Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 301 The Water Gate Squad is Established

Tamura Hao is enjoying his newlywed life here, while recovering his body and adapting to the new Light Escape, and beginning the transformation of gravity and repulsion.

Meanwhile, the Ninja World War was slowly escalating, and all the major ninja villages began mobilizing for war.

After two years of small-scale probing, Konoha seemed to be ready and took the lead in launching a major battle.

Konoha made an unexpected yet reasonable strategic plan, directly launching a full-scale attack, leading 20,000 ninja troops northward towards Kumogakure. It seemed that they intended to make this the main battlefield, not wanting to be led by the nose again like they were in the last Shinobi World War.

It's unclear what method Hiruzen Sarutobi used, but he managed to get Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga to fight, nearly emptying Konoha's fighting force.

Meanwhile, Tamura Hiroshi and Black Zetsu were secretly watching Obito Uchiha, who also graduated and joined Minato Namikaze's team.

The reason for this attention is that Madara Uchiha is interested in this boy, and the reason Madara is interested is that Obito Uchiha is the kindest among the current generation of young Uchiha, and he also has a crush on someone. If he is managed well, it will not be difficult for him to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan.

"Let's introduce ourselves. I'll go first."

Minato Namikaze led his two newly recruited students to a training ground and began by introducing himself.

"My name is Minato Namikaze, my strength is 4S level, my favorite thing is Ichiraku Ramen, I don't have anything I dislike yet, my ideal is to become Hokage and protect the village."

"4S-rank? Didn't the ninja academy teachers say the strongest was Kage-rank? What kind of rank is 4S-rank?"

Obito Uchiha was puzzled. Although he was a poor student, he still knew some basic common sense.

Faced with the students' questions, Minato Namikaze patiently explained: "S-rank is a more detailed division of Kage-rank. A single S-rank corresponds to the previous Kage-rank, which means that one has cultivated chakra nature transformation to the limit and completely mastered at least one ninjutsu system."

Double S-rank refers to those who possess or cultivate bloodline limits, or those who possess powerful secret techniques such as immortal arts.

The third-rank (S-rank) is a bloodline elimination technique with three attributes, which is a bloodline power that is higher than the bloodline limit.

Teacher, I possess the Bloodline Limit Light Release with three attributes, and I have also mastered Sage Mode and other powerful abilities, so my overall strength is Rank 4S.

Okay, that's the answer. Now it's your turn to introduce yourselves. Gale, you go first.

Holding a long sword, Hayate Gekko coldly said, "My name is Hayate Gekko. I am skilled in swordsmanship and my hobby is practicing swordsmanship. I am currently a special Jonin. I don't have any particular likes or dislikes. My ideal is to destroy Kumogakure."

"That's amazing!"

Nohara Rin, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. She was quite familiar with the name Gekko Hayate. He was the only one to graduate early in the past two years, and he graduated before he was even seven years old. She never expected that he would become a Jonin in just two years.

That's a Jonin!

This shock and a hint of admiration immediately displeased Obito Uchiha on the other side, who glared at the cool kid with hostility.

"My name is Nohara Rin. I like strawberries, I don't like boiled seafood, my hobby is collecting seashells, and my dream is to become a medical ninja like Lady Tsunade."

After observing the little boy beside her for a while, Nohara Rin finally introduced herself, followed by Uchiha Obito.

"My name is Uchiha Obito. I have a wide range of interests and no dietary restrictions. I didn't have any things I disliked before, but I do now."

In the end, Obito Uchiha glared at the kid over there, clearly displeased.

She was especially upset after comparing their heights. How could someone who was only nine years old be taller than her?

Did they spray pesticides?

Hayate Gekko noticed Obito Uchiha's hostility, but ignored it.

There's no need to pay attention to a piece of trash who just graduated from the Ninja Academy, even if he's an Uchiha.

I've grown a lot in the past two years. Under Minato's guidance, I've fully mastered the powers transplanted into my body, especially the power of the Corpse Bone Pulse, which has made my body grow even faster. Now, my physique is no worse than that of a twelve or thirteen-year-old child, which is more conducive to the performance of my swordsmanship.

He didn't even need to draw his sword to deal with the two people beside him.

"It seems our team will be very energetic in the future."

