Chapter 148: Siege of Youmu Ren

"Jiraiya, where's your Legendary Sannin reputation? What, is this all the strength you have?"

On the battlefield, Youmu Ren, who had been tangled with Jiraiya, gradually got worked up; the usually proud she, who is haughty toward outsiders, kept taunting, hoping to provoke the opponent's anger and fight her seriously.

It turned out Jiraiya was just continuously sizing up her proud figure, chuckling now and then.

"Oh ho, this beautiful lady, your angry look is truly something else, like a lost cat from the Bur household."

No, no, no, it's actually a proud, golden‑haired cat.

Moreover, compared to fighting and killing, I prefer sitting down with such a beautiful lady to talk heart‑to‑heart. If you don't mind, why not find a quiet place for tea and perhaps discuss my new book?

Youmu Ren's mouth twitched; suppressing her anger she retorted, "Heh, fine, how about you follow me to the back?"

Behind them lay the main base of the Cloud Hidden Defense Line, housing nearly two thousand ninjas on standby; Jiraiya naturally couldn't go there, just chuckling.

Youmu Ren scoffed, saying, "He's just an old man who only talks tough."

Old. Old man. Jiraiya felt a sharp arrow pierce his heart; he's only in his early forties, and this little girl dares to call the Toad Immortal an old man—how could she! "You're really too much~"

Though sorrowful, Jiraiya still dragged Youmu Ren at an unhurried pace, showing no sign of losing composure.

Want to get away from him? Impossible!

"Damn, that troublesome old man, he deserves to stay single his whole life."

Jiraiya. This woman is truly sharp‑tongued; if he met her alone, he would surely teach her how to respect a great literary master like himself.

Even without laying a hand, his next book will have to include her.

"Youmu Ren, sir"

Just as Jiraiya's inspiration erupted, news from the Earth Platform finally reached the front line.

Seeing this, Jiraiya made no move to block it, letting the information be passed to Youmu Ren's ear.

In an instant, Youmu Ren's expression changed, looking at the old man before her with disbelief.

"Despicable scoundrel!"

Youmu Ren shouted a curse, then spat out several blue fireballs.

Jiraiya instantly dodged, but the fireballs, as if conscious under Youmu Ren's control, kept shifting direction in the air, chasing after Jiraiya.

Unhurried, Jiraiya timed it, clapped both hands and shouted, "Earth Release: Multiple Earth Flow Wall!"

Three layers of earth walls sprang up instantly; the incoming fireballs couldn't change direction in time and slammed straight into the walls.

A hint of caution flashed in Youmu Ren's eyes, and she ceased attacking, trying to use the chance to break away.

Given her understanding of Jiraiya, as long as she voluntarily leaves the battlefield, Jiraiya won't block her.

However, after the dust settled, Jiraiya, who had been focusing on grappling, suddenly wore a serious expression.

Looks like it's started over there.

Jiraiya sighed inwardly, then clapped both hands; white hair on his head grew rapidly, thrusting through the dust toward Youmu Ren.

"What?"

Youmu Ren was startled and quickly withdrew, but the white hair, flung by Jiraiya, seemed to have tracking ability, constantly closing in.

"Protect Youmu Ren, sir."

The protective ninjas surrounding Youmu Ren saw this and shouted, then swiftly broke free of the Konoha ninjas' entanglement and charged at Jiraiya.

Among them were three Jonin, and as many as thirty Chunin.

Jiraiya, seeing this, decisively abandoned the attack, instead using a summoning technique to call forth a gigantic toad.

He then smiled at the Youmu Ren who was about to undergo Tailed Beast transformation, saying, "I think we need to get to know each other a bit more; don't rush off~"

"I hate men without a sense of distance!"

Youmu Ren's chakra erupted all over her body, directly entering a half‑Tailed Beast state; her hands turned into cat claws and she lunged.

Given Jiraiya's strength, if he didn't want her to leave, she couldn't depart that easily.

Then let's fight! As soon as both sides went all out, the ninjas who had intended to help on both sides changed expression and withdrew quickly.

