Two days later, in the outer area of Narumi Town along the northeastern border of the Land of Fire.
A reinforcement force composed of five hundred elite shinobi from Konoha and three hundred ninja monks from the Fire Temple—a total of eight hundred—arrived at this location after two days of rapid marching.
Speaking of which, this was already Shinichi's second time coming here.
Two years ago, in the same season, at this very place, he had carried out his first mission.
Back then, he had just recently graduated as a genin, with Maruboshi Kosuke escorting him.
And now, he was already a jōnin.
"There are reception personnel ahead."
Shinku's voice came from beside him, snapping Shinichi out of his thoughts. He looked up to see over a dozen figures rapidly approaching in the distance.
"Follow me."
After a quick identity verification, intelligence exchange, and route confirmation, both sides wasted no time. They immediately merged into one force and, under the guidance of Orochimaru's reception team, avoided several known Kumogakure reconnaissance and harassment zones, heading toward the true main camp of the Northeastern Army.
Along the way, the reception personnel quickly briefed them on the situation over the past few days.
Kumogakure's offensive was fierce.
Generally speaking, a Kage would not easily take to the battlefield in the early stages of a war, much less go to the front lines personally.
But that Third Raikage, famed for his overwhelming strength, simply didn't follow conventional rules. On the very first day of the war, he personally led his army in a direct charge against Konoha's positions, intending to tear open the defensive line with sheer force.
However, Konoha had long been prepared.
Defensive fortifications constructed a month in advance, carefully arranged traps, and layered barrier formations firmly blocked Kumogakure's initial assault at the perimeter.
More importantly—Jōnin Namikaze Minato had taken action the very moment the Third Raikage personally led the charge.
The light of the Flying Thunder God Technique flickered across the battlefield. That golden figure moved like a phantom, completely disrupting the rhythm of the Raikage's advance.
Minato had little means to deal with the Third Raikage. This man's physical durability was unmatched in the shinobi world, known as the "strongest shield." No matter how fast Minato was, it was difficult for him to inflict any real damage.
But the Third Raikage could not simply ignore Minato either.
Every time that golden flash appeared, it meant the fall of another Kumogakure shinobi. He might not be able to break through the Raikage's defense, but to everyone else in Kumogakure, the Flying Thunder God Technique was an invitation from death itself.
Thus, a peculiar stalemate emerged on the battlefield. The Third Raikage was single-handedly pinned down by Minato, and Kumogakure's sharpest spear—their "strongest lance"—was temporarily locked in place.
Meanwhile, Konoha's defensive line seized the opportunity. Under the command of Orochimaru, they stabilized their formation and withstood the relentless, wave-like assaults of Kumogakure's follow-up forces. The two sides became locked in an exceptionally brutal war of attrition and tug-of-war along the border.
"As expected of Minato! As expected of the Flying Thunder God Technique!" Shinku exclaimed.
During the First Great Ninja War, Kumogakure had also launched a fierce offensive. The Second Raikage had likewise possessed powerful Lightning Release taijutsu, yet in the end, Kumogakure was defeated by Konoha under the leadership of the Second Hokage, who had created the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Perhaps it was precisely because of that experience that the village had sent Minato—who had mastered the same technique—to this battlefield.
The Flying Thunder God Technique…
As Shinichi listened, he silently began to calculate.
Once the northeastern front settled down, perhaps he could try applying to the Third Hokage to learn it.
The question was whether he would even be able to learn it.
After all, the prerequisites for mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique were extremely harsh.
Only Senju Tobirama and Namikaze Minato had truly mastered it.
Others—such as the Third Hokage, known as the Professor of Ninjutsu, who had mastered all five elemental transformations and possessed profound knowledge of sealing techniques, as well as Orochimaru, a research fanatic who had studied the human body and soul to an almost incomprehensible degree and mastered countless ninjutsu and forbidden techniques—had both failed to grasp it. They hadn't even been able to get past the entry level.
Learning the Flying Thunder God Technique seemed to require more than just talent or even genius. In addition to involving fūinjutsu, it likely required some kind of specialized innate aptitude.
Shinichi wasn't sure whether he possessed that kind of aptitude—or rather, whether his [Ninja] class trait provided any enhancement in that area.
The defining feature of the [Ninja] class was "enhancement related to ninja aptitude." However, aspects like swordsmanship and the use of conventional weapons were not covered under the [Ninja] class. Those enhancements were provided by the [Swordsman] class, and specialized weapon-related entries were likewise derived from it.
Take senjutsu, for example. Logically speaking, it was also an important component of the ninja system, falling under the scope of "ninja aptitude."
Yet in reality, that wasn't the case. Otherwise, with his current [Jōnin]-level class trait, even if he couldn't absorb natural energy like Jūgo at will, he should at least be able to clearly perceive it.
Just like how weapon-related enhancements were assigned to the [Swordsman] class, the special aptitude enhancements for senjutsu—and the generation of its corresponding specialized entries—would likely belong to other class traits.
"However…"
At this moment, the voice of the reception personnel continued.
