stonecrandall Chapter 94 This Hiruzen Sarutobi is so damn bad!
Chapter 94 This Hiruzen Sarutobi is so damn bad!
Chapter 94 This Hiruzen Sarutobi is so damn bad!
Since being expelled from the Land of Lightning by Broly, Tsuchida and his group have sought refuge in Konoha like stray dogs.
After some discussion with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Hiruzen Sarutobi settled them in the northern part of the Land of Fire, a border region that was once the Land of Lightning, now the Land of Air, separated only by the Land of Hot Water.
That's quite a clever plan.
The Land of Ki is currently located in the north, and once war breaks out, the Cloud Village ninja led by Tsuchida will become the first line of defense for the Land of Fire.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others thought their plan was foolproof, but they never expected Broly's actions to be completely unexpected—he actually didn't leave!
Left with no other choice, Konoha had to urgently request reinforcements from the front lines, ordering Tsuchida to immediately recall the two Jinchuriki from Moshiro to Konoha to join forces against Broly.
At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi also used his remaining intelligence network to send people to contact Jiraiya, demanding that he return to the village immediately to provide assistance.
Tsunade's whereabouts have long been a mystery, but at least there are still traces of Jiraiya's whereabouts.
Moreover, Orochimaru is currently serving in the Hidden Leaf Village, and Hiruzen Sarutobi is certain that Jiraiya will return without hesitation as soon as he hears of this.
The problem is that both bringing back the two Jinchūriki and recalling Jiraiya, who has been wandering the world, will take time.
If Broly were to suddenly launch an attack in Konoha during this lull, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Fortunately, Broly didn't seem to have any intention of making a move immediately. Instead, he strolled around the streets and alleys of Konoha like a tourist, showing no signs of hostility or attack.
Today, classes at the Konoha Ninja Academy are proceeding as usual.
Broly's arrival had already plunged the entire Hidden Leaf Village into unprecedented panic. Every household stayed indoors, and no one had the mind to live or work normally.
However, during yesterday's hasty opening speech, Broly, who suddenly barged in, casually dropped the line "Singing and dancing will continue as usual," leaving the Konoha leadership with no choice but to reluctantly order the restoration of normal order.
Despite their deep concern, the parents in Konoha could only repeatedly remind their children to be careful and send them back to the Ninja Academy.
A heavy, oppressive atmosphere permeated the classroom.
Whether they were ordinary children from commoner families or ninja clan members like Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji, they all kept their heads down and remained silent.
If there were anyone in this deathly silence who still had the energy to speak, it would probably be those precocious, love-struck girls, and Yamanaka Ino was one of them.
She quietly approached Shikamaru and whispered, "Hey, Shikamaru, have you heard? Something seems to have happened to the Uchiha clan—is Sasuke alright?"
Regarding the truth about the massacre of the Uchiha clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi and other high-ranking officials had already issued a gag order, and publicly claimed that it was Obito Uchiha who did it.
When Nara Shikaku and other Konoha high-ranking officials heard this statement, they were filled with absurdity.
Even if you're going to find a scapegoat, shouldn't you at least find someone who's somewhat reasonable?
Suddenly dragging out Obito Uchiha, who has been "dead" for more than ten years, to take the blame is just treating them like idiots.
However, just as everyone was questioning him, Kakashi suddenly stepped forward and said, "It's true, Obito is still alive, but I don't know why he would do such a thing."
Seeing Kakashi personally vouch for them, Nara Shikaku and the others immediately became skeptical.
Everyone in Konoha knows that Obito Uchiha is an extremely special person to Kakashi.
Since Kakashi is willing to endorse this statement, perhaps Obito Uchiha is still alive.
But why would he so ruthlessly kill his own people?
How could such powerful strength have wiped out the entire Uchiha clan?
These questions have lingered in everyone's minds, and no one has been able to answer them.
In fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others' initial plan was to pin the blame on Kigakure, claiming that the people of Kigakure had launched a sneak attack, which led to the annihilation of the Uchiha clan.
However, this plan was forced to fail due to Broly's sudden appearance—they worried that such a statement would anger Broly, and the situation would become even more uncontrollable.
