How did you manage to defeat Orochimaru? I'm curious."
Back at the village, Murasaki couldn't help but ask this question.
"Well, tell us, I'm also curious."
Sakumo also wants to know the story.
Everyone has been in a class together since they were young, and they are fully aware of Orochimaru's capability.
For several years, he has been at the top ranks of various subjects. Although academic performance is not necessarily equal to combat prowess, as someone who got chosen to become the Third Hokage's students, his combat prowess must be above average.
"Just because I'm a slacker and only thinking about drawing comics does that make me someone weak for you to doubt?"
Akabane answered lightly and left his teammates a few steps ahead.
"Hey, don't shift the question!"
Murasaki caught up, but he found that Akabane was walking faster and faster, and finally used the Substitution Jutsu to swiftly leave them two alone.
The two left behind looked at each other and were speechless for a while.
"It seems that he got angry?"
Murasaki tilted his head, seemingly guessing.
"Ahh, he's just too lazy to explain it all."
Sakumo sighed and based on his understanding of Akabane. He was just simply lazy.
If they want to know the story, they can probably ask Orochimaru for the details.
…
"Hey Akaba, I know that we haven't been able to talk lately. So how's your mission."
Seeing Akabane come back early, Akabane's father was a little surprised.
Akabane told his father, "Yeah, my mission was fine.."
"Our clan is proud of you, my son, to become the student of Danzo, you will become a great shinobi in the future."
Isamu Kurama was happily praising his son.
Danzo was the man who found root and the head of Anbu, his reputation on Konoha was well known.
"Yes, father.."
Akabane nodded slightly.
It is the dream of every parent to have a son like Akabane. Isamu Kurama and Keiko Kurama were only ordinary families. Having Akabane was their biggest gift from god.
"Let Akabane take some rest, darling, he finally has free time for himself."
Akabane's mother nagged.
Akabane felt lucky enough to have a harmonious family who cared for him dearly.
What a life…
Akabane sighed for a while and felt that his shinobi life would be harder from now on.
If he could, he didn't want to be a shinobi, but since now he is part of team 7 led by Danzo, he was afraid that he would be recruited into the root one day.
"Ahh, finally, I can take a rest again."
Lying on the bed, he didn't want to move an inch.
"Shadow clone Jutsu!"
He called out his loyal worker. Then the clone starts to work on the comic while Akabane was lazily lying on the bed.
I have no human rights!
The clone sighed from the bottom of his heart while drawing a panel.
"Don't take it like that. I just had the time to take a rest after two whole long days, okay!"
Akabane reluctantly sat, crossing his leg, and began to regenerate his chakra.
After a while, Akabane had restored half of his chakra pool, then laying on his bed again.
Suddenly a sound came to form his window.
Tuk tuk tuk!
"who is that again..?"
"Heyya Akaba-kun.."
Jiraiya!?
Akabane saw Jiraiya was outside his window, waiting to let him in, so he got up and opened the window.
"Okay okay wait a sec-"
"Eh eh wait!"
Boom!
With a sound, Akabane stuck his head out of the window and looked down.
He saw Jiraiya lying on the ground.
After a moment on the ground, Jiraiya climbed back from below.
"Can't everyone visit me by a knock on my front door instead of my window?"
Akabane was helpless.
"Ouch.. this is the way of Shinobi.."
Jiraiya denied it while holding on to his back.
"Yeah whatever, what are you doing here?"
Akabane actually can guess his intention. Jiraiya simply wants him to teach him to become better at using his ninjutsu.
Jiraiya didn't have many friends to ask for this kind of request.
He glanced at Akabane's clone, who was busy drawing, and asked, "You have a good understanding of shadow clone Akaba-kun, can you teach me some tricks?"
"If Sarutobi-sensei said that you have potential, then he will surely teach you."
Akabane kindly rejected it.
"Hmm, am I worthy enough to be the disciple of someone like Sarutobi-sensei?"
Jiraiya was crossing his leg on the floor with a dejected look.
The result of today's test hit him so hard that it made someone optimistic and care-free like Jiraiya became depressed."
Akabane wasn't good at choosing words, but seeing someone come to him to confide, he had no other way than to consulate his friend.
Jiraiya will eventually go to Mount Myōboku and discover his talent to become a sage. But no matter how you look at it now, he is only a naughty boy who enjoyed peeking in the bathhouse and not worth becoming the Third Hokage's disciple.
If he was defeated by his teacher, he wouldn't be so frustrated, but his team got beaten up one-sided by another team, which gave a quite severe blow to his pride.
After thinking about it, Akabane said: "Jiraiya, Orochimaru is a genius, but you are the one who took the attention of Sarutobi-sensei. Naturally, you have your advantages."
"Oh is that so Akaba-kun!?"
Jiraiya was easily convinced by Akabane's words.
And he said, "You mean, I'll be a genius if I train harder tomorrow?"
"Mmmmm…"
Akabane didn't know how to answer for a while, and now Jiraiya was a little too excited.
Akabane's clone helped him to put up his words, "Don't get us wrong, you can't be a genius, but you could train harder than everyone every single day to be a better shinobi."
"Aah, I see… what are you trying to say was hardworking is the key, right!?"
"Umm yea.. something like that.. then maybe someday you can reach the level of Orochimaru and Tsunade."
However, seeing how his confidence was restored, Akabane and the clone couldn't bear to say anymore. Otherwise, he would get it over his head.
"Thank you, Akaba-kun!"
"Yeah… it's nothing.. I'm going to continue my comic. I'll see you later."
Jiraiya got out of the window excitedly.
Boom!
With a sound, Jiraiya fell again.
Ahh, not again…
Akabane sighed lightly.
Not long after he thought that he could finally rest, there was another rustling sound from the window, followed by a thump.
"Ahh, here we go again.."
This time a white hand, then showed long black hair.
In the next second, Orochimaru jumped into the room. He was undoubtedly more adept than Jiraiya.
"Should I just nail down my window.."
Akabane was helpless and a bit annoyed.
Well, what is the point of a door if a Shinobi thought that they could just enter through someone's window!
Orochimaru was a little dumbfounded, and after a long pause, he said, "Jiraiya said that you only talk to him when he enters through the window?"
"Why would you believe words that came from Jiraiya?"
"Are you really Orochimaru?"
Akabane was shocked by the fact that Orochimaru would buy Jiraiya's words.
This time, Orochimaru didn't hesitate and said directly: "I've analyzed your character, and it might be true that you will ignore me if I came from the front door."
"Haiss!"
"Hahahahaha…"
Akabane's clone couldn't help but laugh wildly, and the room was filled with a cheerful mood.
Time is money, my friend, so please speak up if you have something to say."
Akabane didn't want to waste much time. After his store opening and becoming a member of team 7 he rarely got free time nowadays.
Orochimaru was very hesitant, having a hard time speaking, and after opening his mouth several times, he finally confided in his intentions: "I want to ask Akabane-kun to teach me how to use Genjutsu."
"Genjutsu? My genjutsu is fairly simple. I just used it as multiple deceptions."
Akabane said lightly.
"But how do you projected what you want into what I saw?"
Orochimaru wasn't proficient in genjutsu yet but has studied these subjects. The main foundation of genjutsu is to disturb chakra and mind, so the target can see their most feared imagination.
Then how could Akabane precisely project what he wants them to see?
"Well… through predicting your opponent's move."
"Prediction?"
Orochimaru fell into deep in his thought.
"Back then when my mission starts, what I'm worried about the most was that my teammates fell into your bluff and you with Tsunade would attack me first, but it seems that you two were confident enough to face us separately, and I've calculated my teammate's capability and guessed that they could beat Tsunade."
"With that condition in mind, I could accurately execute my strategy without being bothered by other things. The key to my genjutsu was because I could predict the outcome, and my Kekkei Genkai took the biggest role."
Akabane explained.
"The Kurama's Kekkei Genkai? The Five Sense of Control?"
Orochimaru felt his biggest downsides.
When it comes to Kekkei Genkai, it's a unique trait of ninjutsu that only can be passed down between generations of certain clans. Even among the Kurama Clan, only Akabane, who has been seen to awakened his Kekkei Genkai.
"Sorry, I can only help you with that explanation."
Akabane politely apologized.
"It's me who should say thanks, Akabane-kun, farewell then.."
Orochimaru was a little lost, got up and bowed.
After that, he climbed out of the window and jumped out.
Akabane was silent for a moment, then shook his head slightly, lay down, and closed his eyes.
