Chapter 90: Reverse Summoning Technique, Battling Hanzo Again
Whether influenced by the atmosphere or not, Rain Country experienced seven consecutive days of torrential downpours over the following days. The coverage area proved extremely astonishing.
Looking outside from indoors resembled gazing through a steel curtain. Visibility range felt like heavy fog.
Combined with Sunagakure transforming from two-front to single-front warfare, as Bunpuku arrived from Sunagakure to garrison the border base, massive forces began transferring to White Fang's frontline.
To handle Wind Country's exploding troop numbers, Konoha had no choice but to transfer forces from the other two frontlines, dispatching them to support White Fang's frontline.
Such circumstances, combined with this climate, proved heaven-sent opportunity for Amegakure.
Rain ninja excelling at assassination techniques already began acting.
Four-man squads seemingly merged with the rain curtain, advancing toward Fire Country's border base.
Though rainwater washed away scents, rendering the Inuzuka and Aburame clans' sensing ineffective, their movements were still discovered by the Hyuga clan's Byakugan.
"Orochimaru-sama, Jiraiya-sama, Yoru-sama, Rain Country combat forces are advancing toward us."
News rapidly reached the three's ears.
Orochimaru gazed at the rain curtain covering the forest outside the window, murmuring: "So they finally couldn't restrain themselves?"
"Has Hanzo mobilized?" Jiraiya asked.
"The sensing squad hasn't detected Hanzo of the Salamander's chakra."
The ninja reporting to them answered truthfully: "Underground we also haven't captured large-bodied energy fluctuations, but we can't exclude the salamander diving deeper underground or having previously arranged barriers in underground spaces blocking sensing."
Yoru looked at Orochimaru asking: "Orochimaru-sensei, shall we fight?"
"Fight, but not here."
Orochimaru analyzed calmly: "With Hanzo's strength, he possesses multiple methods to evade Byakugan's far-sight and insight. No one knows whether he'll suddenly appear. This current weather grants Rain ninja natural advantages. Fighting them would be self-inflicted injury."
After speaking, Orochimaru issued orders: "Have support forces retreat with supplies to forest areas without rain. Combat forces will escort them. If Rain ninja pursue relentlessly, we'll engage them on our home ground."
"We'll remain at the border base. If they don't dare pursue, they'll definitely attack here, wanting to destroy and pillage our headquarters." Orochimaru addressed Yoru: "Yoru, create several Flying Thunder God kunai and give them to support and combat forces. We'll provide support anytime."
"Yes."
Yoru nodded.
Soon, this border frontline began operating.
Support forces departed the tower-like central base with supplies, retreating toward forest areas unaffected by Rain Country's weather and uncovered by rain curtains.
Combat forces scattered. One batch escorted support forces' retreat, another planted traps in the forest, responsible for delaying potentially pursuing Rain ninja and buying time for comrades.
The entire frontline's retreat created such commotion that sensing-skilled Rain ninja quickly discovered it, immediately reporting to the surprise attack squad captain.
"Sagawa-sama, should we pursue?"
"No need. Our mission is already complete."
Regarding Fire Country's frontline retreat, Sagawa seemed unsurprised.
Ninja battles required not only grasping enemy intelligence but also considering terrain and environment. The latter might even be most critical.
Why did Hanzo of the Salamander use Wind Country to measure Rain Country's gap with the Five Great Nations?
Not solely because Wind Country was the weakest among the Five Great Nations, but also because the salamander thrived equally in desert terrain.
Earth Country's target was clearly Fire Country, so why launch surprise attacks on Amegakure without fearing Hanzo of the Salamander?
Because Earth Country was filled with rocks and mountains. The burrowing salamander possessed no advantages in Earth Country.
Similarly, Rain ninja in torrentially rainy environments, their already shinobi-world first-class assassination techniques would rival Kirigakure ninja dwelling in perpetually fog-shrouded Water Country.
Fighting in Rain Country, Hanzo of the Salamander received epic-level enhancement, easily executing lake-level Water Release.
This was home field advantage!
Konoha ninja's home field was dense forest areas.
The probing period stagnated for months precisely because no one dared easily engage on the opponent's home field.
Amegakure's surprise attack squad dared advance now not only due to heaven-sent opportunity but also because their mission wasn't truly declaring war on Fire Country.
Excelling at assassination techniques, they were one-strike assassins, not Iron Country and Lightning Country's ninjutsu brutes.
Sagawa removed the super-large scroll from his back, then opened it.
The scroll surface bore an engraved technique formula.
"Help block the rain."
Sagawa called out. A paper umbrella immediately appeared overhead.
Retrieving a small bottle from his ninja tool pouch, Sagawa pulled the stopper and poured its contents onto the technique formula's center.
Crimson liquid fell onto the scroll surface. Blood.
Sagawa rapidly formed seals, slapping both hands onto the scroll surface, calling softly: "Ninja Art... Summoning Technique!"
A tremendous bang.
A massive white smoke cloud barely materialized before the downpour scattered it.
Then a gigantic salamander, resembling a lizard with a severed tail, entered all Rain ninja's vision.
Gazing at this giant beast, Rain ninja's eyes filled with fervor and worship.
Its existence alongside Hanzo-sama meant Rain Country these years faced no external enemies daring invasion, even possessing capability to declare war on great nations.
In Rain ninja and Rain Country residents' eyes, the salamander was their hearts' nation-protecting divine beast.
"Thank you for your efforts. I'll take command of the battlefield henceforth."
Hanzo of the Salamander's figure emerged from the salamander's mouth.
Leaving just one sentence, man and beast transformed into massive water flow, vanishing into thin air.
Throughout the shinobi world, only Hanzo of the Salamander could perform Water Body Flicker while carrying a summoning beast.
Amegakure's surprise attack squad didn't turn to leave but instead used Body Flicker entering the rainforest, heading toward the border base's forest perimeter.
"Honored sirs, we've detected Hanzo of the Salamander's chakra rapidly approaching this direction. Distance less than three kilometers."
Sagawa's salamander summoning location happened to fall within the sensing barrier's range.
The moment the salamander appeared, the sensing and barrier squads who hadn't retreated discovered it.
A voice appeared out of thin air in the three's minds.
Jiraiya's expression changed, asking incredulously: "This close already? How did he evade the Hyuga clan's Byakugan sensing?"
"It's Reverse Summoning Technique."
The voice again appeared in their minds out of nowhere.
"Seems the surprise attack was merely a feint. Hanzo's true objective is destroying here."
Orochimaru showed no surprise. The border base wasn't merely the frontline's headquarters but also signal tower, sensing radar, and supply depot.
With signal tower and sensing barrier assistance, even if Rain ninja's assassination techniques proved formidable, executing the Hiding in Mist Technique dispersing chakra widely, they couldn't escape the sensing barrier's eyes.
With communication devices and barrier assistance, Yamanaka clan voices could appear out of thin air in any Konoha ninja's mind.
Combined with location in forest terrain, Konoha ninja occupied absolute home field advantage. Difficult to attack, easy to defend.
If Sunagakure attacked this frontline, Konoha needn't transfer forces from other frontlines. Simply dispatching elite forces would suffice for contending with Sand forces.
Earth Country and Wind Country not entering Fire Country from Waterfall Country and River Country, besides buffer zones, also stemmed from the border base serving as final defense line.
Several months ago, Orochimaru and Jiraiya entering Rain Country to intercept Hanzo of the Salamander similarly aimed at avoiding fighting at the border base, preventing Hanzo from destroying it.
Because Hanzo of the Salamander was the only existence among three frontlines capable of ignoring human wave tactics and destroying the border base.
Without such torrential rain, the border frontline's personnel now each carrying several antidote bottles would dare engage Rain ninja forces and Hanzo on their home ground.
Unfortunately, even heaven helped Amegakure.
This level of downpour severely affected signal transmission and visibility range. The enemy were first-class assassins.
Aside from sensing ninja and Water Release users, other ninja types before Rain ninja resembled lambs awaiting slaughter.
Orochimaru would rather abandon the border base than sacrifice so many forces.
So he stated decisively: "This place can't be held. Everyone retreat backward. Jiraiya, Yoru, and I will remain to cover your rear."
"Yes!"
The sensing and barrier squads disconnected, transforming into afterimages joining the main force.
The vast border base contained only the three.
"Are we truly abandoning here?" Jiraiya asked.
"This was inevitable." Orochimaru stated flatly. "Even defending this time, there'll be next time, and the time after. Without destroying here, Hanzo will never mobilize forces for invasion, only launching surprise attacks repeatedly."
"If only Amegakure's forces could contend with ours, he wouldn't be fighting alone even under these circumstances."
Jiraiya's expression showed unwillingness: "Already developed antidote formula, yet still forced into pathetic retreat by one person. Truly frustrating."
"Don't worry, this frustration is only temporary." Orochimaru stated coldly. "The border base is both great protection and great burden for us. With border base providing shelter, previously we only dared probe and defend cautiously. Now without this protection, we needn't huddle in forest areas either."
"After rain stops or lessens, our numerical advantage will manifest. We'll directly mobilize forces entering Rain Country. Then when offense and defense reverse, I'll see whether this shinobi world Half-God can withstand our offensive and how long he can last."
After speaking, Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya with confident smile: "Besides, these months we haven't lacked growth. Perfect chance to experience this peak-level powerhouse's might again."
"Heh, exactly my thoughts." Jiraiya grinned as though remembering something.
Yoru suddenly asked: "Should I bring Tsunade-sama and Sakumo-sama for support? Or even Hokage-sama?"
Both Orochimaru and Jiraiya's eyes widened. The former asked: "Can your chakra support it?"
Yoru considered: "Tsunade-sama and Sakumo-sama yes. This distance would exactly exhaust my chakra. For Hokage-sama I don't know. Haven't tried yet. Can only choose one of the two."
Orochimaru pondered momentarily before ultimately shaking his head in refusal: "No, the impact's too great. Enemy reconnaissance squads and ANBU aren't pushovers either. If Sakumo-senpai and Tsunade come, it'll give Wind Country opportunities."
"Sarutobi-sensei even less so. Hokage and village aren't merely final defense but greatest deterrence."