Shikamaru listened to Ino's inappropriate words, his face showing a speechless expression, and he couldn't help but think to himself:
What time is it? You're still thinking about these trivial things?
Just then, the wooden door to the classroom creaked open, breaking the silence in the classroom. Many people subconsciously looked up and their expressions changed—it was Hinata Hyuga, whom they hadn't seen for several months, who walked in.
Hinata felt all eyes on her, and her cheeks flushed instantly. Her voice was barely audible as she said, "Everyone—it's been a long time."
As she spoke, she quickly walked to the last row and sat down by the window, trying to curl up as much as possible to minimize her presence.
Sakura sat not far away and whispered in a voice only those around her could hear, "I heard she was captured by that monster before, how come she's suddenly back now?"
However, as soon as she finished speaking, another figure slowly walked in.
Upon seeing the appearance of the person who came in, Sakura almost fell off her chair.
The one who walked into the classroom was none other than Broly, the man who struck fear into the hearts of the entire ninja world.
Hi~
Broly smiled casually and waved to the stunned crowd in the classroom.
Everyone present turned pale with fright and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.
How did this monster, which even the Hokage couldn't handle, end up at the Ninja Academy?
Ignoring the horrified looks on everyone's faces, Broly walked straight to Hinata's side, sat down on the desk next to her, swung his long legs casually, and scanned everything in the classroom with interest.
Naruto, sitting in the middle, stared wide-eyed at Broly, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Broly noticed Naruto's gaze, turned to look at him, and smiled, saying, "Long time no see."
Actually, Broly's visit to the Ninja Academy was purely on a whim; he just wanted to see what it was like.
However, when he saw Naruto, he couldn't help but feel a little regretful because when Tu Zi took away the weasel earlier, he also took Er Zhuzi with him.
Otherwise, he really wanted to see with his own eyes how Naruto and Sasuke, this pair destined to love and hate each other, got along during their childhood.
That said, now that Erzhuzi has two unconventional geniuses by his side, Tuzi and Weasel, what will they become in the future? Broly is quite curious about this.
"Um, everyone, please be quiet, we need to get ready for class."
Just when the atmosphere in the classroom reached its peak of tension, Iruka braced himself and pushed open the classroom door, walking in.
He keenly sensed Broly's intrigued gaze, and felt a chill run down his spine, his back breaking out in a cold sweat.
But this was an order from above, and no matter how scared he was, he had to attend class as usual.
Compared to Jiraiya, whose whereabouts are elusive and who seems to vanish into thin air, it is naturally much easier to contact the Cloud Village army, which is currently on the front lines and led by Tsuchida.
At this moment, the Cloud Village forces led by Tsuchidae have advanced to the northern border of the Land of Fire. The entire army is on high alert, eager to fight back and avenge their humiliation at the arrival of the Ki Village army that seized their land.
However, to Tsuchida and the others' utter surprise, what appeared before them first was not Broly or the powerful Air Ninja army led by the girls around him, but a group of familiar figures—
These were his colleagues, including Mabui, who had been left behind in Kumogakure because they hadn't been able to evacuate with them.
When Broly first invaded Kumogakure, these people were relatively weak and were forcibly made into contracts by Hancock, becoming puppets to be manipulated at will.
Tsuchida and the others had always thought that they would be tortured to death by Kigakure as cheap labor and die tragically in a foreign land, but they never expected that they would actually come back alive.
"Hempen clothes, what's going on?"
Yugito, the Jinchūriki of the Two-Tails, quickly stepped forward, his face full of doubt and wariness, and asked.
At the same time, the Two-Tails Matatabi within her body also instantly awakened, its chakra surging secretly within her, constantly on guard against the group of people in Azabu-i.
After all, according to the information brought back by Tutai and others, those controlled by that little girl named Hancock would also have their minds completely controlled, and no one could guarantee that they weren't coming to launch a sneak attack.
Hempen didn't answer immediately. Instead, he rolled up his sleeve, revealing his left arm, and explained, "Broly broke our contract with Hancock and let us come back."
Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze immediately focused on the man in hemp clothing's arm—on that smooth skin, the eerie mark that had originally symbolized the contract had indeed vanished without a trace.
