Chapter 188. Hanekawa’s Name Resounds Across the Ninja World

Chapter 188 - 188. Hanekawa's Name Resounds Across the Ninja WorldIn the Hokage's office of the Hidden Leaf Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff from his pipe and exhaled a ring of smoke. He glanced at the setting sun outside the window before turning his attention to the documents on the desk. The documents contained intelligence from the battlefield of the Hidden Cloud Village, received not long ago. Overall, the situation was quite promising, especially with the outstanding performance of Sakumo Hatake's squad. Uchiha Shisui, in particular, had earned the title of "Shisui of the Body Flicker" among the ninja of the Hidden Cloud Village, thanks to his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and his Phantom Body Flicker Technique. In contrast, his teammates, Asuma Sarutobi and Shizune, showed average performance. "Bloodline limit ninjas are indeed stronger," Hiruzen thought to himself with a sigh. He didn't blame Asuma. At his age, Asuma's strength was already quite remarkable. After all, growing up under Hanekawa's constant pressure, Asuma had surpassed his counterpart in the original timeline. It was just that Uchiha Shisui was too extraordinary. With his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he already possessed the strength of an elite Jonin. Hiruzen's thoughts then turned to Uchiha Obito. Compared to Shisui, Obito seemed rather ordinary. But then again, being ordinary wasn't necessarily a bad thing. If Obito's talent were too overwhelming, combined with his status as Minato Namikaze's student, the Uchiha clan would undoubtedly vie for the Hokage position. Even so, they couldn't outmatch Hanekawa. Hiruzen picked up another report from the Hidden Rock Village battlefield that had arrived the previous day. Though he had already read it once, he couldn't help but smile again upon seeing the part where Hanekawa severely injured Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, using Water Release techniques. "This is the future of the Hidden Leaf Village and the Hokage lineage!" Moreover, Hanekawa had used Water Release techniques that belonged to Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage. Hiruzen felt deeply moved. He never expected his teacher's Water Release techniques to make a comeback in the ninja world one day. Thankfully, Hanekawa had not brought shame to Tobirama Senju, achieving the incredible feat of severely injuring the Four-Tails Jinchuriki. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. "Lord Hokage," said an Anbu ninja named Haru as she entered, "This is an urgent report from Lady Tsunade." Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. He had already received one urgent report from Tsunade yesterday, detailing how Hanekawa had severely injured Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki. Another one today? Pondering this, Hiruzen guessed it was probably about their victory over the Hidden Rock Village forces. After all, with Roshi severely injured, it would be an opportune moment to launch an offensive. Setting down his pipe, Hiruzen took the scroll, opened it, and scanned its contents. In an instant, his eyes widened. What was this? He had guessed the beginning correctly but completely missed the ending. Indeed, Tsunade had led the Hidden Leaf forces to repel the Hidden Rock ninja, driving them back to the Land of Earth. However, the part about them capturing Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, alive seemed far-fetched. Hiruzen blinked instinctively. Once he confirmed he wasn't seeing things, he was stunned. This outcome far exceeded his expectations. He had only hoped for victory, yet they had delivered such a monumental achievement. "Excellent! Excellent!" Hiruzen couldn't help but laugh. This was an unprecedented triumph! It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this the greatest victory since the days of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage. Hiruzen reread the battle description in the report. It gave him a sense of surprise yet inevitability. If Hanekawa could severely injure Roshi before, then capturing him alive, with Tsunade and Minato's support, seemed reasonable. Of course, the lack of interference from the Hidden Rock ninja also played a critical role. But this opportunity arose precisely because Hanekawa had incapacitated Roshi, and Tsunade had decisively ordered a full-scale counterattack. "This is the fruit of their teacher-student teamwork!" Hiruzen thought with great satisfaction. Still, Tsunade's role was more of an assist; the true hero was Hanekawa. "Haru, disseminate this information immediately," Hiruzen instructed, handing the scroll back to the Anbu ninja. Such a significant achievement couldn't be hidden, nor could it be kept secret. "Yes, sir." Haru glanced at the scroll out of curiosity, and her eyes widened in shock. In all her years as an Anbu, this was the most astounding intelligence she had ever encountered. Though it was already dusk, Haru had the Anbu work overtime to quickly fill the bulletin boards with the announcement. That night, the Hidden Leaf Village, which should have been quiet, became lively. For