41-45

Chapter 41 Nara Bloodline Limit

Nara Clan Residence.

Nara Shikaku stared wide-eyed at Shikane, who was sitting across from him, his face full of disbelief.

"What did you say? Say it again!"

"I awakened my Bloodline Limit." Shikane repeated his previous words verbatim.

"That's impossible!" Nara Shikaku, once again confirming that he hadn't heard wrong, questioned his own sanity.

With the Nara clan's physique, who in their right mind would awaken a Bloodline Limit, especially one related to Yin Release chakra?

The Nara clan, having delved into Yin attribute chakra for hundreds of years, knew all too well the hidden dangers of Yin Release Bloodline Limits.

"Come with me!" Nara Shikaku stood up and motioned for Shikane to follow.

They arrived at the backyard of the residence one after the other. Nara Shikaku and Shikane stood facing each other, and Shikaku signaled Shikane to demonstrate.

Under Nara Shikaku's gaze, the shadow beneath Shikane's feet instantly extended and merged with the shadow beneath Shikaku's feet.

"You can activate the Shadow Imitation Technique without hand seals?" Nara Shikaku's eyes lit up. At the same time, he mobilized his own chakra to resist and fight back, vying for control of his body with Shikane's shadow, even attempting to counter Shikane with his own shadow.

When the techniques were the same, it became a contest of chakra nature and chakra output.

As a member of the Jonin class, Nara Shikaku, based on his understanding of the Shadow Imitation Technique, quickly regained some control over his body.

"Is that all?" Nara Shikaku formed hand seals, maintaining his Shadow Imitation Technique and resisting Shikane's shadow.

Shikane didn't speak, but in the next instant, Nara Shikaku saw fine black branches splitting from Shikane's shadow. These branches climbed up along their shadows, starting from Nara Shikaku's feet.

Nara Shikaku felt that his control over his own shadow was instantly stripped away. As the branch-like black twisting lines snaked upward, he once again lost control of his body.

"This is!" Nara Shikaku's face once again showed an extremely surprised expression. He found that not only had he lost control of his body, but a sense of unease also instantly surged in his heart.

His body and mind seemed to be under some kind of scrutiny.

Nara Shikaku's hands started to form seals on their own. A black hand wrapped around him from his feet, reaching his throat.

Then, very quickly, both the black shadow hand and the black lines that resembled nerves spread over his body faded away in an instant.

Nara Shikaku regained control of his body.

"Is this your Bloodline Limit?" Nara Shikaku recalled his personal experience just now.

Undoubtedly, Shikane's shadow control was far stronger than his Shadow Imitation Technique. In terms of shadow control and competition, there was a huge gap between the two.

If he weren't a Jonin with more chakra and proficiency in the Shadow Imitation Technique than Shikane, he would have had almost no room to fight back in the shadow confrontation.

This meant that the Yin attribute chakra in Shikane's shadow far surpassed the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique in terms of nature transformation.

If a comparison were to be made, it would be similar to the difference in the quantity and quality of Sharingan in the Uchiha clan. It was a qualitative change in nature transformation!

"Besides easier shadow control, are there any other effects?" Nara Shikaku suddenly asked.

From their previous encounter, it was clear that Shikane's shadow still concealed some hidden and unknown changes. That sense of prying was something the Shadow Imitation Technique didn't have.

"One of its abilities is forced control," Shikane retracted his shadow to his feet. "You could say it's an enhanced version of the Shadow Imitation Technique! It achieves a more stable and firm control effect with less chakra consumption."

"What's the limit?" Nara Shikaku asked again.

"It depends on the opponent's chakra amount and their mastery of mental will and nature transformation." Shikane said.

After all, it wasn't the real Soul King's Left Arm, which could directly and forcibly control any attacker and issue various commands to their body by replacing their brain and nervous system.

Although Shikane had also obtained the so-called forced execution, it was clear that neither its strength nor priority could be compared to the Soul King's Left Arm.

His shadow control had its limits.

He could control Nara Shikaku because they both used the Shadow Imitation Technique and belonged to Yin Release. His own chakra quantity and the qualitative change in his Yin attribute chakra nature transformation bridged the gap between him and Nara Shikaku, amplifying his advantage.

"Anything else?"

"Other than that, maybe bringing inanimate objects to life?" Shikane thought for a moment and used his shadow again in front of Nara Shikaku.

