efforts to save him had convinced Jiraiya that Minato might be the son of prophecy capable of bringing peace to the ninja world, as prophesied by the Great Toad Sage in his dreams.
Considering Minato's typical style and his accomplishments at such a young age, Jiraiya believed that Minato possessed the potential to change the world.
"Chiba Shiraishi... Could he be the terrifying figure who will bring destruction to the ninja world in the Great Toad Sage's dream?"
Jiraiya thought of something, recalling long-term concerns.
Chiba Shiraishi, an ordinary Konoha Chunin with an unremarkable name, had hidden in the village for over a decade without anyone suspecting.
Even Minato had almost died at his hands, though the Great Toad Sage's intervention had prevented Minato from losing his life.
For some reason, Jiraiya had a growing premonition. This man would become a lifelong enemy for his disciple, Minato. The first time he met Shiraishi had been through Sakumo. After that, he had gotten to know Shiraishi through Tsunade.
No matter how he looked at it, Shiraishi appeared as an unremarkable Konoha ninja. Jiraiya remembered various encounters but was ultimately forced to sigh in resignation.
Sakumo had died, Tsunade had withdrawn from the battlefield, and all three of Sakumo's disciples had defected, taking some Uchiha and Hyuga members with them, causing significant losses to Konoha.
"Speaking of which, I wonder how they're faring... Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato. I hope they remain safe throughout this war."
Jiraiya reminisced about the three orphans he had once adopted on the battlefield in the Land of Rain.
He had heard that they intended to make a huge impact in the Land of Rain, establishing a renowned organization dedicated to the country's peace. Jiraiya couldn't visit them because he needed to remain at the frontlines to counter Iwa's ninja.
However, now that Konoha was clashing with Suna, thr Land of Rain was bound to be affected by the war, he couldn't predict the Land of Rain's fate. All he could do was pray that the three of them survived unharmed. In these times, survival took precedence over everything else, as it was the only way to keep their dreams alive.
........
They marched forward, their dreams in tow, praying for peace to embrace their their weeping country.
This had been the promise they had made long ago, a solemn vow that drove them onto the arduous path to peace without hesitation. Regardless of the hardships or the dangers, their resolve to bring about peace remained unshaken.
Ahead of their dreams, every step they took was fraught with struggle and strife—a relentless battle against despair and pain.
Amidst the torrential downpour of the battlefield, the sound of clashing kunai and shuriken filled the air.
Detonating tags erupted in brilliant flashes, illuminating the darkness. Thunder roared, a silver serpent slithering through the somber clouds.
Ninjutsu struck their targets, and the ninjas met their end with screams. Blood-soaked weapons and craters, remnants of ninjutsu and exploding tags.
Flames raged amidst the rain, lightning pierced through earthen barricades, and a huge water dragon surged towards the enemy camp, bringing with it destruction and death. Sharp wind blades sliced through the rain, mingling with the scent of blood and roaring like beasts.
Sunagakure and Konohagakure ninjas clashed relentlessly. Their faces twisted with rage and bloodlust, their emotions simmering with anger and hatred.
At this stage of the battle, reason no longer held sway. To survive, to protect their families, to defend their homeland, and to avenge fallen comrades, they thrust their ninjutsu and blades into their enemys' hearts.
"Are these ninja from the major villages crazy? This is a village where ordinary people live!"
From a cliff above, a group of ninjas donning black cloaks observed the fierce conflict between Suna and Konoha ninjas. They belonged to the Ninja Organization from the Land of Rain, whi call themselves 'Akatsuki.'
Leading this group was a ninja named Yahiko, who stared in disbelief at the battlefield below.
Amidst the fighting, many panicked civilians attempted to flee, their cries of terror echoing as they sought refuge from the ravages of war.
The ninjas had no intention of harming them, but the flying kunai, shuriken, exploding tags, and ninjutsu were indiscriminate instruments of death. Once released, the fate of the civilians hung in the balance.
"Damn it! Why are civilians still here? Didn't they evacuate early?" Another member of Akatsuki voiced their anxiety.
These civilians, caught in the crossfire, were their fellow countrymen from the Land of Rain.
"We need to intervene! If this continues, those civilians will undoubtedly—" Yahiko began but stopped short.
Among the civilians, there were women, elderly, and children. Witnessing their plight, Yahiko's anger swelled, yet he knew that this was not the time for recklessness.
Stopping the battle between the two opposing sides remained the top priority.
As such, Yahiko led Akatsuki's members down from the cliff and into the heart of the battlefield to put an end to the conflict between Suna and Konoha.
What unfolded was an unexpected encounter involving over a hundred combatants. Initially, neither Konoha nor Suna had anticipated such a sudden confrontation. By the time they realized it, the battle was already underway.
"Wait, we're from Ame! Civilians are present here, please cease your hostilities immediately!" Yahiko shouted at the Konoha and Suna ninjas upon arrival.
However, his pleas fell on deaf ears. The faces of the ninja from both sides were consumed by madness and ferocity, their minds almost blank. Armed with the intent to kill their enemies, they held no regard for the civilians caught in the crossfire.
While they had received training on not harming civilians during warfare, in the heat of battle, there was no time for such considerations.
After all, it was war, and civilians being affected was an unfortunate but accepted part of it. The Land of Rain was not a powerful nation, and its daimyo were corrupt and inept, making any condemnation impossible.
For these ninja, the choice was clear: kill the enemy or risk their own lives. In a foreign land, stopping their lethal blades to save civilians was unthinkable.
"They won't listen to us at all!"
Yahiko shouted in frustration. However, intervening directly in the battle would be foolish. They might become targets of both the frenzied Konoha and Shna ninjas.
"Go and evacuate the civilians quickly!" Yahiko ordered. With the core of the battle already raging, there was no hope for those who had strayed into its path.
The survivors were located on the outskirts of the battlefield, and rescuing them carefully posed no problem for the skilled ninja of Akatsuki. In contrast, the civilians who had moved into the heart of the battle were already beyond help.
Among the rescued civilians, Nagato, a red-haired boy, clenched his fists in silent rage and anguish. Among Akatsuki's members, he had saved the most civilians, including two children.
One of the children had suffered a gruesome injury to their right arm from a exploding tag explosion. Sobbing in the rain, they received treatment from Akatsuki's medical ninja.
"These heartless ninja from the major villages! I want to kill them all!" The medical ninjas of Akatsuki voiced their indignation, seething with anger towards the ninjas form the major nations.
Yet they knew that seeking vengeance against these formidable foes was unrealistic, and any such attempt would invite merciless retaliation. The true victims would ultimately be the defenseless civilians of the Land of Rain.
Yahiko reassured one of the medical ninjas with a pat on the shoulder before turning to Nagato. "Please, Nagato."
Nagato shook his head, indicating that he was okay. As Yahiko approached a rescued civilian, he offered them some of his own food. They were now at a safe distance from the battle, with no immediate danger of conflict affecting them.
Yahiko gazed at the villager with a puzzled expression. "I recall that evacuation orders were issued earlier. Why haven't you left?"
The villager stared back at Yahiko's young and energetic face with dull eyes, and said dumbly: "Evacuate? Where do we evacuate? In this country, ninjas are fighting or bandits are rampant. Where can we evacuate to?"
The villager's eyes reflected despair and hopelessness. Yahiko stood silently in the rain, his heart heavy. The patter of raindrops seemed to echo the chill that enveloped him, casting a pall over the gloomy sky.
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