Chapter 106: The Fourth Ninja World War... Begins
"Yamato is actually within the Ninja Allied Forces' main camp?"
Upon hearing this, Yakushi Kabuto's relaxed smile vanished, replaced by a look of gravity.
His narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and he turned his gaze to Hasumi Maki. A faint smile returned. "It seems Yamato isn't as easy to capture as you claimed. The difficulty might be on par with capturing your... mischievous younger brother."
Hasumi Maki's eye twitched. "...Renji isn't mischievous at all."
Yakushi Kabuto stared in astonishment. 'Did I hear that right?'
"If I'm not mistaken, you two are enemies."
Hasumi Maki shrugged. "I'm just telling the truth..."
Kabuto was genuinely shocked. 'I really didn't see that coming...'
Not far ahead was the Ninja Allied Forces' main camp, gathering more than eighty thousand ninja. Among them were many experienced intelligence ninja and sensory specialists. They were like a tight net; any disturbance would be detected.
Facing such a situation, Hasumi Maki remained composed.
He glanced indifferently at Kabuto. "Since I promised you I could capture Yamato, I will follow through."
With that, he quickly formed hand seals. Accompanied by a slight chakra fluctuation, his clothes underwent a miraculous change.
The Hasumi Maki standing before him had changed into the exact same attire as his younger brother, Renji. Since they already looked identical, in the same attire, it was impossible to distinguish them.
Kabuto looked at the perfect copy of 'Renji,' speechless, as his lips curved upward again. "So, this is the trick you're planning to use..."
Hasumi Maki turned to Kabuto. "Wait for me here."
He walked with steady, confident steps, openly heading straight towards the heavily guarded main camp.
'He and Renji are essentially the same person. Even sensory ninja couldn't detect any difference.'
...
On the other side.
The enormous body of the sea turtle, and the gruesome wounds left by the snake bite, were healing at a visible rate under Renji's Medical Ninjutsu.
Ōnoki, standing nearby, looked at Renji with a reluctant expression, extremely averse to his presence.
Renji, sensing this, wisely retreated into the turtle shell.
The moment he stepped inside, Naruto rushed over like a gust of wind. "What exactly happened outside?"
Renji calmly explained, "We accidentally hit a hidden reef. The giant turtle overturned. But don't worry, everything is fine now."
Naruto nodded, but soon frowned. "Where's Motoi? How come I didn't see him come back with you?"
At this, Killer Bee also came closer, his gaze searching behind Renji, finding no familiar figure.
Renji hesitated slightly, then fabricated an excuse. "Oh, Motoi. He said Lord Raikage suddenly needed him to report on the progress of this mission in person, so he left first."
Naruto scratched his head in confusion. "Reporting intelligence can be done by eagles, why would he need to go in person?"
Renji quickly flashed him a smile. "Perhaps Lord Raikage has other important tasks to personally instruct Motoi on. Who can say?"
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, that's true..."
However, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.
Renji, seeing this, felt his heart tighten. He quickly gave Killer Bee a look. Bee understood, immediately demonstrating to Naruto how to perfectly control the Eight-Tails' power.
Naruto, seeing this, indeed forgot everything else.
Naruto began to imitate Killer Bee, stacking rocks to train his precise control. Unfortunately, as soon as he grabbed a rock, it shattered into dust under the immense power.
The seemingly simple action was exceptionally difficult.
...
"Renji? Why are you here?"
Yamato's eyes widened in surprise, looking at the figure who had suddenly appeared before him. Renji had clearly been sent on an S-rank mission to protect Naruto.
'Now that Renji is here, doesn't that mean...'
Yamato's heart kept sinking.
"Aren't you supposed to still be on... an important mission?" Yamato asked impatiently, staring nervously at Hasumi Maki, afraid of bad news.
Hasumi Maki's lips curved upward, revealing Renji's familiar smile. "Lord Hokage specifically recalled me. I will also participate in the battle this time."
"So that's how it is!" Yamato nodded in sudden realization, a sigh of relief escaping his heart. 'It's good that Naruto is fine.'
Just then, Hasumi Maki suddenly lowered his voice. "Yamato, Lord Hokage has an extremely confidential mission to entrust to you alone."
Saying that, he turned and walked towards a more secluded corner.
Yamato followed without hesitation. He lowered his voice, asking, "What mission is it?"
Hasumi Maki turned his head, smiled faintly, and said mysteriously, "Don't be in a hurry. Just follow me."
Yamato frowned slightly. Although he had some doubts, out of trust in Renji and Lord Hokage, he remained silent and continued to follow.
However, just as they were about to step out of the camp, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Where are you two going?"
Kakashi's voice was lazy, but it attracted the attention of many people around.
"It's a mission personally ordered by Lord Hokage," Yamato explained with a serious expression.
Kakashi, with a hint of lazy eyes, stared meaningfully at Hasumi Maki. "Hmm? That's strange. How come I didn't know Lord Hokage had recalled you, Renji?"
