Chapter 202

Of course, when it comes to Kaito, this translates to an endless sense of superiority. With such physical prowess, who would he fear in continuous combat?

He suddenly felt that in the future, perhaps he could take on ten opponents at once, even with his shadow clones.

Well, the focus is on the matters after marriage.

"Director Kaito, greetings."

However, just as Kaito and his team had arrived at the Konoha camp on the frontline of the Land of Grass, a middle-aged ninja with Byakugan swiftly approached him.

First, he sized up Kaito, and then he respectfully bowed slightly, "I am the commander of the frontline camp in the Land of Grass. My name is Hyūga Heiji. I look forward to your guidance, Director Kaito."

"Hello, Jōnin Heiji, the pleasure is mine."

Kaito glanced at the man before him and then revealed a slight smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

The Hyūga clan indeed didn't hold any significant ministerial positions in Konoha.

However, the reason their influence hasn't waned is that their clan members usually serve in various important roles within the defense forces.

The defense forces of Konoha have quite a few members of the Hyūga clan.

Moreover, within the border defense forces of Konoha, there are even more of them, even some serving as commanders.

After all, the Byakugan might show average performance in one-on-one combat.

But in defensive roles and large-scale group battles, the Byakugan truly is a strategic asset.

It allows the user to quickly detect approaching enemy ninjas and anticipate enemy formations in large-scale battles.

Such an ability is truly extraordinary. Perhaps Kumogakure's earlier intent to get their hands on the Byakugan was due to valuing this ability.

Of course, there's also the possibility they simply wanted to create chaos in Konoha.

Considering Konoha's past concessions made out of war fears and Hyūga Hiashi's resentment towards Sarutobi Hiruzen, 

From these incidents, one can deduce how advantageous Kumogakure's actions were at the time.

On one hand, he severely damaged Konoha's reputation throughout the ninja world; on the other, he deeply strained the relationship between the Hyūga clan and Konoha.

Imagine, if the Hyūga truly broke ties completely with Konoha.

Without these Hyūga ninjas to guard the borders, enemies could truly find various weak points to infiltrate.

"We've already received word. Lady Tsunade is the supreme commander for this operation, right?"

Hyūga Heiji was very modest in his demeanor. He showed no arrogance just because Kaito appeared young.

Nor did he show any displeasure simply because Kaito was a member of the Uchiha clan.

"However, it seems Lady Tsunade hasn't taken her position yet. Currently, the highest-ranking official in the camp is you, Director Kaito. 

I am willing to hand over command of the front line to you. I hope you would accept."

"Never mind that. Continue with your command. I have other responsibilities."

Kaito pondered for a moment and quickly smiled, shaking his head in refusal of the offer.

While for him, taking over this front-line unit would indeed be an intriguing proposition, it didn't hold any real significance.

He came to the front line not intending to command a large force; otherwise, he would have vied for such a position back in Konoha.

He was well aware that he could maybe boost morale, but he probably didn't possess much talent in commanding battles.

Leading a small squad was different, where he had experience and wasn't worried about issues arising.

Even if there were any issues, he could rely on his own capabilities to overcome them.

However, large-scale operations were entirely different from small squad tactics, requiring more considerations. Hence, he thought it better to decline.

Besides, he didn't want to get bogged down with such matters. He'd rather exert his and Shisui's deterrent power.

As for these headache-inducing matters, better let Tsunade enjoy them herself.

"By the way, are there any updates from the front line?"

After refusing the offer, Kaito directly inquired.

"The Anbu should have already handed over to you by now, so you must have some intelligence from the front lines, right?"

"We have indeed received quite a bit of information, but some of it still needs verification."

Hyūga Heiji nodded immediately, then seriously said,

"From what we see now, the morale in Iwagakure has been consistently high. Recently, there's been a spread of some rather extremist hate speech within their village. Such remarks have continuously intensified their animosity towards us. At the same time, there's propaganda suggesting that the Fourth Hokage is already dead, and the last failure was due to Kumogakure's interference. Guided by these two narratives, I fear their morale won't be low."

"Not surprising. This is a standard tactic."

Kaito lightly nodded in agreement. To be honest, using this kind of method to boost morale is not uncommon.

Shisui raised an eyebrow. This was yet another confirmation of something Kaito had once told him.

However, Kaito paid no attention to Shisui's thoughts. Right now, he had only one pressing question on his mind.