"It can be seen that Orochimaru also took a severe loss."
His clone said lightly.
Akabane felt that Orochimaru took his defeat harder than his teammates since he was always the top student in the academy, and none has ever reached his level.
"Hmm… This will be a great piece of information about him in my comic."
Akabane then stood up.
"Speaking of which, we'd better hurry up to reach the plot of "The Lands of Waves Escort Mission". There was a lot of ninjutsu and Kekkei Genkai being used in those chapters, which could give me tons of new ninjutsu to exchange."
Akabane said excitedly.
"If you are that impatient, shouldn't you help me finish this?"
"Nice suggestion! … shadow clone Jutsu!"
Akabane summoned another clone to help finished his comic faster. Then he sat down, crossed his leg to recover his chakra.
In the room, the two clones looked at each other, speechless.
…
Orochimaru left the Kurama clan and walked past the woods.
Suddenly he saw Jiraiya was holding a drawing board in one hand and a pen in the other, trying to draw comics.
"Jiraiya also started to draw comics? is this thing more important than your training?"
"Ridiculous!"
Orochimaru sneered and was about to taunt Jiraiya.
However.
If drawing a comic was an idiotic thing to do, then what is he who lost to Akabane?
He froze, then turned and left.
Orochimaru has always been smart and assertive since he was young. He always knew what he wanted, but now he has felt his first loss.
He wouldn't hate Akabane for this, but can he fight equally with Akabane in the future?
Not sure.
Orochimaru walked aimlessly and unconsciously lookup.
"Hokage' Rock huh?"
There were many people at Hokage Rock at this time. They are repairing the Third-Hokage statue, bit by bit, it gradually emerged from scratch.
"Guidance?"
Orochimaru looked thoughtful, this is guidance!
Maybe I should try too, what's it like to draw comics."
He thought to himself.
To understand the way of someone's mind, you must first learn to figure out their desires.
As for understanding Akabane, he must learn the reason for Akabane's comic.
"No, comics are too difficult, all I need is the reason!"
"I'll try it!"
It's rare to see Orochimaru excitedly learned something new.
…
"It seems that Orochimaru has solved his problems."
On the Hokage's office, Hiruzen, who had been monitoring Orochimaru for a while, breathed a sigh of relief.
"Orochimaru is not as fragile as you think. He had what it takes to be an Anbu."
Danzo was entering the office with a confident expression on his face.
Although Akabane also has excellent talents and awakened his Kekkei Genkai, he doesn't have the work ethic of Anbu, which can be seen on Orochimaru.
Only those who have motivation could become stronger!
"We have discussed this before. I will not allow you to take Orochimaru!"
Hiruzen burst out of vigor, and the entire office was suddenly rattled.
"Put away your fragile threats; our deal is one year of your training."
Danzo chuckled and turned away.
…
Back at Anbu's headquarter, he took out the comic he bought before and read it from the beginning again.
Previously, he lost interest after only a few pages because he got other things to work with. Now that he has spare time, coupled with Akabane's outstanding performance on the field, he has once again become interested in the comic.
"Let's see…"
After reading the first chapter, his eyes wandered around his office while lost in his thought.
"Danzo-sama, that comic… is it that interesting?"
Said one of his subordinates.
After all, seeing that the head of Anbu has taken an interest in reading a comic was just an unusual sight.
"What took my interest was the author of this comic."
Danzo explained clearly.
"Oh? Is it one of your students? Akabane Kurama?"
"Yes."
Danzo's response was straight and cold, as he continues to read the comic.
…
Soon after he finished reading all the five chapters, something took his interest.
"What are you thinking, Danzo-sama?"
His subordinate asked him curiously.
"The tailed-beasts are the strongest living form of chakra, and Konoha has an authorization to sealed the strongest of them all, Nine-tailed Fox, Kyuubi. There has never been a problem with the sealing method of the Uzumaki clan, but in this comic, the Kyuubi was set rampage on Konoha, then sealed within the main character who knows nothing about being a Jinchuriki."
Danzo sneered.
The pure-blooded of Uzumaki clan has always had red hair. How come there is blond hair, Uzumaki?
"You mean…"
"Akabane thinks something will happen to the Uzumaki clan and Konoha that almost destroyed the whole village!"
Danzo said with suspicion.
"What will happen? Maybe this is just the story he made?"
His subordinate was even more puzzled.
The Hidden Village of Konoha had always put the greatest respect to Uzumaki Clan and their successor. What's the worst thing that could happen to them?"
Besides, this comic is just a fictional story of a kid, so there is no deep meaning on it!
"I'll give this the benefit of the doubt as the village's security partook within the story. Help me collect his latest chapters. I want to see it as soon as possible."
Danzo put down the comic and ordered his Anbu.
"Understood!"
Although puzzled, his subordinate nodded as a response.
When his subordinates left, Danzo picked up the comic again and looked at the first page.
"The Nine-tailed…the Uzumaki clan will be gone, left only one successor.."
Danzo watched it carefully. Akabane's comic was just fiction, but he felt that the possibility was quite high by seeing how close is it to the real thing.
The powerful sealing jutsu and their vitality are the reasons why Uzumaki Mito still lives long as a Jinchuriki. On the other hand, the Jinchuriki on the other hidden village ended up miserably…
If they want to deal with Konoha's tailed-beast, they must first cut off the strength of the Senju and the Uzumaki clans combined.
There is an indication that the Uzumaki clan is in danger!
"Will this caused by the Kumogakure? Or Kirigakure? Or, other factors?"
Danzo was lost in thought.
This is something that may not necessarily happen, but as the head of Anbu, every scenario of catastrophe that included the Konohagakure must be calculated.
Damn, it's already evening by now, I'm so tired. Next time, you need to summon two clones at once. Thus we can finish the chapter much faster."
His clones nag him before they disappeared.
"Ah! Wait a sec—"
Akabane just wanted them not to disappear at the same time, but…
Poof!
Following the sound of the disappearance, the backlash of working his clones to their limit comes back at him all at once.
"Ahh, Damn!"
Akabane wants to scold his ancestors, those two rebellious clones of his definitely did it on purpose because of him resting while they were working to retaliate against him.
I'm going to pass out anytime soon…
He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head. Then he laid to rest on his bed.
"Argh.. two clones were still too much.."
70 points of chakra still weren't enough for him to control two clones at the same time, and he had reached his limit when they had gone.
"My son? who are you talking to?"
Akabane's father's voice came from downstairs.
"I was just talking to myself, father."
Akabane replied while rubbing his forehead.
"Since you're the disciples of Danzo, it's likely that you'll have a mission for tomorrow. Go to bed early, son."
His father said through the door.
"Yes, father."
Then Akabane followed his father's instructions and immediately go to sleep.
…
Akabane woke up early today. With his head no longer hurts.
"Having high points on chakra is really useful. I'll need to exchange more points into chakra later."
Akabane said in his heart.
When he just left his house, Akabane saw Shimi walking slowly on the side of the streets.
"Heyy, Shimi! It feels like deja vu, are you late again?"
Akabane was surprised.
"Oh, oi Akaba.. look who's talking..?"
Shimi sneered.
"Ahaha, but you were late last time, right?"
Akabane said lightly while the two of them walked towards the Hokage's office.
"And whose fault do you think it is ?"
The first and the last day that he was late was on his graduation day, it left a mark when he thought of it.
"Late means late, doesn't matter once or several times since it's all the same."
"Well, see you then!"
Akabane speeded up and left Shimi behind.
Shimi was stunned, and then wondered what time is it now?
I don't want to be late again!
Shimi swiftly quickened his pace and tried to catch up with Akabane.
"Wait for a second. I'm supposed to go training today!"
After he ran a few steps, he gradually thought about it.
We just got our team. We're supposed to be training right now. Why did Akabane go to the Hokage's Office?
"Is it a mission…?"
After thinking about it he then looked in the direction where Akabane had left with some sympathy "it must be hard for Akaba being in team 7 with Danzo-sama as their leader, even someone like him is working hard."
If Akabane heard this, he couldn't agree more.
A teacher like Danzo would bring him a lifetime of misery.
As soon as Akabane arrived at the Hokage's Office, he didn't have time to catch his breath. Danzo had already waited with the mission scroll. And there were Murasaki and Sakumo too.
"This is your mission, assist the patrolling on the border."
Danzo said lightly.
"What? Isn't Gennin usually helping with a small task within the village?"
Akabane was shocked. This mission was too much for them.