"How is this possible?"
Yugito stared in astonishment, his face filled with disbelief, completely unable to comprehend the intentions behind Kigakure's actions.
They finally managed to control these people—no, not that difficult, but they did manage to—but now they're letting them go for no reason. What are they up to?
Tsuchida, who had previously had direct contact with Broly and knew his terrifying strength, said with a sharp look, "They probably think that even if they release Mabui and the others, it won't change the course of the battle, right?"
"The implication is that Kigakure doesn't take the current Kumogakure seriously at all."
Killer Bee, as always, swayed his body, humming a strange rap, his tone full of anger: "What a bunch of arrogant bastards, baka yarou, koruru yarou!"
Yugito's gaze swept over the group of Cloud Village ninjas surrounding Mabui, most of whom were Chunin and Genin. She frowned involuntarily—she noticed that several familiar figures were missing. She immediately asked, "Mabui, why haven't Samui and the others returned?"
Among those who have not returned is Samui, the future number one giant tank of the Hidden Cloud Village, though he should be considered number one now.
Upon hearing this question, Mabui sighed softly, her tone tinged with complexity: "Samui and the others—don't think we can win, and they also have families to consider."
Ma Buyi didn't spell things out, but everyone present instantly understood the deeper meaning, and the entire camp fell into a deathly silence once again.
It was obvious that Mabui and the others knew that Yunyin's chances of winning this time were slim.
Rather than following Kumogakure back to die, it's better to stay in Kigakure and become a member there; at least that way, you can save your own life and that of your family.
It's not fair to blame Samui and the others for choosing "betrayal," given that the current situation is far too unfavorable for Kumogakure: Sunagakure has made it clear that it will not participate in the war, and the Uchiha clan has now sided with Kigami. Looking at the entire ninja world, Kigami and Kirigakure, when joined forces, are overwhelmingly powerful.
Even if many people are not afraid of death, they still have to consider their wives, children, and elderly parents.
Like Samui, her loyalty to Kumogakure is beyond question, and she is by no means a coward who fears death. Otherwise, she would not have resolutely rushed to the battlefield during the Fourth Shinobi World War in the original work.
But this time, even if she could put aside her own life and death, she couldn't ignore her younger brother who was less than ten years old.
In an instant, the entire Cloud Hidden Army was shrouded in heavy despair, and everyone's face was filled with exhaustion and confusion.
Just then, a voice suddenly came from behind the Cloud Village army, breaking the deathly silence: "My allies in Cloud Village, we have a secret letter from the Hokage to deliver to you!"
Upon hearing the sound, Tsuchida and the others turned to look and saw several ninjas wearing Konoha headbands rushing towards them. Leading them was Genma Shiranui, a special Jonin of Konoha. He had once served as a bodyguard for the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. Although he was not as good as Kakashi and Might Guy, his strength was still considered among the best in Konoha.
Behind him followed Namiashi Raido and others, all of whom were elite ninjas from Konoha.
As he spoke, Genma Shiranui quickly approached Tsuchida, took out a small scroll from his robes, and handed it over: "Lord Tsuchida, please take a look."
"Are you kidding me?!"
Tsuchida took the scroll and quickly unrolled it, but after only a few glances, his face turned ashen. He grabbed Genma Shiranui's collar and yelled, "Does Hiruzen Sarutobi not consider us human?!"
Seeing this, Yugito and the others, fearing a direct conflict, rushed forward to separate the two, trying to calm Tsuchidai down while pleading, "Lord Tsuchidai, calm down, let's talk this out!"
Even the usually short-tempered Cloud Ninja were taken aback by Tsuchikage's reaction.
They all knew that Kumogakure was already at a significant disadvantage in this war, and if they were to turn against Konoha now, Kumogakure would truly be doomed.
At the same time, all the Cloud Ninja were also full of curiosity about what was written on this scroll that could make the usually calm Tsuchida so furious.
Mabu-i bent down to pick up the scroll that had fallen to the ground, quickly glanced at its contents, and his expression instantly changed. He turned to look at Genma Shiranui and the others, his tone filled with disbelief and anger: "Everyone from Konoha, what you've done is going too far!"
