Chapter 103: Strike One Village, Win Over Another

The moderately large wooden structure, though lacking extensive furnishings, provided more than adequate shelter from the harsh elements outside. Jiraiya stepped inside, his eyes casually scanning the interior until sudden realization struck him like a lightning bolt. His head snapped toward Kyohiko, eyes widening with shock and disbelief. "Hold on a second!" "How in the world did you learn Wood Release?" "Since when could you—" Jiraiya stood completely flabbergasted. He had only been away from Konoha for a relatively short period, yet it seemed the village had undergone dramatic changes in his absence. The fact that Kyohiko had mastered Wood Release left him speechless. This wasn’t simply following in the Second Hokage’s footsteps anymore—this was developing abilities that approached the level of the First Hokage himself! The revelation was so shocking that Jiraiya momentarily forgot their original purpose for gathering. Truth be told, Namikaze Minato and the others were equally curious about Kyohiko’s sudden mastery of this legendary ability. Thus, Four pairs of eyes focused intently on Kyohiko, awaiting an explanation. Kyohiko naturally used Tsunade as his reference point, recounting her earlier assessment about his awakened bloodline potential. Jiraiya listened with growing amazement, his expression shifting through multiple emotions. The power of the Senju clan had always been undeniable. While they lacked flashy kekkei genkai beyond Wood Release, their naturally immense chakra reserves and superior physical capabilities had always made them formidable. That Kyohiko had awakened this legendary ability filled them all with genuine happiness and pride. "Absolutely incredible!" Jiraiya exclaimed in awe. The Senju. Wood Release. Blossoming once again in Konoha after decades of absence, like the eternal cycle of leaves upon the sacred tree. Perhaps... As Kyohiko had suggested previously, there was no predetermined "Child of Prophecy." It could be Nagato. It could be Kyohiko. Or perhaps someone else entirely. But one thing was certain—with proper guidance and training, each of them possessed the potential to enact significant, positive change across the shinobi world. While prophecy might outline the general path of the future, the specific journey and ultimate outcome remained unwritten. Jiraiya gave Kyohiko’s shoulder a firm, approving squeeze before settling down to serious contemplation. The pieces were falling into place—now he understood how Kyohiko had obtained those crucial intelligence documents. "You used Wood Release to infiltrate and secure this alliance treaty?" "Correct. After that—" Kyohiko proceeded to outline the key moments of their operation. Jiraiya nodded repeatedly as he listened, his admiration growing with each detail. Every tactical decision demonstrated razor-sharp precision, while the coordination between Kyohiko and Kakashi bordered on telepathic. One providing overwhelming ninjutsu suppression. The other executing lightning-fast assassinations. Perfect combat synergy! Meanwhile, Minato and Gai’s blinding speed and raw power served to divide and distract enemy attention. Each element of the plan interlocked flawlessly. Jiraiya realized that even he couldn’t have designed a more meticulous operation—in fact, he might not have been able to match it at all. After all— His current power level far surpassed that of Kyohiko and Minato. When facing three elite squads, someone of his caliber wouldn’t need such intricate planning to prevail. That being said— "Kakashi, your Lightning Release: Rasengan possesses tremendous destructive power, and combining it with bodily electrification grants you incredible speed. However, your reaction time and battlefield judgment still need improvement." Jiraiya offered his critique. While their current team composition allowed Kakashi to make his attacks under the protective cover provided by Kyohiko and Minato... As shinobi, They couldn’t assume they would always operate in the same team configurations. Future missions might separate them, assigning each to different battlefields. For Kakashi specifically— Mastering the ability to utilize these techniques safely in solo combat situations was absolutely crucial. "I’ll continue training diligently." Kakashi acknowledged the feedback. "Still, you’re progressing in the right direction. Compared to kenjutsu or taijutsu, your