"It's just a C-level mission. I've seen your capability, and it's enough to take on this mission."
Danzo didn't bother by Akabane's complaint, after reading his comic, he knew that Akabane was smart and deceitful. The only drawback is his laziness.
He still got room to grow. He only needs to give him a "little" push.
Danzo walked slowly, heading out of the village.
As the one who maintained security on Konoha, Danzo always travels outside the village, this behavior of him attracting lots of unwanted attention along the way.
Walking to the gate, Danzo took out his pass permit and the mission scroll.
"Danzo-sama, you want to participate in border patrolling?"
"Yes."
Danzo nodded coldly, then glanced at his disciples behind him.
The gatekeeper, who was a chuunin looked at Danzo's disciples, wrote down their names one by one on the travel list, and then allowed them to pass.
"You can take your leave Danzo-sama."
By handing in the pass, it means that they can leave Konoha.
Danzo nodded slightly, and with team 7 on his trail, they walked toward outside the village.
"I've never left the village, so this is my first time."
Murasaki said with emotion.
Murasaki wasn't someone talented like Orochimaru or Akabane, but he can reach his current level through constant training since young, and it can be said that Murasaki hasn't recovered much from yesterday's battle.
They are still children after all, except for Akabane…
Danzo observed his disciples secretly, except for Akabane. Everyone was very curious about the outside world. Even Sakumo wandered curiously like a lost child kept staring at him, but Akabane looks like it doesn't bother him at all.
He is not curious about the outside world. After all, he once was an adult…
…
"Sensei, where are we going?"
They have been walking for a few hours now.
Akabane just couldn't help to ask, since he already felt stiff on his legs.
"See for yourself."
Danzo did not answer but threw a map.
Akabane took it without saying anything because he knew Danzo would not answer even if he asked.
He will let his disciples experience it themselves…
Looking at it. The map of this era was roughly made, almost ancient, but fortunately, it was similar to the one he knew from the real comic. He carefully identified and finally found their current location.
"How come we have to travel to Uzumaki Village!?"
Akabane was shocked, and his face turned pale when he knew where they were heading.
Only God knows how long it will take to get from here to the Uzumaki Village.
Danzo is an absolute madman! How can he allow his disciples to travel that far within their third day of becoming a ninja!
"what's wrong?"
Murasaki leaned over curiously, looked at the map, and said in surprise, "Uzumaki Village!"
"What's the matter with your surprise look!"
Akabane looks constipated, and he was struggling to walk after seeing their destination which was not a good thing.
"The country of Vortex which is a very mysterious country."
Sakumo said simply.
"Very Mysterious indeed…"
Although reluctant and want to go back, but without Danzo their leader's consent, Akabane know that it's impossible to retreat.
He is just a newly graduated ninja, and Danzo is the head of the Anbu.
It will take days for them to go to Uzumaki Village from Konoha. Even a chuunin wouldn't bother going there.
Danzo seemed to be slow, but in fact, he was fast and swift. At first, Akabane could catch up, but Danzo gradually accelerated.
"Danzo wants to test my physique?"
Akabane thought to himself, maintaining the current speed, and after waiting for a long time, he slowly kept up with the pace.
At this time, his teacher and teammates had already left him behind, waiting for him in the woods ahead.
"Come on. You need to keep up."
Danzo's eyes were cold as if seeing through Akabane's thoughts.
This is psychological warfare.
His physique has never been exposed, even Danzo doesn't know what level he has reached in the physique. To be precise, Akabane himself doesn't know the limit of his 24 points of the physique.
After another gauging, Danzo found that Akabane really couldn't catch up, so he gives up assessing him.
He slows down a bit, letting Akabane catch up.
"Danzo took us to the vicinity of the Uzumaki Village, just for a mission?"
"It will never be that simple."
He thought to himself, knowing the nature of Danzo.
"Could it be that he wants to risk our lives?"
Akabane was surprised and even more shocked.
Danzo hasn't yet created the roots, but the root squad already exists. According to his training method, if his strength reaches a certain level, they could be ordered to do the assassination.
Ninja, who was coldblooded, was truly an asset.
But Akabane doesn't want trouble, let alone killing.
It's because you're all too slow.. that we arrived here at night."
When they arrived, the sun had already set. Danzo scolded them for being sluggish and then pointed to one of the hills. "Find me someplace to sleep, I don't want to sleep in the wild, so… there is a bandit camp over there, I want you to kill them all."
"What!?"
Murasaki was shocked.
Kill!?
Sakumo gripped his saber's hilt tightly, a little nervous and a little lost, but nevertheless fearless.
His clan was meant to be the best assassin among the ninja, and he has been prepared for it since he was a child.
"Kill all of them?"
Akabane still couldn't believe what he heard.
"Yes, men, women, and children kill them all!"
After he said it, he looked at them with cold eyes, "I don't intend to help you do your mission, so you have to do it yourself.
"This is too much.."
Murasaki was frightened, and his hands trembled.
He can bear with killing men, but women and their children were too much for him.
"Got it, sensei!"
Sakumo nerve himself and took out his saber, got up, and went to the camp.
Patrolling the border means killing bandits and robbers that will cause trouble for the traveler. Even if it's not on the mission's details, someone gotta do it.
Akabane sighed lightly, took out his drawing tools, and headed to the camp behind Sakumo.
This was their mission as a ninja, no matter how cruel it was, it needs to be done with.
"Akabane and Sakumo had already gone to the hill, Murasaki..what will you do?"
Danzo watched them leave, slowly following them, and left Murasaki behind.
Akabane was mature, Sakumo always has the blood of an assassin within him, but Murasaki hasn't got that kind of determination.
The hill was getting closer, and Akabane could already see the lights gleaming from the camp.
"Shimura-sensei wants us to kill children…"
" We have to go through that sooner or later, but we are one step ahead of others. This is what it means to become a ninja."
Akabane said lightly.
Although he is also still feeling shocked, he needs to calm down. Otherwise, what is the difference between him and these little kids?
Sakumo put his hand on the saber and said, "My father taught me since I was a kid that a saber was meant to be used as killing tools, and a ninja was born to kill. Just as Akabane said, sooner or later, we will see this kind of situation anyway."
"I've always been trained to become a ninja. I just want to kill the enemy ninja…"
Murasaki clenched his hands.
After all, they are all children. How can they easily accept the fact that they have to kill a child and a woman.
"If you can't take it, I will be dealing with the children."
Sakumo lifted his saber without hesitation.
"No, I'll handle the children by killing them with my genjutsu."
Akabane took the drawing board and went up to the camp; his five senses of control were able to kill them painlessly.
"No, I have to do it too."
"I'm not as good as you guys. If I step back now, I will always be left out behind."
"I'll take it as a test to become the real ninja!"
Murasaki gritted his teeth and stepped first towards the camp.
His speed exploded, and he reached the campsite in the blink of an eye.
No matter how cruel the bandits are, they are just ordinary people, and all three of them are ninja of Konoha, they have no chance to survive.
…
Blood was sprayed everywhere, followed by corpses falling to the ground.
"Runaway, they are a ninja! Runaway!"
"Go, go!"
"We will stall them! Guide the children through the forest!"
The bandits were in chaos. They didn't expect to be attacked.
"Shit! He is too fast!"
"Fire Release Jutsu!"
The flame sprayed, and countless small fireballs flew from outside and danced inside the camps.
All of a sudden, lots of bandits came out from the camps, they were burned and screamed horribly.
"Run, run…"
In the middle of the screams, silhouettes of people shuttled through the fire.
However…
In a blink of an eye, their neck was cut swiftly by Sakumo.
Akabane was sitting in the middle of the road, In the back of the hill,
"Mother, why are we leaving?"
"Because we were being attacked by a ninja.
For ordinary people, the ninja is their companion, but for the bandits, it's their grim reaper.
"Who is sitting there?"
The bandit who leads the way stopped, his eyes wary, "Who are you?"
"Ninja, he… the forehead guard on his head is Konoha's Ninja!"
Someone yelled in shock.
"We are not bandits. We just want to escape from Uzumaki Village…"
Another woman knelt to her face, begging, "We just want to live, please have mercy."
"Sorry, I'm just doing my mission."
Akabane looked around, and none of the people present had red hair, as the traits of Uzumaki Village were their red hair.
So he didn't hesitate.
He finished his drawing.
"Genjutsu: Five Sense Control!"
Everyone entered his drawing and got killed inside.
"A silent and painless death, that is my mercy."
