svetikya Chapter 124 The Land of Rivers, White Fang's Mission
Chapter 124 The Land of Rivers, White Fang's Mission
Chapter 115 The Land of Rivers, White Fang's Mission
In the Thousand Hands Mansion, there is both the joy of bathing together and the longing of solitude.
In Konoha Village, the lights of thousands of homes flicker, reflecting the joys and sorrows of human life.
The Land of Fire, located in the center of the five great nations, has a mild climate, vast arable land, a large population, and a prosperous economy.
It is a coveted land by the other four major powers, and it also has the most neighboring countries, making its geopolitical situation complex.
Night had fallen.
In the neighboring country to the west of the Land of Fire—the Land of Rivers—a major event is taking place that is of great importance to Konoha's interests.
The Land of Rivers is nestled between the Lands of Wind and Fire, and its territory is long and narrow from north to south. It borders the Land of Rain to the north and the sea to the south.
The area is mostly mountainous with rivers and barren land, except for some forests and plains on the east side.
Although it was called a country, it had long been in a state of fragmentation due to inconvenient internal transportation and the control of local forces.
Its long and narrow territory even includes many independent small countries.
Some have perished, such as the Kingdom of the Head and the Kingdom of the Mountain; others still exist, such as the Kingdom of the Valley, the Kingdom of the Honey, and the Kingdom of the Filling.
Militarily, the Land of Rivers doesn't even have its own ninja village.
The daimyo could only maintain a nominal rule by carefully cultivating good relations with the kingdoms of Wind and Fire and keeping a low profile.
Therefore, in every war between Sunagakure and Konoha, the Land of Rivers always suffered greatly.
This land has long nurtured a group of people who are unwilling to accept their fate here.
River Country, Daimyo Prefecture.
Inside a mottled room built of bluestone, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the gloomy and furious face of the daimyo's eldest son, Minamoto no Kō.
Before him, a man dressed as a ninja from the Land of Rivers knelt on one knee.
"Useless! Didn't you say that Sand Rain is colorless and odorless, and only a trace is enough? Why is that old thing still alive? Is he just unconscious now?" Genkichi asked sternly in a low voice.
The ninja named Sandstone lowered his head, the shadows concealing the fleeting ruthlessness in his eyes: "Your Highness, please calm down. The Daimyo—the former Daimyo's willpower was far stronger than expected."
He raised his head slightly, his tone tentative: "Your Highness, why not simply ascend the throne and eliminate all those opposing forces?"
Genjuro Kurenai glanced at him coldly: "Did Ebizo teach you to say that? Does he think I can only secure this position by relying on Sunagakure?"
Sandstone's body stiffened almost imperceptibly.
"Tell your master," Genjuoka leaned closer, his voice lowered like a viper's hiss, "cooperation is fine. But I want a legitimate succession—that is, after my father's natural death, through the ministers' pleas for me to ascend to the position of daimyo."
He straightened up, his expression deep and thoughtful, his brows furrowed in thought: "Father's guards have increased their vigilance, making it difficult to strike secretly again. However—my naive younger brother—"
A moment later, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes, and he coldly ordered, "Find my brother and get rid of him. Remember, make it look like an unfortunate accident," or the work of bandits.
"Yes." Sandstone bowed and accepted the order, then bowed and withdrew.
The room returned to silence.
Genjuki looked out the window alone, the moonlight casting a pale glow across the courtyard.
He was not unaware that cooperating with Sunagakure was like seeking a tiger's skin, but what he feared even more was being forever at the mercy of others, with no possibility of change whatsoever.
The Land of Rivers needs a strong lord, and even more so, it needs its own ninja village.
However, his pedantic and cowardly father vehemently opposed the matter and even planned to pass the title of daimyo to his younger brother.
Since that's the case, he has no choice but to take this dangerous path.
There are a large number of wandering ninjas in the Land of Rivers, but due to the threats from Sunagakure and Konoha, they have been unable to organize themselves into a cohesive group.
The Sand Village promised him to establish a ninja village, even if it included Sand Village's pawns. Once that door was opened, he was confident that he could use benefits to win over a group of people who were loyal to him.
At that time, Konoha will certainly not remain indifferent.
He was able to emulate the Grass Country, maintaining a balance between the two great nations and gradually strengthening his own power.
It was dangerous, but in his eyes, it was the only way for the Land of Rivers to stand up.
In the land of rivers, somewhere along a winding mountain road.
The night was deep, and the moonlight was cold and clear.
The daimyo's second son, Minamoto no Watari, was fleeing in panic with only five guards by his side.
His brocade robe was already torn by thorns, and his handsome face was covered in mud.
He looked back toward the capital, his eyes filled not with fear, but with burning anger and deep sorrow.
"Father's illness was not a sudden illness—my elder brother conspired with Sunagakure to murder him."
"The Land of Rivers lacks the foundation to contend with great powers; isn't the precedent of the Land of Rain enough of a warning?"
"The only way for the River Country to survive is to follow in its father's footsteps, to serve the strong with the weak, to maintain a balance, and to seek survival between the two great powers."
Behind them, the pursuers, like jackals smelling blood, shouted and searched, rapidly closing in; there were no fewer than twenty of them.
"Your Highness, I'll go lure them away," a ninja with mud painted on his face whispered.
Immediately, he crossed his arms and, with a "bang," used the Shadow Clone Technique.
Four clones appeared beside him instantly.
This was his last bit of chakra.
"Your Highness, please forgive my intrusion. Please give me your outer robe."
"Iron Bone, you—" Yuanqiu Du hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.
"Your Highness, the Land of Fire is vast and rich, and will not covet the territory of the Land of River. The only way out now is to ask Konoha for help."
Yuanqiu Du remained silent for a moment before nodding heavily.
During this hasty escape, he already knew in his heart that the only path left for him was to fall into Konoha.
Without another word, the group quickly exchanged their outer robes. By a stream, they split into two groups, using the water to conceal their movements.
The ninja named Iron Bones, along with his transformed shadow clones, resolutely turned back to draw away the pursuers.
The night is still long.
The crescent moon appeared and disappeared among the clouds, as if silently watching the escape.
Yuanqiu Du and the remaining four guards, under the pale moonlight, desperately ran towards Kikyo Castle, a major town on the border of the Land of Fire.
The village's defense forces are stationed there, making it their only means of survival.
The following day, Wednesday.
Xingyuan Qianshuo went to the hospital with Tsunade.
Afterwards, he left a clone to stand in for him, while his main body led four students to the training ground to continue their training.
The four members of the Shizune group made significant progress yesterday. Although they did not show the same explosive improvement today, their chakra control has steadily improved, and they have also made considerable progress in other training programs.
Xingyuan Qianshuo himself began to focus on the study of illusion techniques: Tree Binding Kill, Dark Travel Technique, Vine Entanglement, and Golden Binding Technique.
Among them, the Dark Walk Technique is the most difficult, reaching Rank A, which is quite rare in illusion magic.
The "Nirvana Abode Technique" previously awarded by the system is also Grade A, but it focuses more on area control.
The Dark Walk Technique is mostly designed for single targets, and the difficulty lies in the precise control of the technique's strength. After all, completely obscuring the vision of a powerful Uchiha with the Sharingan is no easy task.
Both Tree Binding Kill and Vine Entanglement are Rank B. He obtained the former from the Leaf Village's Ninjutsu Library and has begun to master it.
The Art of Binding is not a single technique, but a general term for a class of illusions.
Its principle lies in disrupting the opponent's chakra, acting on the nervous system, and causing them to have a strong illusion that "the body cannot move," thereby achieving the effect of immobilization.
The "Illusionary Shackles Technique" used by Itachi Uchiha to subdue Orochimaru is an advanced variant of this type of illusion technique.
In Tobirama's Ninjutsu Library, in addition to explaining the basic principles of the Golden Binding Technique, a relatively advanced variant is also recorded: causing the opponent to suffer mental pain and a sense of binding similar to the "Insertion Technique" in the genjutsu world, with the difficulty also reaching Rank B.
Around 10 a.m., in the Hokage Room.
After reading an urgent intelligence report, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag on his pipe, his brow furrowing slightly.
The intelligence came from Kikyo Castle, a key defensive town on the western border.
The city is situated at a strategic pass on Mount Kikyo, making it a key fortress guarding the national border.
The urgent report detailed the arrival of Minamoto no Wataru, the second son of the daimyo of Kawano Province, seeking assistance, and included his handwritten letter.
The letter accused his elder brother, Minamoto no Kō, of colluding with Sunagakure to poison their daimyo father, Minamoto no Kō, in an attempt to seize power.
Genjuro Wataru pleaded earnestly for Konoha's assistance and promised to forge an alliance with the Land of Fire if the matter was accomplished.
He wasn't just making empty promises; he clearly outlined the rewards for Konoha: a ten-year mining right to the Drunken Grass Gold Mine and a high-quality conductive iron ore deposit; full access to missions within the Land of Rivers for Konoha; and the Daimyo's long-term employment of Konoha ninja as guards.
"This Minamoto no Wataru does have some brains," Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself. "The Drunken Grass Gold Mine is located in the southern part of the Land of Rivers, and it is not directly controlled by the Daimyo. However, Konoha does not need to care about local separatism. As long as it obtains the official authorization from the Daimyo, it can take over legitimately."
He took a deep drag of his cigarette and continued to ponder: "Minamoto no Wataru accuses his brother of colluding with Sunagakure to poison him, which is very likely the work of Sunagakure elder Ebizo—he even requested Konoha to send medical ninjas to treat his father. So, should we save him or not?"
"For many years, Minamoto no Mori has endured hardship and sought only to survive, maintaining neutrality in the conflict between Sunagakure and Konoha, refusing to take sides. Perhaps—it would be more beneficial for Konoha to appoint the more sympathetic Minamoto no Wataru."
After a moment's consideration, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly exhaled a wisp of smoke: "Fine, since they've made the request, I'll send a medical ninja. Tsunade is the most skilled at detoxification in Konoha, but—her hemophobia might make her unsuitable for this task."
He was unaware that Tsunade had already recovered. After pondering for a moment, he coughed lightly.
Two masked agents appeared and knelt on one knee.
"Monkey, elephant," Hiruzen ordered in a deep voice, "go and inform Jonin Hatake Sakumo, Sakazaki Yamamasa, and Hoshigen Chisaku to come here."
"Yes, Third Generation." The two acknowledged the order and vanished in an instant.
Hiruzen Sarutobi got up, walked to the window, and calmly looked down at Konoha, which was bathed in the warm sun.
"Right now, the most suitable person in the village to lead such an important mission is none other than Shuo Mao."
"Sending Chisaku along will not only demonstrate Konoha's sincerity in saving the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers, but also ensure the mission goes smoothly."
Thinking of Xingyuan Qianshuo's strength, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
Just then, he suddenly frowned, turned around, and sat back down in his chair.
Shortly after, the wooden door to the Hokage's office was suddenly pushed open.
With bandages wrapped around his face and a cane in his hand, Shimura Danzo walked in slowly.
"Hiruzen, you've received news about the Land of Rivers, haven't you?" Danzo's voice was deep.
He had learned of the daimyo's coma through the "Root" spy in the land of rivers last night and intended to act alone, but unexpectedly received news this morning that the daimyo's second son had fled to Kikyo Castle for help.
Left with no other choice, he had to come and discuss the matter with Hiruzen to prevent the other party from being indecisive and missing a good opportunity.
"Hiruzen, what do you plan to do?" Danzo pressed.
"I've sent someone to invite Sakumo; he's in charge of this matter," Hiruzen said calmly, exhaling a smoke ring.
"Hmph—" Danzo subconsciously wanted to object, but then he realized that there was no more suitable person to lead the team in the village except for Sakumo.
Orochimaru is busy with experiments, unless—he personally takes charge.
