Chapter 628: High-Level Battle
Led by Yagura, more than a thousand Mist Ninja landed swiftly and launched an assault on Konoha's northeastern border defenses in the Land of Fire.
Because of Kumogakure's large-scale offensive, Konoha had been paying close attention to the situation in the northeast of the Land of Fire.
Because of that, they quickly noticed Hidden Mist's arrival.
Hidden Mist's combat style was quite distinctive. Even without seeing their forehead protectors or uniforms, it was still easy to recognize them.
Hiruzen had been in a good mood recently. After all, a second Wood Release Ninja had appeared in the village, and that Ninja was Mugetsu, a super genius who was at least a youthful version of Senju Hashirama and might even have the potential to revive the glory of the God of Shinobi.
However, less than two weeks later, news of Hidden Mist's invasion of the Land of Fire reached his Hokage's office.
Along with it came the dissatisfaction of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Perhaps because Ninja Villages had repeatedly broken through the defenses and entered the Land of Fire recently, the Daimyo specifically wrote to Hiruzen, ordering him to eliminate the invading enemies as quickly as possible and ensure the safety of the country.
Although the Daimyo was only nominally above the Hokage, this time Hiruzen could only admit his fault and give his assurance.
Because the foundation of Konoha's cooperation with the Land of Fire was that Konoha served as the military force protecting the Land of Fire. Failing to stop enemy Ninja from entering the country was Konoha's dereliction of duty.
"They really do know how to pick their timing," Hiruzen muttered, his brows furrowing slightly.
He had initially thought that Kumogakure's forces in the Land of Fire had been dealt with, allowing him to dedicate some energy to investigating Danzo's death. But then Hidden Mist came in as well.
Now, let alone handling Danzo's death, protecting the homeland itself was no easy task. This was yet another one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages joining the battlefield.
Looking at the closed door of the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sighed softly.
When he learned of Danzo's death, he had been deeply shaken, but the grief in his heart had not been as overwhelming as he had imagined.
The truly difficult moments came after work, when he was resting. When he was too tired to think, he would subconsciously wonder, "Why has Danzo been so quiet lately? Why hasn't he come to the Hokage's office?"
Then he would immediately realize that Danzo had already sacrificed himself.
In that instant of realization, endless melancholy would fill his heart, and he would feel regret and sorrow as he remembered the past.
"Notify the two Advisors to come to the Hokage's office," Hiruzen called an Anbu and ordered.
As Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had to avenge Danzo.
But before he was Hiruzen Sarutobi the person, he was first and foremost Konoha's Third Hokage.
As Hokage, the highest priority would always be ensuring Konoha's safety and interests.
Soon, a knock sounded at the door of the Hokage's office.
"Enter."
The two Advisors entered the office. The Anbu did not come in, merely closing the door quietly and standing guard outside.
"Hidden Mist has re-entered the war, dispatching Ninja troops to land in the northeastern Land of Fire," Hiruzen said at once, wasting no time.
"How dare they? Were they not hurt badly enough last time?" Utatane Koharu said with a grim expression.
"The Daimyo is displeased about this and has demanded that we resolve the invading enemies as quickly as possible," Hiruzen continued.
"Then this truly needs special attention," Homura Mitokado said, his expression turning serious.
If this was not handled properly, the Daimyo would have every reason to reduce the military funding given to Konoha.
"To resolve the invading Hidden Mist forces as quickly as possible, I believe it is necessary for a high-ranking official to lead troops to the battlefield and boost morale," Hiruzen said, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.
Minato had been dispatched to the Land of Hot Springs battlefield the day before. Compared to Hidden Mist, Kumogakure was the more significant enemy, so Hiruzen did not plan to recall Minato from the Land of Hot Springs to form another Ninja troop in the Land of Fire.
Mugetsu would also have been a good choice, but Mugetsu had only recently developed Wood Release and needed time to train. For now, Hiruzen did not want to send him to the battlefield.
Since neither Minato nor Mugetsu could be chosen, there were not many options left.
And Homura and the others, as Konoha's high-ranking officials, were certainly qualified. Their presence on the battlefield would even have a special effect.
"This..." Utatane Koharu hesitated.
She felt that the current battle situation had not yet deteriorated to the point where high-ranking officials needed to personally go to the battlefield. The other duties of high-ranking officials were also very important.
However, Koharu also worried that speaking out would make Hiruzen think she had been away from the battlefield for too long and was now afraid to go.
