Chapter 674 Preparations

"What was the outcome of the negotiations?"

The messengers of Sagakushi and Yunyin have been staying in Konoha for several days, and they have been holding secret meetings with Shikaku in the small meeting room of the Hokage Building in the past few days.

On a whim, Tsunade called Shikahisa to ask about the results of the tripartite meeting.

Lu Jiu rubbed the center of his eyebrows, opened his mouth and replied:

"The matter is basically finalized. As long as the time comes, Shayin and Yunyin will send people to assist. Next, we only need to discuss the specific steps for action."

"What about the personnel list?"

Tsunade asked.

After all, the person to be dealt with this time is a slippery and dangerous rebel like Orochimaru, and it is very likely that he will have to deal with Sasuke Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake at the same time.

It would be great if we could get support from Sand Yin and Yun Yin.

"After they go back, they will hand it over to Kazekage and Raikage for adjudication. Around the end of this month, the list of participants will be sent to Konoha. Considering that this is a special operation, ninjas who operate must have special abilities. The list of personnel cannot be compiled in a short while."

Lu Jiu responded like this.

"Yes, and we have to take into account that this is a trap designed by the enemy for us. However, is it true that Sand Yin can't temporarily extradite the corpse of the red sand scorpion to Konoha? If that's the case, we can directly confirm the authenticity of this information."

Tsunade said so.

Shikahisa pondered for a while and said: "I also asked Hakura for confirmation on this matter. Anbu of Sagakure thought that the corpse of the red sand scorpion was too strange, and there was no way to extract any information from his brain. Then, according to Kazekage's order, Anbe of Sagakushi secretly disposed of the corpse of the red sand scorpion."

To be honest, Lu Jiu couldn't tell the truth about this matter.

Moreover, Scorpion's body is in the hands of Sa Yin, so Konoha can't prove the truth.

"It's not Rasa's style to treat the corpse so hastily... Moreover, Chiyo of Sand Hidden, as soon as he returned to the Land of Wind after the previous action, the news of his death immediately came out. No matter how you look at it, it's very strange."

Tsunade frowned, his tone mixed with displeasure.

Sand Hidden is definitely hiding something in secret.

"It's too late to explore now. Next, let's focus on Orochimaru. If Scorpion's information is true, then the relationship between Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke should actually belong to the hostile camp. Kakashi's attitude is unknown, and he is not sure whether he will help Orochimaru or Uchiha Sasuke. But no matter what, it means that they have begun to split."

Lu Jiu felt that he had to grasp this once-in-lifetime opportunity, even if it was a trap dug for them by others, he could not miss it.

"Then launch two different plans, taking into account the possibility that the intelligence is a trap, and formulate an alternative plan to allow safe evacuation in the event of an accident in the operation."

Shikajiu nodded, he would do the same without Tsunade's explanation.

As long as you hold the line of Orochimaru, you can quickly pass through the opponent and find those lost tail beasts. At the same time, you can also pull out the dark hands in the ninja world from the shadows, and get rid of this disadvantage of the enemy from the dark.

This time, Konoha must go all out.

"Need to practice with me?"

In the clearing of the forest, a gust of cold wind blew by, and Jiraiya looked at Naruto who was standing in front of him solemnly begging, showing a surprised expression.

"Yes, lecherous fairy, the only one who can help me now is you."

Naruto rubbed his hands together, as if he had settled for Jiraiya.

"Even if you say so, next, I still have important things to do here, and I don't have time to practice with you."

Jiraiya scratched his head in embarrassment. Although there are still two or three months of preparation time before the arrest of Orochimaru, as a Sannin, he must make preparations in advance.

Facing a ninja of the level of Orochimaru, it is not an exaggeration to prepare half a year's work in advance.

"By the way, didn't I practice with you in the past? For example, for physical training, I should have taught you all these skills carefully."

Ji Lai also frowned in doubt.

"It has nothing to do with that kind of thing, what I want is a real battle."

"A real fight, you mean..."

Zilai was half a beat too late before he understood what Naruto meant.

"That's right, I want to have a real battle with you, the lecherous fairy, which is different from the previous feeding training. Please fight with me."

