Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 209 The Boat of Friendship Has Crashed

"Still no valuable leads?"

At the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked somewhat irritably.

"No!"

Mitomon Homura smiled wryly. After receiving Yuhi Shinku's report, they sent more people to the place where the battle had taken place, but they found nothing new. They couldn't even determine the identities of the two sides in the battle. They only knew that they were very strong, stronger than they had imagined.

Judging from the damaged mountains and rivers, it's almost the same as the battle at the Valley of the End where the first master fought, clearly indicating that it was a powerful figure of that level.

However, he is neither the First Hokage nor Madara Uchiha; their fighting styles are completely different.

The fact that there were two such exceptionally strong individuals in the ninja world put them under immense pressure.

"What about the Hyuga clan?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked again, and the place and the mysterious woman were clearly related to the Hyuga clan. The words she spoke were also terrifying, and the Hyuga clan must know some secrets.

In addition, there is that black Susanoo. Judging from the size described by Yuhi Shinku, it is by no means weaker than Uchiha Madara's Susanoo back then.

Was it Madara Uchiha who appeared? Or some other powerful Uchiha?

"Hyuga Hiashi stated that it had nothing to do with their Hyuga clan, and their request to summon Hyuga Genka was also refused."

Mitokado Homura's voice was filled with anger, indicating that the Hyuga clan must know something, but they still chose to keep it a secret, which was extremely infuriating.

"Hiruzen, we can no longer let the Hyuga clan run rampant."

Koharu Utatane was also furious. She had to teach the Hyuga clan a lesson and let them know who the real masters of the village were.

"I will write to Danzo and tell him about it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi also felt that the Hyuga clan needed to be given a warning; only that old friend could accomplish such a thing.

"Tell him to be less rigid in his work."

Her eyelids twitched, and Xiaochun, turning to her new room, quickly reminded her.

Danzo was indeed capable, but he was too inflexible, which often left them in a difficult position and caused them a lot of headaches.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, preoccupied with many worries lately.

The three discussed for a long time before parting ways. Hiruzen Sarutobi left the Hokage Building and went straight to the Uchiha clan's territory.

Amidst countless hostile gazes, he saw Uchiha Retsuyo, who appeared even older.

"What brings the Hokage here so late?"

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could speak, Retsuyo Uchiha asked first, his expression cold and even filled with hatred.

Hiruzen Sarutobi could understand Retsuyo Uchiha's hatred, after all, the entire elite of the Uchiha clan had been wiped out, all because of Danzo's schemes.

In the other party's eyes, they and Danzo are one, so it's normal for them to hate each other.

Without further ado, he went straight to the point: "A few days ago, a mysterious Uchiha powerhouse appeared, capable of using a black Susanoo on the same level as Madara Uchiha back then. Does Chief Lieyang know his identity?"

He originally wanted to ask about Fugaku Uchiha, but the newly appeared Susanoo made him even more concerned and wary.

These words surprised Uchiha Retsuyo. He had thought the Hokage had come to ask about Fugaku, but instead he said this.

"I don't know, but you can ask Shimura Danzo. He sent over those eyes, but instead left the Flying Thunder God Technique formula on them, stealing all of my clan's secrets, including all the Sharingan that my clan had accumulated over thousands of years."

"The level of eyes that Madara Uchiha possessed couldn't be achieved through training alone. If someone could absorb the Sharingan's accumulated power from my clan, they should also be able to reach that level."

Regardless of whether that mysterious Uchiha powerhouse is related to Shimura Danzo, the blame must be placed on him, and it would be best to cause a rift between Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

If we Uchiha are having a hard time, you shouldn't expect to have one either.

He was really annoyed by this. He had gone into that secret place a while ago, only to find it completely empty, with everything gone.

However, the barrier remained intact and was not triggered. The only thing he could think of that could be done was space-time ninjutsu, such as the Flying Thunder God Technique.

It must be that the bottles containing the eyes last time were the problem; they had the Flying Thunder God mark on them, which is why their family's treasures were stolen without them even realizing it.

"Danzo?"

This time, it was Hiruzen Sarutobi's turn to be stunned. He hadn't expected that the matter would involve his old friend, and that the operation would be so ruthless, directly stealing the Uchiha clan's millennium-old heritage.

"If the Hokage has nothing else to attend to, please leave. I am tired."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's reaction pleased Uchiha Retsuyo, who then immediately dismissed the guest, not wanting to waste words with him or see him again.

"Chief of the Blazing Sun Clan, get some rest!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi acknowledged the message and got up to leave. Although he hadn't obtained much information, it was very useful.

It seems my old buddy is hiding something quite well; I need to intensify my investigation.