"Chaotic Lion Release Technique!"

"Burn to ashes!"

Blue fireballs, white hair, crimson flame bombs, vast swamps—both sides gave their all, casually deploying all sorts of ninja techniques; each side's fire‑release masters, after only a few exchanges, raised a massive sea of flames.

Both realized their destruction was getting too large, and consciously moved toward the edge.

Although the ninjas on both sides kept a bit farther away, they remained vigilant of the two, lest anything untoward happen.

Behind the eastern front, feeling their power, Rihou Nichi's complexion turned whiter than his eyeballs; he couldn't help but sigh, feeling defeated.

Sima Yi felt a slight doubt, then learned the whole story from Rihou Nichi's mouth.

Sima Yi's heart stirred at the words; the consumption of Youmu Ren was greatly advantageous for his and the upcoming plan.

"Watch those two, don't let Jiraiya's command cause any mishaps; also, if the Second Tail escapes him, let me know."

"... Yes."

To Sima Yi's surprise, Jiraiya and Youmu Ren's great battle didn't last long; only ten minutes later, when a startling explosion sounded ahead, Youmu Ren broke free of Jiraiya's entanglement and, with her guard ninjas, fled back to the Cloud Hidden Main Base.

Jiraiya, seeing this, also returned to the rear camp in a somewhat disheveled state.

"The jinchuriki's chakra amount is too great, and her recovery is too strong; unless I use a sacred technique, it's hard to keep her."

Jiraiya couldn't help but sigh that the jinchuriki truly is a battlefield weapon; if both sides were evenly matched, he would be the one who couldn't endure this drain.

"How's the opponent's condition?"

Seeing Jiraiya unscathed, Sima Yi began to worry about the opponent.

"The consumption was huge but the injuries were minor; later she probably got worked up, tried to forcibly use the Tailed Beast Orb, which I detonated early, blowing herself up, but it also gave her a chance to escape."

Sima Yi nodded, his eyes flashing, "Her departure this time may bring troops to reinforce the western front; now she's gravely wounded—a heaven‑sent opportunity, we can't miss it."

Jiraiya frowned, but didn't refuse, merely saying, "As long as the western front makes a breakthrough, this operation counts as a victory."

Even knowing Youmu Ren might bring troops to reinforce the western front, he wouldn't intercept.

Too many Elite Forces on the Eastern Front have been pulled away, and the rear‑camp reserve was secretly withdrawn by them by almost half; he must stay and watch.

Moreover, as long as he doesn't leave, Yun Yin won't dare to transfer too many people; most likely it will still be You Mu Ren and her escort ninja who go to support.

Sima Yi let out a light laugh and replied, "That's natural; the Western Front is the main one, so the command should be restored as soon as possible."

"Hmm."

Zi Lai Ye thought of the great battle that might follow, and without wasting time, restored it promptly.

Sima Yi immediately sent someone to deliver You Mu Ren's news to the Western Front and to Hui.

At the same time, You Mu Ren, returning to the main camp, couldn't help but feel shocked.

It must be admitted that in just ten minutes, Zi Lai Ye's image in her mind had undergone a complete reversal.

Zi Lai Ye's ninja body is masterfully adept, his strength is great, almost without flaw, and he can casually wield all kinds of powerful ninja techniques.

Moreover, it is said the opponent also knows the legendary celestial art; even without using it this time, he has forced her to this point, and if she were to go all out, she doesn't seem to be a match.

"Damn."

That thought gave her a slight sense of frustration, but she didn't show it while looking at the surrounding ninja.

Back at the main base, she quickly went to Tu Tai's side and then received news from the Western Front.

"I'll take people to reinforce," You Mu Ren said without hesitation, immediately suggesting.

Although she expended a lot, she didn't believe the Western Front also had a ninja like Zi Lai Ye; once she reaches the Western Front, without that meddling guy, her jinchuriki status and strength will surely let her dominate the battlefield and turn the tide.