natural aptitude for ninjutsu clearly shines brighter." Jiraiya remarked with a hint of nostalgia. Kakashi absorbed ninjutsu concepts with frightening speed—mastering techniques that would take most shinobi months of practice in mere days. Take nature transformation-enhanced Rasengan for example. Neither he nor Minato had succeeded in developing it. Yet— Kakashi had broken through that barrier! While Kyohiko had provided some guidance, the true credit belonged to Kakashi’s innate genius and relentless training ethic. "Alright, let’s turn to serious matters." Jiraiya lifted the treaty scroll with deliberate care. "This document holds immense strategic value, but our response carries equal importance—it will define Konoha’s future relationship with Kusagakure." "What are your thoughts?" His gaze swept across the four young shinobi. Gai’s eyes darted between his teammates before he subtly shifted half a step backward. Don’t look at me for this! His body language clearly indicated a tactical retreat from political discussion. Seeing that neither Kyohiko nor Minato immediately spoke up, Kakashi offered his perspective: "I believe we should demonstrate overwhelming force to make Kusagakure think twice before taking rash actions." "Minato?" "I recommend pursuing diplomatic reconciliation to prevent them from fully aligning with Iwagakure." Minato presented his more conciliatory approach. Jiraiya deliberately skipped asking Kyohiko for the moment, allowing a pensive silence to settle over the group. He recognized— The differing approaches of Kakashi and Minato reflected their primary influences. The former’s assertive stance mirrored Kyohiko’s strategic philosophy. The latter’s diplomatic approach echoed his own earlier teachings and the Third Hokage’s principles. Yet the current Jiraiya found himself disagreeing with Minato’s position. Especially after— His extended time with Yahiko’s group had given him deeper insight into the survival mentality of smaller villages. Endless forgiveness and unilateral compromise wouldn’t sway Kusagakure—their geopolitical circumstances dictated a different calculus. "Sensei, you disagree with my assessment?" "I’m torn. On one hand, Kusagakure has already signed this treaty and attempted to intercept your team—they didn’t seek Konoha’s alliance. Their strategic alignment seems decided." Jiraiya explained with a weary expression. "Attempting reconciliation now might prove futile." Minato lowered his head in thoughtful silence. He had indeed considered this possibility, yet hadn’t identified a superior alternative to diplomatic engagement. "Kyohiko?" "We should disregard them entirely. The core conflict isn’t between Konoha and Kusagakure—it’s between Konoha and Iwagakure’s alliance network." Kyohiko countered with strategic clarity. He met Jiraiya’s gaze directly: "Did you obtain any intelligence about Sunagakure’s movements?" "Negative. Our sources detected no Suna forces moving northward." Jiraiya confirmed. After a brief pause, he added: "They’re likely mobilizing south or east—either against us or Kirigakure." "No, regarding Kiri they’d pursue negotiations first!" Jiraiya immediately corrected himself. Both Kyohiko and Tsunade had reached similar conclusions—Jiraiya now saw the same strategic picture. Minato and Kakashi exchanged silent glances as the broader geopolitical situation became clearer. Should three major villages unite against Konoha, even the most generous peace overtures toward Kusagakure would likely prove meaningless. "This treaty carefully avoids explicitly declaring war, framing everything as routine bilateral cooperation." At this moment, Jiraiya suddenly understood the ruthless utility of figures like Danzo. Nations that strictly followed the rules often found themselves bullied—sometimes only lawless brutality could inspire genuine fear in adversaries. Thus, the treaty’s true strategic value lay in... "Sensei, I strongly advocate demonstrating Konoha’s resolve by eliminating hardline elements like Asano Yu." Kyohiko declared with finality. After thorough analysis, he concluded that hesitation posed the greater danger. "Wouldn’t such actions risk severe backlash?" Jiraiya still hesitated. "Thanks to the strength of the First Hokage and the others, we were able to establish roots in the fertile Land of Fire, securing the most commissions and resources. To others, we are a piece of meat—if we show weakness, everyone will take a