Konoha: From the moment I was adopted by Tsunade

Chapter 40 The Trees That Came Back to Life

Tsunade's choice of an A-rank mission was not random, but rather the result of careful consideration.

On the surface, Shizune is a Chunin, while Kabuto Yakushi and Natsume are Genin.

But in reality? Both Kabuto Yakushi and Natsume were Chunin.

Natsume, in particular, went straight for Jonin level after revealing his Wood Release.

In addition, given that she is the team leader, the tasks are of average difficulty and do not serve as a training exercise.

An A-level mission is just right.

The four people transformed into four black shadows, and after a few leaps, disappeared into the distance.

The speed wasn't too fast.

As a Chunin, his physical strength is far inferior to that of a Jonin.

Tsunade naturally understood this principle.

Too fast and too rushed, Natsume and the others couldn't keep up.

If we encounter enemies again on the road, we may find ourselves in trouble.

"After more than two years of protracted warfare, both Konoha and Kumogakure are quite exhausted. At present, the front line is mainly engaged in small-scale sneak attacks."

As Tsunade hurried along, she said, "Our mission is to eliminate the hidden sentries of Kumogakure and, incidentally, rescue Akimichi Tsukasa's East Squad."

"Akimichi Tsutomu?"

Natsume vaguely felt that the name sounded familiar, as if it belonged to a minor supporting character in his past life.

"Yes, their squad's mission is the same as ours, but we've lost contact with them."

Tsunade glanced at him and replied, "Akimichi Tsutomu is a Jonin, so anyone who can put them in danger must also be a Jonin. Therefore, our mission could be upgraded to S-rank at any time."

Natsume, however, remained calm.

Whether we'll even encounter it is another question.

Even if you do encounter them, generally speaking, there won't be many Jonin.

Tsunade could easily handle this.

Unless you encounter a super Jonin like the Fourth Raikage.

"Medical ninjas will not participate in the battle until the very end."

Tsunade continued, "But Shizune and Kabuto are different; they have combat abilities. When encountering enemies, Natsume will take the lead in the attack, while the other two will provide support as needed."

"OK."

The three of them answered in unison.

"There's one more thing."

Tsunade looked at Natsume again, her eyes filled with worry. "The three of you, especially Natsume, are going to the battlefield for the first time, and it may be your first time killing someone. If you feel unwell, don't force yourself."

Murder often causes psychological trauma.

Some people will feel nauseous and want to vomit, some will have no reaction, and some will be traumatized as a result.

As medical ninjas, Shizune and Kabuto were used to seeing bloodshed in the hospital.

But Natsume didn't.

Tsunade's biggest worry is him.

Adverse reactions can be very dangerous on the battlefield.

"I see."

Natsume gave her a reassuring look.

Tsunade nodded.

I'll take care of it myself when the time comes.

In fact, she would hardly pay any attention to anyone else.

If a ninja can't even overcome this basic psychological barrier, he should just go home and raise pigs. What kind of ninja is he?

Tsunade's reaction to Natsume was one of concern.

It's just a matter of double standards; everyone has them.

But Natsume liked it and couldn't wait to rush into her arms and thank her properly.

A dozen minutes later, the four people entered a small grove of trees.

Tsunade stopped and said, "The supply convoys from the Land of Fire often pass through here on their way to our Konoha headquarters, so there are many hidden sentries from the Hidden Cloud Village around here. We kept heading north until we reached the location where Akimichi Tsukasa disappeared in the east."

A hidden sentry post is a fixed, small outpost.

There are usually three to ten ninjas stationed here, in a very secluded location.

Their normal duties are to monitor the situation, and to provide timely support in the event of a battle.

Leaves are uprooted, seeds are hidden in the clouds.

This has been the norm for more than two years.

Of course, in many regions, it became known as the Hidden Cloud Clan or the Leaf Clan.

Because Konoha is richer, they have added various sealing and barrier techniques, and their sentries are more robust, often giving them a slight advantage in terms of time.

"Kabuto, you go and investigate."

Tsunade instructed, "Natsume and Shizune are in charge of protecting her."

None of the three actually had a dedicated reconnaissance ninja.

However, Kabuto Yakushi had learned many reconnaissance ninjutsu.

This was taught to Tsunade at Natsume's suggestion.

In the original work, Kabuto Yakushi was an excellent spy, and he was naturally skilled in ninjutsu such as stealth and reconnaissance.

Although it can't compare to the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan, it's sufficient for my needs.

Tsunade wouldn't leave him to investigate alone; this was to train Kabuto Yakushi.

To prevent anyone from slipping through the net, she would also conduct reconnaissance.

"At the three o'clock position ahead, there are four people's chakra, and they are not moving."

A moment later, Kabuto opened his eyes and said.

The sensory ninjutsu he uses requires him to close his eyes to conduct reconnaissance.

Although dangerous, it allows for a relatively detailed understanding of the enemy's situation.

Natsume nodded and took the lead, walking ahead.

Soon, he came across a sentry post.

From the outside, it looks quite like a fortress.

For an ordinary ninja, it would take some effort to remove it.

"Kabuto, help me conceal my chakra fluctuations."

After Natsume finished speaking, he began to form hand seals.

Kabuto Yakushi primarily studied medical ninjutsu, but his secondary studies were quite diverse.

Anything.

It can be described as an all-around support.

He quickly set up a temporary barrier spell.

Although the effect only lasts for three seconds, it's enough.

Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!

Rank A Water Escape Technique.

It's difficult for even a Chunin to perform, let alone a Genin.

However, Natsume's chakra, amplified through various means, has reached the level of a Jonin, roughly equivalent to one chakra.

A massive amount of chakra gathered in his throat, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into a waterfall, sweeping across the outpost.

Yun Ren, who was on duty, suddenly perked up.

What the hell is going on?

The moment he turned his head, his hair stood on end.

"enemy……"

Before he could finish speaking, he was submerged in water.

He was just a chuunibyou, so he didn't struggle much and fell into a deep sleep.

The waterfall then covered the outpost.

The outpost was built fairly sturdily, but it was not completely airtight.

Water immediately poured in.

The three Cloud Ninja who were sleeping inside were awakened and fled in panic upon seeing the flood.

Natsume was waiting for them.

As soon as the three people appeared, numerous thorns immediately sprouted from the trees on both sides.

How did the tree survive?

They can even hit people?

Why can't you speak?

The Yun Ninja were completely unprepared for such an attack and were all caught in the crossfire.

Natsume immediately restored the trees to their original state.

"Well done."

Tsunade appeared beside him, her eyes scanning his face. Only after confirming that he had no unusual reaction did she breathe a sigh of relief.

"Kabuto, collect the spoils. If it's any useful intelligence, hand it over to me."

She turned to look at the dead Cloud Ninja and gave another order.

Kabuto immediately entered the outpost and began the search.

"I'll go too."

Natsume always felt that Tsunade favored him too much, which wasn't good.

At least in the presence of Shizune and Kabuto, it's a bit inappropriate.

Tsunade was slightly taken aback, then laughed.

Natsume treated her differently after all.

It's natural to have a preference without even realizing it.

But this child is really sensible.

The search was completed; nothing of value was found.

The four of them set off again.

Meanwhile, at the Cloud Village headquarters.

The fact that Tsunade and Hiashi Hyuga participated in the war was naturally not kept secret.

They never intended to hide it.

Looking at the intelligence report in front of him, the Fourth Raikage sighed, "Konoha is truly blessed."

Even after the Nine-Tails' rampage and the death of a Hokage, their strength had not diminished much.

That's outrageous.

The Hidden Cloud Village has been accumulating strength.

The Third Raikage was even willing to fight against thousands single-handedly, dying from exhaustion, just to preserve the remaining forces.

Despite Konoha's various shady tactics, it managed to maintain a balance of power with Kumogakure.

It's only natural that the Fourth Raikage would have such feelings.

"If the fighting continues, we'll probably need to get a Jinchuriki involved to have any chance of winning."

"It's a one-eyed Jonin standing to the side," said Tsuchishiro.

He was the examiner of the Thunderclap Blade and was deeply trusted by the Thunder Shadow.

"There's no need. We've been fighting for so long, it's time to stop."

The Fourth Raikage's deep voice rang out, "Let's give our geniuses some time to grow. Hii, Yugito Nii, Darui, Mabui, and the others are only teenagers. In a few years, they will be the pillars of our Hidden Cloud Village."

But how to stop is the question.

Seeking peace proactively would be too humiliating and would only embolden Konoha to take advantage of the situation.

A thoughtful look flashed in the eyes of the Fourth Raikage.

(End of this chapter)