blogombal Chapter 25: The Fourth Raikage's Intrusion, A Storm is Brewing
Chapter 25: The Fourth Raikage's Intrusion, A Storm is Brewing
The following day at noon, in the land of cedar.
"Huff...huff...finally, we've arrived..."
"This is the mission destination: Shoumu Yokota Town."
Four figures, one large and three small, stood under the scorching sun at the entrance of the town, panting as they looked at the five large characters on the gate tower...
Of course, this mainly involves Yamada Taro and Hei Jiro; Kakashi, an elite Jonin, naturally wouldn't experience breathing difficulties due to traveling.
As for Ishikawa, his improved physique only caused him to experience shortness of breath; he wasn't as disheveled as his two underlings.
"Now go to the mayor to get specific information and recover your strength. If everything goes smoothly, we'll start the operation tonight." Kakashi gave Ishikawa a surprised yet appreciative look, gave him instructions, and led the way into the town.
He hadn't expected Ishikawa to be so skilled in physical combat. It seemed his assessment of Ishikawa's talent had been a bit too conservative!
“Remember this, the Land of Sugi is not without ninja villages. It’s just that they seem to be tied up with something, which is why the mayor here entrusted this bandit suppression mission to our Konoha.”
"Although it is generally true that the client is free to assign the mission to which ninja village, the unspoken rule of each country is that as long as there is a ninja village in the country, the mission will be carried out by the ninjas of that country unless it is absolutely necessary."
"So, if you happen to encounter Uesugi ninjas, don't be alarmed!"
"Huh? There are still ninjas in the Land of Sugi??" Ishikawa asked in surprise, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.
He had initially assumed this small, unknown country had no ninjas, which was why he entrusted the mission to Konoha. But now, it's clear things are about to go wrong!
Although the two underlings didn't speak, they both looked at Kakashi with trepidation and unease...
"Oh dear! You don't need to worry about that. It's just a C-rank mission. The Sugi ninja wouldn't dare to challenge Konoha." Kakashi waved his hand, looking relaxed. "Even if something does happen, I'll protect you."
Do you really think his reputation as a copy ninja is just for show? He's not afraid of even the leader of some unknown little ninja village!
"I believe in Kakashi-sensei." Ishikawa responded immediately, seeing Kakashi's confidence, and the slight unease in his heart vanished in an instant...
With Kakashi around, their safety is guaranteed as long as they don't encounter Kage-level enemies or multiple Jonin squads.
The main characters, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, start their journey out of the village with Zabuza as their first enemy. Surely Zabuza won't be more unlucky than the main characters, encountering a Kage-level boss on his first trip out of the village...
He's worrying like a man from Qi, worrying like a man from Qi!
at the same time.
On the other side of the town of Shimoki Yokota.
A burly, dark-skinned man with a white cloak and a gold belt carried a man sweating profusely and groaning in pain into an abandoned house.
"Karai, just hold on here for now! Amai will be here tonight, and with his medical ninjutsu, he can definitely save you." The blond, burly subordinate comforted him, looking at the spider-like bulge in his abdomen and his face contorted in pain.
"Those despicable Sugi ninjas! They actually hired the mercenary group, the Xuanyuan Clan! Nikai... Nikai didn't even leave a body behind while protecting us! We must avenge him! Lord Raikage..."
The man, convulsing and sweating profusely, cried out in anguish and grief, reminding the blond, burly man known as Raikage of the painful memories of the previous night.
The Raikage of Kumogakure, one of the Five Great Nations, couldn't even guarantee the safety of his subordinates, resulting in one death and one injury! It's utterly ridiculous!
However, the enemy's capabilities are indeed not to be underestimated. They were able to deliver bombs into their subordinates' bodies without them noticing; it's truly impossible to defend against...
If you don't understand the opponent's capabilities, even if they make a mistake, they might still face the danger of self-destruction!
"It's so frustrating! We had already successfully seized the secret ninjutsu of Sugi-gakure, but now it's turned into this." Thinking of the image of his companion Nikai's body exploding, Karai, lying on the stone slab, looked at the bulge in his chest with a sorrowful expression.
It's as if they, who were the ones who plundered and extorted, are the victims!
"I'm sorry, Karai. My Lightning Release is countered by the Xuanyuan Clan. No matter how fast or strong I am, it's useless if I hit them! That ability to turn into smoke and explode without ignoring physical attacks is too bizarre." The Fourth Raikage gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice.
The mercenary Xuanyuan Clan must die!!
However, before confirming the other party's information, one must not act rashly. Otherwise, not only will one fail to avenge the enemy, but one will also be throwing away one's life.
"Lord Raikage, I believe you can definitely achieve revenge. However, you must leave here first, as I might explode at any moment and harm you." Seeing the Raikage's attitude, Karai, knowing his temperament, gritted his teeth and his eyes showed determination.
He can die, but the Raikage must not be harmed!
"Don't worry about that, I'll be fine." The Fourth Raikage's eyes widened as he resolutely refused. As the Raikage, how could he abandon his subordinates just to protect himself?
Even if it really comes to that, his lightning armor will at most cause him some minor injuries, which won't have a significant impact.
"Lord Raikage!!" Karai trembled upon hearing this, and two streams of tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks...
Such a high regard for the leader of his subordinates—among the Five Great Nations, only the Raikage could do that!
Waaaaah… If he survives this, Karai will surely follow the Raikage to the death and serve the Hidden Cloud Village!
Meanwhile, at the town mayor's mansion, a scene of deep affection between master and servant was unfolding.
“Alright, I have the details. Now, Mayor, please arrange rooms for us to rest. Leave the rest to us.” After the exchange, Kakashi stood up and made the request.
"It's my duty, please..." The mayor, who was prepared, quickly stood up and greeted everyone, smiling as he led them to the guest rooms.
He was overjoyed that a C-rank mission could actually get the legendary Copy Ninja Kakashi!
He, as the mayor of Sugi Country, had at least heard of Kakashi, the Sharingan user. What a bargain, this money was well spent…
Soon, Ishikawa and his group were led to a large suite that had been prepared for them. The mayor thoughtfully provided them with food, fruit, and bathwater to welcome them and help them wash away the dust of their journey.
"This town mayor is really generous. I didn't expect it to be so comfortable to go out of the village to carry out a mission."
"Yes, I agree!"
Tarojiro wolfed down the delicious food and fruit, a happy smile spreading across his face.
This kind of luxurious delicacy is something orphans can't usually experience.
"Hehe, eat more if you like it." Kakashi casually replied, then his expression turned serious. "Although we have obtained the intelligence, we still need to confirm its accuracy before we can actually carry out the mission."
"Therefore, I want you to go to town this evening to gather intelligence about the bandit gang and cross-reference it. If there are basically no problems, set off to raid the bandits at ten o'clock tonight..."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei," the three Ishikawas replied in unison, having no objections to the decision.
Countless ninjas throughout ninja history have died due to mission failures caused by faulty intelligence. This is Kakashi imparting valuable mission experience to them, and they must heed his advice.