Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

Chapter 82 Kakashi: Compared to becoming stronger, face is insignificant.

Through the window, Kyohiko quickly saw Danzo storm out of the room.

They came with high hopes, but left disappointed.

Even without thinking, he could guess the situation at the time; it was nothing more than a "you regret it, I'll betray you" scenario. Fortunately, it was just him and the Third Hokage.

As he left, Danzo glanced at the Jonin waiting room.

Their eyes met, and they parted.

A short while later, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived.

Once inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi led him into a small room inside the waiting room. This room was completely isolated from the outside world and was usually where important missions were issued.

"Kyohiko, there's a task that requires your cooperation to complete."

"Please speak."

Jingyan nodded.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi told him to stand by, he guessed there might be an important mission, so he wasn't too surprised.

The third generation retrieved the intelligence scroll.

The scroll on the table was open, containing information about the "Hashirama Cell Research," including information about "A," its location, and who was probably in charge of the base.

Jingyan read it carefully.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi was also observing in secret.

If it were an ordinary child, he would never have given this information to them, much less involve them in a commission of this caliber, but Jingyan…

He wanted to see what the child was really like.

After reading it, Kyohiko closed the scroll.

Will the third generation keep "A" in his own hands?

Or perhaps he has a new plan for dealing with "A".

For example, let "A" learn and study "immortality" from a young age.

Therefore, it was indeed impossible for him to remain in Danzo's hands any longer. As for why he was entrusted with this task...

Are you worried that Danzo might be hiding in the shadows?

Hiruzen Sarutobi put away the scroll.

"Are you interested?"

"Yes, there are, but there are so many ANBU ninjas, why send me?"

Jingyan pretended not to know.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

"You may not understand, but although I am the Hokage, I cannot completely control the Anbu. Danzo has many spies over there, and he will know immediately if the Anbu makes a move."

"For something to be executed from top to bottom, it requires coordination and cooperation at every level. That's the role of a team. Even the Hokage couldn't accomplish anything alone."

Jingyan answered calmly.

His persona is already established; he no longer needs to play dumb.

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, I forgot... Anyway, I hope this matter can be carried out by someone who is capable enough but will not attract Danzo's attention."

"Are you sure I'm not on Danzo's watchlist?"

Jingyan was very impolite.

"I will make arrangements, but of course, this will require your cooperation with Tsunade."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had a serious expression.

He then sighed, "My views may differ from those of Jiraiya, Tsunade, and you, but we are all working for Konoha and will not cause conflict or internal strife because of this. I used to think of Danzo the same way, but now he has disappointed me too much."

Jingyan remained silent.

In his view, Hiruzen Sarutobi is a monster of power.

He's definitely stronger than Danzo, but you can only believe half of what he says.

Just like Danzo.

Did Hiruzen Sarutobi not understand Danzo?

We've been partners for so many years!

Hiruzen Sarutobi probably understood Danzo's true nature better than Danzo himself.

It's foolish to genuinely not understand, but it's malicious to pretend not to understand.

Kyohiko believes that Hiruzen Sarutobi used Danzo as a double agent, discarding him when he no longer needed him.

Are you willing to accept the mission?

"You have too little information. There's nothing about the specific strength, personnel composition, or internal situation of the Root base. I can hardly guarantee that I can find him, but I will do my best to accomplish it."

Kyohiko replied, "Besides, Danzo, I am no match for him."

He has self-awareness.

While their current strength is not weak, they are still far behind Danzo.

If Danzo were at the base, he would have no chance of winning.

"He'll be staying in Konoha today and tomorrow, so you don't need to worry. As for the intelligence issue, I'll send someone to help you."

"Yes."

……

After leaving the Hokage Building, Kyohiko met his "assistant" at home.

It was none other than Kakashi.

"I knew it was you."

"Go quickly and come back quickly."

Kakashi formed hand seals, transforming into Kyohiko's appearance.

Jingyan chuckled, then pressed himself against the wall, listening intently to the surroundings.

A moment later.

"I'm leaving now. You can pick some of the books upstairs to look at; they should be useful."

"this……"

Kakashi was about to refuse.

"I read every day; if you don't, you'll give yourself away."

"it is good."

Kakashi watched as Kyohiko vanished in an instant.

