Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade

Konoha, Hokage Rock.

"Two months, a full two months of nothing but low-rank missions. When will this end!"

After finishing cleaning the Hokage Rock, Nawaki plopped down on the ground and couldn’t help but complain.

"Soon. The number of low-rank missions we’ve done should be enough to meet the requirement for the Chunin Exams."

Natsuki said unhurriedly.

"It better be."

Nawaki sighed.

"Weren’t you full of motivation two months ago?"

Natsuki asked playfully.

"But we can’t do low-rank missions every single day. Who can stand this?"

Nawaki retorted.

"If Teacher Tsunade hears you, she’ll scold you again."

Natsuki looked up toward the distance.

Wearing a white training outfit, Nonou was engaged in a taijutsu spar with Tsunade. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

For convenience during taijutsu training, she tied her hair up into a single ponytail.

Compared to her usual gentle demeanor, she looked much more capable.

After two months of learning, Nonou’s taijutsu had reached a decent level.

At the very least, she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage against most Genin.

Natsuki hadn’t been idle these past two months either.

Besides doing missions, he had been learning Mifune’s kenjutsu.

Natsuki had already learned a considerable amount of kenjutsu.

Although Mifune’s kenjutsu was difficult to learn, it was manageable for him.

Half a month ago, he successfully mastered Mifune’s kenjutsu.

[Congratulations, Host. You have unlocked Sasaki Kojiro Template Ability 3: Knowledge of Sowa.]

The effect of Knowledge of Sowa was that when repeating the same kenjutsu against a target, the attacks would not be easily seen through.

Coupled with Vitrification and Transcendent Reaction Speed.

Natsuki felt that he might already be able to defeat Hatake Sakumo now.

But to be safe, he decided to unlock Starburst Stream first.

Unlocking Starburst Stream required defeating three Fire Release Jonin. He had already defeated one.

For the remaining two Fire Release Jonin, if he didn’t encounter them on missions, Natsuki planned to challenge Fire Release Jonin within the village.

He wasn’t sure if other ninjas would accept his challenge—but the Uchiha clan ninjas definitely would.

However, he personally preferred defeating two Fire Release Jonin during missions.

Mainly because he wouldn’t have to worry about holding back.

Right at that moment, Natsuki saw a masked ninja suddenly appear.

"It’s an ANBU ninja!"

Nawaki immediately stood up, his spirit lifted.

Natsuki glanced at him, knowing why he was so excited.

The ANBU ninja was definitely looking for Tsunade.

It was highly likely Sarutobi Hiruzen had a mission for her.

Generally speaking, missions issued directly by the Hokage wouldn’t be low-rank. They would be at least B-Rank.

And if it involved Tsunade, it would be either A-Rank or S-Rank.

Natsuki fell into thought.

Could it be that the situation in the Land of Rain had escalated again?

Was the battle that made the Konoha Sannin famous in the original story about to happen?

"What is it?"

Tsunade noticed the ANBU ninja, distanced herself from Nonou, and temporarily stopped the spar.

"Lady Tsunade."

The ANBU ninja bowed slightly and handed her a scroll.

Tsunade took the scroll and read it.

Her expression didn’t change. She just nodded. "I understand. Report back to Teacher that I’ll depart tomorrow."

Hearing this, the ANBU ninja disappeared from his spot.

"Sister, is there a mission?"

Nawaki asked impatiently.

"There is."

Tsunade didn’t hide it. "To support Sakumo."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

Although he had been doing low-rank missions recently, he was still somewhat aware of Hatake Sakumo’s situation.

Two months ago, Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade disappeared, and Sarutobi Hiruzen sent Hatake Sakumo to investigate.

He ultimately found out that Sunagakure planned to send the Puppet Brigade to launch a sneak attack from the rear.

Fortunately, Hatake Sakumo intercepted them and engaged in a two-month-long battle of sneak attacks and counter-attacks with them.

Barring any accidents, it would end with Hatake Sakumo killing Chiyo’s son and daughter-in-law—just like in the original story.

But what was the situation now?

Sending Tsunade to support Hatake Sakumo—did Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade gain the upper hand?

"A member of Sakumo’s squad was poisoned."

Tsunade continued. "Plus, Konoha needs a major victory to boost morale, so Teacher sent me to assist Sakumo."

"I see."

Natsuki realized in his heart.

It seemed to be his butterfly effect.

In the original story, Tsunade most likely didn’t go to support Hatake Sakumo.

