Konoha Notes

Chapter 84 Hidden Rocks
That's a bit strange, Kakashi.

Jiraiya stared at Kakashi suspiciously for a while, then looked back and forth between Shuji and Yamato.

Nara Shikaku ignored the subtle atmosphere. Upon seeing the special forces team dispatched by the Third Hokage, he first surveyed them, then lingered briefly on Shuji.

That hairstyle, and that height... is it him?
"To what extent can you control the Jinchūriki?" Nara Shikaku wanted to confirm this first.

"Both Mori and Tenzo are users of Wood Release."

Kakashi's words made Nara Shikaku's eyes light up.

Two Wood Release users?
Jiraiya said with great interest, "The old man has prepared such a trick. If that's the case, then there is indeed a way to deal with the opponent's Jinchūriki."

Shikaku leaned back onto the sand table, his mind racing.

"The situation brooks no delay."

"Iwagakure deployed Jinchūriki to break through our defenses, create chaos, and make Kumogakure believe that we are incapable of handling the current situation."

"Therefore, we must retaliate quickly and thwart their attempts."

The Jonin squad leader looked at Kakashi: "Your arrival, especially the existence of Wood Release, is an absolute variable beyond the enemy's intelligence."

"This is our secret weapon for victory. Lord Jiraiya has already fought against the enemy's Jinchuriki, so the enemy must have devised a strategy specifically targeting him."

"In the next attack, Jiraiya-sama will continue to act as the main force in the open, drawing attention away from the enemy..."

Meanwhile, at the Rock Hidden Position Command Post.

The tall and muscular Huang Tu was intently observing the movements of the Konoha defense line opposite him.

"Report! Lord Huangtu, the activity frequency of Konoha's defense forces has increased, and there are signs of personnel gathering in some areas!"

Huang Tu frowned deeply: "So they're finally going to retaliate... faster than expected."

Was it because of Jiraiya, or because the Third Hokage personally went to the front lines? However, they had already made the necessary preparations.

"Pass down the order: all units to consolidate their positions and raise the alert level. Pay special attention to areas where emergencies may occur."

He looked at his deputy beside him: "Have Lao Zi and Han get ready."

"Yes!"
-
Konoha's attack was swift and decisive.

Fire Release and Wind Release ninjutsu intertwined to form a dense network of firepower, and the booming sound of exploding tags once again echoed across the battlefield.

The advantages of fighting on home soil are now becoming apparent. Whether it is the use of terrain or the speed of support, Konoha has surpassed Iwagakure, which has penetrated deep into its territory.

The Iwagakure troops withstood the onslaught with their tenacious will and solid earth-based defenses, but their battle line was still pushed back by dozens of meters, and several forward outposts were forced to be abandoned.

Just as Konoha's offensive intensified, attempting to expand their gains—

A furious roar resounded from behind the Rock Hidden position, and the scorching heat wave could be felt even from a great distance.

Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, whose body was wrapped in dark red Tailed Beast chakra, crashed into the center of the battlefield like a meteorite!

"Molten Escape: Burning River Rock Technique!"

In an instant, several enormous fireballs of lava, burning with terrifying heat, were spewed out and crushed towards the area where Konoha's offensive was most intense.

Wherever it passed, the ground turned scorched and melted, the trees instantly vaporized, and the earthen walls hastily erected by the Konoha ninja melted and collapsed like wax the moment they made contact.

Konoha's offensive stalled.

"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"

Two shouts rang out, almost overlapping each other.

On the flank of the battlefield, two Konoha ANBU members wearing animal masks simultaneously completed hand seals.

The powerful chakra drew upon the sparse moisture in the atmosphere and even extracted the dampness from the deep soil, instantly transforming it into two terrifying torrents of water, like rivers appearing out of nowhere, colliding fiercely with the raging lava fireball!

laugh--! ! !
The deafening roar of vaporization, far surpassing any clang of metal, swallowed all other sounds on the battlefield. An endless expanse of pure white steam erupted, instantly enveloping the entire front line of the battlefield like a tangible fog, reducing visibility to less than a few meters. The scorching steam burned the skin.

"what?!"

The composure on Huang Tu's face shattered instantly, replaced by astonishment.

To unleash such a powerful water-style technique away from a river?!
After his attack was blocked, Rōshi became even more enraged, and his tailed beast chakra overflowed further, unleashing an even more dangerous roar.

His massive chakra body became a conspicuous target in the thick fog.

"Water Release: Breaking Torrent!" Yamato's voice rang out again, and a powerful stream of water shot towards Rōshi like a high-pressure water gun.

"Water Release: Water Rush Wave!" Shuji attacked almost simultaneously, creating a combined attack with the surging waves.

Before Rōshi could react, several Iwagakure ninjas stood in front of the Jinchūriki and used ninjutsu together.

"Tu Dun·Tu Liubi!"

Several thick earthen walls rose with a rumble, barely managing to block the deadly impact of the water flow. However, the diverted waters spread rampantly across the battlefield.

Just as the water flow dispersed—

A figure, using the reflection of the water and the cover of the thick fog, cut into the battlefield, the dazzling lightning in his hand bursting forth.

The piercing bird cry tore through the mist, instantly piercing the defenses of the Iwagakure ninja and precisely slicing through their vital points.

The screams were drowned out by the thunder.

Without pausing, Kakashi used the technique he had copied from Yamato to press down on the flowing water on the ground.

"Water Escape·Broken Current!"

Just as the attack was about to succeed—

Another, taller, and faster figure, like a silent train, suddenly burst out from the depths of the fog! He was completely encased in armor, moving at an astonishing speed, his target directly at Kakashi!

Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki!
The fist, covered in hard armor, slammed down on Kakashi with terrifying kinetic energy and high-temperature steam.

White hair suddenly appeared, turning into a rope that wrapped around Kakashi's waist and pulled him away from Han's fist.

Jiraiya landed in front of the two Jinchuriki, blocking Kakashi's path.

"Oh dear, oh dear, it seems all the guests have arrived."

He slowly clasped his hands together.

"So……"

Just as steam began to boil around Han again, and the molten lava in Lao Zi's mouth blazed brightly once more—

Shuji and Yamato arrived quietly.

The next instant, the ground shook violently and cracked! Countless thick, vibrant tree roots broke through the scorched earth and rocks, strangling the two Jinchūriki from all directions!

The high-temperature lava on Lao Zi's body and the violent steam erupted from Han instantly scorched the first branches that surged up, and charred wood fragments flew everywhere.

But the Wood Release technique was inexhaustible, one after another, faster and stronger, like a giant green python, stubbornly coiling around him.

However, just as the Wood Release bindings were about to tighten further—

"Earth Escape·Earthquake Core!"

Huang Tu, who had been keeping a close eye on the battlefield, finally made his move.

The large area where Lao Zi and Han stood suddenly trembled violently, and then, as if lifted off the battlefield by an invisible giant hand, it formed a solitary stone pillar platform.

The sudden change in terrain not only instantly severed a large number of entangled tree roots, but also temporarily isolated the two Jinchuriki from the attacks of Konoha.

(End of this chapter)