"Take the escort, never fight alone, and remember to rendezvous with Trojan as soon as possible."

Tu Tai meant exactly that, so he naturally didn't object; at this moment casualties on both sides were rising, and as long as they held out until dawn, Konoha would find the cost too great and naturally withdraw.

It's just that the jinchuriki's departure from his sight still made him a bit worried.

Listening to Tu Tai repeat these like an old maid, You Mu Ren grew increasingly impatient, but she knew he meant well, so she swallowed her irritation and replied, "I know all that; you keep guard here, watch out for that Zi Lai Ye fellow, he's indeed hard to deal with."

Tu Tai nodded, gave a few more instructions, then let You Mu Ren lead her people away from the rear.

"Elder Dong Yan, Yun Yin's deployed forces are increasing; should we send in more reinforcements?"

On the Western Front, as Yun Yin continuously sent reserve troops, the number of ninja on both sides on the battlefield had approached four thousand.

Both sides' reserve forces were dwindling, but Konoha had an extra five hundred reinforcements, shifting the balance and giving Konoha a slight edge.

"No need, tend to the wounded, rotate units for reinforcement as needed, and also remember to have the remaining four hundred reinforcements change out of ordinary clothes before heading to the battlefield."

The assistant was startled, then suddenly understood, nodding repeatedly.

"Elder Gao Ming, I'm heading out now!"

Hiding Elite Forces ninja among the crowd to launch a sudden attack, then breaking through the defense in one blow—truly worthy of the Hyuga clan, indeed terrifying, unlike him who only thinks about putting Elite Forces on the field to boost morale.

Hyuga Dong Yan twitched the corner of his mouth, trying hard to control his expression so no one would notice anything.

At the same time, where the Land of Fire, Land of Fields, and Land of Hot Springs met, at a small hillside, a figure emerged from the darkness to receive a secret letter; moments later he raised his hand and waved, and a dense stream of ninja followed out behind him, heading north in complete silence.

Their target was the small hill ahead, Crouching Tiger Slope.

"We should be nearing the Land of Hot Springs border now, right?"

At the Land of Hot Springs border, in a forest, You Mu Ren led a small contingent of reinforcements racing forward; she looked at the dim sky and asked.

Just as Zi Lai Ye had expected, Yun Yin did not send many reinforcements; only You Mu Ren and her escort ninja, plus a few drawn from the reserve, totaling exactly sixty.

Although this reinforcement numbered just over fifty, far fewer than Konoha's five hundred, the team included a jinchuriki they revered, so everyone still had confidence in holding the line.

"Lord You Mu Ren, once we pass through this forest we'll reach Crouching Tiger Slope, where our outpost is; beyond the slope lies the plains of the Land of Fields."

"Very well, speed up; this time I'll turn all Konoha ninja to ash."

You Mu Ren said, unable to hide a cruel smile, causing a few nearby bodies to shiver.

They didn't understand—how could someone usually so gentle become like this on the battlefield? Konoha's guys really provoked Lord You Mu Ren! The wind rustled, and the group quickened, soon passing through the forest, and the view opened up.

Bang bang bang—"Hmm?"

Suddenly a faint sound reached You Mu Ren's ears; her expression changed as she looked up toward the summit.

She then whispered, "There's movement up there, follow me up!"

Having said that, she surged upward, and those behind her immediately entered combat mode and followed.

When she reached the summit, she saw four Konoha ninja locked in combat with one of her own squads.

Such outposts are placed every few hundred li along the east‑west front; each outpost houses three squads—three Chunin and nine Genin.

Their duty is to guard a segment of the line, and when enemies cross, they first relay intelligence; killing or driving back the enemy is secondary.

After You Mu Ren reached the summit, she found only one squad fighting the Konoha ninja; the other two squads were nowhere to be seen, likely out on patrol.

The Konoha squad before her was strong; though only four, they tightly surrounded Yun Yin's squad, and if they arrived a moment later, that squad would be annihilated.

"Bad, their reinforcements have arrived, hurry."