Naruto wrapped his fist tightly with his palm, and stared at Jiraiya with burning eyes.

Although he has fought with Jiraiya in the past, but that level of fighting can only be regarded as an adult feeding a child, and it is not the same as a real battle.

Seemingly aware of the determination in Naruto's eyes, Jiraiya's expression became a little serious.

Is it because in this operation, I clearly felt that there was a huge experience gap between myself and the powerful ninja? Jilai also guessed so.

If it weren't for these reasons, Naruto would not have suddenly approached him and asked for a duel.

It is obvious that Naruto is aware of his own shortcomings and wants to carry out targeted exercises in this area.

That's true. In the past two years, he has indeed taught Naruto a lot of skills, including physical combat, the timing of ninjutsu, and how to deal with illusions that he is not good at... But those things are only training after all, not actual combat.

By fighting real strong enemies, these shortcomings are easily exposed.

"I see."

Jilai also nodded, agreeing to Naruto's request.

Naruto had a happy face.

"That"

"However, not now."

Zilai also immediately refused, as if there was no room for negotiation.

"Huh? Why?"

Naruto didn't understand and looked at Jiraiya.

"Everyone says that I have important things to do now, even if I fight against you, I have to wait until after this."

"You have something important to do, isn't it because you plan to be lazy and write those nasty novels?"

Naruto's eyes were full of contempt, as if he had seen through Jiraiya's character.

Jiraiya also snorted, and said righteously: "That is not a dirty novel, it is a great art! Do you know how many people in this world can only hold my book in the dark and lonely nights to comfort themselves? If they can't vent their excess desires, it will increase the crime rate in the ninja world. The purpose of my writing this book is for the peace of the ninja world!"

Looking at Jiraiya, who was full of righteousness and awe-inspiring, talking here without shame, the corners of Naruto's mouth twitched.

Although his brain is indeed not very bright, but writing dirty novels, but insisting on linking it with the peace of the Ninja world, no matter how you look at it, it is arguing.

This guy is full of unhealthy nasty thoughts, and it's probably hopeless.

"Besides, I don't have time to write novels now, I need to track down the trail of Orochimaru."

Zilai also coughed, and seemed to feel that what he said before was too forceful, and even himself felt a little ashamed.

"Orochimaru!?"

Hearing this name, Naruto's voice suddenly became louder.

"Hey, what's going on, lecherous fairy?"

"Hmm... what else could be going on? Didn't you all learn from the dead Scorpion that Orochimaru will attack Uchiha Sasuke in June this year. And now it's almost March, and there are only less than three months left before June. As a Sannin, of course, I have to take the lead in verifying the authenticity of the information."

Jilai also felt that Naruto was also an insider, so he didn't hide the news that he was going to inquire about information alone.

"Are you going alone?"

"Of course, no matter what, I'm one of the three ninjas. I'm a top-notch expert when it comes to spying on information."

After all, whether it is an uninhabited deep mountain forest, a tavern or a casino in a busy city, or even the Fengyue Club, they are all sources of information for him.

Familiar with all kinds of knowledge of the three religions and nine streams, Jiraiya also thinks that in this respect, there are few people in the ninja world who can compare with himself.

"Then, take me with you, Lecherous Immortal. I will go with you to find out about Orochimaru."

Naruto was excited and asked.

"no."

Naturally refused to follow Naruto.

Without waiting for Naruto to speak, Zirai also continued: "With you by my side, I can't inquire about the information carefully. Besides, your hiding skills are too poor. If you follow up, it will easily expose my existence."

"why is it like this?"

"You'd better stay with me to develop new technologies, you are not an expert in this field at all."

"But once you leave, Lecherous Immortal, there will be no one to practice with me."

Naruto said without giving up.

"Well, that's true." Jiraiya thought for a while, and then he thought of something, and said to Naruto: "Wait for me here for a while."

After speaking, Jiraiya also disappeared from the spot.

About five minutes later, Jilai also returned to his original position. Not only that, there was another person beside him.

"Nong, thick eyebrow teacher?"

Naruto was surprised when he saw the person next to Jiraiya.

