Hanekawa frowned slightly.
It wasn't that the three ninjutsu techniques given by Tsuchibashi were weak; on the contrary, they were quite powerful.
In the original story, the destructive power of the Fourth Raikage using these techniques was comparable to Tsunade's Superhuman strength.
But there was a catch—or rather, a prerequisite.
To fully unleash their power, they needed to be paired with the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Under normal conditions, their strength was limited.
Hanekawa didn't have the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, only a Lightning Release Body, which wasn't as strong as using raw brute force.
In short, these three ninjutsu techniques were a bit redundant for him.
Still, they could serve as filler for his ninjutsu and Lightning Release skill arsenal.
"Hanekawa."
Tsuchibashi patted him on the shoulder and said, "Lord Raikage asked me to pass on a message: after we take down Konoha, he'll take you as his disciple."
Hanekawa wasn't surprised.
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode was a technique only the Raikage lineage in Kumogakure could learn.
As a spy in Konoha, it was natural for him not to be fully trusted.
Unless he could return to Kumogakure.
"Once you become Lord Raikage's disciple, you'll be a candidate for the next Raikage."
Tsuchibashi smiled broadly, drawing a grand picture. "This is something others only dream of!"
"I'll do my best."
Hanekawa nodded firmly.
Tsuchibashi's reminder gave him an idea: when he became strong enough, he could claim the position of Raikage himself.
"Kumogakure has already taken action recently. Konoha should have received intelligence by now," Tsuchibashi said after some thought. "Have you heard anything?"
"Yes."
Hanekawa didn't hide it; they would find out soon enough. "Konoha has dispatched 400 ninjas to the Land of Frost."
"Just as Mabui predicted, Konoha didn't take this opportunity to attack Sunagakure."
Tsuchibashi smiled as he spoke.
Mabui?
A vision of a dark-skinned, white-haired kunoichi in a secretary uniform appeared in Hanekawa's mind.
She was Kumogakure's brain, equivalent in status to the Nara clan in Konoha, possessing extraordinary intelligence.
"Are you and your mentor among them?"
Tsuchibashi suddenly thought of something and asked.
"We are."
Hanekawa replied, "This time, my mentor is leading the team to stabilize the situation."
"Just as we thought," Tsuchibashi said with a laugh. "Kumogakure's plan is to confuse Konoha while targeting Sunagakure."
"To deceive Konoha and plot against Sunagakure?"
Hanekawa quickly understood and asked directly.
"Exactly."
Tsuchibashi explained, "Sunagakure is already weaker and now in turmoil, making it easier to take than Konoha."
"Just Sunagakure?"
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow and asked.
"Of course not."
Tsuchibashi smirked. "Kumogakure's ultimate goal is Konoha."
"I see."
Hanekawa confirmed his suspicions.
Kumogakure was indeed ambitious, but achieving their goal wouldn't be easy.
Because there was still Iwagakure.
In the original story, Iwagakure took advantage of the war between Kumogakure and Konoha to attack Kumogakure directly.
The Third Raikage, to protect his comrades, single-handedly fought ten thousand Iwa-nin, ultimately dying of exhaustion.
Of course, Iwagakure's ambitions weren't small either.
In addition to Kumogakure, they once sent a thousand Iwa-nin to invade the Land of Fire.
"When you're in the Land of Frost, if you get the chance, meet with Lord A and the others."
Tsuchibashi said with a smile, "You're quite famous in Kumogakure."
"How many people know my true identity?"
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow and asked.
"Not many."
Tsuchibashi thought for a moment and listed seven names.
The Third Raikage, the Fourth Raikage, Killer B, Dodai, Samui, Mabui, and Yugito Nii.
"Rest assured, none of them will reveal your identity," Tsuchibashi said seriously.
"Understood."
Hanekawa stood up and said goodbye. "We're departing for the Land of Frost at nine. I'll take my leave."
"Stay safe."
Tsuchibashi smiled. "And have your friend come up with a new novel idea while you're at it."
I see your real priority is the second half of that sentence.
Hanekawa muttered to himself before turning and heading home.
Kurenai Yuhi had already gotten up and was making breakfast. When she saw him, she didn't ask where he had been.
This was thanks to Hanekawa's habit of going out early to train.
"Good morning, Hanekawa."
Kurenai yawned and walked out of her room.
Since she was heading out on a mission, she had changed into a more combat-ready ninja vest, even tying up her hair.
She looked less girlish and more valiant.
"Good morning."
