Chapter 65: Chapter 65: The Actions of Kumogakure Spies

May.

Orochimaru’s residence.

Natsuki stood in a corner—or more accurately, floated above the ground.

Because his legs had turned into smoke.

He was attempting to develop the White Launcher used by Smoker.

The principle wasn’t difficult: shooting smoke to create explosive recoil for rapid movement and flight.

Not far from him, Nawaki stood in place. Although he wasn’t moving, his breathing was more rapid than usual.

After training for so long, he had basically mastered Water Breathing.

Right at that moment, a knock sounded on the door.

Natsuki turned toward the entrance.

Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade walked in.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow. Something major has probably happened.

Because the three of them rarely gathered together. They all had their own business.

"Konoha just concluded negotiations with Kirigakure."

Tsunade produced a scroll. "I kept the Greatsword Samehada."

"Kirigakure was actually willing to give up Samehada?"

Nawaki asked in surprise.

"The Greatsword Samehada’s value cannot compare to Suikazan Fuguki and Kushimaru Kuriarare."

Tsunade replied. "Besides, we had both reason and the upper hand. Kirigakure couldn’t do anything about us."

"Kirigakure’s strength is much weaker than ours."

Jiraiya laughed. "They wouldn’t dare start a war."

Natsuki nodded slightly.

In the original story, Kirigakure indeed had not participated in the Second Shinobi World War.

"Nawaki."

Tsunade looked at him. "This Greatsword Samehada is intended for you and Kushina."

"Then ask Kushina first."

Nawaki said carelessly. "If she doesn’t want it, give it to me."

He didn’t really need Samehada.

After all, he was walking the path of Senju Tobirama’s Water Release.

Tsunade nodded.

"Now Konoha also has trouble."

Jiraiya changed the subject. "Iwagakure has withdrawn from the Land of Rain. Amegakure and Sunagakure have suddenly expanded the scale of the war."

"Konoha received intel that Sunagakure has deployed Chiyo."

Tsunade said gravely. "That woman Chiyo is not simple. She is the number one puppet master in the ninja world—and her level in using poison is no less than mine."

"Chiyo also brought along Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade."

Jiraiya added.

Puppet masters were a Sunagakure specialty—ninjas who could manipulate puppets.

Top puppet masters like Chiyo could control ten puppets simultaneously.

Facing a puppet master, a one-on-one fight would quickly become one-on-many.

"Teacher has dispatched Orochimaru and me to the Land of Rain to prevent this war from spreading to the Land of Fire."

Jiraiya continued.

Previously, Hatake Sakumo had been in charge—but his talent lay in assassination, not commanding large-scale wars.

Orochimaru was different. He could be considered an all-rounder.

As for Jiraiya, his main responsibility was intelligence gathering.

"I want to go too!"

Nawaki immediately said.

"Why are you joining the fun?"

Tsunade’s gaze darkened.

"I’m already in sixth year. I’ve long learned everything at the Ninja Academy and can graduate at any time."

Nawaki said confidently. "Moreover, with my current strength, I can definitely participate in the Chunin Exams."

"You’re acting this high-profile with only Chunin strength?"

Tsunade glared at him. "Look at Natsuki. His strength is much greater than yours, yet he hasn’t said he’s rushing to the battlefield."

"I..."

Nawaki’s expression stiffened. He couldn’t retort.

Natsuki’s thoughts stirred.

The original story only mentioned that Nawaki died at twelve—but it didn’t say when he graduated.

Considering his strength and the Second Shinobi World War situation, he had most likely applied for early graduation.

In other words, there was a high probability he had followed Orochimaru to the battlefield in the Land of Rain this time—and then died in an explosive tag trap.

"Natsuki, when do you plan to graduate?"

Orochimaru suddenly asked.

"I plan to graduate next year."

Natsuki considered.

He currently had many abilities that weren’t unlocked yet. There was no need to rush to the battlefield.

Besides, the Second Shinobi World War had just begun. Even if he went to the Land of Rain, he wouldn’t be able to participate in battles immediately.

When things got intense, he and Nawaki would naturally join the war with Orochimaru.

"I really don’t understand your thinking."

Nawaki sighed. "But next year is fine too. We can graduate together."

He was currently in sixth year and would officially graduate next March.

"Then we’ll talk about it after you graduate next year."

Tsunade finalized the decision.

"After I go to the Land of Rain, you’ll train with Tsunade."

Orochimaru reminded them.

"Yes, Teacher."

Natsuki immediately responded.

"I’ll also have Minato come train with you."

Jiraiya had the same plan as Orochimaru and Tsunade. He didn’t intend to take Minato to the battlefield.

"Continue your training."

Having finished their discussion, Tsunade and Jiraiya turned to leave.

"Teacher."

Natsuki suddenly remembered something. "Can I study your sword for a bit?"

Orochimaru was slightly taken aback, then handed over the Kusanagi Sword.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Natsuki took it.

His purpose for studying the Kusanagi Sword was naturally to project it.

After all, who knew how long Orochimaru would be away in the Land of Rain.

"There is more than one Kusanagi Sword."

Orochimaru looked at him. "If I have the chance to find a second one, I’ll give it to you."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Natsuki’s eyes lit up. He didn’t refuse.

Moreover, theoretically, these two Kusanagi Swords would be different—so he could project a Kusanagi Sword again.

Not long after, Minato also appeared before him and Nawaki.

He had been sent over by Jiraiya.

Time was tight. Jiraiya and Orochimaru would set off for the Land of Rain tomorrow.

"Do you think the three of us will become teammates?"

During a break, Nawaki stroked his chin.

"Hard to say."

Natsuki said casually. "Lord Jiraiya probably won’t let his student team up with us."

"That is indeed a problem."

Nawaki agreed.

"I think there’s a high probability your teammate will be Kushina."

Minato considered.

"Not necessarily."

Nawaki knew Kushina’s status was special. "It all depends on the village’s arrangements."

"But it doesn’t matter. Whether we’re teammates or not, we can always train and practice together."

Natsuki said.

At a certain residence in Konoha.

"It’s been confirmed that the inventor of the Red Healing Potion is Tsunade. No other producer has been found."

"It really is her. This is going to be difficult."

"Should we give up?"

"Report this matter to Lord Raikage and let him decide. Trying to capture or kill Tsunade in Konoha is too difficult."

"Understood."

"There’s one more thing. Recently, many Uzumaki clan members have arrived in Konoha. Should we capture a special one to take back to the village?"

"I think we can. Last time, our plan to annihilate the Uzumaki clan failed because of Konoha. We need to make up for our mistakes this time."

The conversation between the two Kumogakure ninjas ended there.

The residence returned to tranquility.

<><><><><><>

Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247

~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter!

~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]