The tight-fitting dark green clothes, Konoha's ninja forehead guard tied around his waist as a belt, and the watermelon head that you will be very concerned about just by looking at it, and the thick black eyebrows are Konoha's Jonin Maitekai.

"Yo, Naruto, good afternoon."

Kai, who greeted Naruto, grinned subconsciously, his white teeth gleaming.

"Master Jiraiya has already told me the matter, in the next few days, I will fight with you one-on-one."

Kai continued to Naruto.

"Is Teacher Nongmei coming?"

Naruto's face hesitated, as if he had a skeptical attitude.

Jiraiya also seemed to see through Naruto's inner thoughts, snorted and said: "Naruto, if you despise others too much, you will die. Although Kai's image is indeed a bit strange, but when he shows his full strength, he may be the strongest ninja in Konoha. It is more than enough for him to be your opponent."

"Konoha... the strongest ninja?"

Naruto looked at Kai's thick black eyebrows, and his heart was still pounding.

The other party didn't look like what Konoha's strongest ninja should look like, without the slightest domineering power.

"You can't be judged by appearances. You still have a lot to learn. Things are finalized like this. I still have things to do."

Jilai also didn't talk nonsense with Naruto, before turning to leave, he quietly left a sentence in Kai's ear:

"It doesn't matter if you use Bamen Dunjia, let this kid suffer a lot, and let him know what it means to have someone beyond others."

Kai was taken aback. He thought it was just an easy duel, but he didn't expect Zilai to make these requests.

If he is allowed to use Bamen Dunjia, it will not be a simple sparring, but a real battle.

During the battle, what will happen at that time is difficult even for him to control.

"I see."

Kay nodded earnestly, with a serious attitude.

Jilai also patted Kai on the shoulder, nodded, and left with the instant body technique.

"Mr. Nongmei, let's start quickly."

Naruto can't wait to fight.

"It's not urgent, I don't think simple fighting is very interesting, why don't we set a lottery."

Kay laughed.

"Luck?"

Naruto tilted his head, puzzled.

Kai still smiled and said: "That's right. For example, the person who wins the battle can put forward a condition to the person who loses."

"Conditions? That's it, since that's the case, if I win, let Teacher Nongmei treat me to Yile Ramen to eat enough."

Saliva full of appetite flowed out of Naruto's mouth.

Kay nodded without refusing.

"Okay, but if I win, then, Naruto, you have to sprint upside down 100 times around Konoha Village."

In late May, the weather is warm and pleasant, not as hot as summer.

The chill that blanketed the ghost country has long since dissipated, and the sun is shining everywhere, which is undoubtedly an excellent day for travel.

Located in the middle of the huge sea of trees in the northern land of Oni Land, it is a hollowed-out plain area of more than ten kilometers.

Standing on the top of the huge rocky mountain, holding a military telescope, Kazuhime can clearly see the rolling snow mountains in the north, which belongs to the Snow Country area. Like the Iron Country, it is a cold winter country that is in the snow season all year round.

Immediately afterwards, a rumbling sound came from the ear, causing the ground to tremble.

It was only then that Ichihime turned her gaze away from the snow-capped mountains in the distance, and turned to the huge plain area in front of her.

The rolling black steel is formed by armored artillery vehicles.

The flag engraved with aster flowers fluttered in the wind as the armored artillery vehicle ran on the ground.

Beside each armored artillery vehicle, there will be three to five ninjas from the ghost country in heavy armor, and they will move forward together.

Compared to two years ago, the armored artillery vehicle rolled faster and faster, even if it encountered a raised mound, it was galloping like walking on flat ground, launching an attack.

On the opposite side, there is a circular military fortress built.

From the fortress, flying ninjas controlled by ninja shadow clones fly out, flying in the sky, overlooking the earth from above, and there are mechanical troops formed by hundreds of armored vehicles on the plain land.

As one after another bombs were thrown from the flying ninja gear and attacked the rolling steel on the ground, the ninjas of the ghost country near the armored vehicle began to form seals, and the chakras began to gather and condense in groups.