Akabane used his Kekkei Genkai to wipe out all their pain, allowing them to end their lives one by one in their dream.
These are all ordinary people, and it doesn't take much effort.
After that, the scroll was torn apart.
Everyone fell to the ground, and there was frostbite on everyone as if they were frozen to death.
Akabane looked at the mess and remained silent for a long time.
He had killed someone.
Killing without blood was more terrifying than seeing blood because Akabane couldn't even feel any remorse in his heart, as if he had only erased a piece of the picture on his scroll, instead of stabbing someone on their throat.
"Uzumaki Village… That's how it is, Danzo has come here after he senses the crisis in Uzumaki Village."
Akabane is not stupid and understands everything instantly.
The destruction of Uzumaki Village has long been planned by someone.
"Akabane, it looks like you understand something?"
A voice came from behind.
Danzo Shimura!
Akabane turned around, then bowed slightly, thinking for a moment, and said, "Sensei, they are all from the Uzumaki Village, but they are treated as bandits after fleeing the village…"
"What's your point? speak boldly."
Danzo scolding.
"It almost looks like the daimyo does not want Uzumaki Village to exist."
Akabane said his conclusion is based on the current situation and his understanding of history.
"what?"
Danzo chuckled, his hands suddenly made hand seals, followed by a violent wind from his mouth, the windswept across the ground like blades, and a big hole appeared in a short time.
"It's done now."
What is it?
Corpses that can be used as evidence were buried on the earth.
Akabane just stood speechless. If he wants to live a simple and stable life like before, he mustn't ask too much.
"Then what do you think we should do next?"
Danzo said lightly.
A question seems to ask for suggestions, but in fact, it is more of a test.
Akabane pondered for a moment and said, "The same as what you did."
"Hahaha, yes, I commend you for that."
Danzo slowly went up to the camp.
Akabane buried the remaining corpse before rejoining his team.
"Sensei, it seems that I'll sleep in the forest tonight, there is no way I could sleep in that camp.."
Akabane wandered around. The camp was full of mess, corpses, and blood everywhere. And it was obvious that everyone except them had already died.
"Yeah, I don't mind."
Danzo randomly found a tent to sleep in.
Murasaki and Sakumo hesitated for a moment and then stayed in the room where they had killed people next door.
Akabane followed up and saw the two of them looked pale.
The corpses have been buried, but the rooms were still full of blood, plus they just killed someone. How can they sleep well tonight?
"Akabane, they don't even have knives, only hoes, kitchen knives, people like this…"
"Not a bandit at all."
Murasaki was in pain, with fear and guilt on his face. At the same time, Sakumo beside him became even more silent.
"We have no other choice."
From the beginning, Akabane knew that he had no other choice.
If he has a choice, he would rather stay in Konoha and draw his comics at ease without leaving his house.
"We must endure it for now."
Akabane means something vague.
At this time, the blood in the tent had coagulated, giving off a more unpleasant smell.
Did you sleep well last night?"
In the next day, Danzo got up early and exercised outside.
Seeing Murasaki and Sakumo leave their tent, he looked back and asked. His indifferent face suddenly bloomed and smile can be seen at it which is rare.
Not bad…
"Thank you for asking sensei. We slept well."
Sakumo replied.
"But for what I saw, Akabane was the one who slept well from the three of us."
Murasaki sighed lightly, a little bit envious about Akabane's nerve.
It is hard for him to imagine that in such a bloody tent, someone not only sleeps peacefully but also sleeps on the bed like he owns it.
"Hahaha."
Danzo couldn't help laughing hearing Murasaki.
For a slacker like Akabane, it's impressive for him after their long travel, he must be worn out both physically and mentally with how deep his sleep is.
"Call him up. We're going to start patrolling the border."
Danzo said lightly.
"Huh? Do we have to patrol?"
Akabane's shocked voice came from the room.
"It's not a good thing to be too smart, because they will think some simple things are too complicated."
Danzo answered and after a pause he continued "Come out quickly; otherwise, I wouldn't accompany you."
Akabane's eyes lit up hearing it and said.
"Right away, sensei!"
"Murasaki, Sakumo, you two go together, Akabane, you'll be with me."
Danzo said and went down the hill.
But Akabane's face who was very excited a moment ago turned pale when he heard Danzo's last sentencec. He didn't expect this.
"Wait, can we just stick together…?"
Before Akabane could say his opinion, Sakumo and Murasaki had gone all the way, while Danzo was heading the other way.
"I want to be with Murasaki!" Akabane complained.
But alas, Danzo wouldn't listen to his whining.
"Akabane, there are some merchants ahead, go and protect them."
From the hill along the border to the north, when they reached a commercial road, Danzo stopped and pointed in the direction of Uzumaki Village.
"Got it."
Akabane walked along the road and reached the border.
In the distance, several carts and a group of people yelled and fled towards the land of fire.
Looking at the emblem that they held, this group of caravans was from Uzumaki Village, but…
"This is grandma Mito's emblem!?"
Akabane's eyes flickered, and he noticed the subtle mark on the lower right corner of the caravan flag.
It was the Uzumaki Clan emblem!
"Come on. We need to reach the border!"
"Don't worry about goods. Our lives are more important."
The leader of the caravan didn't even care about their belongings and rushed to the border in a hurry.
Suddenly there were silhouettes in the rear moving swiftly between the woods, almost like a ghost.
Ninja!
Akabane became more cautious.
Akabane hasn't experienced fighting to the death with the real ninja, and he also wasn't sure about their fighting prowess.
"Are they targeting Danzo?"
"I don't have much time to think, what's their objective?"
In the real battle, he has no time to hesitate.
With only a slight window of chance, he stained his pen with ink and drew a background.
The trail and the woods were completed in a few breaths, and then a little black ink fell on it, the lines were finely trimmed, and he finished drawing a human.
"We make it! We finally created it!"
The moment they crossed the borderline, many people were already exhausted and collapsed directly.
However…
In the next second, black shadows flew from the forest in the distance, the group of ninja threw their shuriken to the caravans, even if they've fled to the border.
"what!"
"Run…get some cover!"
Screams spread throughout the border.
The leader looked back and was shocked to find that the ninja hadn't stopped chasing them.
At this time, the drawing in Akabane's hands was completed.
"Five sense control!"
In his drawing, the leaves turn into sharp blades, slicing over the throats of several ninjas.
"Arghhh.."
There is no time to scream. The sharp pain given by the blades overwhelmed them. Some of them were bleeding intensely from their throats, and in a few seconds, they fell to the ground, lifeless.
"what just happened?"
"It's the help from Konoha's ninja!"
After swiftly killing several ninjas single-handedly. The leader of the caravans felt relieved. Konoha must have sent their aids.
Akabane thought for a moment, then cast a transformation jutsu to disguise him as Konoha's Anbu before jumping off the tree.
"Are you a caravan of an Uzumaki Village?"
These people recognized the Anbu dress.
"We are the caravan responsible for the trade between Uzumaki Village and Konohagakure. This is our pass token."
They showed their token.
Akabane took it over and closely examined it.
This token is not much different from what Mito gave him. The only difference is that the other side's token is engraved with the marks of Uzumaki and Senju, while Akabane's hand is a personal mark belonging to Uzumaki Mito.
Suddenly…
At this moment, from the direction of Uzumaki Village, several kunai flew from a distance, with exploding talisman hanging from their end.
In the forest, Akabane saw a pair of lurking eyes.
With only one glance, a thought flashed in Akabane's mind-Jonin!
He immediately escaped with a substitute, Jutsu, and then he cast a hand seal.
"Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Jutsu!"
Since Akabane had surpassed the chakra of a chuunin, his genjutsu was super effective against them.
"Wind Release: Great Breach!"
Simple C-rank ninjutsu, but in the hands of Danzo, it is terrifying.
A violent wind swept through all kunai, blowing them back, and at the same time, Danzo's figure disappeared and instantly moved to the other side.
"A Genin, how is it possible…"!
"This is bad!"
This Jonin dismissed Akabane's Genjutsu instantly, but at the same time he dismissed the Genjutsu, he felt an aura approaching him quickly.
Then…
Clash!
With one accurate shot, blood splattered around the forest.
The next second, Danzo appeared. There was no blood on his body, but his blade had been dyed red.
"Sensei!"
Akabane breathed a sigh of relief.
"They even bothered to send a Jounin. This situation has got much worse."
Danzo's eyes were full of blood lust.
The daimyo held a grudge against Uzumaki Village. But there were people with Senju's emblem. This was not just a problem between the two villages, but also involves Konoha's reputation.
