Chp-91: Your Village's Advisor... is Impressive

"Satou-kun, I heard you had a conflict with the main family in the camp yesterday?"

"Just a small matter."

Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely.

"If you need, Satou-kun, I can make them disappear. Don't worry; no one will notice. In times of war, accidents happen all the time."

Hyuga Satoru looked at him calmly. "No need, Orochimaru; I have my own plans."

"Is that so?" Orochimaru laughed hoarsely.

Hyuga Satoru's eyes flashed subtly. With the continuous display of his strength and abilities, Orochimaru's attitude had been shifting. Previously, Orochimaru treated him like an investment or a research subject. Now, it seemed there was a slight sense of respect or even subordination.

As they chatted, the door to the tent was suddenly pushed open.

"Orochimaru-sama, scouts have reported the advance of the Sand Ninja forces!"

"Is that so? How many ninjas have they sent?"

"About 3,000, and both Rasa and Chiyo have been spotted."

"Is that so?"

Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely, recalling the rumours in the camp.

"Chiyo still has the courage to come to the battlefield? As expected of a ninja renowned in the Second Ninja War."

He gave Hyuga Satoru a peculiar look as if contemplating something. Was he considering what dance to make Chiyo perform this time? Planning to try a new style?

Hyuga Satoru smiled wryly.

"Orochimaru-sama, the priority now is to rally the troops for a counterattack. Since Rasa dares to take the initiative, he must have made preparations."

"Indeed."

Orochimaru took a deep breath, his expression turning serious as he gave orders.

...

In the wars between large ninja villages, except for small-scale elite unit tactics, it was almost impossible to avoid the scouts of both sides. The moment Rasa's large force set out, Konoha's troops received the intelligence. The ninja units quickly assembled, marching grandly to meet the enemy.

The battlefield was the same hill where the previous battle had taken place, with remnants of ninjutsu marks on the ground and some corpses that the Sand Ninja had not had time to take away.

Rasa took a deep breath, suppressing his humiliation and anger. This battle, no matter what, must be won! The Hidden Sand Village, unlike Konoha, had far fewer resources and regenerative capabilities. The war had reached a point where the village had committed almost all its elite forces. Only by winning could they secure more leverage in the peace negotiations. Only then could Rasa solidify his newly assumed position as the Fourth Kazekage.

He glanced at an old man behind him, who seemed to be a monk dressed in robes. His attire contrasted sharply with the stern ninja troops around him.

"Monk Bunpuku, how is Shukaku's condition?"

"Still restless."

Bunpuku's tone was devoid of emotion.

Rasa frowned.

"Bunpuku, I know you dislike killing, but this is war. We have no choice. The future of the village rests on your shoulders."

Rasa looked deeply at Bunpuku.

Bunpuku's face showed a struggle, but he quickly returned to his previous calm demeanour.

"I understand. When the time comes, I will release Shukaku."

"Good."

Rasa's lips curled slightly.

...

Blue and yellow torrents clashed on the hillside, mirroring the previous battle's opening. Large-scale wind and fire ninjutsu collided, scattering embers, and Sand and Konoha ninjas engaged once more.

This time, however, there was an additional element in the battle: the occasional taunting remarks from the Konoha ninjas.

"Your village's advisor, Chiyo... is impressive!"

"Bastards! Those Konoha scum!"

"How dare you humiliate us like this..."

Red-eyed Sand ninjas fought madly, driven by anger and losing their composure. This lack of discipline led to their gradual defeat at the hands of the Konoha ninjas. Even the experienced Sand Jonin couldn't maintain their calm under such taunts, their heavy breathing betraying their agitation. In a life-and-death battle, even a small mistake could be fatal.

Despite their numerical advantage, the scales of victory seemed to be tipping in Konoha's favour.

"Where is Rasa hiding?"

After cutting down a Sand Jonin, Orochimaru's snake-like eyes scanned the battlefield for Rasa. Rasa's unique ninjutsu should have been easily noticeable. His absence indicated he was plotting something. Orochimaru had his suspicions but remained calm. Hyuga Satoru's absolute counter to the Sand Village's abilities bolstered his confidence.

At that moment, a cold voice echoed.

"Your opponent is me!"

Simultaneously, a familiar figure and her ten puppets appeared.

Chiyo.

She stared coldly at Orochimaru, still controlling the ten puppets of the Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets.

"Haha, it's Chiyo! Why... not seek revenge on Satoru?"

Orochimaru laughed hoarsely.

Chiyo's face stiffened, her teeth gritting slightly.

"Orochimaru, I didn't expect you to indulge in verbal jabs."

"Ha ha... I just find it amusing that you still control these ten puppets. Aren't you afraid of a repeat performance, being controlled by your own puppets?"

"You..."

Chiyo took a deep breath, knowing she couldn't afford to get angry. Her revenge depended on it! Rasa was hidden within the Sand ninja forces, searching for Hyuga Satoru. She had to hold off Orochimaru. As for Minato, Pakura could handle him. These two had already become old rivals in the war.

With her vast battle experience, Chiyo quickly restrained her emotions. The ten puppets moved, attempting to surround Orochimaru.

Since the last battle, she had modified the puppets, replacing almost all the metal parts. Orochimaru seemed disinclined to fight, leaping back to evade the puppet encirclement. Almost simultaneously, a figure descended, sending the attacking puppets flying.

Amidst the swirling dust, a familiar voice made Chiyo's pupils contract.

"Chiyo, you seem to have forgotten about me."

As the dust settled, Tsunade stood firm, raising an eyebrow at Chiyo.

"I heard you were... impressive?"

"Tsunade..."

Chiyo gritted her teeth, producing a gnashing sound.

"Weren't you..."

"Damn it, was the information incorrect?"

"Not exactly."

Tsunade dusted off her sleeves.

"It's just that Hyuga Satoru's technique is excellent."

She smiled at Chiyo.

"I didn't expect that at such a young age, he'd have such profound medical skills."

"Him again!"

Chiyo felt her heart clench as if gripped by an unseen force. Her eyes reddened slightly, and her teeth gritted.

"That brat..."