Chapter 63: Shortcoming: High-Burst Ninjutsu
Tsukasa Kaede wasn't too surprised when he received the order appointing him as a Special Jonin.
To put it bluntly, a Special Jonin is someone who excels beyond a regular Chunin in a specific area, serving as a transitional stage between Chunin and Jonin.
Of course, many people might remain stuck at the Special Jonin level their entire lives; Jonin seems only a step away, but in reality, it's a distant dream.
With Tsukasa Kaede's current strength, he could render most Ninja helpless. Appointing him as a Jonin would actually be fine; at least in terms of strength, there would be no issue.
However, not everyone knew how strong he currently was.
"Speaking of which, I've focused all my Jutsu on self-preservation... whether it's Spatial Rift Jutsu, Living Corpse Reincarnation Jutsu, or other Ninjutsu, none of them possess the ability to deliver a decisive blow."
Tsukasa Kaede knew where his shortcomings lay.
At this current stage, before the end of the Second Great Ninja War, he wouldn't have the opportunity to change bodies. After solving his physical defects by relying on Living Corpse Reincarnation Jutsu, Tsukasa Kaede's focus shifted to combat capabilities.
He lacked a powerful Technique Formula like Chidori, Rasengan, or Susanoo, one that could unleash violent bombardment at a moment's notice, forcibly breaking through all barriers in front of him.
Tsukasa Kaede's strongest means of breaking a stalemate was undoubtedly the "Hundred Bone Roar God Jutsu" that he had used once against Madara, but it still felt somewhat lacking.
"At this time, Minato Namikaze should be officially developing Rasengan by now, right? I should also prepare myself a high-burst offensive Technique Formula."
Otherwise, against a turtle-like enemy, fighting for ages without breaking their defense would mean he'd have to prepare a large number of Zombies and rely on Chakra attrition, which would be very troublesome.
Tsukasa Kaede pondered, wanting to combine his current combat capabilities in the shortest time possible, fully utilize the Ninjutsu he currently controlled, and also achieve a burst damage effect... He actually found one, but it also had significant drawbacks.
He faintly had a glimmer of an idea. With a thought, the Zombies scattered in various places began to move quietly, conducting various experiments according to Tsukasa Kaede's ideas, completely disregarding any damage.
"It truly feels good not to worry about Chakra. I need more Corpses to recharge me."
Tsukasa Kaede walked down the street, comfortably looking up at the azure sky, feeling the serene drifting of clouds under what seemed like tranquil times.
It's just that there aren't enough Corpses now... He couldn't always rely on Root to supply him, and he had even subtly sabotaged Root.
"It was merely a Corpse self-destructing, that's all. When releasing Chakra to apply a Jutsu to the Corpse, I just secretly slipped in an Explosive Tag; no one should have died."
Tsukasa Kaede stretched on the street, intending to drop by the Akimichi Clan's BBQ restaurant. The BBQ there was considered a specialty of the Hidden Leaf Village.
For a Ninja Clan to establish itself, it couldn't always rely on taking Missions; it always needed its own businesses to earn enough money, cultivate more Clan Members, and ultimately strengthen the Ninja Clan.
"Oh? It's Lord Sakumo." Tsukasa Kaede paused, looking in surprise at the man across the street.
Sakumo Hatake was conversing with a strong man dressed in a jumpsuit.
Some villagers recognized Sakumo Hatake, after all, this kind of attire was unique to Sakumo Hatake in the entire Village—the clothing on his right arm was a white and red half-sleeve.
"Isn't that Tsukasa Kaede? Long time no see. I've heard some things about you."
Sakumo Hatake looked over. It should be noted that many people, after seeing him, would be filled with awe and respect, bowing from afar and then avoiding him, certainly not easily approaching to converse.
Tsukasa Kaede had no such concerns at all; he walked directly over, not the least bit reserved.
"Yes, lately I've been cultivating a Ninjutsu and have made a little progress. I also completed an A-rank Mission. I feel like the Village will send me to the west to participate in the War soon."
Tsukasa Kaede chuckled, "Will Lord Sakumo still be leading the team? It would truly be an honor to fight under your command again."
"No," Sakumo Hatake shook his head. "My Mission is to clear out the Hidden Mist Ninja and Hidden Cloud Village Ninja who have infiltrated the Land of Fire. These guys are endless; many supplies transported from towns to the Front Line have been destroyed. We absolutely cannot let it continue unchecked."
He was also very busy. The closer it got to the decisive battle, the more vigilant he became; he couldn't allow the restless Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Mist to interfere in the War, otherwise, the situation would worsen.
Sakumo Hatake said, "If another unit is dispatched to the Front Line, it would probably be Tsunade leading them. Only she would be suitable."
The two discussed matters concerning the Front Line; these discussions didn't involve any leaks of classified information. The man beside them looked nervous and couldn't open his mouth to join in at all.
"Who is this person?" Tsukasa Kaede turned to look at him.
"Might Dai, a very diligent person. He will definitely achieve great things in the future," Sakumo Hatake said, patting Might Dai's shoulder.
"Is that so? To receive Lord Sakumo's approval, he must be a truly remarkable individual."
"Ah! This kind of thing... I will work hard! Thank you for your support!" Might Dai gave Tsukasa Kaede a ninety-degree bow.
Tsukasa Kaede smiled and waved his hand. Just as he was about to say something, an Anbu Ninja appeared before him.
"Anbu..." Sakumo Hatake looked surprised.
"Chunin Tsukasa Kaede," the Anbu Ninja stated, "Lord Hokage has issued an appointment letter, appointing you as a Special Jonin to lead a squad to execute a Mission."
The Anbu Ninja first glanced at Might Dai, then paused before handing the appointment letter and Mission brief to Tsukasa Kaede.
Tsukasa Kaede's expression was solemn as he dispelled the Jutsu Formula on the Mission brief and quickly scanned it.
"I see," Tsukasa Kaede muttered. "So, I'm to lead a team to the Land of Hot Water in the north to support Lord Kato Dan... It seems Hidden Stone Village is making a move in the north. Are they planning to send a detachment to invade the Land of Fire from the north?"
Tsukasa Kaede didn't mind Might Dai's presence at all and directly spoke the Mission contents aloud—in fact, this practice was somewhat against regulations. Speaking it to Sakumo Hatake was fine, as he would never leak Intel under any circumstances.
But if it were Might Dai, a perennial Genin, some people would surely grumble quietly.
Might Dai flinched and immediately covered his ears, muttering about youth, passion, and training, and things like running ten laps around the Village on his hands.
"There's no need for that," Tsukasa Kaede said. "I've said it before, I trust Lord Sakumo's judgment. You should trust it too."
Tsukasa Kaede tried to pry open Might Dai's hands, but as he exerted force, they remained completely still, as expected. It was Might Dai who moved them himself.
Sakumo Hatake said knowingly, "It seems you already have an idea."
"Mm," Tsukasa Kaede said. "The Mission brief actually assigned me a few subordinates. They're all pretty good guys, and not very old; I should get along well with them. However, I think it might be better to add an experienced Ninja? A group of us young people undertaking a Mission always feels a bit uncertain, you know?"
Tsukasa Kaede said with a smile.
(end of chapter)