Some of the merchants on the ground fainted, but fortunately, no one died from the clash.
"Sensei… who are they?"
Akabane swiped his temples, using his Jutsu on a Jonin has consumed his chakra more than he predicted.
"The Hidden Mist Village!"
Danzo was silent for a moment, shaking his hand to shake off the blood on the blade, and then sheath it cleanly.
Akabane was startled slightly and immediately understood.
Uzumaki Village was surrounded by the sea on three sides, and The Hidden Mist Village was just across their sea.
"Sure enough, if they managed to kill all the witnesses, there will be no evidence left."
Akabane smiled bitterly.
These people from the Hidden Mist Village understood how to leave no trace of murder. They are the most proficient at it.
"Fall back first, Akabane, and rejoin with your other teammates."
Danzo's face becomes serious.
He just killed 1 Jounin and several Chuunin. It is most unlikely they would launch another attack on this site.
His concern was about Murasaki and Sakumo on the other side. Since a jounin has appeared, the tide has turned drastically.
He was really worried.
Those are two of Konoha's new generation successors. They must be kept alive!
When they came back, they found that Murasaki and Sakumo had also returned.
But the two were seriously injured, especially Murasaki, who was carried by Danzo's clone.
When Danzo's clone saw its master, he bowed slightly and then disappeared. Instantly Danzo understood what had happened to them.
They fought the same ninja from The Hidden Mist Village, but they were outnumbered by their enemies.
"Have you encountered the enemy?"
Akabane just wants to make sure that they fought the same enemy.
"Yes… A group of ninja from The Hidden Mist Village… and one of them was a Jounin…"
Sakumo was out of breath.
Akabane wasn't surprised. He was just attacked by the same composition of the enemy before. If it weren't for Danzo, he might not manage to survive.
"Treat your wound first."
Danzo handed them two bottles of medicine.
Akabane took a closer look, and these drugs were just for Murasaki's injury alone.
As for Sakumo, he just had a minor injury, and it would naturally heal after resting.
"We are going back."
Danzo's face was solemn, "A higher-level ninja had appeared, and we must report this back to the village."
His task was only to patrol the border when it comes to bigger problems; he can't take action alone.
"What Sensei said is true, go back, we should go back."
Akabane said with a hint of joy.
Returning to the village earlier was the thing he had waited for.
"I'll go find the caravan's leader first. I'll leave my clone to guide you."
Danzo said.
If it was only to deal with some bandits who settle camps on the border, he could still follow the mission, but now it escalates quickly into bigger problems between Konoha and Uzumaki Village.
To intervene, Konoha must act quickly and can't waste any minutes.
As soon as his voice fell, he cast a shadow clone, and Danzo quickly disappeared.
"Let's take a rest before we go back."
Akabane sat down on the rock and added, "It's not that I am lazy this time, but you need to recover."
"Fair point."
Sakumo nodded and joined him.
Murasaki's injury was far more serious than they expected, and any reckless movement will cause him more trouble.
Danzo's clones carefully guard their surroundings, and Akabane could feel that he was indeed a clone.
"Akaba…you have also met the enemy?"
Sakumo was silent for a while, then asked.
"Yes."
Akabane nodded, he could guess what Sakumo was asking, and he was hesitant to explain.
"Then why… you didn't get any injury?"
Sakumo became more and more curious.
Their side was badly outplayed, but Akabane came back without any injuries, which made him feel strange.
"We met several Chuunin, and I managed to kill them with genjutsu, but suddenly a Jounin appeared and almost killed me."
Akabane explained the details.
That a jounin had joined their force, but he managed to escape.
He was merely saved by Danzo when he almost ate the explosion fired on him.
That's why he was left without any injuries.
However, the fact that he managed to kill some chuunin shocked Sakumo and Murasaki.
Several Chuunin killed by genjutsu huh…?
This is enough to show that Danzo trusts Akabane's capability until the Jounin shows up.
Sakumo held his saber with a bit of unwillingness in his eyes. Although he knew that Akabane was gifted by his Kekkei Genkai, he realized that their gap had grown farther.
"How was the Jounin?"
Sakumo asked while clenching his hand.
He wasn't jealous of Akabane but hated himself for being too weak.
"The Jounin was a pro. I'm a few hundred meters away from him, but his eyes still gave me chills."
Akabane was serious. "Speaking of which, we are less likely to be targeted by them again by now."
"So Akabane, did you manage to cast your genjutsu on him?"
Murasaki asked.
They expected that Akabane had succeeded in trapping the jounin on his genjutsu.
However, Akabane shook his head.
"The Jounin was beyond my limit. To kill him, we need to cooperate."
Five senses of control are not invincible Jutsu. If the opponent has more experience, they could break the illusion,
Based on his earlier combat experience, Akabane guessed that his current upper limit would at most be a certain degree of Jounin.
"How about my sword skill? Can I deal with a Jounin?"
Sakumo has outstanding combat prowess more than Akabane. All he needed was a chance to land one hit on the enemy, clean and deadly.
"I think you can take him. Everyone has their pros and cons. Don't underestimate yourself, my friend."
Akabane nodded.
Akabane was just telling the truth from his analysis, and that would let his teammates be assured of their strength.
At least, he thought so.
"Indeed, if Murasaki hadn't fought with me, I might have died there."
Sakumo said with emotion.
"My pleasure."
Murasaki said gratefully.
He knew it well that Akabane and Sakumo were better than him.
But he still couldn't bear their big gap.
Akabane can fight with several Chuunin and win, Sakumo has his excellent sword skill, but he can only be a punching bag.
The gap was too big, so big that it discouraged Murasaki.
"I've been used to it since I was a kid, but you are right, I also have my use, and fortunately, my attribute is fire."
Murasaki chuckled softly, but immediately pulled his wounds after felt a sharp pain.
The fire attribute chakra has strong offensive prowess, which makes Murasaki have his role.
Otherwise, he has to consider changing his careers.
"It's a pity that you have a bad relationship with Uchiha. Otherwise, if you can learn how to train your attribute, then it can take you to a new whole level."
Seeing that his mood improved, Akabane talked about other topics.
Konoha's strongest fire release user was undoubtedly possessed by the Uchiha Clan, including Murasaki's dragon fire Jutsu was indeed Uchiha's specialty.
We finally came back."
Luckily on their way back, no one ambushes them. It seems the trouble only happened on the border with ninja from the hidden mist.
At the moment he saw the gate, Akabane burst into tears.
The past few days for him almost felt like hell, and he finally returned to Konoha safely. He thought that he had to take a vacation after this.
With the Kurama Clan's trait of having a weak physique, he might succeed in getting a day off.
"Now that you have safely come back to Konoha, team 7 will disband for the time being."
After Danzo's shadow clone said that, he disappeared instantly.
The three of them looked at each other confusedly. There's an instant joy on their faces. Even the calmest person like Sakumo had a slight move on his expression.
"Ahh, I finally can take my holiday.."
As Akabane was talking, he was interrupted by Murasaki in the middle.
"No, in our best interest, I think you should start working on your comic again, Akaba-Kun."
Murasaki was serious and didn't give Akabane a chance to finish his sentence."
"That's right. I want to see the next chapter."
Sakumo also wanted to urge the next chapter as he wants to see his future "son."
"Urgh, please, I need to rest.."
"But, you can also use your clone to do the work, right?"
Murasaki shrugged, then waved goodbye.
"Just don't forget your comic."
After experience killing for the first time, Sakumo had a sudden change of presence, which made Akabane shudder.
"Hey, my Shadow Clone should take a rest too!"
Akabane felt helpless when no one believed his word. After all, the person who has no human rights in Konoha is his Shadow Clone.
…
After parting ways, Akabane saw Tsunade at a corner of the street.
Tsunade's expression was agitated and nervous, but when she saw Akabane, she sighs in relief and tried to hide her expression to remain calm.
"Oh, Have you just come back from your mission? I haven't seen you for a few days. "
"…"
Girl, the way you start a conversation is very poor.
Konoha only has a small group of genin, so it is impossible to conceal which group has a mission.
Akabane murmured silently in his heart, but considering the kindness and worry she felt, he didn't talk his thoughts out and instead replied kindly: "Yes, I just finished a mission and came back."
"I envy you. My team was only doing chores for these three days."
Tsunade sighed, feeling very disappointed.
She thought that she would immediately take a tough mission on the first day, fighting with some evil ninja from some hidden village, but the reality was she hasn't even taken the C-level mission yet, let alone leaving the village.
