Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

Chapter 118 Luo Sha: We can't beat them, we simply can't beat them!

Tents were pitched at the foot of Kikyo Mountain.

Some were wounded soldiers from Konoha, while others were wounded soldiers and ninjas from Sunagakure, including some children as young as four or five.

They also became genin and went to the battlefield to participate in the war.

On the mountain, Kyohiko and Minato sealed the corpse, looking down at the forest below. Neither of them spoke, and a silence and sighs filled the air.

The soil behind him twisted, and Orochimaru arrived using Earth Release.

"Lord Orochimaru."

The two turned and bowed.

Regardless, Orochimaru is their senior and superior, and they should be treated with basic respect.

Orochimaru waved his hand.

Then, he looked at Kyohiko and Minato: "How do you feel about participating in a war of this magnitude?"

"Unless one's strength reaches a certain level, even a Jonin has a very limited impact on the battle."

Minami Namikaze.

Orochimaru smiled and looked at Kyohiko: "And you?"

"The course of the war depends on the top-tier combat power, but the main force is the Chunin and Genin. Sunagakure has an advantage in the lower and middle ranks, but above the Jonin level, puppetry will become a disadvantage..."

Jingyan shared his opinion.

Even the most skilled puppeteer is only at the level of Scorpion.

Orochimaru chuckled and said, "Kyohiko, it's not that puppeteers are too weak, but that your vision is too high and your talent is too strong."

He looked down the mountain.

"War and death, you'll understand once you've experienced them more. Many things are unavoidable; you can only make better choices."

The next moment, a smile appeared on Orochimaru's face.

"However, unlike some stubborn old people in the village who only raise questions but expect others to solve them, you have come up with a more reliable solution yourself."

Use tactics to overcome tactics.

Orochimaru didn't believe that Kyohiko had really discovered it by accident; he must have deliberately studied it for a long time.

Having a plan before intervening is a significant advantage over many high-ranking officials in the village.

His eyes showed admiration.

"Once this is finished, I will report the facts truthfully."

Jingyan did not take credit for it.

"Thanks to Lord Orochimaru's research and improvements, and everyone's collective wisdom and efforts, otherwise Minato and I alone would not have been able to defeat Sunagakure."

"The war is of course everyone's achievement, but the achievements vary in size. If it is yours, there is no need to refuse it."

Orochimaru said hoarsely.

He then looked at the two of them and said, "Tell me your thoughts on what to do next."

Minato Namikaze's opinion was more about facilitating reconciliation and maintaining peace between the two sides.

Orochimaru remained noncommittal.

Minato was not angry.

He knew that Orochimaru really wanted to hear Kyohiko's opinion.

After this great battle, Orochimaru showed a clear appreciation for Kyohiko and may be considering grooming him for a future role.

Jingyan did not answer immediately.

"It's not reconciliation, it's Sunagakure's surrender."

Furthermore, the key issue of "surrender" definitely involves the corpse of the Third Kazekage, as well as the Scorching Release Kekkei Genkai Yogakure, who was captured by them.

"Minato, this is the difference between you and Kyohiko. One-sided peace is just for your own pleasure, and in the end it will only harm your own people."

Orochimaru couldn't help but smile after hearing this.

He strongly agreed with Kyohiko's opinion.

As for the issue of the corpse.

Orochimaru pondered for a moment and then came up with some information.

Human puppet!

"Sasori of the Red Sand?"

"Yes."

Water Gate nodded.

Orochimaru asked, "Do you have a plan?"

"The bodies must be returned, otherwise it will violate the rules of the ninja village war, and it will be difficult to resolve the pressure from the major villages. But we can exert pressure regarding the human puppets."

Kyohiko paused for a moment, "This forbidden technique is not only something we fear, but in the end, Sunagakure will inevitably have to expel or even kill Sasori of the Red Sand."

Shuimen stood silently to the side.

He simply couldn't get involved in this kind of topic.

Orochimaru said, "It's feasible, but Sasori might also take the body and become a rogue ninja again."

"Or, it could be that the rogue ninjas were deliberately allowed to run rampant, and then they would eventually take back the puppets through some means..."

Jingyan added.

Even if the puppet only has half the fighting power of the Third Kazekage, it is still a worthwhile benefit for Sunagakure, which desperately needs combat power.

He didn't believe that Ebizo and Rasa were really that upright.

Orochimaru nodded: "We need to return the corpses that they couldn't use to make puppets. I'll handle that; you don't need to worry about it."

"What about the Scorching Release technique?"

Jingyan asked.

Orochimaru said, "Keep them locked up for now. We'll ignore Sunagakure's attitude for the time being. We'll communicate with the Land of Rivers first, and then take them there. As you said, this is a surrender, not a reconciliation between the two sides."

……

The border outposts of the Land of Wind are eerily silent.

