Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

"Alright, Minato still needs the Ino-Shika-Cho trio to help him gain merits over there. Once the war starts, the casualties will definitely be significant."

Seeing that Koharu Utatane still wanted to speak, Homura Mitokado advised her, knowing that his old friend was actually jealous, jealous that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio could trade and obtain the Ino-Shika-Cho trio's resources.

Then there's the development of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio's collaboration with Tsunade over the past two years. It's not just about what's on the surface, but also about the production and sale of many drugs, various antidotes and wound medicines, and so on.

He was also envious of this, but he couldn't get involved. The main reason was that they were all involved in the downfall of the Senju family back then, so he withdrew and didn't get involved.

After the Senju clan was destroyed, the power vacancies left behind were divided up by them, and they gained quite a lot. Now that the Ino-Shika-Cho clans are using their abilities to exchange some things with Tsunade, it's really hard for them to say anything.

"You make it sound so easy."

Xiaochun, who had just switched dorm rooms, glared at him, still feeling uncomfortable.

The Senju clan primarily cultivates Yang attribute techniques, and she herself is a medical ninja who oversees the village's medical system. The Senju clan's heritage has been of great help to her and her clan.

If we could obtain it, our clan would definitely be greatly enhanced. Even if we didn't become a top-tier clan like the Senju Uchiha, it would at least be able to reach the level of a large clan like the Sarutobi Shimura clan.

How could she possibly ignore such an opportunity?

"After the previous great battle, Iwagakure and Kumogakure should be able to keep quiet for a while. We should focus on dealing with Sunagakure and Kirigakure."

Hiruzen Sarutobi aptly shifted the topic to the war, noting that the battle between Iwagakure and Kumogakure had gone better than he had anticipated, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

The only pity was that the Third Raikage escaped. If Iwagakure had been able to kill the Third Raikage, coupled with the loss of their elite troops, Kumogakure would have been able to behave itself for at least a year or two.

But things aren't so bad now; at least we can live peacefully for a year or two.

In this way, they can focus their main efforts on Sunagakure and Kirigakure, and quickly inflict heavy losses on these two villages, especially allowing Minato to gain merit in the battle.

Having held this position for over thirty years, he had long aroused dissatisfaction among some people. The village was rife with undercurrents, and even some clansmen would mysteriously disappear when they went out on missions.

He knew he had reached his limit; continuing to sit in that position would only make those people more impatient.

To avoid his family being implicated and suffering the same fate as the Senju family, he had no choice but to pass on the leadership as soon as possible. Minato was the best option at present, at least to ease the situation for a while.

"We need to take this opportunity to weaken the Uchiha and Hyuga factions."

When it came to serious matters, Koharu Utatane regained her serious and solemn expression and mentioned the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.

These are the two remaining powerful clans in the village, and they must be further weakened, especially the Uchiha.

"Kumakuna should be quiet for a while. Next, we will transfer the Uchiha clan from the northern front to the eastern front to join forces with the Hyuga clan to defend against a surprise attack from Kirigakure."

Hiruzen Sarutobi also knew that weakening the two powerful clans was imperative, as those two clans were the most active in the village.

The Uchiha clan is the strongest, with too many members having awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan. Even Minato's disciple awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan at once, and such talent puts immense pressure on him.

While the Hyuga clan's top combat strength is inferior to that of the Uchiha, the Caged Bird Seal allows them to forcibly unite their clan members, resulting in formidable power.

In addition, due to the unique nature of the Byakugan, there are quite a few Jonin in the clan.

The village only has a little over three hundred Jonin, but the two clans combined have more than a hundred Jonin, so how could he not be worried?

These two clans must be dealt with and weakened, especially the Uchiha.

The three discussed until late at night before parting ways. Hiruzen Sarutobi returned home and had dinner. Seeing his eldest son still there, he knew something was wrong.

Without saying a word, he got up and went into the study.

"You're not convinced?"

He asked casually, and he could naturally see through his eldest son's thoughts; clearly, he also had his eye on the Hokage position.

That makes sense, though. This son is very talented. Although his aptitude is slightly inferior to Minato Namikaze's, he enjoys just as many resources and has now surpassed the Jonin level.

With his strength, his family's influence was also considerable, and with his father being the Hokage, it would be strange if he didn't covet that position.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke remained silent, which was taken as tacit agreement, though he felt resentful.

"The Fourth Hokage can never be my son; those people will never agree to that."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware of the situation in the village. When the First Hokage passed the position to the Second Hokage, the villagers were very dissatisfied, especially the Uchiha clan.