Otherwise, Chiyo wouldn’t have only shown hatred toward Hatake Kakashi.

"Doesn’t that make it an S-Rank mission?"

Nawaki asked happily.

"It is S-Rank."

Tsunade glared at him. "S-Rank missions are extremely dangerous. You must treat it with caution—otherwise, I’ll only take Natsuki."

"Sister!"

Nawaki immediately promised. "I will definitely obey your orders. I’ll do whatever you tell me to do!"

"During a mission, use proper titles."

Natsuki blinked.

"Lady Tsunade!"

Nawaki was stunned for a moment, then corrected himself.

"Stop causing trouble."

Tsunade raised her hand, flicked Natsuki’s forehead.

But interrupted like this, her anger dissipated, and she didn’t scold Nawaki anymore.

"Go back and prepare."

Tsunade instructed. "This mission might take a long time."

"Yes, Teacher Tsunade."

Natsuki and Nonou replied in unison.

"Yes, Sister!"

Nawaki followed closely.

"Dismissed."

Tsunade waved her hand.

Going on a mission usually required preparing ninja tools, bentos, and medicine.

Natsuki didn’t need to prepare ninja tools and medicine.

He had Projection Magecraft. If he didn’t have enough ninja tools, he could just project them.

As for medicine, it went without saying. Bringing Blue Healing Potions and Red Healing Potions was enough.

But Nonou didn’t have Projection Magecraft and needed to prepare some ninja tools.

Natsuki took her to a nearby ninja tool shop.

The next day at 9 AM.

Natsuki and the others gathered at the entrance of Konoha on time.

"The location of this mission is still in the Land of Rain, but bordering the Land of Rivers."

Tsunade said. "Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade originally planned to pass through the Land of Rivers to attack us."

"How insidious!"

Nawaki said indignantly.

"This is war. Anything can happen."

Tsunade shook her head.

"Peace is definitely better!"

Nawaki clenched his fists. "I want to learn from Grandfather and end this chaotic world!"

"You still have a long way to go."

Tsunade laughed.

"Teacher Tsunade, the puppet masters’ poison might be useful for making an antidote for Hanzo’s poison."

Natsuki suddenly said.

"That is indeed possible."

Tsunade was stunned for a moment, then said thoughtfully.

"Do all puppet masters use the same poison?"

Nonou asked softly.

"No."

Tsunade paused. "But the poison used by Chiyo, her son, and her daughter-in-law is definitely the best in Sunagakure."

After a brief chat, the group left Konoha.

By afternoon, they had already arrived at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain.

"We’ll rest for the night and enter the Land of Rain tomorrow."

Tsunade found an empty clearing, stopped.

"I’ll set up the tents."

Nawaki volunteered.

"Natsuki, check the surroundings."

Tsunade ordered.

Natsuki nodded.

He formed hand seals and used the Summoning Jutsu to summon the crow Kurobane.

Kurobane spread its wings and flew into the sky.

Natsuki didn’t stay idle either. He climbed a tree and used Clairvoyance to scan the surroundings.

After confirming there were no problems, he jumped down.

Nawaki had already set up the tents.

"Time to eat."

Tsunade called out.

The four of them sat in a circle.

Tsunade, Nonou, and Nawaki unanimously looked at Natsuki.

Natsuki inexplicably felt like a zookeeper feeding animals.

He smiled, took out bentos, and distributed them to the three of them.

"Nonou, you are a medical ninja."

Tsunade said while eating. "If a battle breaks out, prioritize protecting yourself."

Nonou was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked at her.

"As a medical ninja, you can only save your teammates if you are alive."

Tsunade explained.

Natsuki suddenly remembered the three rules for medical ninjas mentioned by Tsunade in the original story.

First, as long as a teammate isn’t dead, never give up on treatment.

Second, a medical ninja must never fight on the front lines.

Third, a medical ninja must not die before their teammates.

It seemed Tsunade hadn’t proposed these three rules yet.

How should he put it?

There were reasonable aspects and unreasonable aspects.

After all, there were too many unexpected situations in battle.

When a real fight broke out, who could care about so much?

"After eating, we’ll take turns keeping watch."

Tsunade continued. "Nonou and I will take the first half of the night. Natsuki and Nawaki will take the second half."

Everyone nodded, having no objections.

They were now close to the Land of Rain and could encounter a battle at any time. Having someone keep watch was undoubtedly safer.

During the second half of the night, Natsuki and Nawaki were woken up and left the tent.