"The Eight-Tails jinchūriki of Kumogakure, Blue B, is still causing us considerable trouble. Once that guy enters his Tailed Beast transformation, his destructive power is simply too great. His Tailed Beast Bombs have placed enormous pressure on our defensive lines and caused heavy casualties. According to intelligence, Kumogakure may also deploy the Two-Tails jinchūriki next."
The Two-Tails jinchūriki?
Yugito… if I remember correctly, she's at most nine years old this year, right?
At such a young age, she's already being sent onto the front lines as a jinchūriki?
Hearing this, Shinichi raised a brow, thinking to himself.
But then… what are the Fourth Raikage and Killer B doing right now?
At that moment, the reception shinobi continued, somewhat unwillingly, "If only Konoha's Nine-Tails jinchūriki could also—"
Before he could finish, he seemed to realize something himself, and his voice abruptly cut off.
Shinku glanced at him but did not respond.
The reception shinobi lowered his gaze, fell silent, and said nothing more.
…
As they entered the camp, Shinichi saw more and more Konoha shinobi.
There were members of the Hyūga clan. Most of them had bandages wrapped around their foreheads or used their forehead protectors to cover them, but those distinctive white eyes still stood out sharply within the crowd.
There were also Uchiha clan shinobi bearing the fan crest. One of them noticed Shinichi's gaze, glanced at him briefly, then withdrew his eyes and continued on his way.
Aside from these two great clans representing Konoha, Shinichi also noticed some shinobi who were not wearing Konoha forehead protectors.
Their combat uniforms differed slightly from Konoha's, and on their right arms was a special clan emblem—a pair of black tomoe crossed together, with black-lined patterns above and below as markings.
Shinichi's gaze lingered on that emblem for a moment.
The Kohaku Clan.
He knew of this ninja clan. They had lived in this region for generations, and after the outbreak of war, as a local force in the area, they had naturally been conscripted into the war effort against Kumogakure.
A few minutes later, after Shinku exchanged a few words with the guarding shinobi, the three representatives—Shinichi, Yūhi Shinku, and Abbot Tenmei—entered the command center.
The lights above illuminated the tall, slender figure and pale face of the commander standing at the front.
"Orochimaru-sama," Shinku spoke first, his tone respectful.
"Orochimaru-san," Abbot Tenmei also pressed his palms together and gave a slight nod.
"Shinku, is it? And Master Tenmei—you've arrived at just the right time. The front lines are in urgent need of reinforcements." Orochimaru's magnetic voice rang out. He first nodded to Shinku and Tenmei, his gaze lingering briefly on the two as a form of greeting.
Then, those signature golden, vertically slit pupils turned with interest toward Shinichi, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.
"Shinichi-kun, it's been a while. I've heard that you've accomplished quite remarkable feats on the southwestern front. Even here on the northeastern front, far from the village, I often hear all sorts of rumors about you. Hehe…"
Hehe my ass.
If you're going to talk, then just talk properly. Do you always have to use that tone and look like you're thinking, 'I'm very interested in you,' 'You have secrets,' 'I want to dissect you and study you'?
Even if you do have those thoughts, could you not make them so obvious? Any normal person would want to stay three meters away from you.
No wonder you can't beat Namikaze Minato.
When Minato stands there, he's bright, warm, and reliable—anyone who sees him wants to get close. He has an overwhelming popular base.
And you?
Heh.
Shinichi grumbled inwardly, but outwardly showed nothing, merely bowing his head slightly in calm composure.
"Orochimaru-sama overpraises me. I merely fulfilled my duty as a Konoha shinobi and did a few insignificant things. I do not deserve to be called remarkable."
Orochimaru stared at him for two seconds, the smile on his lips deepening slightly.
"Hehe… Shinichi-kun is as humble as ever."
"Coincidentally, I have a rather troublesome mission here that requires a well-rounded, quick-reacting, and trustworthy jōnin to lead."
Orochimaru turned around, his long fingers landing on the large map on the wall, pointing to a location—slightly behind the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fire.
"According to the latest reconnaissance reports, this should be one of Kumogakure's frontline supply depots. It stores a large quantity of weapons, food, as well as a considerable amount of medical supplies and medicine. The outer perimeter is guarded by standard patrols and traps, and inside there are at least a battalion of Kumogakure elites stationed there."
Orochimaru slowly turned his head again, looking back at Shinichi, his golden snake-like pupils narrowing slightly.
"And Shinichi-kun, your task is to completely destroy or seize it!"
"This mission carries an extremely high level of danger. It requires penetrating deep into enemy territory, facing unknown defensive forces and terrain. If exposed or delayed, you could very well be surrounded by Kumogakure reinforcements. However, the potential gains are equally significant. If successful, not only will you sever one of Kumogakure's key supply lines and strike a blow to their frontline morale, but you may also obtain critical intelligence regarding their subsequent deployments."
"Considering the special nature of this mission and the comprehensive capabilities required of its executor…" Orochimaru's tone stretched slightly, his gaze pressing onto Shinichi like something tangible.
"I believe you are currently the most suitable candidate. Well then, Shinichi-kun—will you take on this troublesome mission?"
