LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 36: Chapter 36
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Nightfall, Somewhere in the Land of Fields (Tian no Kuni)
Teams Tsunade and Uchiha Shisui, eight shinobi in total, gathered near a small clearing after traveling through the rough terrain for hours. They'd put considerable distance between themselves and the Konoha camp, and with the sun dipping below the horizon, it was time for introductions—and to assess each other's strengths before advancing.
Shisui stepped forward. "I am Uchiha Shisui, Jonin, and I possess the Three Tomoe Sharingan. My expertise is in Fire Release, kenjutsu, and genjutsu."
It was a measured opening, setting the example for the rest to follow. Knowing each other's abilities was crucial; with a clear understanding of each skill set, they could craft a strategy that ensured everyone was prepared for the mission ahead.
"Tsunade, medical-nin," she said simply. Her reputation was already well known—nothing more needed to be added.
"Itachi Uchiha, Chūnin. I have the Two Tomoe Sharingan, and my skills are focused on Fire Release and genjutsu, like Shisui-san's," Itachi said, his tone calm and collected.
This version of Itachi was far removed from the young boy Natsume remembered from another timeline. Under Orochimaru's instruction, his growth had accelerated, and the war had hardened him, honing a resolve beyond his years.
Anko Mitarashi spoke up next, her voice brimming with energy. "Anko Mitarashi, Chūnin! I'm strong in Fire Release and specialize in snake ninjutsu, which I learned from my sensei."
Natsume glanced at her thoughtfully. Anko Mitarashi—the woman he knew would someday wield her snake techniques with a frightening efficiency. How young she was now, yet full of energy and optimism.
"Yūgao Uzuki," said the purple-haired kunoichi coolly. "I'm trained in kenjutsu and have learned a few snake techniques from my sensei as well."
Her appearance and the precision of her words bore the unmistakable influence of Orochimaru. Though not a major figure in the original timeline, she was evidently another of his talented protégés.
Finally, Natsume introduced himself. "My name is Natsume. I use Water and Earth Release and have a large chakra reserve, approaching Jonin-level capacity." He kept his description brief, giving only what was essential.
Kabuto Yakushi went next, speaking with a calm demeanor. "Kabuto Yakushi, Genin. I'm a medical-nin."
"Shizune, Chūnin, and also a medical-nin," said Tsunade's apprentice with quiet confidence.
Shisui raised an eyebrow, surprised by the presence of so many medics. "Two medical-nin… That's quite a luxury," he observed. "Our team has managed without one so far."
Tsunade nodded, then addressed the group. "All right, everyone—rest up. We'll need our energy for what's to come."
"Yes, ma'am!" the group replied in unison.
It was decided that Natsume and Itachi would take the first watch until midnight.
Perched on a nearby branch, Natsume glanced over at Itachi. "Been a while since we last crossed paths. I've heard you've been doing well, Itachi."
Itachi, scanning the forest, responded without looking back. "You're not so bad yourself, I hear."
Natsume raised an eyebrow. Is that a compliment?
"Hokage-sama speaks highly of you," Itachi continued. "He even showed me one of your essays on the Will of Fire. I found it… insightful."
Natsume chuckled internally. Of course, Hiruzen would do that. Outwardly, he kept his composure. "Hokage-sama has been a good teacher. I still have a lot to learn, but he's always been an inspiration."
It was difficult for Natsume to praise the Will of Fire so earnestly, but it was a necessary step to gain Itachi's trust—something that might prove useful later.
Over the next half hour, the two kept a steady conversation going. Slowly but surely, Itachi's guard seemed to ease, and by the time Shisui and Kabuto relieved them for the next watch, he appeared genuinely more at ease.
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The Next Morning
After packing up, the group set off again, navigating through rocky trails with Shisui and Itachi leading reconnaissance. While the Byakugan had superior range, the Sharingan's versatility in spotting subtle traps and genjutsu made it invaluable for such terrain.
As they moved closer to their target—the Kumogakure forward camp—Natsume noticed the base's strategic position by a river upstream.
"Do you think we could flood their camp with a Water Release jutsu?" Natsume suggested, recalling strategies from battles in his previous life.
Shisui considered it, then shook his head. "It might disrupt them for a few moments, but most shinobi can walk on water. It would only create temporary confusion, at best."
Natsume nodded, acknowledging the truth. Most Kumo-nin would be able to counter water-based attacks quickly.
"This terrain does favor us, though," Shisui continued. "Konoha has more skilled Water Release users than Kumo. It's an advantage we can capitalize on."
As they neared their destination, Tsunade called for a halt. "We'll split into two teams once night falls. The priority is gathering intel without alerting the enemy. Shisui, I want you to capture two Kumogakure shinobi. Use your Sharingan to get the information we need without causing suspicion."
Shisui nodded. "Understood, Tsunade-sama." With his Mangekyo Sharingan, he knew he could achieve this without raising an alarm.
As night descended, the mission entered its most dangerous phase.
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The four Natsume clones circled the Kumogakure base camp carefully, scanning for any signs of unusual activity.
Nothing seemed out of place.
Returning without any findings wasn't unexpected—if it had been too easy, it likely would have been a trap.
If Tsunade were alone, she might have already attempted to infiltrate the base. But with Uchiha Shisui's team assisting, she didn't need to take such risks. Patience would serve them better.