The ninjas who returned from the front lines looked ashen-faced and slumped against the earthen wall by the door.

The Third Generation of Kazekage.

The strongest Kazekage of Sunagakure.

Their invincible hero has fallen today and can never return.

Morale was low, and even Ebizo and Rasa didn't know how to comfort them, because they themselves couldn't understand how Konoha had managed to do it.

"Elder, how exactly did Konoha master Magnet Release?"

Luo Sha recalled.

There must have been ninjas who mastered Magnet Release underground at that time.

Ebizo glanced at him, then remained silent.

If he knew, he wouldn't be sitting here.

The two sat in the chairs, unsure of what to do next.

withdraw?

If we return to Sunagakure, will Konoha let it go?

After all, they started the war first, and Konoha has already mastered the method to break Magnet Release.

If Konoha attacks, how will they defend themselves without the Third Kazekage leading the charge?

Ebizo was in a state of utter confusion, but he knew he had to come up with a solution.

"First, we need to identify a core concept."

"Rasa, you must shoulder the future of Sunagakure and step forward now."

I?

Luo Sha opened his mouth, but dared not speak his true thoughts.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go and calm everyone down."

however.

He hadn't taken two steps when he stopped again, his face contorted with bitterness.

"Elder, how should I appease them? I was no match for them to begin with, and now that Magnet Release is countered, there's even less chance I can defeat them..."

Morale is currently plummeting, and the reason is still the death of the Third Kazekage.

Even the Third Kazekage was no match for Konoha, so what use is it for him to go out and speak?

Ebizo fell silent.

The fundamental reason is that they can't win; unless they can find a way to reverse the situation, everything else is in vain.

He was thinking about it.

A person rushed in from outside.

Anbu ninja.

Ebizo stood up instantly.

"How is it?"

"Elder, Konoha did not advance, but instead sent a small team to Kyoto in the Land of Rivers."

"Kyoto, Kawa no Kyoto?"

Ebizo was first stunned, then his face turned pale.

He got it.

Konoha is openly seeking passage through the Land of Rivers, setting the stage for a long-term conflict.

Whether it's true or false, it's quite detrimental to Sunagakure.

They must make a decision quickly.

"Luo Sha".

"Elder."

Luo Sha stood still, his face full of respect.

Ebizo said, "Surrender."

"What?"

"Surrender, I will surrender."

Ebizo answered.

He sighed and said, "The Kazekage is dead. We can't win if we continue fighting; it will only benefit the other ninja villages. Is there any point in continuing?"

"But……"

"I'll take responsibility for the consequences. You will become the Fourth Kazekage and lead Sunagakure forward."

Ebizo patted him on the shoulder, "As for how Konoha did it, let's put that aside for now and consider the reasons when we have enough strength."

"Yes, Lord Ebizo."

Luo Sha changed his name.

Ebizo nodded gently: "This is the last thing I can do for the village. After that, I will retire and peacefully await death."

Then he walked outside.

……

In Konoha, Tsunade sighed repeatedly, unable to concentrate on correcting documents.

The fog-shrouded area to the east launched an attack.

To the west, Sunagakure is already at war with Konoha.

In the north, Onoki is watching with predatory eyes.

As a result, Jiraiya has been sent out to oversee the north, and there are not many ninja left in Konoha.

She needs good news.

however.

So far, none of the three parties have made any move.

"Lady Tsunade."

Shinnosuke Sarutobi appears instantly.

Tsunade immediately strode over: "Which side?"

"Orochimaru-sama's letter."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke handed it over.

This is a letter delivered by a flying eagle. Upon opening it, it is indeed Orochimaru's handwriting.

A few seconds later, a startling laugh came from the Hokage's office.

Tsunade slammed the paper down on the table.

"good!"

"How should we handle the matter of the Third Kazekage?"

"I asked, Sarutobi Shinnosuke."

This is the most pressing issue right now.

We can't aid the enemy, but we can't break the rules either...

Tsunade gave a cold laugh.

"What's so troublesome? Orochimaru is right. We should delay as much as possible. There are definitely conditions for creating a human puppet. If we drag it out for a while, all Sunagakure will get is a corpse."

"yes!"

Shinnosuke Sarutobi understood the unspoken agreement.

Orochimaru is right?

According to the letter, it was clearly Kyohiko who said it.

That kid is really bad!

He couldn't help but worry about his younger brother.

"Oh, right, Shinnosuke."

Tsunade put down the intelligence report, thought for a moment, and said, "You also need to keep your brother's matter in mind, and try to persuade him more often."

"Asuma?"

"Yes, he trained like crazy with Kai, but Kai progressed step by step, while he didn't go through the process. Be careful he doesn't ruin his health in the end."

"Tsunade said."

Since mastering the telescope, she has been keeping an eye on the next generation in the village, and as a result, she noticed the almost insane Asma.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke was slightly taken aback.