"Don't mention it. Running back and forth was exhausting, but if you want, you can
take my place anytime.."
Akabane said with a helpless expression, when it comes to Danzo, he can't be helped but be angry. The other teams started from the low-level mission, but they had to kill children and women on their third day.
What a Ruthless fellow!
"Ahh… I'll think about it again…"
Tsunade obviously understood Danzo's nature and definitely didn't want an exchange place with him.
Even in this period, Danzo was well known with a bad reputation.
Akabane didn't hate Danzo, but his philosophy didn't match with him after spending a few days under his wing.
He looked a little gloomy, and he walked down the street to his house, Tsunade followed behind, as if she had no other thing to do.
The way Danzo trained his disciples was way too cruel, which makes Akabane more depressed.
"By the way, when will you release the next volume? It has been five days by now, and you haven't released any new volume."
Tsunade remembered that her main purpose wasn't yet stated.
"hmm…"
Akabane felt more and more depressed.
"Also, don't forget to leave me a free chapter."
Seeing Akabane didn't respond and just kept walking, Tsunade shouted from behind.
He waved his hand weakly and left her behind.
Anyway,
Akabane needs to finish the next volume as soon as possible. Otherwise, the fans will non-stop asking him. Not to mention, Mito alone is enough to put him on the edge.
…
In the Hokage's Office.
"Groups of Ninja suddenly appeared in Uzumaki Village. They destroyed all our business and chased after us even after we passed the border!"
The caravan's leader was brought to Konoha by Danzo, slowly explaining the current situation, while there was the Third Hokage, Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado in the office listening.
This is Konoha's current highest rank of leadership.
"Where do these invaders come from? Didn't the village take any action?"
Homura's face was solemn, and at the same time, very puzzled.
Uzumaki Village has always been Konoha's main ally, and they knew how powerful the Uzumaki clan was.
This is a village of people who have extremely high talents. A small scale of invaders can't destroy them.
"There were too many of them! And we also didn't know their origin. Even after the village mobilized their army, it was still not enough, since they were outnumbered."
The caravan's leader smiled bitterly.
He got seriously injured from the battle and was treated by Konoha, otherwise, he wouldn't survive.
"So, you are asking us for aid?"
The Third Hokage wants to clarify his intention. He said it while breathing a cloud of smoke from his pipe.
"Yes, please help us, Hokage-sama, help the Uzumaki Village get rid of the invaders."
The caravan's leader knelt and pleaded bitterly.
"Does this request come on behalf of Uzumaki village?"
Danzo said coldly.
"This…this is, of course, for the sake of our village.."
The caravan's leader had cold sweat on his forehead and looked anxious.
He must be hiding something!
Danzo easily read his mind.
The Third Hokage smoked a few cigarettes and was speechless. Then Homura, who also sees through his lie, speaks: "Kazama-san, we don't want to hear lies, please answer honestly."
The four of them knew that this man hides something from them, and they wouldn't be deceived easily.
"Homura-san… I…"
"Still won't tell the truth?"
Danzo opened his eyes and burst out a murderous aura.
"Danzo, don't treat our guests like that."
The Third Hokage stopped Danzo immediately and then smiled gently and said, "Kazama-san, I think this request didn't come from Uzumaki village themselves but instead from you, right?"
"Uh.. hmm…"
Kazama looked pale and frightened, his legs trembled.
"Since this wasn't coming from Uzumaki village themself, we can't help, I'm sorry."
Homura shook his head with regret.
"Wait! But…"
"Kazama-san, since you just got here, feel free to stay here for the time being, but there is no way we can take your request officially."
The Third Hokage apologized.
Kazama had an ugly face, nodding his head heavily, and left the office.
The remaining four people sat back again, remaining silent.
"If it is not an official request, we can't risk our ninja to aid them. But…"
Homura said half a word, then hesitated to finish the sentence.
It would be a suicide mission to send their ninja there, but they knew that Uzumaki village is their most important ally.
"Let's observe him for now. There might be another plan to settle this."
After saying those words, the Third Hokage got up, sighed lightly, and left.
Today, I'll finish chapter ten!"
Back at home, Akabane summoned his shadow clone and set a goal for him. Then, ignoring the angry look of the clone, he lay down and rested.
This was the first time in the last few days that he had come into contact with the real bed. That day, he was too tired and fell asleep in the tent, even if it was messy as hell.
"Hey!! Your goal is too much for me. I can't finish this alone!"
A complaint came from his clone.
"Rest assured. I'll summon another one later. Now I'm too tired. If I pass out now, you will disappear as well."
Akabane looked tired, but was it the real situation for him?
He hasn't done anything in the past few days. At most, he just ran back and forth.
He just wants to slack!
His clone knew that and secretly still complained.
The comic slowly progressed, but the workload for his clone was too much.
However, Akabane wasn't sadistic like his teacher, and after a short rest, he summoned a second clone to assist his first clone.
"Should I visit grandma Mito?"
"Ahh, maybe later, I still need to finish this deadline first, anyway, things that happened in the Uzumaki village have nothing to do with me, no matter what."
Akabane was still thinking about going to Uzumaki Mito to discuss the problem that he encountered on his mission but rejected the idea before it was formulated for he is too lazy to move from his bed.
As soon as he put his head on the pillow, he instantly forgot other things.
Too tired to go out, and his bed felt like won't let go of him anytime soon.
…
At the Senju Clan's household, Kazama came here after he spoke with the Third Hokage while bringing his caravan's token.
"Excuse me, please help pass this token. I'm Kazama from Uzumaki village, and I asked to see the princess."
Kazama respectfully handed the token to the guard in front of the house with a sincere expression.
"Are you looking for Mito-sama?"
"Wait a minute…"
The guard glanced at him in amazement, he recognized the identity token of Kazama, and then quickly disappeared.
After a few seconds, he appeared again.
"Mito-sama is resting, and I will let you meet her in a few minutes."
He said lightly.
"Yes, thank you."
Kazama was full of respect; he didn't dare to make trouble.
Mito Uzumaki was the princess of Uzumaki village, and also the strongest Uzumaki in existence today.
However…
As a Jinchuriki, she was destined to stay only in Konoha. Once she stepped out of Konoha, it would cause a lot of trouble.
Because she contained the terrifying chakra that someone can possess.
In the courtyard, Mito sat quietly with Tsunade.
"The brat came back from his mission, didn't he say he was coming to visit me?"
Mito snorted coldly.
"He went straight home and looked tired as always, if my guess is right he wouldn't come out anytime soon."
Tsunade pondered for a while, but she didn't think Akabane would visit here after his mission.
"Huh, Is that so?"
Mito sneered, and then she looked with suspicion, "But how did that kid come early last time!"
"Grandma, I don't know that."
Tsunade shook her head. She was also shocked that day. It's rare to see Akabane get up early on his vacation before.
"Haha let's stop badmouthing him after all. His comic entertained me more than anything nowadays."
"Tsuna-chan doesn't forget to buy his next volume the first time it comes out. I want to read it as soon as possible."
Mito smiled gently.
"But, I wonder, who will visit me at this time?"
As soon as the token was handed over to her, she immediately noticed it. It was from the caravan who was responsible for the transaction between the Senju Clan and the Uzumaki Village.
Mito leaned back on the chair, closing her eyes, and rested.
She thought deeply and suddenly remembered something.
"Tsuna-chan, please get me the comic."
Tsunade was confused when she heard it. She had read it three times now, why did she need it again?
But this was a request from her beloved grandma, and she responded at once and then ran into the house to take out the comic.
After receiving it, Mito turned to the first page.
"Nine-tailed demon fox, Naruto Uzumaki…Well, the Uzumaki clan has fallen to the point where its descendant doesn't understand what it takes to be a Jinchuriki…"
Mito opened the first page with a chuckle, but her expression became more solemn.
If this is true…
"Tsunade, please invite our guest to come here."
She closed the comic and sat upright, thoughtful.
If this is true, then not only the Uzumaki Clan but the entire Uzumaki village will suffer a terrible blow.
Before long, Tsunade took Kazama in and arrived in the courtyard.
Seeing Mito, Kazama was shocked at first, followed by a face full of surprise. After a few seconds, he noticed that he was being rude and knelt and begged for mercy. "I'm sorry, Mito-sama, but I was stunned knowing that the princess of the Uzumaki clan is younger than I thought."
"It's okay. I'm not a princess anymore now."
Mito said lightly, "Get up first, and please have a seat."