"Hiruzen, this matter is of great importance and involves vital interests. It is safest for me to go personally." He paused briefly before continuing.
"No need, Sakumo is perfectly capable," Hiruzen replied without hesitation.
If Danzo gets involved, there's no guarantee he won't try to control Genjuku Wataru, which could backfire.
"Hmph! Root also wants to send people to participate in this matter." Danzo settled for second best, "We have intelligence personnel in the Land of Rivers who can provide liaison and information, facilitate this trip, and strive for the greatest benefit for Konoha."
Hiruzen hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not refuse: "Root can send two people to accompany us, only two people."
Immediately, his gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Danzo and said in a deep voice, "Danzo, this time the other side has taken the initiative to request our help. Just do as they ask and don't do anything unnecessary."
Danzo stared at him for a few seconds, then slowly nodded in agreement.
His main concern was that he didn't want Sakumo Hatake to take all the credit. Root also needed to do some practical things to earn more resources. Orochimaru's hugely costly experiments had almost emptied Root's savings.
After a moment of silence in the Hokage's room, Danzo continued, "Hiruzen, Root spends a lot of money training personnel for the Anbu and planting spies in various countries. Root should also receive a share of the funds allocated by the Daimyo this time."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, puffing out smoke, watched his old friend with a leisurely air, neither refusing nor agreeing to ask for funding, as simply participating in this mission wouldn't suffice.
Seeing this, Danzo's face darkened, and he had no choice but to take out a prepared scroll and hand it to Hiruzen, which contained intelligence information from various countries recently collected by the spy.
Inside the third training ground.
Xingyuan Qianshuo, who was cultivating, suddenly paused—memories from the shadow clone in the clinic were transmitted back to his main body.
"Summoned by the Third Hokage? Is there a mission?"
His eyes narrowed slightly, and he quickly formed a hand seal to create two shadow clones. One stayed behind to look after the students, while the other returned to the hospital to take over the shift.
He then glanced at the four disciples who were still focused on their cultivation not far away, and without disturbing them, he vanished in an instant.
In front of the Hokage Building.
Xingyuan Qianshuo happened to see a familiar figure stepping inside.
With his long, silver-white hair tied in a ponytail, a unique red and white armband on his left shoulder, and a short sword hanging on his back, he was none other than the elite Jonin, Hatake Sakumo.
"He was summoned too? Probably for the same mission." Xingyuan Qianshuo's mind raced.
Seeing that the other person had already entered the building, he did not rush to greet them, but continued walking at a normal pace.
Outside the Hokage's room, Hoshino Senju raised his hand and knocked on the door. After hearing a "come in" voice from inside, he pushed the door open and entered.
Upon entering, his gaze paused slightly, then he bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Hokage-sama, Danzo-sama, and Sakumo-senpai."
"Yes, Chisaku, please wait a moment," Hiruzen said gently.
"Yes." Hoshino Senju responded, quietly moving to the side and standing right next to Hatake Sakumo.
Opposite him, Danzo Shimura stood leaning on his cane.
Inside the Hokage's chamber, there has always been only one chair for the Hokage. Even Danzo, if he were here, would have to stand.
Hoshino Senju's eyelids were lowered, and he had no intention of making eye contact with Danzo.
However, he could clearly feel that the sinister gaze was fixed on him.
He then looked up, meeting Danzo's gaze, and a warm and bright smile, like the sun, bloomed on his face.
"Hmph." Danzo let out a cold snort and turned his face away.
Xingyuan Qianshuo's smile became even brighter.
This scene naturally fell into the eyes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sakumo Hatake.
Hiruzen shook his head inwardly, recalling how members of the "Root" organization had threatened Chisaku, prompting Tsunade to come and demand an explanation. As a result, he had promoted Chisaku to the rank of Special Jonin.
It seems that Senshuo has a very poor impression of "Root" and Danzo.
Sakumo Hatake also disliked Danzo and the "Root" he led, but he never got involved in politics. He only wished that Konoha, under the leadership of the Third Hokage, would adhere more strictly to the Will of Fire and move towards prosperity.
Soon, there was another knock on the door.
