Starting from the roots of Konoha, they were the masterminds behind the scenes.

Chapter 20 Everyone must die eventually! (Please read further, vote, and give monthly tickets)

In the midst of the fierce battle, Xingxia Xiu suddenly delivered a flying kick, sending one of the Cloud Ninjas flying.

Boom!

The wall collapsed, and the Cloud Ninja who was kicked away crashed through the wall, vomiting blood as he landed, unable to get up for a while.

Xingxia Xiu's strength was too great; he kicked him so hard that he was seriously injured.

"Go to hell!"

Another Cloud Ninja seized an opening and plunged his lightning-infused ninja sword into Hoshino's chest.

An electric current swept through my body, leaving me feeling numb and tingling.

But Xingxia Xiu, hidden behind the mask, revealed a smile, raised his left hand, and wooden spikes shot out.

Yun Ren was startled and raised his left arm, only to have it pierced by a wooden splinter, which then pierced his shoulder blade.

"That bastard..."

Yunren was surprised that Xingxia Xiu, who was enveloped in electric current, could still resist. Fortunately, he was not hit in a vital spot.

However, just as he was about to finish off Hoshino with a single blow, the wooden splinter embedded in his body suddenly sprouted new branches, piercing his body with numerous new splinters.

puff!

Yunren coughed up blood, stared wide-eyed at Xingxia Xiu, and then reluctantly released his sword and fell to the ground.

Cough!

Xingxia Xiu coughed up blood, then his hand, as if acting on its own, gripped the blade and, gritting his teeth, pulled it out.

Trading injury for life is well worth it!

It's sizzling!It's sizzling!

His body crackled with electricity from time to time.

With his sword in hand, Xingxia Xiu staggered as he finished off the remaining two heavily wounded Cloud Ninja.

At this point, he had killed all three people in the inn.

"ape!"

Suddenly, a furious roar came from outside.

As Hoshino Shu slipped out of the hotel, he saw Sarutobi Atsushi fall to the ground, his chest pierced by a beam of lightning.

Xingxia Xiu's eyes twitched, and the ground beneath her feet exploded, sending her shooting out.

At this moment, the water flowed like a river, rushing towards Xingxia Xiu. Even with his explosive power, he was pushed backward continuously.

Just as the Lightning Release Cloud Ninja was about to launch a Lightning Release attack on Hoshino Hide, the ground suddenly turned into a swamp, causing his body to sink rapidly.

Earth Escape-Yellow Quannum!

Jiraiya and the other two arrived.

The Water Release: Cloud Ninja was bound by Orochimaru's hands and bit his neck.

Another Cloud Ninja, though he dodged Tsunade's Tenshu Kick, was caught off guard by Inuzuka Ryo, who delivered a Fang Over Fang attack that severely injured him before he was surrounded by a swarm of insects.

The battle ended quickly.

Tsunade came to Sarutobi Atsushi's side, examined him, and silently shook her head.

His heart was pierced by a high-intensity electric current, killing him instantly; even Hashirama Senju couldn't have saved him.

Hoshita Hide stepped forward and knelt down beside Sarutobi Atsushi: "You died protecting the village; you are a hero of Konoha!"

After closing Sarutobi Atsushi's eyes, Hoshishita Hide took out a sealing scroll and sealed Sarutobi Atsushi's body inside. Then he stood up and said, "Retreat!"

……

Traveling through the night, they entered the Land of Fire in one go and arrived at the border defense headquarters of Hatake Sakumo. Only then could Hoshino Hide and his party rest in peace.

The night was still, and the campfire flickered.

The three, including Hoshino, were still wearing masks. Because of Sarutobi Atsushi's death, Inuzuka Ryo and Aburame Hiichi were both somewhat silent.

I've lost companions before, but I still feel sad.

The show under the stars, however, is more about fear.

It is the fear of the fragility and transience of life.

Get stronger!

He needs to become stronger.

It's not just about having no one to rely on.

Similarly, one must be invincible, ensuring that no one can threaten his life.

Across from the campfire.

The silence made Jiraiya somewhat uneasy. He looked around and finally spoke, "Um... Kagami, are you skilled in swordsmanship and Wind Release?"