The dark shadow exploded into a mass in front of Shikane, and the spiderweb-like dense shadow branches clung tightly to the ground. Then, as the area covered by the shadow expanded, the stone slabs on the ground began to rise and take shape under the influence of Yin Release power.

Two stone slabs formed into palms, one on each side of Shikane, with their palms facing downward, opening like umbrellas to shield Shikane from the sky.

Black branches, like the human nervous system, spread across the palms and arms of the stone hands.

Under Nara Shikaku's unwavering gaze, the two stone palms moved according to Shikane's will, as if they were alive.

They were as nimble as real human arms.

Watching Shikane control the two stone arms as if they were his own, the shock in Nara Shikaku's heart never subsided.

In his view, Shikane's actions involved extremely profound Yin Release power. At least, no one in the Nara clan, who mastered the Shadow Imitation Technique, had ever achieved this in hundreds of years.

Giving life to inanimate objects.

Even though it seemed that shadows were still needed for control, it was a realm that all the shadow techniques of the Nara clan couldn't reach.

"Come with me to see the elders," Nara Shikaku said to Shikane after a moment of silence, finally calming the shock and complex emotions in his heart.

He had a premonition that another wave of trouble was about to engulf him and the Nara clan.

Shikane withdrew his shadow, and the two stone slabs shaped like arms didn't collapse but remained standing.

"Remember to get a physical check-up later," Nara Shikaku reminded Shikane as they walked side by side.

Just the Yin Release Shadow Imitation Technique had turned the Nara clan, not known for their physical prowess, into frail individuals reliant on medicine. After advancing to a Bloodline Limit, while the technique was enhanced, the burden on the body would naturally increase as well.

Although Shikane's physique was much stronger than his Nara peers, it was better to be safe than sorry. After all, as long as one's physical or mental condition couldn't keep up, there was a certain probability of developing the Bloodline Limit's unique Bloodline Disease.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 42: Training Ground

The clan meeting, unsurprisingly, was very much in line with the Nara clan's lazy and trouble-averse nature. Upon learning that Shikane had awakened his bloodline limit, the clan elders and Jonin merely responded with an "oh," inquired briefly, and then couldn't wait to adjourn the meeting.

Watching the elders disperse in twos and threes with their hands on their hips, Shikane maintained his usual composure. He had experienced this situation twice before.

Once with the Shadow Coffin.

Once with the Shadow Puppet.

Both clan meetings were like this.

"Let's go," Nara Shikaku patted Shikane's shoulder, "Focus on combat training recently."

"Did something happen?" Hearing Nara Shikaku's request, Shikane immediately sensed something was amiss. He knew very well that if nothing had happened, Nara Shikaku wouldn't make such a request of him.

"Just a feeling that a storm is coming," Nara Shikaku gave a wry smile. As the leader of the Jonin squad, responsible for handling daily affairs and intelligence for the Hokage, his keen sixth sense, gleaned from recent external intelligence, made him acutely aware of a certain oppressive atmosphere.

"Is there going to be a war?" Shikane asked bluntly. Although he wasn't sure when the Third Shinobi World War would start, he vaguely remembered that the catalyst was the disappearance of the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure.

"That's not something you should worry about," Nara Shikaku's hand rested on Shikane's head. After a moment of contemplation, he added, "It's just that recently, border skirmishes between various countries have intensified, especially with Sunagakure, their actions are somewhat unusual.

Future conflicts may escalate. You've become a Chunin, and sooner or later you'll have to leave the village on missions and engage in battles with ninja from other countries."

What Nara Shikaku didn't explicitly say was that after years of recuperation, the major nations had mostly recovered. The restraint and tacit understanding between the great ninja nations had become a thin sheet of paper, easily punctured.

This was reflected in the intelligence reports: competition for missions, increased friction, and escalating confrontations. Perhaps all it would take was a single spark to instantly shatter the tacit understanding and restraint between the major nations.

Having lived through and survived the Shinobi World War, Nara Shikaku knew all too well the cruelty of such a large-scale conflict.

The awakening of Shikane's bloodline limit at this time filled him with both worry and a bit of joy. At least in the ninja world, strength was a guarantee.

Whether it was ninjutsu or a bloodline limit, both could be considered part of one's strength!

Nara Shikaku was concerned that Shikane was too immersed in his research and neglecting his own strength. However, based on previous tests, Shikane's mastery of secret techniques was high, and his chakra reserves were surprisingly large.

