Chapter 63: I Really Look Forward to Your Expressions Then
"Isn't infiltrating Amegakure too risky?" Jiraiya's expression filled with worry. "News of Iwagakure's surprise attack on Amegakure will definitely reach Hanzo's ears quickly—he might already be rushing back to Amegakure as we speak."
"If Iwagakure's massacre and plundering truly served as misdirection, Hanzo will certainly realize their real objective was the antidote formula."
"Setting aside whether Amegakure even has specialized pharmaceutical workshops producing antidote, whether Hanzo shared the formula with subordinates, or whether Iwagakure succeeded—afterward, Hanzo will destroy the formula and possibly even demolish the pharmaceutical workshops, keeping the antidote under his personal control."
"Moreover, with Amegakure suffering enemy attack, Hanzo will definitely change strategy and strengthen the village's defenses. Infiltrating Amegakure at this time carries too much risk."
"That's precisely why we should infiltrate to verify. I believe this is why Sarutobi-sensei sent that kid Yoru." Tsunade countered, then urged: "Right now, Hanzo might not have returned to Amegakure yet, or hasn't realized the situation—this is our best infiltration opportunity."
"No time to waste debating here. That kid Yoru and I will infiltrate Amegakure to verify. You all vote quickly."
Orochimaru and the others fell silent.
Yoru leaned close to Orochimaru's ear, asking quietly: "Orochimaru-sensei, what does Tsunade-sama want to verify?"
Orochimaru didn't hide anything, explaining truthfully: "Not long ago, Iwagakure launched a surprise attack on Amegakure, conducting widespread massacre and plundering. However, we suspect the Iwa shinobi did this merely to create a false impression. Their true purpose was finding Amegakure's hidden pharmaceutical workshops to steal the salamander poison antidote and formula."
"Because Sunagakure has already developed a formula to cure the salamander poison and can mass-produce antidote. If Iwagakure also obtains the formula, or acquires large quantities of antidote, they could develop their own formula."
"At that point, among the three great nations, two would possess antidote. Hanzo might unite with them to declare war on our Fire Country, or they could deliberately lure the salamander to our Fire Country's side."
"To prevent this worst-case scenario, we cannot sit idle. We must also obtain the antidote formula as quickly as possible."
"Tsunade's plan is simple—infiltrate Amegakure while chaos reigns to see whether Iwagakure succeeded."
"If they succeeded, we prepare for the worst. Even if it means being identified as joining the war, we must seize antidote from Ame or Suna shinobi. If they didn't succeed, wherever Amegakure currently guards most heavily is likely the secret pharmaceutical workshop. We can seize the antidote and formula while opportunity exists."
"I see." Yoru showed slight realization while simultaneously recognizing his existence had already triggered the butterfly effect.
Without his Flying Thunder God Technique, Konoha definitely wouldn't dare act so proactively.
The result would be Orochimaru's described worst-case scenario—Konoha needing three-front warfare, simultaneously fighting Sunagakure, Amegakure, and Iwagakure.
Now with Yoru's Flying Thunder God Technique, Konoha's side dared to think and act boldly.
Thus, Yoru voluntarily spoke up: "If Tsunade-sama infiltrates, won't that be too high-profile? How about letting me infiltrate to investigate? Even if discovered, no one knows my identity yet."
"If it were merely infiltration, ANBU and reconnaissance squads could accomplish it." Tsunade explained. "However, our objective is locating and confirming whether pharmaceutical workshops exist. Any pharmaceutical workshop—even one created to produce a specific medicine—couldn't possibly produce only one type of medicine to avoid suspicion. They definitely wouldn't have only one formula."
"This infiltration work requires an outstanding medical ninja. Throughout all of Konoha, no one is more suitable than me."
"I understand." Yoru showed realization again.
Danzo Shimura no longer hesitated. "Since Hiruzen supports your decision, this mission is yours."
"Yes."
Tsunade and Yoru nodded in unison. Then Tsunade's expression turned grave. "Whether this infiltration succeeds or fails, it equals declaring war on Amegakure. You must prepare for the salamander's summoning arrival. Combat forces cannot cluster together—they must disperse quickly."
"Simultaneously, we must prepare for war with Sunagakure. If we cannot obtain the formula and large antidote quantities from Amegakure, we'll need to target Sunagakure."
Orochimaru and the others immediately nodded with solemn expressions.
"Kid, let's go." Tsunade addressed Yoru.
"Then we're off first, Orochimaru-sensei, honored leaders."
Yoru nodded to Orochimaru and the others. His body suddenly shifted positions, appearing beside Tsunade from next to Orochimaru.
Raising his hand to rest on Tsunade's shoulder, both instantly vanished from the conference room.
"That... that..."
Witnessing this scene firsthand, Jiraiya's eyes widened, mouth agape, voice trembling: "Is that the legendary Flying Thunder God Technique? Such terrifying speed! If that kid had attacked us just now, couldn't we have failed to react?!"
Hatake Sakumo—extremely skilled in Lightning Release nature transformation with speed ranking among Konoha's best—likewise felt his pupils contract sharply.
His heart filled with relief.
Thank goodness Yoru was one of their own. Otherwise, facing such an enemy, unless you could instantly kill them, human wave tactics proved utterly meaningless.
More terrifying still, this technique could teleport with people and objects. Its strategic deterrence was astonishing.
As for Danzo Shimura, his hands beneath the table had long clenched into fists, jealous fury burning fiercely in his heart.
Only Orochimaru's mood remained pleasant.
His smile even carried a hint of amusement.
If the Flying Thunder God Technique already shocked them this much, he truly looked forward to their expressions upon learning Yoru possessed a Space-Time bloodline.
...
In Rain Country's rocky mountain region, inside a naturally formed cave.
Yoru and Tsunade's figures appeared out of nowhere.
"We've arrived at Amegakure?" Tsunade asked reflexively.
"Not yet. Since learning the Flying Thunder God Technique, I haven't been to Amegakure." Yoru explained. "This is the outskirts of a small Rain Country town. Tsunade-sama, please wait here briefly. I'll buy two sets of rain gear and conical hats."
"Be careful and watch the ground." Tsunade reminded. "Amegakure specializes in assassination techniques. They're extremely skilled at poisoning and using terrain to set traps. Their Exploding Flame Formation created with explosive tags is particularly famous—one of Hanzo's signature techniques. Rain Country might be riddled with such traps now. Stay vigilant."
"Ah... understood."
Yoru nodded, though his expression looked somewhat strange. He wondered whether Tsunade had given Nawaki this same warning.
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