The claim of "being exposed" was just a pretext to make him feel at ease accepting the situation.

but.

He hesitated for only a moment before going upstairs.

The Second Hokage's Notes.

Even if it's just some basics, it's still a very valuable asset. If it can make me stronger and play a greater role in future missions and battles, what's wrong with accepting the gift?

Like a few days ago, being weak and helpless only leads to one's companions having to compromise, which is the most tragic thing.

He didn't want to be the one being rescued again!

Upon reaching the upper floor, Kakashi glanced around and noticed a large number of books piled on the bookshelves on the left, while the other side had relatively fewer, and the book titles were marked with relatively new notes.

"Is this Kyohiko's research notebook?"

Kakashi recognized the source of the handwriting.

He glanced at the books and knew from the titles that they were all Kyohiko's ninjutsu notes.

He still wouldn't look at anything that involved Kyohiko's secrets.

Kakashi's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Tobirama Senju's notebook.

Under Jingyan's organization, the books on the bookshelf were categorized into four types: ninjutsu, swordsmanship, genjutsu, and taijutsu, with some miscellaneous notes on the far side.

He reached for the "Ninjutsu" section.

……

night.

Not too far from Konoha, a mountain village and a wild temple came into view.

Qianlin Temple.

According to Hiruzen Sarutobi's description, this deserted temple is the entrance to the base where "Kou" is located, and there are many mechanisms and traps below.

but.

The helper that Hiruzen Sarutobi mentioned did not appear.

Jingyan waited for a while, but there was no sign of anyone appearing, so he decided not to wait any longer.

He pressed himself against the ground and used chakra to enhance his hearing.

After a while, Kyohiko heard faint footsteps coming from underground.

Northeast.

Underground behind the temple.

In addition, there were some footsteps heard above the temple.

There are quite a few people patrolling!

He bit his finger, formed hand seals, and contracted his chakra output.

A little while later, a small toad appeared.

Kyohiko didn't know Jiraiya's infiltration techniques, but the little toads were obviously more concealed than humans, at least enough to fool some ninjas who didn't know about the toads of Mount Myōboku.

He whispered, "Could you help me find the underground entrance to the temple ahead?"

The toad nodded.

Jingyan moved forward in a flash, and in the blink of an eye, he crept up above the temple and placed the little toad on the roof.

The little toad hopped all the way across.

The temple grounds were overgrown with grass and home to many small animals, but the toad wasn't particularly noticeable.

Jingyan used his transformation technique to hide himself, listening to the rhythmic bouncing sounds below.

His enhanced hearing allowed him to hear sufficiently subtle sounds and even distant objects.

A while later.

"There's an entrance behind the stone statue in the main hall."

A few minutes later.

laugh!

A dark shadow flashed overhead, followed by a patrolling ninja who fell silently, dragged into the shadows.

A moment later, two people emerged from the shadows.

One is a ninja with an ordinary appearance.

The other one looks like the Root organization ninja from earlier.

Jingyan couldn't possibly search for them one by one, so—

The best solution is to let the people below create chaos on their own, and let "A" come out from the inside.

This is a tactic of "beating the grass to scare the snake."

He had his clone hide, while his transformed main body maintained the previous route and continued to follow the patrol.

Then, some time passed.

"what!"

A scream came from the corner.

Jingyan immediately sprang into action and rushed into the main hall, where a man appeared wielding a knife.

"Who are you?"

"There's an intruder outside, their swordsmanship is extremely strong, we..."

As soon as Jingyan finished speaking, the wind howled behind him, and a blade was already slashing towards him.

The next instant, the person who had been blocking him immediately drew his knife to block him.

"Who are you?"

"Hand over 'A,' or we'll kill you all!"

The clone's voice was deep.

Jingyan quickly ran towards the passage.

A fierce battle erupted inside the hall.

He ran inside, shouting, "Something's wrong! Someone's trying to steal 'A'!"

Chaos quickly broke out underground.

Jingyan hid in the shadows and waited quietly.

After a while, the members of the Root organization quickly ran outside, completely unaware of him hiding.

"The root tissue is still very immature!"

"Too……"

Jingyan listened quietly to the sounds outside, carefully distinguishing each chaotic noise.

however.

With so much activity, it remains quite difficult to distinguish which one belongs to "A".

Also, what about the helper mentioned by the third generation?