"So soon?" Shizune raised an eyebrow as she spotted the four Uchihas returning. "Infiltrating a base and capturing someone without detection isn't usually this fast," she remarked, assuming they'd simply been lucky.
But Natsume knew better. This wasn't luck—it was pure skill. The Mangekyō Sharingan was active, subtly enhancing Shisui's perception. Unless someone looked directly into Shisui's eyes, they wouldn't notice the change.
Mitarashi Anko and Uzuki Yugao had been hidden away effortlessly, thanks to Shisui's precision and experience.
"Something went wrong?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she noticed the serious expression on Shisui's face. "What did you find?"
"They're preparing a water-based attack," Shisui replied, pointing toward the distant riverbank. "They plan to flood the lower valley."
"A flood?" Tsunade glanced at Natsume instinctively.
"And that's just the start," Shisui continued. "Phase two involves a lightning strike. They've set up a device along the riverbed to amplify Lightning Release chakra and electrify the water."
Tsunade's expression hardened. Shinobi might be able to walk on water, but defending against an electrified flood would be a different story. If the plan worked, it could paralyze Konoha forces and give Kumogakure a significant advantage.
The idea of a chakra-amplifying device wasn't surprising. Kumogakure had always been known for its technological advances. In the past, they'd even developed the Space-Time Chakra Cannon, a weapon powerful enough to potentially destroy the moon. A lightning-amplifying device was well within their capabilities.
"Well," Tsunade muttered, "now that we know their plan, we can stop it."
There were two options: destroy the device or alert Uchiha Fugaku and relocate their forces. But simply stopping it felt too easy.
"Shizune, Kabuto, Anko," Tsunade ordered, her voice firm, "return to camp and inform Fugaku of the situation."
The three nodded, understanding the urgency of their mission. Their skills would be more valuable relaying information than remaining here.
Tsunade turned to the rest of the group—Natsume, Uchiha Itachi, and Uzuki Yugao, each more than capable of holding their own in combat.
"What about you, Tsunade-sama?" Anko asked, casting a wary glance at Yugao.
"We're going to destroy that lightning-amplifying device," Tsunade declared. "And if possible, leave Kumogakure with a reminder of what it means to challenge Konoha."
Anko and the others exchanged a glance but didn't hesitate. They gave a respectful bow before heading off toward the camp.
Once they were alone, Tsunade looked back at Shisui. "What exactly is the setup of this device?"
"The main control is within Kumogakure's camp. It requires nine jounin with Lightning Release to power it. They channel their chakra through cables laid across the riverbed, and once activated, the water will be electrified instantly," Shisui explained, having gathered the details through interrogation using his Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Troublesome," Tsunade muttered, thinking it through. With only five people on their team, they couldn't supply chakra equal to nine Lightning Release jounin.
Requesting reinforcements from Konoha was an option, but that would alert Kumogakure to their movements. The area was heavily monitored, and a large mobilization would draw attention immediately.
Shisui hesitated, debating whether to reveal his Mangekyō's ultimate ability. Kotoamatsukami could potentially control the jounin or even manipulate the subconscious of the Raikage himself. But his last encounter with Orochimaru had taught him caution. This ability was not something he was ready to expose yet—not even to Tsunade.
Natsume, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Does it require nine jounin specifically, or just the equivalent amount of lightning-natured chakra?"
"Only the chakra, and it needs to be lightning-based," Shisui confirmed.
Tsunade's eyes brightened. "If that's the case, I can manage the chakra of nine jounin with my Yin Seal."
Shisui's expression shifted in surprise, but Tsunade was already resolved. "Lead the way."
As they neared the riverbank, they spotted heavy patrols around the area. Entering undetected was out of the question.
"Natsume," Tsunade whispered, outlining her plan. "Use Water Release to breach the embankment, then Earth Release to direct the water flow into their base. Once that's done, sever the cable."
Natsume nodded, understanding the importance of timing and precision. His Wood Release skills would also be critical for controlling the water flow.
"I'll activate the lightning-amplifying device," Tsunade continued. "The rest of you will have the tougher task—keeping the enemies at bay."
They all knew the challenge they faced. With hundreds of shinobi, including many jounin, the odds were not in their favor.
Tsunade turned to the others, her eyes sharp. "Have any of you learned Summoning jutsu?"
Both Itachi and Yugao nodded. Orochimaru's influence had left them well-prepared.
"Perfect," Tsunade smirked. "Summon two snakes and a slug—they'll buy us enough time."
If they succeeded, this would be a major blow to Kumogakure and a significant step for Konoha. For Tsunade, it could mean a faster path to the Hokage seat.
Natsume felt a thrill of anticipation. His goal of becoming a key player in the Hokage's plans was within reach.
In ancient times, Guan Yu flooded seven armies. Today, Natsume would flood the Kumogakure base.
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(A/N:-Guan Yu flooding the Seven Armies is one of his most famous exploits from Romance of the Three Kingdoms. During the late Three Kingdoms period, Guan Yu, the legendary general of Shu, was laying siege to Fancheng. He faced a combined force sent by his rivals, Cao Cao and Sun Quan, who hoped to break his control over the region.
Taking advantage of the heavy rains, Guan Yu cleverly broke the dikes of the Han River, unleashing floodwaters onto the enemy encampments. This move drowned countless enemy soldiers, plunging their ranks into chaos and weakening their strength. This tactical victory not only showcased Guan Yu's military genius but also added to his legendary status in Chinese folklore as a deity and symbol of loyalty and valor.)