Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 254 The Title of Sand Flower

Both Konoha and the four-village alliance knew that this battle could not be delayed, and they launched the attack immediately after making preparations.

However, this time it was not Konoha that launched the attack, but the four villages' allied forces. At the same time, the 100,000-strong samurai army of the Land of Wind was divided into ten legions, which crossed the Land of Rivers and invaded the Land of Fire.

This is the maximum force that the Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Wind can mobilize; all of them are rigorously trained samurai.

Not only did Sunagakure feel the terrifying power and threat posed by Konoha, but the Daimyo of the Land of Wind also felt it, further strengthening his resolve to attack the Land of Fire and destroy Konoha.

If Konoha is allowed to continue developing like that, it will eventually unify the ninja world, and at that time, the Daimyo's system will no longer be able to exist.

This is a matter of life and death; there is no room for retreat.

Besides, what angered the four great daimyo the most was the collusion between the new daimyo of the Land of Fire and Konoha, which led to the ninja villages assassinating the former daimyo to take over the throne. This violated the rules they had set earlier.

Once this precedent is set, they will all worry that their own offspring will follow suit and die without even knowing how.

The new daimyo of the Land of Fire must be killed to intimidate his descendants.

Samurai legions from the Land of Earth, the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Water also invaded the Land of Fire from all sides, seizing its territory.

Although the Land of Fire is rich in resources and has a large population, it can only muster a samurai army of 200,000. Dividing it into four, it can only send 50,000 troops to each front.

Fortunately, as the defending side, they can rely on various terrain features and urban defenses to delay the opponent's advance.

However, everyone knew that the key to this battle was not the clash between the samurai legions, but the ninjas.

Ninjas far surpassed samurai in large-scale slaughter. For example, a master of poison like Hanzo could easily poison an army of a million, let alone 100,000, given enough time.

Large-scale ninjutsu is a disaster for samurai, especially for lower-ranking samurai.

Suddenly, Konoha and the Land of Fire became common enemies, besieged by forces from all over the world, and were on the verge of destruction.

"Minato, if Konoha loses this battle, I hope you can protect Konoha and shoulder the final mission that Lord Mito passed down to you, even if it means using some extreme methods."

Leading all the ninjas to stand on the open ground in front of the camp, Hiruzen Sarutobi called Minato Namikaze to his side and gave him a deep and earnest instruction.

He understood that Mito Uzumaki's true intention in designating Minato Namikaze as the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki was to continue to intimidate the four great ninja villages.

A single Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the Flying Thunder God Technique are nothing special, but when the two are combined, they become an unsolvable problem.

If they were truly determined to abandon their principles, they could perish together with the three major ninja villages besides Kumogakure.

This was one of the reasons he dared to use the Edo Tensei army; he was certain that the four great ninja villages wouldn't dare to truly destroy Konoha. No one would want to perish together with them; at most, the four great ninja villages wanted to weaken Konoha.

"I understand, Hokage-sama!"

After a moment of silence, Minato Namikaze turned to look at his teacher and his girlfriend, Kyuubi Uzumaki, and finally nodded solemnly to indicate that he understood.

When that time really comes, he will naturally no longer care about principles. After all, his dearest teacher and girlfriend are going to be killed, and his home will be destroyed. All principles and morality are just illusions.

Moreover, this is just a deterrent; it doesn't necessarily have to go that far. I believe the four great ninja villages certainly don't want to perish together.

"You monkey trainer, you're better than me!"

At that moment, a mocking voice rang out. It belonged to a tall, thin man with a slicked-back hairstyle and a small mustache; it was none other than the Second Mizukage, Hozuki Gengetsu.

"Even the First Hokage wasn't as strong as you!"

The Second Tsuchikage, Mu, unusually refrained from arguing with Hozuki Gengetsu and nodded in agreement.

This Third Hokage was truly powerful; they themselves didn't have the ability to turn their ninja village and country into the enemy of the whole world.

The other shadows all wore mocking expressions; now they could only launch attacks with facial expressions and words, unable to control their bodies to fight.

Even now, the fact that they retain consciousness is merely a means for the other party to manipulate them into unleashing even greater combat power; that guy's control over them has become even stronger.

"If you're bored, I can tell you to shut up!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said indifferently, but he was quite depressed inside.