Uchiha Retsuyo was thinking about the future of his clan. He never expected that the clan's elite would be wiped out by the Hidden Cloud Village, especially since Hiruzen Sarutobi and others dared to play such a ruthless game.

"Fugaku is still too young, and Meikyo is too impulsive."

He sighed, knowing the problem lay more with them; those two were too preoccupied and had been outmaneuvered.

Now that they have broken the alliance on their own initiative, the Hidden Cloud Village will surely be furious. It is unlikely that they can rescue their captured clansmen. Therefore, they can only focus on cultivating the next generation.

"Once Fugaku returns, we'll arrange a marriage. We also need to talk to Mingjing and smooth things over. We should get married as soon as possible so that we can produce excellent bloodlines for the family."

Those born into a clan that has awakened the Kaleidoscope will inevitably have a more superior bloodline and a greater chance of awakening the Kaleidoscope.

Now, we can only place our hopes on Fugaku and Myokyo. Only by producing more Mangekyou Sharingan can the Uchiha clan recover from this crisis and create new glories.

Moreover, Fugaku is still alive and has cooperated with Orochimaru. As long as Fugaku is still alive and the Seven-Tails is still in their hands, the Uchiha clan still has hope.

Leaving aside Uchiha Retsuyo, who was pondering the future of his clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi's letter was soon delivered to Shimura Danzo.

"Hinata!"

Danzo Shimura was very wary of the Hyuga clan. Hiruzen and the others did not know the identities of the two people who fought at the Valley of the End, but he had some guesses.

This information was obtained from Miyu Otsutsuki's memories; she learned of the existence of the Otsutsuki relic and the Tenseigan.

Based on intelligence, both combatants must possess the Tenseigan, as evidenced by the golden light sword that connects heaven and earth and can cleave mountains and rivers.

In other words, not only does the Otsutsuki relic possess the Tenseigan, but the Hyuga clan also does, a power comparable to that of the First Hokage at his peak.

Furthermore, judging from the outbreak, the aftereffects were obviously not significant, unlike the First Teacher who passed away not long after the battle at the Valley of the End.

This made him even more wary. Although his strength had increased considerably, he was still far inferior to those with those eyes.

"We could send Kumogakure and Kirigakure to test the waters."

Thinking of another piece of information he had obtained earlier, Shimura Danzo made up his mind.

According to that intelligence, Kumogakure was going to send an elite team to support other battlefields, and the first target was Kirigakure, which was nearby and was the eastern battlefield under the jurisdiction of the Hyuga clan.

This is perfect; it accomplishes Hiruzen's mission, tests the Hyuga clan, and escalates the battle situation there.

It's so much!

"We can continue to use this information. It would be best to lure Hiruzen here and make him fight against Sunagakure and Kumogakure."

He quickly began to think more deeply. According to the information that the kid had provided, the Hidden Cloud Village would keep a close eye on the support team, and the Third Raikage would also arrive to provide support at any time.

Furthermore, according to intelligence, the Third Raikage has perfectly mastered Sage Mode, and his strength is almost on par with that of the First Hokage.

Such strength would be difficult to match even if I didn't reveal my Dark Susanoo and Dark Wood Release. It would be good to have Hiruzen come and fight against him, further damaging his reputation and paving the way for my succession as Hokage.

He knew very well that the list of candidates for the fourth generation was just bait thrown out by his old buddy, not a real intention to step down, and that he would definitely make arrangements.

Therefore, if he wants to become the fourth generation, his old friend is the ultimate opponent.

If Hiruzen can be severely injured or even killed here, it will be more logical for me to succeed him.

And that Otsutsuki relic, I wonder if we can lure it out using the support team from Kumogakure and the Third Raikage.

But these were all secondary; he was more concerned with the ancient information he had obtained from Miyu Otsutsuki.

"Tailed Beasts, Ten-Tails, Gedo Mazo, Sage of Six Paths, Rinnegan, Tenseigan..."

As he muttered these words, Danzo Shimura gradually began to formulate a plan.

At the same time, all the major ninja villages knew about the great battle that took place in the Valley of the End. Although no specific information was sent back, judging from the commotion alone, it must have involved an exceptionally powerful figure.

"How's your control over the One-Tailed Beast's chakra? Are you able to master the Tailed Beast Ball?"

After reviewing the intelligence, the Third Kazekage remained silent for a long time before shifting the topic to the disciple who had just sealed one of the tails. He explained that the only way to fight against a powerhouse of that level was to use the Tailed Beast Ball and Sage Mode.

"I'm already starting to feel it."

Luo Sha replied solemnly that he had also read the intelligence report and was deeply shocked by it.

I had thought that Konoha's trump cards would be very powerful, but I really didn't expect them to be that powerful.