Hanekawa instinctively reached out his hand.
"No touching!"
Kurenai dodged him, stuck out her tongue, and made a playful face.
So cute.
Hanekawa chuckled as he watched her run into the bathroom.
After breakfast, the two bid farewell to Kurenai's Father and headed to Tsunade's house.
Rin Nohara had already arrived ahead of them. After exchanging greetings, they entered the house.
"It's about time, Sensei," Hanekawa said helplessly as he looked at Tsunade sprawled on the sofa.
"Why are you so late?"
Tsunade lifted her head, dissatisfied. "I'm hungry. Go make me breakfast!"
"Huh?"
Hanekawa froze for a moment before asking, "Didn't I tell you last night to make breakfast yourself?"
"I forgot."
Tsunade paused, then remembered their conversation.
But she had grown used to Hanekawa cooking for her, so she didn't bother to remember.
"…"
Hanekawa was speechless.
"Is that a problem?"
Tsunade crossed her arms and asked.
"Fine."
Hanekawa's eye twitched.
Tsunade was wearing pajamas, and with her posture, it was hard not to notice her… assets.
Fine, big equals right.
Hanekawa turned and headed to the kitchen.
Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara exchanged glances, both feeling a strange sense of unease.
What kind of teacher-student relationship was this?
But they didn't dwell on it and obediently sat across from Tsunade to wait.
Hanekawa decided to go with the simplest option—ramen.
To save time, he used Fire Release chakra to speed up the process.
Before long, a bowl of chicken ramen was ready.
He carried it back to the living room.
"Thanks."
Tsunade picked up her chopsticks and started eating.
She had been starving for a while and didn't hold back, finishing the bowl within minutes.
"Let's go!"
Once Hanekawa had washed the dishes, the group headed to Konoha's main gate.
All 400 ninjas had assembled, organized into four-man squads, standing in neat rows.
"Lady Tsunade," Shikaku Nara greeted as he approached.
"Let's move out," Tsunade said with a slight nod.
Under Shikaku Nara's command, the 400 ninjas began their march.
By nightfall, they reached the border of the Land of Fire.
Beyond that lay the Land of Hot Water, followed by the Land of Frost.
These two small nations served as buffer zones between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning. If Konoha and Kumogakure clashed, they would inevitably become battlegrounds.
In fact, most small nations among the Five Great Nations played this role.
The weak had no rights—an undeniable reality.
"Your cooking is still the best," Tsunade said as she entered the tent.
As the commander of 400 ninjas, she couldn't prepare special meals for herself, so she ate the same food as everyone else.
"Here."
Hanekawa pulled out a bento box like a magic trick.
"Why is it still warm? When did you make this?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up as she asked.
"Yesterday."
Hanekawa raised his hand. "I just used Fire Release chakra to heat it."
Tsunade felt a warm sensation in her heart.
This kid really knew how to take care of others.
When she opened the bento box, she saw it was full of chicken cutlets.
Clearly, this was prepared just for her.
"Want some?"
Tsunade picked up a piece of chicken cutlet with her chopsticks and offered it to him.
"Thanks."
Hanekawa took a bite without hesitation.
As he chewed, he froze for a moment, realizing Tsunade was using the same chopsticks to eat her chicken.
"What's wrong?"
Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"Aren't you going to use different chopsticks?"
Hanekawa coughed lightly and asked.
"Oh, that."
Tsunade smirked. "Are you shy?"
"No," Hanekawa quickly denied.
"Really?"
Tsunade, feeling playful, bit the chopsticks and licked them.
"...?"
Hanekawa's eyes widened instinctively.
"You're blushing!"
Tsunade grinned smugly.
But her expression froze shortly after as she realized what she had just done.
What am I doing?
Tsunade lowered her head, a blush creeping up her face.
Just then, Kurenai and Rin entered the tent.
"Wow!"
Kurenai sniffed the familiar aroma and immediately rushed forward. "Hanekawa! I want some!"
"Here."
Hanekawa had prepared extra in advance.
"You're the best!"
Kurenai beamed with delight.
"And here's yours."
Hanekawa handed Rin a bento box as well.
"Thank you."
Rin held the warm bento box and couldn't help but think how thoughtful he was.
After dinner, everyone took out their sleeping bags and settled down for the night.
Only Tsunade struggled to fall asleep.
She couldn't understand why she had acted so impulsively earlier.
Was it because she had grown too close to Hanekawa?
Tsunade closed her eyes and eventually drifted into a restless sleep amidst her chaotic thoughts.