As he pondered this, the chirping of insects grew closer.

Ok?

wrong!

Just as Jingyan was about to draw his sword, the insects had already reformed and transformed into one person.

"it's me."

"Senior Zhiwei?"

Jingyan was surprised.

Before him stood Aburame Shimi, whom he had not seen for some time.

The oil-producing woman nodded slightly.

"You were sent by the Hokage, weren't you?"

He couldn't help but exclaim in admiration: "To find the passage by yourself and come up with such a method to force them to take action on their own and force Jia out... If it were just you alone, this would indeed be the best method."

"You flatter me, senior. I was just doing my best."

Jingyan remained as polite as ever.

The oil-loving woman said softly, "I've found him. Come with me."

He then headed deeper into the base.

Jingyan quickly followed.

Not long after—

"you……"

"Don't lay a hand on us! We're on the same side!"

Jingyan spoke in a low voice, while raising his hand to indicate that he had no weapon.

Upon hearing this, the other party immediately drew his knife.

The next moment, he saw the other person waving his hand, with his other hand forming a strange hand seal. Immediately, his vision blurred, as if several people were rushing towards him.

not good!

It's an illusion!

He immediately dispelled the illusion, but—

The other person had already grabbed his throat, suddenly increased the force, and then plunged a knife into his heart.

Yu Nu Zhiwei, who was standing to the side, was shocked.

Illusion?

Illusionary magic using a single hand seal...

When did Konoha's Anbu produce such a master of illusion techniques?!

Who is this young man?

Aburame Shiki racked his brains but couldn't match Kyohiko with any of the Anbu members. He was suspicious but didn't ask. Instead, he silently led the way.

He then killed three people in succession.

"Senior Zhiwei, don't you have a better route?"

Jingyan remained silent.

"No, he is guarded by Aburame Ryoma and Danzo's confidants. This is the only way to find him."

"That's what Yu Nu Zhiwei said."

"Then what are you hiding?"

Jingyan immediately stepped forward. "If they don't come out, you check for traps, and we'll charge in together!"

"..."

The oil-producing woman remained silent.

At that moment, he raised his finger, and the worm returned to his body. Then, Aburame Shiki, looking astonished, said, "You're Kyohiko?"

How is that possible!

Although Kyohiko has been promoted to Jonin, he is still so young. How could he receive a mission of this level?

"Yes."

Jingyan nodded.

Aburame Shiki found it hard to believe, but judging from the feedback from the parasitic insects, it was indeed Kyohiko's chakra aura.

While appearance can be altered and aura can be concealed, chakra is very difficult to fake.

He found it hard to believe, but he had no choice but to accept it.

No wonder this guy keeps calling me "senior"...

There aren't many younger people in the Dark Division than me, and even fewer who possess both illusion and swordsmanship at this level. It seems like an outsider has arrived.

"Are you confident?"

"Trust me, if there's only Aburame Ryoma and one other trusted confidant inside the base, we can just storm in, steal it, and escape. What's the point of hiding?!"

Jingyan is very confident.

He had fought against Ryoma Aburame before.

That guy is a master of stealth and assassination, but he's not much of a threat in a direct confrontation. This time, with Aburame Shiki's help, he has a huge advantage.

They have the skill of stealth...

Those who were transferred out of the area will probably all come back to fight!

Yu Nu Zhiwei immediately nodded.

The two no longer hid their relationship.

Immediately, the parasitic insects cleared a path and destroyed the trap, allowing the two to continue forward.

Subsequently, about a dozen Root organization members surrounded the area from various passages, forming layers upon layers of encirclement.

Yu Nuzhi raised her hand slightly, about to use the parasitic insects to clear the way.

The next instant, Kyohiko formed a hand seal with one hand, raised his hand, and drew his sword—

Three brief movements.

Konoha Style: Willow!

To the members of Root, dozens of figures rushed toward them at an extremely fast speed.

however.

In reality, the swarm of insects instantly overwhelmed them.

Jingyan instantly killed one person.

Immediately, the blades were sheathed, and he and Yu Nu Zhiwei continued to charge forward, sweeping all before them.

Aburame was inwardly amazed.

After seeing through the other party's methods, he felt that Jingyan's illusion was not particularly complex or sophisticated, but its strength lay in its abruptness.