Now it's his turn, and he's been the Hokage for over thirty years, longer than the First and Second Hokage combined, which makes those who are dissatisfied even more so.

Even that old fellow had some ideas, so the Sarutobi family can't produce Hokage in a row; there has to be at least one generation between them.

Even Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were trying to dissuade them, clearly not wanting the Sarutobi clan to continue to rely on the Hokage position to maintain their power.

After all, the village's pie is only so big; if the Sarutobi family gets a bigger slice, others get a smaller one.

In the face of power and interests, the bonds of friendship are nothing but a joke.

"Marry Izumi as soon as possible, have a child and raise him well. Then I'll have Minato or Jiraiya take him as a disciple, and I can also scheme to inherit the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku."

He set his sights on the fifth generation, believing that with his current physical condition, he could easily live for another twenty years, enough to pave the way for his grandson and produce another Hokage.

"But now even the Fifth Hokage is being targeted."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke spoke up, explaining that he was in charge of the clan's intelligence work, including the people he had planted in the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, and that he knew about how the three clans were raising that junior.

Moreover, according to intelligence, the Akimichi family's child is very talented, even more so than Kakashi Hatake's child, and it's only a matter of time before he becomes a Kage-level powerhouse.

With the support of the three races of pig, deer, and butterfly, they pose a huge threat to them.

"So what if they've got their eyes on us? To be Hokage, you need strength and influence. The Ino-Shika-Cho clans are just so-so. Besides, they've been away from the village's power center for over ten years, so they don't have much of a voice anymore."

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was displaying great strength, even exuding the domineering aura of a superior.

He could see through his old friend's thoughts, but it was impossible for that to succeed; the position of Hokage could only be passed down within his own lineage.

As long as I'm not dead, there's no way this position will be taken away.

"The Ino-Shika-Cho trio poses no threat; Danzo is the biggest destabilizing factor. Have you heard anything from Koizumi lately?"

Turning the conversation to another old friend, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been having a headache lately because that old friend had wanted him to step down during the last Shinobi World War.

My forced resignation was also part of that old buddy's scheme; he would definitely compete fiercely for the position of Fourth Hokage.

"He seems to want to support Orochimaru, but it's unclear whether that's true or not."

Having learned from his fiancée, Sarutobi Shinnosuke also knew that his father-in-law was dangerous and was on guard at all times.

"Orochimaru!"

Thinking of that disciple, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but sigh.

That disciple was excellent, but too excellent. Most importantly, he joined forces with Shimura Danzo, which meant he couldn't pass the Hokage position to Orochimaru because he couldn't control Orochimaru anymore.

He is a very opinionated person with a decisive and even ruthless nature. With the support of Shimura Danzo, if he falls out with him, all of his arrangements in the village will be destroyed.

This is something he cannot allow.

With the Senju family's example serving as a warning, he wouldn't let the Sarutobi family follow in their footsteps.

The father and son continued their discussion for a while before Sarutobi Shinnosuke left the study. However, he did not go to sleep but went to another part of the clan's territory to make arrangements.

"Investigate Tamura Hiroshi with all our might, especially when he's out on missions."

The order was given in a cold tone, carrying a hint of murderous intent.

He obtained more information, some of which he didn't even show to his father.

Because he knew his father would definitely not agree to him taking action against the three clans of pig, deer, and butterfly, and might even order restrictions, so he had to devise a plan in secret.

That Tamura Hiroshi has terrifying potential. During the mission to investigate the border incident between Sunagakure and Iwagakure, the Akimichi Hiten who defeated the son of the Tsuchikage should be that Tamura Hiroshi. The two used the same fighting methods and weapons, and he was also able to use the Akimichi family's Butterfly Transformation Technique.

A child under ten years old was able to master the Butterfly Transformation Technique and severely injure a Shadow-level expert. Even if it was a sneak attack with the help of others, it was enough to prove the child's terrifying potential.

We must not allow him to grow up, otherwise he might really compete to become the Fifth Hokage.

In addition, the three races of pig, deer, and butterfly have improved significantly in the past year or two. If this continues, they will inevitably break free from their control and suppression.

This is something he absolutely cannot allow to happen.

Of course, it must be kept hidden enough that the three races of pig, deer, and butterfly cannot detect it.

However, what he didn't know was that Nara Shikaku had arranged for him to know all this, and had secretly designed a huge trap for him to fall into.