everyone, tailed beasts were synonymous with evil, power, and invincibility. Now that Hanekawa and Tsunade have captured the Four-Tails, both ordinary villagers and ninjas alike are deeply shaken. Many of the ninja clans have begun to consider ways to support Tsunade as the next Hokage. If given the choice between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tsunade for the position, the majority would choose Tsunade. After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi is known for being cunning and calculating. Having been Hokage for many years, he has proven himself to be a shrewd strategist. Not only individual ninjas, but even the larger ninja clans, rarely gain the upper hand against him. Tsunade, however, is different. Everyone is familiar with her straightforward and forthright personality, and she doesn't engage in underhanded schemes. Moreover, her appointment as Hokage would ensure the suppression of Danzo Shimura. --- Land of Earth A group of people sat on the ground in deep sorrow. These were the surviving Hidden Stone ninjas who had escaped the pursuit of the Hidden Leaf Village. Their leader was a Jonin named Mōru, a ninja who, in the original timeline, had injured Kakashi Hatake during the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. But due to the butterfly effect caused by Hanekawa, he hadn't participated in that battle. Instead, his fate was even more tragic. Mōru looked around and saw nothing but despair. This mission to attack the Hidden Leaf had started with over 1,500 ninjas, but fewer than 500 had survived. More than 1,000 comrades had fallen to the hands of Hidden Leaf's forces. It was an utter defeat. But the worst part wasn't the casualties—it was the fact that Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, had been captured alive. This was an unbearable loss for the Hidden Stone Village. Mōru sighed deeply. By now, the news must have reached the Hidden Stone Village. He couldn't imagine how disappointed Onoki would be with them. --- Tsuchikage's Office, Hidden Stone Village "How... how is this possible?!" Onoki stared at the report in front of him, collapsing into his Tsuchikage chair, utterly distraught. Kitsuchi, his son, was alarmed. This was the first time he'd seen his father so shaken. Rushing forward, Kitsuchi picked up the scroll and began to read. "Could this be a mistake by the Anbu?" he blurted out. The idea of an overwhelmingly powerful Jinchuriki being captured alive seemed like an absurd joke. "I wish they had made a mistake," Onoki replied, regaining his composure but rubbing his forehead in frustration. This was supposed to be a feint against the Hidden Leaf, so how had things spiraled so disastrously out of control? "Hanekawa!" Onoki slammed the table, his anger boiling over. "That wretched ninja has ruined everything!" Kitsuchi fell silent, feeling a sense of disorientation. He had encountered Hanekawa years ago during a mission to seal the demon Mōryō in the Land of Demons. Back then, Hanekawa was merely a promising young talent. Who would have thought that in just a few years, his strength would grow to such terrifying levels? "It was bad luck for Roshi to face a Water Release user," Kitsuchi remarked grimly as he set the scroll down. "What should we do now?" Onoki's expression hardened as he calmed himself. In his long life, he had faced setbacks even worse than this—such as the time he and his teacher, the Second Tsuchikage, visited the Hidden Leaf to form an alliance with Hashirama Senju, only to be humiliated by Madara Uchiha. "With Roshi captured, rescuing him will be nearly impossible unless we can reach the gates of the Hidden Leaf," Onoki said gravely. Kitsuchi nodded slightly. It was clear that Roshi would not be held in the Land of Grass but would be transferred to the Hidden Leaf. A direct assault to reclaim him would be incredibly difficult. The only other option was to kidnap key figures like Tsunade, Minato Namikaze, or Hanekawa to use as bargaining chips. But that, too, seemed nearly impossible. One of them could teleport instantly with the Flying Thunder God Technique, and the other two could summon reinforcements through Reverse Summoning. "Besides, the Hidden Leaf isn't so easily subdued," Onoki sighed. "Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki haven't even joined the fight." "That leaves only one option," Kitsuchi said with a complicated expression. "We negotiate with the Hidden Leaf." "No matter. The losses we suffered at the Hidden Leaf can be compensated by targeting the Hidden Cloud Village," Onoki said slowly. "The Hidden Cloud will misinterpret the situation, assuming we're preparing for an all-out war with the Hidden Leaf." "Exactly!" Kitsuchi's eyes lit up. "Send 1,000 ninjas to assist Mōru and secure the border of the Land of Earth to prevent any Hidden Leaf incursions," Onoki ordered. "I will lead 10,000 ninjas into the Land of Lightning, seize the Hidden Cloud Village, and then negotiate with the Hidden Leaf." --- Land of Frost Samui, who had just survived a fierce battle, returned to the Hidden Cloud's main camp. Currently, the Hidden Cloud was locked in a grueling war of attrition with the combined forces of the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Sand