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Late at night, in the inn where the convoy had lodged, Tsunade was in a room with Jiraiya and Orochimaru, discussing infiltration and extraction plans. Genbu Akimichi and the other two had already fallen asleep, leaving only Genbu's two shadow clones on watch.
Suddenly, Orochimaru's expression turned serious as he gazed out the window.
"Orochimaru, what is it?" Jiraiya asked.
"Someone triggered an external mechanism. Jiraiya, leave it to Tsunade. We'll hide for now."
Orochimaru immediately lifted the Five Elements Seal, releasing the unfortunate merchant from the snake, and then used the Earth Inheritance Technique to descend underground.
Jiraiya looked to Tsunade. Seeing her nod, he lifted the seal as well, releasing the other merchant, then employed the Toad Flat Shadow Escape, hiding within one of the merchant's shadows.
Meanwhile, Genbu was awakened by his shadow clones' warning. He immediately roused Shimizu Nara and Yu Yamanaka. By the time Tsunade arrived at their room, the three were fully prepared for combat.
Six Rain ninjas infiltrated Genbu's room, only to find it empty.
"Damn it! We've been discovered."
The inadvertent activation of Shadow Escape and Mind Disturbance techniques struck four Rain ninjas. Two fell instantly; the remaining two drew their swords, while only the two lead Jonin avoided the attack.
"Double Clone Technique!" Genbu slammed his fists down, instantly killing the two ninjas controlled by his shadows. Tsunade quickly neutralized the other two Rain ninjas and surged forward. Genbu and the others followed, intending to keep them occupied.
The "fools" had planned to enter the inn quietly, capture Genbu, and leave. Instead, they were ambushed, losing four men on the spot.
No civilians were in danger at this point. Two lead Jonin formed hand seals and retaliated with Water Release: Exploding Water Wave, sending massive water spheres surging toward the Konoha ninjas.
Tsunade countered with Water Release: Water Wall Formation. Normally requiring five seals, Tsunade's version—modified by Senju Tobirama—needed only three. Water surged from her jade-colored mouth, forming a thick barrier that deflected the twin attacks.
(Many assume Tsunade's only offensive ability is raw brute force, but her chakra encompasses Fire, Lightning, Earth, Water, and Yang. While she may lack Yin-style genjutsu, her other ninjutsu are formidable.)
"Stick close, cooperate, and protect each other," Tsunade ordered before charging forward.
The three followed, but the Rain ninjas struck immediately: Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique. A five-meter-high flood swept the clearing, scattering four of them. The three elite ninjas then engaged Tsunade—not head-on, but using Water-and-Earth combinations to drag her down, forcing her on the defensive.
Two Jonin advanced toward Genbu, while the four Chunin blocked Shimizu and Yu.
The situation turned dire.
"Little brat, surrender," one Jonin sneered, overconfident in his victory.
"Just because you're a couple of worthless spuds and rotten eggs, you think you can capture me?"
Beneath his black goggles, a pair of crimson eyes tracked their every move. Dodging their attacks, Genbu formed hand seals and executed Ninjutsu: Multi Shadow Clone Technique. Ten shadow clones instantly appeared, wielding kunai and eliminating the opponents one by one.
"I was underestimated by a child… Water Clone Technique," Rain ninja Ryu countered with water clones. Masamune took a more direct approach: Water Release: Water Fang Bullet Technique, piercing five of Genbu's clones.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique. Masamune gathered water from the ground, forming a faster, more powerful projectile aimed at Genbu.
"Earth Escape, Earth Dragon Bomb!" A dragon of earth burst from the ground, colliding with the water dragon.
As expected, earth outweighed water. The earth dragon shattered the water dragon and charged forward toward Masamune, who had to use the Body Flicker Technique to evade. Genbu taunted: "Is that all you've got, you rotten spuds and eggs?"
At that moment, another Rain ninja appeared behind Genbu, casting Water Release: Water Prison Technique, trapping him in a watery cage.
"Hmph. He has skill, but he's just an untrained brat. Handling a few Genin? Sure. But facing us? Far too little."
Using shadow clones combined with water techniques, Liu Feng approached Genbu, launching a surprise attack at close range.
"Secured. Prepare to withdraw."
As Zhengzong tried to signal, the unexpected happened.
Earth Release Escape Technique: Heart-Slicing Art.
Liu Feng, still maintaining the Water Prison, had no time to react. Genbu dragged him underground, leaving only his head visible before a massive sword cleaved through it.
"You bastard!!!"
Zhengzong, enraged by his comrade's death, slashed at Genbu—but rage does not equal strength. As his blade collided, two crimson Mangekyo Sharingan eyes flashed. Genjutsu: Hypnosis. With his explosive spiritual power, Genbu easily handled a seasoned ninja.
You think you're immune to genjutsu? Who gave you the nerve to face the Sharingan?
Moments later, Masamune's head dropped. The two Jonin had underestimated the fifteen-year-old Genbu, assuming the mission would be easy. Their arrogance and carelessness cost them dearly.
As Genbu readjusted his goggles, the ground suddenly collapsed beneath them.
Earthquake?
Not at all. Tsunade, frustrated by the guerrilla tactics of the Rain ninjas, struck the ground with a single punch, shattering the floor.
The elite ninjas were forced back. Seeing the devastation, they could only sigh—this woman was formidable. Fortunately, prior intelligence had prepared them; otherwise, any rash approach would have left them unrecognizable.
Water Release: Destructive Water Wave! Three high-pressure water jets shot forward. Two Rain ninjas failed to dodge and were slashed, collapsing unconscious.
Every skilled medical-ninja is also a master of toxins.
"Damn it! This woman has no moral restraint—she poisons others at will!"
Seeing the situation deteriorate, the last Jonin attempted to retreat. Tsunade pursued.
Shadow Serpent Hand Technique. Snakes erupted from the ground, wrapping around the Rain ninja. One bit his neck, injecting venom—he died instantly.
When Genbu arrived, the battlefield was cleared by Shimizu and Yu.
The three had grown up together, training diligently under Genbu's supervision. Though never promoted to Jonin, their skill level rivaled elite Chunin.
By the time they regrouped with Tsunade, Orochimaru and Jiraiya were also present.
"Ask no questions. Move immediately—head to the Hidden Rain Village as fast as possible. Complete the mission, then return to Konoha without delay," Tsunade commanded.
"Clearly, our actions have been exposed. Rain Village leadership must know about Jiraiya and Orochimaru, but based on the attackers they sent, they may not associate you with us," Genbu noted.
There was a spy within Konoha, and from the earlier battle, it was clear the target was Genbu—likely due to information about his mother. The wisest course was to abandon the mission and return immediately.
Orochimaru glanced at Genbu with a hint of amusement.
Jiraiya agreed: "Tsunade, be rational. Now is not the time for gambling."