Nara Shikaku, who had devised the plan, did not provide further guidance. The more you do something, the bigger the flaws will become. It is enough to do it once at the key point.

Most importantly, he has a good understanding of Sarutobi Shinnosuke and can tailor a plan specifically to his personality, so the success rate will naturally be very high.

After several months of this calm, Nara Shikaku spoke up during a small gathering in his dormitory, his face beaming with smiles.

"The fish has taken the bait."

"Finally, they took the bait."

Tamura Hiroshi, who was eating the fish, smiled. After waiting for so long, the fish had finally taken the bait.

"We must not be careless. They either won't make a move, or if they do, it will be a fatal blow."

Akimichi Choza gave a solemn warning; he didn't want his good brother to actually be killed.

"We definitely can't be careless, but as long as it's not Hiruzen Sarutobi who personally takes action, I can handle it."

Tamura Hao is very confident in his own strength. In the past few months, he has gained more control over the power of the four tailed beasts and has also developed some new techniques.

And it also has the Flying Thunder God Technique as a foundation.

"It's impossible for Hiruzen Sarutobi to make a move, and Shinnosuke might even do it behind his back, but his summoned beasts might be summoned to fight."

That summoning beast is incredibly powerful, surpassing even a Jonin in strength.

When Yamanaka Inoichi mentioned the Sarutobi Clan's summoning beast, he said that the Monkey King was very powerful, with individual combat strength even surpassing any of the summoning beasts that appeared in the three holy lands. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it was the strongest summoning beast.

"I've considered that, and I'm quite curious about the indestructible bodies of the ape race."

After taking a sip of juice, Tamura Hao revealed his thoughts on the monkey king.

"You're going to use the power of the One-Tailed Beast?"

Nara Shikaku seemed to be deep in thought. The Monkey King was a summoning beast, and it had hands that could automatically form hand seals to dispel its summoning state and return to the summoning world.

That's a space-time technique; the only way to suppress it is through sealing techniques, and the only thing that can be sealed in time is the power of the One-Tailed Beast.

Like the Vajra Sealing Technique of the Uzumaki clan, it comes with its own sealing ability. As long as you capture it, you can seal it, unless you unleash chakra that surpasses that of the One-Tailed Beast.

"As long as I reveal the Two-Tails form, they will become suspicious. After all, the One-Tails Jinchuriki was severely injured by us and committed suicide. It wouldn't be difficult to collect some of the One-Tails' chakra from him."

"And by showing off, I can also attract their attention, thus paving the way for Tsunade-sensei to rise to power."

Tamura Hao believed that this could not be kept secret. As long as the secret technique of the Tailed Beast Dharma Form was revealed, those people would make their own connections, and they would inevitably make connections with any Tailed Beasts they had ever come into contact with.

That makes sense.

Nodding solemnly, Nara Shikaku understood that those people would definitely have doubts. As those in power, being suspicious was an instinct, and they couldn't stop people from being suspicious.

For those in positions of power, mere suspicion is enough.

"It seems we'll have to set the battlefield in the desert."

Yamanaka Inoichi also thought it was worth planning, while Akimichi Choza's eyes were already gleaming with anticipation.

The importance of that indestructible body to the Akimichi family goes without saying; once acquired, their strength would experience a qualitative leap.

"Have you figured out how to limit the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

Nara Shikaku asked, "The core of this plan is to stage a scene to provoke Lady Tsunade. It must be realistic enough."

Xiao Hao possesses the Flying Thunder God Technique; as long as he doesn't want to, no one can kill him. If he were to force himself to be injured, he would inevitably be exposed.

That person is quite shrewd; it has to be done flawlessly.

"I've been getting along really well with some people these past few days, and besides, my Flying Thunder God Technique still requires hand seals at this stage."

Tamura Hao had already thought of a solution: bonds.

Shizune and Might Guy are his biggest open bonds right now, but he won't let them take risks. And right now he has a few tools he can use.

Of course, the specific approach will have to be determined based on the circumstances.

"Those scum!"

All three of them looked resentful. Those people were definitely the ones with problems; they had clearly been deliberately getting close to Xiao Hao.

They knew all this, but they didn't stop them in order to lure those people into their trap.

Since that's the case, let those people get on their way.

"Do you have a plan yet?"

Tamura Hiroshi inquired, "The next step is to create opportunities for those people."

"Once Sunagakure attacks, our main force will meet them head-on. At that time, I will suggest going around to Sunagakure's camp to destroy their various supplies. Your Tailed Beast Dharma Form will then come in handy."

