Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Tamura Hao flew to the sacred tree and placed his palm on the trunk to sense it. He sensed a strong and abundant life force in the sacred tree, which was somewhat similar to Wood Release chakra and also somewhat similar to the power of the tailed beasts.

This discovery further convinced him that the sacred tree was related to the ancient Ten-Tailed Divine Tree.

Having confirmed this, the Creation Lotus was taken out of the sealed space, and its roots were manipulated to penetrate the sacred tree, absorbing the life force and primordial power within.

The Creation Lotus, which had fused with the power of Wood Release, was indeed very fond of this power, and upon contact, it took root and absorbed it.

"Wood Release?"

Kakuzu walked across the water, his expression grave as he looked at the strange plant, sensing the power of the First Hokage from within it.

"It incorporates some of the First Hokage's chakra, giving it a certain amount of Wood Release power."

Tamura Hiroshi didn't hide anything, but he didn't say too much either. Kakuzu, being sensible, didn't ask any more questions, but just looked at him curiously.

"You've grown so big."

Nara Shikaku and the other two were shocked when they saw the immortal lotus. They knew that this person had nurtured the lotus seed they obtained from the Fire Temple and made it sprout, but they did not expect it to have been cultivated to this extent.

"Senior, you don't mind if I swallow this sacred tree, do you?"

Tamura Hao looked at Kakuzu, wanting to devour the entire sacred tree in order to maximize the enhancement of the Creation Lotus.

"Whatever, I'm no longer a ninja from Takigakure."

Kakuzu didn't care much about this. It was good that the place was destroyed, so that Haruko could rest there forever without being disturbed.

Seeing that Kakuzu said so, Tamura Hiroshi was relieved.

This sacred tree had lived for over a thousand years, accumulating a great deal of vitality. It absorbed this vitality until the second day when the leaves on the tree began to wither and fall. By the third day, all the leaves had fallen, and by the fourth day, the tree began to dry out. On the fifth day, the entire tree could no longer withstand the pressure and collapsed.

The space in Takigakure Village was originally supported by the Sacred Tree, which held up the surrounding rocks. Now that the Sacred Tree has withered, its strength has greatly decreased, and it can no longer bear the weight of those rocks, so collapse is inevitable.

These were not considered dangerous for Tamura and his group of five. Kakuzu even dived underwater and used Earth Release ninjutsu to seal off all the water outlets, causing the lake inside to rise continuously until it completely submerged the sinkhole, sealing the entire Takigakure village and the cemetery underwater.

"Senior Kakuzu, once our Fourth Hokage takes office, you can come and start working here. During this time, you can travel around the gambling dens throughout the country and get to know the existence of gamblers and gambling techniques."

Having settled everything, Tamura Hiroshi and Kakuzu parted ways.

We can't bring Kakuzu back yet, as that would only alert Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, leading to their targeting. Keeping him hidden is the best option.

"It seems the Fourth Hokage will be the one you support."

Kakuzu understood that the Fourth Hokage was definitely supported by the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

"I will go then."

After saying that, he turned and left, intending to visit some of the famous gambling dens.

He was a ninja with a strong sense of professional ethics. Since the other party was so sincere, he had to give it his all; otherwise, he wouldn't feel secure holding onto that gold.

"Such a powerful person is so obsessed with money."

Yamanaka Inoichi remarked that after these few days of getting to know him, they had come to understand the old man's personality and his unwavering obsession with money.

"After all, he came from the Warring States period. Everything from his time has disappeared, and all the people he knew are dead. It's inevitable that he would feel a void in his heart, and it would be hard to get through without finding something to fill it."

"Isn't that a bit too much?"

Nara Shikaku felt that the amount given was a bit too much. He knew that the profits of the Thousand Hands Casino had already been allocated, and squeezing out 5% of the share now would affect many aspects of the plan and operation.

"How much do you think someone like Kakuzu-senpai could actually spend each year?"

Tamura Hiroshi countered with a question.

He didn't know that the man was truly alone, without children, and having transformed into that state, he probably had long since lost the ability to have offspring.

Furthermore, that person wasn't someone who spent money extravagantly; at most, they would spend one million taels a month.

The dividends are kept in the vault of the Thousand Hands Casino, so it's only nominally given to that person.

"You're ruthless!"

Nara Shikaku understood and gave a thumbs up.

Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza couldn't help but twitch their faces, silently mourning for that senior.

"Let's go, Jiraiya-senpai must be getting impatient."

After glancing at the little black creature flying down, Tamura Hao leaped into the air, and Nara Shikaku and the other two followed suit. The little black creature, flying low overhead, caught them and spread its wings to fly south to the Land of Grass.