"Who is the commander of Iwagakure this time? With Kitsuchi dead, I really can't think of anyone else from Iwagakure who can take on such a significant role. Could it be Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi? Also, what's the status of their Jinchūriki? Is the Four-Tails Jinchūriki still not in Iwagakure? What about the Five-Tails?"

"As for the commander, we haven't learned that information yet. The Anbu are still searching comprehensively. I suspect Iwagakure might also be unaware of our situation," Hyūga Heiji said in a low voice. Every question from Kaito was critical, and Heiji exhibited the awareness expected of a subordinate.

"As for the Jinchūriki, we do have some intel. The Four-Tails Jinchūriki is still missing, and nobody knows his whereabouts. However, we must be cautious; just because he doesn't get along with Ōnoki doesn't mean he doesn't hold Iwagakure in his heart. As for the Five-Tails Jinchūriki, he is currently in Iwagakure and there has been no movement so far."

"It seems that the situation this time isn't too bad. It's not particularly disastrous."

Kaito nodded. While the information wasn't exhaustive, it was still sufficiently informative.

The lack of intelligence was in line with Kaito's expectations, as many pieces of information aren't that easy to thoroughly investigate.

Therefore, their squad can play a more significant strategic role.

With this in mind, Kaito smiled and nodded to Hyuga Heiji, "I understand the basic situation. Thank you, Jonin Heiji."

"No need, Minister Kaito. I'll immediately arrange rooms for your rest," Hyuga Heiji replied with a smile.

"Alright, thank you, Jonin Heiji."

"All of this is what I should be doing."

Inside the room arranged by Hyuga Heiji, Kaito began to seriously ponder the next steps.

After all, before coming here, he had made it clear to Tsunade that the actions of their squad wouldn't be influenced by the main forces.

Unless there's a large-scale battle and they face formidable opponents, Kaito doesn't need to focus here. 

With such high autonomy, Kaito naturally has to take some initiatives. Causing disruption and attacking key figures is inevitable, but now he also needs to gather some essential intelligence.

"Yaneko, who do you think will be the commander of Iwagakure this time?"

Kaito asked while sitting on the bed's edge. Shisui, who was organizing equipment, looked over upon hearing the question.

The commander of Iwagakure is indeed a vital role, as the commander's style could dictate the course of the war. 

For instance, whether he is prudent or reckless, whether he excels in offense or defense, Konoha can adjust their strategies accordingly.

"I don't know. Either the Anbu will provide intelligence, or we'll investigate ourselves," Yaneko said while resting, already in her zone.

"However, based on the current state of Iwagakure, they seem to be in a state of transition. The most suitable commander would have been Kitsuchi, but with him gone, Iwagakure lacks an appropriate choice. They might opt for a newcomer. Before coming here, I reviewed some files. They have someone named Bungya who seems competent."

"He is an Iwagakure Jonin with a physique akin to a massive boulder, possessing extraordinary strength and adept at using Earth Release techniques.

And based on the intelligence I've seen, he possesses a strong sense of responsibility and team spirit. Such a person might be given special training.

Of course, I think it's likely that this guy will be in charge of the initial defense, with the Tsuchikage of the Third Generation, Ōnoki, personally taking the field later on."

"Ōnoki?"

Kaito raised an eyebrow in thought, quickly seeming to grasp Yaneko's meaning.

"Ōnoki needs time to sort out the internal affairs of Iwagakure. So, by your logic, he won't come out so soon because he requires that time. Therefore, a trustworthy newcomer might be cultivated for the initial phase. But isn't he afraid?"

Kaito paused mid-sentence, initially wanting to say, 'Isn't Ōnoki afraid of being breached just like that?' 

But on second thought, if Iwagakure were to staunchly defend, it's uncertain if Konoha could break through swiftly.

Moreover, in Ōnoki's style, he might likely summon members of the Akatsuki. And these Akatsuki members could adequately harass Konoha.

Furthermore, Ōnoki has a strong sense of revenge. Calling the Akatsuki might not just be about dealing with Konoha. He likely harbors a vendetta, especially with Uchiha Itachi being part of the Akatsuki.

"So, that's the case. He might've found some evidence, suspecting the Uchiha's involvement. He's uncertain about who it is, but his target seems to be Uchiha Itachi."

Once Kaito figured this out, he couldn't help but sigh. Ōnoki was indeed cunning and ruthless. This move of his was akin to killing several birds with one stone. One could say that the longer this man lives, the more intricate and fearsome his schemes become.

"Afraid of what? Afraid of us breaking through their defenses?"