He never imagined things would turn out this way, and his carefully cultivated public image over the years has collapsed.

"Hey, Second Hokage of Kumogakure, how are you managing the village? You have so many excellent young ninjas."

With a mocking smile, Hozuki Gengetsu turned to look at the Second Raikage, his envy impossible to conceal.

The others were the same. Although their consciousness was suppressed in the last battle, their memories remained. They clearly remembered the performance of the strongmen of the Four Villages Alliance, among whom the performance of the Hidden Cloud Village was the most outstanding.

Not only is the Third Raikage the strongest, but his subordinate ninjas are also very powerful and young. Given time, they will surely become top-tier ninjas, not much weaker than those from Konoha.

In comparison, the younger generation of their ninja village performed much worse, making them both disappointed and envious.

The secrets within were not only something the resurrected Kage of the four villages and the powerful figures wanted to know, but the Konoha ninja were also very curious about.

The Hidden Cloud Village is truly powerful, especially given its performance in recent years.

If it weren't for the deep foundation of Konoha, they might not have been able to suppress it.

These envious glances pleased and pleased the Second Raikage greatly.

"It might be related to the style of our Hidden Cloud Village. The pure fighting style makes our thoughts purer. Apart from those two idiots, there has been basically no internal strife or infighting."

He was also surprised by the village's current development, and he was very satisfied with that disciple; he hadn't misjudged him after all.

"You're the idiot!"

The already frustrated Golden Horn and Silver Horn were furious. "We didn't provoke you, so why are you targeting us?"

Unfortunately, the Second Raikage ignored both of their rebuttals. Although these two were powerful, they were truly brainless.

I was actually ambushed and killed by those two idiots back then, what a disgrace!

The others ignored the two annoyed individuals and were all pondering the Second Raikage's words.

Internal strife and infighting within a village is a major problem; just look at Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) – it almost crippled itself.

However, the most ruthless internal strife is still in Konoha, where they've taken it to an extreme.

In other ninja villages, internal conflicts usually involve only two factions, but in Konoha, based on what they've learned in the past few days, there are at least five factions, and all of them are quite powerful, not even counting the neutral factions.

Konoha is really strong!

"Ugh!"

The First Mizukage, Byakuren, glanced at Hozuki Gengetsu beside him and couldn't help but sigh.

"Old man, are you insulting me?"

Hozuki Gengetsu suddenly turned his head to look over, clearly displeased.

He hates being talked about behind his back, let alone being cursed.

"Shouldn't you be scolded?"

The First Mizukage glanced at him sideways, clearly disappointed in him.

"I won't say anything about you taking the position of Mizukage. After all, you took it by force, which is a testament to the principle of respecting the strong in our Hidden Mist Village."

But can't you control your temper?

He had only been in power for a short time when he decided to fight to the death with someone else. Now look what happened, he's left behind a mess. Your Hozuki clan was almost wiped out, and we have to rely on Kumogakure to clean up the mess.

Shameful!

Knowing about the changes in the village over the years, he was so angry that he almost died again, and he wished he could chop the guy next to him up.

This time, Hozuki Gengetsu unusually did not refute, after all, the village's internal strife did indeed originate from him, and his family was almost wiped out.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance gratefully at the Second Raikage on the other side.

Regardless of the role that Hidden Cloud Village played at the time, it did save his clan. Otherwise, if the entire clan had been wiped out, he would have no face to meet his ancestors.

However, a voice that he found extremely annoying soon rang out.

"Fortunately, I made good arrangements, and the village has been passed down in an orderly manner without internal strife or bloodshed from coups."

The Second Tsuchikage spoke calmly, without looking at anyone, but everyone knew that he was mocking the Second Mizukage.

"Bandaged man, do you want to die again?"

Hozuki Gengetsu was annoyed. He had been annoyed with that bandaged man for a long time, ever since the Warring States period.

"Come and fight me if you dare!"

They weren't afraid of that guy attacking, since their only control over their words was now.

This forbidden technique is really troublesome!

Compared to the confrontation between Hozuki Gengetsu and Mu, the Second Raikage's interactions with the two Kazekage were much more harmonious.

"Your Sunagakure village is also excellent. Those two young men are very strong, especially the one who uses Scorch Release."

Chiyo's title of "Sand Flower" can be passed down; perhaps your Sand Village will even produce the first female Kage in the ninja world.

