Chapter 129: Rain Country Night - Surprise Attack!
BANG!
As Shin'ya was cut down by a sword and lay flat on the ground, the genjutsu before Tsukasa shattered like a soap bubble.
At this moment, the tip of the Kusanagi sword was pointed at Shin'ya's throat, forcing him to look up at the boy with humiliation.
The resentment and astonishment in his eyes were clearly visible, gradually transforming into another complex emotion.
Seeing this scene, Tsukasa immediately had a flashback to Seiichiro, whom he'd defeated before.
His eyelids twitched, sensing something was wrong.
He didn't have any deep-seated hatred for Shin'ya, and besides, he didn't want to be fixated on by another Uchiha.
With Setsuna and Seiichiro as examples, he still couldn't shake off their series of outrageous actions.
If another one developed an obsession with him, things would get really out of hand.
Tsukasa immediately sheathed his sword with trembling hands, then extended a hand in front of Shin'ya, scratched his head, and said sincerely:
"Shin'ya-senpai, you're very strong."
"I almost lost to you!"
"Well, how about we stand up and talk first?"
Faced with Tsukasa's lightning-fast change of expression, Shin'ya was momentarily stunned and looked up at him in astonishment.
After a moment of silence, he slapped Tsukasa's hand away in annoyance, got up on his own, and snorted coldly:
"Hmph. I was letting you win on purpose."
"Yes, yes, of course."
Tsukasa could only nod mechanically, then tried to explain:
"Well, it's really not that I was late on purpose, and—"
Before Tsukasa could finish explaining, Shin'ya interrupted him, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and said:
"Strength is the best passport in the Uchiha clan, and you've proven yours. That's enough."
"This isn't your fault. I listened to the slander of petty people and misunderstood you."
"I'll settle this score with Yushu later."
After saying that, Shin'ya turned his head and looked at Tsukasa seriously with his three-tomoe Sharingan:
"I can see that you know nothing about proper genjutsu techniques."
"As your senior, I'll teach you properly."
Just then, a noisy commotion suddenly rang out from beyond the dense forest, coming from the direction of camp.
Shin'ya frowned slightly, then spoke solemnly:
"Tonight, there's likely a major operation."
"We'll probably be deployed to the battlefield immediately. In this urgent situation, I'll prioritize teaching you some techniques you can use in combat right away."
Without further ado, he immediately began demonstrating some fundamental Sharingan techniques to Tsukasa.
Having just experienced a highly proficient Sharingan genjutsu firsthand, Tsukasa looked back at these basic techniques from a higher perspective.
Tsukasa blinked, surprised to find that he actually understood!
The lesson quickly continued from noon until evening.
As the clouds in the sky were dyed golden by the setting sun, Tsukasa felt something click in his mind.
He'd mastered two new techniques:
Genjutsu: Binding Chains—an advanced Sharingan technique, an offensive genjutsu that quickly renders a victim helpless, making them feel as if they're nailed down by four iron stakes, unable to move freely.
And Genjutsu: Mirror Reflection—a rarer type of reflective genjutsu that wasn't exclusive to the Sharingan.
Mirror Reflection combined the Sharingan's ability to instantly see through genjutsu, reflecting the opponent's illusion back at them. However, this required a high level of proficiency and sharp reflexes, making it extremely difficult to master.
According to Shin'ya, while most Sunagakure shinobi were skilled in Wind Release, Earth Release, and puppet techniques, there were also ninja proficient in genjutsu who operated in small teams, flanking the battlefield to provide support and harassment.
The Sunagakure of today was different from the weakened Sunagakure that would later have its military budget slashed by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind.
Its military strength was not to be underestimated among the Five Great Nations, possessing a complete range of specialists. Furthermore, on the battlefield, anything could happen—it was impossible to predict what kind of opponents they might face.
At dusk, in the Konoha camp, a tense atmosphere filled the air.
Tsukasa and Shin'ya had just entered the camp when a man with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle and a jonin vest approached them.
This was none other than Shikaku Nara, who served as the camp's strategist.
He solemnly handed a list to Shin'ya, then earnestly instructed him:
"Shin'ya Uchiha, this is the roster and route map for tonight's operation."
"Tonight's operation will be primarily carried out by the infiltration reconnaissance unit, the special operations team, and the Konoha assault force you lead."
"Furthermore, this is a raid—swift and decisive. Logistics and sensory units won't be included."
"The mid-range combat brigade will be deployed as backup, but don't expect too much support from them."
"The mission details are strictly confidential. A ninja will explain them after you penetrate the Sunagakure stronghold."
Hearing this, Tsukasa looked at Shin'ya beside him with slight surprise.
He hadn't expected that his clan senior would shoulder such significant responsibility on the Rain Country battlefield, being appointed captain of the Konoha assault force.
