Chapter 96 : Ninja World War

"Let me inform you about the latest tasks and updates. We need to prepare the young recruits. It's time for us to put in some hard work."

Yaksha gazed at the thirty ANBU rookies resting in the cave. Though her lips appeared to curve into a smile, her purple eyes remained frigid and devoid of emotion.

These rookies, mostly around twelve or thirteen years of age, regarded Yaksha with unease. It was as if they possessed an inkling of the impending tragic battle, a mix of adolescent panic and an uncontrollable thrill.

Defeat the powerful and construct your monument through the strong's sacrificial blood.

Even in failure, there's only death.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, unmoved. His teammates needed to stay vigilant, guided by his reminders.

"Your seniors have sacrificed vital information, shedding their blood to acquire it. The ninjas from Kumogakure Village are situated ten kilometers away at Battle Peak Cliff's stronghold. Troops from Iwagakure and Kirigakure are also nearby."

Yaksha's gaze swept the area, observing the expressions of each young ninja.

"Your mission is to infiltrate the Battle Peak stronghold alongside me. My responsibility is to eliminate Tazun, and your task is even more arduous. You must buy me time and obstruct the remaining forces.

Tazun is one of Raikage A's disciples. His demise will undoubtedly stir turmoil in Kumogakure Village. Your identities must remain concealed, even if it means dying in the process.

If we manage to accomplish the mission, the rest of ANBU will find a way to attribute the blame to Iwagakure and Kirigakure. If we act swiftly, we could potentially secure support.

Successful completion of the mission will alleviate much of Konoha's wartime pressure, affording us more time to amass strength. You shall be the heroes.

However, any sign of cowardice that hinders our progress... I shall personally end their existence!"

A majestic chakra storm surged from Yaksha's boby, leaves swirling around her. The overwhelming force caused the surrounding ANBU to feel as though they stood amidst a sea of carnage and blood. It was no illusion; still, fear caused them to retreat!

It was none other than quasi-Kage Power.

Despite her gender, Yaksha's prowess in life-or-death situations was second to none. Even the most formidable foes would find it challenging to contend with her.

Orochimaru contemplated; the flaw in this plan was glaring. Raikage wasn't a fool. Relying on others to take responsibility wouldn't suffice.

Yet, these individuals were essentially expendable assets. Employing substitute ANBU, who had only undergone an average of a year's training, as cannon fodder was hardly a feasible tactic. Even if they succeeded, Tobirama Senju likely wouldn't endorse such an approach.

However, ANBU possessed qualities that made them invaluable: loyalty and excellence. Unlike ordinary shinobi, ANBU's identities remained veiled, rendering it difficult to discern Konoha's involvement. Their skill sets and success rates far exceeded those of their peers.

And as for the potential squandering of future prodigies? To superiors, were ninjas not akin to tools, harvested like leeks? Cut one, and another would sprout in its place!

In the face of such a mission, despite their nerves, most ANBU remained resolute. Their devotion to the village and Konoha eclipsed any hesitation.

"Indeed, I haven't reached the point of sacrificing my life for the village. I'm feeling quite inadequate," Orochimaru quipped.

At that moment, two ANBU, previously unseen, approached carrying several large scrolls on their backs.

"Strap these on. These scrolls contain Water Release and Earth Release defensive techniques. Use them only when you cannot repel an attack. Cooperate and carry a few comrades on your backs, moving together."

Tiger and the others acted accordingly, while the two ANBU retreated. However, upon inspecting the scroll, Orochimaru frowned.

Yaksha donned a fearsome mask and addressed the thirty figures cloaked in black garments.

"Wasp, your role is to employ insects for reconnaissance and early warning. Elephant, maintain vigilant watch during the entire battle."

Yaksha surveyed the distant cliff. "To prevent exposure of our Konoha ninja identities, none of you are to shed blood!"

"What?!"

Yaksha's gaze turned sharply to Orochimaru. "And you, Black Snake!"

Did they notice?

"Instructor Yaksha, my snakes possess scouting capabilities. I can summon a few snakes for reconnaissance now, but I won't employ them in combat!"

Orochimaru stared back at Yaksha.

"Oh? Is that so? Then, by all means, give it a try."