A series of blue transparent walls covered the entire mechanical army, and an invisible shield wall was erected on it. After the reflection of the sunlight above the head, the blue transparent shield wall immediately emitted illusory blue fluorescence.

Boom!

The air-dropped bomb fell between the mechanical troops and came into direct contact with the blue shield wall.

The flames and shock waves generated by the detonation covered and surrounded everything in front of the eyes, and also scattered the beautiful blue fluorescence.

As this life roared, more bombs were dropped from the sky again, and each detonation was like a heavy hammer, making the earth tremble and mourn.

Among them, there are also flash bombs that block the view, poison gas bombs that can make people weak when inhaled, and incendiary bombs that turn the earth into a sea of flames.

What followed was that a huge pit suddenly appeared in front of it. If the armored vehicle was not careful, it would fall directly into the pit, unable to climb out of the deep pit, and was buried deep in the ground.

Or erect an earth wall around the armored vehicle, abruptly cutting the connection between each other, so as to disrupt the offensive deployment of the mechanical troops.

Use various means to attack the mechanical troops on the ground indiscriminately, and then use various methods to hinder their progress.

Even on the rocky mountain outside the battlefield, Ichihime could feel the strong hot wind coming from one side, blowing her long black hair and flying backwards.

Through the observation of military telescopes, this mechanical force has lost nearly half of it before reaching the circular fortress where the 'target' is located.

For the remaining half, there are still many situations where mobility has declined.

Those accompanying teams who cast the protective barrier were also exhausted.

Although the clothes on them can endure all kinds of extreme environments and have anti-virus effects, they still make them feel embarrassed and fall to the ground, breathing greedily for air.

"It's already like this only until the second round... The higher authorities require at least to persist until the third round. It seems that there is still a long way to go."

Yiji put down the military binoculars. Although she was a little dissatisfied with the performance of the mechanical troops, she also knew that this was not something that could be accomplished overnight.

"Let them quickly clean up the battlefield, it's time for the next batch of mechanical troops to enter."

"yes."

The accompanying jounin went to the tent at the back to notify the mechanical troops on the field to replace them.

With the entry of the next batch of mechanical troops, as before, they will conduct double attacks from the air and underground, constantly compressing the attack space of the mechanical troops in tricky ways.

A gust of hot wind blows from a distance, making the warmth and pleasantness of this place as hot as summer.

Perhaps the local movement was too grand, coupled with the excessive use of incendiary bombs, causing black clouds to appear in the upper layer of the sky, and the earth was shrouded in black shadows.

In the dark clouds, there are hidden thunder flashes, and fine rain begins to descend on the sea of trees.

Even so, the mechanical troop on the plain did not stop training and insisted on carrying out this cruel exercise.

And this is just a drill after all. Although the various ammunition dropped from the sky looks bluffing, they are all deliberately reducing the power and attack frequency, and are not fatal to ninjas.

"Master Ichihime."

There was a voice behind him, and a messenger with a signal device came over.

"What's up?"

Yiji tilted her head slightly.

"The headquarters asked you to take the members of the Thorn team back immediately."

"now?"

Yiji frowned, and looked at the black clouds above her head.

"Yes."

"I see."

Ichihime sighed. He thought that after returning, he would not have to run around in the ninja world and spend a while at leisure. He didn't expect to have a new mission so soon.

Fortunately, the mechanical army is on the right track here, and even if she is not here to personally watch, there should be no accidents.

"let's go."

Yiji glanced at the members of the thorn group standing on one side. Everyone was wearing a black coat and a black beak mask on their faces, covering their whole body tightly, only showing a pair of eyes to observe the outside.

This group gathers many ninjas of secret arts, blood succession limit, and forbidden arts. The people who join are all the elites of the ninja in the kingdom of ghosts. On the battlefield, everyone has the powerful strength of one against one hundred.

If you insist on making a comparison, it is similar to the Ninja Village's Anbu Agency, which only recruits special ninjas. It's just that the recruitment situation of the Thorn Group is stricter than those of the so-called Anbu.

After receiving a black raincoat from a member of the team, Yi Ji put it on casually, fastened the belt, stepped on her feet, and left the place in an instant.

