185. Battle Of Platycodon Mountain

The Third Mizukage died before Sora's eyes.

Sora looked at the Mizukage's body with a blank expression, feeling no particular emotion. The opponents Sora would face in the future would certainly be much more powerful than the Third Mizukage, so there was nothing to celebrate.

If Sora couldn't defeat someone of the Third Mizukage's caliber, it would be a serious cause for reflection.

Among the crowd watching from a distance, Sora noticed a young man with green hair and purple eyes.

Sora recognized him immediately.

It was Yagura, the future Fourth Mizukage.

In just a few years after taking power, Yagura would fall under Uchiha Obito's control and implement an even more extreme Blood Mist policy than his predecessor.

Sora smiled faintly at Yagura, then turned and left.

Yagura saw Sora's smile directed at him and his expression turned serious.

He was certain that Sora had deliberately smiled at him, but why?

He had never met Sora before, not even on the battlefield.

Yagura had recently been designated as Kirigakure's second Jinchūriki by the village leadership, which was why Kirigakure's elders had strictly forbidden him from joining the battle.

Sora's powerful presence had been deeply imprinted in Yagura's mind.

Sora walked up to Kakashi and asked, "Ready to leave?"

"Yes!"

Kakashi tried to stand up, but halfway through the effort, his legs gave out and he sat back down.

"Don't push yourself," Sora said. "I'll carry you."

Sora lifted Kakashi onto his back and walked away from the battlefield.

...

Before Sora could return to Konoha's outpost in Amegakure, news that Kirigakure's Third Mizukage had been killed by him had spread throughout the ninja world.

By the time Sora returned to the outpost, Kakashi had mostly recovered.

Orochimaru summoned Sora to his quarters, looked him up and down, and sighed. "After all these years, your growth continues to surprise me."

Sora smiled and responded respectfully, "No matter how much I grow, Orochimaru-sensei, you will always be my teacher. I will never forget your kindness."

Sora didn't care what others said about Orochimaru. To him, Orochimaru had shown true kindness—the kind of profound kindness that creates a lifelong bond.

Over the years, Orochimaru had worked tirelessly to train him.

Sora was determined to repay that kindness.

Orochimaru smiled. "It seems our paths will continue to run parallel in the future."

His expression then turned solemn. "I'm afraid I can't allow you time to rest now, Sora.

I've received the latest intelligence from Konoha.

Kumogakure and Sunagakure, who previously announced their withdrawal from the war, have formed an alliance and appear to be directly invading the Land of Fire, launching an aggressive campaign against Konoha."

Sora's eyes narrowed. Had it started so soon?

This would be the final battle of the Third Ninja World War.

"The newly appointed Fourth Raikage A is no simple character," Orochimaru said coldly. "After using the Third Raikage's final order to announce Kumo's withdrawal from the war, he sat back like a tiger watching from a mountain, accumulating strength while letting everyone else lower their guard. He waited for the perfect moment to deliver a fatal blow to his chosen target."

Regarding this battle, Sora already knew the situation well. "So the village they've targeted is Konoha."

Orochimaru nodded. "Yes. To be frank, they can't defeat Iwagakure. Kirigakure is isolated on an island and lacks resources worth fighting for. Sunagakure is notoriously impoverished. But Konoha has endured years of war and, despite recent improvements, is at its most vulnerable. Konoha is the only suitable target.

As insurance, Kumogakure has allied with Sunagakure, which has long coveted Konoha's territory and power.

I've heard that Sunagakure is blaming Konoha for the disappearance of the Third Kazekage, claiming it was Konoha's doing. This is clearly just an excuse for Suna to wage war against us."

Sora asked, "What is my mission, Orochimaru-sensei? Should I move with the main force, or operate independently?"

"With your current abilities, it would be wasteful to restrict you to the main force," Orochimaru replied. "We've decided to let you act independently, harassing and attacking the rear lines of Kumogakure or Sunagakure. You'll have a high degree of freedom—just focus on causing maximum damage!"

Sora nodded in agreement. "I understand."

Orochimaru stood up. "Go prepare yourself. We're abandoning our position in Amegakure. This battle should be the final confrontation of the war."

After leaving Orochimaru's quarters, Sora found Kakashi and briefed him on the situation. They packed their belongings and followed the main force as it withdrew to the Land of Fire.

By the time Sora and Kakashi returned to Konoha with the main army, Kumogakure and Sunagakure had already begun their invasion.

Uzumaki Kushina had already departed with the ninja troops to fight, so they weren't able to meet her.

Before heading to battle, Sora reported to Orochimaru and then visited the Root headquarters to see Danzo.

After all, Sora was officially Danzo's subordinate now.

Sora arrived at the Root office and met with Danzo.

Danzo was visibly pleased that Sora had taken the initiative to see him, rather than waiting to be summoned by Root agents.

The current Sora was vastly different from before.

As someone who had killed a Kage, Sora had fundamentally changed in status. He had truly ascended to the upper echelon of the ninja world's power hierarchy.

And for someone of Sora's caliber to visit him proactively—how could Danzo not be pleased?

"You've truly impressed me," Danzo said with satisfaction. "Even Kirigakure's Third Mizukage fell by your hand."

Sora responded humbly, "The Third Mizukage may have grown complacent in recent years. I was fortunate to defeat him."

Danzo waved his hand dismissively. "No matter how complacent, a Kage is still the strongest ninja in their village. Your ability to kill him proves your exceptional power."

Danzo continued, "You've handled the Uchiha clan matter skillfully. Once the war ends, our operations regarding the Uchiha should proceed smoothly. For this upcoming battle, will you be acting independently or with the main force?"

Sora replied, "Orochimaru-sensei has assigned me to operate independently, targeting the rear lines of Kumogakure or Sunagakure."

Danzo nodded approvingly. "Good. At your level, you'll be more effective alone than as part of the main army."

After conversing with Danzo a while longer, Sora left the Root base and headed toward the battlefield.

Two days later, Konoha's main force encountered the combined ninja armies of Kumogakure and Sunagakure, and battle erupted immediately.

With the coordinated resistance led by Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and others, the conflict was contained at Mount Kikyo.

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