bite." Strike first to avoid a hundred blows! The White Fang, Danzo... To outsiders, Konoha was undoubtedly weak at this moment. Therefore. Konoha had to demonstrate its power. Kyohiko’s thoughts flowed smoothly as he carved several names into the wooden floor with a kunai. Land of Grass. Land of Waterfalls. Land of Rain. And then, Land of Lightning. "By striking Kusagakure, we can stabilize Takigakure and Amegakure. As for Kumogakure, we need to confirm their stance and prevent them from betraying our alliance." Kyohiko pointed to two locations. Attack one, win over another, and stabilize two smaller but capable shinobi villages... For now, this was all they could do. Minato pondered for a long moment before nodding slightly. "I agree. Kirigakure has already shown hostility toward us, so they can’t be won over. As for Sunagakure..." He wasn’t very familiar with their situation, so he looked to Jiraiya. Jiraiya thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Ever since the Third Kazekage took power, Sunagakure and the Land of Wind have been expansionist. Their unified stance makes reconciliation impossible." "Then we’ll proceed with Kyohiko’s plan. I’ll draft the report, and Minato will deliver it to Konoha via Flying Thunder God!" "Yes!" --- Konoha, Hokage Building. Late at night, the office lights still burned brightly. Earlier in the day, they had held a meeting but failed to reach a definitive conclusion. Now— "Tsunade-sama, this..." Nara Shikaku was visibly stunned. Two scrolls lay before them. One contained intelligence on the alliance treaty, while the other outlined the frontline team’s proposed strategy. Both carried staggering implications. Kyohiko and the others had actually obtained critical intelligence. Moreover, their plan was to directly wage war against Kusagakure’s hardliners. Too radical! For a moment, he almost thought this was Danzo’s doing. The key point was—Jiraiya had approved it, personally endorsing the document. "Jiraiya-sama has considered far more than just our relations with Iwagakure and Kusagakure." Shikaku finished reading carefully, exhaling softly with a look of admiration. "In fact, their thinking aligns with your earlier direction. I fully support it." He understood immediately. This wasn’t Jiraiya’s idea! Or rather, it wasn’t in line with Jiraiya’s usual style—it bore Kyohiko’s fingerprints, yet matched his own reasoning. Tsunade nodded. Earlier, Shikaku had indeed suggested stabilizing relations with Kumogakure rather than worrying about superficial unity. Unfortunately... Those two old obstinate fools! Shikaku continued, "Hokage-sama, the situation has progressed beyond what goodwill can mend. In the eyes of outsiders, we’ve grown weak. Therefore..." Then, with firm resolve: "We must strike!" Her fist struck the desk. This time, she restrained her monstrous strength, delivering only an ordinary tap. "I approve the decisions of Jiraiya, Minato, and Kyohiko. The plan in this scroll will proceed. Any objections?" Tsunade’s gaze swept over Shikaku and Inoichi. Shikaku raised his hand immediately. Inoichi followed suit. "I agree, but should we perhaps..." "Act first, discuss later! Right now, speed is crucial. If we summon everyone for another meeting, who knows how long it’ll drag on?" Tsunade’s tone brooked no argument. "Inoichi, relay my orders—ANBU is to deliver the latest intelligence to Orochimaru in the west immediately. He must monitor Sunagakure’s movements." "Additionally, ANBU operatives are to eliminate any spies from Sunagakure or Kirigakure on sight." Tsunade issued command after command. Inoichi straightened, his expression solemn. "Understood!" "Shikaku, regarding the northern front, I need your counsel." "Hokage-sama, I believe..." Shikaku paused thoughtfully. "For Kusagakure, we should dispatch elite teams under Jiraiya-sama’s leadership to apply pressure. The ultimate goal is to force Asano Yu to step down or commit seppuku to atone for his crimes." This was a show of force. Having Jiraiya lead the operation would demonstrate Konoha’s resolve, while focusing solely on Asano Yu would limit the scope, preventing Kusagakure from fully defecting to Iwagakure. "And Kumogakure?" "Send Minato and Kyohiko’s squad under the pretext of cultural exchange, but deploy backup teams as well. Our alliance with Kumogakure still stands—we can’t afford overt hostility yet." Shikaku laid out his reasoning. Tsunade made the call. "Good. Take