Xiao Hei was very fast, and arrived at the Konoha Ninja Army's camp in the Land of Grass that very night. After his identity was verified, he was led to Jiraiya's side.

"You're finally back! I was just about to send Minato to find you."

Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the four return safely.

He had repeatedly assured Tsunade before lending that kid that if anything went wrong, he would definitely be beaten to death by Tsunade.

"Jiraiya-senpai!"

"Minato-senpai!"

Tamura Hiroshi nodded to the two of them, and then spoke of the results of his investigation into Takigakure Village.

"Takigakure has been massacred, the remaining ninjas have all left, and Takigakure has completely disappeared."

"So they really were massacred?"

Jiraiya sighed, but mostly he felt relieved.

Compared to the speculation that Takigakure participated in the Fourth Shinobi World War, it's better that they were wiped out by Sunagakure; otherwise, the war here would have been much more difficult.

"How's the battle going here?"

Nara Shikaku inquired about the situation on the battlefield in the Land of Grass. He estimated that Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others would definitely not let the Ino-Shika-Cho clan ninjas rest and would surely be transferred to other battlefields.

The nearest battlefields are the Grass Country battlefield and the Eastern Front, with the Grass Country battlefield being the most likely.

Since Orochimaru was in charge of the eastern front, the Third Hokage would definitely not allow them to make contact with Orochimaru, so it could only be the battlefield in the Land of Grass.

Therefore, he needed to make plans here in advance, and the first thing he needed to do was to understand all the situations here.

"Minato, bring over the documents you've compiled over the past few days."

Jiraiya gestured to Minato to hand over the compiled data to Nara Shikaku, as had been agreed upon beforehand, and then said with a troubled expression.

"This is not good. Just four days ago, Iwagakure launched a full-scale attack, and we lost two lines of defense."

The Iwagakure ninja army currently gathered here number 15,000, and there are quite a few strong ones among them.

There is the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, the son of the Tsuchikage, the leader of the Explosion Squad, Explosion Release: Hunter, and the Steel Warrior, Boulder. Among them, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki has developed the half-tailed beast transformation to its ultimate level, capable of unleashing four tails, making him very difficult to deal with.

"Is it just a partial tailed beast transformation?"

Tamura Hao pressed further, pointing out that the Four-Tails Jinchuriki had entered his complete Tailed Beast form during the explosion, and that perhaps the Four-Tails had offered assistance, since the Tailed Beast would also die once the Jinchuriki dies.

Although we don't know what price the tailed beasts would pay to be resurrected after death, they certainly don't want to die, otherwise they would have already committed suicide by swallowing tailed beast balls while sealed.

"It's a half-tailed beast transformation. If it were a fully-fledged tailed beast transformation, we would have been defeated long ago."

Jiraiya had a lot of trouble with that Four-Tails Jinchuriki; he had previously fought with all his might to defeat him.

The Tailed Beast Cloak's defense was too strong; he tried everything but couldn't break through it, and the opponent was already able to unleash a Tailed Beast Ball.

Even if its power is not as great as that of a fully-powered ninja, it is still deadly to ordinary ninjas.

The previous two lines of defense were breached by the opponent's Tailed Beast Ball.

Only by truly facing a tailed beast can one understand the terror of its existence.

I simply cannot comprehend the power of the First Hokage.

Tamura Hao pondered for a moment, then raised his hand and formed a hand seal to create a soundproof barrier that enveloped the group.

"If it's just a half-tailed beast transformation, I should be able to hold out. If I can obtain the power of the Five-Tails to enhance my secret technique, I can hold them off on the battlefield."

Each of his current tailed beast forms can last for three minutes. If he obtains the power of the Five-Tails, he will be able to seal the power of the Six-Tails, Seven-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails that he has already acquired.

Moreover, having previously devoured the sacred tree of Takigakure Village, the foundation of the Creation Lotus has been greatly enhanced, which can effectively assist the Tailed Beast Dharma Form in absorbing the blessing of natural energy. It can even try to use one of the methods it had envisioned.

"Has Hao-jun already obtained the power of the Four-Tails?"

Upon hearing Tamura Hao not mention the power of the Four-Tails, Minato Namikaze guessed that the other party must have already obtained it, probably during the battle between Iwagakure and Kumogakure.

"The Five-Tails Jinchuriki has always been in Iwagakure. If you want to obtain his power, you have to fight your way into Iwagakure."

Jiraiya did not refuse, but attacking Iwagakure was not easy.

"We don't need to attack, just lure it out. We only need the power of the Five-Tails, not to kill it. As long as we are fast enough, plus Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique and our Ninja Hawks to assist us, it won't be difficult to retreat unscathed."