"Isn't Mugetsu still in Konoha? He also mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, and his other abilities are even stronger than Minato's. Mugetsu made significant contributions to defeating Hidden Mist last time. He should be able to complete the mission," Koharu recommended.
Hiruzen shook his head and refused.
"Mugetsu has developed Wood Release and needs time to train."
"Why does developing Wood Release... wait, wait! What did he develop?" Koharu reacted mid-sentence, staring at Hiruzen in disbelief.
She would rather believe she had misheard than believe that Mugetsu had developed Wood Release.
"Mugetsu possesses Wood Release now?" Homura, standing beside her, also showed a shocked expression.
For him, this was far more surprising than Hidden Mist attacking the Land of Fire.
The two Advisors' reactions were within Hiruzen's expectations. After all, this was Wood Release, and Mugetsu was the second Ninja to independently develop it.
Hiruzen nodded calmly and replied, "You did not mishear. He really did develop Wood Release. Ten days ago, I personally saw him use it."
"Konoha now has a second Wood Release Ninja."
"How can that be? Is his mother a member of the Senju Clan?" Koharu instinctively thought that Mugetsu might have Senju blood.
Although it still sounded absurd, it was slightly more reasonable that way.
"None of the First Hokage's descendants possessed Wood Release. Do you think an ordinary Senju bloodline would be useful? Perhaps Wood Release is a Bloodline Limit exclusive to truly exceptional geniuses," Hiruzen refuted Koharu's bloodline theory.
"Mugetsu's Ice Release was also developed by himself, wasn't it? Perhaps he is exactly that kind of once-in-a-century genius," Homura said after thinking of something.
After excluding all other factors, no matter how impossible the remaining answer seemed, it was still reality.
"In that case, Mugetsu is indeed not suitable for the battlefield right now."
"I'll go," Homura thought for a moment, then volunteered.
Mugetsu needed time to train and develop. Koharu did not want to go. Hiruzen, as Hokage, naturally could not move lightly.
So it could only be him.
"Homura, be careful on the battlefield," Hiruzen nodded in agreement and reminded him.
Homura was a very good choice. Aside from his status and seniority, he himself was also a Ninja with formidable strength.
"Don't overexert yourself on the battlefield. You're no longer the Homura Mitokado who trained every day," Koharu also reminded him.
After becoming high-ranking officials, they had not only stayed away from the battlefield, but also neglected their training. Their strength must have declined.
"I'll be careful. Wait for my good news," Homura said with a faint smile.
After all matters concerning the Ninja troop were discussed, Homura and Koharu left the Hokage's office.
"Please, no more unexpected incidents," Hiruzen sighed inside the office.
Now, he only wanted to end the war quickly, avenge his old friend, and once Mugetsu had fully matured, pass on the position of Hokage.
...
South Border Forest.
Mugetsu was currently guiding his disciples in their training.
He had specifically staggered some teaching times to allow himself to manage both sides, ensuring that his disciples' training would not be neglected while also maintaining the progress of the Training Squad.
"Teacher Mugetsu, has Shisui been busy with something lately? I feel like I rarely see him now," Obito asked casually during a break.
"He joined the Training Squad," Mugetsu replied.
"What department is the Training Squad? Does it train Ninjutsu?" Obito had never heard of this department before and could not help asking curiously.
"It does have that function. You can think of the Training Squad as a special Anbu."
Although it was a classified department, not all information needed to be kept secret.
When Kakashi heard the word "Anbu," he could not help looking over, his expression somewhat surprised.
He did not think Anbu was that impressive, but to ordinary Ninja, Anbu was indeed a very mysterious department. And Shisui had not joined an ordinary Anbu unit either.
"It's Anbu?!" Obito showed a surprised and worried expression.
"I read a Ninja novel with a similar plot. The protagonist joins Anbu, carries out secret missions, discovers the secrets of the higher-ups, and then..."
"So that's a novel," Kakashi said, looking exasperated.
He did not know much about Anbu either, but Anbu was a department directly under the Hokage. If they were really investigating the higher-ups, it would be by the Hokage's will.
"I didn't say Shisui would definitely run into something like that, did I? I just didn't expect him to suddenly join such a mysterious department," Obito retorted.
Rumble!!
In the middle of their bickering, a series of roars suddenly came from nearby.
"Is Guy messing around with new taijutsu again?"