Although the exact nature of the battle is still unclear, its destructive power is extraordinary, enough to wipe out a major ninja village.

"We must grasp this as soon as possible; we must have the power to fight against it."

The Third Kazekage clenched his fists, his heart filled with uncontrollable apprehension, even fear, followed by a frenzied desire to kill.

Konoha's powerful trump cards did indeed make him wary and fearful, but they also strengthened his determination to destroy Konoha.

We must not allow Konoha to continue existing, otherwise it will only grow stronger, and only destruction awaits the Sand Village.

"Kumogakure has now freed itself from the battlefield and sent a letter saying that they would send a support team to help us. They will go to Kirigakure first, then to our side, and finally to Iwagakure."

When you are there to receive them, please put away your hostility when you are with them.

Compared to the much stronger Kumogakure, Konoha now deserves our greater attention and vigilance; the Four Villages Alliance still has its value.

He gave his disciple a final word of advice, knowing his personality and that the disciple harbored hostility towards other ninja villages, especially the increasingly powerful Kumogakure. Coupled with Kumogakure's militant and aggressive style, the disciple posed a significant threat and might attack Sunagakure any day; it was certainly something to be wary of.

He had previously been wary and cautious of Kumogakure, especially since the Third Raikage seemed to have mastered Sage Mode and become even stronger.

However, it seems that there is still a considerable gap between them and Konoha. Moreover, unlike the flamboyant and domineering Hidden Cloud Village, Konoha is better at hiding its strengths, and who knows how many unknown trump cards it still has hidden.

The current Konoha is stronger and has more trump cards, so it needs to be targeted even more. The Four Villages Alliance must not have any problems.

"I understand!"

Luo Sha nodded. He wasn't stupid; he naturally knew whose priority was higher at this stage.

The Third Tsuchikage and the Third Mizukage also received the intelligence and reacted in the same way, their desire to kill Konoha intensified. They believed that Konoha must be destroyed at all costs in this Shinobi World War, otherwise their village would have no future.

In response, they accelerated their plans to create separate tailed beast jinchūriki and to train in Sage Mode, as this was their only means of combat against such extraordinary power.

With this turn of events, the intensity of the Ninja World War escalated once again. The support teams from Kumogakure were making final preparations before heading to the Land of Waves, where Kirigakure had established a military base.

Before setting off, Tamura Hiroshi arrived at the research department located in the spirit world and saw the Thousand Hands Rope Tree, which was soaking in formaldehyde... no, in nutrient solution.

"Ha, roots have already grown out."

Watching the Thousand Hand Rope Tree swim in the nutrient solution with its roots, Tamura Hao couldn't help but marvel at the usefulness of Wood Release.

"snort!"

Seeing that hideous face, Senju Nawaki snorted coldly and turned his head to one side by moving his roots.

Seeing that despicable bastard makes me angry; I'm in my current state all because of him.

This is outrageous!

The young man's temper only amused Tamura Hao more, and he immediately took out a bottle filled with green liquid and handed it to Uzumaki Tamayo.

"What is this?"

Whirlpool Jade Leaf was puzzled.

"This is the sap I extracted from the World Tree, which I call the Water of Life. It contains pure life energy and sage energy, which is just right to nourish and strengthen the Wood Release chakra of the Nawaki Tree."

Although he has lost his physical body, he cannot abandon his Wood Release training, so that when he regains a body in the future, his strength can catch up.

Tamura Hao explained that this liquid was taken from the Well of Eternity. After such a long period of evolution, especially with the integration of perfect immortal magic power, the World Tree has completely transformed, and the resulting Water of Life is even more effective.

However, the specific effects still need to be tested, and the young man in front of us is a good volunteer.

Upon hearing that it could enhance his Wood Release power, Senju Nawaki glanced at him sideways.

His previous death fueled his thirst for power, and his only path to becoming stronger now was through the Wood Release technique he inherited from his grandfather—the stronger the better.

"Thanks!"

Whirlpool Jade Leaf was very excited and quickly expressed her gratitude, understanding the preciousness of this bottle of Water of Life.

The future recovery and strengthening of Nawaki depends on this Water of Life; it might even allow Nawaki to develop Wood Release to the level of his uncle.

"You also cannot abandon the cultivation of earth, water, and yang nature transformations, as those are the foundation of Wood Release."

Finally, Tamura Hiroshi added a reminder that he is still very optimistic about Senju Nawaki's future.

With the many secret techniques he created and the numerous resources he collected and cultivated, Nawaki's Wood Release technique could definitely be developed to the level of Hashirama Senju.

The secret to Hashirama Senju's power is actually quite simple: he possessed immense strength, capable of throwing bricks, and relied on superhuman chakra to forcefully suppress everything.

