Projection magicians starting from the Uchiha clan

Jiraiya continued to assign tasks, deploying Chunin and Jonin in key positions.

At least when the Hidden Stone Village attacks, someone needs to be able to pass on the message.

Genin are mainly responsible for logistical work, and occasionally participate in some low-intensity battles under the supervision of Jonin or Chunin.

Jiraiya was not a heartless person; he would not send new recruits to the battlefield until the very last moment.

After the meeting, Uchiha Iori went to find his classmates.

"Kaori, Takumi, where have you been sent to fight?" Iori asked with concern.

"I'm in the taijutsu group, and Takumi is in the ninjutsu group. We're both in charge of the second line of defense," Kaori Uzuki replied, feeling somewhat uneasy with the big battle imminent.

Iori took out two amulets from her bosom and gave them to them respectively.

"This is a one-time use item I made. It can release a shield once to help you block a powerful attack."

Iori said with some heartache, "In the ninja world, projections cannot exist for long."

The amulet was handcrafted by Iori using chakra metal as the raw material, while the specific technique was developed by Medea.

"Iori, is it really okay to give us something so precious? Why don't you keep it for yourself and give one to the teacher as well?"

“Your mission is the most dangerous one, isn’t it?” Kaori Uzuki said hesitantly.

Although the exact cost is unknown, if it were cheap, Uchiha Iori would have already distributed them.

"No need. I'm more worried about your safety than about me and the teacher."

Iori insisted that the underwear he projected onto himself was made of holy skeletal cloth, and its defensive power was no less than that of the amulet.

With his protection and his superior strength, Nobuhiko Tsukiko was much safer than the two of them.

"Alright, don't waste his good intentions. If you want to repay him, survive and become stronger."

Kurama Takumi said casually, then put away the amulet.

As a member of the declining Kurama clan, he became even more down-to-earth and kept his gratitude in his heart.

"Alright, I'll take it. You and the teacher must come back alive!"

Kaori Uzuki hesitated for a moment, then finally uttered these words.

"I'm leaving. I hope we'll meet again."

Uchiha Iori left gracefully, having done what needed to be done, and there was no need to dwell on it too much.

Chapter 20 Operations Behind Enemy Lines

Uchiha Iori rushed to the meeting point and found that the other three had been waiting for a long time; he was the last one.

"Sorry I'm late," Iori said.

"It's alright. Is everything ready? You're the captain this time, so it's up to you to make the decisions," Nobuhiko Tsukiko said with a slight smile.

"Senior Kosuke, Senior Shimi, if you are ready, let's set off."

"The target is an enemy stronghold storing war supplies, which should be protected by Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki."

"At that time, Senior Zhiwei will first conduct reconnaissance, and then we will decide on the method to destroy the supplies."

"If we can sneak in, we'll use explosive tags to destroy the supplies."

"If we need to distract Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, then I will do it."

Uchiha Iori explained the plan, stating that the risk of directly confronting the Five-Tails Jinchuriki was too great.

If you can avoid it, try not to confront them head-on.

If all else fails, he isn't without a chance of winning against the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

“Understood, I will follow the plan.” Maruhoshi Kosuke nodded.

Aburame Shiki nodded silently. The ninjas of the Aburame clan were known for their taciturnity and low-key reliability.

Nobuhiko Tsukiko had no objection, even though the mission Iori was in charge of was too dangerous.

However, he believes that Iori will be able to support Konoha in the future, just like the Sannin.

He only needs to trust Iori.

-----------------

three days later

Grass Country

Night falls

Uchiha Iori and his group of four slowly made their way through the dark forest.

After three days of investigation, they have basically grasped the movements of the Iwa ninja.

The closer you get to the Iwagakure stronghold, the more ninjas patrol there are.

Although the squad could easily eliminate the enemy, they would be unable to do so without knowing the enemy's defensive mechanisms.

Taking action rashly could very likely expose our own side.

"Thanks to Jonin Shiki's parasitic insects, they're amazing."

