Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

Chapter 163 Mission

Two days later, on the northeastern border of the Land of Fire, in the area surrounding Narumi Town.

A reinforcement force of 800 men, consisting of 500 elite soldiers from Konoha and 300 ninja monks from the Fire Temple, finally arrived at this place after two days of rapid march.

This is Shinichi's second time visiting this place.

Two years ago, in this same season and at this same location, he carried out his first mission.

At that time, he was just a genin who had recently graduated, and Maruboshi Kosuke was protecting him.

And now he's a Jonin.

"There are backup personnel ahead."

Shinichi's thoughts were interrupted by Kurenai Yuhi's voice coming from beside him. He looked up and saw more than a dozen figures rapidly approaching in the distance.

"Come with me."

After a simple identity verification, intelligence exchange, and route confirmation, the two sides did not delay for a moment and immediately joined forces. Under the guidance of Orochimaru's support personnel, they avoided several known areas of Cloud Village reconnaissance and harassment and headed towards the true headquarters of the Northeast Army.

On the way, the support personnel quickly recounted the battle situation of the past few days.

The Cloud Shadows are coming with overwhelming force.

Generally speaking, Shadows do not easily go to the battlefield in the early stages of a war, let alone to the front lines.

However, the Third Raikage, known for his formidable strength, did not play by the rules. On the very first day of the war, he personally led his army straight into Konoha's position, intending to break through the defenses with overwhelming force.

But Konoha was prepared.

The various defensive lines built a month in advance, the carefully arranged traps, and the layers upon layers of barriers effectively blocked the first wave of attack from the Cloud Hidden stronghold.

More importantly, Jonin Minato Namikaze took the lead the moment the Third Raikage personally led his army into battle.

The light of the Flying Thunder God Technique flickered on the battlefield, and the golden figure moved like a ghost, completely disrupting the Third Raikage's charging rhythm.

Minato Namikaze had no way to deal with the Third Raikage. This man's physical strength was unparalleled in the ninja world, known as the "strongest shield." No matter how fast Minato Namikaze was, he could hardly cause any real damage.

However, the Third Raikage could not simply stand by and watch Minato Namikaze do nothing.

Each appearance of that golden flash signified the fall of a Cloud Village ninja. He might not be able to break through the Raikage's defenses, but for Cloud Village ninjas other than the Raikage, the Flying Thunder God Technique was an invitation from the Grim Reaper.

Thus, a strange stalemate occurred on the battlefield, with the Third Raikage being held back by Minato Namikaze alone, and the sharpest "strongest spear" of Kumogakure being temporarily locked down.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Konoha defenses, under the command of Orochimaru, stabilized their position and withstood the relentless onslaught of the Cloud Village's follow-up forces. The two sides were locked in an exceptionally fierce war of attrition and a protracted battle on the border.

"As expected of Minato! As expected of the Flying Thunder God Technique!" Kurenai Yuhi exclaimed.

During the First Shinobi World War, Kumogakure also came with great force, and the Second Raikage also mastered powerful Lightning Release ninjutsu and taijutsu. However, Kumogakure was ultimately defeated by Konoha, led by the Second Hokage who created the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Perhaps it was based on their experience back then that the village sent Minato, who had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, to this place.

Flying Thunder God Technique...

As Shinichi listened, he silently made his own plans.

After the war in Northeast China comes to an end, perhaps I can try to ask the Third Hokage for guidance.

I just don't know if I can learn it?

After all, the conditions for learning the Flying Thunder God Technique are extremely demanding.

Only Tobirama Senju and Minato Namikaze truly mastered it.

Others, such as the Third Hokage, who was proficient in all five elemental ninjutsu and had a deep understanding of sealing techniques, and Orochimaru, a research madman who had studied the human body and soul to an unbelievable degree and was proficient in countless ninjutsu and forbidden techniques, also failed to master it; neither of them could even get to the basics.

Learning the Flying Thunder God Technique seems to be more than just a matter of being a genius or even a master. Besides involving sealing techniques, there is also a special talent involved.

Shinichi wasn't sure if he had any talent in that area, or if his [Ninja] class attribute provided any boost to that type of talent.

The characteristic of the [Ninja] class is "Ninja Talent-related Amplification", but the amplification related to the use of swords and other conventional weapons is not reflected in the [Ninja] class, but is provided by the [Swordsman] class. The special weapon-related affixes are also derived from the [Swordsman] class.

For example, Sage Mode. In theory, Sage Mode is also an important part of the ninja system and belongs to the category of "ninja skills".

However, that wasn't the case. Otherwise, according to his current Jonin-level job description, even if he couldn't absorb natural energy anytime and anywhere like Jugo, he should at least be able to clearly sense natural energy.

Just as weapon enhancements were assigned to the [Swordsman] class, the special talent enhancements of magic, as well as the generation of its dedicated derivative affixes, will likely fall on other class affixes as well.

"but..

""

At that moment, the voices of the people in charge of the rendezvous continued to ring out.