Anyone else with that much chakra could also be invincible.

"I will guide Nawaki in his diligent training."

Yuuha nodded; she thought so too and was equally optimistic about Nawaki's future.

He was even considering finding a Nawaki fiancée from among his clansmen to reunite the bloodlines of the Senju and Uzumaki clans, believing that the resulting child would be even more outstanding.

Of course, arrangements also need to be made for the Uchiha clan members, to be partners for Nawaki's future children.

"I'm not going to say thank you to you."

The Thousand Hands Rope Tree still had energy inside; that bastard was a real piece of work.

"Mikoto!"

Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared and Senju Nawaki excitedly greeted him.

The newcomer was Uchiha Mikoto, followed by Uchiha Chiri.

"This is Tsunade's stupid younger brother? Are you sure he's still alive in this state?"

Uchiha Chiri stared in astonishment at the Senju Nawaki floating in the nutrient solution. Was it really still alive?

She was no stranger to Tsunade, after all, she was one of the few strong women in the village. In particular, one of them came from the Senju clan and the other from the Uchiha clan, and many people compared them.

She had heard of Tsunade's younger brother; she'd heard he was mentally challenged. She'd also learned from Meikyō that the boy had been killed in an explosion, but she hadn't expected him to still be alive.

I guess you could say they're still alive?

"Who are you calling stupid? Don't think you can insult people just because you're a little good-looking."

Senju Nawaki was annoyed; he hated being called stupid.

He, Senju Nawaki, isn't stupid!

"It is indeed still alive. The fleshy lump under its head is a small torso with lungs and a heart, and it can also absorb nutrients to maintain the activity of brain cells."

Mikoto Uchiha explained that she was no stranger to Nawaki Senju. Although they were four years apart, they graduated in the same year and had very similar ninja numbers.

She didn't graduate from the Ninja Academy until she was twelve years old. After all, her ideal at that time was to become a perfect full-time housewife. She didn't like going out on missions, and her family didn't need her to go out on adventures, so there was no need for her to graduate early.

Especially after her brothers were murdered one after another, her father protected her even more carefully. Unfortunately, he let a wolf into the house and ran into that despicable and shameless bastard.

Senju Nawaki, on the other hand, graduated early and could be considered to be in the same year as me.

Unfortunately, when they met again, everything had changed. He had become a ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village, while Senju Nawaki was left with only a head, both of which were caused by that despicable and shameless bastard.

Thinking of this, she glared at someone resentfully.

"How did you get Rope Tree's head? And how did you manage to bring him back to life?"

Uchiha Chiri sensed something was wrong. The Senju Front's camp was not close to the Land of Lightning, so how could they have obtained Nawaki's head and even brought him back to life?

There's definitely something wrong here.

"I won a necklace from him back then, which had a crystallized chakra condensed by the First Hokage using Wood Release chakra."

When I went to Amegakure for the four-village meeting last time, I also stopped by Konoha's side and used the First Hokage's Wood Release chakra to help him awaken his Wood Release.

Then Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others panicked and arranged for someone to blow up Nawaki Senju. Fortunately, I had left a Flying Thunder God Technique seal on his head, and before he died, I teleported his head over, using pre-prepared materials to keep him alive and bring it back.

Tamura Hiroshi did not hide anything and frankly recounted what happened back then, nor did he shy away from his scheming against Senju Nawaki.

There's nothing to hide about this. He's not only willing to say it now, but he won't shy away from it either when Tsunade comes in the future. He's all about honesty.

Hearing this, Senju Nawaki gritted his teeth again, as if he wanted to jump out and bite someone.

Uchiha Chiri's eyebrows furrowed into two knots, and for a moment she didn't know what to say.

This kid's despicable and shameless nature is even deeper than I previously knew. How could the Hidden Cloud Village, with its prevailing atmosphere, produce such a scoundrel?

"You intend to use the Rope Tree to plot against the Senju clan?"

He quickly understood the deeper meaning behind it. Uchiha Chiri did not believe that this person was only plotting against Senju Nawaki. He must be eyeing the entire Senju clan.

Furthermore, the Hidden Cloud Village had previously used similar methods against the Uzumaki, Kaguya, Hozuki, and Minazuki clans, and the remaining members of those clans were all integrated into the Hidden Cloud Village, including their foundations.

Is this an attempt to repeat the same tactics used against the Senju clan?

"Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others can't control the Senju and Uchiha, but we in Kumogakure can."

Tamura Hao remained very frank and had absolute confidence that he and the Hidden Cloud Village would only become stronger in the future, and that the Senju clan couldn't cause any trouble.

(End of this chapter)