Chapter 27: Counterattack on Amegakure

The strength of a ninja has always been a very private matter. Inquiring about someone's limit in the ninja world is akin to asking: "Hey, if I want to kill you, what's your breaking point?"

"Why do you ask?" Banma's expression remained unchanged, maintaining the same smile he had during their prior exchange.

"Sigh, the village is about to go to war. We're going to face two ninja villages, and it's worrying."

It's no wonder he was anxious. The Third Hokage was already fifty years old this year, but it was his first time leading a large-scale war for the village.

However, this concern is not without reason. Although the Second Shinobi World War was smaller in scale compared to the Third, involving only Sunagakure, Konoha, Amegakure, and a few minor countries, the outcome in the original storyline was not optimistic.

In the Land of Rain battlefield led by the Sannin, Konoha's forces, aside from the so-called "Sannin," were nearly wiped out. Only in the Land of Wind battlefield led by White Fang were there relatively considerable results, where the genius puppeteers of Sunagakure, Scorpion's parents, were killed.

Nevertheless, this was far from a resounding success for Konoha, a village that prided itself on its dominion in the ninja world. Banma had emerged as a rising star within the village and held a rather flexible stance politically. His position carried significant political weight.

This time, the core leadership of the war consisted of Uchiha Banma, the "Sannin," and White Fang.

Banma wasn't in a rush to speak. He still believed the Third Hokage did not fully trust him. After all, the Eight Gates technique, though considered forbidden, had not yet shown its powerful effects. Its inclusion in the Book of Seals was likely due to the significant harm it caused to the human body, much like the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.

The Third Hokage's refusal to grant him access to the technique suggested that Konoha's higher-ups were consciously trying to impede his development. Remembering the attitudes of the higher-ups, Banma's smile faded as he responded calmly, "Facing Hanzō of the Salamander, I have the ability to protect myself."

The Third Hokage smiled wryly upon hearing this. What did "the ability to protect myself" mean? Right now, you dare to stand against Mangekyō Sharingan Uchiha and Senju's direct descendants alone. One shudders to think what you'll dare to do in the future.

With a look of an elder, he said earnestly, "Since the First Shinobi World War, Konoha has suffered significant losses, and the village has yet to fully recover. Among your peers, Banma, you are ahead of the rest. It's time to take on some responsibilities for Konoha. We also want to give you more weight."

Listening to these familiar words, Banma felt that the Third Hokage was using his signature skill, the art of grand promises!

Of course, saying it nicely, your good disciple, Jiraiya, was promoted to Jōnin at fifteen. Due to his Uchiha lineage and fierce thirst for experience in his early years, Banma's ninja rank had been suppressed by the Hokage building until now.

"There is no need to say more; I will do my part for the village. After all, you are aware of my relationship with Tsunade. This is also a calculated decision by the Uchiha clan," Banma quietly represented the Uchiha clan as he spoke.

The Third Hokage was visibly surprised; he had only heard rumors about Tsunade and Banma. Given his Telescope Technique and the fact that the Anbu didn't dare monitor the Senju Crane Courtyard or the Uchiha Compound, he could only guess.

"Is that so? Congratulations to you both," he said dryly. "Then, I will issue my orders. We need to respond to Amegakure's provocations but need to control the scale. The Elder Council has considered it, and you are the most suitable candidate."

This assignment was a very difficult one. Confronting Hanzō, who had shown hostility, and conducting a retaliation carried considerable risk. However, as a ninja of Konoha, it was hard to refuse a mission assigned by the Hokage.

Banma thought for a moment before asking, "I need specific mission objectives."

The Third Hokage handed him a scroll. "The main task is to reassess and map Amegakure's geography, noting important strategic points. If you can encounter key personnel, eliminate them directly; no need to capture them alive."

This was the tragedy of small ninja villages. Even when friction arose between major countries, there was still a chance to be taken as bargaining chips in negotiations. Banma nodded in understanding. Before making a grand show in front of the entire village, it was best not to argue too much with the Hokage.

The Third Hokage maintained his kind face, "Be careful out there, Banma. I wish you success."

Konoha, Root Division.

Danzo, leaning on a cane, wore a gloomy expression as he looked at the visiting Banma. "State your business."

It seemed that Danzo was still deeply affected by the remark made a few days ago: "Why don't you just give up?"

Banma glanced at the empty desk. This man was so blunt; he didn't even offer tea anymore.

"The Third Hokage has tasked me with scouting Amegakure and retaliating against key personnel. I was in the Anbu for a long time, but when it comes to intelligence, nobody does it better than your Root division."

Despite Danzo's poor character and extreme, twisted beliefs, he indeed had his own set of skills. Danzo's expression softened slightly, and he snorted before a Root ninja handed over an intel scroll. This manner was almost on par with the Hokage's.

Danzo spread out a photo from the intel report in front of Banma. "This is Hanzō's only son, Iga. His strength isn't noteworthy; at most, he's a Jōnin. Eliminating him would be our best response, the retribution Hanzō deserves for provoking us."

Banma nodded knowingly, smiling as he asked, "Anything else you need me to handle?"

Danzo finally dropped his scowl and produced a map, pointing to the country of bears next to Amegakure. "There is an underground gold exchange here. Eighty million ryō of Root's funds were taken by unknown rogue ninjas, and a team was wiped out. Check it out. If they can't pay back the silver, destroy the exchange."

Looking thoughtfully at the map, the country of bears lost its funds. Anyone who could kill an entire Root squad was likely an expert in shuriken. What really intrigued Banma was Bear Country's Hoshigakure. The secrets hidden there might be the key to his breakthrough.