The rest of the people followed closely behind, braving the rain and shuttling between the sea of trees, before disappearing.

On the plain under the rock, there was still the faint roar of explosions.

Baishi sat in the office, holding military intelligence documents, flipping through them page by page, clearly imprinting every word on it in his mind, and carefully reviewing them.

This intelligence document summarizes the comprehensive situation of all the troops in the military.

Whether it is the main force, the reserve force, or the logistics force, they are all available without any omission.

After these years of development, even though the Ghost Country military has repeatedly adopted a streamlined strategy, the number of ninjas accumulated over such a long period of time has reached a considerable number.

Although there is no way to compare with the 20,000 to 30,000 ninjas in the ninja villages of other big countries, the number of more than 13,000 people is far from comparable to the ninja villages in small countries in terms of the number of people.

Among them, the number of Junin is the least, nearly three hundred.

The number of chunin has reached 10,000, and the remaining 2,000 or so are genin who belong to the reserve army.

And, that's just the number of ninjas.

The combat soldiers catalyzed by natural energy are even larger. Although a lot of layoffs have been laid off in the past two years, there are still 70,000 to 80,000 people left.

In addition, there are more than 1,500 flying ninjas, and there are three mechanical troops, each of which is composed of nearly a thousand armored steel.

500 sets of chakra armor suits are given priority to the Jnin, and the rest are supplied to the Chunin with outstanding strength.

Seventeen warships, most of which are frigates and supply ships. Even so, it is enough to control the sea area under the jurisdiction of the ghost country.

These are all the forces placed in the territory of the ghost country. As for the forces armed in the territory of the allies, militia personnel, weapons and equipment, and military bases are not included.

Then Shiraishi took out documents recording the military composition of the rest of the Ninja Villages of the great powers.

Among them, the most notable one is Yun Yin. The number of ninjas is as high as 30,000. There are more than 300 senior ninjas, more than 20,000 middle ninjas, 100 flying ninjas imported from the ghost country, more than 300 self-made flying ninjas, and 3 self-made armed ships.

In these years, Yun Yin has never participated in the frontal disputes between countries, but has developed with peace of mind. With the full support of the thunder country daimyo, he has been expanding the army and developing armed forces every year. With such strength, it is not beyond Shiraishi's expectations.

is a more troublesome opponent.

Immediately after was Kirigakure, followed by Konoha.

After the battle between Yan Yin and Sha Yin two years ago, they are already at the bottom.

Looking at Konoha, who can still occupy the mid-range position in Daikuni Ninja Village after many turmoil, Shiraishi took a light breath, quite helpless.

The potential of this village is as terrifying as ever. Although he has plotted against Konoha many times, and even cooperated with Akatsuki's Nagato, in the end, Konoha still failed to be placed at the bottom of the Ninja Village in the Great Country... It can only be said that it is worthy of being a village inherited from the ninja **** Senju Hashirama. As long as the foundation and background are still there, no matter how hard they are hit, they can quickly recover their strength and continuously cultivate excellent ninjas.

"Old man, I'm back. Call me back so urgently, what's the matter?"

Kicking open the door of the office, Yiji walked in unceremoniously, interrupting Shiraishi's thinking, and asked Shiraishi's face-to-face question.

Baishi put down the document in his hand, clasped his hands together, put them on the desk, and leaned back slightly.

"There is news from Kakashi that Orochimaru will soon perform a reincarnation ceremony for Sasuke Uchiha."

After a long silence, Shiraishi said to Yiji.

"I asked the past to support and deal with Orochimaru together?"

Ichihime asked immediately.

Shiraishi shook his head, narrowing his eyes slightly: "No, I will take someone there personally from Orochimaru. His subordinates who have been imprinted with the curse mark, and the follow-up treatment about him will be very troublesome, and you can't handle it."

"Then you asked me to come back..."

Yiji tilted her head in confusion.

Baishi still looked calm, and said slowly:

"Konoha, Sand Yin, and Yun Yin are preparing to join forces to form an investigation force, and they will set off to encircle and suppress Orochimaru soon. I need you to lead the Thorn team and stop them halfway."

(end of this chapter)