Chapter 94 : Dangerous Mission

"Perhaps you're unaware that our history with Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village) has always been strained. They're the most militarily formidable among the five great nations apart from us, and they were the second nation to establish a village.

There have been ongoing tension and clashes between us, especially following the end of the Valley incident. While our first-generation leaders managed to defeat the treacherous Uchiha Madara, he regrettably met his demise after the battle. The Land of Lightning never accepted our version of events. Hmm! It's futile to even reminisce about the Five Kage Summit..."

As Yaksha nonchalantly toyed with a stack of scrolls, she casually slandered the two great nations and a few Kage. She displayed minimal reverence, her tone relaxed and carefree.

"However, Instructor Yaksha, I've heard that Kumogakure is currently unstable. It might be an opportunity..."

Hyuga Kazuki suddenly chimed in, suggesting the potential for sowing discord and capitalizing on the situation.

"I dislike being interrupted, little devil!"

Yaksha coldly snorted, and the stack of scrolls in her hand vanished!

"So fast!" Orochimaru was taken aback, hastily pulling Hyuga Kazuki back as the scrolls were impaled directly into the tree behind them. Were it not for Orochimaru's quick reflexes, his shoulders might have borne the brunt of the attack.

"A peculiar hidden weapon technique, though rather domineering. After all, I'm his nominal captain. He is under my supervision!"

Orochimaru gazed at Yaksha coldly but withheld his words, finding the instructor's actions excessive.

"Well, well, little devil, I hear you used to be quite the troublemaker. They called you Black Snake, correct? Your eyes hold an air of arrogance."

Yaksha seemed to find something amusing, a hint of a chuckle beneath her mask.

Had it been Instructor Bull or Arima, she wouldn't have dared provoke them.

Yaksha was an Anbu specializing in assassination, known for her fiery temper. These substitutes for Anbu held little value in her eyes.

Observing the surrounding ninjas, their responses were noteworthy. Most watched the scene unfold as though it were a show. Tiger appeared hesitant to intervene, while the fierce Hyuga Shiro had already departed ahead of time for some mysterious reason.

"Hey—!"

Hardly any sound accompanied the movement, but Orochimaru caught Yaksha's finger shifting twice due to his heightened concentration. Only then did his sensory abilities detect a faint breeze-like fluctuation!

"Wind Release! A technique that infuses ordinary ninja with wind-affinity chakra to enhance their power... could it be?"

Orochimaru sidestepped to evade an attack. Yet, the instructor Yaksha, who believed in enforcing discipline through aggression, managed to make him uncomfortable. Orochimaru transitioned into a heightened sensory state and channelled his Shikotsumyaku bloodline limit into his palm, an astonishing feat to bystanders, as he countered attacks with his reinforced palms.

"How is this possible!"

Yaksha's masked face twisted in displeasure, her gaze then shifting to Orochimaru with an inscrutable expression.

"Damn it! Poison again?!"

Orochimaru was caught off guard, his hands seemingly losing sensation!

"Art of the Snake Molting!"

To break free of the paralyzing effects, Orochimaru promptly severed his own arm. A serpent emerged from his sleeve, transforming into a new limb.

The once-affected flesh turned shades of blue and purple before disintegrating into ashes. While this method neutralized the poison, it failed to restore him to his peak state. Orochimaru glared at Yaksha, a blend of anger and concealed malice flashing in his eyes.

Such a self-righteous individual! How could someone like this be an instructor? !

"You're quite knowledgeable," Yaksha remarked with a profound gaze towards Orochimaru before shifting her attention away.

"Team leader..."

Hyuga Kazuki regarded Orochimaru with a hint of trepidation, but Orochimaru merely shook his head, withholding his words while devising a plan.

"This time our target is the Land of Moon, situated on the border of our Land of Fire. To the east lies the Land of Water's border. It boasts greater size and development compared to the Land of Waves. To the north, the Land of Hot Water stands, a subservient state to those Kumogakure barbarians..."

"Tiger! Are you listening?!"

Yaksha once again startled Tiger, who appeared perplexed.

"What's that woman up to now!"

Gazing at the audacious Yaksha, Nightingale's expression soured.

"Heh, she's testing us."

Orochimaru calmly whispered.

"Be cautious on this assignment."

"As we all know, the Land of Moon is our vassal. However, their loyalty remains uncertain during these times. Konoha can't openly deploy ninja troops. Thus, our Anbu are tasked with reconnaissance, and if necessary, even infiltrating the Land of Hot Water!"

"What?!"

Many were shocked by the revelation. Were those of them who hadn't undergone a full transition into positive status being sent on such a perilous mission, infiltrating enemy territory? Wasn't that essentially a death sentence?

