Chapter 32

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Toki smiled and patted Yuichi's shoulder approvingly:

"You guys did a good job."

A flicker of excitement flashed in Hunter's eyes as he responded loudly:

"It's all thanks to your leadership, Lord Toki!"

Although Toki had not been famous for his strength before, as one of the few jōnin of the Uchiha clan, he had become a spiritual leader for the hawkish faction of the clan. Thanks to the vast knowledge from his past life and familiarity with the plot, Toki often motivated his subordinates by painting a promising picture, increasing their enthusiasm for the mission.

On the side, Shisui looked at Toki with some concern and asked:

"If we keep killing like this, won't Kumogakure retaliate with full force?"

In the past, Shisui's orders had primarily been to repel enemies without unnecessary bloodshed. Even when Ao invaded Konoha with his younger brother, Shisui had only driven them away without killing them.

Toki sneered:

"Do you think they'll thank you for showing mercy? The merciful are deceived, and the meek are trampled. Every time they invade, it's for some gain. Stopping them now won't end their ambitions to invade Konoha."

He continued, "Look at how the Third Tsuchikage gathered tens of thousands of ninja to wear down the Third Raikage until he died. Do you think the Fourth Raikage now dares to mess with Iwagakure? Konoha just emerged from the Nine-Tails attack, and they think they can take advantage of us. If we don't strike fear into them, they'll never back down."

Uchiha nodded in agreement. He wasn't one to overthink orders—Toki was the commander, and whether it was right or wrong, he would follow Toki's instructions.

Toki looked at the enemy base below and frowned:

"They should know we're coming by now. This next step won't be as easy as before. Falcon Squad, head to the Land of Hot Water for reconnaissance."

Several special jōnin responded respectfully and then vanished, leaving the main force.

A look of surprise crossed Shisui's face.

"Their Body Flicker Technique is almost as fast as mine!" he thought in awe.

What Shisui didn't realize was that Falcon Squad specialized in reconnaissance, with abilities similar to those of skilled archers. Their primary strengths lay in their Body Flicker and taijutsu, enhanced with scientific ninja tools and scrolls filled with ninjutsu techniques. While they were officially classified as special jōnin, their speed and equipment made them more than a match for regular jōnin.

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The news of Kumogakure's defeat and expulsion from the Land of Fire quickly reached both Konoha and Kumogakure. The flawless victory—taking down a jōnin and fifty chūnin without suffering any casualties—left the Third Hokage and the Fourth Raikage both slamming their fists on their desks in frustration.

"This is disgraceful for Kumogakure!" the Fourth Raikage fumed.

"Those Konoha tricksters!" he added angrily.

In the Raikage's office, the Fourth Raikage turned to Tutai, his advisor, with a dark expression and demanded:

"Where's the intel? How did an elite trap brigade get wiped out without a single casualty, and you're telling me Konoha only sent the Uchiha clan?"

Tutai frowned and replied seriously, "Lord Raikage, the Intelligence Department reports that there were no Byakugan users in their ranks."

The Fourth Raikage's eyelid twitched.

"Really?"

Tutai nodded sincerely. "Indeed."

A vein bulged on the Fourth Raikage's forehead. This wasn't the answer he wanted.

"Fine, no Byakugan, but are you telling me they were still defeated by a bunch of brutes without even a proper scout?"

Tutai hesitated for a moment before awkwardly taking a step back. He muttered under his breath, "Lord Raikage, if you want to defend them, just say it clearly. No one can follow such a complicated explanation."

The Fourth Raikage's face darkened further, barely restraining himself from turning Tutai into grilled fish. Instead, he waved his hand sharply.

"Enough! Send Yugito to the front!"

Tutai was stunned and quickly objected, "But Lord Raikage, Yugito isn't yet fully in control of the Two-Tails. If she loses control, it could be disastrous."

The Fourth Raikage glared at Tutai, his voice filled with impatience:

"Are you the Raikage, or am I? Give the order, now! If Bee can control the Eight-Tails, why can't Yugito control the Two-Tails?"

"But…"

"I said send her! I'll crush those Uchiha myself if I have to!"

The Fourth Raikage was still deeply affected by his father's death, and his anger had been boiling over ever since. All he wanted now was to crush Konoha and avenge his father. If it hadn't been for Konoha's peace treaty, the Third Tsuchikage wouldn't have sent 10,000 ninja to exhaust his father to death.

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