Chapter 87: Is This a Form of Protection or a Deliberate Diversion?
If Kurama hadn't been sealed securely inside Kushina, Orochimaru might have started to suspect that Snowy was just a differently colored version of the Nine-Tails.
With Snowy's help and Takuya's own strength, subduing Manda shouldn't have been a problem.
Orochimaru wasn't inclined to make a fuss, primarily because he didn't rely on Manda's power that often.
After all, Manda always demanded a tribute, and finding suitable sacrifices wasn't easy.
Moreover, Ryuchi Cave housed many snakes whose strength rivaled Manda's; there was no need to be fixated on him.
If Manda no longer responded to his summons, Orochimaru could simply form a new contract with another snake that would be easier to manage.
"Begin preparations. The decisive battle is approaching. Send a message to the camp requesting reinforcements!" Orochimaru ordered.
The forces at their position were limited, and to defeat Amegakure, reinforcements would be necessary.
The most challenging aspect of winning this war would be overcoming Hanzō!
As long as Hanzō appeared on the battlefield, he was almost a one-man army.
Wherever he went, death followed, with no distinction between friend and foe.
Even with gas masks, the poison from Hanzō's salamander could be lethal.
If they could neutralize Hanzō, Konoha's chances of victory would significantly increase.
Looking at Jiraiya and Tsunade, Orochimaru couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
If only Sakumo-senpai were here.
Hatake Sakumo's fighting style was the perfect counter to Hanzō. He was faster than Hanzō and his blade even quicker.
As long as they could defend against Hanzō's poison and join forces, defeating him wasn't out of the question.
However, at this point, the three of them hadn't yet reached their peak strength.
Relying solely on their abilities to defeat Hanzō would be difficult—they needed outside support.
Unfortunately, Sakumo was currently on the battlefield in the Land of Rivers and couldn't just abandon that front to assist in the Land of Rain.
If Sakumo left the Land of Rivers, holding the line there would become much more challenging.
As Amegakure made their move, so did Konoha.
When Orochimaru requested reinforcements from the camp, he also made sure to note the contributions of Takuya's team. Danzo approved Orochimaru's request for reinforcements without delay.
A large number of shinobi left the camp, heading to the frontlines.
At this moment, Danzo, as the commander-in-chief, was pondering other matters.
The impending battle between Amegakure and Konoha was no longer his primary concern.
It was obvious to anyone that Amegakure was nearing its breaking point.
Konoha didn't even need to decisively defeat Amegakure; as long as they could hold their ground and avoid defeat, victory would eventually be theirs.
If Hanzō chose to negotiate, the course of the war would shift entirely.
Danzo didn't want the war to end in such a muddled way. He needed to play a key role in the conclusion of this conflict to secure enough benefits.
For example, during negotiations, he could push for more favorable terms for Konoha.
"Lord Danzo, Takuya's team has returned."
"Mm, let them in."
Danzo's thoughts were interrupted by a Root member notifying him of their arrival.
Takuya's team entered the command post, with Minato, as usual, taking the lead in addressing Danzo.
"Lord Danzo, when we arrived at the mission site, we found that Sunagakure's camp had already relocated. The mission was a failure."
Are we going to be punished for this? Minato wondered.
We shouldn't be, right? After all, we did discover the gathering of Amegakure's forces, which should count as a significant contribution.
Minato's mind was racing with these thoughts, worried that Danzo might be displeased and mark their mission as a failure, which would be disheartening.
Successfully completing a mission meant earning recognition and accolades, but a failed mission could result in a deduction.
A failed mission, like this one, where the enemy camp had already moved, would typically be blamed on the intelligence department. However, if the higher-ups decided to nitpick, even something as trivial as which foot they used to enter the room could be used as an excuse to cut them down.
But Minato was overthinking it.
Danzo wasn't one to get caught up in such trivial matters at this time.
His focus was on increasing his own prestige and accumulating more merits.
That was what truly mattered.
Without enough prestige and merit, how could he ever hope to become Hokage?
There's no chance.
Danzo's expression remained as stoic as ever. He gave the trio a brief glance before saying:
"The failure of this mission is attributed to the intelligence department for not providing up-to-date information, resulting in a wasted trip for you.
This failure will not be recorded in your files.
Moreover, your discovery of Amegakure's latest movements is of great importance to the village and the camp. I'll ensure that this contribution is noted, and you will be commended when we return to the village."
"Right now, we're in dire need of manpower. Many from the camp have already gone to support the frontline, so I need you three to carry out another mission."
Another mission?
We're not going to the frontlines to support them?
Minato and Nawaki were both surprised, and even Takuya couldn't quite understand Danzo's reasoning.
At this point, the camp was sending even Special Jonin and elite Chunin to the frontlines.
But they were being assigned to another mission instead.
Is this some form of indirect protection, or is he deliberately keeping us away?
Danzo had no reason to protect them specifically, nor was there any apparent motive to send them away.
After all, the three of them had minimal impact on the war, unless Takuya decided to unleash Snowy and start throwing around Nine-Tails-level firepower.
But Danzo didn't know about that trump card.
"I thought we'd be joining the reinforcements heading to the frontlines," Nawaki sighed, his tone filled with disappointment.
He didn't want to be sent on some random mission at such a crucial time.
He wanted to be on the frontlines, fighting alongside Orochimaru and his sister, Tsunade.
"Yeah, right. If you went to the frontlines, would your sister be able to focus on the battle or would she have to worry about you? Just follow orders and stop complaining," Takuya said, giving Nawaki a firm smack on the back that nearly knocked the wind out of him.
As Takuya headed toward the tent where they would rest, he added, "The mission starts tomorrow. Let's take today to rest."
Cough, cough!!
You might as well have just killed me with that slap, Nawaki thought, rolling his eyes dramatically. He glared at Takuya's retreating back, making exaggerated throat-slitting gestures with his hand.
Suddenly, a small white head peeked out from behind Takuya, and Nawaki froze in fear, quickly dropping his hand and offering Snowy a sheepish grin.
"Idiot."
Snowy's verdict was swift and scathing as she turned her head away.
She had sensed a flash of malice directed at Takuya, only to find that it was just Nawaki, foolishly trying to match wits with her master's shadow.
"Hahahahaha…"
Minato doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach as tears streamed down his face.
This is exactly the kind of behavior that gets Nawaki into trouble, Minato thought.
Earlier, Nawaki had sworn he'd never mess with Snowy again, but it hadn't been long before he'd forgotten that promise.
This is what Takuya always calls 'asking for it,' isn't it?
Meanwhile, in Sunagakure's new camp, an ANBU member placed a freshly collected intelligence scroll on the table, bowing respectfully.
"Lady Chiyo, this is the latest intelligence gathered by ANBU. It appears that Amegakure and Konoha are making significant moves, possibly preparing for a decisive battle."
"Konoha!!"
At the mention of that word, Chiyo's expression twisted in rage, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
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