https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-411-Eight-Tails-and-Two-Tails-Attack-/12936350/
Chapter 410: Countering the Bizarre!
Chapter 410: Countering the Bizarre!
Inside the temporary tent.
"Currently, the Cloud Village ninjas have overwhelmed the border guards and entered the Land of Fire!"
"They've split into three groups and eliminated many of our reconnaissance squads..."
...
Nara Shikaku stood before the map, briefing the situation to Danzo, Squad 404, Sarutobi Shinzo, Akado Jinzou, Yamayama Kasei, and Oilada Jimi, who were all gathered in the tent.
The attendees of this meeting were at least Elite Jonin level (Hyuuga Cangyue: Meow?).
Everyone's faces were grave, as they were well aware of the dire situation they faced after the Cloud Village ninjas had defeated the border forces.
The once evenly matched forces had now become a lone battle.
It wouldn't be surprising if they had even become the 'prey' of the enemy.
"How did the Cloud Village ninjas manage to defeat the border army?"
Mountain Clan Houshi suddenly spoke up, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
Indeed, this was the crucial question.
The border army wasn't made up of pigs; they wouldn't have been so unprepared.
Facing the Cloud Village army led by the Fourth Raikage, they would have been on high alert. Even if they couldn't stop the enemy, they could at least hold out for a few days with the advantage of the terrain. But to collapse without any warning signs was suspicious.
"According to intelligence, the border army was caught off guard by a surprise attack from the Cloud Village army," Nara Shikaku said grimly, providing the detailed situation.
There was a problem! After hearing this, everyone in the tent had the same thought.
It was impossible for the border army not to have sentries and reconnaissance squads. Unless they were blind, how could they not have noticed an army of thousands?
The silence in the tent was deafening! Sensing the atmosphere, Nara Shikaku continued:
"But it's also related to the fact that the border army didn't have any strong ninja who could match the Fourth Raikage."
As he spoke, his gaze subconsciously shifted to Dong Ping and Mountain Clan Houshi, and everyone else followed his lead.
Danzo opened his mouth slightly, about to say something, but then fell silent.
He was confident he could hold off the Fourth Raikage, but he couldn't say it.
If his Senju Hashirama cells were exposed, it would be social suicide.
At that point, not only would he lose the chance to become the next Hokage, but he might even struggle to maintain his position in Root.
Senju Hashirama!
The influence of this name in the Shinobi World was unprecedented.
Just the title of 'Ninja God', which no one dared to refute, showed the extent of his influence. He had personally established the system of one country and one village, ending the warring states era of the Shinobi World.
The Hokage lineage held an unshakeable position in Konoha, and this was closely tied to this name.
If Danzo's experiments using the bodies of the enemy were exposed, it would be seen as a betrayal of his Hokage lineage, and the consequences would be dire.
No wonder he didn't dare reveal his restored peak strength, or even his further advancements. It was all because he dared not.
With Danzo unable to take the lead, the only two Kage-level powerhouses in their ninja army were Dong Ping and Mountain Clan Houshi, so it wasn't surprising that they were the focus of attention.
"Rest assured, if I can defeat the Fourth Raikage once, I can do it again!"
Dong Ping spoke with an air of confidence.
Although the previous victory was largely due to the advantage of the 'first strike,' his current strength was vastly different from before.
Even without using the Bloodline Limit of Lava Release, he was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the Kage level.
He wasn't afraid at all!
Hearing his confident words, the others in the tent not only didn't feel dissatisfied but also felt much more at ease.
Having such a reliable powerhouse by their side did bring a sense of 'reassurance.'
If Dong Ping and Mountain Clan Houshi weren't there, they would have worried about how to deal with the Fourth Raikage when he arrived.
Although the Ino–Shika–Cho Formation could rival a Kage-level ninja, 'rivaling' wasn't the same as being equal. If something unexpected happened, they might be taken out by the enemy in one go.
"Next, we need to gather intelligence on the Cloud Village ninjas, and this is where we'll need the help of Elder Danzo and Root."
Nara Shikaku immediately assigned the task to Danzo.
He wasn't trying to suppress Danzo or vie for command; this arrangement was simply the most suitable.
Root was a department specialized in covert operations, with extensive experience in assassination and intelligence gathering. Assigning them to gather intelligence was the right choice.