Orochimaru transformed into a handful of snakes, which dispersed. Yaksha closely observed Orochimaru's every movement.

No issues; they weren't his snake clones!

Yaksha eyed Orochimaru suspiciously once more before giving a dismissive snort. "Let's proceed—!"

"Swoosh, swoosh—"

The team advanced stealthily, drawing closer to the cliff's edge like valiant heroes descending into the abyss.

"Wolf, do you reckon those rookies can accomplish the mission and return unscathed?"

The two ANBU queried while gazing in the direction of the larger force's movement.

"Enough with the jests, Mantis. It's time for us, Konoha's operatives, to make our presence known."

Wolf fixated his gaze coolly upon the valley ahead and leapt forth.

Amidst the grass, an inconspicuous green serpent emerged, appearing rather ordinary.

This was a true ninja snake, one of Orochimaru's serpents, not a construct molded from chakra or summoning beast. Even if Orochimaru were to perish, the snake wouldn't vanish. Therefore, Yaksha harboured no suspicions.

Within the serpent's mouth rested a blood-red pill, which it crushed, allowing the blood-like liquid to seep into its form.

The snake emitted a pitiable cry as its body swelled incredibly, blue scales transforming into vivid crimson. The snake's skin fissured, but rapid healing ensued, birthing a monstrous aberration.

In a mere three minutes, a one-meter serpent ballooned into a gargantuan creature spanning over ten meters. Its gaping maw was capable of swallowing a person whole.

Yet, this snake's eyes were dull, movements sluggish, and it emitted an ominous aura.

Orochimaru had developed this potion through medical ninjutsu, blending numerous concoctions with trace amounts of Wood Release chakra. However, it remained an imperfect formula, exchanging vitality for swift growth. Alas, it could survive for a mere three hours and was devoid of combat prowess.

The deformed serpent obeyed Orochimaru's final command, slithering into the cave.

"Master Tazun, a group of ninja is closing in on us. Their intentions remain unclear!"

A burly figure garbed in rugged attire entered, delivering a report.

"Recent intelligence indicates both Stone and Mist shinobi operating in the Land of Hot Water. They appear to be avoiding our detection, possibly aiming to dismantle our stronghold. Their numbers are scant, however."

The Kumogakure leader pondered briefly before continuing, "Simultaneously, credible sources suggest a small Konoha contingent infiltrating the Land of Hot Water. It's plausible they seek to strike us and sow discord simultaneously!"

"Your rationale is sound."

Tazun was equally imposing, his attire and white hair distinguishing him from the crowd. Yet, his stature exceeded his peers by a significant margin, his musculature exuding an overwhelming presence.

"But why should I care about their origins? Anyone daring to trespass on my territory, I welcome the challenge. Annihilate them all; leave none standing!"

With a resounding slap, Tazun shattered the table before him, a surge of lightning enveloping him. His nearly two-meter physique resembled a human ninja beast, dashing out of the stronghold.

"Enemy assault! Prepare to engage! Obliterate them all!"

Tazun's roar echoed like thunder, bolts of lightning dancing upon his form. As a disciple of A, he'd mastered the secrets of the Lightning Release Armor. His demeanour, fiery and brash, remained consistent with his mentor's.

"But, Lord Tazun, this is the Land of Hot Water, not our own nation. We haven't declared war against any country, and their motives are uncertain. Shouldn't we issue a verbal warning?"

The staff officer wiped his brow nervously, pressing, "At the very least, extend a diplomatic courtesy?"

"Heh, silence! Do you believe those cowards would heed your words if they hide in the shadows?!"

Tazun, while headstrong, wasn't unintelligent. His resolve was unwavering.

"You stated it yourself—their strength is an enigma. Instead of awaiting their actions, we'll strike preemptively, utilizing our full force.

I've heard that Konoha's pinnacle, the Ninja World's legend, perished in internal conflict. What remains of Konoha, if anything?!"

The electric radiance surrounding Tazun intensified, his figure becoming more dazzling by the moment. He advanced toward the ANBU with a resplendent display, the lightning a brilliant spectacle even in daylight.

"Our Land of Lightning stands resolute, led by Lord A and supported by Golden Horn and Silver Horn. The Ninja World will inevitably bow to us.

Let the Ninja World War commence—let them come!"

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