Chapter 153: Face-Scribbling Clone Technique
After the three men left, Nara Shikahira's expression was complex, tinged with a little admiration, before he finally broke into a smile.
Yamanaka Ryuji walked up and said slowly: "That Orochimaru is indeed a genius. Although I couldn't sense the specifics of his power, he has clearly reached the Jōnin level. Moreover, to be able to take down a Semi-Kage level opponent with just the help of the Aokita and Aokiya brothers, Orochimaru's strength is certainly among the very best of the Jōnin!"
Akimichi Torobu lumbered over and nodded, his deep, resonant voice sounding out: "I could also sense that Orochimaru's physical strength is astonishing. He must have practiced some incredible forbidden secret Jutsu as well!"
Nara Shikahira pondered, then slowly nodded: "Lord Sarutobi certainly has unique vision; this Orochimaru's potential is amazing! We need to lock down all information. At least tonight, all personnel ingress and egress must be strictly supervised. Before they depart tomorrow morning, not a single detail must be leaked! As for the twelve Anbu ninja he requested, we will deploy them from our guard unit."
The three exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
Mission Preparation
The next morning, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, dew, formed by the night's chill, still spotted the branches. As the leaves swayed, the dew droplets traced crystalline arcs in the air and dripped down.
In a hidden forest clearing not far from the Konoha Third Battle Sector camp on the Western Front, the three commanders of the Third Battle Sector were all present. Behind them, a column of powerful guard ninja stood ready at attention.
Orochimaru nodded to the three clan heads, then turned to face the twenty ninja about to execute this confidential mission.
The twenty Konoha ninja, whose auras were contained but powerful, stood in two rows. Aokita, Aokiya, Jiraiya, and the other pre-selected individuals were among them.
Like Orochimaru, the twenty ninja wore the full set of elite Konoha Anbu gear: black skin-tight suits, silver-white, non-reflective metal vests and arm guards, all covered by a large, flowing, black cloak-style trench coat. In the cool morning breeze, their cloak hems fluttered and whipped about, exuding a natural air of elite readiness.
Orochimaru's dark-golden eyes slowly swept over them, meeting each person's gaze.
Jiraiya, normally crude, amiable, and prone to pranks, had dropped his usual jovial demeanor. Having adopted a serious and solemn expression, paired with his naturally tall and imposing physique, he now radiated an air of calm and steady manliness. Orochimaru could vaguely see glimpses of the heroic Jiraiya of the future.
Tsunade's beautiful and moving face still held a touch of youthful innocence, but dressed in the elite Anbu combat gear, the innocence was replaced by an added element of valor. The tight black combat suit perfectly outlined the curves of her full, high bust and her perky, rounded hips, displaying a voluptuous S-shaped figure.
Catching Orochimaru's gaze, a faint blush involuntarily rose on Tsunade's face.
Orochimaru offered a shallow smile and continued to survey the group one by one.
Each person could clearly feel the gaze of admiration mixed with trust in Orochimaru's eyes. They instinctively straightened their backs, their faces showing pride.
Nodding slightly, Orochimaru began: "For this classified mission, we will be disguised as the returning Sand Ninja ambush squad. We will bypass the Sand Ninja's heavy sentries and penetrate deep into enemy territory to coordinate with the army's large-scale counter-offensive at noon.
The objective is, after the battle begins, to forcefully strike into the Sand Ninja's deep rear and secure the head of Itō Heijō in one swift move, guaranteeing a perfect victory for our main forces!"
As he finished speaking, a thick wave of killing intent violently burst from Orochimaru's body, his aura instantly becoming utterly overwhelming.
"Understood, Lord Orochimaru!" Orochimaru's words and killing intent, like a spark, instantly ignited a raging fire in the hearts of the twenty Konoha ninja. They all dropped to one knee, roaring their affirmation.
Nara Shikahira, observing from behind, showed a subtle shift in his eyes. Beside him, Yamanaka Ryuji couldn't help but blurt out: "What strong charisma!"
Orochimaru beckoned. Chi stepped out of the formation and carried forward a black scroll as thick as an adult's thigh, handing it to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru pulled the scroll open with a ripping sound and quickly performed a set of release seals with his hands moving like fluttering butterflies.
Poof! A cloud of white smoke billowed from the scroll. Twenty-one well-preserved Sand Ninja corpses materialized from the smoke. Takayama Haruno's body, with all its internal organs pulverized, was among them.
Orochimaru went to Takayama Haruno's corpse, knelt down, and lightning-fast performed a set of peculiar secret Jutsu hand signs.
Forbidden Jutsu: Face-Scribbling Clone Technique!
A faint Chakra glow suddenly emanated from Orochimaru's right hand. He gently brushed it over Takayama Haruno's face, from top to bottom.
Immediately, the observers were shocked to discover that Takayama Haruno's entire face had become a blank slate, devoid of features.
After his right hand swept over Takayama Haruno's face, Orochimaru lightly brushed it over his own face, from bottom to top.
Next, the others strangely saw that Orochimaru's face had been replaced with Takayama Haruno's features. It was an exact replica; even the length of the scar that crossed the face was identical.
Orochimaru paid no mind to the strange looks of the others and quickly began using the Face-Scribbling Clone Technique on every ninja assigned to the mission.
Half an hour later, Nara Shikahira and the others were amazed to find twenty-one powerful "Sand Ninja" standing before them.
Given the tight schedule, Orochimaru, now transformed into Takayama Haruno, simply nodded to Nara Shikahira and the others, then shot off like a ghostly shadow toward the Sand Ninja front line. Behind him, the twenty fully armed and disguised Konoha ninja followed closely.
Nara Shikahira watched as Orochimaru and the group disappeared into the dense forest after a few leaps. He then turned back, his gaze resolute and his aura surging, saying: "Alright, it's our turn to move now!"
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Everyone immediately used Shunshin (Body Flicker Technique) to sprint toward the camp.
Half an hour later, the entire Konoha camp was moving in an orderly fashion. A thick wave of sky-high killing intent rapidly resonated above the camp.
A great war was about to begin!
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