Obito stood up and looked toward the source of the sound. He saw Guy with his hands shaped like eagle claws, continuously attacking the surrounding trees and ground.
"Stacking the Eight Gates with Rock Breathing is too violent. Even simple claw swings are ridiculously powerful," Obito could not help saying.
Ever since Guy's potential erupted and his strength rose sharply on the Hidden Mist battlefield, he had completely dominated the disciples' internal battles, consistently ranking first.
Only after Kakashi comprehended Lightning Release Chakra Mode did the battles become more uncertain, instead of Guy being the absolute number one.
Even then, only Kakashi could threaten Guy slightly. The other disciples had very slim chances of winning against him.
His good brother, who had once been evenly matched with him, now topped the rankings. This made Obito both happy and unwilling.
He was happy that his friend's efforts had paid off, but unwilling that he himself had been away from first place for so long.
"After all, it's a forbidden Ninjutsu that can only be mastered after such harsh training," Kakashi said with emotion.
Guy's training volume was intimidating even for one day, yet he had maintained that level of effort for several years.
One had to remember that Guy was only twelve years old now. That meant most of his short life had been spent training.
Obito did not continue arguing with Kakashi. Instead, he earnestly refined his Chakra. Once his Chakra was sufficient, he immediately began training Azure Flame.
When everyone was still young and their bodies had not fully developed, Shisui, relying on his extraordinary talent, had dominated the disciples for a period of time.
Kakashi had also once defeated all the disciples in succession by relying on his unique Transparent World.
As for Obito, he occasionally had brilliant moments in battle, but he had never truly dominated within the team.
Obito deeply wanted to become the strongest disciple, the one who would make Mugetsu proud. Unfortunately, Fire Release was too weak in the early and middle stages.
Azure Flame was strong, but he had learned it too late and had not fully mastered it yet.
At this moment, Obito only wanted to become stronger and reach the version of himself that could dominate.
If he could never dominate in the disciples' internal battles for his entire life, he would still feel unwilling even if he achieved his dream of becoming Hokage later.
After Kakashi recovered his stamina, he also quickly began training No Thought Strike and Armament Haki.
He only had a chance to defeat Guy. In terms of overall strength, Guy was still considerably stronger.
Guy did not know that his training was motivating Obito and Kakashi. He was excited by the encouraging progress of his new taijutsu.
"With this level of completion, I can already name it," Guy began pondering the name of his new taijutsu.
He believed that the name of a taijutsu was also very important. Otherwise, it would lack impact when called out.
"This taijutsu idea came to me this morning, and I got the inspiration from Kurohane, so I'll call it Morning Eagle!" Guy did not dwell on it for long and quickly decided on the name of his new taijutsu.
Guy had his own naming system. Sometimes, he would base the name on the taijutsu's characteristics, such as XX Whirlwind.
Other times, he would combine the taijutsu's training time or the moment of its first inspiration with a fierce beast, such as Noon Leopard.
After training concluded in the afternoon, Mugetsu returned home with Yamato again.
"I've handled things at the Ninja Academy for you. You can go to school next Monday," Mugetsu said.
Although he did not go to the Ninja Academy often now, he was indeed the Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy, so arranging something for Yamato was simple.
"School..." Hearing Mugetsu say that, Yamato suddenly remembered that he still had to go to school.
"Yes. Thank you very much," Yamato thanked him.
"It's just a small matter. At your age, you should be at school," Mugetsu said with a smile.
After dinner, Mugetsu chatted with Yamato for a while longer before leaving.
"School. What kind of life will that be?" Watching Mugetsu leave, Yamato began to ponder.
Danzo had only taught him Ninjutsu and the responsibility of protecting Konoha. His understanding of the Ninja Academy came entirely from Obito and the others occasionally reminiscing about the past.
The school described by Obito was strange. It was a peculiar place where you wanted to go when you could not, and did not want to go when you had to.
Guy had said that school was a place that changed lives, and he had put in a lot of effort to enter the Ninja Academy.
As for Kakashi, Yamato had not heard much about school from him.
"Wood Release: Flying Leaf Quick Blade!"
Yamato stopped thinking and began to train.
Once he actually went to school, he would naturally know what kind of place it was.
Before that, he still had to train diligently. After all, his seniors were already so strong, yet they still trained tirelessly every day.
He, the weakest among them, certainly could not be lazy.
.....
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