Asuka's fingertip brushed over the sealing mark at the end of the scroll, absorbing all the intelligence into his mind. He then laid the scroll flat on the table, smoothing it out with a faint trace of Chakra before the curled edges could settle.
As expected, the Battle of Mount Kikyo had erupted ahead of schedule.
Under the personal command of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, the Hidden Sand Village surged forward like an unstoppable sandstorm, driving the front line all the way to Mount Kikyo—just a step away from Konoha Village itself.
The handwriting in the intelligence report from Kirigakure's ANBU was hurried and uneven, anxiety seeping through every stroke. Konoha had fallen into an unprecedented crisis; the enemy's blade was already at its doorstep.
The report detailed the battlefield situation with precision: Sunagakure and Konoha were locked in a brutal war of attrition at Mount Kikyo. Konoha's Ninja were exhausting every last ounce of strength to hold the line. The shortage of manpower had become so severe that even elderly Ninja nearing retirement were being recalled, forced to take up their weapons once more.
The great Ninja clans, fully aware that "if the lips are gone, the teeth will grow cold," dispatched the majority of their elite members to the battlefield without hesitation, determined to defend this final line.
As one of the battlefield commanders, Jiraiya played a pivotal role.
The report specifically noted that this legendary Sannin stood alone in the path of Rasa and Sunagakure's elite forces, single-handedly pinning down their core combat power and relieving the immense pressure on Konoha's collapsing defenses.
At the same time, Konoha's major clans fully demonstrated their long-standing strength.
The Ino–Shika–Chō trio coordinated flawlessly—their combination of control, offense, and support repeatedly disrupted Sunagakure's formations.
The Aburame Clan deployed their insects silently across the battlefield, their Kikaichū slipping through unseen gaps to dismantle Ninjutsu and devour Chakra.
The Inuzuka Clan fought alongside their ninken, tracking enemies with sharp senses while launching precise, deadly strikes.
Relying on their unique secret techniques, the various clans turned the tide time and again, managing to hold off the enemy despite being heavily outnumbered.
Asuka stared at the battlefield records, but there wasn't the slightest hint of a desire to join the fight in his eyes.
His focus on the Battle of Mount Kikyo wasn't about interfering in the conflict between Konoha and Sunagakure—it was about using the chaos of war as cover to infiltrate Konoha Village.
He had long wanted to visit the greatest village in the Ninja World—the birthplace of countless geniuses. More importantly, the hidden Secret Techniques and Forbidden Jutsu within Konoha attracted him like a magnet.
What interested him most was the forbidden technique that had nearly overturned the entire Ninja World—
Edo Tensei.
Scenes from the future surfaced in Asuka's mind.
Kabuto Yakushi, known as the "Dream Weaver of the Ninja World," had left a massive impact on the Fourth Great Ninja War through this very technique.
Although Uchiha Obito had commanded an army of one hundred thousand White Zetsu, they lacked true high-end combat power. Against the Allied Shinobi Forces, they were little more than expendable numbers.
But Kabuto's Edo Tensei changed everything.
Countless legendary Ninja, long dead, were summoned back to the battlefield—crossing the boundary between life and death. While their presence created emotional reunions, it also caused devastating losses.
These reanimated warriors possessed infinite Chakra and immortal bodies. Unless sealed, they could not be destroyed—making them perfect war machines.
Just imagining commanding such an army made Asuka's fingertips itch.
Who hasn't dreamed of becoming a necromancer?
With his decision made, Asuka acted immediately. He created a clone to handle ongoing matters while his main body dissolved into a wisp of crimson mist, vanishing without a trace.
The next moment, that crimson mist reformed deep within a forest outside Konoha.
Asuka stepped forward, brushing leaves from his shoulder as his gaze pierced through the trees toward the massive village protected by a barrier in the distance.
Without hesitation, he used the Transformation Jutsu, turning himself into an ordinary-looking young Ninja. Suppressing his Chakra completely, he slipped into Konoha unnoticed, appearing in a secluded alley.
Standing there, he glanced around.
Konoha truly lived up to its reputation. Its architecture was orderly yet lively, with winding streets and well-built houses. In the distance, the towering Hokage Rock stood proudly.
However, the war had drained much of its vitality.
The streets were sparsely populated. Those who remained moved hurriedly, their expressions tense. Many shops had already closed, their former liveliness gone.
Still, Asuka wasn't in a hurry.
Having finally entered Konoha, it would be a waste not to experience it.
And more importantly—
He had a small personal goal.
To try the legendary Ichiraku Ramen.
Adjusting his clothes, Asuka walked casually toward the ramen shop he remembered.
Before long, a simple yet clean shop came into view. A wooden sign reading "Ichiraku" swayed gently above the entrance.
Inside, Teuchi—still in his prime—worked behind the counter in a spotless white uniform, his eyes always squinted in a warm smile.
Despite the war, the shop was relatively lively.
Asuka stepped inside, took a seat by the window, and called out:
"Boss, one signature ramen—extra chashu."
"Coming right up!" Teuchi replied cheerfully, his hands moving swiftly as the dough transformed into perfectly even noodles.
As he waited, Asuka looked around.
Perhaps the reason this small shop became legendary was this very feeling—a quiet sense of normal life amid the chaos of war.
The tables were spotless, simple decorations hung on the walls, and the rich aroma of simmering broth filled the air.
Then—
A loud voice suddenly broke the calm.
"Boss! The usual—extra rich chashu ramen, extra green onions!"
Asuka narrowed his eyes slightly.
Then, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.
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