It was important to remember that before Hashirama Senju, ninjas had only one "god." That was the "Sage of Six Paths," who existed only in legend, who had passed down chakra and brought about the birth of the "ninja" profession.
The ninjas of the Warring States period revered Hashirama Senju as a "god," placing him almost on the same level as the "Sage of Six Paths," which was enough to show Hashirama Senju's terror.
And Madara Uchiha, the only one who could contend with a "god," was also given the title of "Asura." Li Anshi was still far from that level!
Beside the Third Raikage stood Blue B, his hair half white and half green.
"Lord Raikage, it's confirmed."
A Cloud Jonin came up behind the Third Raikage and said in a low voice, "According to the intelligence from the sensory ninjas ahead, Konoha's Little Li Flying Dagger, Li Anshi, has currently arrived at Flying Eagle Cliff."
"Based on Little Li Flying Dagger's speed, he will arrive here in about an hour."
"Little Li Flying Dagger" was the "derogatory term" the Cloud ninjas had given Li Anshi these past few days.
Li Anshi's surname was Li; adding "Little" before his surname was how elders addressed juniors. By calling Li Anshi "Little Li," the Cloud ninjas were placing themselves in the position of Li Anshi's "seniors."
As for "Flying Dagger," this was the means by which Li Anshi had made his name. No one knew who had first come up with this title. But all the Cloud ninjas who heard it immediately felt it was the most suitable title for Li Anshi.
In the ninja world, powerful ninjas all had their own titles. Some even had more than one. Each title was rich in the ninja's personal characteristics.
For example, the Third Raikage had the two titles "Strongest Spear" and "Strongest Shield." "Strongest Spear" referred to the Third Raikage's "Nukite," which could break through anything. "Strongest Shield" referred to the Third Raikage's defense, which nothing could break!
Ninja titles came from two sources. First, the ninja's village would spread their fame, disseminating the ninja's title to surrounding villages, letting every village know that a powerful ninja had appeared in their village.
Generally, such ninjas were at least "Elite Jonin," belonging to the village's high-level combat power.
The second way was for a ninja to display powerful strength in conflicts with ninjas from other villages, be recognized by the enemy ninjas, and be given a title by them.
Generally, ninjas who obtained titles through the second method were stronger than those with titles from the first method. After all, if your own strength was sufficient, why would your village need to spread your fame?
The title "Little Li Flying Dagger," given to Li Anshi by the Cloud Village, was considered the second type.
Of course, currently, only the Cloud Village internally referred to Li Anshi as "Little Li Flying Dagger." However, it was believed that after this battle, the legend of "Little Li Flying Dagger" would spread throughout the entire ninja world.
Regardless of victory or defeat, the mere fact that Li Anshi could force the Cloud ninjas to face him with the strength of an entire village already proved his power.
Even if Li Anshi was ultimately defeated and killed, it wouldn't prevent ninjas in the ninja world from recognizing his strength.
However, if Li Anshi was defeated, the Cloud Village's prestige would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced. And if Li Anshi won, then he would become another super powerhouse after Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, capable of suppressing a ninja village single-handedly.
"An hour, huh?"
"B!"
After hearing the ninja's words, the Third Raikage looked at his partner beside him.
"Mm, I understand."
Blue B nodded at the Third Raikage. Then, fiery red chakra erupted from Blue B's body, and with a push of his feet, he sped forward. The Third Raikage watched Blue B leave until he could no longer see him, then turned his gaze to the people behind him.
"Following me, do you regret it?"
Hearing the Third Raikage's question, this group of Jonin smiled.
"Lord Raikage, it is our honor to follow you and fight alongside you."
"How could we possibly regret it?"
These people all knew the plan for this battle with Li Anshi. At the same time, they also bore the most important task. If Li Anshi's terror exceeded their imagination, then they would have to use their lives to confine Li Anshi to a certain area for a period, buying time for others to have a chance at a fatal blow.
"Is that so?"
A rare smile appeared on the Third Raikage's stern face.
The Cloud Village was different from Konoha Village. Konoha was the manifestation of the First Hokage Hashirama Senju's "perfect" world; therefore, Konoha's Hokage was elected by the village's Jonin.
"It's not that becoming Hokage earns everyone's recognition."
"Rather, only by earning everyone's recognition can one become Hokage!"
This was a "Kage" selection process with distinct Konoha characteristics. Of course, due to some manipulations, Konoha's Hokage had always been passed down in a single line.
Whether there were deeper factors involved, and how outsiders viewed Konoha's Hokage lineage, was a matter for another time. But this system was indeed supported by Konoha's common people.
Because this system gave everyone in Konoha a "Hokage dream"; even civilian ninjas dared to say, "I want to become Hokage." And ninjas aiming to become Hokage would receive the goodwill of most Konoha ninjas. If it were any other ninja village...
The Cloud Village's system was different from Konoha's. Their "Kage" was like a mafia boss. The Raikage, with absolute charisma and powerful martial prowess, attracted numerous ninjas to serve under him.
To some extent, the cohesion of the Cloud Village villagers might be inferior to Konoha's. But the cohesion of the Cloud ninjas was by no means inferior to Konoha's, perhaps even surpassing it.
"To have your recognition is also my honor!"
...
"Almost time!"
About half an hour later, Li Anshi, whose condition had fully recovered, opened his eyes.
"It's surprising that the Cloud ninjas didn't take advantage of my rest to launch a sneak attack."
Stretching lazily, Li Anshi also found it somewhat incredible that the Cloud ninjas hadn't attacked him.
Ever since he left the border of the Land of Fire, the Cloud ninjas remaining in the Land of Grass had never stopped monitoring him.
At Li Anshi's current location, if the Cloud side marched at full speed, they could surround him in less than half an hour.
Although the Cloud Village ninjas seemed like straightforward individuals who spoke with their muscles, in reality, the Cloud Village's underhanded tactics were by no means inferior to Konoha's Danzo.
First, there was the ambush and killing of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, under the pretext of signing an agreement. Later, there was the theft of the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, falsely accusing Konoha of ill intentions, forcing the younger brother of the Hyuga clan leader, Hizashi Hyuga, to commit suicide...