As soon as his words fell, the gazes of the other staff officers and shinobi inside the command center inevitably converged, all waiting for the answer of this young jōnin who had just arrived and was already personally selected by the supreme commander.
Nice.
The word flashed through Shinichi's mind.
Throwing him straight into a high-risk deep-penetration mission right off the bat?
For a brief moment, Shinichi even wondered whether he had somehow offended this "Snake Uncle" at some point without realizing it.
Or was it that his reputation as a genius had grown too loud, making Orochimaru think, 'With that kind of ability, it'd be a waste not to send him on the most dangerous mission'?
Before he could speak, Shinku beside him had already stepped forward urgently.
"Orochimaru-sama, perhaps I should—"
"Orochimaru-sama."
Shinichi's calm voice rang out, cutting off Shinku mid-sentence.
"Higashino Shinichi accepts the order."
Shinku paused slightly and turned to look at him—the boy who was in the same class as his daughter.
Shinichi didn't look back. He simply met Orochimaru's gaze, his expression steady.
Orochimaru stared at him for another two seconds, then let out a soft laugh again.
"Hehe… very good."
"Then I'll leave it to you, Shinichi-kun. The detailed intelligence, maps, and operational plan will be handed over to you by the staff shortly. I hope you can display the same outstanding performance you showed on the southwestern front—or perhaps something even more impressive."
After saying that, he turned toward the visibly anxious Shinku.
"Shinku, no need to rush. You have an equally important task. While Shinichi-kun is carrying out his operation, I need you to organize a mid-scale feint attack on the main front. The objective is to draw the main forces of Kumogakure, creating as large a window of time and as much chaos as possible for Shinichi-kun's actions behind enemy lines. The specific direction and intensity of the assault will be worked out in detail with the staff."
Shinku was momentarily stunned, then composed himself and nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."
One by one, the others withdrew. The heavy tent curtain fell, separating the inside from the outside.
The command center returned to its low, busy murmur. Orochimaru slowly walked back to his command table and picked up a report.
On it was the dossier of the Eight-Tails jinchūriki, Blue B.
"What a troublesome person…"
Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden snake-like pupils narrowing slightly as his gaze slowly moved across the page, his voice dropping lower.
"However… he seems to be someone with confusion, pain, and fractures within his heart. Perhaps…"
His voice grew softer and softer, until no one else in the command tent could hear it.
"I should plan this carefully."
Orochimaru set the report down and lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingers.
"Simply severing one of Kumogakure's arms won't be enough… It would be far more interesting to plunge them into chaos. Hehe…"
…
Late night.
Land of Hot Water, Mist Veil Valley.
This was a remote valley far from the main roads, surrounded by dense primeval forest, perpetually shrouded in the lingering mists of the Land of Hot Water. The entire valley and the surrounding forest were wrapped in a pale, damp haze.
At this moment, on the outskirts of Mist Veil Valley, deep within the fog-covered forest, a hundred-man unit lay quietly in ambush.
They blended into the night and the mist, with only the occasional hoot of a night owl breaking the silence.
Shinichi stood atop the branch of a large tree, his figure swaying slightly with the night wind. His gaze pierced through the fog, landing on the faintly visible entrance of the valley in the distance.
After a moment, he lightly dropped down and returned to the team.
"Shishō-senpai, Tsume-senpai—what's the situation? Can we confirm this is the place?"
He turned to look at the two figures.
One wore a high-collared coat and dark glasses, his entire body tightly wrapped—an Aburame clan jōnin, Aburame Shishō.
The other was a lean woman with short brown hair and red inverted triangular markings on her face. Beside her crouched a massive ninken with a blue back and white belly—an Inuzuka clan jōnin, Inuzuka Tsume, also the current mother of Inuzuka Hana and the future mother of Inuzuka Kiba.
Both were members of Shinichi's Fourth Independent Combat Battalion. Including Ueno Kaito and another jōnin named Motokawa Kai, along with Shinichi himself, this hundred-man unit had a total of five jōnin.
Hearing the question, Tsume opened her eyes and exchanged a few signals with her companion Kuromaru. Then she frowned slightly and spoke first.
"Captain Shinichi, something's off. From both my and Kuromaru's sense of smell, there's no trace of any fresh human scent ahead, nor any signs of recent activity from large creatures. Everything is normal—but too normal."
Shinichi nodded.
"Deliberately normal is abnormal."
He turned to Shishō.
Shishō fell silent for a moment, then replied succinctly: "There is a barrier outside the valley. To avoid alerting the enemy, I did not send my insects closer."
Shinichi's gaze flickered slightly. He had originally intended to use a sensing technique to probe the situation ahead, but he was worried that his half-baked sensory ninjutsu might trigger some kind of trap-type barrier and alert the enemy instead. That was why he had entrusted reconnaissance to these two specialists.
Now it seemed his caution had been the right choice.
"Looks like the intelligence is accurate. This is the place."
Shinichi raised his head and swept his gaze across the surrounding team members, who were quietly waiting for his command.
"Then, comrades—execute according to plan!"
"Yes!"
As soon as the words fell, the figures of the hundred-man unit vanished instantly.
The night wind remained. The mist remained.
As if nothing had ever happened.
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