At this moment, Shin'ya frowned deeply, looked up, and asked:
"Special Operations Team?"
"What's that?"
"I've never heard of this unit before. Nara, you'd better give me a reasonable explanation, or I absolutely cannot lead my men on such a questionable mission."
While the Uchiha were straightforward, they weren't stupid.
Shikaku's words were somewhat formal. In layman's terms, it meant: sending Shin'ya's assault party as the vanguard on a dangerous mission to infiltrate enemy lines without support—it was practically a suicide mission!
Rebuffed, Shikaku showed no reaction, calmly patting Shin'ya on the shoulder and saying:
"The overall strategy for this operation was devised by Lord Orochimaru."
"The special operations team is also led by one of the Legendary Sannin—composed of elite ANBU members personally commanded by Lord Orochimaru for a more important and dangerous mission. Even if you don't trust me, please trust Lord Orochimaru."
"Furthermore—"
Shikaku glanced at the bewildered Tsukasa, his gaze narrowing slightly, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes.
He shook his head, not revealing his true thoughts, and turned to leave.
Shin'ya remained silent for a moment, unfolding the list and map in his hand, examining them carefully.
After a while, he clenched the list and sighed deeply.
As one of the Sannin, even Orochimaru—the highest-ranking member of the border camp—had personally taken the lead on this mission. He really had no grounds to object.
However, seeing the list in his hand, he turned to face Tsukasa in silence, finding it difficult to speak.
Tsukasa sensed something was wrong, raised an eyebrow slightly, and looked up to ask:
"Shin'ya-senpai, is my name on there?"
Shin'ya let out a deep breath and replied quietly:
"I'm sorry."
"Your name, and Shisui's name, are both on this list."
"I'm going to find Lord Orochimaru and have him cancel your assignment."
With that, Shin'ya turned and charged straight toward the command tent in the center of camp without waiting for Tsukasa's reply.
Only Tsukasa remained on the camp's streets.
He shook his head.
Going to Orochimaru was pointless. This was a predetermined strategy that wouldn't be changed for him alone. Besides, Orochimaru had made it clear that he would send Tsukasa to the battlefield to clash with powerful enemies.
This mission was likely Tsukasa's first real combat deployment.
Tsukasa looked around.
Every ninja on the street wore a somber expression.
Some were packing their belongings, some were stretching and preparing their bodies, and one was even writing his will with a brush while leaning over a wooden crate.
The entire camp seemed shrouded in a dark cloud, everyone's expression heavy with anticipation.
He frowned slightly. This was clearly abnormal.
Tsukasa had learned some basic knowledge about the Shinobi World War within his clan.
Normally, during wartime, Konoha would divide its forces based on the abilities of various ninja.
Shinobi like the Uchiha, with their strong offensive capabilities, would be assigned to the assault force—the vanguard.
Besides these, there were intelligence units (Yamanaka clan), infiltration and reconnaissance units (Root, ANBU), mid-range battalions (skilled in projectile weapons), close-combat battalions (various frontline forces), close-to-mid-range combat squads (the main combat force, including various elite ninja), medical and logistical units (medical ninja, sealing specialists), and sensory units (Hyuga clan, sensory-type ninja).
Right now, a Sarutobi clan member not far from Tsukasa, who was taking deep breaths in front of his tent, should have been assigned to a close-to-mid-range combat team and wasn't participating in this mission.
But he was clearly conserving his energy for battle.
So what was he preparing for?
What orders had he received?
And which battlefield would he be deployed to?
Tonight, besides the missions of Tsukasa's assault party and Orochimaru's special operations team, were there other operations planned?
Tsukasa knew nothing. The Root ninja hadn't come looking for him.
It was as if Ryoma Aburame had deliberately forgotten about the mission he'd mentioned—the one about taking on a hundred-man camp single-handedly.
So what was happening that he didn't know about?
Just then, a sudden, authoritative voice jolted Tsukasa back to his senses:
"Uchiha Tsukasa!"
"Report immediately to the assault unit in the center of camp! Move to your assigned position!"
"Your position is sixteenth in the first row!"
As the voice faded, a ghastly white flash of lightning suddenly illuminated the sky, followed by a deafening roar!
Thunder crashed, the clouds descended, and a heavy, dark mass churned and surged. The entire sky seemed to transform into a monstrous, vengeful face about to swallow Tsukasa whole!
Immediately afterward, a fine drizzle like needles began to fall, pounding against the tents with muffled thuds.
Tsukasa took a deep breath, clearing his mind of all distractions.
He gripped the hilt of his Kusanagi sword and strode resolutely toward the center of camp.
The fierce battle was about to begin!
End of Chapter 129
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