Hiashi and others with you. The eastern front—Kirigakure and Kumogakure—is yours to handle." "Hokage-sama, this..." Shikaku’s face showed clear astonishment. Entrusting him with the eastern front? Such immense trust! "I have faith in your capabilities. If the situation deteriorates beyond our expectations, I’ll send the old man to support you." Tsunade’s mind raced. Should full-scale war break out, Shikaku’s youth and lack of authority might hinder his command over the troops. Only then did Shikaku relax slightly. "Understood!" --- After resting four hours in the north, Kyohiko’s depleted stamina and mental energy had finally recovered. Now, he could properly review last night’s unread message. [Speed is paramount! You obtained critical intelligence threatening the village and formulated the correct strategic decision.] [Reward: Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique upgraded.] Water Dragon Bullet Technique. Previously, thanks to Genma Shiranui’s guidance and his own rigorous training, Kyohiko had mastered this technique at an advanced level. While its power was considerable, his technical refinement had plateaued. Now. It had reached Master level. Kyohiko absorbed the new insights, clarity dawning. First— The six hand seals were reduced to just three. Though only three seals eliminated, in combat, that half-second difference could determine life or death. Moreover, fewer seals increased the likelihood of single-handed execution. Beyond that, the knowledge of seal reduction itself was invaluable. This alone made the reward substantial. Additionally, Kyohiko’s understanding of the technique’s essence had deepened. At Master level, Water Dragon Bullet perfectly blended nature transformation and shape manipulation, nearing Water Severing Wave’s potency. After the dragon dispersed, condensed water blades would scatter—a secondary transformation. This was the evolved form. Under Kyohiko’s current modifications, it had been further refined and enhanced. "This technique will be devastating on the battlefield." With its secondary transformation, Water Dragon Bullet’s lethality skyrocketed, especially against groups. Had he possessed this yesterday, Iwagakure’s casualties would’ve been far greater. Kyohiko was satisfied. Just as he prepared to step outside and test it, faint footsteps approached from Konoha’s direction. Seconds later, a figure landed. "You all seem quite at ease." Sarutobi Shinnosuke remarked, surprised. Constructing such a cabin in the wilderness was no simple feat—unless... His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings before widening in shock. No felling marks. Meaning. This structure wasn’t built—it was created through ninjutsu. "Wood Release?" He stared at Kyohiko intently. Kyohiko nodded. Then, smiling lightly: "Relax, we’re among allies here. If enemies appear, I’ll dispel it immediately." "Th-this..." Shinnosuke’s thoughts tangled in disbelief. Fortunately, Kyohiko had grown accustomed to such reactions by now. He quickly interrupted and reminded him. "What message does the Hokage want you to convey?" "Oh, Jiraiya-sama will lead the elite squads that will arrive later to carry out the operation against Kusagakure. As for you all, you are to proceed to Kumogakure for diplomatic discussions and negotiations." Shinnosuke answered, "You and Minato will be in charge." "Understood!" Kyohiko’s expression turned serious. Shinnosuke sighed and said, "Many of them have just graduated and will already face the trials of war. What terrible timing!" "They’re not at the point where they should be sent to the battlefield yet." Kyohiko shook his head. How could recently graduated shinobi like Asuma and the others be immediately thrown into war? At the very least, they needed to undergo various missions to temper themselves and develop teamwork awareness before anything else. Shinnosuke sighed softly before handing them the mission scroll and turning to leave. The ANBU still had a mountain of tasks—he couldn’t stay away for long. The next moment, Jiraiya, Minato, and the others stepped out from their rooms. They had already heard the commotion. "You all go ahead. You’ve already helped enough here." Jiraiya smiled. But then, his smile faded as he placed a hand on Minato and Kyohiko’s shoulders. "If war truly breaks out, we may need you in many more places. So, no matter what happens in Kumogakure, make sure you come back alive." "Understood!"