Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 234 Ichiraku Bento Box

After two months of carefree and comfortable living on the peninsula, Tamura Hiroshi finally traveled to the land of rivers with the others.

Because the rivers in the River Country region all flow outwards, and many sections are turbulent, it is impossible to go up by boat; one can only go ashore and walk.

Fortunately, everyone was a ninja and very good at traveling on foot.

Even the Iwa ninja, known for their short legs, displayed amazing stamina, arriving at Sunagakure's camp here on the second day after landing. This was formerly Kikyoyama Castle, which has now been not only repaired by Sunagakure but also expanded and reinforced considerably, making it no exaggeration to call it a mountain castle.

Similarly, the Konoha front, 400 kilometers away, also saw many new faces.

The four villages' allied forces have gathered here, and Konoha naturally cannot ignore them.

The fierce battle on the peninsula had put them under immense pressure, and now the daimyo of the four great nations had ordered their samurai legions to be dispatched to assist in the battle, clearly intending to take advantage of the situation to divide up the Land of Fire.

No one can resist the temptation of expanding their territory, but the main reason why the daimyo of the four great nations made such a decision was the mysterious death of the daimyo of the Land of Fire and the succession of the new daimyo.

Although on the surface there seemed to be no major problem, their investigation uncovered some clues, all pointing to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha.

Now the daimyo of the four great nations can no longer sit still. They were already dissatisfied with the emergence of the ninja village era, which was a helpless compromise. Now, the ninja village kage have begun to interfere in the succession of the daimyo position, and even assassinate the daimyo.

This is absolutely unacceptable. We must destroy Konoha and, incidentally, escalate the war to further deplete the resources of the major ninja villages, so that they can feel at ease.

"Why doesn't Hiruzen come and wipe out the four-village coalition himself? He's the one who caused this mess, and instead of dealing with it, he's making me do it, and he's only sent a few of you. What can you possibly do?"

After reading the contents of that scroll, Shimura Danzo was so angry that he threw it at Jiraiya's face.

The scroll contained a simple message: to launch an attack and wipe out the four-village coalition before they could establish a firm foothold in the area.

It sounds easy, but it's simply impossible to do.

Even if he used all his strength in Dark Wood Release and Dark Susanoo, he still wouldn't be able to defeat the four-village alliance, not to mention the Third Raikage who could descend at any moment.

Given the strength the Third Raikage displayed during the final battle in the Land of Hot Springs, his chances of winning against him were slim.

Unless the Phoenix can completely integrate with the transplanted bloodline limits, but that's very difficult.

The main problem is that the Byakugan I secretly acquired during that battle wasn't of very good quality, and my pupil power was very weak. Although I fused them, it will take a long time to get used to them.

As for the three tails he obtained, he has already fed them to Black Lotus, so he cannot touch them lightly.

Orochimaru seems to have made a breakthrough in his research, but that snake is very well hidden and it's unlikely to reveal its strength for this war.

Therefore, this task is simply impossible to complete.

Jiraiya, feeling rebuffed, was also helpless. He knew the pressure he was under, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

"The teacher wants Lord Danzo to become a new Three-Tails Jinchuriki as soon as possible. This is a sealing technique suitable for sealing the Three-Tails."

Take off the scroll on your back; the teacher specifically asked you to bring it.

Konoha already possessed most of the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan, even forbidden techniques like the Reaper Death Seal, so naturally they had sealing techniques suitable for sealing the Three-Tails.

The Three-Tails Jinchuriki of Kirigakure was captured by Danzo Shimura, who then used him to create a new Three-Tails Jinchuriki.

Furthermore, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Minato was capable of holding off the four-village coalition even if he couldn't annihilate them, and it wasn't impossible for him to wipe them out if given the chance.

"Which eye of yours saw that I have three tails?"

With his one eye fixed on Jiraiya and the others, Shimura Danzo would never admit that he had captured the Three-Tails. In fact, the Three-Tails was truly gone now, swallowed by the Black Lotus and currently being digested.

Under Shimura Danzo's intense gaze, Mitarai Shishou and the others all kept their eyes down, indicating that it was none of their business.

They were only ordered to come and fight; they didn't want to get involved in anything else.

"Lord Danzo, at this point, there's no need to hide anymore. If we don't defeat the four-village alliance soon, not only Konoha, but the entire Land of Fire could be destroyed."

Jiraiya was both helpless and annoyed. How could these people be so crazy?

Is the position of Hokage really that important?