"Root will do its best!"
For such a reasonable request, Danzo naturally couldn't refuse, and he wouldn't play any tricks in this regard.
Everyone was experienced; if Danzo dared to manipulate intelligence, they wouldn't hesitate to retaliate. Root wouldn't dare to cause trouble in this aspect.
Dong Ping, on the other hand, maintained an indifferent demeanor, only expressing his intention to deal with the Lightning Shadow and showing no signs of speaking further.
"Aye!" Nara Shikaku witnessed this scene and could only sigh inwardly, feeling helpless.
He understood the reason behind their behavior.
The village's animosity towards the Uchiha had initially affected them.
They faced suppression and exclusion, even having their authority as the Southwest Ninja Army Commander stripped away, leaving them with only an empty title. This forced them to establish the 'Heavenly Fortress.'
Now, it was already commendable that they were willing to obey the village's orders; there was no need to demand more.
The meeting concluded swiftly.
In summary, their large force was to maintain a calm presence, setting up camp at their current location while the Root Division gathered intelligence to determine their next move.
This strategy might seem passive, but in such situations, the key was to minimize mistakes.
It was no exaggeration that the Nara Clan had a monopoly over the position of Leaf Strategist due to their exceptional intelligence rather than mere connections.
Even if Dong Ping had the same cards as them, he might not have come up with a better plan.
However, for some reason, Dong Ping felt that something was off about these Cloud Village Ninjas.
"Jimi, stay close to us from now on!" Dong Ping whispered to Oilada Jimi as they returned to rest.
Despite Jimi being significantly older, Dong Ping addressed him in a manner befitting his status.
In the Shinobi World, strength was revered.
Just as Dong Ping had once addressed the San Nin as 'Sir,' he now, at most, referred to them as 'Seniors,' a change brought about by their power and position.
"Yes, Dong Ping-sama!" Oilada Jimi nodded slightly.
Although he didn't understand Dong Ping's insistence, as a loyal subordinate, he didn't question it.
Indeed, the Oilada Clan had now taken on Dong Ping's characteristics within the Leaf Army, and even among the Leaf Village Ninjas, they were considered part of the 'Heavenly Fortress' faction.
This wasn't unusual, as even within the Leaf Village, there were various factions like the 'Hokage Party,' 'Conservatives,' 'Martial Artists,' and more, each with their own unique characteristics.
Of course, they all belonged to the 'Leaf Party.'
A party within a party, a diverse and complex arrangement! No one found it odd that there was now a 'Heavenly Fortress' faction.
As for Red Bean and Sunset Red, they maintained a subtle distance from the others.
They kept a certain distance, neither appearing too close nor too distant, allowing them to receive assistance whenever needed.
Clearly, no one was a fool.
Several hours later, night fell.
Sizzle!
The golden-brown grilled meat dripped with fat, landing on the flames below and filling the air with a mouth-watering aroma.
Yes, Dong Ping was barbecuing.
Only the three members of the 404th Squad were present, not even Oilada Jimi or his team.
For an ordinary ninja, cooking outdoors like this would be risky.
But for them, the only danger was from anyone daring to approach.
"Release!" Dong Ping performed hand seals, summoning items from the sealed scroll.
Condiments!
Various seasonings covered the ground.
With the mastery of the Sealing Technique, an incredible ability, it would be pointless if it didn't bring convenience to its user.
Dong Ping had no intention of being an ascetic or a masochist.
He had lacked the means before, but now that he had the resources, he intended to enjoy life to the fullest.
His dream was to live a leisurely life, not endure hardships.
Having endured so much in his previous life, he didn't want to suffer again after crossing over; that would render the entire experience pointless.
Thus, he never hid his aspirations for a comfortable life and a harem.
Suddenly, Dong Ping paused for a moment before resuming his actions.
He had received a reminder from Hyuga Cangyue, which was understandable.
In the village, it might not have been an issue, but out in the wild, especially with the knowledge that Cloud Village Ninjas had infiltrated the Fire Country, extra precautions were necessary.
Every so often, Hyuga Cangyue would use her Reincarnation Eye to scan the surroundings, even if there were members of the Hyuga Branch Family in the group.
And indeed, she discovered something.
"Looks like tonight won't be boring after all!" Dong Ping said as he sprinkled seasonings on the meat.
(End of Chapter)
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