Bab 12: Chapter 12
Hanzō the Salamander, who had withdrawn from the battlefield of the Hidden Sand Village, returned to his territory in the Hidden Rain Village after several days.
Upon learning that the forces stationed along the border with the Fire Country's Konohagakure had been reduced to scattered troops fleeing in all directions, Hanzō was furious enough to blow his top.
A bunch of useless trash—without direct oversight, they were nothing but a pile of worthless sand.
Thus, the beleaguered Hanzō had no time to rest and immediately summoned the remaining Rain Ninja, calling them to the front lines to support against Konoha.
On the way, he encountered fleeing Rain Ninja and ruthlessly killed them to establish authority. The remaining combat-capable ninjas were gathered up and continued their advance.
Eventually, they arrived at the front lines and engaged in a fierce battle with the pursuing Konoha forces.
"Isn't it interesting that you can struggle so long under my command, young ones? You're quite impressive," Hanzō sneered, standing atop the back of a summoning beast, looking down at the crowd.
Except for the three young figures still standing below him, the other Konoha ninjas lay dead or wounded on the ground.
His name, Hanzō the Salamander, was terrifying—a poison that walked the battlefield.
Yet, this carefully planned and expertly executed campaign led by Mito Gatei and Tsunade had failed to achieve the expected results.
Even Mito Gatei himself was crouched on the ground, looking seriously poisoned.
"What a bunch of crap—those elite guards of the second Hokage? Is this all their strength? They're not even as good as these three young ones here. Bah—garbage, all of them, hahahaha."
Hanzō disdainfully glanced at the still-lying Mito Gatei, mocking him loudly, before turning his attention back to Tsunade and the other two.
His gaze flickered as his mind raced, weighing the current gap between the two sides.
The losses on his side were too great; if they continued fighting, it might wipe out an entire generation of the Hidden Rain Village.
Konoha's foundation was far too strong—something his little Hidden Rain Village could never hope to contend with. Even the previous Hidden Sand Village was formidable. These major villages were terrifyingly powerful.
He couldn't afford to keep fighting. It was said that these three before him were all disciples of the Third Hokage. If he killed them, it would undoubtedly provoke their anger—an unwise move.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, after all, had once led Konoha to victory in the First Shinobi World War. He was not someone to provoke.
These three young ones absolutely could not be killed.
Having made up his mind, Hanzō decided to offer Tsunade and the others a way out.
"This war will likely lead to a prolonged stalemate, with Konoha ultimately emerging victorious. Since that's the case, I'll spare your lives."
Hearing Hanzō's somewhat mocking words, Tsunade gritted her teeth in anger, but upon considering the disparity in strength between the two sides, she ultimately held back her frustration.
Jiraiya, supported by her, was less restrained; heated in the moment, he retorted back.
"Ha—tui! We don't need your pity; we can still fight! Come on! Who's afraid of who?!!"
Tsunade: Σっ°Д°っ
Orochimaru: O what?
What the hell! What a stupid thing to say! Why are you dragging us into this? We had no idea we could still fight! If you're so tough, why don't you step up yourself?!
Both of them were taken aback, mentally complaining.
Even the one reputed to be second in strength only to Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mito Gatei, was lying down over there; what are you trying to show off for?
"Don't… don't say any more, Jiraiya; just shut your mouth!"
Tsunade quickly intervened, covering Jiraiya's mouth to stop his reckless shouting.
Honestly, it was infuriating; he could barely stand with her support and was still ranting. Didn't he see that Hanzō was giving them a way out? What a brainless teammate.
Even Hanzō, standing atop the summoning beast, looked at Jiraiya with a changed expression, as if staring at a fool.
"Wait, has your hard-headed companion always been this brave?"
"I admit you three are strong; it's rare for anyone to last this long against me in direct combat. How about this: I'll give you some time. When you're strong enough, come challenge me again."
Seeing the stubborn look in Jiraiya's eyes, Hanzō reluctantly extended more of a lifeline.
"Hmph, state your names."
"I'm Jiraiya!"
"Tsunade!"
"Orochimaru!"
"Good. Your names are now etched in my heart."
After speaking, Hanzō cast another glance at Jiraiya, secretly taking note.
Especially this one named Jiraiya; he needed to remember him. The guy truly had a head of iron.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru. From now on, I, Hanzō, shall refer to you as the 'Three Nin of Konoha.'"
I'm sure Konoha will propose a more reasonable ceasefire agreement now.
With me, Hanzō, creating momentum for his disciples, that shinobi hero will surely show some consideration.
After all, they're his disciples—rounding up, isn't that like praising him directly? Hanzō believed this maneuver would earn respect from the other side.
"Ha, the Three Nin, huh? They do indeed have impressive talent. One day, they'll make their names known throughout the shinobi world."
With that parting remark, Hanzō left without looking back.
Watching Hanzō depart, Jiraiya, who was barely holding on, could no longer keep it together and slumped weakly against Tsunade.
"Jiraiya!"
Tsunade quickly reached out to support him.
"Sorry, Tsunade."
"Don't say anything. I'll treat you."
Laying Jiraiya flat on the ground, Tsunade began applying her medical ninjutsu.
"Orochimaru, go check on Mito Gatei."
"Mm."
Orochimaru was in much better shape than Jiraiya; he could at least walk normally.
Approaching Mito Gatei, he tested his breath, confirming that the advisor was merely poisoned and not on the verge of death. He then crouched down, preparing to help him up.
Mito Gatei trembled, his lips quivering as if he wanted to say something.
"Don't worry; Hanzō has already left."
Orochimaru frowned, mistakenly thinking he wanted to ask about Hanzō's whereabouts.
But to his surprise, Mito Gatei slowly shook his head.
Huh? What's going on? Does he have something important to say to me?
Orochimaru leaned closer, preparing to hear what he had to say.
"I… I… I can't find my glasses… help me… find my glasses…"
Orochimaru: "…"
Damn! What a lunatic! I really want to hit you with a Shadow Snake Hand right in the nuts, turn you into a hundred-level cripple.
How did Hanzō not kill you? I thought you had something important to say, and it turned out you just wanted me to find your glasses? What a hassle.
Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Orochimaru ultimately restrained himself from the urge to give him a beating.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone