Chapter 101: Three Squads Against One - The Odds Are in Our Favor!

Swish! Minato grabbed Gai and instantly crossed the border, arriving beside Kyohiko. "Whew, made it." Gai looked around and sighed softly. "I’m sorry. Stealth operations like this really aren’t my specialty!" He felt like he was holding the team back. If not for him, the other three wouldn’t have needed to go through so much trouble. "It’s nothing. Everyone has their own strengths. You’re not skilled in ninjutsu, so it’s natural you’d struggle with this sort of thing," Minato smiled reassuringly. Kyohiko’s eyes swept the surroundings before fixing northward. "We’ll disguise ourselves as Grass ninjas patrolling the border." Hmm? Minato’s eyes lit up, realizing this was an excellent plan. Even if there were Hidden Waterfall ninjas around, they wouldn’t suspect Grass ninjas patrolling their own borders - at most, they’d think the Grass Village was being cautious. But... Considering the movements of both Grass and Rock ninjas, none of the smaller villages would question it. "Let’s do it!" Heading north, they quickly approached the Grass Village - As a small nation, the distance between Grass Village and the border wasn’t far - barely an hour’s journey for shinobi. ... Evening - Grass Village Leader’s Office "Han Jonin, we can provide you with certain conveniences, but participating in combat is impossible. That would violate our treaty with Konoha." "Treaty? You’re already cooperating with us. Why care about Konoha now? After war breaks out, do you really think Konoha will continue to trust you as before?" Han sneered. This old fox still wants to play both sides! He glanced at Kitsuchi (Ōnoki’s son and Kurotsuchi’s father), who remained silent, then pressed further: "Kusagakure needs to pick a side. Either help us or openly support Konoha. That way, Iwagakure can make clear decisions. Otherwise..." Han’s gaze turned sinister. "How can we be sure you won’t stab us in the back while we’re fighting Konoha?" "Han! Don’t speak nonsense," said Kitsuchi, from where he stood beside the Grass Leader. "Since they’ve agreed to aid us, they won’t betray us. At minimum, they’ll supply funds and medical provisions, correct?" The jonin named Mochizuki beside Kitsuchi chuckled lightly. The Grass Leader, a weasely man in his fifties, forced an ingratiating smile and nodded repeatedly. "Of course, absolutely! Having made our decision, we would never betray Iwagakure. But Grass Village’s strength is limited - we can’t offer more assistance..." His eyes darted to Kitsuchi in the center. Among the three squads, as Ōnoki’s son, his status was clearly highest. To some extent, he represented Ōnoki’s stance. He hadn’t voiced his opinion, but his expression showed clear dissatisfaction with the Grass Leader’s terms. Wanting only to open their borders for safe passage while remaining neutral in the conflict... Trying to have it both ways. As if such a good deal existed! Though not politically savvy, Ōnoki had given clear instructions before their departure - this time, they absolutely couldn’t let Grass Village play both sides. They had to force a clear stance. At minimum, they needed a tangible pledge of allegiance. Silence stretched between them. Unnoticed, a vine slithered along the narrow window ledge, blending seamlessly with the walls and trees outside. Inside, the debate continued. Finally, Kitsuchi spoke. "Fine. We understand Grass Village’s difficulties and your reluctance to openly oppose Konoha. But your village borders Konoha and controls major trade routes - surely your coffers are substantial?" The others’ earlier demands had raised Iwagakure’s terms. Now, with conditions suddenly relaxed, the Grass Leader couldn’t hide his relief. Rumors were true - Ōnoki’s son was straightforward and easy to deal with. What a simpleton. "Funding and supplies are no issue. We gladly agree! Please inform the Tsuchikage that Grass Village will arrange everything and provide intelligence on Konoha’s movements to ensure you strike at the most opportune moment—" The Grass Leader’s flattery was cut off by hurried footsteps outside. He raised a hand, signaling for silence, then moved to the door. A masked ANBU operative stood there. "Leader, urgent news." "Speak." The operative handed over a scroll. "Latest intelligence from the Land of Fire." The Grass Leader skimmed it - and his face paled. He steadied himself quickly. "Understood. Continue monitoring and report any updates immediately." The ANBU vanished. After a moment, the Grass Leader closed the door and turned back, visibly shaken. "Leader, has Konoha made a move?" "Yes. According to our merchants and spies in the Land of Fire... Jiraiya of the Sannin has arrived at the northern border." The Grass Leader licked his lips nervously and passed the scroll to Kitsuchi. His expression darkened. Jiraiya... None of the Sannin were pushovers. Had Hiruzen still been Hokage, the Grass Leader wouldn’t have been so afraid. He knew Hiruzen’s style - cautious, prioritizing stability, unlikely to attack even knowing of Grass Village’s betrayal. But Tsunade was different. Rumors said she’d lost all her loved ones in war. Who knew how she’d react? Kitsuchi studied the scroll, then the Grass Leader. An idea formed. "Leader, I believe Konoha won’t attack. This is likely just intimidation." "Oh? Why?" Kitsuchi explained: "If Tsunade favored aggression, Danzō would’ve stayed in Konoha to push his agenda. Instead, he fled to the capital to regroup. Doesn’t that tell you something?" As Ōnoki’s son and a jonin, he wasn’t politically astute - but he wasn’t stupid. No one was more hawkish than Danzō. His absence spoke volumes about Konoha’s current stance. "Very well. I accept your terms. We’ll support you with intel and supplies but won’t openly deploy forces." The Grass Leader signed the agreement. Kitsuchi countersigned. Han and the Grass Leader each kept a copy. Outside, Kyohiko remained impassive. Using Danzō’s exile to gauge Tsunade’s policies? Clever - but flawed. Even if Tsunade leaned moderate, no leader would tolerate Grass Village’s duplicity. Though Tsunade hadn’t given explicit orders before their departure... "On the battlefield, generals act as they see fit." Strike first, explain later! As the Iwa team left the room, Kyohiko’s shadow clone dispersed. ... Land of Grass - Near Kannabi Bridge "Kitsuchi," Han growled, "we came under the Tsuchikage’s orders. Returning with anything less than their full cooperation is unacceptable!" Despite his status as Ōnoki’s son, Han spoke bluntly. He despised the negotiated outcome. They’d secured supplies and intel, but the planned offensive was now on hold. What kind of joke was this? Kitsuchi replied patiently: "Han, I know you’re eager. But with the situation unclear, rash action is unwise. Securing Grass Village’s logistical support is already a victory." He looked to the others. "Do you all agree with Han?" Silence. Kitsuchi sighed. "The village’s warmongering is dangerous. Can we really defeat Kumo and Konoha? If we fail, the losses will be catastrophic." With that, he walked ahead alone. The remaining Iwa-nin sneered coldly but didn’t respond, following behind in silence. Their disapproval was evident. They deliberately maintained distance from those in front. Just at that moment - A sudden explosive sound erupted from the forest. "Who’s there?" They immediately turned toward the source of the noise. However. Figures emerged like ghosts - a full dozen squads appearing instantly. Han’s lips curled into a cold smile as his hands rapidly formed seals. The ground trembled violently - Yet none of the attackers were real. All clones? In an instant, everyone was on high alert. Earthen walls rose up around them. These were all chunin and jonin - their speed, reflexes and abilities were excellent, and their teamwork was flawless. In the blink of an eye, they had constructed fortress-like defenses, while several others used earth techniques to burrow underground, preparing ambushes. Positional warfare was Iwagakure’s greatest strength. After establishing their defenses, they observed the battlefield and launched ninjutsu barrages, quickly realizing there were only two real enemies: Minato and Gai charging toward them. Minato moved with incredible speed, but Gai wasn’t far behind - he had immediately opened the First Gate without holding anything back. Because... Tactically, they were just creating a diversion, not the main assault. Their goal wasn’t to eliminate all enemies, but rather - To retrieve that agreement! "Konoha dogs! You think just a few of you can take us on?" Mochizuki instantly flashed toward Minato. His speed was impressive too. As he charged, his hands formed seals and his body split in two. Then he drew his blade, attacking Minato from a blind spot. Just as the three figures intersected... A kunai flew through the air. Simultaneously, Gai flashed forward, his Leaf Hurricane kick smashing into one clone’s arm while Minato dodged the blade and countered with a Rasengan to the body. It was a shadow clone. An earthen wall rose up, separating the combatants. At the same time, explosive clay spiders crawled from the ground. Boom Release! Just as they were about to detonate - Minato grabbed Gai’s shoulder and instantly teleported past the earthen wall, appearing behind Mochizuki. "What?" Shock flashed in Mochizuki’s eyes. He had no time to block, no time to even process what had happened - Crunch! The tremendous impact sent him crashing into the ground with incredible force. A thunderous boom... The Rasengan smashed him deep into the earth, though fortunately his teammates quickly excavated the area below to rescue him. But Minato and Gai’s assault had drawn the attention of two full squads, while the remaining teams remained vigilant for other potential ambushers. Just then - Zzzzt! A low, sharp buzzing of lightning came from another direction. Lightning Release? "Look out!" "I’ve got this!" Han’s face darkened as he immediately charged toward the sound, fist cocked back. However. In the next instant, their earthen walls were breached by a water jet crackling with lightning. Immediately after - The lightning spread, shattering the Earth-Style walls into fragments. Behind the water jet, a figure charged forward at blinding speed. Kakashi’s hand crackled with swirling lightning, his body enhanced by lightning chakra as he closed the distance instantly. Earthen spikes shot up to intercept them. But. Kyohiko formed a one-handed seal and spat out a powerful water jet, then channeled lightning chakra through his sword into the stream. Combination Technique: Thunderwater Torrent! The water technique, enhanced by sage chakra, displayed terrifying destructive power - further amplified by lightning - The electrified water jet smashed through everything in its path, unstoppable, clearing all obstacles for Kakashi. But it only destroyed obstacles. The water jet moved slowly - while