Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

"Tomorrow is the appointed day, Fourth Hokage. How should we fight this battle?"

In a desolate mountain range in the Land of Birds, Chiyo looked worriedly towards the northeast where the Land of Grass was located, still feeling powerless about the battle they fought back then.

Konoha was simply too strong, and its abundance of talent far surpassed that of their Sunagakure village, leaving her with no hope left.

"Chongming, you had contact with the First Hokage back then. What's your opinion of that kind of person?"

Karura did not answer, but instead asked the Seven-Tails that was resting in the ravine beside the mountain.

Over the past year, she has developed a good relationship with Nana and learned Nana's real name.

As for this battle, she wanted to hear Nanami's opinion.

That boy from back then was already an extremely strong person, and the strength he could unleash far exceeded the current definition of the ninja world, even if that unleashing was aided by external forces and was time-limited.

In the decades-long history of the ninja world, only the First Hokage of Konoha and the legendary Madara Uchiha were able to reach that level.

Those two figures existed in a very ancient era; she could only find related records in books and had little clear understanding of their power.

"Even if Wood Release is effective against our Tailed Beasts, we are still no match for that guy."

Thinking back to that unreasonable human from back then, Nanami looked helpless.

They're ridiculously strong; there's simply no way to beat them.

Didn't you see that even their strongest member, Nine-Tailed Fox, was beaten down?

"So your advice for this battle is to prepare for a retreat?"

Karura sensed the gloom and apprehension in the Seven-Tails' voice; clearly, that power was something that could not be resisted.

"He carries our power through Susanoo. He is the second person in the entire ninja world in thousands of years to be able to carry our power at the same time."

Although it only carries a small portion of the power, the combined force is still terrifying, and I vaguely sensed Hashirama Senju's chakra within him.

They must have stolen the power of Hashirama Senju and the Uchiha clan through some method; the combined power of those two clans would be terrifying.

Chongming made a simple analysis and finally gave a well-intentioned suggestion.

"Based on the information you provided, his burst damage is roughly equivalent to that of the Ushioni. He cannot kill our Tailed Beasts on his own and needs the cooperation of others."

But I'm not sure if that's his maximum fighting power. If his burst of power reaches the level of Kurama, then he'll be difficult to defeat.

He had a good impression of Sunagakure, especially of the Fourth Kazekage, and his relationship with him had been alright during this time. At least he was free within the Land of Wind, without being restricted or sealed away.

"I see!"

Karura understood, which was also the main reason she chose to leave Rasa in the village—she didn't want him to be swayed by hatred and do something irrational.

Do you think they are aware of our operation?

She suddenly asked another question, as she had been considering this possibility.

Yekura remained indifferent, focusing solely on the battle; the task of strategizing was left to Karura.

But Chiyo's brows furrowed instantly, which was quite a possibility.

"The Senju clan was wiped out on the battlefield of the Land of Grass. The current situation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio is very similar to that of the Senju clan back then. As the only remaining member of the Senju clan, Tsunade should be moved by this."

After thinking for a while, Chiyo felt that it was very likely, and it was even very possible that this was a trap deliberately set by the other party to lure someone into making a move.

"In that case, they are being a bit greedy, wanting to resolve the village's problems while also taking the opportunity to completely end this Ninja World War."

Are they crazy? Or confident? Perhaps both!

Gallo is looking forward to the outcome of tomorrow's battle.

Similar scenes were unfolding elsewhere, with the Four Kage and Hanzo of Amegakure all looking forward to tomorrow's battle with great seriousness and apprehension, and making various preparations.

Putting aside the arrangements made for these people, on the other side, Tamura Hiroshi was being approached by Jiraiya while he was eating.

"Is there something you need, Jiraiya-senpai?"

Tamura Hao glanced at the two toads on Jiraiya's shoulder, and especially noticed the scrutinizing look in the other's eyes, and began to make some guesses.

"It's not me who's looking for you; it's two immortals who want to invite you to be a guest at Mount Myōboku."

"I forgot to introduce them. These two are Fukasaku and Shima, the hermits of Mount Myōboku. They are even more powerful than Bunta and the others."

Jiraiya told him the truth, explaining that he didn't understand why the two immortals had suddenly come looking for him.

"Why did you invite me to visit Mount Myoboku?"

With a puzzled look on his face, Tamura Hao wanted to see what the two toads were up to.

"You have the aptitude to learn Sage Mode. Our Mount Myōboku values ​​people like you highly. Once you master Sage Mode, your future is limitless, and you might even reach the level of the First Hokage."

The sage Fukasaku said in a deep voice that he had confirmed that the young man did indeed possess a kind of sage power, a kind of sage power different from that of their Mount Myōboku, as well as that of the White Snake Sage and the Slug Sage.

Although it feels very immature at this stage, it is indeed the power of immortal arts, and it seems that it can be expanded, far beyond what a half-baked immortal talent like a monk can compare to.

This is a very serious matter.

Previously, Jiraiya had summoned toads at this camp and sensed that there were quite a few people absorbing natural energy to cultivate, so he came over to confirm it.

After sensing it, it was discovered that this young man absorbed the most and fastest natural energy, and he should be the source of those people's immortal techniques.

Jiraiya was also very surprised. Did the immortal Fukasaku value that brat so much?

"Thank you for your kindness, Immortal. I no longer need to study immortal arts, and besides, my teacher is the current contractor of the Wet Bone Forest."

Tamura thanked him politely, then declined in a tactful manner.

He had no desire to cultivate the immortal arts of Mount Myōboku, especially since these two toads had come to invite him.

As the saying goes, "Those who offer unsolicited kindness are either up to no good or are thieves," so the other party definitely has ill intentions.

"That's a pity!"

The immortal deeply regretted it, but it was unclear what he was regretting.

Without saying anything more, the two toad sages dispelled their psychic state and left.

They came here for two reasons: to confirm their suspicions and to give the other party a chance. Since the other party didn't cherish it, there was nothing more to say.

However, this matter still needs to be discussed with Ryuchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest. In short, we must not allow humans to possess independent immortal magic power, as that would shake the foundation of their three holy lands.

Otherwise, if this kind of magical power were to spread among humans, and the sheer number of humans were to absorb natural energy, the natural energy of the entire world would be drained, and it might even absorb the natural energy accumulated in their spiritual realm.

Such consequences would be catastrophic for both their three holy sites and the entire world.

"Even immortals think highly of you."

Jiraiya was somewhat envious, as neither he nor Minato had ever received such treatment.

"There's nothing I can do, it's just that I'm too outstanding."

Showing a hint of smugness, Tamura Hiroshi secretly sighed that he was about to face off against Mount Myōboku, or rather, Mount Myōboku was about to face off against him.

During his year of training away from home, he improved in all aspects, not only in himself but also in his understanding of the power of the tailed beasts, especially the power of the Nine-Tails.

I've already figured out the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, and I can use it to sense good and evil intentions. Those two toads came with malice, especially after I refused their invitation, their malice instantly increased.

I can understand it; if I were in that situation, I would also have murderous thoughts.

Ultimately, it's just a difference in stance. However, he doesn't think Mount Myōboku or the three holy lands will directly intervene; they'll probably use other methods.

After chatting with Jiraiya for a while and finishing his meal, Tamura Hiroshi went to find Nara Shikaku.

"So we really have become enemies?"

Nara Shikaku was not surprised by this. He had noticed toads wandering around these past few days and knew they were attracted by the fluctuations caused by the lotus seeds absorbing natural energy.

After all, there are two contractors from Mount Myōboku in the camp, so it's normal for toads to appear.

Jiraiya even used the toads to create an intelligence network that monitored the entire camp and its surroundings, thereby controlling the camp's movements.

"There might also be Ryuchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest. The three holy sites are sometimes considered as a whole."

Tamura Hiroshi pointed out the worst-case scenario.

"Does that mean Lord Orochimaru and Lady Tsunade might run into trouble in the upcoming battle?"

Nara Shikaku narrowed his eyes slightly and understood the meaning behind the words.

Since Mount Myōboku is hostile towards them, it will definitely find an opportunity to eliminate them, and the upcoming battle will be a good opportunity.

