Chapter 101

"Someone asked, is the Shinobi World big?"

Well, it's certainly big. After all, it's an entire planet, and it takes a significant amount of time to travel across it.

However, to the Shinobi who possess extraordinary powers, the size of the Shinobi World doesn't matter much.

So, in the Land of Fire, the Hidden Village of Konoha was enraged. A team of Shinobi was deployed to block the borders, searching and assassinating Shinobi. Other countries and Hidden Villages within the Shinobi World also intensified their efforts.

At the border between two countries, Hatake Sakumo led an unconventional team on a search mission.

As the fast-moving Shinobi team followed Hatake Sakumo, he suddenly came to a halt.

The Shinobi trailing behind him immediately became alert. They were a group of probing-type Shinobi.

Inuzuka Clan's dog trembled in its master's arms, sensing the danger. Aburame Clan's Shinobi could also sense the fear within their insects.

A gust of wind and sand swept by, revealing a serene figure in front of them.

"Hatake, you have reached the boundary of my Land of Wind. Please wait here," Bunpuku calmly addressed Hatake Sakumo, cautioning him.

Hatake Sakumo gripped his short blade and warily observed Bunpuku.

"This is the Land of Wind, Sunagakure. You're acting suspiciously. Martial law is now in effect."

Bunpuku accused, immediately casting suspicion on Hatake Sakumo.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Kazekage-sama ordered me to take care of the border. I follow orders, nothing more," Hatake Sakumo replied, his face betraying no emotion.

Bunpuku remained composed, clasping his hands together.

"Don't play dumb. Princess Tsunade and Lord Nawaki have been assassinated. They are in grave danger and may not survive. And you... you're involved."

Hatake Sakumo feigned strength while feeling weak inside.

His urgent tone didn't match his usual composure.

Unbeknownst to him, one moment people were laughing and talking, and the next, they could be separated by life and death.

Bunpuku sighed heavily, uttering his words with a tinge of sadness.

As Bunpuku spoke, Sand Blades formed under his control, slashing towards Hatake Sakumo and his team.

Hearing Bunpuku's words, Hatake Sakumo's pupils contracted. He quickly signaled his subordinates to prepare for retreat.

Before the sand blades could reach them, Hatake Sakumo had already drawn his short blade and the other Shinobi swiftly fled in the direction they came from.

Although the Shinobi who followed Hatake Sakumo were all at least Special-Jonin level, none of them wished to become entangled in a battle between Kage-level powerhouses. It was simply too dangerous for them.

Thus, the Shinobi team quickly retreated.

Wind Release, wild sand, chilling sword lights, and terrifying Lightning-Style jutsu intertwined at the border of the two countries.

"The potential of Hatake is truly terrifying. In just a few years, he has reached such an astonishing level," Bunpuku remarked, standing atop a sand Shukaku, observing Hatake Sakumo who was encased in lightning, holding a short blade while facing him and his longsword.

"Haha, I'm still no match for you," Hatake Sakumo sighed inwardly before unleashing a swift sword strike.

"Sabaku Sōsō!"

"Lightning Thousand Cuts!"

Lightning and sand cascaded together, creating a mesmerizing scene.

Back at the gathering place of Konoha Shinobi, Hatake Sakumo swiftly appeared, his body bearing several minor wounds that were bleeding.

"Let's return. Sunagakure has chosen not to get involved and remains neutral," Hatake Sakumo coldly commanded his team.

"Yes, Lord," the other Shinobi responded promptly, forming a formation and making their way back to Konoha.

Bunpuku observed the empty space before him, devoid of any sign of the enemy.

His eyes narrowed as he contemplated the recent assassination. He had simply stood by and watched the attack unfold.

Over the next few days, Hatake Sakumo, known as Konoha's White Fang and an elite Shinobi, engaged in battles against Shinobi from the Thunder, Earth, and Water countries along the borders. The tension in Konoha gradually subsided as a result.

The situation in the Shinobi World began to stabilize, leading to a sudden change in Konoha.

Inside the Hokage's office...

"Sarutobi, what do you mean? I have served Konoha with great merit, shedding blood for our teacher. Now that I have finished my mission, you're dismissing me? You're dampening the spirits of a hero," Shimura Danzo, a close friend, hoarsely accused Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a smoke ring without saying a word. He retrieved a few shuriken from beneath the table and tossed them to Shimura Danzo.

"What does this mean?" Shimura Danzo asked, his eyes narrowing as he felt a sense of unease.

"Shimura, you're a smart man. There's no need for further explanation. These are the 'spoils of war' that Sakumo obtained while battling Bunpuku. Other countries have already provided their explanations," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a slight glint in his eyes.

Shimura Danzo's heart trembled.

Damn, this caught me off guard.

Those damn traitors turned on me so quickly.

"These are records of the training requirements for Anbu Shinobi. Proceed with the training," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, looking at the desperate Shimura Danzo with a sense of "comfort."

"Yes, I understand," Shimura Danzo replied, leaving in despair.

On the second day, Konoha's advisor, Shimura Danzo-sama, was dismissed from his position due to his "behavior" and was sent home for retirement.

Simultaneously, several major Shinobi Clans in Konoha produced talented Shinobi who were then sent for Anbu training.

Dozens of shops in Konoha were put up for sale, causing turmoil in the village's economy. To stabilize the situation, the Hokage's residence purchased these shops at significantly reduced prices.

At night, groups of Anbu Shinobi secretly transported unknown materials into Konoha's warehouse. Due to space constraints, ten large warehouses were temporarily constructed.

Konoha's swift actions astonished the world.

"Sakumo, I must thank you for your prompt action in this incident. What have we gained from it?" Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his gratitude while gazing at Hatake Sakumo with a tinge of sadness.

This person is too powerful. If he were to turn against us, he would be a significant threat.

"Lord Hokage, during this operation, every Shinobi has come close to reaching the level of Kage. I suspect that the other Hidden Villages have already reached that stage," Hatake Sakumo boldly speculated, recalling the rock giants, bone monsters, and powerful muscle-bound individuals he encountered.

"Yes, just as I thought. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare to produce so many Jonin. It seems we need to step up our efforts," Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed, nodding.

The Five Kage Alliance, blending and complementing each other's abilities. Sarutobi Hiruzen had also reached this realm.

Hatake Sakumo's intense battles against the Four Great Hidden Villages were both a test and a demonstration of strength.

If Hatake Sakumo's power was insufficient, how could he gather such a vast amount of materials and expand the warehouses?

"Lord Hokage, am I at fault?" Hatake Sakumo suddenly bowed his head, expressing sadness.