"Yes, thank you, princess."
Kazama found that Mito's appearance was not aging at all, and he didn't dare to be rude.
"Are you the caravan's leader from Uzumaki village and Konoha?"
Mito held the token in her hand and asked.
"Yes, we are responsible for trading goods between Uzumaki village and Konoha."
Kazama explained
"So, what urges you to come to me?"
Mito put down the token.
If it's just for normal business, the token of the Senju Clan was enough for them to settle down in Konoha temporarily, and there is no need to find her.
"This time, I'm asking you to lend your help to the Uzumaki village."
Kazama directly explained his intention and knelt on the ground.
"Oh?"
Mito frowned hearing his story.
"The Uzumaki village is now in chaos because of the rebels from other villages, some of them are deliberately sent by the enemy, while others know that the Uzumaki village is in chaos and deliberately seek refuge here."
"The ninja from Uzumaki village were outnumbered, and gradually losing control of the village."
"There were three chuunin who guarded us before, but they were all killed on our way here."
Kazama cried out. Hunt by a ninja traumatized him even until now.
Mito can see him begged while trembling, looking pitiful.
"Yes, but I do remember that caravans were supposed to be guarded by a Jounin?"
Mito looked puzzled.
"Yes, but the jounin has parted from our caravan to stall the rebels."
Kazama explained.
But he didn't think that one jounin could stall them for long. After all, the opponent also has a group of five chuunin and lead by a jounin.
No matter how you look at it, their attack was well planned.
Uzumaki Mito holds the comic, turns the pages back and forth.
After a long time, she sat upright and said: "The Senju Clan has no jurisdiction within Konoha's rank now. I'm afraid that I couldn't intervene further on this matter."
Kazama was completely desperate when he heard it. He looks like he was struck by lighting.
"But you can take this comic to the patriarch of the Uzumaki clan, and he might understand what I mean."
"Another piece of advice. You'd better ask for some protection from here. Otherwise, I don't think you can return to Uzumaki village alive."
Mito said plainly.
Kazama will leave Konoha soon, this information might already be leaked to the enemy, and he might encounter them as soon as he steps out of Konoha's gate.
He was startled for a moment, then turned to the first page of the comic.
Originally, Kazama thought it was a strategic war book, but when he opened it, he found that it was only a book compiled in the form of drawing. Where all the patterns were connected carefully, it seemed to be telling a story.
But… what does this mean?
He never saw anything like that, not a novel but not a painting either. So he was curious about what happens when he shows it to the patriarch.
"If there is no other thing you want to say, you can go down. That's all I can help."
Mito said helplessly.
The Senju Clan is naturally not helpless, but this matter will escalate involving the tailed beasts and all the countries. It needs to be carefully planned.
How can one clan and one village be the enemy of the world?
"Yes, thank you, princess."
Kazama left with a sigh and slowly retreated away. He might not get the right answer, but he wasn't going back empty-handed.
"If you were still alive now, what would you do, my dear.."
Mito sighed sadly.
Why do you have to do the mission again today? I only had a rest yesterday!"
"Akaba, this is our third day of vacation."
Murasaki was a little embarrassed that his friend's laziness was a bit unbearable.
Sakumo stood next to Murasaki, resting his arm on his saber.
Akabane took a deep breath, tried to calm himself, and then said, "Is there any good news?"
"Yes! I saw the caravan's leader that we saved before bought a cart of your comics today!"
Murasaki said the "good news" very honestly.
"Kazama-san, wasn't it? Why would he purchase that much I wonder?"
Akabane was puzzled. He wouldn't believe that his comic will be sent to another village this fast.
"By the way, there is another news."
Sakumo interrupted and said, "This time, we will go on a mission together with Team 6."
"Ok, so?"
Akabane looked at Sakumo with a puzzled look.
Seeing his reaction, Sakumo was at a loss, and asked, "We are talking about Tsunade.. you two are close friends, right?"
"Ooh, shoot! I should feel happy when I see her, right!?"
Akabane's sarcastic tone left his teammates with nothing to say.
Where did they think that I had some feelings for her?
Murasaki was speechless for a while.
Suddenly, a sound came from behind.
"Ah! And one more, I can't participate in this mission. Is that good news for you?"
Danzo!?
Akabane had a mini heart-attack.
"Sensei, you wouldn't accompany us to the Uzumaki village?"
Murasaki was surprised.
"I, as the Leader of Anbu and the Third Hokage, decided to combine our team and split the task, he will lead your mission for today, and I will stay in Konoha."
"Well then, that's all."
Danzo sneered and disappeared.
"So, the Third Hokage will lead the team this time!?"
Sakumo himself was baffled.
The Third Hokage personally led the team to the Uzumaki village. What an honor!
"But why should I go…?"
Akabane didn't think it was right, Hiruzen will lead the team, and six ninjas in one team is more than enough.
"Beat it. We will understand the details after meeting Sarutobi-sensei."
Murasaki pulled the reluctant Akabane from his house to Konoha's gate.
Within a week, Akabane had come to this gate the second time.
They were welcomed by Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, who had been there waiting for them, and when Akabane and the others arrived, Hiruzen came with the caravan's leader, Kazama.
The rest of the caravan followed behind them.
"You are Akabane Kurama?"
"Thank you for saving my life before, on the border.."
Kazama glanced with his eyes, and then immediately noticed the most unwilling one among the children Hiruzen previously told him that Akabane must be the most reluctant to come.
"Old man, I was kind enough to save you, but you want to take me on your business trip?"
Akabane said grumpily.
Kazama scratched his head awkwardly, not knowing what to reply.
"Akaba, if you have any complaints, give it to me. I'm the one who planned this."
Hiruzen said it lightly while smoking on his pipe.
"Ugh, Sarutobi-sensei, I just came back…"
"Kazama-san has bought a cart of your comic to deliver it to his village, wouldn't you as the author at least thank him for his patronage by not complaining about the mission?"
Without waiting for Akabane to finish complaining, Hiruzen directly interrupted him. He didn't want to waste any more time.
"All right, all right.. but I've experienced how long I traveled from here to the Uzumaki village, and I can't bear another there again, let me have a ride."
Akabane made his proposal
"Fair enough!"
Because of Kurama's weak physique, his request was tolerable for Hiruzen, and no one seemed to disagree, except Jiraiya, who looked jealous.
'At least now, he is willing to do the mission. I still need him on the team.' Hiruzen though.
Fortunately, Kazama supplemented some idle carriage, which was meant for the Third Hokage.
Once they've got the same ground, the group of caravans guarded by the team 6 & 7 set off to the Uzumaki village.
…
While on the carriage, Akabane summoned his clone to resume the comic. Akabane separated the shadow clone and continued to paint, while he sat on his seat peacefully, looking down at the walking companions around him.
"Run faster. This is good for warming up."
"Why can't I be like Akabane? This is not fair!"
Jiraiya repeatedly complained along the way.
"Akabane has defeated you before, and you dare to complain? If you don't practice anymore, you will be dead before we got there."
Hiruzen said angrily.
"Ahh… yes sensei, I was wrong…"
Jiraiya looked somber after being scolded by his teacher.
Speaking of which, I don't know how far Jiraiya has learned…
Hearing Jiraiya's wailing, Akabane couldn't help but wonder about his progress.
Of course…
At this time, Jiraiya is still a nine-year-old, who is nothing special among his other teammates, only his uniqueness is his pervertedness the same as his teacher. Besides, he suddenly wants to become a cartoonist while his drawing skill is mediocre.
The group was moving slowly. Thus Akabane can draw while watching the scenery.
More than that, when they arrived at the border, Akabane had already completed chapter 11.
What productivity!
Chapter 11 has a very powerful new exchange item-Half Immortal Body Constitution.
Half Immortal Body Constitution: The strength that is inherited from the bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan, possessing multiple abilities, which require 4000 points to exchange.
Yes, an astounding 4000 points!
These are the biggest points required on his exchange list. But it is not surprising when compared with its usage.
But to his surprise, this specific trait can be exchanged.
Uzumaki Clan were well known for their four traits-Vitality, chakra, perception, and healing.
In chapter 11, Naruto is forced to injure his hand to remove the poison within him, and miraculously his hand recovers in an instant. This showed the embodiment of strong vitality.
This trait was important for Akabane, which can guarantee his survival.
However…
Even if it's on his exchange list, he gained points much slower these days, and can only wait until the second volume to be released.
The second volume has been sent to the printing factory, and the Kurama clan is solely responsible for the subsequent distribution.
