Chapter 291: Instead of Defending, Let's Attack Our Way to the Land of Water

Manda's enormous body moved swiftly through the sea, no matter how hard the Gourd Toad tried, it just couldn't shake him off.

Snakes were natural predators of toads, and Manda was clearly in the mood for a meal.

With such a predator following close behind, the Gourd Toad was practically on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Manda's massive body moved beneath the surface, with only a small part of its head visible above the water.

Takuya sat calmly atop it, as if on a flat plank, gliding smoothly forward.

With Takuya's help concealing Manda's massive presence, as long as he stayed submerged, it was unlikely that they'd be detected by the enemy.

If the choice was between being swallowed by a toad or using Manda as a ride, Takuya would definitely choose the latter.

"Jiraiya-sensei, where's Takuya?"

Minato asked curiously. Jiraiya had already entered, but Takuya was nowhere to be seen inside the Gourd Toad's stomach.

"Takuya isn't a fan of toads, so he didn't want to enter the toad's stomach. He chose to ride Manda instead.

We'll reach the first island soon enough. Just rest up for now, Minato—you are our ace in the hole. We're counting on you for message transmission and transportation," Jiraiya said.

What Takuya was doing was obviously not according to plan, but Jiraiya couldn't do anything about it.

Plus, Takuya could easily conceal both himself and Manda's presence.

So, if it didn't affect the mission, Jiraiya had no intention of interfering.

"Understood."

Minato and Nawaki were both calm about the arrangement, while the others exchanged puzzled glances.

What is Takuya trying to pull here?

Everyone was inside the toad's stomach, following orders, but Takuya was out there on his own.

Even more surprising was that Jiraiya didn't seem to have any control over him.

Seems like we've all underestimated him.

A little toad and a huge snake moved swiftly over the sea's surface.

**Boom!!**

Thunder roared overhead, followed by heavy rain. Takuya calmly pulled out an umbrella, still sitting firmly atop Manda's head. The downpour might make things difficult for Kirigakure's patrols, but it didn't affect Manda or the Gourd Toad at all.

Unless they were really unlucky and got struck by lightning, the stormy weather actually worked to their advantage for a stealthy approach.

"Your progress has been pretty slow, Manda. If you keep slacking off, Snowy will continue to look down on you once it wakes up," Takuya commented, feeling the natural energy within Manda—it was clear Manda had been slacking.

*Cough!*

Manda seemed uneasy, stammering as it explained, "Master, I've been in a hibernation phase lately, so my training has decreased… It wasn't intentional, I swear."

It was lucky that Manda was a snake—if it were human, it'd probably be blushing right now from the lie.

"Save it," Takuya said, smacking Manda's head. "You think you can lie to me? Lazy is lazy, don't give me that hibernation nonsense. You're not just any snake."

Ordinary snakes might hibernate, but the snakes of Ryūchi Cave didn't need to. They could rest occasionally, but it was never for long.

Manda had definitely been slacking.

"My apologies, Master," Manda said obediently.

*This... is this really the Manda I know?*

The Gourd Toad, leading the way, was starting to doubt reality.

In its memory, Manda was one of the most troublesome snakes in Ryūchi Cave, constantly causing issues for Mount Myōboku.

Even Gamabunta found Manda difficult to deal with. Yet here was Manda, behaving like a humble servant in front of Takuya.

Two hours later, they were nearing the island. Takuya stood up and stepped onto the choppy waves.

"Alright, you can go back now, Manda. I'll call you if I need you for a fight," Takuya said.

"Then I shall take my leave, Master," Manda said, nodding its massive head respectfully before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

Takuya strolled up to the shore, umbrella in hand.

The Kirigakure sensors stationed on the island had no idea someone had just casually walked right onto the beach under their noses.

After making sure there were no enemies nearby, the Gourd Toad opened its mouth and spit everyone out.

The toad cast a wary glance at Takuya before rushing back to Mount Myōboku without even bidding Jiraiya farewell.

**???**

Jiraiya stood there, drenched and bewildered. He looked over at Takuya, who was standing under his umbrella, looking more like someone out for a leisurely stroll than a ninja on a mission.

"Did you scare it?"

It seemed obvious that the Gourd Toad had been avoiding Takuya, leaving without even a word.

Jiraiya assumed that maybe Takuya had intimidated or threatened the toad during their trip.

"I'm not bored enough to go around scaring toads," Takuya said, rolling his eyes.

He pointed eastward on the island.

"The Kirigakure shinobi are stationed there. They don't have many forces, but they do have sensory ninja among them."

It was clear that Kirigakure hadn't expected Konoha to attack these islands, which was why the defenses were rather sparse.

Almost embarrassingly sparse.

"Looks like this mission will be easier than expected," Yūhi Shinku said, visibly relieved.

Jiraiya shook his head gravely.

"They simply didn't anticipate us taking such a bold risk. We may be able to seize the island quickly, but let's not forget—this island is deep within Kirigakure's blockade.

Once they realize we've taken it, their forces will surround us. What awaits us then is a grueling battle."

If their mission was simply to gather intel or retrieve something and leave, Kirigakure might have to accept the loss, no matter how furious they were.

But they weren't here to leave—they needed to hold this island.

Until Konoha reinforcements arrived.

And until then, who knew how many forces Kirigakure would send to retake it?

"I have a question," Takuya suddenly said.

"If our goal is to force Kirigakure into a direct confrontation, then why bother taking these pointless islands?

We're far from our camp, and even if we take this island, transporting supplies and reinforcements will be a logistical nightmare. Are you planning on using Minato for all the transportation?"

The Little Sun would probably die of exhaustion.

No way!

That's a death sentence!

Minato's eyes widened at that.

"So what's your idea?"

Jiraiya wasn't one to be autocratic. If Takuya had a better plan, he was willing to listen.

More than that, Jiraiya didn't want Takuya to dismiss his plan and act on his own—that would be a nightmare for Jiraiya to handle.

Takuya pulled out a kunai and drew a half-circle in the sand, finally sticking the kunai at his own feet.

"We're here, and this half-circle represents Kirigakure's blockade.

What I'm saying is that taking these islands is pointless and will only put us in danger. Instead of defending, we should attack—keep pushing forward."

"Minato can leave Flying Thunder God markers along the way. If we get surrounded, we can retreat with ease.

If Kirigakure won't engage us directly, we'll stir up chaos on their own turf. I don't believe Yagura can keep holding back."

"Can that work?" Jiraiya scratched his messy hair, visibly troubled.

__________________________

Next Bonus: 900 Power Stones. ╰ (´꒳`) ╯

__________________________

(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 340+ at Patreon com/ Emik01. ಥ‿ಥ

___________________________