"The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki of Kumogakure, Brubi, is still causing us a lot of trouble. Once that guy enters his Tailed Beast form, his destructive power is just too great. His Tailed Beast Ball has put a lot of pressure on our defenses and caused casualties. According to intelligence, Kumogakure may send the Two-Tails Jinchuriki next."

Two-Tails Jinchuriki?

Yukito, I think she's only nine years old at most this year?

Is someone this young already capable of being deployed to the front lines as a Jinchūriki?

Upon hearing this, Shinichi raised an eyebrow and thought to himself.

But what are the fourth generation Ai and Killer Bee doing now?

At this moment, the person providing support continued, somewhat unwillingly, "If only our Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could also..."

Before he could finish speaking, he realized something and stopped abruptly.

Kurenai Yuhi glanced at him but didn't reply.

The person in charge lowered their gaze, fell silent, and said no more.

As Shinichi entered the camp, he saw more and more Konoha ninja.

Among them were members of the Hyuga clan, most of whom had bandages wrapped around their foreheads or covered them with headbands, making their distinctive white eyes stand out in the crowd.

There were also Uchiha clan ninjas with their clan crests embroidered with round fans. Some of them noticed Shinichi's gaze, glanced at him, and then looked away before continuing on their way.

Besides the Konoha ninja represented by these two powerful clans, Shinichi also noticed some ninjas who were not wearing Konoha headbands.

They wore combat uniforms that differed slightly from those of the Konoha ninjas, and had a distinctive clan emblem tattooed on their right arms—a black double tomoe crossed, with black borders above and below the design.

Shinichi's gaze lingered on the clan crest for a moment.

The Amber Family.

He knew this ninja clan, who had lived in this area for generations. After the war broke out, as a local power in this area, they were naturally conscripted and joined the battle against Kumogakure.

A few minutes later, after exchanging a few words with the guarding ninja, Shinichi, Shinichi, and Tenmei, representing the three of them, entered the command center.

The lights above the command post illuminated the tall, slender figure and pale face of the commander at the front.

"Lord Orochimaru," Yuhi Shinku spoke first, her tone respectful.

"General Orochimaru." Abbot Tenmei also clasped his hands together and nodded slightly.

"It's Shinku, and Master Tenmei. You've come at the perfect time; the front lines need support." Orochimaru's magnetic voice rang out. He first nodded to Shinku and Abbot Tenmei, then his gaze lingered briefly on them as a greeting.

Then, his signature long, golden eyes scrutinized Shinichi with interest, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Shinichi-kun, long time no see. I've heard you've made some remarkable contributions on the southwestern battlefield. Even here on the northeastern front, far from the village, I often hear all sorts of rumors about you, hehe..."

Heh, what are you talking about!

If you want to speak properly, can you please stop using that look and tone that says "I'm very interested in you," "You have a secret," or "I want to dissect you for research"?

Even if you have such thoughts, don't make it so obvious. Any normal person would want to stay far away from you.

No wonder you couldn't beat Minato Namikaze.

The water gate is a place where people stand, bathed in sunshine, warm and reliable, and everyone who sees it wants to get close to it, so it has a strong mass base.

What about you?

Ha ha.

Shinichi was speechless with frustration, but his face remained impassive. He simply bowed slightly and said, "Lord Orochimaru, you flatter me. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a Konoha ninja and did something insignificant. I don't deserve the title of 'remarkable'."

Orochimaru stared at him for two seconds, his smile deepening.

"Hehe... Shinichi-kun is still so humble."

"Perfect timing. I have a rather tricky mission here, and I need a versatile, quick-thinking, and trustworthy Jonin to lead it."

Orochimaru turned around, his long fingers landing on the huge map on the wall, pointing to a location—a spot slightly behind the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fire.

"According to the latest intelligence from the reconnaissance team, this should be one of the Cloud Village's forward supply depots, storing a large amount of their weapons, food, and a considerable amount of medical supplies and medicines. The perimeter is guarded by regular guards and traps, and at least one battalion of Cloud Village's elite troops are stationed inside."

Orochimaru slowly turned his head and looked at Shinichi again, his golden snake eyes narrowing slightly.

"And Shinichi, your mission is to completely destroy or seize it!"

"This mission is extremely dangerous. It requires going deep behind enemy lines, facing unknown defensive forces and environments. If exposed or slow to act, it is very likely to be surrounded by the Cloud Village reinforcements. However, the rewards are equally huge. If successful, it will not only cut off an important supply line of the Cloud Village and damage the morale of its frontline, but may even obtain important intelligence about the Cloud Village's subsequent deployment."

"Considering the special nature of the mission and the comprehensive abilities required of the executor..." Orochimaru's tone trailed off slightly, his gaze as tangible as it landed on Shinichi's face: "I believe you are currently the most suitable candidate. What do you say, Shinichi-kun? Are you willing to take on this challenging mission?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the eyes of the other staff officers and ninjas in the command center involuntarily turned to him, waiting for the answer from this young Jonin who had just arrived and had been personally selected by the commander-in-chief.