a few chunin were caught and killed instantly, most jonin dodged or blocked with earth techniques. However. By now Kakashi had reached Han, his fist lashing out. Han’s lips curled. Just before impact, the chakra in his fist detonated violently. Boom Release: Landmine Fist! Yet. In the next second, his face twisted in disbelief - Kakashi’s hand pierced straight through the explosive chakra like a spear, shattering Han’s arm before severing his throat. Thunderwater Rasengan! Under Kyohiko’s covering fire, Kakashi’s technique displayed its horrifying destructive power. "What?" Both Kitsuchi and Mochizuki were stunned. What kind of technique was this? How could it possess such terrifying power! They stared in shock as Hans head went flying, his body grabbed by Kakashi who immediately retreated. They quickly realized - The treaty agreement was on Hans body! Kitsuchi’s face changed dramatically: "Stop them!" However. On the other flank, Minato and Gai were causing chaos. While Minato specialized in teleportation and the Rasengan, he still knew standard ninjutsu - unleashing a torrent of flames. Kakashi grabbed the corpse and instantly withdrew. This new technique combining nature transformation and shape transformation made its battlefield debut with devastating effect. Seeing the body being taken, Kitsuchi panicked, forming seals to split the earth beneath Kakashi’s feet. Several figures emerged from the ground. No words were needed. Kyohiko had already completed his technique - His main body formed Water Dragon, while a clone prepared Lightning Release. Sage Art: Thunderwater Dragon! The roaring dragon of electrified water surged forward. Enhanced by sage chakra and Kyohiko’s modifications, this specialized Water Dragon obliterated everything. Earth walls? Clay spiders? All earth techniques crumbled before its might! The Iwa-nin were horrified - lightning naturally countered earth, and Kyohiko’s sage-enhanced technique far surpassed normal ninjutsu. Earthen barriers rose and fell. Finally. A small mountain rose to block the Thunderwater Dragon’s path. They breathed sighs of relief. But then came shame and fear. One man had suppressed six of them with ninjutsu - while elemental advantage played a role, the sheer power was undeniable. "Who are these people?" "No idea, but..." Kitsuchi panted heavily. He’d never imagined facing such terrifying techniques. While their layered defenses had blocked the attack, it meant they’d lost all chance to pursue. By the time the dust settled, Kyohiko and Kakashi had withdrawn. Minato teleported away with Gai, leaving only devastation behind - along with Hans shocked, wide-eyed head and four chunin corpses. The losses were catastrophic! Silence fell over the survivors. Even without the earlier confrontation, pursuing them would likely have been futile—and might have resulted in even greater losses. Now, all eyes turned to Kitsuchi. "Kitsuchi... what do we do?" "First, get Mochizuki back for treatment. Then... we’ll follow the Tsuchikage’s orders." His brow furrowed. The destructive power of their opponents’ techniques had far exceeded expectations. Moreover, their appearances were likely disguised with Transformation Jutsu—no identifiable features. And those ninjutsu... none of them matched any known signatures. The technique that killed Han especially reminded him of the Third Raikage’s Hell Stab. Could they actually be... From Kumogakure? It made no sense. "Let’s return for now." Kitsuchi could already imagine the village’s reaction. Whether those shinobi were from Konoha or Kumo, their strength was undeniable. Yet the same villagers who had been clamoring for war now fell silent after a single defeat—waiting for him to shoulder the blame. Though known for his patience, frustration simmered in his chest. He truly believed... The village needed to reconsider this path of war. He directed the team to gather the dead and wounded. Normally, the injured would be treated in Kusagakure for speed—but not this time. After what happened, sending them there might as well be delivering lambs to slaughter. Asano Yu was no fool. And one thing still puzzled him: The enemy had clearly targeted Han—everything was calculated to eliminate him instantly and seize the treaty. They’d stationed countless lookouts. Yet no one had detected any approach or eavesdropping. How did they know Han carried the documents? --- Kusagakure – Leader’s Office Asano Yu swiftly drafted orders, dispatching subordinates. Slumping into his chair, he weighed the risks. "No turning back now. With Konoha in turmoil, allying with Iwa was the smart move." He repeated it like a mantra. Then— Bang! The door burst open as a panicked ANBU stumbled in. "Have you no decorum?!" Asano snapped, eyes blazing. But the man’s voice trembled. "Kusakage-sama! Iwa-nin were ambushed near Kannabi Bridge! From the battlefield... heavy casualties. They’ve already retreated to the Land of Earth." "WHAT?!" Asano shot to his feet, composure shattered. His hands shook uncontrollably. Impossible! Those were three elite squads! "Was it Konoha? How many attacked?" "Unknown. By the time we arrived, the Iwa-nin had withdrawn. But the traces suggest a small force—and Lightning Release techniques were used." "Th-This..." His mind short-circuited. A small team. Lightning techniques. Had Kumo intervened? Then his blood ran cold. The treaty—surely it wasn’t stolen? "Send envoys to Iwagakure! Now! We must know what happened—before it’s too late!"