"I've also heard that your teacher obtained the Four-Tails. Why haven't I seen him send a Four-Tails Jinchuriki to help him in this battle?"

Danzo Shimura sneered. If they wanted to argue, he could argue too.

"That person was definitely not arranged by the teacher. The teacher definitely did not have a Four-Tails."

Jiraiya knew that Shimura Danzo would say this, and he had asked his teacher about it, but his teacher clearly stated that he did not have the Four-Tails, and judging from his expression, he did not seem to be faking it.

Moreover, given that things have come to this point, if the Four-Tails is truly in the master's hands, there's no need to hide it.

"You believe what he says, but you don't believe what I say?"

Danzo Shimura disliked Jiraiya even more. He thought Jiraiya was a clever idiot who had been brainwashed by Hiruzen just like Koizumi had been.

"Get out of here."

Seeing that Jiraiya still wanted to say something, Shimura Danzo impatiently waved him away.

Seeing Danzo Shimura's reaction, Jiraiya glanced at the others and could only helplessly retreat.

"You wouldn't say anything good about Hiruzen, would you?"

Looking at Tsunade, who was the last one to stay and had a cold expression, Shimura Danzo was puzzled.

He could tell that the girl had something to say, but they didn't seem to have much to talk about.

Could it be because of what happened with Nawaki back then?

But he hadn't even made a move yet; he had only guided the Iwagakure army to start another battle. He hadn't left any traces, so it was impossible for the Senju to find any clues.

"Did you dig up my great-grandfather's, great-uncle's, and grandmother's graves?"

With her eyes fixed on Shimura Danzo's single eye, Tsunade knew all along that the old man had been coveting her grandfather's and the Uchiha's power, and was secretly conducting those forbidden experiments.

However, she didn't intend to pay attention to it. After all, this old guy had only inherited his second grandfather's research, and the materials were all prepared by his second grandfather before his death. To be honest, there was nothing wrong with it.

But the matter of her great-grandfather, great-uncle, and grandmother's remains touched a raw nerve, and she was determined to investigate it thoroughly.

"The teacher's grave was dug up?"

Danzo Shimura was taken aback, then subconsciously looked at Orochimaru, who had been watching the whole thing.

"I didn't do that, and I already have the First Generation cells, so there's no need for me to steal the remains of the First Generation."

Orochimaru smiled helplessly. Why did everyone start suspecting him first?

Orochimaru would never do something so despicable as to dig up a corpse.

After glancing at Orochimaru and then at Tsunade, Danzo Shimura made some guesses and quickly expressed his opinion.

"The remains of the First Hokage and the others are useless to me. My arm was also made by Orochimaru, and I did not use the Impure World Reincarnation technique to resurrect the First Hokage and the others."

Judging from their expressions, they had obviously already communicated, and Orochimaru would inevitably reveal some information about himself, such as the transplanted arm.

Since that's the case, there's no need to hide anything. Otherwise, it would be troublesome if Senju got his eye on this matter, and he didn't want to take the blame for his old friend.

Moreover, he knew Tsunade well; she was a ninja with a broad perspective who prioritized the village and would never cause trouble at this time, leading to the complete destruction of Konoha.

Tsunade stared at Shimura Danzo for a long while before her expression finally softened.

"It better not be you, otherwise we, the Thousand Hands, will not let you off the hook."

With a warning, Tsunade turned and left.

"What does Hiruzen want to do?"

After Tsunade left, Danzo Shimura looked at Orochimaru, who was now somewhat confused about his old friend's actions.

Capturing the Four-Tails head-on on the battlefield isn't a taboo, so there's no need to hide it.

Anyway, Iwagakure is now sworn enemies with them, so taking the Four-Tails is no big deal. Making it a new Four-Tails Jinchuriki and having it participate in the battle will increase their chances of winning.

"The teacher has changed so much, I can't figure her out anymore."

Orochimaru couldn't see through it either. Besides, he didn't like these kinds of schemes and plots. He'd rather spend his time doing research.

"Does Lord Danzo really not intend to reveal the power of his Wood Release and Mangekyou Sharingan?"

Orochimaru turned his gaze to Shimura Danzo's right arm, which was covered by clothes and sealing bandages. He could vaguely sense the power within it, which was terrifying.

"It's not time to use it yet."

After glancing at his right arm, Danzo Shimura made up his mind not to move.

His old friend's strange actions made him uneasy. He had to see through all of his old friend's plans and trump cards before he could reveal them with peace of mind, otherwise who knew if he would be outmaneuvered.