Minato Namikaze smiled. He had naturally noticed Obito Uchiha's change and thought it was a good thing.

Although Jifeng has changed somewhat in the past two years under my guidance, he is still immersed in revenge.

Perhaps the age difference between them is too great, creating a generation gap, and some things are hard to say. It's good to have two more teammates who are not too far apart in age.

"Mr. Minato, I have a question to ask."

At this moment, Nohara Rin raised her hand, indicating that she had a question to ask.

"Ask away."

Minato Namikaze smiled gently, gesturing for the girl to ask.

"I discovered a problem before: there are many conflicts between the titles and strength classifications in our ninja system. I asked my teacher about it, but he wouldn't answer me. He just told me not to ask anymore."

Nohara Rin voiced her doubts. It wasn't a big deal, but the way those teachers acted made her even more curious.

This question caused Minato Namikaze's expression to freeze, and he almost lost his gentle smile.

How is he supposed to answer that question?

Could it be that the new system of classification comes from those erotic masterpieces?

In the past, the ninja system was more about job titles. For example, Jiraiya was just an elite Jonin.

However, since those nine unparalleled literary giants changed their writing style and started writing novels, this detailed division has emerged, which is more inclined to focus on ability rather than professional title.

In addition, due to the impact of war, this division was accepted as a way to better understand the strength of oneself and one's opponent, and it spread wider and wider.

Now even the Kage level has been divided into detailed categories, which is also driven by the war.

After all, the strength displayed at the end of the last Shinobi World War far exceeded our understanding, so these super strong individuals naturally need to be further categorized.

Despite having many thoughts in his mind, Minato Namikaze still provided a simple answer.

"That's because in the past, the division of genin, chunin, jonin, and even kage was more about titles and comprehensive abilities, but now, due to the impact of war, it's more about strength and combat power."

Because this system has only emerged in recent years, there are bound to be some conflicts with the previous professional title classifications. Things will improve in a few years.

"That's all for today. Get to know each other over the next few days. Come back in three days for my practical assessment. If you don't perform well, I will apply to send you back to the Ninja Academy for another year."

That includes you, Hayate. You're still far from being a true ninja. Communicating and cooperating more with your teammates will greatly benefit your future growth. You alone couldn't possibly destroy Kumogakure."

After saying that, before the three could speak again, Minato Namikaze used the Flying Thunder God Technique to leave, worried that he might ask some more embarrassing questions.

"I know about Ichiraku Fast Food that Mr. Minato mentioned. It's really delicious. Do you guys want to go and try some?"

Nohara Rin spoke first. She wasn't stupid; she knew that the real war was about to begin, and they would likely be on the battlefield in the future.

On the battlefield, individual combat is not the way to go; teamwork is essential, a point that the teachers at the Ninja Academy have repeatedly emphasized.

Having a strong mentor like Minato to guide your team, along with a powerful ninja like Hayate, should make you much safer, but teamwork is still essential.

Even if you don't do a perfect job, at least don't hold others back.

"Of course I'll go!"

Obito Uchiha responded without hesitation, his cheeks even flushing slightly.

This counts as a date with Lin.

"Um!"

Hayate Gekko initially wanted to refuse, but when he thought of Minato-sensei's last words, he agreed.

This response annoyed Obito Uchiha: "I'm on a date with Rin, what are you doing here?"

Leaving aside the internal conflicts within this small team, the other three major ninja villages were all discussing Konoha's strategic decisions for this time.

In Sunagakure, the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, convened a high-level meeting to discuss Konoha's intentions.

"Konoha has a firm grasp on our thoughts. Although the Four Villages Alliance still exists, Kumogakure is far stronger than our three great ninja villages, especially in terms of high-end combat power."

The Hidden Cloud Village suffered the least losses in the last Shinobi World War. By placing the main battlefield in the Hidden Cloud Village, we can let them be the main force, and we only need to lead some elite troops there to provide support.

In this way, Konoha can concentrate its forces in one place to exert its strength, giving it a greater advantage and weakening its strongest opponent, Kumogakure. This is beneficial both for the current Shinobi World War and for the future.

Chiyo offered her analysis, realizing that Konoha was using an open strategy, and even if she saw through it, it wouldn't matter.