Setting aside combat experience and other factors, purely in terms of demonstrated strength, he was at least on par with an exceptional Chunin.

...

Training Ground.

Seeing Shikane diligently training in the training ground, Anko, who was eating dumplings, almost bit her tongue.

"Is that Shikane?" Anko turned her head in surprise, looking at Uchiha Shisui who had come to the training ground with her.

"It's him," Shisui nodded silently.

"It's not a transformation jutsu prank or something?" Anko still couldn't believe it.

"It's him," Shisui nodded again, this time with his two-tomoe Sharingan appearing in his eyes.

"Shikane!" After confirming once more, Anko solemnly put her dumplings back into the bag and shouted.

Noticing their arrival, Shikane stopped his training and waved to them.

"Are you really Shikane? You're actually at the training ground? I remember you haven't gone on missions or trained with us for a long time, right? Why are you here today?" Anko stepped forward and poked Shikane hard with her finger, as if trying to see if he was a shadow clone or something.

"To train," Shikane looked at Shisui behind Anko.

Seemingly dissatisfied with being poked by Anko, a black finger extended from Shikane's shadow and grasped Anko's finger.

"Eh?" Gripped by the black shadow, feeling like she was being held by a solid object, Anko let out a surprised "Eh."

"Is this also a shadow secret technique? Why don't you need to make hand seals?" Anko let her finger be held by the black shadow, the sensation was like that of a real substance, and looked up at Shikane curiously.

As far as Anko knew, all ninjutsu activation required hand seals. Proficiency allowed for quick hand seal execution according to the steps, and those who were clever and highly proficient could even simplify the hand seal steps for certain ninjutsu, but hand seals were always necessary.

The only thing Anko knew of that could activate ninjutsu without hand seals was a bloodline limit.

"Your chakra?"

Compared to Anko, Shisui, with his Sharingan activated, saw more. His eyes and perception could discern the changes in Shikane's chakra.

It was different from the Shikane he was familiar with; it was a power that felt familiar to him.

"I just completed a technique," Shikane replied. Shisui and Anko would eventually find out about his bloodline limit, so there was no need to reveal it immediately.

"You finally finished that technique?"

Both Anko and Shisui knew that Shikane was creating another secret technique and had even gone to learn related sealing techniques from Minato Namikaze for it.

Shisui and Anko had also received some guidance during the Chunin Exams because of Shikane's influence.

Inspired by Shikane, both Shisui and Anko also wanted to create their own unique ninjutsu early on.

"It's done," Shikane pointed to the shadow beneath his feet.

"Eh? It's alive?" Anko's gaze shifted downward, and she let out another "Eh" because she suddenly noticed that the shadow, seemingly aware of her gaze, shyly shrank and huddled into a black mass at Shikane's feet.

Shisui's gaze on the shadow became serious. Seeing that shadow, Shisui suddenly understood where the strange feeling he had earlier came from.

It came from the living shadow beneath Shikane's feet.

"Want to spar?" Shikane ignored Anko, who had crouched down and was poking at the shadow beneath his feet with her finger, and invited Shisui.

Shisui was taken aback for a moment, but then he smiled and cheerfully said, "Of course! We haven't sparred before, have we?"

Anko looked up at the two in surprise and asked Shikane with some confusion, "You want to challenge Shisui?"

In Anko's view, Shisui, with his two-tomoe Sharingan, was the strongest attacker on the team besides their teacher, Orochimaru. She played a role in finding opportunities and providing some defense, while Shikane mostly served as support and medic.

So, it was always Anko who accompanied Shikane. She just felt that Shikane was acting strangely today.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 43: The Battle Begins

Anko swiftly cleared a space on the training ground for the two combatants.

After exchanging the customary seals of confrontation, Shisui once again activated his Sharingan in a flash, locking eyes with Shikane. But Shikane, as if anticipating this, had his eyes tightly shut.

Is he closing his eyes to defend against my Sharingan? Shisui wondered.

He executed a series of backflips, drawing four kunai from his pouch mid-air and gripping them between his fingers. He didn't attack immediately.

As teammates, although they had never truly fought, Shisui was as familiar with Shikane's techniques as Shikane was with his.

Clang! Clang!

With a flick of his wrists, Shisui launched the four kunai into the air. They collided and ricocheted, hurtling towards Shikane at unpredictable angles.