"It's uncertain, but we need to be prepared."

Tamura Hao couldn't say for sure; it all depended on how much importance the three holy lands attached to this matter.

"What is your current combat strength level?"

After some thought, Nara Shikaku had a bold idea: it was time to lay the groundwork for his scheme against the three holy sites.

"I have prepared a method of overload burst, which should be able to reach the level of the First Hokage without using Sage Mode, but it can only be maintained for ten seconds. The Susanoo I created will collapse, and the power of the Tailed Beasts will also dissipate. It will take time to reassemble, and that time will be very long."

He described two states, and Tamura Hiroshi himself likes to make the worst-case scenario plans and preparations, so he developed an overload mode.

"It won't affect you personally, will it?"

His expression grew serious; Nara Shikaku didn't want his brother to get hurt because of this.

"I only consume chakra. The Susanoo and the power of the tailed beasts are not my own power, so even if they are gone, it will not affect me."

Shaking his head, Tamura Hao naturally wouldn't do anything foolish like overworking his body; he didn't want to die young like the First Hokage.

Hearing that it wouldn't affect his health, Nara Shikaku continued to ponder.

"With that level of combat power, ten seconds should be enough to take out half of the enemies. Even without Lady Tsunade and the others, we can handle the rest."

"The first one can restrain the three generations of Earth Shadows..."

Although he had never met the First Hokage, he had heard Uncle Feng mention him many times and had a general understanding of his combat strength.

If Xiao Hao could unleash that level of combat power for ten seconds, it would be enough to wipe out many enemies, especially those tailed beasts.

With that, they can then focus on dealing with the rest. Moreover, Xiao Hao himself is a powerful fighter; even without Susanoo and the power of the tailed beast, he is still a strong individual.

Not to mention that the Pig-Deer-Butterfly clan is not bad now, especially the eighteen Qiu Dao clan members who possess the Yin Seal, who have already begun to nurture the Immortal Lotus and can use its power.

"You continue your training, accumulating as much as you can before the war begins. We'll take care of the rest."

After saying that, Nara Shikaku hurriedly left.

Since there might be problems with Lady Tsunade and the others, the previous plan needs to be adjusted.

However, this may not necessarily be a bad thing. It allows Lady Tsunade and Lady Orochimaru to recognize the problems of the three holy lands in advance, so that those two can be used as important combat forces when dealing with the three holy lands in the future.

Even if Lady Tsunade doesn't take the initiative to attack, there should be no reason for her to stop it.

As for Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze, their personalities can be quite annoying at times.

Tamura Hiroshi trusted Nara Shikaku's wisdom and continued his own training, mainly focusing on the guidance of the Heaven-Opening Divine Axe.

The main material of this axe is a blunt knife-shaped tool, but it also incorporates many other precious materials, making it of extremely high quality.

Now, the artifact spirit and the ape demon's clone have been sealed inside. As long as the three are guided and merged, they can unleash even greater power.

They didn't keep him waiting long. At three o'clock the next morning, when it was the darkest and most tiring time, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura appeared first, followed by Shinnosuke Sarutobi.

However, they all wore masks, and their entire bodies were covered by large cloaks. If one did not sense the chakra of the three, even a familiar person would find it difficult to recognize them.

After the three appeared, Onoki and the others rushed over in various ways, keeping a considerable distance between each other and being wary of one another.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

The Third Mizukage glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi but did not address him as Hokage, because Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had done such a thing, was no longer worthy of the title of Hokage.

Even though there was fierce infighting within Kirigakure, he hadn't achieved this. Konoha had truly broadened his horizons this time.

If the First Hokage and the Second Hokage knew this, they would probably be furious again.

Onoki and the others also felt contempt, but they did not reject such a despicable person, since the plan was also beneficial to them.

"Gentlemen, those people have become a common threat to us. I hope that we can prioritize them this time, and that we will not do anything bad to each other before eliminating them."

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed oblivious to the stares of the others, calmly discussing the collaboration.

He knew, of course, that this temporary alliance was very problematic and that a fight could break out at any moment, especially between the Tsuchikage and the Raikage.