Attacking Konoha and weakening Kumogakure are both important to them; it would be perfect if they could wear both down to the same level as them.

Everyone nodded in agreement with this analysis, and they also hoped to shift the battlefield to the Hidden Cloud Village.

Of course, in order to maintain the existence of the Four Villages Alliance and weaken Konoha to the greatest extent, the reinforcements they send out must be strong enough.

"This time, I will personally lead the team, accompanied by the Ten Ninja of Sunagakure, and we will also gather three thousand ninja to provide support."

After some discussion, Luo Sha finally made the decision.

Support is essential, and it must be substantial enough.

Fortunately, the village has developed well in recent years, recovered its damaged vitality, and a new generation of ninjas has grown up.

Seeing that Rasa had made a decision, no one objected. After discussing some details, they all left, leaving only Rasa Chiyo and Ebizo behind.

"Fourth Hokage, this battle may be even more intense and brutal than the last Shinobi World War. Be careful of being targeted, especially by Hiruzen Sarutobi. He is even more dangerous now that he has torn off his pretense."

This will still be a war of attrition. We need to preserve as many talented individuals as seeds of future success; we suffered too many losses last time.

Ebizo sighed and reminded Rasa to be careful.

Last time, Sunagakure suffered heavy losses. The Third Hokage was killed in battle, and they also lost the even more powerful Pakura. The younger generation suffered even more casualties.

So far, only the number of ninjas has been restored, but their quality is much worse than before. They still rely on the gains from the last Shinobi World War, such as the transplantation of bloodline ninja organs, which has improved their quality to some extent.

Its high-end combat power relies entirely on Rasa and the ten tailed beast jinchūriki, making it only slightly better than Kirigakure among the current five great ninja villages.

"I will be careful."

Nodding solemnly, Luo Sha was well aware of the danger of this battle; even with his current strength, he could not guarantee that he could hold out until the end.

But this battle is necessary. Konoha is recovering too quickly, and Kumogakure's improvement is also astonishing. We must use this war to significantly weaken those two great ninja villages.

Otherwise, as the two become stronger, they will leave Sunagakure far behind, and then they will be in danger.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi is the most dangerous. He stole the Third Hokage's body back then, so he must have been resurrected and taken control of it."

The Third Hokage knows you and the village very well; if he were to target you, it would be very dangerous.

Chiyo also gave a word of advice, expressing the same fear and hatred towards Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"If Hiruzen Sarutobi dares to use my teacher in this battle, I will definitely take him back."

Luo Sha was equally indignant; he would never allow his teacher to be so desecrated and exploited.

Moreover, he had the confidence to reclaim his teacher. In recent years, he had specifically studied sealing techniques and discovered that the One-Tailed Chakra itself had a strong sealing effect. In addition, the Magnet Release's huge range was just right to counter the army of the dead.

"Just do your best, don't force it, otherwise you'll be more vulnerable to being taken advantage of."

Ebizo gave his instructions, then sighed again.

"Unfortunately, after the blow of the last Shinobi World War, Konoha became more united, even if it was only on the surface, making it difficult for us to find an opportunity to break through from within."

During the last Shinobi World War, Konoha's overall strength actually surpassed that of the four major ninja villages. It was only because of Konoha's internal strife that they were able to gradually weaken themselves.

The Hidden Cloud Village swallowed up the elite of the Uchiha clan in one fell swoop, the Hyuga clan was also crippled, and the elite of the Senju clan were wiped out by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"It's a pity we couldn't destroy Konoha."

Rasa was most unhappy about this. Konoha's strategic plan was very clear: send the living to the north to fight, while Hiruzen Sarutobi would lead the Legion of the Dead to guard Konoha.

With that massive army of the dead at their disposal, it would be virtually impossible to conquer Konoha.

Not to mention the threat posed by Minato Namikaze, this Fourth Shinobi World War will ultimately turn into a war of attrition, weakening Konoha's potential.

"Konoha also faces many problems. Judging from the results of the investigation in the Land of Rain, that blue Susanoo is very likely the Uchiha Madara of that time, and there is also a mysterious strongman."

Those two are destined to be enemies of Konoha, and might even interfere in this Shinobi World War.

Chiyo spoke of the investigation results regarding the destruction of Amegakure. Although the information was fragmented, it was enough for them to understand what kind of battle had taken place there.