This was a unique kunai throwing technique of the Uchiha clan, based on the Sharingan's exceptional perception and observation skills. Through dazzling and graceful maneuvers, the kunai and shuriken would collide multiple times in mid-air, changing direction and striking the enemy unexpectedly.

Although it appeared flashy, it was highly practical. Not only was it difficult to defend against, but even if you were hiding behind an obstacle, the Uchiha's kunai could accurately strike you from behind.

Shisui held nothing back. He knew this throwing technique wouldn't truly threaten Shikane's life. Both the Silent Blood Armor's defense and Shikane's superb medical ninjutsu would ensure his safety.

This was an opening probe.

To see what level of defense Shikane could muster with his eyes closed.

And the next moment, he saw it. Anko, watching intently from the edge of the training ground, also saw it.

As the four kunai approached Shikane, his shadow suddenly extended like four octopus tentacles, wrapping around the kunai and halting them in mid-air.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Four sharp whistling sounds pierced the air as the four kunai were flung back towards Shisui by the shadow tentacles.

Shisui immediately drew his short sword, deflecting the incoming kunai one by one with the aid of his Sharingan's dynamic vision.

Simultaneously, he didn't remain stationary. He created afterimages and swiftly circled Shikane, searching for an opening.

Is it sensory ninjutsu? He pondered, observing Shikane who, despite having his eyes closed, always kept his front facing Shisui. The transformation of Shikane's shadow earlier also intrigued him.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

Shisui formed hand seals while running. After the final seal, he halted and unleashed a massive fireball that surged towards Shikane along the ground.

Shikane immediately retreated.

However, in the next instant, several smaller fireballs erupted from the great fireball. Each contained a shuriken, and they abruptly appeared before Shikane, enveloped in flames.

The distance between them was so close that the firelight reflecting off the shurikens illuminated Shikane's face.

Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!

Shisui hadn't used just one technique, but two! He had concealed the second technique within the cover of the Great Fireball.

Yet, in the next moment, a black barrier rose from the ground, just in front of Shikane's nose. The four flaming shurikens collided with it and were swallowed whole.

A gust of wind suddenly arose behind Shikane. Shisui, having used the Body Flicker Technique, had closed in. But as the tip of his short sword reached Shikane's back, it was blocked by a mass of black shadow.

Failing to land a blow, Shisui instantly vanished and reappeared ten meters away. The moment he teleported, a cluster of black thorn flowers exploded from Shikane's back, the thorns narrowly missing Shisui's vitals.

Despite his swift evasion, a thin line of blood still appeared on Shisui's face.

"Indeed, Shikane, your shadow today is quite different from usual!" Shisui said cautiously, observing Shikane's shadow as it slowly retracted, appearing harmless. He frowned slightly.

In the past, Shikane always needed at least one hand seal to activate his shadow techniques. But now, his shadow techniques seemed to have become seal-less.

This would make the techniques activate faster, making them even more difficult and dangerous in close combat.

And now, he was certain that Shikane's shadow was like a sentient being, not only capable of instantly activating techniques according to Shikane's will but also autonomously defending Shikane from attacks.

Two against one?

Shisui mentally assessed the threat posed by the shadow.

But Shikane didn't give him time to continue analyzing. His shadow rapidly elongated, chasing after Shisui.

With his Sharingan activated, Shisui dodged almost instantly, creating distance between them once again.

Originally, facing an opponent with closed eyes would give the Uchiha an advantage.

But Shikane had clearly considered how to fight against the Sharingan. His shadow and sensory abilities had replaced his eyes.

The Sharingan's most feared ability, and Shisui's specialty, genjutsu, was rendered useless. Close combat was also Shikane's forte.

In their previous sparring sessions, once Anko was cornered, it meant the end of the fight. Under the shadow techniques, no matter how skilled Anko was in close combat, there was no room for her to maneuver.

Next, Shisui continued to evade the shadow's pursuit while launching counterattacks, using shuriken and ninjutsu to test his hypotheses and gather more information about Shikane's techniques.

After a few rounds of testing, he discovered that Shikane's shadow had become an offensive and defensive technique. Whether it was a physical attack or a chakra-based ninjutsu attack, the shadow could provide Shikane with the best protection in the first moment.

Especially under the observation of the Sharingan, Shikane's chakra was still abundant.

