Chapter 65: Luring the Enemy into a Trap

"Bang."

Upon learning that a large number of Rain ninjas on patrol had been massacred during his absence, Hanzō smashed the low table in front of him with a single punch.

This time, the Konoha team consisted of six highly skilled ninjas, with Orochimaru being just one of them.

As for their exact levels of strength, the under - qualified scout was unable to provide details.

Orochimaru is just a defeated foe he's already faced.

He also knew about a taijutsu expert with a center - part hairstyle in a tight suit, as Shimen had told him about this ninja.

There were also two swordsmanship experts, a kunoichi with [Chakra Enhanced Strength], and a white - haired man with an afro.

Hanzō fell into deep thought. He wasn't sure if he could handle all six of them alone.

"These Konoha bugs."

After a moment, Hanzō cursed bitterly and seemed to have come up with a plan.

"Shinda."

"My lord Hanzō."

Shinda respectfully approached Hanzō and bowed slightly.

"You..."

Hanzō whispered his plan to Shinda.

"I'll definitely carry it out."

After saying that, Shinda left, while Hanzō remained in place, still deep in thought.

I can't take on all six at once, so I'll fight them in groups of three.

When the Konoha team was still two days' journey away from Amegakure Village, they began to gradually converge.

The decisive battle was approaching, and it was no longer possible to preserve their strength and avoid a head - on confrontation.

Everyone's face showed varying degrees of worry. No one knew if they would end up buried in the Land of Rain.

It's easier said than done to face death bravely.

Kawaki had joined forces with Orochimaru and the others, and a small group of Jonin were still on their way to join them.

"As long as we hold back the Sanshōuo, we won't lose this battle."

Orochimaru fixed his gaze on the Sanshōuo. Although Hanzō was stronger than him, the gap wasn't insurmountable.

In comparison, Hanzō's summon posed a greater threat to the Konoha ninjas than Hanzō himself.

"The Sanshōuo needs five minutes to gather its [Poison Mist] before it can spit it out."

Facing the impending battle, Kawaki no longer held back and shared the information he had learned from the original plot with the others.

"Is this information reliable?"

Tsunade perked up. This was crucial intelligence that she had never heard of before.

"Um, my Aniki came to the Land of Rain on a mission once, right?"

"He learned this from a Rain ninja."

In a moment of desperation, Kawaki pinned the blame on Sakumo.

He just had no experience of missions in the Land of Rain, so it was hard to explain otherwise.

Everyone's eyes turned to Sakumo in unison.

Sakumo, who had been an on - looker just now, was now in the spotlight and felt a bit dazed.

When did I know this? I have no idea.

"Ahem."

Kawaki coughed twice. He believed that he and his Aniki had a good understanding.

After all, they were brothers, bound by blood.

"It's true. I'd almost forgotten if Kawaki hadn't mentioned it."

Sakumo forced a laugh and readily took the blame without any hesitation.

"Then we have a better chance of dealing with the Sanshōuo."

Everyone trusted Sakumo's words, and Orochimaru also gained a bit more confidence.

He was determined to avenge his previous defeat. 

"When the time comes, I'll hold off Hanzō. You guys take out the Sanshōuo as soon as possible."

Kawaki still wanted to test his mettle against Hanzō. Since he came to Konoha, he hadn't faced a ninja of this caliber.

"Are you sure you can do it?"

Jiraiya was a bit concerned because Orochimaru had admitted that he couldn't hold a candle to Hanzō.

"No problem. I'll use my Shikkotsu Forest Sage Art on Hanzō first."

Kawaki's words nearly floored Jiraiya on the spot. His current Sage Art wasn't ready for real - world combat yet.

It took an eternity to activate, and there'd be no time on the battlefield.

"Well, that's good then."

After Jiraiya said this, he didn't say anything else.

Kawaki was handsome, outstanding, and wealthy. Losing wasn't a disgrace for him as long as Tsunade could be happy.

"Then we'll take out the Sanshōuo and come back to help you as soon as possible."

Dai was always that confident young lad. He never thought he'd lose before a fight.

"Haha, okay."

Kawaki patted Dai on the shoulder. Having someone like him by his side made him feel extremely secure.

When all the Konoha ninjas rallied and made their way to Amegakure Village, their movements were blown.

Hanzō didn't hunker down as Kawaki had anticipated. Instead, he swaggered out with the Rain ninjas and showed up in front of them.

"Orochimaru, long time no see."

Hanzō spoke first and surprisingly addressed Orochimaru.

"This'll be our final encounter."

Orochimaru's words were full of meaning. Coupled with his cold voice, it gave people goosebumps.

"A loser still has the nerve to talk big."

Hanzō's anger flared up instantly. He brandished the Kusarigama in his hand but didn't give the order to attack.

The ninjas on both sides were ready for battle, just waiting for the commander's order.

"Since he's come out, let's fight."

Tsunade was also annoyed by what Hanzō said. No matter what, Orochimaru was her fellow disciple, not to mention he was now Kawaki's friend.

"Let's see what the Demigod of the Ninja World is made of."

Kawaki held the eight - sided Han sword and was eager to start.

"Then let's fight."

Orochimaru and Jiraiya also agreed.

"Go!"

The single word echoed among the Konoha ninjas, and the great battle began.

There was no fancy Ninjutsu at the start. Both sides engaged in the most bloody hand - to - hand combat.

When the two teams clashed, another group of Rain ninjas rushed onto the battlefield from the other side.

The leader of the Rain ninjas was a real powerhouse and managed to fend off the combined assault of Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

Tsunade punched a Rain ninja flying beside her and rushed over to help.

For every powerful Rain ninja taken out, fewer Konoha ninjas would bite the dust.

It wasn't too late to turn back when the Sanshōuo appeared.

Sakumo and Dai also rushed into the crowd of Rain ninjas.

The green whirlwind and the white sword light whirled among the Rain ninjas, and dozens of lives were soon snuffed out.

Kawaki held his sword, which was flashing with lightning, and his body was also enveloped in lightning.

"Hanzō of the Salamander, if you don't use your Summoning Jutsu now, you won't have another chance."

He didn't charge straight at him but inched forward, still goading Hanzō with his words.

A ninja of this level wouldn't be easily disturbed by words. Seeing that Hanzō remained unfazed.

Still brandishing the Kusarigama in place without a word, Kawaki stopped probing and teleported straight over.

Much to his surprise, he easily sliced the body in half, and it turned into water and dispersed.

It was a water clone.

Kawaki immediately left his original spot, thinking that Hanzō would seize this opportunity to launch an attack.

However, he no longer saw Hanzō's figure.

The battle in the field was still raging.

Tsunade and the other two couldn't defeat this Rain ninja for the time being. The more they fought, the more startled they were. They were on the verge of killing him.

But there was always a slight difference.

None of the three noticed that the battlefield had now been divided into two parts.

One group, led by Kawaki, was fighting Hanzō, and they were up against this high - ranking Rain ninja.

On both fronts, the Rain ninjas were being overwhelmed by the Konoha ninjas and suffered heavy casualties.

Sanshōuo was also nowhere to be seen.

"I'm not wasting any more time with you."

"We'll fight another day."

This high - ranking Rain ninja was concerned about the casualties of his subordinates and evaded the attacks of the three.

"Retreat."

He led the remaining Rain ninjas to flee from the battlefield.

How could Tsunade and the other two let that happen? They weren't about to let their target slip away.

After exchanging glances, the three of them led the Konoha ninjas behind them to chase after them.

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