"They're all too strong."

Speaking of those powerful figures, Luo Sha now feels powerless.

Such a powerful being is beyond my ability to cope with; even in the desert, it would be difficult to match him.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. There are always stronger people to deal with those kinds of strong individuals."

Chiyo offered a word of comfort, but she herself felt utterly powerless against such a powerful figure.

After exchanging words for a while, the three parted ways. Rasa went to the Kazekage's office and looked out the window at Sunagakure, his heart filled with resentment.

He had been keeping an eye on Kumogakure and was naturally aware of the reforms and changes they had brought about. Not only had the Third Raikage's authority been greatly enhanced, but the village was also developing rapidly.

He also wanted to implement such reforms in Sunagakure, but unfortunately it was not feasible.

Because his own Kazekage faction itself has many ninja clans, and even the Ten Ninja of Sunagakure selected include members of ninja clans.

Since their own foundation is the power of the ninja clan, it is naturally difficult to reform and disband the ninja clan.

As for using force, he doesn't have the absolute power of the Third Raikage to suppress everything.

Over the years, many of the government's policies have been rejected by the high-ranking members of the ninja clan, including advisors Chiyo and Ebizo.

After all, everyone has selfish desires and is bound to be biased. There are very few people who are truly selfless and devoted to the public good.

In the end, they could only watch helplessly as Konoha and Kumogakure rapidly grew stronger, leaving Sunagakure further and further behind. The feeling was indescribably painful.

The same thing happened in Iwagakure, where the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, made the same decision as Rasa, leading his army to provide support.

It's better to place the battlefield in the Hidden Cloud Village and the Land of Lightning than here. In that case, the Hidden Cloud Village will suffer the most losses, which is exactly what he wants to see.

"Dad, isn't going all out like this too risky?"

Huang Tu was somewhat worried, not only because he was going there, but also because his father would be going with him, leaving the village without top-tier combat power.

"This time, Konoha won't be easy to defeat. We'll have to go all out. Also, both of us have the Five-Tails sealed inside us, so if we're alone, we'll definitely be targeted."

In fact, it would be safer for us to leave the village together.

We don't want to die together with them, and Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others certainly wouldn't dare, so the war will all be concentrated on the battlefield.

Onoki's thinking was clear and calm; he knew how to make choices that would minimize the risks.

He and his son sealed the Five-Tails together. The original Five-Tails Jinchuriki could not withstand the erosion of the Five-Tails' chakra and ultimately only left a newly grown tail of the Five-Tails inside his body to maintain the seal.

Konoha already possesses six tailed beasts, and they will inevitably set their sights on the remaining three. Leaving the village is the best option for the father and son.

Then, this time the battle against Konoha will be even more difficult. If we don't go all out, we might be defeated, and the consequences would be even more severe.

Therefore, weakening Konoha is the top priority, and the next priority is to find an opportunity to weaken Kumogakure as well.

"Is this the only way we can keep consuming resources?"

Huang Tu really didn't want to fight like this. In the last Shinobi World War, his village lost nearly 10,000 ninjas. He didn't know how many more would be lost this time.

Moreover, this will not end. This Shinobi World War was still mainly about weakening the enemy, and the next Shinobi World War will still break out. It is estimated that it will still be a war of attrition.

If this cycle of constant attrition continues, when will it ever end?

"This is the true face of the ninja world. We were all fooled by the First Hokage back then."

Recalling the First Hokage's performance at the first Five Kage Summit, Onoki was so angry that his teeth ached.

I used to think that the First Hokage was very sincere, that he truly loved peace and hated war.

As a result, it wasn't until the last Shinobi World War that Konoha revealed so much of its hidden strength that people realized how terrifying Konoha was. It had already far surpassed the other ninja villages, and even the four major ninja villages working together couldn't defeat it, only managing a draw.

If things continue like this, Konoha will only grow stronger until they completely surpass them, and then everything will be over.

This is even with internal strife and infighting in Konoha. If Konoha were in the state it was in during the reign of the First Hokage, the power it could unleash would be unimaginable.

It's unimaginable that someone as upright as the First Hokage, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, could have such a dirty and deep heart. No wonder he was able to defeat Madara Uchiha.

(End of this chapter)