One-handed hand seal.

Any movement of the other hand could trigger an illusion, making it impossible to defend against.

even.

If he didn't have parasites, he might have also fallen into a hallucination just now.

Where did this kid learn that?

Red Sunset?

Are the two of them really that close?

Yu Nuzhi remained outwardly silent, but inwardly she was constantly speculating and pondering.

As they ventured deeper into the territory, many members of the Root organization pursued them from behind, but they were unable to keep up.

When they arrived at the location described by Aburame Shiki—

Aburame Ryoma and his men slipped away through the previously disguised back door, leaving behind a large number of explosive tags.

"boom!"

……

A few minutes later, on the mountain.

Upon hearing the violent explosion, Aburame Ryoma smiled slightly.

Behind him, a female ninja grabbed "Armor," a hint of sadness flashing across her face, before she said worriedly, "The base has been destroyed, our people..."

"It is their honor to dedicate themselves to the cause of adults."

Aburame Ryoma answered indifferently.

Then, he turned his head and glanced at the female ninja out of the corner of his eye.

"Let's go."

As soon as he finished speaking, his face suddenly turned ugly.

Immediately, his figure suddenly split into countless insects.

The parasites spread outwards, transforming into a massive wall.

however.

In the darkness of night, a black fog descended.

Buzz!

This is a battle of insects.

Aburame Ryoma's face darkened: "It's you!"

"Aburame Ryoma, you actually followed Danzo!"

The oil-loving woman said subtly.

"snort."

Aburame Ryoma snorted coldly.

Then, he whispered, "Let's go!"

"yes!"

The female ninja behind him picked up "Jia" and ran.

You Nuzhi's face looked unpleasant.

Are you going to keep making the same mistake?

"Who says adults are always wrong? Konoha needs roots, it needs darkness. Everyone is working for Konoha's future. You're all being too narrow-minded, especially the Hokage..."

Ryoma Aburame's tone grew increasingly high-pitched and worshipful, "He doesn't understand that person at all!"

As he spoke, the parasitic insects erupted and attacked You Nuzhiwei.

This is a showdown between parasites.

Win!

Ryoma Aburame is determined.

He didn't think he would lose to Shiki Aburame, especially since she had already used up a lot of chakra and insects on her way here.

not to mention.

They succeed as long as the other side doesn't get "A".

The advantage lies with me!

Ryoma Aburame was full of confidence, but soon his face went from confident to ugly, and then to ashen.

Something bad happened later!

……

"You won't stop me!"

"For Lord Danzo!"

The female ninja spoke with a firm tone, but after she formed hand seals, what appeared in her hands was medical ninjutsu.

Chakra Scalpel!

Jingyan glanced at it and frowned slightly.

Yakushi Nonou?

No.

She probably doesn't have this name yet.

If it really is her, then she could be a valuable asset to us...

Jingyan suppressed his murderous intent.

The moment the opponent charged at him, he slowly drew his sword, formed a hand seal with one hand, and his arm moved like a willow branch.

Then...

Several figures split off from Jingyan and rushed towards her at extremely fast speeds, arriving in front of her almost instantly.

So fast!

The female ninja was shocked and immediately slashed out in all directions.

however.

The figure she struck was merely an afterimage.

Is it a clone technique?

Dance of the Crescent Moon?

She thought quickly and immediately drew her kunai to block the attack.

but……

Still empty!

How could that be?

No, it's an illusion!

Yakushi Nonou immediately dispelled the illusion, and her vision returned. However, the other person was already in front of her, with his hand on her forehead.

Bang!

She was knocked to the ground and lost consciousness.

On the other side, Jia also broke the illusion. He clasped his hands together, and wood grew out from under Jingyan's feet.

but.

The blade was drawn and instantly severed all the wood.

What a quick knife!

A was terrified and was about to change his tactics, using Wood Release to protect himself and wait for rescue, when his opponent instantly appeared in front of him and smashed the hilt of his sword on his forehead.

Before he lost consciousness, he vaguely heard...

"I think I used too much force, but it's just a mild concussion, nothing serious."

He had only one thought in his mind.

The voice sounds so young.

Like...

She's not much older than him.

A fell into a complete coma.

Jingyan created a shadow clone to watch over the two, and then went to support Shiki Aburame.

(End of this chapter)