In the dead of night, everything in sight was pitch black.

But Natsuki had the Night Vision ability from the Kirito template, so night was no different from day.

Taking advantage of the free time, he opened his system.

Up until now, he had triggered fifteen character templates and completely unlocked nine of them.

The remaining character templates all had one or two tricky abilities.

Although he had many character templates, Natsuki noticed his main combat method was still kenjutsu.

This all started when he triggered the Emiya Shirou character template.

Among them, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure had made a great contribution to him.

Natsuki stroked his chin.

He wondered if he would have the chance to see the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist again.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, after breakfast, the group continued their journey.

Upon entering the Land of Rain, the weather suddenly changed from cloudless to continuous heavy rain.

Natsuki and the others put on raincoats. After walking for two hours, they finally met Hatake Sakumo.

"You check on the wounded first."

Compared to his usual self, the current Hatake Sakumo was less approachable and more businesslike.

Tsunade nodded.

Saving lives was the priority. She didn’t mind his attitude.

Led by Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade saw four wounded ninjas.

They had all been poisoned during battles with Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade.

Although there were medical ninjas in Hatake Sakumo’s squad, the poison of Chiyo’s son and daughter-in-law was extraordinary, and they were helpless against it.

However, for Tsunade, it wasn’t helpless—just troublesome at most.

"I’ll wait for you outside."

Hatake Sakumo consciously left the tent.

"It seems Chiyo’s son and daughter-in-law have truly inherited her legacy."

Tsunade stepped forward, finished her examination.

Natsuki secretly thought that Chiyo’s grandson, Sasori, was the one who truly inherited her legacy—even surpassing his master.

But right now, Sasori was only four or five years old.

"Natsuki, Nonou, prepare to make the antidote."

Tsunade ordered.

"Yes."

Natsuki and Nonou immediately responded.

They had been making antidotes with Tsunade recently and were already very familiar with the process.

Although they couldn’t decipher Hanzo’s poison, making an antidote for the poison of Chiyo’s son and daughter-in-law under Tsunade’s direction was no problem.

Nawaki didn’t know how to make antidotes, so he could only wait on the side.

Time slowly passed.

By evening, the poison in the four wounded ninjas had been completely cleared.

And the poison in their bodies had also been extracted by Tsunade.

When Natsuki touched it, the system prompted him that this was exactly one of the synthetic poisons needed for the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe.

He suddenly had a question.

Was Chiyo’s poison different from her son and daughter-in-law’s?

Natsuki fell into thought.

Not necessarily different—but evolved.

The reason for the evolution might be related to the battle of poisoning and detoxifying with Tsunade.

Fierce battles often promoted the improvement of a combatant’s strength.

The same principle applied to poison.

To prevent Tsunade from detoxifying it, Chiyo had to force her poison to evolve.

Of course, he would only know for sure after encountering Chiyo’s poison.

"Store it away for now. We’ll test it when we return to Konoha."

Tsunade yawned. "It’s finally over. Let’s rest for the night and discuss the mission with Sakumo tomorrow."

Natsuki and the others nodded.

The time came to the next day.

Tsunade brought Natsuki, Nawaki, and Nonou into Hatake Sakumo’s tent.

"Tsunade, I already received a message from Lord Hokage and know your mission."

Hatake Sakumo said as he opened a scroll.

Natsuki subconsciously took a glance.

The scroll contained a map.

Many red dots were marked on the map.

"This is a topographical map of the surrounding area."

Hatake Sakumo explained. "The red dots are the locations where we’ve clashed with Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade recently."

"It looks like there are battlefields everywhere."

Tsunade frowned slightly.

"Sunagakure’s Puppet Brigade is currently operating in this area."

Hatake Sakumo drew a large circle on the map with his hand. "They are very smart—only launching sneak attacks from the shadows and not fighting us head-on."

"How about... drawing them out?"

Tsunade pondered for a moment.

"Even if they are drawn out, they won’t linger in battle."

Hatake Sakumo shook his head. "When fighting me, they always retreat very quickly."

"That’s because they know your strength."

Tsunade chuckled. "If we draw them out, they might just fall for it."

Although she was famous, the outside world still primarily viewed her as a medical ninja.

"There’s another problem."

Hatake Sakumo frowned. "They will definitely dispatch many Jonin. If my rescue is too late..."

He didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone understood his meaning.

"I might have a way to buy time."

Natsuki spoke up.

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