That woman who used the Scorch Release technique that night was truly powerful. Not only did she unleash the power of Scorch Release to an unimaginable level, but her chakra reserves were also terrifyingly large, making even the Kage himself feel inferior.

"That child is truly outstanding!"

The First and Second Kazekage were very pleased. In that battle, their Sand Village's performance was second only to the Cloud Village, mainly due to the powerful Scorching Release girl.

Making him the Fourth Kazekage would be very suitable; he would definitely be able to lead Sunagakure to become stronger and better protect the village.

After exchanging words for a while, everyone suddenly fell silent and looked at the woods directly in front of them.

Soon, figures emerged from the woods. Leading the way were the four Kage from the four great ninja villages, followed by a group of Kage-level experts, and then the ninja army.

Looking at the lineup of the four-village allied forces, the Konoha ninjas couldn't help but swallow hard, appearing quite nervous.

This is a decisive battle, and the enemy is definitely prepared and will be more restrained in dealing with their army of the dead.

This battle will be tough, and the casualties will definitely be even heavier. They have no confidence that they can hold out until the end.

First, they set up a formation and had the sensory ninjas check it. In fact, the four major ninja villages even dispatched ninjas with transplanted Byakugan to observe carefully, in order to prevent the Konoha ninjas from setting up traps here, especially those with explosive tags.

During the last battle on the peninsula, the four-village allied forces captured quite a few Byakugan. Although Tamura Hao extracted most of the Byakugan's power when he released the Caged Bird Seal, weakening its strength considerably, it was still enough to inspect the area.

However, Konoha also knew that the Four Villages Alliance had captured a lot of Byakugan last time, and even some Hyuga clan ninjas had joined Kumogakure. Setting traps in front of Byakugan would be futile, so they did not set anything up here.

Both sides are prepared to go all out and see who can hold out until the end.

"He really didn't die!"

Yecang glared resentfully at the figure standing beside Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was none other than Shimura Danzo, the Hokage advisor of Konoha, the former commander of Konoha's southwestern front, and the culprit who captured countless of their Sand Ninja comrades for experiments.

They are the people who deserve to die the most!

"Sage Art: Scorching Release Chakra Mode!"

Staring intently at Danzo Nashimura, Yokura raised his hands and formed a hand seal, unleashing a new power he had developed with the help of a certain perverted brat.

Instantly, black Sage Art: Scorching Release chakra enveloped his entire body, forming a chakra cloak. The intense heat emanating from it caused Rasa, who was standing nearby, to take a few steps back. Rasa looked incredulous, but the killing intent in his heart surged even further.

This woman has become even stronger!

The Third Kazekage and the others all looked at Yekura, who was bursting with power; her condition was a bit frightening!

"It's somewhat similar to Purple's Lava Release Chakra Mode."

Looking at Yekura, whose entire body was shrouded in black chakra, Onoki immediately thought of Yukari's Lava Release chakra mode. The two are essentially the same, but Yukari's is Lava Release, while the Sunagakure chakra user is Scorching Release.

Tamura Hao was very satisfied with the young lady's ultimate state. He had previously referenced Yukari's Lava Release Chakra Mode and Tenseigan Chakra Mode, and with Lightning Release Chakra Mode and Sage Mode as a foundation, he had a deep understanding of this chakra mode.

Then, following the example, they developed this Sage Art: Scorch Release Chakra Mode based on the characteristics of Scorch Release. It is a fusion of Amaterasu's Black Scorch Release, and with the addition of Sage Art enhancement, its power is even stronger.

"Aren't you afraid she'll beat you to death if she finds out the truth?"

Ye Yue Ai's eyelids twitched, and she secretly spoke through the Eight Thousand Spears Imprint.

That shows some impressive strength.

"She needs the chakra I transfer to her to unleash this state at this stage."

Tamura Hao remained calm. Pakura herself could not have used this combination of Sage Mode and Scorch Release on her own. Instead, it was based on the massive chakra transmitted by the Ten-Tails.

Of course, the main reason why Pakura was able to use the Ten-Tails' chakra to this extent is that the Amaterasu flames can burn chakra, igniting the Ten-Tails' chakra, which is equivalent to refining it. This is why she was able to control it so precisely and achieve this mode.

