Capítulo 175: Chapter 176: First Mission on Battelfield
War truly tests the well-rounded abilities of ninja. It assesses their scouting skills, intelligence analysis, tactical deployment, team coordination, adaptability, and even logistical support and medical treatment abilities. The strong can sway the outcome of a battle, while a skilled leader shapes the overall course of the war.
"Sarutobi, though our Uchiha clan's visual range isn't as extensive as the Hyuga's Byakugan, I believe it can still prove valuable."
Listening to the team's battle report, Uchiha Kagami commented, "If we split our clan members into squads and integrate them with each ninja team to perform specific tasks, it will undoubtedly enhance the overall team capability."
"Absolutely not, Clan head. The Uchiha should maintain a united front and employ our Sharingan to directly dismantle the enemy. Partnering with other ninja could lead to unnecessary conflicts."
The newly appointed Third Elder of the Uchiha clan immediately countered. He wasn't fond of Uchiha Kagami's positive stance on the war. Participating and gaining battlefield merits might simply serve to bolster the Senju clans' agenda.
Of course, the proud Uchiha may not concern themselves with such trivial gains. The issue lies in their reluctance to collaborate with other ninja. Such collaboration might only foster prejudice and division between them!
"Why not? The Second Raikage is known for his cunning tactics. It's unlikely he'll engage us in an all-out confrontation. This isn't the same as the Sunagakure battlefield, and Kumogakure isn't as extensive as the Land of Fire. Our clan's visual prowess is adept at gaining insights. It could serve us well in such circumstances, don't you think?"
Kagami Uchiha justified her stance, causing Sarutobi on the side to reflect.
"But..."
The Third Elder hesitated, his anger evident. Is this how our clan should act? Those lower-status ninja will perish sooner or later. We Uchiha are above such trivialities. Yet, a leader like you compromises our dignity!
He was inherently conservative, with a strong inclination towards the clan's interests. However, he couldn't voice these thoughts directly, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere.
"Very well, the Uchiha clan shall select some ninja to form squads with members from other clans, much like the teams in the ninja academy. One Jonin or two Chunin will lead three lower-ranked ninja, forming an assessment squad. Three squads will form a platoon, and among them, a Uchiha or sensory ninja will be designated to enhance the team's reconnaissance capability."
Sarutobi finally made a decision. The number of Uchiha ninja to be included in each squad would be determined by Uchiha Kagami and the Third Elder. It was Sarutobi's method of handling the matter.
Though they had all experienced the Warring States Era, it had mainly comprised of independent battles, except for Toribama's proposition of team configurations with diverse skills. While a prudent notion, the current Konoha coalition still required time to adjust. Otherwise, chaos would ensue.
In the camp, Orochimaru and his two companions observed the bustling and anxious ninja around them. The atmosphere was graver than that of the Land of Wind's war. Particularly for Jiraiya, despite his training in Mount Myoboku enhancing his strength, the true brutality of battle weighed heavily on his heart.
Teams of ninja returned from outside the camp. Many were injured, and some returned alone. While receiving medical attention, they recounted their experiences and gathered information.
A high-ranking ninja, his body drenched in blood, had lost all lower-ranked ninja in his squad. However, he retrieved several forehead protectors from Kumogakure. Clearly, he had encountered and ultimately obliterated a reinforced Kumo team.
While he could be hailed as a hero of Konoha, his expression lacked joy. Hatred was etched onto his face. Severely wounded, he was immediately carried away for treatment.
"He requires medical aid. I can assist."
Just as Tsunade prepared to follow, he was halted by Orochimaru. "You are the medical specialist of our team. Sustaining your chakra is sufficient."
"What? Damn it, Orochimaru, don't belittle us!"
Finally overcoming his nervousness, Jiraiya burst into action, and Orochimaru merely smiled. "Crane's Tail."
"Hello there. You all seem quite spirited. It's clear you're confident in your abilities. I'm eager to see what you can achieve."
Approaching, Sarutobi smiled at the three disciples. "As the chief commander here, I often lack the time to supervise you directly. With your assignments, I need you to eliminate a Kumogakure scouting team. They're dangerously close to our headquarters and nearly wiped out one of our squads. Their combat strength is formidable."
"Rest assured, leave it to us."
Orochimaru's tone was cool. A Jonin-level enemy posed no critical threat to him. He merely needed to focus on his two companions. Eliminating a formidable foe could also bolster his power.
"Let's proceed."
Jumping from branch to branch, Orochimaru led, while Tsunade and Jiraiya followed with ease. Although a team typically comprised four members, Jiraiya and Tsunade held Chunin rank. Orochimaru's prowess was unquestionable, hence Sarutobi saw no need to hinder them.
"Orochimaru, your speed is impressive but do you know the enemy's position? Are you a sensory ninja?" Jiraiya voiced his dissatisfaction, unaware of Orochimaru's pale eyes.
"Have faith. Why would I deceive you?"
Orochimaru unconsciously slowed, a smirk forming on his lips.
"Watch out!"
"Swish, swish—"
Triggering a trap, a plethora of shuriken emerged from the foliage, catching them off guard.
Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged. His arms suddenly extended, one gripping a tree trunk, while the other supported Jiraiya and Tsunade. Inertia propelled them to the tree trunk, deflecting the shuriken onslaught.
"Jiraiya, above!"
A Kumogakure ninja ascended, illuminated by the blinding sunlight. A sharp ninja blade glinted against the light, accompanied by electric sparks.
"Boom!"
Jiraiya reacted promptly, his hair rapidly elongating, transforming into steel-like defense. The otherwise invisible strike was met by his steel hair.
"Break!"
The Kumogakure ninja, seasoned and shrewd, evaded Jiraiya and instinctively kicked him away, inadvertently impaling himself on the sharp hair!
"Ah! Damn it!"
The Kumogakure ninja's wail reverberated. Meanwhile, two more ninja emerged from the bushes, launching their ninjutsu.
"Lightning Release: Kaminari Enbu!"
"Lightning Release: Hashiru!"
A resounding thunder erupted, silencing all ambient sounds. Only the echoing thunder resounded, slowing down their responses.
Simultaneously, bolts of lightning cascaded from the ground, generating sparks and aiming to engulf them!
"Evil Snake Iron Skin!"
Orochimaru's voice boomed, and a colossal white snake emerged from the ground, its scales glistening like metal. The snake enveloped them, with the metallic scales warding off the sparks.
"Crack—!"
The surrounding area teemed with electricity, while sparks danced on the serpent's surface, unable to penetrate its defense.
Curses slipped from the Kumogakure ninja's lips. The appearance of the giant snake had them at a loss.
"Suffer your demise, blinded fool."
The final Kumogakure ninja radiated blinding light, electric cocoon enveloping him. His outstretched hand pointed toward their position.
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