Chapter 99: One-on-Seven Won’t Work, But Three-on-Seven? That’s a Different Story!

"Yagura, even though the Third Mizukage is nominating you as the Fourth, you’re not the Mizukage yet. You have no authority to command us!" "Konoha must have only sent a limited force." "Hmph, if we keep delaying step by step, we’ll only end up in an even worse position." Another retreat. Many among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen could no longer hold back—figures like Kuriarare Kushimaru and Hozuki Mangetsu, for example. Up until now, Konoha had been the one launching attacks, while they had been forced into a defensive position, apart from their initial reconnaissance efforts. They understood the logic—waiting for the northern forces of Kumogakure to make their move. But still... This was humiliating! "What do you intend to do?" Yagura swept a cold gaze over them. Despite his small stature, his strength was undeniable—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to keep Kiri’s many elite jōnin in check. However, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were another story. Even the most outwardly obedient among them, Hoshigaki Kisame, only respected him on the surface. At Yagura’s words, Jūzō Biwa spoke up: "Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, we of Kirigakure possess the most formidable assassination techniques. Why should we allow ourselves to be dictated by our enemies? If Konoha can conduct ambushes, so can we!" "I agree." Hozuki Mangetsu raised a hand, smiling. Yagura fell silent. He didn’t want a full-scale battle to break out, but if they mirrored Konoha’s tactics and launched a counter-hunt… It’s not impossible. As Yagura was deep in thought, a bird suddenly circled in the sky before descending into their base. Instantly, Yagura used the Body Flicker Technique to rush over. A messenger bird from Kirigakure! After retrieving the message, he carefully examined it before passing it around to the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. It was intelligence sent back from the Land of Fire.“The current commander of the Eastern Front has been identified as Kanda Kyoichi, Konoha’s youngest jōnin. He specializes in the Konoha-ryu sword style, Water Release, Earth Release, and Wind Release. His speed is extremely fast.”“Kumogakure has already crossed the border and is advancing toward the Land of Fire. Konoha’s main forces are occupied in the north.”“As of the time this intelligence was sent, Konoha’s forces on the Eastern Front remain sparse.”The report lacked detailed information. After reading it, Yagura couldn't immediately determine whether this was good or bad news. This intelligence was from three days ago! Three days was enough for the situation to change significantly. As for Kanda Kyoichi, the information provided on him was scarce—most of what was mentioned was what Yagura himself had already inferred. Difficult. But… The biggest challenge wasn’t dealing with Kyoichi—it was handling the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Previously, he had managed to hold them back by citing a lack of information. But now, it was clear that these seven wouldn’t listen to him anymore. They were fixated on counterattacking Konoha. “I once followed an underground water vein and located one of Konoha’s bases,” Hōzuki Mangetsu chuckled darkly. He didn’t need to finish his sentence—the implication was clear. A counterattack. A raid. “Where is it?” Yagura immediately asked. His heart burned with displeasure—such a critical piece of intelligence, yet Hōzuki Mangetsu had concealed it from him! Hōzuki Mangetsu sneered. “If you don’t even dare to launch an ambush, why should I bother telling you?” “You—!” Yagura’s brow twitched, but he forced himself to hold back. “There’s no need for this. Yagura-sama is acting in Kirigakure’s best interest. Let’s discuss it together,” Kisame mediated. Only then did Hōzuki Mangetsu respond. “Nagano Mountain…” “That location is quite far from the water veins, yet you managed to scout it?” Yagura glanced at the map, finding it hard to believe. Still, he had no doubts—this was definitely one of Konoha’s strongholds. A perfect location! “Hmph. The Hōzuki clan’s abilities aren’t so easily—” Hōzuki Mangetsu was about to boast when he suddenly recalled the humiliating capture of Hōzuki Chikage. His enthusiasm instantly waned, and he changed the subject. “Well? Who’s coming with me?” “It’s about time we let Konoha see our true strength. Otherwise, they’ll think we, the shinobi of Kirigakure, are nothing but cowards,” Munashi Jinpachi grinned bloodthirstily. His sword, Shibuki, was a double-edged weapon—it could kill enemies, but it could also backfire. Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Munashi Jinpachi had the highest kill count, with both foes and fellow Kirigakure shinobi dying by his hand. “Alright, let’s move out. We’ll assess the situation first, and if their numbers are small, we’ll launch a direct assault.” None of the Seven bothered to ask for Yagura’s approval. They were part of the Mizukage’s forces. If Yagura were the Mizukage, they might have obeyed his orders. But since he was still far from securing that title, they retained a degree of autonomy. And so… Shouldering their swords, they strode out of the camp. Yagura seethed with anger, but he knew now wasn’t the time to lose his temper. “None of you are skilled in sensory techniques. Ao, go with them and provide reconnaissance support.” “Yes, sir!” “Much appreciated. If we happen to kill Kanda Kyoichi, we’ll count the achievement as partially yours,” Hōzuki Mangetsu waved dismissively. At this time, Ao had yet to obtain the Byakugan, but he was still an exceptional scout with powerful sensory abilities. The group departed. Yet Yagura frowned. He was confident that Konoha didn’t have many shinobi in the Eastern Front. A hunt by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen shouldn’t be an issue, but something about this didn’t sit right. He stared at the map. Just yesterday, Kanda Kyoichi’s forces were still relatively small. And yet… From the moment they first discovered him, to the attacks on the second ship, to the bombardment of their new base— “So fast?” Yagura’s heart sank. Now he understood what was wrong. Konoha’s attacks were methodical, with every strike executed seamlessly, taking all variables into account. Their strategies were airtight. However… The Seven