Asuma knew a little about what was on his mind. That kid didn't have any major conflicts with Kyohiko, it was just because Kurenai Yuhi was his childhood friend...

but.

The heart resides within oneself; who Kurenai Yuhi loves is Kurenai Yuhi's own business.

We need to try and persuade them!

Sarutobi Shinnosuke muttered to himself.

He nodded and bowed to express his gratitude.

……

In the evening, Asma ran alongside Kai, panting like a dead dog, but he just wouldn't give up and kept following behind.

Matt Kay approved in his heart.

Such willpower, truly worthy of Asuma!

but.

On the surface, he remained serious and said, "How about it? This little difficulty has stumped you? Jingyan could have done this much a few years ago!"

"I will not give up. Sooner or later, I will surpass him!"

Upon hearing Kyohiko's voice, Asuma regained his strength and quickly caught up.

but.

Kai sped up again.

The two walked one after the other, neither willing to stop.

After the Anbu finished their work, Sarutobi Shinnosuke watched the two from a high vantage point, following their every move.

Until Asma could no longer stand.

He then darted forward.

"Asma."

"Brother...why are you here?"

Asma paused for a moment.

Since Shinnosuke became an ANBU ninja, he hadn't seen him for a long time. Even when they did meet, it was just at home for meals, and they rarely exchanged more than ten sentences a month.

I didn't expect to come here today.

He couldn't believe it.

"I need to talk to you."

After saying that, Sarutobi Shinnosuke looked at Might Guy and said, "Thank you for taking care of my brother."

"No, I just trained with him."

After saying goodbye.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke led Asuma home.

Halfway there, on a quiet street, he spoke up: "Your conflict with Kyohiko was because of Kurenai Yuhi, wasn't it?"

"What?"

Asuma was taken aback, not expecting Shinnosuke to bring this up.

He didn't react for a moment.

Why are you bringing this up?

Asma glanced away, looking elsewhere.

Shinnosuke said calmly, "You can't decide who Kurenai likes, but I fully support you competing with him."

"Healthy competition can motivate both sides to improve. Look at Kakashi and Guy, how fast have they improved in the last two years?"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke is very patient.

As for his younger brother, he just didn't have time, which doesn't mean he was unaware of these things.

Asma remained silent.

Kakashi, Might Guy...

Their progress was indeed rapid, especially Might Guy. Before graduation, all he knew was that Guy's ninjutsu and genjutsu scores were just passing, so graduating early was nothing short of a miracle.

result.

In just two years, the opponent not only became stronger in physical techniques, but also worked hard to explore and develop lightning techniques.

As for Kakashi...

Has Kakashi improved a lot?

Asma asked curiously.

Since Kyohiko appeared, he has rarely heard about Kakashi.

Shinnosuke sighed, "Kakashi, he's a genius who's willing to live in Kyohiko's shadow. It seems like no one talks about him anymore, but in reality, his strength is already very close to that of an ordinary Jonin."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke paused for a moment as he spoke.

"He should be able to become a Jonin in two years at most."

Two years...

Asma did an estimate.

Kakashi is currently nine years old, which means he could become a Jonin at the latest by the age of eleven?

wrong!

The older brother meant that Kakashi's strength was approaching that of a Jonin.

Asma paused for a moment.

Then, he couldn't help but feel down: "Is the gap between me and them really that big?"

"They are talented, and they train very hard and diligently. Do you train as hard as they do?"

Shinnosuke didn't just comfort or pamper him.

Asma shook his head.

Rather.

At least, he didn't fight as hard as Matt Kay.

Shinnosuke smiled and said, "Recognize the gap between you and others, then catch up and strive to surpass them. Don't let other emotions control your thinking."

"So, what's the difference between me and Yoshimine Kyohiko?"

Sarutobi Asuma couldn't help but be curious.

Shinnosuke hesitated for a moment, then said, "Do you want to hear the truth?"

"certainly."

Asma nodded solemnly.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke said, "I don't know either."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know how strong he is, but I'm sure he's much stronger than Kakashi, and may even be on par with Minato."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke sighed.

Kyohiko is a true genius, comparable to Tobirama Senju.

The gap between Asuma and his opponent...

It's way too big!

Upon hearing his brother's answer, Asuma fell silent.

Comparable to Minato Namikaze...

He never imagined that the gap between him and Kyohiko would be so large.

Do I still have a chance?

"So, you're giving up?"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke sneered.

"No! How could I give up!"

Sarutobi Asuma answered instinctively.

Then, he nodded firmly: "Yes, I will absolutely not give up!"

"Very good. I have a gift that my father entrusted me to give to you. Since you don't want to give up, accept it, and then go and become stronger and surpass him!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke takes out his ninja tool pouch.

Then, he opened it and took out the ninja tools wrapped in cloth.

A pair of chakra weapons!

(End of this chapter)