I must remind him of this; he doesn't want to mess things up.

The group remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement.

The main reason was that the boy's potential and rapid growth put pressure on them, and even instilled fear in them.

If they were allowed to grow up and become invincible like the First Hokage, their future would definitely be very difficult, and their ninja village might even be destroyed.

The First Hokage back then was a bit dim-witted, stopping at the Land of Fire, but that boy might not have stayed in Konoha.

They can't gamble on this because they can't afford to lose; they have to strike first and nip the opponent in the bud.

Before long, several figures rushed out from the camp ahead, the first of whom was Jiraiya, the commander of the battle line.

"Raikage, Tsuchikage, Mizukage, Kazekage, Hanzo..."

His gaze swept across the figure opposite him, and by the moonlight, Jiraiya could make out the other person's shape and appearance, and his heart sank.

Previously, the sensory ninja had detected several powerful chakra bursts ahead, and he guessed that it must be an enemy attack, but he did not expect the lineup to be so large.

My gaze finally fell on the three masked figures. Their identities were not yet clear, but those who stood with them were definitely not weak.

Tsunade then flapped her wings and flew swiftly over, landing beside Jiraiya. The next moment, Orochimaru also appeared, and the three stood in a row, staring at the enemy opposite them.

Tamura Hao and others also arrived one after another. Against an enemy camp of this level, those defensive fortifications were useless.

Therefore, it is best to place the battlefield outside, so as to minimize losses.

"Hiruzen, Danzo, take off your masks. There's no need to wear them."

Akimichi Torifu walked forward with heavy steps, his gaze falling on the three masked figures. He guessed that two of the three must be old friends, a feeling he had fortuited and shared with his old buddies.

Seeing those two people appear, he felt a pang of sadness; it had all come to this.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other two did not react or respond at all, as if they had not heard anything.

This kind of thing can't be done in the light of day, so this cover-up is necessary.

"teacher!"

Jiraiya's expression changed drastically, and his gaze fell once again on the three mysterious people. He really couldn't believe that one of them was his teacher.

So who is the person who gathered so many powerful individuals here this time...?

Thinking of this, Jiraiya dared not think any further, feeling his own ninja spirit crumbling.

At first, it could be said that the teacher was unaware of Shinnosuke's situation, but now the teacher has personally shown up...

"Teacher, this is quite unexpected. I thought you would deal with me first, but you came here first."

Orochimaru's smile was deep; this was the kind of teacher he wanted to see, one who could also sever that bond.

"Damn old man!"

Tsunade's beautiful eyes almost spit fire. Back then, the elite of their Senju clan died here, and now those old bastards are going to use the same old tricks again.

My second grandfather was truly blind to have chosen those people back then.

"Delay will only lead to unforeseen changes; war!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi announced the start of the battle in a hoarse voice, and then formed hand seals to unleash the Shadow Clone Technique.

His greatest skill lies in the combined use of the five elemental escape techniques, which can only be fully utilized by using shadow clones.

Onoki and the others also raised their hands to form hand seals and cast spells, preparing for battle.

Tsunade and the other two were also ready for battle, and even Jiraiya, who had the worst mentality, suppressed his emotions.

Regardless of the truth, these people are now enemies, and he will not let them succeed.

However, at that moment, Jiraiya's figure suddenly turned into a cloud of mist and disappeared.

"Reverse psychic abilities?"

Tsunade and Orochimaru were both stunned for a moment, and then they turned into mist and disappeared, along with Minato Namikaze.

This scene stunned everyone present, even Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others on the other side, who had not expected such a turn of events.

"kill!"

The Third Raikage was the first to react, charging forward with Hell Thrust.

The others reacted quickly and charged forward as well. The three of them, including Zi, quickly entered their complete tailed beast transformation state and opened their mouths together with the Seven-Tails to condense a tailed beast ball.

Although we don't know why those four disappeared, it's a good thing. With those four gone for the time being, dealing with the Ino-Shika-Cho trio will be much easier, especially killing our main target, Tamura Hao.

(End of this chapter)