Besides, you're not famous yet, so no one will think much of it if you don't appear on the main battlefield.

Furthermore, Sunagakure is already aware of Kuro's existence. To avoid arousing suspicion from Sunagakure, Kuro will appear on the main battlefield to assist in the high-altitude deployment of explosive tags, and will only fly over to pick you up after the mission is completed.

Nara Shikaku's plan was simple because simple plans are the least likely to go wrong, especially since it was only meant to lure Sarutobi Shinnosuke into making a move.

"This is indeed a task that suits me very well."

Tamura Hao agreed, saying that this kind of base raiding mission was suitable for an unknown nobody like himself; otherwise, once he became famous, he would inevitably be targeted.

"Then I'll use my liver cells to culture a liver, and then transplant it into my body and find an opportunity to destroy it. This might require your cooperation, Brother Hai."

He already has a plan to play the victim, and the main prop is a liver.

The liver is the only organ in the body that can quickly regenerate into a complete individual. With current technology and its own life force, a single cell is enough to regenerate a complete liver, ensuring that Teacher Fei Yang won't be able to tell.

"It's okay for the liver."

Nara Shikaku agreed, saying that he also had medical knowledge, although his main focus was on pharmacology, but he had a good understanding of the human body and knew the special characteristics of the liver.

"We also need to plan for the power of the Tailed Beasts as soon as possible. Right now, we only have the power of the Five-Tails, Six-Tails, Seven-Tails, and Nine-Tails left."

When Yamanaka Inoichi mentioned the power of the Tailed Beasts, they all witnessed the power of the Tailed Beast Dharma Form Technique, and that Xiao Hao, in his current state, could bear even more of the Tailed Beasts' power, perhaps even gathering the power of all nine Tailed Beasts.

Therefore, we must plan for this as soon as possible, ideally during this Ninja World War, otherwise it will be difficult to plan for it later.

After all, the Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beasts are important weapons of war for the ninja villages. They are only deployed during wartime and usually stay in the village. To seize the power of the Tailed Beasts, one must attack the ninja villages.

Apart from Takigakure, where the Seven-Tails resides, being a small ninja village, the Five-Tails and Six-Tails reside in large ninja villages.

"It's not difficult to plot against the five-tailed, six-tailed, and seven-tailed ones; the real challenge lies with the nine-tailed one."

Nara Shikaku's biggest headache was the power of the Nine-Tails. What they wanted was not just chakra, but the original power of the tailed beast. That required the tailed beast's power to be manifested, and at the very least, it required half-tailed beast transformation.

However, given how much the village values ​​the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, it would be difficult for them to even make contact with him.

Not to mention that Lady Tsunade is also present. If we were to force a plan, it would inevitably displease her and be detrimental to the family's future plans.

"The power of the Nine-Tails isn't just in Ninja-san; there's one in Kumogakure too."

Tamura Hao had long planned to seize the power of the Nine-Tails. Currently, the only people in the ninja world who possess the Nine-Tails' original power are not only the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but also the two from Kumogakure.

"You mean Kinkaku and Ginkaku, who killed the Second Hokage? But they're already dead."

Yamanaka Inoichi knew who was being referred to. He had learned a lot of information from the Cloud Village ninjas he had captured in the Land of Earth. The information about Kushina Uzumaki's survival was only one of them, and there was also information about Kinkaku and Ginkaku.

Knowing that the two had captured the Nine-Tails when the village was founded, and were then swallowed by the Nine-Tails, it is said that they consumed the Nine-Tails' flesh and blood inside the Nine-Tails' stomach, and after emerging, they possessed the Nine-Tails' power.

Those two were indeed good candidates, but according to intelligence, they are already dead.

"When I treated Tsunade's mental illness last time, I saw in her memories that the Second Hokage created a forbidden technique that could revive the dead. It seems that Orochimaru-senpai was secretly researching that forbidden technique. We could try to contact Orochimaru-senpai about this."

The existence of the Impure World Reincarnation technique has been revealed, and Orochimaru is indeed currently researching it.

Last time, when he was messing with the First Hokage's necklace, something went wrong. Tsunade broke into Orochimaru's research base and discovered that he was researching the Impure World Reincarnation.

"A forbidden technique to resurrect the dead!"

Shocked by that forbidden technique, Nara Shikaku then pondered the feasibility of his plan.

"Orochimaru is a difficult character to approach. The best approach is to show him something that interests him so that he will take the initiative to make contact with us."

(End of this chapter)