Shisui narrowed his eyes slightly.

Fire Style, Wind Style, Water Style... That shadow was like a solid shield, always blocking fatal blows for Shikane at critical moments.

Should I try high-frequency attacks?

Shisui thought of the new technique he had just created and wanted to experiment. However, in the next moment, his ankles were suddenly gripped tightly by a hard object, immobilizing him.

Shisui subconsciously looked down. A hand made of earth was firmly grasping both his feet.

When did this happen?

In the next moment, black, vein-like branches from the earthen hand integrated into Shisui's body.

Shisui instantly felt he had lost control of his feet. At this moment, Shikane, who had approached, connected his shadow to Shisui's. Dense black lines rapidly crawled all over Shisui's body.

Just as Shisui was about to erupt with chakra to struggle, Shikane's kunai was already pressed against his throat.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 44: Exchange

"I lost." Shisui gave up resisting, his blood-red Sharingan eyes gradually fading back to their original black.

His feelings were complex at the moment, but there was no resentment, jealousy, or anger. Instead, he felt a sense of recognition and joy towards Shikane.

"You actually won?"

Before Shisui and Shikane could exchange the seal of reconciliation, a lively voice forcefully grabbed their attention.

Anko jumped to their side, looking at Shikane in surprise, her eyes full of suspicion.

The first thing Shikane saw when he opened his eyes was Anko's scrutinizing face, almost pressed against his own.

"Why did you suddenly become so strong?" Anko paced around Shikane, her tone tinged with jealousy. "Did Orochimaru-sensei secretly teach you some powerful ninjutsu?"

"You're quite imaginative." Shikane dispelled the shadow nerves from Shisui's body, slowly retracting them into his own shadow. He lazily responded to Anko's question.

"I was right, wasn't I? No, I'm going to find Orochimaru-sensei! He has to teach me a powerful forbidden technique too!" Anko declared indignantly.

"That was probably a Kekkei Genkai, right?" Shisui looked at Shikane, making an uncertain guess. He recalled the scene of him being hit earlier.

Could shadow techniques affect inanimate objects, giving them form and allowing them to change shape?

That must be a profound application of Yin Release!

Strictly speaking, he lost due to a lack of intelligence and information. He hadn't expected Shikane's Yin Release to have such a trick up its sleeve.

The training ground wasn't large, and after repeated chases, stepping on the same spot was inevitable. Shisui simply hadn't anticipated Shikane having such a technique.

It even deceived his Sharingan.

Unless you were overwhelmingly powerful, ninja battles were battles of intelligence and information.

Judging from today's sparring session, it was clear that his intelligence on Shikane needed to be completely reevaluated.

"Kekkei Genkai?" Anko subconsciously stopped complaining. Her gaze shifted downwards to Shikane's shadow, then back up to his face. Her expression gradually changed.

"Isn't this the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique? Or is it that new technique Shikane created?"

Shisui didn't respond to Anko. He couldn't determine whether it was a Kekkei Genkai or a secret technique. However, as the one who experienced it firsthand, he was more deeply and acutely aware than Anko, who was merely observing.

"It's a Kekkei Genkai." Shikane nodded in acknowledgment.

In the future, the three of them would likely continue to team up as Orochimaru's disciples and subordinates for a period, carrying out missions. Shikane hadn't intended to hide it from Shisui and Anko.

"You have a Kekkei Genkai?" Anko, who had been listening intently, widened her eyes in shock.

Kekkei Genkai!

For a ninja, a Kekkei Genkai was equivalent to a guarantee of strength.

Only powerful ninja could create Kekkei Genkai. This was Anko's firm belief. But a teammate she spent every day with suddenly possessing a Kekkei Genkai was quite a shock to her.

"You can think of it that way." Shikane nodded.

"Isn't the Nara clan a secret technique clan?" Anko still couldn't quite believe it, but she also knew Shikane wouldn't lie about such a thing.

"So, does this mean the Nara clan will also become a bloodline limit clan in the future?"

Anko and Shisui exchanged glances, both thinking of this possibility.

Although secret technique clans often appeared similar to bloodline limit clans to outsiders.

"What is your Kekkei Genkai? Is it this shadow beneath your feet? Does its ability need to be kept secret?" Anko, having accepted the fact that Shikane possessed a Kekkei Genkai, immediately started asking questions out of curiosity. But after asking, she felt her inquiries were akin to prying into the Nara clan's secrets, and she quickly stopped.

