Chapter 76: Adapt to the Situation
Chapter 76: Adapt to the Situation
Kakashi shook his head and said, "There were discussions during previous meetings, but the Third Hokage insisted on not taking any additional precautions. We can only act according to the situation."
Mizuki remained silent. The Four Violet Flames Formation could be activated quickly, and the Sound Four were formidable enough that breaking the barrier in a short time was almost impossible. Without preparing in advance, it would be nearly impossible to interfere in the battle between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage. With the threat of Edo Tensei, the Third Hokage had almost no chance of survival.
"Isn't there any way to change this?" Mizuki asked.
"There are few people who can intervene in a battle at the Hokage's level. Even if we go, it wouldn't make much difference," Sarutobi Asuma replied. He knew the Third Hokage well, despite the generational conflict from when he was younger. Asuma never gave up the idea of personally punishing Orochimaru, even if it meant risking his own life.
Though Asuma's words made sense, the thought of simply watching the Four Violet Flames Formation being set up, helplessly witnessing the Third Hokage's death, felt agonizing.
The only one who might change the outcome, Jiraiya, was still in the village. However, given his lingering old feelings for Orochimaru, helping the Third Hokage kill his former comrade wasn't an easy decision for him. Most likely, he would stay hidden, waiting for the situation to unfold. He only revealed himself later when giant summoned beasts threatened the village.
"The grudges between these old friends are too tangled to sort out..." Mizuki thought, forcing himself to set aside unrealistic ideas and focus on the present.
"Still, it's surprising that both Naruto and Sakura won. That was quite unexpected," Kakashi said with a smile.
Naruto's victory was somewhat within reason, but Sakura's was more surprising. Even with targeted training, a month seemed too short to bridge the gap.
"You should probably pay more attention to your students, Kakashi." With things relatively calm for now, Mizuki suggested, "I've marked a few suspicious targets for observation. We'll act when the time comes."
"Alright, I'll do my part as a teacher for now." Kakashi waved his hand, putting away his Icha Icha Paradise book, and went to check on Naruto and Sakura.
"Asuma, Kurenai, we should get back up there. It wouldn't be good to keep the important people waiting," said Asuma, nodding to Kurenai.
"We'll come down to help if anything happens," Kurenai assured Mizuki before leaving.
"When the large-scale genjutsu—Nirvana Temple Technique—activates later, everyone will be too overwhelmed to assist..." Mizuki thought grimly. Most of the people present were civilians without any resistance to such techniques. The few ninja on site would be overwhelmed protecting the crowd, unable to take organized action.
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While the situation outside remained tense, the fight in the arena reached a fever pitch. It was clear that a decisive outcome was near.
Temari's Wind Release techniques, combined with her massive iron fan, made her a force to be reckoned with. Though her close combat skills were not particularly strong, they weren't lacking either. The power of her Wind Release: Sickle Weasel kept Shikamaru constantly on the move, preventing him from getting close enough to use his Shadow Possession Technique. Many of his clever tactics were repeatedly nullified.
"The strength of the Sand Ninja is nothing to be underestimated..." Mizuki mused. Though Temari had yet to find a way to completely overpower Shikamaru, the latter was no ordinary Genin. Growing up in a privileged environment, with a sharp mind and natural talent, Shikamaru's lazy nature only held him back from realizing his full potential.
The Village Hidden in the Sand was in a harsh environment, with limited resources and a history of defeat in the last two Ninja Wars. The loss of the Third Kazekage dealt a fatal blow to the village's reputation. The Sand Village was forced to adopt an "elite few" strategy, concentrating resources to cultivate a handful of powerful ninja.
Though Konoha had the advantage of numbers and balance, the Sand Village's mid-to-high-ranking ninjas were individually stronger. Only the Mist Village, the Village of Bloody Mist, could rival them in terms of elite power. If not for Konoha's steady stream of talented individuals and strong clans, the Sand Village would have long since made a more aggressive move.
However, the aging Third Hokage could no longer maintain Konoha's dominance. When Orochimaru made his move, the Sand Village, already seeking a way out of its dilemma, decided to take the risk and ally with him.
The battle between Temari and Shikamaru was just a small reflection of the larger situation. Konoha's outward strength masked a weakened core, while the Sand Village could no longer afford to hold back.
Despite Temari's dominance, Shikamaru eventually seized an opportunity. Unfortunately, his chakra was almost depleted, forcing him to admit defeat.
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Kakashi returned to Mizuki's side after catching up with his students. "What do you think of Shikamaru's performance?" he asked.
"Shikamaru?" Mizuki paused. "A genius among geniuses. But..." He glanced over at Sakura. "He relies too much on his intellect. While high intelligence is a powerful tool, it can also become a shackle that holds him back. Whether he can overcome that limitation will determine his future."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "You have a good eye, Mizuki. You really seem to have a knack for teaching."
"Is that a compliment for me or yourself? You can barely manage your three students, and yet you worry about others?" Mizuki retorted.
"Come on, it's not like that. We know each other well. It's only natural to help out from time to time, right?" Kakashi said with a lighthearted tone.
"You're talking about Sakura, aren't you?" Mizuki shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to help. If she wants guidance, she's always welcome. Honestly, someone as bright as her would be a great companion for my research. But..."
He looked at Kakashi seriously. "You're underestimating Sakura's potential. You really should find her a more suitable mentor. I can only guide her temporarily. To truly nurture her abilities, she needs someone better suited to teach medical ninjutsu and chakra control."
Kakashi sighed. "You're right. I guess I'll have to think about that."
In his heart, Mizuki knew that Sakura needed a master like Tsunade, someone who could truly push her medical and combat abilities to new heights. For now, though, he could only guide her along the way.
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