This puppeteer is a bit... well...

Chapter 139 Returning to Konoha (Please Subscribe)

When Ryuji subdued Enia, the rest of the battle was over.

The outcome of the battle was a foregone conclusion, with Sunagakure winning overwhelmingly.

Despite the impressive skills of the few people from the Western continent, their overwhelming numbers and superior strength rendered their moves merely flashy and ineffective.

The red-haired woman who transformed into a fairy, grew flamingo wings, and flew away was the most tragic.

Because no one in Sunagakure besides her could fly, only she, as the strongest among them, could chase after them.

She conjured a rock javelin, and with one javelin shot Dolores down.

Smither, on the other hand, died from the deadly poison of the Wanli River.

In terms of nerve reflexes, physical fitness, and chakra reserves, Wanlijiang is no match for this guy.

In addition, there's a protective shield that can defend against attacks from ninjutsu below rank B... If he chooses to attack with a weapon, then Wanlijiang will undoubtedly be defeated.

But this guy transforms into a cheetah, using sharp teeth and claws as weapons to kill enemies.

As a result, Wanlijiang simply blocked his way, and when he rushed over, he pretended to dodge in time and had his arm slashed by Wanlijiang's sharp claws.

Then, Smither died.

Gray died the most tragically.

He not only possesses superb taijutsu skills, but also boasts impressive physical attributes and chakra reserves. Coupled with the weapons and equipment left behind by an ancient empire, he has a considerable chance of defeating even a Kage-level powerhouse.

As for Yekura, they are evenly matched.

Under normal circumstances, the two would be evenly matched and it would take a long time for a winner to emerge victorious.

But now surrounded by a large number of enemies, Gray only wanted to escape.

Facing Yekura blocking the way, without probing or making tactical choices, she went all out, wanting to sweep away the obstacles in one fell swoop.

This was exactly what Yekura wanted.

She had been on this mission for nearly half a year. The enemy had been playing hide-and-seek with them, relying on their intelligence advantage, which had caused her to suffer setbacks at every turn and feel powerless. The anger in her heart was like a volcano about to erupt.

Seeing that the enemy leader was going all out to fight, she showed no intention of backing down and charged head-on with all her might.

The Scorching Release technique doesn't have many advantages; its only advantage is its high power.

When Yecang condensed a two-meter-diameter orange fireball, the entire forest was steamed by the high temperature.

Gray's high-speed water jet, unleashed at full power, was instantly vaporized, and then engulfed everything within a hundred meters in a violent explosion.

……

"Here you go. Once you find the city left behind by the ancient empire, just have it notify me." Ryuji handed a scarab golem and a scroll to Narita.

Cheng Tian was a gaunt man with a very burly build. His head was wrapped in bandages, and he had deep dark circles under his eyes. If he appeared silently behind someone at night, he would definitely be mistaken for a ghost and scared half to death.

However, he was one of the few sensory ninjas in Sunagakure, and also the Jonin responsible for continuing the search for the massive city left behind by the ancient empire.

That scroll was a trophy seized from the six-man group from the Western Continent, and it contained many records about the ancient empire.

Among them are records of huge cities.

Although the passage of time has caused changes in the continental plates, and the original location of the great city has been moved to an unknown place, many other clues have been left behind.

If you search based on clues and combine them with information from the script that the location is in the Great Rift Valley, the probability of finding it will greatly increase.

"I'll let you know as soon as I get a lead," Narita said, taking the items and making a solemn promise.

Ryuji nodded slightly, then turned to Yecang, "I'm afraid my trip to Konoha won't be peaceful. You should go back to the village and wait for me!"

Ye Cang opened his mouth, but then stopped himself from speaking.

She really wanted to go, but she knew what was important.

She knew how famous the name "Ryuji Ayaki" was in the ninja world, and how many people wanted his head.

Even Konoha, their ally, wouldn't let any opportunity to kill him slip by.

The floating continent is truly terrifying.

Even though it hasn't shown any power yet, the leaders of all the major powers can imagine its might.

Just like the Sky Village in the Second Shinobi World War.

Despite being a small ninja village, it possessed the power to challenge the five great nations thanks to its flying equipment.

If they're going to other dangerous places, I can go along and help.

But there are too many skilled fighters in Konoha.

If he, with his close relationship with Ryuji, were to go along, Konoha would definitely use him as a target in the event of a conflict. Even if he was quite strong, there was a high probability that he would become a burden.

Moreover, she was also aware of Ryuji's personality.

Knowing that he hates jealousy and rivalry, it might not matter once or twice, but if it happens too often, then there will be no future for them.

"Then be careful."

Finally, Yekura gently kissed Ryuji on the forehead, offering her blessings.

"Um!"

Long Er nodded slightly, then left with Wanlijiang and Hong.

……

Returning to Konoha and walking along the streets with a completely different atmosphere, Ryuji felt a mix of emotions.