Upon hearing this, Yamato's heart suddenly jolted. He instantly realized that something was wrong.
Almost simultaneously, he shouted loudly, "Enemy attack! Be careful!"
As his shout rang out, countless ninja suddenly emerged from all directions, rapidly surrounding Hasumi Maki like a tide.
[Ding!]
[Human Malice Value detected: +10,000]
[Cursed Energy converted to Chakra: +10,000]
[Chakra (288,668,010 / 400,000,000)]
[Ding!]
[Human Malice Value detected: +10,000]
[Cursed Energy converted to Chakra: +10,000]
[Chakra (288,678,010 / 400,000,000)]
.
.
.
The Malice Value alerts resounded throughout Hasumi Maki's mind.
Hasumi Maki: '...'
'This trip was truly worthwhile. I gained more than just a Yamato.'
The surrounding ninja all had fierce expressions. "Catch him! We can get crucial intelligence about the Akatsuki!"
The Alliance Ninja Force surged towards Hasumi Maki like hungry wolves.
Hasumi Maki softly uttered, "Fools."
Before his words finished, his figure vanished.
In an instant, dazzling lights flickered erratically. The ninja at the very front didn't even have time to react; they just felt a blur before their bodies began to undergo bizarre mutations.
The living human bodies were instantly transformed by Hasumi Maki into savage, irrational monsters.
These modified humans quickly protected Hasumi Maki, roaring and engaging in a chaotic, brutal slaughter with the normal ninja. The scene was bloody and terrifying.
And in the midst of this chaos, Hasumi Maki's figure reappeared.
With a gentle lift of his right hand, he easily grabbed Yamato by the collar.
The next moment, the figures of the two simply vanished into thin air.
...
Hasumi Maki, holding Yamato, instantly appeared before Yakushi Kabuto.
Kabuto raised his eyebrows. "Let's go, no time to lose."
Before his words finished, Hasumi Maki unhesitatingly used the Flying Thunder God Technique, and the three figures vanished.
A sinister aura permeated the Mountain Graveyard.
Yakushi Kabuto was fully concentrated on strengthening the White Zetsu. On the other side, Hasumi Maki closed his eyes, placing his palm on Yamato's soul, attempting to extract intelligence.
'I still have to put on a show. In reality, we don't need to extract intelligence. Renji is already a member of our team.'
...
A gigantic turtle, like a moving island, leisurely swam among the clouds.
Beneath it, the elderly Ōnoki was exerting all his strength to drag the giant turtle forward.
After a long journey, Turtle Island finally arrived at Hidden Cloud Village.
Mei Terumī, who had been waiting, quickly stepped forward. "You've worked hard, Lord Tsuchikage."
However, she quickly sensed something amiss—there was one less guard by Ōnoki's side.
'Did something unexpected happen?' she wondered.
Facing Mei Terumī's question, Ōnoki remained silent, but a look of pain flashed across his weathered face.
Kitsuchi looked at the Mizukage with a solemn expression. "We had an encounter with Akatsuki members."
Mei Terumī pursed her lips. "It seems the cruelty of this war is gradually revealing its bloody side."
The silent Ōnoki suddenly took a deep breath, his cloudy eyes instantly becoming sharp. "Hmph! I've experienced the First, Second, and Third Great Ninja Wars… I've long understood the cruelty of war! Do you think this will defeat me? That's too naive!"
Seeing this, Mei Terumī felt a little relieved.
"Only you are yet to arrive for this meeting." She made a welcoming gesture.
The Tsuchikage nodded, then walked with Mei Terumī towards the Raikage's office.
As they stepped into the room, the first thing that caught their eye was a huge conference table with a detailed Ninja World map spread out on it.
Shikaku, standing in front of the map, was solemnly reporting the latest intelligence. "According to our intelligence unit, the enemy's stronghold is located in a place called 'Mountain Graveyard'."
He pointed to the location on the map.
"To reach this place by land, one must pass through the Hidden Hot Spring and Hidden Frost Villages. We must issue an urgent evacuation warning to those two countries."
Shikaku added with a heavy expression, "Additionally, according to the intelligence brought back by our reconnaissance team, the enemy numbers approximately one hundred thousand. We must proceed cautiously and formulate a comprehensive strategic plan."
"Whichever side can seize the initiative is crucial in large-scale combat," Mifune said coldly.
Immediately, the Raikage decisively issued an order to Samui. "Assemble our surprise attack unit! At the same time, order all combat divisions to adjust their formations and confirm their positions!"
Samui acknowledged the order and left.
On the other side, Tsunade calmly deployed Shikaku. "Shikaku, go immediately to assist the intelligence unit. Determine the best intelligence transmission route, ensuring timely and accurate information."
Shikaku respectfully nodded. "Understood."
At the same time, Mei Terumī turned to Chōjūrō. "Chōjūrō, quickly contact the sensory unit and tell them to speed up!"
