Chapter 19: Konoha Border, Encounter with the Hidden Mist

The Land of Fire, with its picturesque scenery.

Among all the ninja world, the Land of Fire boasts abundant resources and distinct seasons, making it a truly auspicious land.

Think of the Hidden Rain Village, where it rains heavily year-round; the Hidden Sand Village, deep within the vast desert; the Hidden Stone Village, where the entire nation is made of rock...

Looking across the entire ninja world.

Every other place has its flaws, but only the Land of Fire, where Konoha stands, is truly without a single drawback.

This is why, whenever war breaks out, Konoha becomes the primary target for all ninja villages.

It is a prime piece of meat.

In the entire ninja world, everyone covets it.

Even while walking in the wilderness, with lush trees providing shade, flocks of birds and herds of beasts everywhere, golden sunlight pouring down, and a gentle breeze brushing your face, anyone would feel a sense of laziness.

Within their group, the civilians worked hard.

As for the ninja of their squad, they sat casually on the supply carts, leisurely gazing at the surrounding scenery.

Yes.

Since they were still within the borders of the Land of Fire, encountering enemies under normal circumstances was impossible.

People cannot remain tense for long, so the current group naturally appeared somewhat lax.

On the last cart of the supply transport squad.

Uchiha Jin sat cross-legged, paying little attention to the beautiful scenery around him.

His brow was slightly furrowed.

He kept thinking about his earlier conversation with Uchiha Shisui.

Whether it was right or wrong, he found it hard to define.

On one hand, after surviving in hiding for so many years, he felt deeply suppressed and naturally wanted to confide in someone.

But, more importantly.

This was also a test of Uchiha Shisui.

If he truly exposed this matter, it would not have much impact on him.

As a genius of the clan, even Fugaku would be reluctant to punish him, let alone for the sake of a few dead people.

On Hiruzen Sarutobi's side, it was not too critical either.

To put it plainly.

This is an Uchiha clan affair; according to Konoha's rules, the solution adopted is internal clan autonomy.

In Konoha's matters, the Hokage has the final say.

If war breaks out, the Hokage has the right to mobilize the various clans.

But, at the same time.

Regarding each clan's internal affairs, the Hokage has no qualification to interfere.

So.

As long as Fugaku does not move against him, his safety is not in question.

At worst, the Third's faction would target him, but given his current strength, as long as Hiruzen Sarutobi does not want to tear the relationship apart, he cannot openly move against him.

The only thing to consider is the shadow, Danzo!

This man's attitude toward the Uchiha clan has reached a pathological level.

If he learns of this matter, he will definitely strike against him.

But, it does not matter.

As long as Danzo does not appear in person and mobilize all the experts of the Root, even if he cannot match them, he can still escape.

So.

Taking a slight risk to test Uchiha Shisui.

This deal is very profitable!

After all, Uchiha Shisui has been too good to him, making it truly impossible for him to watch Uchiha Shisui die.

If the test fails, then at most, when the time comes, he will simply ensure Uchiha Shisui's life.

But if the test succeeds, it means that in Uchiha Shisui's heart, his importance is even higher than he imagined.

In that case.

He would have the possibility of changing Uchiha Shisui!

He and Hiruzen Sarutobi and others will inevitably become enemies sooner or later.

Relying on himself alone, although he would not fear them, he is still isolated and weak.

If he could bring Uchiha Shisui on board, it would be a good thing for him.

After all.

Uchiha Shisui can be considered a true genius within the Uchiha clan.

As long as he does not die young, his future is unimaginable.

Itachi must know that his Mangekyo Sharingan is known as the strongest eye technique, Izanami!

"Uchiha Shisui!"

"I have given Itachi a chance; do not let me down."

"Leave all this to time."

Time slowly passed.

Three days later.

Just as they arrived at the border of the Land of Fire, preparing to find a boat to enter the Land of Fire, two Hidden Mist squads suddenly charged out.

"Hidden Mist Technique!"

The squad leaders of the two teams began forming hand seals rapidly the moment they attacked.

Immediately after.

As the two Hidden Mist ninjas opened their mouths, thick fog spread over the transport squad.

"Protect the convoy, be careful to defend against the enemy!"

Kudou Shin shouted loudly, then his hands began forming hand seals rapidly.

"Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!"

Boom!

Countless earth surged up, instantly forming a high wall that directly shielded the convoy behind it.

Kudou Shin did not stop afterward; he continued forming hand seals without ceasing.

Only after casting the technique three times and condensing it into three walls did he stop, his face pale.

Chakra, exhausted!

This, there is no way.

He is just an ordinary civilian Chunin; being able to achieve what is seen here is already excellent enough.

The fact is, indeed so.

With the erection of the three walls, the two Hidden Mist squads were blocked.

Unless a true expert appears, ordinary ninjas really have no good means to break through the enemy here.

The two Hidden Mist squads dispatched here, with two capable of using the Hidden Mist Technique, already show that these are Hidden Mist elites.

Itachi must know.

Even ninjas of Konoha, after graduation, only know the basic three body techniques.

Konoha is, after all, the strongest ninja village.

From this, one could imagine what kind of situation the Hidden Mist, even worse than the Hidden Leaf, would be.

Ordinary ninja fighting enemies basically just clash with kunai.

Their Three Body Technique is not even as good as the Hidden Leaf's.

Just as Kudou Shin moved, the caravan began to form a circle, and their squad gathered together.

"My chakra is exhausted; I need ten minutes to recover."

"During this time, I'm counting on Itachi."

"But do not be afraid; the Hidden Mist on the other side will not dare to act lightly."

After saying this, Kudou Shin swallowed a ration pill and began to sit cross-legged on the ground to recover.

Uchiha Jin and the other two exchanged glances, their brows naturally furrowing slightly.

"Jin, what do Itachi think?" Nara Kazama spoke.

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Jin, after a moment of surprise, said: "The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light; let us defend."

Nara Kazama nodded.

Regarding Uchiha Jin's idea, he felt there was no problem.

If the Hidden Mist, hidden in the dark, acted lightly, they would only be split up and killed.

But, unfortunately.

Although the two of them had confirmed the method, Ishikawa Ki could not hold back.

He had long been displeased with the two of them and had been holding back a belly full of anger all along the way.

Now.

The two had chosen the defensive method he disliked the most, which made him unable to hold back immediately.

"Itachi two are truly cowards!"

"Just two squads of Hidden Mist ninja; I really don't know what Itachi are afraid of."

"Do not forget, I am in the top three of the entire class."

"I came to the battlefield to kill enemies and earn merit, not to play house with Itachi."

"Heh, rest assured."

"If Itachi encounter danger, I, being in the top three of the entire class, will certainly save Itachi."

"And do not forget."

"We decided beforehand that if the team leader has a problem, I will be the acting team leader."

"Now I declare: take the initiative and attack!"

"I will beautifully counter-kill these two squads of Hidden Mist and let them know the power of us Hidden Leaf ninja."