Chapter 175

Konoha's ninjas had initially gained the upper hand on the battlefield through their elite skills and powerful secret techniques. But the sudden involvement of the Sky Ninjas had complicated matters, forcing Konoha to dispatch several specialized teams to locate the Sora Ninjas' stronghold.

Alongside Orochimaru, these teams included various clan-based forces like the Aburame, Akimichi, and Uchiha. Since the battlefield was split, not all members of these clans could stay on the same line of defense; they had to divide their forces across both fronts.

Orochimaru led his team past the known Iwa Ninja activity zones, quickly moving in the direction the Sora Ninjas had retreated. The team pressed forward relentlessly, with little time for talk.

After two days of travel, they finally spotted their target, a massive fortress floating on the sea to the north of the Land of Haze. This country lay east of the Land of Grass, meaning the Sky Ninjas had flown across multiple countries, covering thousands of miles to strike at Konoha's base. It was no small effort.

From a distance, Orochimaru observed the Sky Ninjas moving in and out of the floating fortress. A fortress on the sea with flying units? It was almost like an aircraft carrier. Even Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a sense of amazement at the ingenuity. While most shinobi were limited to traditional techniques and ninja tools, the Sky Ninjas had created something truly unique.

"An impressive setup... Is that really their headquarters? Building something like that on the sea?" Nawaki murmured.

"Keep your voice down, or they'll spot us," Orochimaru warned quietly as Nawaki quickly fell silent.

"Teacher, how are we supposed to get up there?" Nawaki asked, looking concerned.

Orochimaru didn't even turn around as he replied, "Hizashi, how many rockets do you have left?"

Hizashi answered, "I used quite a few earlier, but I still have twelve left."

"Twelve should be enough. You and Mita will provide covering fire, and the rest of us will charge forward," Orochimaru directed without hesitation.

Though other Konoha teams were also en route, they hadn't arrived yet, and Orochimaru wasn't inclined to wait.

"Understood!" Hizashi nodded without any hesitation. For him, Orochimaru's orders on the battlefield were absolute.

After Hizashi and Mita positioned themselves, Orochimaru led Nawaki and two other teammates down to the beach. He bit his finger, formed a series of hand seals, and slammed his hand to the ground.

Summoning Jutsu!

With a puff of smoke, the enormous form of Manda, the giant snake, appeared beneath them.

"Manda, get us across," Orochimaru commanded.

"Fine, just hold on tight," Manda replied with a hint of grudging respect. Ever since Orochimaru had proven his strength, Manda's usual defiance had lessened. In the world of summons, as with the world of shinobi, the strong held sway.

On the floating fortress, the Sky Ninjas were busy inspecting and polishing their metal wings. Their movements were uniform, and they worked with a discipline more akin to a military force than a traditional shinobi unit. To them, these wings were as important as any prized tool or weapon.

Splash!

The sudden sound of water drew the attention of the Sky Ninjas. They spotted Manda emerging from the sea, carrying Orochimaru's team on his back.

"It's him again, that Konoha ninja named Orochimaru!"

"This isn't their base, let's show them what we're made of!"

At their commander's order, the Sky Ninjas took flight, heading towards Orochimaru's team in formation.

Manda sneered, "Annoying little flies. Orochimaru, you better hang on!"

Orochimaru glanced at Nawaki and his other two teammates. "Squat down and hold on tightly," he ordered.

As soon as they followed his instructions, Manda dove underwater, leaving the Sky Ninjas momentarily confused. With their flying equipment, they had no means of attacking underwater.

Whoosh!

A rocket fired from Hizashi's position, drawing their attention.

"That brat with the rocket launcher is still here too?"

The Sky Ninjas grew visibly tense as Hizashi began firing at the fortress. Rockets slammed into the structure, sending up plumes of smoke and flame. Under the cover of this barrage, Orochimaru and his team re-emerged from the sea, quickly scaling the fortress walls.

"Stop them!" the Sky Ninjas yelled as Orochimaru's group stormed their stronghold.

The Sky Ninjas tried to engage them in close combat, but they were quickly overwhelmed. Konoha's elite shinobi held a decisive advantage in close quarters, especially with Manda still rampaging, tearing apart the fortress structure with ease.

Orochimaru moved with precision, his kunai flashing as he dispatched foes before they could aim their weapons. Against his speed and skill, their guns and tools proved useless. No matter how fast a gun fired, it was still reliant on the person wielding it and Orochimaru was simply faster.

After clearing his immediate area, Orochimaru cut his finger again, forming more hand seals.

Summoning Jutsu!

With a flash of smoke, two more massive, earth-colored snakes appeared, bulldozing their way through enemy ranks and clearing a path forward.

"Let's move!" Orochimaru commanded.

"Yes, sensei!"

"Yes, Captain!"