"What about the three-tailed one?"

Orochimaru then inquired about the Three-Tails, expressing his interest in studying it.

Although I had studied the Seven-Tails inside Fugaku Uchiha before, it was inside Fugaku Uchiha's body, and Fugaku Uchiha was always very wary and defensive, so I couldn't do more in-depth research.

He longed to acquire a tailed beast to study properly, and the Three-Tails would be quite suitable.

I've studied the Lesser Three-Tails before, but I don't know the difference between the Lesser Three-Tails and the real Three-Tails. If I could compare the two, I would definitely gain a lot.

"There's some flesh and blood from the Three-Tails here; enough for you to study."

As he spoke, Danzo Shimura took out a sealing scroll.

He had anticipated that Orochimaru would ask about the Three-Tails, so he cut off a small portion of the Three-Tails' flesh beforehand, and studied most of it at his research base.

Of course, this wasn't given away for free; Orochimaru had to exchange something for it.

Upon seeing the sealed scroll, Orochimaru licked his lips, clearly very tempted.

After thinking for a moment, he spat out a scroll from his mouth and threw it over, then used his long snake to wrap up and retrieve Shimura Danzo's scroll.

"I studied Jiraiya's body last time and made some new discoveries about that kind of bloodline fusion."

His previous study of Jiraiya's cells yielded significant results, giving him a deeper understanding of the transplantation and fusion of that kind of bloodline limit technique.

"Jiraiya!"

Considering Jiraiya's performance in the last war, it was clear that he had completely mastered Lava Release, and he acknowledged this achievement.

Although he values ​​immortal bloodline more, this kind of escape technique bloodline can be used to train subordinates.

Moreover, they are also conducting research on bloodline transplantation. The reverse transplantation approach that Yakushi Nonou initially proposed was correct, and the progress is encouraging.

Now that Orochimaru has this research result, he can start mass-producing bloodline ninjas.

Of course, this will take time. It won't be needed for the current Shinobi World War; we'll have to wait for the next one.

Leaving aside the two people making the transaction, Tsunade was stopped by someone not long after she walked out, or rather, it was a chance encounter deliberately created by the other party.

Without even glancing at Jiraiya, who was posing pretentiously by the roadside, Tsunade walked past with a cold expression.

"Hey! Tsunade, don't go!"

Seeing that Tsunade was still ignoring him, Jiraiya hurriedly chased after her.

"If you're going to talk about Hiruzen Sarutobi, then don't say anything, or don't expect me to heal you if you get injured on the battlefield."

Still with a cold expression, Tsunade now harbored extreme hatred for that teacher, who had repeatedly crossed the line for her and her clan.

First, she destroyed the village of Uzushiogakure, then she plotted against the Ninth Rank, then she murdered her younger brother, Rope Tree, and now she has even stolen the bodies of her great-grandfather and the others. How could she not hate them?

If it weren't for the village, she would have wanted to grab her great-grandfather's sword and rush back to the village to chop that old bastard down.

"It's not about the teacher; I want to talk to you about this war."

Jiraiya could only change the subject.

He had previously tried to persuade and ease the tension between his teacher, Tsunade, and even the Senju clan.

After all, the fact that Tsunade came to provide support proves that she still values ​​the village. But judging from the current situation, it's clear that talking to her is useless and might even have the opposite effect.

Even he couldn't help but suspect the teacher. He had noticed that Tsunade hadn't immediately followed him out, so he waited outside the door and overheard Tsunade questioning Shimura Danzo.

He really didn't know about this, and since Shimura Danzo had even admitted to transplanting the First Hokage's cells, and Orochimaru had helped him with it, it was indeed unlikely that he would hide it.

So, did the teacher really steal the remains of the first generation?

This is really going too far.

"There's not much to say. Unless they bring out the Three-Tails and Four-Tails to create new Jinchūriki to fight, and then send a Ninja to help, this battle is impossible to win."

With that last sentence, Tsunade strode away, not wanting to waste any more words on that idiot.

The situation is now clear: whether those people can truly unite as one to overcome this crisis depends on their ability to do so; otherwise, the final outcome will not be good.

Watching her departing figure, Jiraiya tried to speak several times, but couldn't utter a word, and could only sigh in the end.

"Teacher, things will get better."

At that moment, Minato Namikaze came over with a boxed lunch and offered words of comfort.

He had seen everything that had just happened and knew that his teacher liked Tsunade-senpai.

But some things are truly beyond our control, and as a junior, there's nothing he can say.

"Let's hope so!"

With another sigh, Jiraiya took the lunchbox and ate a few bites. He was starving after rushing all the way from the village, and then he noticed something was wrong.

"These are handmade meatballs. He's come to the military camp too?"

He had eaten noodles at Ichiraku Noodle House many times, and the taste and texture of the meatballs were very unique, leaving a lasting impression on him.

"Ever since the food and entertainment center introduced so many noodle dishes, it has become increasingly difficult for Brother Hand-Beating to do business, and he eventually had no choice but to come to the military camp."

Speaking of this, Minato Namikaze wasn't too happy.

He also likes Ichiraku Ramen, but unfortunately the ramen at the food and entertainment center is tastier, has more variety, and is more affordable.

During that time in the village, very few people went to Ichiraku Noodle Shop anymore, making it difficult for the business to continue operating.

Since the older brother was unwilling to join the food and entertainment center, he had no choice but to find another way out.

Making noodles in the military camp is too slow and doesn't generate much profit, so I had to switch to making boxed lunches, especially curry rice.

After all, a lot of rice can be steamed at once, and a large batch of curry can be made, making it easier to prepare dishes.

These days, the ramen maker rarely makes ramen anymore; I really miss that taste.

"That wretched Cloud Village again."

He muttered something in frustration, but there was nothing Jiraiya could do to change it.

Although the food and entertainment city initially started in Kumogakure, it does not belong to Kumogakure itself; its relationship with the village can only be described as a partnership.

The people working in the food and entertainment city in the village were almost all villagers. The food and entertainment company only took a portion of the money each month, and the percentage was not high. At the same time, they also paid taxes to Daming Prefecture, so no one could say anything.

In addition, the food and entertainment center in the village also had a partnership with the Uchiha clan, and the police department stationed three squads there to maintain order, so they couldn't do anything else.

However, the food and entertainment center has really good quality items, all at reasonable prices. Even the vegetables are purchased directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring freshness.

Other goods are the same, and have become another major part of the village, with people coming and going every day.

Unbeknownst to the two, a figure was watching them from a hundred meters away—a shadow clone of Tamura Hao.

Of course, he used the Transformation Technique and even used the Ten-Tails' chakra to disguise himself as a registered Root ninja.

With the mask and equipment covering their faces, no one will be able to tell.

However, Tamura Hiroshi's previous focus was not on Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya, but on Teuchi, who cooked in the military camp.

The current ramen shop no longer makes noodles; instead, they make boxed lunches, and the income is still quite good.

It seems my ramen makeover plan was quite successful.

After a moment of reflection, Tamura Hiroshi walked toward Lord Danzo.

On the other side, Orochimaru couldn't wait to leave after completing the transaction, wanting to study the flesh and blood of the Three-Tails' true form as soon as possible and see how it differed from the small Three-Tails from before.

"Lord Danzo!"

After entering, Tamura Hiroshi knelt on one knee, his knee still only 0.5 millimeters from the ground.

This wasn't because he wasn't loyal enough to Lord Danzo; he simply didn't want to dirty Lord Danzo's floor. In fact, this was even more proof of his loyalty.

"How is Koizumi doing now?"

Danzo Shimura was not surprised by the boy's arrival. During their last exchange, the boy had mentioned that Samehada could, to some extent, simulate chakra that had been absorbed.

While this can't be used in combat, it's perfectly fine for deceiving sensory ninjas.

"Ms. Izumi's physical health has initially recovered, but the wounds in her heart will take a long time to heal."

In addition, it seems that Izumi-san feels guilty towards Kushina Uzumaki because of what happened in Uzushiogakure back then, and wants to stay by Kushina's side to atone for her sins. She doesn't want to return to Konoha, and Kushina Uzumaki also has a good feeling about her.

Furthermore, given the orders from Kumogakure, I have no choice but to send Izumi to Kumogakure for safekeeping. With Kushina Uzumaki vouching for her, she shouldn't be targeted.

"Atonement, still so naive!"

Danzo Shimura wasn't surprised; that girl was just that kind of naive person, so it wasn't surprising that she would make such a choice.

Furthermore, Sarutobi Shinnosuke's betrayal and assassination attempt would inevitably cause Koizumi immense psychological harm, so it's understandable that she wouldn't want to return to Konoha.

"Let her be!"

Having confirmed that his daughter was alright, Shimura Danzo had no intention of plotting anything against her; he needed to pay more attention to his capable subordinate.

(End of this chapter)