Chapter 474

If the teacher is stronger than the disciple, then it's no surprise that the teacher's summoned beast is larger than the disciple's.

After Gold Fang and Black Fang left the caravan, Shinki signaled them to stop.

"Stand up so I can observe you carefully."

Gold Fang and Black Fang obeyed, lifting their massive upper bodies out of the water. Like two towering pillars, they stood upright on the ocean's surface.

When the snakes were lying in the water, their difference in size wasn't as noticeable. But now that they stood side by side, the disparity was clear—Gold Fang was significantly larger, like a strong man standing next to a thin youth.

Shinki waved his hand, signaling that the observation was over.

"Gold Fang, when did this size difference between you and Black Fang start?"

Both snakes were products of Orochimaru's experiments, and their sizes had always been roughly equal. During Shinki's last journey through the ninja world, they had been the same size.

Now, Gold Fang was noticeably larger.

This was strange.

Did this guy eat some rare treasure or magical herb?

Gold Fang tilted his massive head thoughtfully before replying, "It seems the difference started after I followed Master Kushina and killed the big turtle."

"The big turtle?"

Shinki was momentarily stunned.

A big turtle... could it be?

His thoughts immediately jumped to Turtle Island in the Cloud Village.

According to Gold Fang, after Kushina killed an unbelievably large turtle, most of its flesh and blood had been given to Gold Fang. It was after consuming the turtle that Gold Fang's growth accelerated, surpassing Black Fang and creating the size difference visible now.

You guys didn't even take me with you for such a good thing!

Black Fang glanced at Gold Fang with visible envy. Ever since Gold Fang had told him about the turtle incident, Black Fang had been jealous.

"Ahem!"

Noticing Black Fang's resentful gaze toward Gold Fang, Shinki felt a chill run down his spine. Thankfully, the look wasn't directed at him—otherwise, he might have been tempted to slap Black Fang.

Clearing his throat, Shinki reminded the snakes sternly, "Keep everything about the big turtle to yourselves. Don't mention it to anyone, understand?"

Konoha and the Cloud Village were allies. If word got out that Kushina had killed the giant turtle—an asset of the Cloud Village—it would tarnish Konoha's reputation and damage the alliance.

So don't draw attention; just slip through quietly.

Black Fang remained envious, but there was nothing he could do. Opportunities like that came once in a lifetime, and there probably wasn't another turtle of that size in the ninja world.

Still, it was incredible that the flesh and blood of the turtle had such an effect, making Gold Fang's body grow as if it had consumed a miraculous elixir.

"Head back now. You two will be responsible for escorting the caravan during this journey."

"Yes, Master Shinki."

The two giant snakes obediently escorted Shinki back to the caravan. They positioned themselves on either side of the cargo ship, forming a protective barrier as the caravan sailed deeper into the sea.

Meanwhile, near a cluster of islands in the Land of Water, a fierce battle raged between the Mist Village and the Cloud Village.

Endless skirmishes with the Cloud had forced Yagura to station Mist ninjas on many islands around the area. Unfortunately, one such deployment had coincided with a Cloud Village assault, and the two forces clashed violently.

The fighting took place on the sea itself, with both sides abandoning their ships. The Mist ninjas, with their superior knowledge of water-based combat, initially held an advantage. But the Cloud ninjas, using their physical strength and lightning-style techniques, fought back fiercely.

As the battle intensified, more than a dozen cargo ships suddenly appeared on the horizon, sailing directly toward the conflict.

What the...?

Both sides halted their fighting momentarily, stunned by the audacity of a merchant fleet navigating through a war zone.

But what truly left them speechless were the two massive serpents that rose from the sea near the caravan.

The serpents—each large enough to destroy the merchant ships with a single swipe of their tails—towered over the battlefield, their powerful presence silencing everyone.

Where did these monsters come from?

More importantly, why are they escorting merchant ships?

Gold Fang and Black Fang, aware of the ongoing battle, had surfaced to ensure the caravan's safety. Standing tall above the water, they scanned the warring groups on either side.

Will they attack us?

The chakra radiating from the serpents was immense, warning even the boldest ninjas not to act recklessly.

Finally, Gold Fang spoke, his deep voice reverberating across the sea:

"The caravan protected by Master Shinki is about to pass through. Make way."

What?!

The Mist ninjas bristled at the demand. This is our territory, and you're telling us to make way?

Meanwhile, the Cloud ninjas exchanged glances, one of them murmuring, "Hyuga Shinki... isn't that the head of Konoha's Anbu?"

Another ninja nodded. "Yes, Raikage-sama said he's incredibly powerful. If it's him, we're allies."

The Cloud jonin stepped forward, addressing the serpents: "Lords, we're allies of Konoha. The people you see here are our enemies. Let's work together to eliminate them."

Gold Fang frowned slightly, glancing at the Mist ninjas, who looked ready to curse.

"Master Shinki is protecting the caravan and has no intention of engaging in conflict. Stay where you are. No one is allowed to move until the caravan has passed."

Gold Fang's declaration left both sides with no choice but to comply.

The Mist ninjas, though seething, didn't dare act rashly. And while the Cloud ninjas were frustrated, they couldn't argue with Gold Fang's commanding presence.

As the caravan finally sailed through the battlefield, Shinki jumped onto Gold Fang's head, surveying the scene below.

The Cloud ninjas greeted him enthusiastically.

"Master Shinki, since we're allies, why not join us in eliminating the Mist ninjas?"

Shinki shook his head. "Although Konoha and the Cloud Village are allies, my duty here is to escort this caravan safely—not to participate in battles. The caravan will be stopping in the Mist Village to trade, so I can't attack them. Please understand."

The Cloud ninjas were stunned.

The Mist ninjas, on the other hand, were elated.

"Master Shinki, the Mist Village welcomes all merchants. We will ensure safe passage through our waters," one Mist ninja said, bowing slightly.

Shinki's impartial stance diffused the tension. Both sides withdrew, sending messages to their respective leaders.

The caravan proceeded unscathed, its crew heaving sighs of relief.

Back in the Mist Village, Yagura was astonished when he received the news.

"Konoha sent Hyuga Shinki to escort a caravan?" Yagura mused aloud. "Isn't that overkill?"

Still, he ordered his forces not to hinder the caravan, instructing them to allow its passage—even through the war zone.

Meanwhile, in the Cloud Village, the Third Raikage was less composed.

"Bang!!"

He slammed his desk with a frustrated scowl.

"What is Konoha thinking?! Sending Hyuga Shinki to escort a caravan? Is there no one else in their village? If they have such talent to spare, why not lend him to us?! We'd pay handsomely!"