Villages. Neither side could gain the upper hand. Initially, before Sakumo Hatake's squad arrived, the Hidden Cloud Village had the advantage. However, things took a sharp turn for the worse after their arrival. For the Hidden Cloud, the greatest threat wasn't Sakumo Hatake—it was Shisui Uchiha. During the ambush against Sakumo Hatake's squad, Yugito Nii sustained severe injuries. While most were unaware of the details, Samui knew the truth. The turning point was when Shisui Uchiha used his Sharingan to briefly control Yugito Nii. Although the effect didn't last long, it was enough for Sakumo Hatake to deal her a critical blow. As a result, the Hidden Cloud lost a Jinchuriki and could no longer maintain an overwhelming advantage, plunging the conflict into a brutal stalemate. Samui's thoughts carried her to Yugito Nii's tent. Upon entering, she was immediately greeted by the pungent smell of medicine. Sakumo Hatake's kenjutsu was deadly and precise. If not for Yugito Nii's tailed beast chakra, which gave her extraordinary defense and healing abilities, she would have been killed outright instead of gravely injured. "How are things?" Yugito Nii asked, sitting up. Though proud by nature, she was deeply concerned for the Hidden Cloud. "Not much has changed," Samui replied, shaking her head. "Once I recover, I'll make sure to settle the score with Sakumo Hatake and Shisui Uchiha!" Yugito Nii declared with a cold snort. "Focus on healing first," Samui advised calmly. "Lord A and Killer B will decide the next steps." "How about that guy?" Yugito Nii suddenly asked, her tone complicated. "He's in the Land of Grass, dealing with Hidden Stone ninjas," Samui replied, knowing she was referring to Hanekawa. Ever since she was defeated by one of Hanekawa's shadow clones, he had become a thorn in her side, and she followed his actions closely. As for Hanekawa's recent feat of injuring the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, this news had yet to reach the Land of Frost. Hiruzen Sarutobi had learned of it only through an urgent report from Tsunade. "He better not die!" Yugito Nii clenched her fists. "He can only die by my hand!" "With his strength, ordinary Jonin won't stand a chance," Samui reminded her. "Don't forget, he killed Kushimaru Kuriarare, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen." "So what?" Yugito Nii said confidently. "I could've killed Kushimaru Kuriarare too!" Samui didn't argue, as it was indeed true. As a Jinchuriki, Yugito Nii could have eliminated him more easily than Hanekawa. "Given the current situation, it's unlikely we'll encounter Hanekawa anytime soon," Samui stated coolly. "Focus on the enemies in front of you." "I know," Yugito Nii replied, pouting slightly. At that moment, a knock came at the door. "Lord A has ordered you to attend a meeting in the main tent," an Anbu ninja announced bluntly as they entered. "Could it be that the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Sand are making new moves?" Samui and Yugito Nii exchanged glances before quickly leaving the tent. --- "This is the latest intel," Lord A said as they entered, tossing a scroll to them. Samui caught it and opened it, with Yugito Nii leaning in to read alongside her. Moments later, both women froze in shock. "Hanekawa captured the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi?" Yugito Nii blurted, looking at Lord A for confirmation. "It's true," Lord A nodded. "This is no fabrication. The Hidden Stone has been defeated and retreated back to the Land of Earth." "This... this..." Yugito Nii's mind reeled. Previously, she had been bested by Hanekawa's shadow clone—a fact she had begrudgingly accepted. After all, as a Jinchuriki, she hadn't used her full power. If she had tapped into her tailed beast chakra, she could have easily defeated him. But now, hearing that Hanekawa had captured the Four-Tails Jinchuriki? She couldn't accept it. Did that mean even in her transformed state as the Two-Tails, she would stand no chance against him? Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Biting her lip, Yugito Nii refused to believe it. "We never should have sent him to the Hidden Leaf in the first place," A sighed. "Big brother, someone like him doesn't deserve to be a Hidden Cloud ninja!" Killer B exclaimed indignantly. Samui's lips pressed into a thin, soft line as her emotions churned. She recalled her earlier impressions of Hanekawa from their first meeting—how favorable they had been. But things had changed. "Hanekawa capturing Roshi is good news for the Hidden Cloud," Samui finally said, steadying herself. "The Hidden Stone will surely wage war against the Hidden Leaf to retrieve Roshi." "That's exactly what Father thinks," A said with a hearty laugh. "Next, we'll join forces with the Hidden Stone to crush the Hidden Leaf!" _ Patreon.com/rashta 1. 330 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto 2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother 3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin 4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete) Sёarᴄh the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. 5. 487 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird