[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha":3,"chapter-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-23":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting Off with Horse and Sword in Konoha",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2349074,4591,"Chapter 23: Fierce Battle!","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-23",23,"\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu quickly arrived with Hyuga Mio and Ebisu; seeing that Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi were unharmed, all three exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma detailed the situation thoroughly, then said: “Teacher Yajuu, the Grass Village has concealed much intelligence—if we continue like this, I fear everyone around us will become enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu instantly understood Fujinaka Genma’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, his student no longer trusted the Grass Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng nodded solemnly, and Michimura Yajuu said: “I understand!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mio, Ebisu, Itachi stay behind to assist Genma and Kakashi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio and Ebisu immediately bowed their heads in solemn agreement; they too sensed the gravity of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu turned and departed swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio immediately said: “Genma, Kakashi, rest for now—we’ll hold this position for Itachi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mio’s right. There shouldn’t be any trouble in the short term—but we won’t lower our guard,” Ebisu added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebisu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both showed great responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma thought for a moment and nodded: “Itachi take the front line; Kakashi and I will hold the second line!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mission continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Michimura Yajuu returned and gathered Fujinaka Genma and the other three together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The situation is complicated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu’s expression was more serious than usual: “A traitor has reportedly surfaced within the Grass Village, colluding with outsiders to seize its treasures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Treasures?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What treasures does the Grass Village have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebisu couldn’t help asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t underestimate the Grass Village—the treasure might shock Itachi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now eighty percent certain the Grass Village was guarding the Box of Bliss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thing could indeed shock anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not our focus,” Michimura Yajuu continued. “The traitor isn’t just working with ordinary bounty hunters or rogue ninja from other villages—other ninja villages are involved too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Yajuu, if we don’t know the traitor’s identity, our position is extremely dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma bit down on a senbon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without knowing who the traitor was, they’d always have to watch for betrayal—this mission’s difficulty had skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Horse and Sword system gave 500 Horse and Sword points for this mission—apparently not without reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu looked at Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi and asked: “Do Itachi have any suspects?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato Namikaze and Kakashi Hatake, asking, “Do Itachi have any suspects?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi exchanged glances; finally, Fujinaka Genma spoke: “There is one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That guy’s behavior was suspicious, but under the circumstances just now, his actions weren’t wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That guy’s behavior was suspicious, but under those circumstances, he wasn’t wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu hesitated, then said: “Genma, Kakashi—Itachi’ll have to take a risk now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled and spread his hands: “Teacher Yajuu, Itachi should trust my and Kakashi’s abilities. In this situation, even if it’s risky, we must uncover the traitor first—otherwise, our danger only grows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled and spread his hands. “Teacher Yomaki, Itachi should trust Kakashi and me. In a situation like this, even if it’s risky, we must capture the traitor first—otherwise, our position becomes even more dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michimura Yajuu nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the shift changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi returned to rest; Michimura Yajuu stayed behind with Hyuga Mio and Ebisu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the next two days, everything remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the third day, deep night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to a shortage of jounin, Michimura Yajuu and Sarutobi Hikari had been reassigned, so the night watch now consisted of only four people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio, Ebisu, and the two genin from Kakashi’s team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night was silent, save for the chirping of insects around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, cries of battle echoed from behind, faint and intermittent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio, hidden, immediately activated his Byakugan and gasped: “So many!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twelve enemies coming from the other side of the mountain—all elite!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebisu said: “According to the Grass Village, the forest behind the mountain is filled with traps—even their own people dare not enter except for a few.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi, disguised as Kakashi’s two genin, now dropped their disguises and resumed their true forms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mio, check the front,” Fujinaka Genma said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio immediately shifted his gaze and froze, whispering: “Genma, four enemies—moving fast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi drew his White Fang shortblade: “They’re trying to exploit our distraction from the rear battle and strike us from the front.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s give them a surprise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma revealed a cold smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing—he was already accustomed to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four enemies quickly closed in, heading straight for Fujinaka Genma’s hidden position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what awaited them was a raging inferno.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebisu unleashed the Great Fireball Technique; Fujinaka Genma unleashed Wind Release: Great Breakthrough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind fueled the fire, instantly multiplying the fireball’s power several times over!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, Kakashi and Hyuga Mio coordinated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former used a Lightning Release technique; the latter threw shuriken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This assault didn’t injure the enemies—but shattered their expectations, throwing them into confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the piercing screech of Chidori echoed through the forest, two white lightning bolts darting and flashing through the trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi unleashed their maximum speed, launching a surprise attack while the enemies were disoriented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades slashed throats; the first enemy fell without surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second enemy, already bracing himself, was caught off guard—Fujinaka Genma didn’t charge straight ahead but leapt upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-air, the senbon in his mouth glowed white, shooting out with a sharp hiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next came a second enemy who had already prepared himself, but unexpectedly, Fujinaka Genma did not charge straight ahead—he suddenly leapt upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was skilled, quick to react—he avoided the senbon coated in high-frequency lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fujinaka Genma followed instantly, descending with a blade from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy was strong and reacted quickly, avoiding the senbon coated with high-frequency lightning blade at the critical moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked ninja screamed in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword was severed, then his arm was cleanly cut off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Fujinaka Genma landed, he swept his blade upward—white light flared, and with a wet *plop*, the enemy’s throat was slit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword was severed by Fujinaka Genma, who then smoothly cut off his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy ninja collapsed, clutching his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two enemies—both chunin level—dispatched effortlessly by Fujinaka Genma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He retrieved his senbon, wiped it, and placed it back between his teeth; then he turned to look at Kakashi’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One enemy already dead—now three against one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma rushed over and swiftly eliminated the remaining foe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mio, Ebisu, hold this position—it’s our escape route!