6!

A single word silently popped into Shinichi's mind: "He's given a dangerous mission deep behind enemy lines right off the bat?"

For a moment, Shinichi even wondered if he had unintentionally offended this Snake Uncle at some point.

Or perhaps his reputation as a genius was so great that Orochimaru thought, "It's a shame that someone so talented isn't taking on the most dangerous missions?"

Before he could even speak, Kurenai Yuhi beside him blurted out, "Lord Orochimaru, I should..."

""

"Lord Orochimaru!"

Shinichi's calm voice interrupted Kurenai Yuhi's words.

"Shinichi Higashino, I obey."

Yuhi Makoto paused slightly, then turned to look at him, the boy who was in the same class as her daughter.

Shinichi didn't look at him, but met Orochimaru's gaze calmly.

Orochimaru stared at him for two more seconds, then chuckled softly again.

"Hehe, very good."

"Then it's up to you, Shinichi. The detailed intelligence, maps, and action plans will be provided to you by the General Staff later. I hope you can perform as well as you did on the southwestern battlefield, or even more impressively."

After saying that, he turned to Kurenai Yuhi, whose face was filled with anxiety.

"Shin-Ku, don't rush. You also have an important mission. While Shin-Ichi is on the move, I need you to organize a medium-sized feint attack on the main front. The goal is to draw away the main force of the Cloud Village and create as much time and chaos as possible for Shin-Ichi's operation behind enemy lines. The General Staff will work with you to formulate the specific direction and intensity of the attack."

Kurenai Yuhi paused for a moment, then composed herself and nodded solemnly: "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

The crowd slowly withdrew, and the heavy curtains fell, separating the inside from the outside.

The command center returned to its usual quiet, busy activity. Orochimaru slowly walked back to his command post, picked up a report, and began to read it. It contained information about the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Brubi. "What a troublesome person."

Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden snake eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze slowly moving across the paper, and his voice lowered.

"However...it seems like someone harboring confusion, pain, and inner turmoil, perhaps..."

'

His voice grew softer and softer until it was so soft that no one else in the command tent could hear him.

"We need to plan this out carefully."

Orochimaru put down the report and tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the table.

"Simply cutting off one of Kumogakure's arms won't do; it would be more interesting to throw them into chaos, hehe..."

'

late at night.

The Land of Hot Water, Valley of Hidden Mist.

This is a remote valley far from the main road, surrounded by dense primeval forests. It is shrouded in a perpetual fog of the Land of Hot Water, enveloping the entire valley and the surrounding primeval forest in a white, damp haze.

At this moment, on the outskirts of Misty Valley, deep within a dense forest also shrouded in thick fog, a team of one hundred people is quietly lying in ambush.

They blended into the night and the fog, broken only by the occasional cry of an owl.

Shinichi stood on the top of a large tree, his body swaying slightly in the night breeze. His gaze pierced through the mist and landed on the distant, faintly visible valley entrance.

A moment later, he landed gently and returned to the group.

"Senior Shikatsu, Senior Tsurugi, how is the situation? Are you sure this is the place?"

He turned to look at the two figures.

One was wearing a high-necked coat and sunglasses, completely covered up—Aburame Shikatsu, a Jonin of the Aburame clan. The other was a lean woman with short brown hair and red inverted triangle markings on her face. Beside her crouched a huge ninja dog with a blue back and white belly—Inuzuka Tsurugi, a Jonin of the Inuzuka clan, who was also the mother of the current Inuzuka Hana and the future Inuzuka Kiba.

Both of them were members of Shinichi's Fourth Independent Combat Battalion. Including Ueno Kaito, another Jonin named Motokawa, and Shinichi himself, this hundred-man squad had a total of five Jonin.

Upon hearing this, Inuzuka Tsurugi opened his eyes, exchanged a few words with his partner Kuromaru beside him, then frowned slightly and spoke first: "Captain Shinichi, something's strange. In Kuromaru's and my sense of smell, there's no fresh human scent left ahead, nor any trace of recent activity by large creatures. Everything is normal, but too normal."

He nodded slightly.

"Trying to be normal is actually abnormal."

He turned to look at Yu Nu Zhisheng.

Aburame Shikatsu paused for a moment, then replied briefly, "There's a barrier outside the valley. To avoid alerting the enemy, I didn't let the insects get close."

Shinichi's eyes flickered slightly. He had originally planned to use his sensory ninjutsu to investigate the movements ahead, but he was afraid that his half-baked sensory ninjutsu might trigger some kind of barrier and alert the enemy. That's why he entrusted the reconnaissance task to these two professionals.

In hindsight, being cautious was the right thing to do.

"It seems the intelligence was correct; this is the place."

Shinichi raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the team members around him, quietly awaiting his command.

"Alright, colleagues! Let's proceed with the plan!"

"yes!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the figures of the hundred people vanished.

The night wind still blows, the fog still hangs heavy.

It was as if nothing had happened.

The update time will return to normal at 12 noon tomorrow.

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