"Go," Hiruzen said.
The newcomer was a burly, serious-looking brown-haired ninja, around thirty years old, with a calm demeanor, and was also a Jonin.
"Third Hokage, Danzo, Sakumo-senpai."
He greeted them one by one, and then nodded to Xingyuan Qianshuo.
Xingyuan Qianshuo nodded in return.
"Hmm." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, his expression turning serious. "Sakumo, Yamamasa, Sensaku, I have summoned you here for an urgent mission."
"The daimyo of the Land of Rivers, Minamoto no Mori, has fallen into a coma, suspected of being poisoned. His second son, Minamoto no Wataru, has arrived at Kikyo Castle seeking help. He suspects that his elder brother, the eldest son of the daimyo, Minamoto no Akira, colluded with Sunagakure to murder their father and attempt to seize power."
Hiruzen briefly explained the mission background, paused briefly, took a puff of his pipe, and gave the three of them time to think.
Xingyuan Qianshuo thought to himself, "They want me to participate—is it because they value my medical skills to treat that daimyo? It can't be because they value my combat abilities, can it?"
When Hatake Sakumo heard "the land of rivers," his eyes flickered almost imperceptibly for a moment, a trace of deep sorrow flashing across them, but his face remained calm as he focused on the details of the mission.
"Sakumo will be in charge of this mission. You and Yamamasa will each lead an elite squad to the Land of Rivers."
"In addition, Chisaku is accompanying us as a medical ninja. Firstly, to ensure the team's medical care, and secondly, because Wataru Minamoto hopes that Konoha can treat his father."
After speaking, he glanced at Danzo and added, "Root will also dispatch two people to assist in the operation and provide necessary intelligence support."
Upon hearing this, both Hoshino Sensaku and Hatake Sakumo frowned slightly.
Danzo interjected at the opportune moment: "Root does indeed have an intelligence network in the Land of Rivers, which can provide real-time information, facilitating operations and securing greater benefits for Konoha."
Hiruzen noticed the expressions on Sakumo and Senju's faces and stated clearly, "The execution of specific actions will be decided and commanded entirely by Sakumo."
"Yes, Third Hokage," Sakumo Hatake replied calmly. "What are the specific objectives of this mission?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment and said, "The primary objective is to prevent Sunagakure from supporting Minamoto no Oki to take power. The secondary objective is to save the daimyo of the Land of Rivers."
If there is no hope of recovery—then support Minamoto no Oki to assume the position.
He pushed the urgent report on the table forward: "This is an urgent report from Kikyo Castle and a letter from Gen'gaoka Watari. Sakumo, take a look."
Sakumo Hatake took it, quickly read it, and understood the situation: the eldest son had thrown sand, plotting a rebellion to usurp the throne;
The second son fled, offering future benefits in exchange for Konoha's support.
He placed the file back on the desktop and said in a deep voice, "Understood."
"The mission is urgent. You must proceed to Kikyo Castle and meet up with Genjika Ferry immediately."
"Yes."
Hatake Sakumo turned around, first giving Danzo a slight nod, then facing Sakazaki Yamasa and Hoshino Sensaku: "Yamamasa, go and gather the squad members. Sensaku, go back and make some preparations. Meet at the Konoha gates in twenty minutes."
"Yes," the two replied in unison.
"Third Generation Leader, we take our leave."
"Okay, go ahead."
The three of them left the Hokage's room one after another.
Danzo's sinister gaze followed their retreating figures until the door closed, then he spoke in a chilling tone: "That Hoshigen Sensaku seems to be more skilled in palm techniques, right? Send him to cure the daimyo of the Land of Rivers—"
"Hiruzen, you're still so kind and righteous."
"Chisaku is the best medical ninja in Konoha besides Tsunade. Sending him is the greatest show of sincerity," Hiruzen replied calmly.
Danzo said no more, leaning on his cane, straightening his back, and slowly left the Hokage's room.
The three who left didn't say much. After leaving the Hokage Building, they each used the Body Flicker Technique to make final preparations before setting off.