The night passed peacefully.
Perhaps because they were still within the Land of Fire, nothing happened.
After breakfast, the group set off again and arrived in the Land of Frost by afternoon.
As they entered, the temperature plummeted, and light snow began to fall.
Compared to the Land of Fire, winters in the Land of Frost were colder and longer.
"Lady Tsunade," Minato Namikaze greeted her as he led a group of Konoha ninjas to welcome them.
With no attempt to conceal the movements of 400 ninjas, their arrival had been anticipated.
"Rin!"
A familiar voice called out amidst the conversation between Tsunade and Minato.
"Obito, long time no see," Rin Nohara said, smiling as she spotted Obito Uchiha.
"I…"
Obito was about to respond when someone interrupted.
"Hanekawa!"
Might Guy gave a thumbs up, his teeth gleaming. "The passionate flames of youth burn bright once more!"
"…"
Hanekawa's mouth twitched, unsure how to respond.
"Hanekawa."
Kakashi Hatake arrived fashionably late.
As the group began exchanging greetings, most of the conversation revolved around Obito boasting about his recent accomplishments.
Listening quietly, Hanekawa felt something off.
Was this really Obito Uchiha? He seemed far more capable than before.
Hanekawa's thoughts turned to Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu.
If they had contacted Obito earlier, this sudden improvement would make sense.
With Madara's immense power and experience, even a few pointers could help someone advance rapidly.
Of course, Hanekawa's thoughts were just speculation.
Perhaps Obito had been inspired by Hanekawa and worked hard to improve himself.
"Let's head into the camp," Tsunade said, walking over.
The group stopped chatting and followed her into the encampment.
The camp was basic, consisting of rows of simple tents.
"Lady Tsunade," Minato said, pointing to the eastern section. "We've set up new tents for your group over there."
"Thank you, Minato," Tsunade replied with a slight nod before turning to Shikaku Nara. "Shikaku, make the arrangements and have the Jonin gather in the main tent for a meeting."
"Yes," Shikaku responded before heading off.
Soon, the 400 ninjas entered their assigned tents to rest.
"Hanekawa, come with me to the main tent," Tsunade said, glancing at him.
Though Hanekawa wasn't officially a Jonin, his strength was on par with one.
More importantly, Tsunade wanted to mentor him.
A Hokage wasn't just about strength but also connections and influence.
Hanekawa needed to show his face frequently to build his reputation.
"Yes, Sensei."
Hanekawa bid farewell to Kurenai and the others before following Tsunade.
"Why does he get to go to the main tent?" Obito asked, his cheerful expression fading.
Having just been boasting to Rin about his accomplishments, he felt bitterly humiliated.
When Hanekawa entered the main tent, many eyes turned to him, sizing him up.
Though surprised, no one voiced any objections. Tsunade was the commander, after all.
Hanekawa scanned the room, noting that the only unique feature of the main tent was the sand table at its center.
The sand table depicted a map of the Land of Frost, divided into red and blue territories.
The red side represented Konoha, and the blue side represented Kumogakure.
The key points of contention were the ninja outposts along the frontlines.
The sand table indicated intense conflict, with neither side gaining the upper hand.
"Lady Tsunade," Minato said with a slight bow. "Everyone has arrived."
"Good."
Tsunade turned to the sand table. "Give us an update."
"Yes."
Minato nodded. "With the arrival of the 400 reinforcements, we now have 532 ninjas in the camp…"
Hanekawa remained silent, standing beside Tsunade and listening attentively.
The meeting lasted nearly two hours, focusing on task assignments.
Unlike conventional warfare, ninja battles required specific tasks to be assigned to small teams rather than engaging in large-scale frontal assaults.
When the meeting concluded, Hanekawa found himself holding a scroll detailing their team's mission, rated at A-rank difficulty.
The mission was to support a frontline outpost that had recently repelled an attack from Kumogakure.
Three ninjas at the outpost were seriously injured, so medical assistance was urgently needed.
"What? You're leaving already?" Obito asked in surprise.
"Yes," Rin replied with a nod. "The mission is urgent."
"Sensei, can we go with them?" Obito quickly turned to Minato.
"No," Minato replied firmly. "With Lady Tsunade and Hanekawa, they have more than enough support."
Damn it!
Obito could only watch helplessly as Rin, Hanekawa, and the others departed.
__
New entry: This Danzo Is Weird
Patreon.com/rashta
Be a member so you can read:
New. 420 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird
1. 300 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto
2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother
3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin
4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)