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma barked, then charged toward the other battlefield with Kakashi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they arrived, the cliffside was a bloody mess—Grass Village ninja lay dead and wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma shouted, then charged toward another battlefield with Kakashi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the glasses-wearing ninja attacking his own, Fujinaka Genma snorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grass Village jounin with glasses was named Tachibana; during the previous attack, he’d sent only genin to chase the fleeing enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though that might’ve been to avoid a diversion, his smug smile had always unsettled Fujinaka Genma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked Grass Ninja jōnin, named Tanbō, had during the attack two days ago merely sent a few genin to chase the fleeing enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tachibana spotted Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi and immediately understood—but then he smiled: “Itachi two brats aren’t enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tachibana, Itachi’re insane—stop this now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grass Village jounin fighting him roared in fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Tachibana, Fujinaka Genma remained calm, observing the battlefield as he said: “Don’t underestimate brats—underestimating them will get Itachi killed horribly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his words finished, the sound of crackling lightning filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Tanbō, Fujinaka Genma’s expression was calm; as he observed the terrain, he said, “Don’t underestimate the kids. If Itachi do, Itachi’ll die horribly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi lunged forward, both unleashing Lightning Cutter—their lightning merging into a single line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi dashed forward, both unleashing Lightning Cutter, their lightning connecting into a single line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His figure darted forward; lightning sliced through, and bodies split in two, falling into the dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch out for those two brats!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cry of alarm rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three of their number were suddenly slain by Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi, the enemies finally took notice, breaking off their fights and gathering together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Itachi damned brats—Itachi’ve ruined everything again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan’yu glared at Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi, his face twisted with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See what happens when Itachi underestimate us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma dissolved his technique, spreading his hands with a calm smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill these two Konoha brats first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan’yu roared in fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle resumed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi stood back-to-back, facing the four masked ninja closing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each of the four was strong—not ordinary chunin, likely special jonin or even jonin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing opponents far outnumbering them, Fujinaka Genma felt some pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding! Ding! Ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weapons clashed, sparks flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides moved at blinding speed, their forms nearly invisible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several exchanges, Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi once again stood back-to-back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re Cloud ninja!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi panted heavily—he was barely seven years old; his stamina was a serious issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I noticed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma’s eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cloud ninja excel not only in Lei Dun but also in taijutsu and sword techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, their village also loves collecting secret techniques from other villages, so their knowledge is extremely broad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, even with their masks, their fighting style made their identity clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The killing style of these men matched their own perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lei Dun + sword technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the four enemies preparing to strike, Fujinaka Genma raised one hand: “Kakashi, I’ll create an opening—Itachi conserve your chakra and deliver the killing blow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi nodded, sheathing his White Fang short blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five Shadow Clones appeared, surrounding Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, brilliant white lightning arcs flared into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the entire battlefield was drowned in the piercing screech of Chidori.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each of the five Shadow Clones held a Chidori in the right hand and a Lei Dun Rasengan in the left, then charged in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battlefield erupted into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lei Dun Rasengan appeared and vanished unpredictably; the Chidori struck with lethal speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Shadow Clones were swiftly destroyed, they had broken the enemy’s formation and created openings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Kakashi moved like two venomous snakes, striking with deadly precision the moment an opening appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, all five Shadow Clones vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma pulled Kakashi back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was wounded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi’s right ribcage bled profusely; blood quickly soaked through his clothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma had a deep gash on his left upper arm; his guard was sliced open, the wound nearly exposing bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the enemies fared no better—they had lost three of their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, the traitorous Grass ninja jonin, Tan’yu, had been severely wounded by Fujinaka Genma’s Lei Dun Rasengan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Genma!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Hiyuga Mio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yajuan and Sarutobi Koki had also arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi’s composure broke; he collapsed onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma quietly exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they hadn’t come now, they’d have had to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>",1801,"2026-06-21T02:29:34.312Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","17bc4e0119528b0a1e8a5a3c0731a1c2edb040936f8797bf018a31ab3bd25938","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-24","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-22",157,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-cover.jpg"]