The task of erasing traces and gathering intelligence along the way was entirely handled by Yu Nu Zhi Wei's parasites.

Although these insects look disgusting, parasites are very powerful and functional.

You Nu Zhiwei did not answer, but simply nodded slightly.

"Stop. There's no way to get closer. The intersection and density of patrols don't support infiltration."

Aburame Shiki suddenly stopped and said calmly.

"Then I'll grab their tongues first." Uchiha Iori activated his Sharingan and began observing the actions of the person opposite him.

Soon, he noticed a four-man squad of Iwa ninja patrolling from the right.

Iori stealthily crept up behind them, his actions completely undetectable to the mere Chunin.

Using the Body Flicker Technique, Iori quickly stunned three ninjas before exchanging glances with the last Iwa ninja.

Genjutsu: Sharingan.

Crimson tomoe appeared in the eyes of the Iwa ninja, who instantly fell into a genjutsu.

How could a mere Chunin possibly withstand a three-tomoe genjutsu?

Uchiha Iori quickly inquired about the Iwa ninja's plans and, after obtaining the information, understood the situation.

They then used the same method on the remaining three, obtaining intelligence through cross-referencing.

“It seems there’s no way to get around it. I’ll have to lure Han away, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki,” Iori said calmly.

He had a premonition that if he survived this time, he would definitely be able to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Although he follows a path similar to Indra's, there is no need for him to awaken the kaleidoscope.

However, the immediate combat power enhancement brought by the Mangekyou Sharingan is something he can't give up.

"Then I'll leave it to you." Although Kosuke Maruboshi was willing to help, he ultimately decided to follow orders.

After causing the death of his teammate that year, he vowed never to be greedy for credit or act rashly again.

He decided to trust his captain.

Shiki Aburame and Nobuhiko Tsukiko both nodded: "Leave the burning of supplies to us."

Uchiha Iori hesitated for a moment: "Are you confident? Although I lured the Jinchuriki away, the forces left behind by the Iwa ninja should not be underestimated."

"If things are not going to work out, don't force it; there will be other opportunities later."

"You're too arrogant, Iori. Don't treat us like a burden. We're Jonin." Nobuhiko Tsukiko said, somewhat angrily.

Although they knew it was well-intentioned, this attitude hurt them deeply, as it underestimated their strength as Konoha Jonin.

After taking on the most dangerous tasks, teammates still have to doubt their own abilities to do the rest of the work well.

As elites of the ninja world, they found it hard to accept such a thing.

"It was my fault. I'll leave the matter of burning the supplies to you." Uchiha Iori readily admitted his mistake.

In an era before the expansion of combat power, elite Jonin were still considered top-tier.

Apart from a handful of Kage-level fighters, they are the strongest force and will not be easily defeated.

After circling halfway around the Iwa ninja camp, Iori emerged from the woods.

Swish...swish...swish...

With a few quick movements and a low-level Sharingan genjutsu, Iori easily dispatched a patrol of Iwa ninja.

He walked confidently to the front of the camp, as if he were in his own camp.

"There are enemies! Warn them immediately!"

The Iwa ninja outpost sounded an alarm, signaling an impending enemy attack.

"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation".

Uchiha Iori concentrated his chakra in his throat and spewed out a torrent of flames like a tsunami.

The flames, like a raging sea, swept towards the Iwa ninja camp.

"Earth Escape·Earth Flow Wall."*N

The Iwa ninja forces reacted swiftly, unleashing defensive ninjutsu in unison, and the continuous earthen walls successfully withstood the sea of ​​flames.

"Boiling Release: Unparalleled Strength"

At that moment, a man emanating steam rushed out of the Iwa ninja camp.

Completely unconcerned about the high temperatures brought about by the extinguishing of the great fire.

Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, makes his appearance.

He was a tall man wearing a straw hat, a red mask, and red armor.

They fight using the explosive power of steam, and are known as "Steam Ninjas".