When it's ready to be released, there would be enough points for him to exchange it.
But here comes the problem. In chapter 12, there will be much other useful ninjutsu to be available. He is worried that the points by then wouldn't be enough.
"I hope that bringing my comic to the Uzumaki village will contribute some more points… otherwise, I am afraid that I will have to work overtime, and release the third volume back to back."
Akabane sighed lightly, feeling very helpless.
Thinking about it this way, it doesn't seem like a bad thing that he took this mission. After all, Kazama has too little knowledge of comics, and he definitely couldn't endorse the comic well enough.
I just hope that when the time comes, the Third Hokage won't give him any harder task.
What lies ahead of us is Uzumaki Village. That's also where we met those ninjas before here."
Kazama had a nostalgic feeling about the accident when he and his caravans on the verge of death were chased by the rebels.
Hiruzen carefully observed their surroundings and said, "Akabane, did you bury the corpses after killing those ninjas?"
"What!? Akabane had killed someone!?"
Jiraiya jumped in shock, even Orochimaru looked surprised and looked over to the carriage.
"I don't have the time for that sensei, so no."
Akabane replied while still laying on the carriage, too lazy to look out the window.
If Sarutobi-sensei asked that, it is certain that the body has been cleaned up by the enemy.
Thinking of that, he pulled the curtain open.
With an unhappy expression on her face, Tsunade stood in front of the carriage: "Get down here!"
"Ugh… I haven't fully recovered."
Before Akabane finished speaking, Tsunade was ready with her fist.
"You come down here right now, or I smash that carriage into pieces!"
Ugh.. this is bad.
Tsunade threatened with a fist.
Murasaki tried to hold his laugh, obviously knowing that this would happen.
"Akabane, come here, I want to know the details about that day."
Hiruzen tried to persuade him with a smile.
Akabane had no other option. He got out of the carriage and left his clone inside to continue drawing.
"Five ninjas were killed by my genjutsu here."
"The Jounin died in this spot."
Akabane threw out the shuriken, marking the positions of his victim.
"Five ninjas…"
Tsunade clenched her fists and secretly compared her strength with him.
Can I handle five ninjas alone?
Not a chance…
"What! You killed five of them!?"
The gap between us has grown that far in a short time?
Jiraiya was equally shocked and stunned for a while.
And Akabane can see that Orochimaru must have felt much worse.
However…
He also felt dread at that time. It was almost impossible to fight five Chuunin alone. Luckily his surprise attack worked and killed them all with one shot.
"Yeah, I killed some of them, but it's thanks to Danzo-sensei that I'm still alive now. They were well prepared with kunai, shuriken, and even explosion talismans…"
Akabane followed behind and explained.
"I guess that the corpses were collected by the Hidden Mist Village ninja."
Hiruzen had reached the spot. Although someone had dealt with the scene in the past two days, there were still some clues left behind.
So, those are ninja from Hidden Mist Village.
Akabane thought to himself.
"Ninja from Hidden Mist Village attacked Uzumaki village!?"
Jiraiya was so excited that his eyes lit up.
"Everyone disguised yourself with transformation jutsu, Kazama-san, please come here.
Hiruzen got up, then motioned to the caravan next to Kazama to follow him.
They rarely used transformation jutsu before, but the ninjutsu has been learned well in the academy.
Akabane transformed into a middle-aged worker and sat lazily on the edge of a cart.
Everyone has disguised themselves except Hiruzen. No one dares to attack him anyway.
After all, this is the third Hokage!
And thus, they move toward the Uzumaki village.
…
Once they entered the border of Uzumaki village, it didn't take long for them to understand how bad the situation was.
There were burned fields, ruins which used to be houses scattered around, and no one seemed to live there anymore.
This is Horrible!
"Uzumaki village, this is the first time I have come here since I was little."
Tsunade was very excited at first, but after seeing the situation with her own eyes, her heart was filled with sadness.
This is grandma's homeland, but…
Akabane sighed in his heart, but he was also helpless.
Tailed beasts are the greatest asset that a village could possess. It can be compared to nuclear bombs in his original world. Thus no one dares to attack a village with a Jinchuriki in it.
But Uzumaki village was the nemesis of tailed beasts, that alone is enough to make them vulnerable to being attacked from every direction.
"Further ahead is an intersection of Uzumaki village's commercial roads, and there is usually a rebel's post guarding there."
Kazama was very nervous, and sweat came out of his forehead.
Akabane took his tools and began to draw a map in advance.
The caravan slowly moved forward, and some ordinary guards began to get close to the cart full of comics as if this was a very important cargo.
At this time, they need to be careful. If they make any unneeded scenes, the life of the whole group will be taken the risk.
Although Murasaki and Sakumo were nervous, they blended perfectly like an ordinary guard, for Tsunade and Orochimaru's posture were different.
As for Akabane, he was sitting on the edge of the cart, holding a pen and board.
"Wow!"
Suddenly, the sound of leaves moving from the forest.
"Stop!"
Orochimaru shouted, and then they immediately saw several shurikens flying out from the forest.
Jiraiya immediately got up and shot the shurikens off with kunai, while Tsunade rushed directly to the forest.
"Be careful!"
Sakumo's expression changed, he immediately charged Tsunade down to the ground before an explosion came.
Boom!
"Explosion!?"
Tsunade was to focus on the enemy, that she forgot the possibility of traps.
After the explosion, Tsunade and Sakumo were dumbfounded by the impact and tried to bring back their senses.
"It turned out to be a few kids, are they a Genin who just graduated?"
"I don't know who your teacher is, but he is dumb enough to bring you here."
"Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
Whoosh!
A cloud of thick fog suddenly filled their vision, unable to say anything.
Hidden Mist Jutsu! This is a ninja from Hidden Mist!
Akabane's heart thumped harder.
If his vision was blocked, he couldn't execute his Genjutsu from drawing!
In this situation, his genjutsu is almost useless.
No! there is another way!
He couldn't see, but hearing the sound was enough to counter their attack.
Akabane holds his breath vigilantly.
There!
Suddenly, a slight sound of wind came from a direction.
In an instant, he cast hand seals.
"Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu!"
Due to his fast reaction, he avoided the attack. The Hidden Mist's Chuunin had no time to react before he was dragged to the ground and then pierced his throat by a kunai.
"You can use the earth release that well at that age?"
Behind him, there was an indifferent voice.
They are killing intent!
Akabane was sweating all over his body; he felt a blade approaching him and instantly reacted.
Substitution Jutsu!
He changed his position quietly, but he knew the attacker could see him in the fog.
"Oh shit!"
Akabane has already cursed in his heart. He would die at any second by now if he failed to make a move.
At this life and death moment, he suddenly remembered something.
Akabane quickly opened his exchange list and redeemed something from it.
[Silent Killing Jutsu has successfully exchanged!]
"Great!"
Akabane was ecstatic. After they attacked him, he remembered that his clone had finished chapter 12 and there, Silent Killing Jutsu was being used.
In an instant, the sounds and breaths around him were clear as day!
Behind him, he sensed a Hidden Mist's Jounin wielding a kunai. At the same time, he can sense Orochimaru and the others were fighting with some Chuunin not far away.
The worst was Jiraiya, who looked like he took some damage that can be heard from his hard breathing.
However, he found something very strange. Although the Hidden Mist's ninja was holding a kunai, he didn't seem to be moving.
Could it be that my silent killing of Jutsu is not advanced enough?
After all, it was just a few seconds ago he learned it. Akabane needs more time to adapt to his sharpened senses but has less time to take action.
Akabane quickly analyzed his situation. The only logical explanation was that the Jounin had no intention to join the fight.
"I need to take action right now!"
He reacted quickly, then swiftly ran toward the presence of Orochimaru and the others were.
He tried to deal with some Chuunin on his way there and successfully killed one with a blow.
However, after that kill, Akabane stops moving and remains in his position where he was hard to detect, followed by planning his next move.
"Boy, aren't you afraid to die?"
Suddenly, a figure appeared behind him, swiftly waving his blade.
Akabane reacted by lowering his head and said, "Sarutobi-sensei, what are you doing!?"
"Heh, you are indeed very clever, you've predicted that attack."
Hiruzen whispered.
"Yes, I used silent killing jutsu, don't test me in this kind of situation, okay?"
Akabane complained calmly.
Of course...
If he hadn't exchanged the silent killing jutsu, he wouldn't notice the position of the Jounin, and he might still be lurking underground by now.