Yaneko glanced at Kaito and promptly replied.

"He might be concerned, but if he still proceeds this way, it suggests he might have a contingency. As for what that contingency is, that's something truly worth investigating."

"Therefore, I suggest that our current actions can be carried out in three ways.

First, we need to investigate who the current commander of Iwagakure is. The second approach involves the necessary sabotage and harassment.

As for the third, it builds upon the first. Once we figure out who the commander is, we need to understand their backup plan."

With just the information currently available, Yaneko already constructed a relatively complete action logic, which left Shisui feeling somewhat astounded.

He now truly understood why Kaito chose to bring this girl along.

Perhaps Kaito indeed has some special feelings for her, but her abilities alone prove that she's worth bringing along, even if she had no fighting capabilities!

"It seems our course of action is clear." Kaito said with a nod and a smile. "Let's prepare and set out."

"So soon?"

Hearing Kaito's words, Yaneko raised an eyebrow, but she eventually nodded in agreement.

"That's fine. It might be easier to make our move before they are firmly established."

"That's one way to see it, but I have some additional thoughts."

Kaito's gaze drifted to the window, his expression reflecting a hint of inexplicable emotion.

After a while, he turned to Shisui.

"Shisui, do you remember when we first encountered Kakuzu and Orochimaru?"

"Of course."

Shisui nodded, seemingly grasping something instantly.

"You mean, Ōnoki might seek them out?"

"It's not out of the question. Didn't he do exactly that in the Land of Bears?"

A subtle smile appeared at the corner of Kaito's mouth, and he then rose to head outside.

"So, we can skip some steps, like trying to locate these guys.

After all, strictly speaking, their attire is quite recognizable, and their strength is formidable. If they truly get involved, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Upon hearing Kaito's words, Shisui immediately stood up. Indeed, none of these individuals are simple.

If they really were to join the battle and we remain unaware, the consequences would indeed be dire.

Seeing the actions of Kaito and Shisui, Yaneko also stood up.

Although she didn't really understand things about the Akatsuki organization, she was familiar with Orochimaru.

If Orochimaru was in such an organization, then the danger of the organization was beyond imagination.

And Kaito was right, it's better to be safe than sorry.

What Shisui and Yaneko didn't know was that Kaito was almost a hundred percent certain that the members of the Akatsuki were here.

Because his Grace Mark had already given him a hint. This time, his hunting targets were Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama!

In the dense forest of the Land of Grass, Orochimaru, dressed in a white kimono, walked leisurely forward.

Sunlight filtered through the thick foliage of towering trees, casting mottled shadows on the ground. This environment was just right for him.

At some point, Orochimaru no longer cherished the sunlight as he once imagined.

Perhaps it's related to his research, as his behavioral patterns and some habits have increasingly leaned towards those of a snake.

Maybe because he had gotten used to working in the dark while researching for Danzo in Konoha, he didn't really enjoy basking in sunlight anymore.

But all of that didn't matter. The upcoming mission was the key.

No, to be precise, the upcoming test of the results of his experiments was the most crucial!

Orochimaru wasn't quite sure if Kaito had already joined the battle since he didn't have much information on this.

However, one thing was certain; if they started moving on the battlefield, there was a high possibility Kaito would be drawn in.

"Even Jiraiya and Tsunade might be drawn into this."

Orochimaru subtly licked his lips, his feelings towards these two old friends were somewhat complex.

He was, after all, someone who had never truly severed his bonds, even if he was genuinely cold-blooded.

But for those few friends he had, there was still a place for them in his heart.

"However, if they truly come, I won't hold back in the slightest when I act. We are all ninja, after all, and we must be prepared for whatever comes our way."

Orochimaru chuckled lightly and continued to walk slowly forward. At this moment, he was nearing the actual controlled area of Iwagakure.

His chosen location for his laboratory was within the influence of Kusagakure, not belonging to these two major powers, which meant he was relatively safe at all times.

Even so, it would take him some time to reach Iwagakure's territory, especially at his current leisurely pace.

"Hm?"

However, at that moment, Orochimaru suddenly became alert because he sensed someone rushing towards him at great speed.

And the direction these individuals were coming from was indeed under Konoha's control.

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, stopping in his tracks and silently observing. Yet, when he clearly saw who was approaching, his expression showed a hint of change.

Similarly, the three individuals rushing towards him also hesitated for a moment upon seeing Orochimaru.

It was as if they hadn't expected to encounter Orochimaru here.

//

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