The reason for doing this was to further provoke Rasa-kun, whose killing intent has now increased even more, making it impossible for him not to take action.

"How did she do that?"

The most surprised person present was Jiraiya. He himself knew Sage Mode and knew that the Four-Tails Jinchuriki possessed a Lava Release Chakra Mode. He had also tried to develop it himself and had made some progress.

But now the woman opposite has not only used the chakra mode of her bloodline limit, but has also fused it with Sage Mode.

With the aid of his perception of natural energy, he could better sense the terror emanating from that woman; her strength had far surpassed his own level.

"Is it possible for the two chakra modes to merge?"

Minato Namikaze seemed lost in thought. Under his teacher's guidance and with the modifications made by the Great Toad Sage's Sage Talisman, he had initially mastered Sage Mode, which greatly enhanced his abilities, but it was still not as powerful as Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.

However, if the two modes are combined, a significant improvement can definitely be achieved.

Previously, I had only imagined it simply, without trying it or knowing how to integrate it. But now, a similar example is right in front of me.

This at least proves that the idea is feasible.

Danzo.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was also very surprised. He then looked at his old friend beside him and could see that the woman had her eyes on Danzo. Her hatred and killing intent were not concealed at all.

But if you think about what your old buddy did here, you can understand. Last time, the other side targeted Danzo and killed him.

"Such talent can emerge from Sunagakure as well."

Shimura Danzo was equally surprised. He was naturally familiar with that Scorching Release user, but he hadn't taken him seriously before. Who would have thought that the other party had grown to such a level?

However, he was not afraid. Although his opponent had improved a lot, he was still not as good as him.

Without delay, he activated the sealed dark phoenix.

In an instant, a burst of black flames erupted, and Shimura Danzo's body rapidly expanded, transforming in the blink of an eye into a black ferocious bird with a wingspan of over a hundred meters. Black flames burned on his body, emanating an extremely ominous aura that gave people a great sense of oppression.

"Lord Tsuchikage, I need the power to fly."

Seeing that Danzo Shimura had transformed into a bird, Yekura pondered for a moment before looking at the Third Tsuchikage to her side.

"Earth Release: Super Lightweight Rock Technique!"

Without hesitation, Onoki leaped forward and placed his palm on Yekura's exposed shoulder, unleashing the Earth Release: Super Light-Heavy Rock Technique.

"It can only last for half an hour."

After giving some instructions, Onoki added the Super Light Heavy Rock Technique to everyone else who could use it, and even enhanced the Third Kazekage's Iron Sand and Rasa's Sand, thereby helping everyone increase their speed and even gain the ability to fly.

This move impressed Hiruzen Sarutobi on the other side, who then prepared to control the Second Tsuchikage, Muya, to give their side a boost.

In the next instant, the Second Tsuchikage Mu appeared in front of Uchiha Hikaru, while Uzumaki Kushina simultaneously extended her Adamantine Sealing Barrier to tightly bind the Second Tsuchikage.

The sealing ninja followed up and completely sealed the Second Tsuchikage, even using sealing ninja tools to preserve him and prevent Konoha from taking the seal away and breaking it.

"Eye Technique!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened as he realized that it must be a kind of eye technique used by the opponent. Moreover, Uchiha Hikaru was shedding tears of blood, clearly indicating that he had overexerted himself with the eye technique.

The others also looked rather grim. The Second Tsuchikage was a strategic-level powerhouse, capable of intimidating many of the enemy, but now he had been taken down first, making the next battle even more difficult.

This also proves that the four-village coalition has made many preparations. Only two have been revealed so far. How many more are there to come?

Thinking of this, everyone's mood worsened, while the four-village allied forces were overjoyed and breathed a sigh of relief compared to the worries of the Konoha ninjas.

The combination of Dust Release, flight ability, and invisibility is too unstoppable. No one can withstand the onslaught of Dust Release. Now that they have captured the Second Tsuchikage, they can fight with more confidence and no longer worry about being suddenly attacked by the Second Tsuchikage.

"Finally, we can fight without restraint."

A sinister look appeared on the Third Tsuchikage's face. This was a tactic they had agreed upon beforehand: as long as they sealed away the Second Hokage, they could free up their hands.

Whether used for support or offensive purposes, it can play a significant role.

(End of this chapter)