Chương 74: Chp-74: Nagato: Are You Messing with My Plans?
After the war council concluded, everyone left the Hokage building to start their preparations.
Orochimaru approached Hyuga Satoru with a raspy smile. "Congratulations, Satoru."
"Congratulations? For what?" Satoru rolled his eyes.
"I can tell your physique has evolved again. Your vitality is much stronger than before."
Orochimaru's keen eyes missed nothing. Satoru silently marvelled at this observation. Orochimaru was quick to notice his recent power-up to LV4.
"Lord Orochimaru, we're heading to the Sand battlefield. I hope you'll take good care of us," Satoru replied casually.
"Of course. I'm curious to see how your Magnet Release compares to the new Fourth Kazekage Rasa's," Orochimaru said with a smile.
Satoru's expression turned peculiar. His good friend Rasa was probably still searching for him. If Rasa knew that the person who had tricked him was in the Konoha camp, he'd likely cough up blood from anger.
After a brief farewell, Satoru left the meeting room.
Orochimaru watched his back deeply. "Satoru has changed," he murmured to himself. In the past, Satoru had always been cautious around him, but now, that wariness was gone. His demeanour was relaxed and nonchalant, which was more terrifying than anything.
Back at home, Satoru made some quick preparations for the battle. With the war looming, Konoha's atmosphere was tense, and the streets were almost empty. He saw some of his clan members hurriedly stocking up on supplies.
He decided to take a nap. It wasn't that he didn't want to prepare for the war, but there was nothing he needed. His LV4 abilities meant he could summon anything with a clap of his hands. Rest was more critical.
After a short nap, he was woken by a knock on the door. It was a messenger from Minato, informing him that the troops were ready to depart.
At the village gate, Satoru joined the large assembly of the ninjas. Although there were only a few thousand, their presence made it seem like there were tens of thousands.
Konoha's registered ninja force was just over ten thousand, most of whom were lower-ranked. Yet, it was the largest among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, showing its strength.
As Satoru entered the ranks, he noticed a familiar figure waving at him.
"Satoru! Over here!"
Anko looked significantly different. Satoru smiled, noting that it made sense for her to be here since Orochimaru was leading the unit. Beside her, Rin Uchiha stood with her arms crossed, looking smug.
"You're still as fond of being late as ever, Satoru," Rin said, slightly lowering her head in resignation.
"Sorry, I overslept," Satoru replied sheepishly.
The surrounding ninjas looked at him in disbelief. Overslept? For a war?
Rin, used to Satoru's quirks, just sighed. "This is our Third Team's first reunion, isn't it?" Satoru noted wistfully. Since their team split, they hadn't gathered like this.
"Yes! It's a shame Shibi-sensei is still in the ANBU," Anko said, nodding.
After the brief reunion, the troops set out. The massive procession moved towards the battlefield.
The Sand Village cunningly chose a battlefield near the Rain Country, knowing that Konoha's Fire Jutsu would be less effective in the humid environment. Though Konoha realized the Sand's strategy, they had no choice but to engage.
As they neared the Rain Country, the sky grew darker, and the atmosphere turned gloomy and heavy. The Rain Country, a land perpetually crying.
Orochimaru slowed down, gazing at the sorrowful land. Memories of fighting Hanzo during the Second War resurfaced. They had been no match for him then, and Hanzo had given them the title of Sannin. It was a strategic move, linking their fame to his.
Now, with Tsunade's blood phobia and Jiraiya's absence, Orochimaru considered challenging Hanzo again, maybe just with Jiraiya's help.
Satoru also stared at the rainy land, feeling a bit nostalgic. "With so much water, it must be great for growing rice," he mused aloud.
The surrounding ninjas stared at him, puzzled. Rice?
"Too bad the service is too good. They even deliver it personally," he added, perplexing them further.
Rin's mouth twitched. She prided herself on understanding Satoru's odd logic, but this was beyond her. Farming? Delivery?
Satoru had no idea what she was thinking. His thoughts turned to the Third War, the turning point and start of Madara's plan, with Nagato soon to be anti-rice.
Should he consider disrupting Nagato's plans early?
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