Tamura Hao's goal was only the power of the Five-Tails; he had no intention of launching a full-scale attack on Iwagakure.

"Then let's not delay, let's go to Iwagakure now."

Jiraiya decided to immediately march on Iwagakure. The sooner the kid obtained the Five-Tails' power, the sooner he could adapt, and the more stable their battlefront would be.

As long as they can hold off the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, it won't be difficult to block the attacks of the other strong ninja from Iwagakure. As for the massive Iwagakure ninja army, they can rely on their fortifications to hold them off.

At that speed, the Ninja Hawk could make a round trip from here to Iwagakure in a single day, so it could definitely keep up.

"Teacher, you still have injuries."

Minato Namikaze was not in favor of going now, after all, the teacher had been seriously injured in the previous war.

"It's just a minor burn, nothing serious."

Jiraiya glanced at the bandages on his body, but didn't seem to care.

"Are they just superficial burns?"

Tamura Hiroya also noticed the medical bandages on Jiraiya's body; half of his body was wrapped up.

"Tsunade seems to have said that you are also very talented in medical ninjutsu."

Jiraiya realized that he had talked a lot with Tsunade before, and Tsunade had praised this student highly, even calling him a monster.

"Our Akimichi family's secret technique is to cultivate Yang Release, which has many similarities with medical ninjutsu. Therefore, it will be much more effective to cultivate medical ninjutsu. I can handle most injuries."

Tamura Hao modestly admitted that his medical ninjutsu was only average, but when infused with life force, it became extraordinary, definitely no worse than Fat Sheep Teacher's.

"Then give me a proper check when I get there."

Jiraiya was overjoyed. He had been suffering greatly from his injuries these past two days, and the numbness and itching were unbearable.

"I'll go find Senior Zixiao and Senior Zhenhong."

Seeing that his teacher's injuries could be healed, Minato Namikaze said something and turned to leave.

Besides themselves and their teacher, their side also had two seniors, Kurenai Yuhi and Shishou Mitarai, who were the reason they were able to withstand Iwagakure's repeated attacks.

The combat power of a Kage-level ninja is far beyond that of a Jonin; once unleashed, they can almost slaughter Jonin.

Therefore, blocking the opponent's Kage-level powerhouses is the key, especially the Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beasts.

"I'll go up to Xiao Hei's back and use the Flying Thunder God Kunai to guide me."

Nara Shikaku also left, using the Peacock Technique to spread his chakra wings and quickly ascend into the sky to meet up with Kuro in the high sky. He carried the Flying Thunder God Kunai that Minato Namikaze had given him.

A short while later, Minato Namikaze arrived with Shishou Mitarashi and Shinku Yuhi. The three of them immediately turned their attention to Tamura Hiro, who was examining Jiraiya's injuries.

"It's not a big problem. I can help it heal quickly, but it will need some medication to help with recovery afterward, otherwise it may leave some aftereffects."

After the inspection, Tamura Hiroshi gave an affirmative response.

"Let's go!"

Jiraiya looked at his disciples and signaled that they could set off.

Minato Namikaze understood and, sensing the Flying Thunder God kunai on Shikaku Nara, took his teacher with him first, then returned to take the others with him one by one.

Once everyone was on their backs, the ninja hawks high in the sky took advantage of the cover of night and quickly flew towards the location of Iwagakure.

At Xiao Hei's current speed, it will take a maximum of thirteen hours to arrive.

Tamura Hao then used the Palm Healing Technique, mixing it with some life energy to accelerate Jiraiya's recovery from his injuries. Yuhi Shinku and Mitarashi Shishou watched from the sidelines, scrutinizing the young man.

They weren't unfamiliar with this child; their own daughter was in the same year as him, and they had even said that he was the strongest freshman in that year.

They had heard Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya talk about this child before, and both of them praised him highly.

He himself has already reached the level of a Jonin, and can even unleash Kage-level combat power by using the power of the Tailed Beasts, which is truly incredible for a twelve-year-old child.

During this ongoing treatment, Xiao Hei flew quickly, arriving an hour earlier than the expected thirteen hours, thanks to a section of the route with a tailwind.

As they approached within a certain range of Iwagakure, they were detected by the perception barrier, and the village immediately sounded the alarm. The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, took to the air at the first opportunity.

"You bunch of juniors really dare to come looking for death!"

Looking at the people on Ninja Hawk's back, Onoki's killing intent surged.

The ninjas of Iwagakure also rushed out of the village, ready to deal with the enemy outside. They couldn't let the battlefield be inside the village, otherwise even if they won, they would suffer heavy losses.

Yamanaka Inoichi immediately identified the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, having seen his appearance in the memories of the Iwa ninja before and remembered it.

After identifying the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, Yamanaka Inoichi shared the information with the others through a mental technique.

"A swift and decisive victory!"

Jiraiya was the first to leap down, followed by the others. Akimichi Choza and Tamura Hiro simultaneously spread their butterfly wings and flew down, pulling everyone along as they quickly swooped down towards the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

"Their target is the Tailed Beasts."

Onoki realized that the group's target was the Five-Tails, so he immediately prepared to fly down and quickly formed hand seals to use Dust Release to disintegrate the group.

But before it could be released, an outsider broke into the mental space.

"Young man!"

He immediately recognized that this was a mental technique and Onoki unleashed his full chakra to counter it.

Although he doesn't know genjutsu or yin-attribute chakra, his strength is enough to disrupt the opponent's techniques simply by unleashing his chakra.

This did indeed have a significant impact on Yamanaka Inoichi's spiritualized state. After all, he had not yet broken through to that level and was a level below Onoki. Not to mention that Onoki was a bloodline limit user, and the quality of his chakra was higher than that of ordinary Kage-level powerhouses.

However, it's still possible to hold them back for a while.

The Five-Tails Jinchuriki on the ground was not afraid when he saw the group rushing towards him. He immediately unleashed his Tailed Beast Chakra, and five tails quickly condensed behind him.

He had already cultivated the half-tailed beast transformation to its limit. Although he still couldn't achieve full tailed beast transformation, reaching this level meant he could ignore the attacks of ordinary Kage-level powerhouses.

"Spiritual communication!"

Jiraiya quickly formed hand seals and summoned Gamabunta and Gamaken, while Minato Namikaze summoned Gamahiro on the other side. The master and apprentice joined forces to block the other Iwa ninja.

Yuhi Shinku and Mitarashi Shishou also stepped in to assist, while Akimichi Choza and Nara Shikaku provided support from the left and right sides. This was a battle plan they had agreed upon on the way.

The mission of this operation is to assist in obtaining the power of the Five-Tails. All we need to do is hold off those people so as not to interfere with Tamura Hao's acquisition of the Five-Tails' power.

Tamura Hao even manifested and condensed the image of Shukaku in mid-air, and released the gold dust he obtained from Rasa, shaping Shukaku into the form of gold dust, making it even more astonishing in weight. He even added the weight-enhancing Rock Technique to amplify it.

After it was fully formed, it immediately attacked the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

Instead of standing still and foolishly enduring the attack, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki unleashed his chakra using Boil Release, creating a burst of steam that accelerated his charge, preparing to break free from the enemy's encirclement.

Although he was confident in his tailed beast form defense, there were too many of them, and the power of the tailed beasts was not invincible; at least sealing techniques could counter them.

Just as it began to spray steam to increase its burst speed, it tumbled to the ground, smashing a large area of ​​the ground.

Suddenly, a purplish-black shadow wrapped around his legs; it was Nara Shikaku who had made his move.

However, being the Five-Tails Jinchuriki in his tailed beast form, this single attack depleted nearly half of Nara Shikaku's chakra, leaving him somewhat pale.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Tamura Hao pounced forward, first using his momentum and the Sand Gold Shukaku Dharma Form to deliver a heavy impact.

Like a meteorite crashing down, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki was slammed into the ground, his Tailed Beast Cloak nearly shattered, and the ground within a hundred meters around him trembled and shattered, demonstrating the terrifying force of the impact.

"Golden Seal!"

That wasn't all. He manipulated Shukaku's Dharma Image to quickly condense into a pyramid shape, and used it in conjunction with Shukaku's curse seal to forcibly seal it. Moreover, the weight of the gold dust was greater, and with the added enhancement of the Weighted Rock Technique, the suppression of the Five-Tails Jinchuriki was even stronger.

The Five-Tails Jinchuriki did not expect the opponent to use such a method, and was suppressed and enveloped before he could react.

However, he would not give up so easily and unleashed even stronger tailed beast chakra to resist, trying to break free by force.

But this was exactly what Tamura Hao wanted. The roots of the Creation Lotus extended from the seal on his abdomen, quickly absorbing the tailed beast chakra unleashed by the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

Of course, it would be even better if we could take this opportunity to kill the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

Meanwhile, the Iwa ninja outside were alarmed to see their own tailed beast jinchūriki sealed and suppressed by the enemy. They unleashed their full power in an attempt to break through and destroy the seal.

Jiraiya and the others were also unleashing their full power to block the attack. Their plan was to finish the battle quickly and retreat immediately regardless of success or failure. Therefore, they were disregarding chakra consumption, maintaining a tight defense and not letting a single Iwa ninja get through. (End of Chapter)