Ninja Swordsmen weren’t nearly as meticulous. Adapting on the fly? It wasn’t that simple. “I need to bring them back immediately!” — Meanwhile… Kyoichi maintained just enough distance to stay at the edge of his sensory range, keeping track of the eight approaching figures. He had located their main base. However… To his surprise, he had barely arrived when he sensed eight individuals leaving the island at high speed—heading in his direction. Had he been discovered? Kyoichi continued running while analyzing the situation. He had tested his sensory abilities before and knew that his range exceeded most conventional sensory techniques. Kirigakure shouldn’t have anyone capable of detecting him from that distance. What was going on? Puzzled, he changed direction after a short run. His pursuers did not. “Wait… their target isn’t me?” Kyoichi observed for a while before realizing the truth. If not him… Then their destination was—Nagano Mountain? He had already eliminated four of their squads, yet they still dared to take the initiative and strike back? How bold. Kirigakure had very few shinobi who were both daring and reckless. Given their numbers… It had to be the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. As for the eighth individual, he wasn’t sure yet. After some thought, Kyoichi increased his speed, moving toward the coastline. Once he was completely out of range of the seven, he used the Summoning Technique to send a message to his shadow clone via Katsuyu. Nagano Mountain… The moment his comrades received the intel, their expressions shifted in shock. “Kirigakure is launching an offensive?” Shirakumo Asa was dumbfounded. Had Kirigakure lost its mind? Even Yamanaka Inoichi was baffled. But soon… Another Katsuyu clone arrived at Kyoichi’s shadow clone. After surveying the area, the slug exhaled and said, “Tsunade-sama reports that Kumogakure crossed the border last night. Their vanguard has been spotted near the Land of Fields.” In an instant, everyone understood. Kumogakure had made their move! “Kyoichi-sama…” “No need to worry. Kirigakure sent eight shinobi this time. We’ll take this opportunity to eliminate them all—preferably without letting a single one escape.” As Kyoichi spoke, he suddenly recalled the underground black market that Kakuzu frequented. “I’ve heard that the underworld maintains a bounty system for shinobi. How much are the Seven Ninja Swordsmen worth?” “Cough…” Yamanaka Inoichi coughed lightly, his expression torn between amusement and disbelief. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen! Even their corpses would be immensely valuable. Selling them to the black market? Unthinkable. “Kyoichi-sama, I believe the bigger issue is whether we can actually keep them here.” Yashiro, showing some respect, offered his perspective. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen weren’t just seven random warriors—they were nearly on par with a Kage. Aside from Kyoichi, who remained an unknown factor, most of their forces in the camp were likely no match for the Seven. But… What puzzled Uchiha Yashiro was— Even Yamanaka Inoichi seemed to believe that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen weren’t a serious threat. Why? Even if the clan head arrived, they couldn’t possibly expect to eliminate all seven, could they? He simply couldn’t understand. “Kirigakure excels in the Hiding in Mist Technique and assassination tactics. They’ll likely attack at night. If your guard force struggles in the dark, you should remain on defense at the camp.” At that moment, Kyoichi’s shadow clone spoke. Yashiro and Inabi were both stunned. Wait… So we weren’t even factored into your plan? "You think you, Kanda Kyoichi, can take on all seven of them by yourself with just the people here at the camp?" Damn it… Has the Hokage’s group really gotten this cocky? Uchiha Yashiro was starting to get annoyed. The Uchiha had always been the ones looking down on others—who would’ve thought they'd be on the receiving end this time? Yet, looking at Kyoichi's serious expression, it was clear he wasn’t joking. Yashiro's lips twitched slightly, and he said, "Fine. Who knows, maybe they'll try a feint attack. In that case, we of the Guard Unit will just wait here for your triumphant return." "Good. Yashiro-dono, you should come with us too. If we end up killing them by accident, you can extract some intel while the bodies are still fresh." "Uh…" Yamanaka Inoichi felt something was off. After a few seconds of thinking, he realized— Damn! So Kanda Kyoichi didn’t even count him in either! He glanced at the visibly irritated Uchiha Yashiro, then looked around at the others before frowning and asking, "Who are you planning to take with you?" "Duy-san, Hayama-san, and myself. Three people will be enough." After a brief pause, Kyoichi added, "You guys can form a perimeter to cut off their retreat. If they try to run, it's on you to stop them—especially Hōzuki Mangetsu." "The Guard Unit has three members proficient in Lightning Release. They can all assist you." Yashiro scoffed inwardly. Alright, let’s see how you plan to take on seven of them with just three people. He had at least heard of Shirakumo Hayama. But Might Duy? Never even heard of the guy. Talk about overestimating oneself! "Very well. Here’s their current route. Your teams should continue patrolling, but stagger the timing so that when they arrive, you’re just leaving—leaving them an open path in." Kyoichi's shadow clone marked out a route on the map with swift, decisive strokes. He wasn’t worried about the Seven Ninja Swordsmen not showing up. What he was worried about was that they'd get cold feet, head to the coast, ambush a small squad, and then retreat. That would be a complete waste of an opportunity. "Understood! I’ll notify everyone immediately." In no time, everything was set. The trap was in place, just waiting for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to step in. Once Kyoichi received confirmation, he spent some time scouting out a spot—one that was both hidden from Kirigakure’s reconnaissance and close enough for him to sense the Seven Ninja Swordsmen’s movements. As expected, they were heading straight for Nagano Mountain. What intrigued him the most was— Who was the eighth person? Sёarch* The nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Judging by their chakra signature, it definitely wasn’t Yagura. "I wonder which unlucky fool this is."