Last time I came, it was the height of summer, but now a cold wind blows everywhere, and the streets are no longer bustling with traffic. Only occasionally can you see one or two passersby with their minds wandering by.

"It's also related to the war!" Wanlijiang said from the side. "Even if the war hadn't reached here, the outcome of the war was related to the future of the village, and everyone was worried about it. In addition, there were the relatives and friends of the victims, so it was impossible for there to be a thriving atmosphere."

"You know quite a lot!"

Long Er glanced at her in surprise and teased her.

"Don't treat me like a clueless kid." Wanli Jiang said angrily, "Although I only have two years of ninja experience, I have been experiencing war ever since I came out of the deep mountains. I can't compare to those old hands who have lived since the beginning of the war, but I'm not a newbie either."

"Yes, yes, you're not some newbie, you are..."

Upon noticing the approaching ANBU ninja, Ryuji dropped his joking expression and waited patiently for them to arrive.

A moment later, an Anbu ninja approached and said respectfully, "Lady Ayaki, our Lord Danzo has something to discuss with you and hopes to see you alone."

"alone?"

Red Fox eyed the ANBU ninja in front of her suspiciously.

Wanlijiang bluntly mocked, "You sent people to assassinate Lady Xuanqi just a few days ago, and now you want to meet her alone? What kind of trick are you playing now!"

"We in Konoha have never done anything to damage the friendship between Sunagakure and Konoha. That is absolutely a misunderstanding."

The ANBU ninja answered neither humbly nor arrogantly, neither offending anyone nor appearing weak, which greatly angered Wanlijiang.

She despised people who did such things but dared not admit it.

(And yet he claims he's not a newbie.)

Ryuji glanced at her casually, muttered something to himself, and then looked at the ANBU ninja in front of him. "I just arrived in Konoha. I need to go back to the base and explain things to the rest of the delegation first."

"When will Lady Aya be available?"

"...Three days later!"

Ryuji thought for a moment and gave an answer.

"Then I will report to Lord Danzo in this way." Finally, the ANBU ninja added, "Please do not inform anyone else about Lord Danzo's private meeting with Lady Ayaki."

"Of course, that's..."

Ryuji raised his hand to stop Wanlijiang from continuing, then asked, "Does the 'others' you mentioned include your Hokage?"

"That's right, this meeting was a private arrangement between Lord Danzo and Lady Ayaki."

"So, where should we meet?"

"Someone will deliver it in three days."

"I understand. I have other things to take care of, so I'll be leaving now."

Goodbye.

……

After bidding farewell to the Konoha ANBU ninja, Ryuji and his group continued towards the Sunagakure delegation's residence.

On the way, Wan Lijiang felt somewhat resentful.

"I don't understand. Why didn't you refuse this plot that's clearly aimed at you, sir?"

"You're a newbie, of course you wouldn't understand."

Wan Lijiang's eyes widened, clearly unconvinced.

But Long Er continued, "Who openly tells you that I'm going to plot against you?"

"This, this..."

Wanli Jiang's small red lips parted slightly, but she couldn't refute it.

Finally, steeling himself, he resorted to a shameless act, saying, "What if they're deliberately taking advantage of your mentality?"

"You think everyone's like you?" Long Er chuckled, teasingly adding, "Those in high positions, even if they're not exceptionally clever, wouldn't be unprepared in a situation with such obvious danger. You don't really think I won't tell the rest of the delegation, do you?"

"This, this... okay!"

Wanlijiang ultimately fell silent.

"One last thing I want to tell you..."

"Um?"

"From now on, when I'm discussing serious matters with other people, don't interrupt."

Looking at Long Er's suddenly serious expression, Wan Lijiang swallowed hard, thinking of the man's methods, and quickly nodded in agreement, "Okay, okay."

"Let's continue on our way. By now, Gallo and the others should be back."

……

The residence of the Sand Village Mission.

meeting room.

Ryuji glanced at everyone briefly, then fixed his gaze on Karura, who was smiling gently, and asked, "So Yashamaru and the others haven't returned yet, right?"

"There's nothing we can do about it," Garu smiled. "As the war has progressed, more and more wounded are being brought back every day, and Konoha's medical staff are not enough. We, the group of people who came here to study and intern, have been conscripted."

"...This is a good thing." Long Er pondered, "It's rare to have so many cases for them to practice with, we should make the most of it."

"But didn't you have something important to announce?"

"Although it's a very important matter, they're well aware of it even if I don't say it..."

At this point, Ryuji glanced at everyone, and seeing that everyone's attention was focused, he continued, "As agreed, our Sunagakure delegation will study in Konoha for six months, and now there is less than a month left until the end of the six months."

"Is there a problem with that?"

"A low-ranking ninja who was in charge of odd jobs asked."

"This is a huge problem." Ryuji chuckled coldly. "Don't forget, Konoha was willing to offer a huge sum of money rather than agree to our condition of studying in Konoha. Do you think they'll just let us go back so easily?"

(End of this chapter)