Prying into other clans' secret techniques was a taboo that could easily provoke anger and suspicion. It was only because she was on the same team and had the same teacher as Shikane, and they were close, that Anko blurted it out.

"It just makes it easier to activate shadow techniques and has some other uses." Shikane didn't want to elaborate on his abilities. In truth, he was still exploring how to develop more shadow-related abilities, familiarizing himself with his Kekkei Genkai.

Anko and Shisui nodded in understanding, not pressing further.

As long as they were on the same team, they would eventually witness and discern Shikane's Kekkei Genkai abilities, so there was no rush.

"Did you and Orochimaru-sama develop this Kekkei Genkai together?" Shisui, as if remembering something, leaned closer and quietly asked Shikane.

Shisui knew that Shikane had been assisting Orochimaru in various bloodline experiments. The Uchiha clan and the later involved Kurama clan both possessed Yin Release Kekkei Genkai.

The Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique also belonged to Yin Release.

Shisui speculated that Shikane might have found some inspiration during the experiments, leading to the awakening of his own Kekkei Genkai.

"Yes." Shikane nodded again. Since Shisui had put it that way, he naturally went along with it. This was his excuse after all.

Otherwise, he couldn't exactly say that his Kekkei Genkai awakened because the incomplete material, the "Soul King's Left Arm," fused and activated it on its own, could he?

"Congratulations." Shisui offered his sincere congratulations.

In his view, Shikane, having awakened his Kekkei Genkai, was bound to become a powerful ninja in the future. As the team's support, control, and strategist, he could also provide a sudden surprise to the enemy during missions, turning the tide even in unfavorable situations.

Shikane's personal image was quite deceptive, coupled with his proficient medical ninjutsu. He would undoubtedly be mistaken for a medical ninja at first glance.

"Let's rest and continue later." After the sparring session, Shikane didn't leave immediately. This behavior, drastically different from his usual self who spent all day in the lab, even caught the attention of the carefree Anko.

But Shikane didn't say anything further, instead starting to contemplate how to develop more uses for his Kekkei Genkai.

Although both belonged to Yin Release, the Uchiha's Yin Release focused entirely on the mind, spirit, and eyes. The Sharingan was a reflection of the Uchiha's soul, and all their bloodline techniques relied on the Sharingan for activation.

The Kurama clan's Yin Release was entirely dedicated to genjutsu, using powerful mental energy to construct incredibly realistic illusions that could inflict harm.

His Shadow Release, on the other hand, was all about shadows. The incomplete Soul King's Left Arm seemed to have merged with his spirit, granting life to his shadow through Yin Release.

Shikane could sense that his shadow seemed to possess its own will.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 45: The Mobilization of Sunagakure

Sunagakure Village.

"Has the Third Kazekage still not been found?" In the Jonin meeting, Chiyo, a highly respected figure in Sunagakure and a significant contributor to the village during the Second Shinobi World War, asked with a weary expression.

"No." The Anbu in charge of searching for the Third Kazekage lowered their head.

"Our extensive search efforts have already attracted close attention from other ninja villages. If we can't find the Third Kazekage soon..." Rasa, a Jonin, spoke.

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood the unspoken implication.

Most of them had experienced the Second Shinobi World War and survived its brutality. They understood the rules that governed the ninja world better than anyone.

A major ninja village without a Kage would inevitably attract prying eyes and malice.

Especially now that the ninja world had enjoyed years of peace and recovery, the losses and damage from the last war had mostly healed.

At the war's end, no one wanted to rush into another conflict. But now, a shadow of doubt hung over everyone.

"Lady Chiyo!" A masked Anbu suddenly appeared, kneeling and presenting an intelligence scroll.

Chiyo took the scroll with a solemn expression. She knew the Anbu wouldn't interrupt this crucial Jonin meeting unless the information was of utmost importance.

Using a special seal to open the scroll, Chiyo scanned its contents. Even though she had mentally prepared herself, the information still made her frown.

The Jonin and the heads and elders of the various ninja clans exchanged glances, feeling a heavy weight settle on their hearts as they observed Chiyo's grim expression.

"Take a look at this, everyone." Chiyo handed the scroll to Rasa, gesturing for him to read and pass it on.

Rasa's face turned pale after reading the scroll.