One of the Konoha ninja noticed You Mu Ren arriving, his face changing as he shouted loudly.

The other three didn't hesitate and ran down the slope immediately.

You Mu Ren let out a cold snort, a tail instantly grew from her back, her hands turned into sharp cat claws, and using all four limbs she chased down like a tiger leaping down a mountain.

The four Konoha ninja kept jumping, scrambling desperately toward the foot of the slope.

But You Mu Ren was faster; after a few jumps she closed in on one, then pounced like a tiger.

Claws struck; the Konoha ninja sensed the danger and raised a katana for protection, but the massive force slammed him to the slope's base, spitting blood.

The other three fell behind, quickly helped him up, and seeing You Mu Ren closing in, immediately tossed several smoke bombs.

The night was already dim; after the smoke burst, You Mu Ren instantly lost sight and could only cautiously sense her surroundings.

Swoosh swoosh swoosh—several whooshing sounds rang out, and You Mu Ren sensed a few more people around.

"Ambush?"

She sneered, her tail swelling under her control, then she swung it hard, a gust of wind sweeping through and instantly dispersing the smoke, revealing the faces of the surrounding few.

"Uchiha?!"

Twelve pairs of Copy Wheel Eyes flickered crimson light in the darkness; they were positioned at the four corners, hands forming seals, and special‑attribute flags were planted on all four sides.

Lord Yumi Ren's complexion changed; an instinct told them something was wrong, and they immediately tried to break out of the encirclement.

"Too late, foolish woman."

The twelve were ready; their five fingers gathered fire‑type chakra, then simultaneously thrust into the ground, converging through the four special‑attribute flags. Almost at the same moment, the four red light walls merged into one and rose from the ground.

"Uchiha Fire Flame Formation!"

The soaring light pillar instantly drew the Cloud Hidden ninjas descending the mountain; they saw Lord Yumi Ren trapped and shouted, "Protect Lord Yumi Ren!"

Originally a bit panicked, Lord Yumi Ren relaxed upon seeing the reinforcements arrive, their cold gaze fixed on the Uchiha who dared mock their stupidity.

"Only a dozen or so people, yet they dare ambush me; the Uchiha truly are as arrogant as the rumors say. I will tear your mouth apart and gouge out your eyes!"

After Yumi Ren finished speaking and confirmed that conventional methods could not break the Barrier, they immediately began full tailed‑beast transformation.

Beyond the Barrier, the leading figure was Uchiha Hui, who, seeing Lord Yumi Ren trapped in the formation yet speaking brazenly, couldn't help but smile contemptuously.

"I will collect your corpses."

Having said that, seeing the Cloud Hidden ninjas about to charge, they did not hesitate and retreated backward together with the others.

"Do not pursue; first rescue Lord Yumi Ren."

Some were about to give chase, but were stopped by a senior ninja in the squad.

Lord Yumi Ren watched the departing Uchiha, sensed danger, hurriedly accelerated the tailed‑beast transformation, and then struck the Barrier with a claw.

"Hmm?"

Unexpectedly, the Barrier did not move, and their hand was instead burned by it.

The Cloud Hidden outside the Barrier kept attacking, and several brutes even tried to hammer the Barrier with their bodies, causing their arms to be burned and the pain unbearable.

Meanwhile, the Konoha ninja forces stationed three li away, upon noticing the light pillar, swiftly converged here.

"Bad, this Barrier is formidable; it may be impossible to break in a short time."

The group used ninjutsu to blast strongly for several tens of seconds, yet the Barrier remained unmoved; a few senior ninjas felt a sudden urge and immediately ordered, "Send someone to inform Commander Tutaiji and Lord Troy!"

"Disperse the squad, stay alert and guard the surroundings!"

Lord Yumi Ren also realized the situation was dire, did not hesitate, and immediately began gathering tailed‑beast gems.

At that moment, the perception ninja in the squad all changed expression simultaneously; one of them raised his head in terror and said, "Bad, we are surrounded!"

(End of chapter)