Just as preparations were unfolding, the Ninja Allied Forces' headbands were finally completed.
From this moment on, all ninja would remove their village headbands and put on the unified Allied headband. This small gesture represented their change in identity, and meant they were about to fight together.
Tsunade looked at everyone. "Now that Turtle Island has reached Hidden Cloud Village, I plan to recall Renji. He is a powerful combat force."
Her gaze swept over everyone. The Raikage nodded slightly in agreement.
Just then, hurried footsteps broke the silence.
Kakashi burst into the conference room. "This is bad. Lord Hokage, I have an urgent report."
Everyone's eyes focused on Kakashi.
Kakashi took a deep breath. "Hasumi Maki of the Akatsuki suddenly appeared at the main camp. He abducted Yamato. In the chaos, 189 ninja died on the spot, and another 459 were severely wounded."
Upon hearing this, the Raikage flew into a rage, stood up abruptly, and roared, "Where is that Hasumi Maki now?"
Veins bulged on his forehead, his fists clenched.
Kakashi showed a difficult expression. "He... He escaped the scene using the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Before he finished, with a loud "bang," the Raikage punched the nearby wall, shattering it.
"Damn it! That cursed guy! He's also the murderer who killed my granddaughter Kurotsuchi and Motoi!" Ōnoki said through gritted teeth.
[Ding!]
[Human Malice Value detected: +1,000,000]
[Cursed Energy converted to Chakra: +1,000,000]
[Chakra (290,000,000 / 400,000,000)]
...
On Turtle Island, a flying eagle landed on Renji's arm.
He opened the message tube. It had four simple words written on it:
War, return quickly.
The slip of paper turned to ash in Renji's hand.
He walked towards the training area. Naruto's stone stacking had made some progress.
Noticing Renji's presence, Naruto coughed twice, trying hard to stack the stones higher.
"Naruto," Renji called out.
Naruto stopped, confused. "What's wrong?"
"I need to go back. Lord Hokage has given me a new mission."
As Renji's words fell, Naruto's expression changed.
"I can go back with you! The ecological survey is complete…"
He was interrupted by Renji. "It's a rare opportunity to train with the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki. Don't miss it. Train hard, Naruto."
Naruto hesitated. He wanted to learn to control the Nine-Tailed power, but he also wanted to go with Renji. He already felt Renji was hiding something. Now this feeling grew stronger.
Naruto couldn't stop him and could only watch as Renji disappeared.
Killer Bee scratched his head. "Keep training! Strive to fully control the Nine-Tailed! That way you can go find your comrades!"
Naruto's fighting spirit ignited. "Alright!"
...
Ninja Allied Forces' main camp.
"I heard they divided into five divisions. I thought it was by village?" Ino said to Shikamaru.
"How could that be? This is war," Shikamaru explained.
"That's right. Now is not the time for fellow villagers to stick together," Temari appeared beside them.
"The combat divisions are five specialized units. The First is mid-range combat, proficient in projectiles. The Second is close-quarters combat, the front line. The Third is mid-to-short-range support. We are the Fourth, the long-range unit, responsible for cooperating with intelligence and supporting the front lines, as well as protecting the rear."
"Finally, there is the Fifth Division, the special combat unit that uses special ninjutsu."
"The war is about to begin," Shikamaru took a deep breath.
"It's the Captains!" a gasp came from the front.
Tens of thousands of ninja looked up.
"First Division Captain, Darui of the Hidden Cloud!"
"Second Division Captain, Kitsuchi of Iwagakure!"
"Third Division Captain, Kakashi!"
"Fifth Division Captain, General Mifune of the Land of Iron!"
"And our Fourth Division Captain, also the commander of all combat units, the Kazekage—Gaara!"
Renji had already appeared in the main camp. He looked at the figures above. 'I bet my clone is having a blast right now.'
...
On the other side. Mountain Graveyard.
"This moment has arrived."
Yakushi Kabuto clasped his hands together. "Summoning Technique: Edo Tensei!"
Countless coffins rose from the flat ground.
"First, former Akatsuki members: Deidara, Kakuzu, Sasori…"
"Plus former Jinchuriki: Yugito, Yagura, Roshi, Han, Utakata, Fū…"
"And former Kage: the Second Tsuchikage, Third Raikage, Fourth Kazekage…"
"As well as Gari, Zabuza, Haku..."
"Hanzo, Chiyo, Dan, Hizashi..."
"And other renowned shinobis."
"Depart."
"."
Obito walked out of the dark cave, his one red and one purple eye glowing.
"Where is Uchiha Sasuke?" Obito suddenly asked.
Yakushi Kabuto and Black Zetsu both shook their heads. He had been missing for a long time.
Hasumi Maki also shook his head.
'The main body sent Sasuke to Ryuchi Cave to learn Sage Mode,' he thought. 'He's probably about to join the fun now too.'
But Hasumi Maki didn't say anything.
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