Soon, everyone in the room had read the contents. Anxiety and panic were evident on most faces.

"Hmph! Those barbarians from Kumogakure!" Rasa snorted.

"This is a provocation against Sunagakure! The border defenses will likely struggle to withstand a full-scale attack from Kumogakure." Another Jonin echoed, expressing concern.

The intelligence report indicated that Kumogakure was showing signs of a massive mobilization and that the border with Kumogakure required significant reinforcements.

Worst of all, the report explicitly stated that the Third Raikage himself was leading the Kumogakure offensive!

In the ninja world, the title of Kage from any of the Five Great Nations carried immense weight and threat.

If it were just some Kumogakure forces, Sunagakure wouldn't be overly concerned; it would be a matter of exchanging blows and counterattacks.

However, the involvement of a Kage clearly signified the start of a full-scale war!

If the legendary Third Kazekage, known as the strongest, were still present, it would simply be a matter of facing the enemy head-on. But with the Third Kazekage missing for so long, despite extensive searches, the situation was dire.

Without a leader, the most pressing question facing them was: the war has begun, the enemy Kage has entered the field, what should we do?

No one dared underestimate the combat power and destructive potential of any Kage from the Five Great Nations. Without a comparable force to counter them, Sunagakure's casualties would be difficult to control.

During the war between Sunagakure and the Land of Rain, it was only because Chiyo and her brother managed to block the Rain ninja demigod and neutralize his poison that Sunagakure avoided complete annihilation.

As a legendary figure who, as a small nation, had rarely confronted two major nations and survived along with Amegakure, Hanzo of the Salamander was one of the few who could rival the Kage of the Five Great Nations in both reputation and strength.

"The Third Raikage is too arrogant, taking advantage of the Third Kazekage's disappearance to try and become the Kage of Sunagakure. He's forcing us into war." A spirited female Jonin stood up and bowed respectfully to Chiyo. "Lady Chiyo, I'm willing to lead the reinforcements to the border. I'll handle the Raikage."

"I can too. My Magnet Release can be even more effective on the battlefield." Rasa, sitting opposite the female Jonin, looked at her and also stood up to volunteer.

Chiyo felt another headache coming on as she looked at the two who had risen.

Rasa and Pakura were the best among Sunagakure's Jonin, both possessing formidable strength and Kekkei Genkai. Their destructive power in war was immense.

The Third Kazekage had been missing for so long, and the news had spread throughout the ninja world without any sign of him. Chiyo, as well as all the Jonin, clan heads, and elders present, had a clear understanding in their hearts.

The legendary strongest Kazekage had likely perished!

With the war on the horizon, the position of Kage couldn't remain vacant indefinitely. Among the potential candidates, Rasa and Pakura were the most promising.

Especially Rasa, whose Magnet Release, inherited from the Third Kazekage's lineage, made him widely regarded as the successor to the Third Kazekage, giving him a significant advantage in many aspects.

Pakura had also made numerous contributions to the village, and her Scorch Release possessed unmatched destructive power in both war and combat.

Both had their supporters.

Chiyo knew that the Jonin present were eager to establish a Kage as a symbol, at least to boost the morale of the village's ninja.

Of course, if Chiyo, the advisor to the Kage, were willing to inherit the title, no one present, including Rasa and Pakura, would or could object.

But everyone also knew that the siblings wouldn't take on the mantle of Kage.

Ever since Chiyo's daughter-in-law died at the hands of Konoha's White Fang, Chiyo's sole wish had been to personally avenge her death.

However, the news of White Fang's demise from Konoha over a year ago had shattered Chiyo's only remaining desire.

If it weren't for the village still needing her, she would have long since retired to accompany and teach her only grandson, Sasori.

"Whoever achieves the highest merit in this war against Kumogakure will become the Fourth Kazekage!

As for the rest, contact the Daimyo for funding, gather and select ninja from the village for reinforcements, and start making preparations.

Finally, send a request for aid to our ally, Konoha, asking them to send one of the Sannin to assist us." Chiyo issued a series of orders with swift decisiveness.

"Do we really need to ask Konoha for help?" Pakura frowned. Asking for help from an ally before the war even began...

"Konoha won't escape this. I don't believe those barbarians from Kumogakure will simply pass through Konoha's borders without doing anything.

At the very least, as allies, let them share some of the pressure and losses with us." Chiyo snorted.

(End of Chapter)