Seeing this, the other Cloud Ninja also crowded around to look at the contents of the scroll. After reading it, everyone's face turned extremely ugly, and discussions immediately broke out in the camp.
"You want me and Lord Killer Bee to return to Konoha?"
After reading the contents of the scroll, Yugito's brows furrowed, and his voice was filled with anger. "How is this possible?"
At any other time, she would naturally be more than happy to personally kill Broly, that bastard who destroyed their home.
But the problem is that the armies of Kigami and Kirigakure are closing in and could launch an attack at any time. If these two perfect Jinchūriki leave, what will happen to their compatriots left behind on the border?
Genma Shiranui forcefully pulled away Tsuchida's hand that was gripping his collar, straightened his disheveled clothes, and said expressionlessly, "Mr. Tsuchida, we are only following orders from the Hokage. For the specific reasons, please communicate directly with the Hokage."
Suppressing his overwhelming rage, Tsuchida suddenly remembered something, his eyes sharpening as he stared at Genma Shiranui, demanding, "Where are your Konoha reinforcements? Since you're asking us to go back and help, shouldn't you at least send some men to support the front lines?"
Raido Namiike stepped forward and replied calmly, "Broly is currently within our Konoha Village. The Hokage simply has no time to send troops out, otherwise the safety of Konoha would be unimaginable. We request that the two Jinchuriki return to Konoha with us. After we successfully kill Broly, Konoha will do everything in its power to return to the front lines with you all to fight against Ki Ninjaku."
Upon hearing these words, Tu Tai and the others were stunned, their faces filled with disbelief.
A few seconds later, many Yun ninjas couldn't help but grin and let out suppressed laughter. When someone is extremely speechless, they really do laugh.
First, send the two top combatants from the Cloud Village back to Konoha to help them deal with Broly, their biggest threat. Then, Konoha can send troops to support the front line.
How can you be so capable?!
During the time that the two Jinchuriki were away, the Cloud Village army, which was already half-crippled and severely weakened, had to face the combined forces of the Hidden Spirit Village and the Hidden Mist Village alone, without Killer Bee and Yugito, its two core combatants.
Good heavens, such a shameless request! How could Konoha even come up with something like this!
"Please understand, Lord Tsuchitai."
Genma Shiranui remained expressionless, his tone carrying an undeniable air of authority, "After all, you've personally experienced how terrifying Broly's power is. He's currently in our village, and the Hokage is forced into this situation. I hope everyone can prioritize the greater good and understand Konoha's difficulties. Moreover, once we defeat Broly, Kigakure and Kirigakure will be no problem."
To be honest, the fact that Tsuchida didn't slap Genma Shiranui across the face is already a testament to his excellent temper.
Understanding? You expect us to understand the difficulties of your Konoha, but why can't you understand the desperate situation of our Kumogakure?
They actually made us resist the combined forces of Kigakure and Kirigakure without two Jinchūriki. What's the difference between that and sending them to their deaths?
This Hiruzen Sarutobi is so damn bad!
"Lord Todai!"
Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, several more Cloud Ninja returned from scouting ahead, reporting frantically to Tsuchikage, "Something terrible has happened! The allied forces led by Boa Hancock have crossed the Land of Hot Springs and are rapidly advancing towards us!"
"The coalition? Who exactly are they?" Tu Tai's heart tightened, and he quickly asked.
"This includes Orochimaru from Kigakure, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Mei Terumi, among others!"
The Cloud Ninja who delivered the message spoke rapidly, his tone filled with fear.
Upon hearing this report, the entire Cloud Ninja fell silent instantly, their faces filled with despair. The Cloud Ninja who had rushed back to report were completely bewildered, not understanding why everyone was reacting this way.
Yugito took a deep breath and said with a firm look in his eyes, "Although I wish I could return to Konoha immediately and tear that Broly guy to pieces, right now, Kumogakure cannot afford any more losses."
As she spoke, she turned to Killer Bee and asked in a deep voice, "Lord Bee, what do you say?"
"Is that even a question? Baka yarou!"
Killer Bee clenched his fist, his tone angry and resolute, "We are ninjas of Kumogakure, how can we abandon our comrades and leave alone?"