Much like the Land of Moon had Konoha's Anbu and scouts, the Land of Hot Water was Kumogakure's frontline defense. Considering Yaksha's demeanour, this was likely more than a simple investigation—it was bound to involve something significant.

"Moreover, it's crucial to note that the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning have a hostile relationship. Both covet each other's secrets, so encountering ninja and spies from both nations during your missions is highly likely!"

"And most importantly, our ultimate objective is to eliminate an S-rank ninja, causing confusion."

"Are we... are we going to die?!"

Finally, someone's anxiety erupted.

Given Konoha's relatively recent establishment and fleeting periods of peace, the practicality of the mission's danger and rewards overshadowed any reckless enthusiasm. There was no Naruto-like figure who would dash forth without hesitation.

The classification of S-rank ninja was assigned by Anbu, signifying a level of strength surpassing that of ordinary jonin.

Beyond that existed SS rank, the tier of Kage-level powerhouse.

As for SSS class, Anbu hadn't encountered such power since its inception. It referred to tasks on the scale and intensity of a Ninja World War.

Of course, exceptions included figures like Hashima and Madara, the ninja dubbed "The God of Shinobi," who could single handedly alter the tide of battle. Such individuals truly stood at that echelon.

Presently, Orochimaru's squad boasted 30 recruits. On average, they were elite chunin, with Yaksha herself considered an elite chunin at the very least.

But relying on luck to take down a nearly Kage level powerhouse? Could they truly ensure their target would stand still and allow them to strike? Without other ninja guarding them? How many lives would be sacrificed to fulfil this mission?

"...Orochimaru!"

Nightingale's gaze involuntarily fell upon Orochimaru.

"This mission is essentially a test—a considerable number of casualties are expected."

Orochimaru sneered, "I'm fairly certain what this Yaksha is planning. However, as your leader, I have a responsibility to look after you. Unless the situation is untenable, your survival chances are still fairly good."

"..." Nightingale.

Seemingly intending to mentally prepare these young Anbu, Yaksha initiated training in Anbu's modus operandi and tactics. She then outlined the mission plan.

"Remember the secrecy of Anbu. Anyone who leaks this mission... well, they'll see."

A few individuals appeared somewhat shaken and nervous, while others displayed a mixture of indifference and determination. Yaksha surveyed each one, her gaze lingering on some.

"If there are no further queries, we'll depart in three days' time! If you have prior commitments, ensure they're squared away. The danger level is high!"

Yaksha vanished in a swift movement.

"Damn it!" Nightingale's gaze remained fixed on Orochimaru. Hyuga Kazuki and Falcon shared a similar perplexity.

No matter how one analyzed it, this assignment seemed rather unusual!

"Orochimaru, what's your take?"

Nightingale unexpectedly sought Orochimaru's counsel. Though still processing his previous words and observing his growth, she wasn't sure if he'd ensure her survival at critical times as she had her own personal aspirations but no substantial backing like Tsunade's identity.

Orochimaru bypassed Tsunade in approaching her because he sought Nightingale's distinct identity. He believed she had ambitions, and he could leverage them for his own ends.

As for his control over her, Orochimaru held no doubts.

"I need you to acquire an experimental apparatus for me. I'll handle the details."

Orochimaru handed her a scroll containing a list and funds.

"So much money!" Nightingale was surprised yet refrained from prying.

Orochimaru's funds were exclusively dedicated to experimental apparatus, some of which could potentially be contraband due to the current technological level. He needed to keep his acquisitions discreet, a test of Nightingale's resourcefulness.

"Tomorrow, I'll leave it at the entrance to Konoha Hospital. Exercise caution."

"Thank you."

Orochimaru nodded at his three teammates before departing to resume his studies.

"Stay safe!"

.....

"Lord, I've arranged the mission according to your instructions. I believe those novices will prove invaluable sacrifices. I didn't inform the other Anbu of the details."

In a secluded forest, Yaksha knelt before a black-robed ninja.

"Indeed, provoking the animosity of the five great nations is an honour. Failure is inconsequential. Clearing away a few hidden threats from Konoha justifies the endeavour. You may return at your discretion."

The black-robed figure removed their mask, revealing a visage uncannily resembling Danzo's.

"War provides us an opportunity to reaffirm our dominance. Yet, before we engage in battle, let those villages weaken each other first!"

The black-robed elder conjured a cyclone of wind-affinity chakra, a display of formidable Wind Release control. He levitated, encapsulated by the vortex, and departed swiftly, leaving behind an azure afterimage.

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