"Once Sarutobi-sensei acts, it means we've deployed our final trump card. Originally observing Lightning Country and Water Country might develop other ideas, mobilizing forces invading our northern and eastern borders, causing Fire Country to again face First Shinobi World War circumstances."
"Unless absolutely forced, we cannot activate the jinchuriki and Hokage trump cards."
"More critically, Hanzo's Body Flicker reigns supreme in the shinobi world. Even if Sarutobi-sensei personally arrives, keeping him would prove extremely difficult."
Yoru showed slight realization.
"This rain curtain might not be bad for us." Orochimaru smiled. "Our vision is restricted. Without using sensing techniques and Water Release, Hanzo faces the same. But such environment greatly favors your abilities."
"Just like last time, Jiraiya and I will create opportunities. See whether you can eliminate the salamander or Hanzo."
Rumble...
Before Yoru could nod, tremendous sounds suddenly entered their ears. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly.
"He arrived quickly. Let's move." Orochimaru sighed before nodding at Jiraiya and Yoru.
Then all three retrieved poison-resistant masks and goggles they carried, donning them.
Looking carefully revealed all three's poison masks were no longer ordinary versions but specially-made masks like Hanzo of the Salamander's.
Only they on the entire frontline possessed strength to battle Hanzo of the Salamander.
Having experienced his Water Release might during their previous clash, Orochimaru and Jiraiya naturally wouldn't lack preparation.
The following scene also proved their preparation correct.
Splash...
The sound of crashing waves arose. Astonishing water flow surged in from outside, instantly flooding who knew how many floors.
Viewing from outside revealed an extremely spectacular scene.
Within the rain-curtain-covered forest area, a lake appeared out of nowhere.
This lake didn't scatter but formed an ellipsoid water prison, enveloping portions of forest plus half the border base.
Moreover, this water prison continuously absorbed the torrential rain, continuing to expand.
With the water prison blocking the rain curtain, the external scene finally became visible.
Within the lake-level water prison, the gigantic salamander resembled a small fish. Hanzo of the Salamander was even smaller than one fish scale.
Man and beast floated at the water prison's upper end. Rather than utilizing the rain curtain to maximize assassination techniques, they consumed massive chakra creating this water prison scene.
Naturally not solely for destroying the border base. Primarily for preventing Yoru, this master schemer.
Just as Tsunade said, having suffered once, Hanzo of the Salamander taking action again would definitely make thorough preparations.
Only assassins most understood assassins.
Hanzo of the Salamander, same type as Yoru yet even more cautious, now most feared not that meteor attack that nearly eliminated him and the salamander, nor Flying Thunder God Technique and Flying Thunder God Slash, but that bizarre chakra-hiding ability that possessed even greater advantages than him in heavy rain.
Without such chakra-hiding ability, Yoru couldn't have instantly killed those fifty-five Sand ninja.
Months ago, Hanzo also suffered from this aspect.
This time, he wouldn't repeat past mistakes.
Gazing at the border base within the water prison, Hanzo stated solemnly: "Partner, let's begin."
"Roarrr..."
The salamander, long wanting revenge, immediately released a roar underwater.
Then that mouth capable of swallowing same-sized giant beasts created a vortex, drawing in countless tons of water flow.
Next second, a massive water column violently shot toward the border base.
The three swimming out from the border base didn't even consider resisting with techniques, scattering toward the water prison's edges.
Fighting Hanzo of the Salamander inside a water prison was simply seeking death.
BOOM! The water column carrying who knew how many tons of impact force struck the border base with one blow, blasting open a massive gap.
One more strike would sever the border base at its waist.
Terrifying might that even Water Dragon Bullet Technique couldn't withstand.
To block it required S-rank Water Release secret techniques.
Having scattered, they gave Hanzo opportunities for defeating them individually.
Hanzo shot toward Jiraiya like an arrow.
But he didn't engage in close combat. Instead, from considerable distance, he executed Water Release manipulating surrounding water flow into several high-speed rotating water columns attacking Jiraiya from all directions.
Precisely the Water Fang Bullet technique Tokiya once used against Yoru.
Jiraiya, possessing specially-made oxygen-providing masks, no longer proved as helpless as months ago. He similarly formed seals executing Water Fang Bullet, creating equal numbers of water columns meeting the attack.
Multiple high-speed rotating water columns collided, exploding underwater into invisible giant hands pushing Hanzo and Jiraiya apart some distance.
But next second, an even more oppressive scene appeared.
Hanzo further increased his underwater movement speed, seemingly standing on a skateboard, rapidly circling around Jiraiya toward the water prison edge where he'd flee. His hands threw kunai covered in flowing water bodies with explosive tags attached.
These kunai covered in Water Release nature and shape transformation possessed throwing speed in water no weaker than outside.
With Jiraiya's speed, even dodging the kunai attacks, he couldn't evade explosive tag detonations.
Just as Jiraiya prepared executing his hair secret technique, Yoru's figure appeared out of thin air, teleporting away with him.
Hanzo turned his gaze toward Orochimaru's direction, his eyes profound.
This was precisely why he dared not engage Jiraiya in close combat.
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