Xingxia Xiu snapped out of her daze and nodded.

Tsunade said, "And there's medical ninjutsu, right?"

As she spoke, she glanced at the tear in Xingxiaxiu's shirt.

Xingxia Xiu nodded again, but remained silent, maintaining her aloof persona.

At this moment, Orochimaru suddenly asked, "Do you regret attacking the Cloud Ninja?"

Swish!

All eyes turned to Orochimaru.

Everyone understood Orochimaru's underlying meaning.

If Hoshinobu hadn't made the decision to fight the Cloud Ninja, Sarutobi Atsushi wouldn't have died in battle.

Looking at Orochimaru, Hoshino said, "Everyone must die eventually; some deaths are heavier than mountains, while others are lighter than hairs."

The greatest meaning of life lies not in what we live, but in how we die!

Everyone was moved by what they heard.

Xingxia Xiu continued, "You and I will die one day."

"Die in battle, die of illness, die of old age... what would you choose?"

"Will it be a glorious death in battle, a pathetic death from illness, or a quiet death from old age?"

Orochimaru and the others were all shaken to their core upon hearing this.

The latest novel is first published here!

Xingxia Xiu got up and left: "I'm going to cultivate, you don't need to follow me."

Having said that, the man leaped up and disappeared in a few flashes.

Tsunade's gaze followed Hoshino Shigehisa's figure until he disappeared into the darkness before she looked away.

I never expected Danzo to have someone like this under his command.

Tsunade had to admit that she had developed a little interest in this guy named "Kou".

At that moment, Orochimaru and Jiraiya were both pondering what Hoshino Shu had said.

Jiraiya thought of the chosen one he had been pursuing all along.

But a thought suddenly arose in Orochimaru's mind—a thought of immortality.

Why must one die?

Is the purpose of living simply to die meaningfully at some point?

That's not what he wanted!

……

In a secluded spot, Xingxia Xiu stopped.

Although I tried to put on a show, it didn't feel very satisfying.

"Perhaps it's because... he didn't take off his mask?"

Xingxia Xiu touched his chin.

As for Sarutobi Atsushi's death, he did indeed feel guilty.

But I don't regret it.

He suppressed his guilt and transformed it into motivation for his own spiritual progress.

Draw your sword.

Xingxia Xiu begins his own spiritual practice.

Silent all night.

The next morning, Hoshino and her group set off and returned to Konoha at noon.

Tsunade and the other two went to report to Hiruzen Sarutobi, while Hideaki Hoshishita reported the details of the mission to Danzo.

After listening, Danzo coldly said, "Hmph, as expected, the Cloud Ninja were involved."

Danzo made no comment on Sarutobi Atsushi's death, instead asking, "Kou, how's your Wood Release?"

Xingxia Xiu said, "I have already mastered the technique of cuttings."

Danzo nodded slightly and said, "For the next two weeks, you don't need to perform any more missions. Focus entirely on your training!"

"Half a month later, you will lead a team to hunt down all targets of the Sky Ninja."

Xingxia Xiu immediately replied, "Understood!"

He then said, "Lord Danzo, I wish to further improve my Wind Release techniques. Please grant me Wind Release ninjutsu."

Danzo readily agreed: "The Root's secret archives contain all of Konoha's Wind Release materials. I will give the order, and you can go there to copy them."

Xingxia Xiu was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude.

After leaving Danzo's office, Hoshino Hide went to have lunch before arriving at the Root Treasury.

There is a Root ninja guarding this place, as well as numerous traps and alarms; forcing your way through will trigger them directly.

Danzo had already given the order, and Hoshinoshita Hide entered smoothly. He then saw a large amount of information on secret techniques, categorized by subject.

His gaze swept across the area, suppressing his greed. Xingxia Xiu went straight to the Wind Release section, then took out the prepared pen, ink, and blank scroll to begin copying.

Regardless of whether I need to train them in the future, I'll just copy down all the Wind Release ninjutsu first.

Even if you don't practice it, it can serve as a reference for developing your own ninjutsu in the future.

(End of this chapter)