The two Jinchūriki made the same decision without prior agreement—to treat Hiruzen Sarutobi's orders as nothing!
They wanted to stay and live and die with their compatriots, even if it meant dying on the battlefield!
It must be said that, aside from anything else, the unity of the Cloud Village is something that other ninja villages can hardly match.
No, there's no need.
Just then, Tsuchida, the former Raikage's advisor and now acting as the Fifth Raikage, suddenly spoke, a ruthless glint in his eyes.
Standing to the side, hope asked curiously, "Mr. Tsuchida, do you have any other ideas?"
A cold, mocking smile appeared on Tsuchida's face as he said, word by word, "We're not staying here. The entire army is retreating to Konoha!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the four Konoha ninjas, including Genma Shiranui and Raido Namiashi, changed drastically, their eyes filled with disbelief.
Tsuchikage continued, "Doesn't Hiruzen Sarutobi want us to be his suicide squad on the front lines while he reaps the benefits from the rear? Fine! Then we'll grant his wish! The entire army will retreat to Konoha, turning the whole village into a battlefield. I'll see if Hiruzen Sarutobi can still stand idly by with a clear conscience then!"
It must be said that Tsuchida, as a strategist who had served two generations of Raikage, immediately came up with the most effective and ruthless solution.
Didn't Konoha not want to send troops to support them?
Didn't you want us, the Hidden Cloud Village, to bear the brunt of the war alone?
Then I'll move the battlefield from the border of the Land of Fire directly to the heart of your Konoha Village!
Let's start a fight on your turf and see if Hiruzen Sarutobi still dares to sit idly by!
"As expected of Lord Tsuchidai!"
Upon hearing Tsuchikage's suggestion, the entire Cloud Ninja erupted in thunderous cheers, clapping and cheering. The despair on their faces vanished, replaced by the exhilaration of revenge.
"This move is brilliant! Not only does it drag Konoha into this mess, but it also thoroughly disgusts that hypocrite, Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"Mr. Tsuchida, you've gone too far!"
Genma Shiranui's face turned ashen, and he couldn't help but shout sharply, "This will only result in a lose-lose situation; neither side will benefit!"
However, as soon as he finished speaking, he felt someone suddenly grab his hair from behind.
Before Genma Shiranui could react, a cold glint flashed past, and a chill ran down his neck. Then, he lost all consciousness and sensation.
As Raido and the other two stared in disbelief, Darui slowly withdrew his short sword, wiped the blood from the blade, picked up Genma Shiranui's head, and casually tossed it aside, his tone filled with murderous intent: "You Konoha are heartless, so don't blame us Kumogakure for being unjust."
"Run!" Namiashi Raido reacted, his face pale, and shouted as he turned and ran frantically toward Konoha.
The other two Konoha ninjas also seemed to wake up from their daze and followed closely behind, fleeing with all their might.
"Kill them! Leave no one alive!" Tu Tai ordered sharply, his eyes icy.
Instantly, nearly a thousand Cloud Ninjas swarmed towards the three fleeing Konoha ninjas like a locust plague, the roar of chakra bursting and the light of ninjutsu clashing together.
At this moment, the fragile alliance between Kumogakure and Konoha officially broke down, and the flames of war between the two great ninja villages were ignited.
Meanwhile, the allied forces of the Air Concealment and Mist Concealment were advancing unimpeded.
When they arrived at the border of the Land of Fire, they expected to encounter fierce resistance from the Cloud Village army and experience a brutal battle. However, to their surprise, the border was deserted and there was no one to stop them.
"What's going on?"
Kisame Hoshigaki, carrying the enormous Samehada, scratched his head, looking bewildered, and said, "This isn't what I expected. I thought it was going to be a life-or-death battle."
Not only Kisame, but everyone else in the allied forces was also full of doubt, completely unable to understand why the Cloud Village army had suddenly disappeared.
Hancock frowned, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes, but without much hesitation, she immediately raised her hand and ordered, "Continue forward!"
The allied forces resumed their advance, slowly moving towards the heart of the Land of Fire, which would become the main battlefield of the Ninja World War for the first time.