Chapter 231 : Cloud ninja trends!

"Let's pick up the pace; we still have half a day left, and we should be able to meet Tobirama-sama."

A group of over a dozen individuals traversed through the woods, with Kagami Uchiha leading the way effortlessly.

Despite being at the forefront, Kagami's demeanor wasn't relaxed. He couldn't fathom why Tobirama sought him out, and a foreboding feeling lingered within him, hinting at impending events. This prompted him to quicken his pace.

Ninjas, upon reaching a certain level of strength and experience, develop an intuition. While their actions are covert and secure, they can't ignore the fact that Cloud Ninja's army might not approach silently. Kagami remained vigilant, especially with Tsunade positioned behind him.

Orochimaru, too, trod cautiously. While lacking Uchiha Kagami's intuition, Orochimaru possessed precise information guiding his journey.

"...Orochimaru, how's the situation on your side?"

While on his path, Orochimaru received a voice in his mind—Takeshi attempting to communicate from a distance.

"Uchiha Kagami took the three of us and a few Uchiha ninjas to meet Tobirama... What, did you know something?"

Orochimaru's expression stiffened momentarily before he mentally responded.

"Hahaha, as you thought, are you sure there are no abnormal guys around you?"

This time, Takeshi's response was swift, implying they weren't too far apart.

"...No, I checked carefully with my mental power. I didn't sense the ominous aura from last time. Uchiha Kagami randomly selected these Uchiha clansmen."

Orochimaru replied seriously.

"Oh, is that so? But I think Cloud Ninja has detailed plans. Otherwise, C wouldn't have ventured out alone with around twenty Cloud Ninja. The likely target is probably you!"

Takeshi's voice carried a hoarse tone as he jestingly spoke.

"Hss—that's true! Huh? Where are you now?"

"Me? I'm not far from Cloud Ninja's troops."

Beneath a dark eave, an elderly man raised his head.

The sky overhead was overcast, raindrops trickling down endlessly, as if the heavens themselves were weeping.

The streets were sparsely populated, and the few pedestrians moved with a sense of gloom and urgency, as if an unseen darkness chased them. The entire town exuded an air of despair and numbness.

The old man observed the Cloud Ninja army stationed from a distance. Despite his attempts to conceal, he couldn't escape Takeshi's detection.

In truth, although Ai had led a large army to the Land of Rain, ostensibly aiming to secure passage to invade the Land of Fire, his true intention was to retreat and negotiate peace with Konoha.

Ai's actions were mere formalities. Even though the Land of Rain lacked a Konoha stronghold, passing through in such numbers would undoubtedly attract the attention of spies from the Land of Rain, Konoha, and other nations. Soon, their movements would be laid out on the table in troop meeting rooms across various countries.

Indeed, it was the case.

Ai already sensed the futility of the battle. Konoha's strength surpassed his expectations. Even though the two Gods of the ninja world have fallen, shaking Konoha now seemed an insurmountable task.

Konoha was effectively fighting on two fronts, yet they managed to defeat the Sand Ninja and repel the Cloud Ninja. Their strength was truly formidable.

In this war, the Cloud Ninja suffered heavy losses, and Ai, the second-generation Raikage, bore some responsibility.

However, the losses were still within an acceptable range at present and not a crippling blow. After the war, Ai planned to take responsibility and resign, passing on his position to his favored student, C.

Despite the significant losses, it allowed a better understanding of Konoha's current strength.

The primary concern lay in the fate of two brothers, Ginkaku and Kinkaku, who were ruthlessly dealt with by Tobirama – a satisfying turn of events.

The Golden Horn and Silver Horn troops comprised dangerous criminals, posing a significant hidden threat.

Reports indicated that although the brothers exhibited incredible strength and coordination against Tobirama, they lacked other skilled warriors in their ranks. Tobirama's subordinates, including his disciple Danzo, proved highly capable. 

A mysterious ninja troop led by Tobirama showcased effective teamwork, causing substantial losses to the Golden Horn and Silver Horn forces.

In short, while the brothers did not lose to Tobirama, their forces were severely diminished.

Ai no longer harbored intentions of invading the Land of Fire. His current dream was to visit Konoha and challenge its status as the top village in the ninja world.

A more pragmatic approach was needed. The Golden Horn and Silver Horn had already retreated to the Land of the Moon with remnants. Ai believed his immediate task was to return home and deal decisively with these two threats using his lightning abilities.

"I assume you're suggesting that only C, accompanied by a small group, might be attempting to hinder us?" Orochimaru inquired after a brief silence.

"Yes. If there were no issues with the Cloud Ninja, why inform C alone and not Ai? However, with no response from Ai, it's clear to me that C is covertly taking action," Takeshi sneered. "I suspect Black Zetsu's involvement, reveling in chaos and disappointed that our efforts didn't meet his expectations. He likely supplied information clandestinely."

"That makes sense. If C brought a sizable force, he would undoubtedly be detected. However, with a select few elites, he could infiltrate discreetly. After all, there are always vulnerabilities," analyzed Orochimaru. "Considering Li's recent failed attack – defeated by Uchiha Kagami, and then surrounded and injured by Uchiha Kagami on the battlefield – it's not surprising that he's acting impulsively to prove himself before Ai."

"As long as we obtain accurate information, there's a high chance of eliminating Kagami Uchiha!" Orochimaru added, a glint of greed and ambition in his eyes when mentioning Uchiha Kagami.

"Indeed, while Black Zetsu wants to include us and Tsunade simultaneously, this presents an opportunity!" Takeshi chuckled darkly.

It was true; Black Zetsu had caused the deaths of Orochimaru and Takeshi. Any temporary alliance that might thwart his plans would be eliminated. 

Only the reincarnations of Asura and Indra, and the descendants of Senju and Uchiha, were exempt from his deliberate interference. Orochimaru and Takeshi were determined to expose and confront this shadowy puppet master, whose influence extended across the entire ninja world.

"It's time to expose this vile entity. Black Zetsu fears exposure, and he's too cautious to act directly. Deceiving him will keep him honest, at least for a while," Orochimaru concluded.

Takeshi sneered, "No problem. I, who have practise Senjutsu, will use Uchiha Dragon's vestiges to deceive his senses!"

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