Tsunade's choice of an A-rank mission wasn't random. It was the result of careful consideration.
On the surface, Shizune was a Chunin, while Kabuto Yakushi and Natsume were Genin.
But in reality? Both Kabuto and Natsume were Chunin.
Especially Natsume. After revealing his [Wood Release], he was approaching Jonin level.
With her as the team leader, an ordinary mission wouldn't provide enough training.
An A-rank mission was just right.
The four of them transformed into four black shadows. After a few leaps, they disappeared into the distance.
They didn't move too fast.
As Chunin, their stamina was far inferior to that of Jonin.
Tsunade naturally understood this.
If they went too fast and too urgently, Natsume and the others wouldn't be able to keep up.
If they encountered enemies on the way, they might get into trouble.
"After more than two years of long - drawn - out war, both Konoha Village and Kumogakure are quite exhausted. Currently, the front line mainly consists of small - scale sneak attacks," Tsunade said while on the move. "Our mission is to eliminate Kumogakure's secret sentries and rescue Akimichi Shito's team by the way."
"Shito?"
Natsume vaguely felt that the name was familiar. It seemed to be a minor supporting character from his past life.
"Yeah, their team's mission is the same as ours, but they've lost contact," Tsunade glanced at him and replied. "Shito is a Jonin. The one who could put them in danger must also be a Jonin. So our mission could be upgraded to an S - rank mission at any time."
Natsume wasn't worried.
Whether they'd encounter such an enemy was even a question.
Even if they did, generally, the number of Jonin wouldn't be large.
Tsunade could definitely handle it.
Unless they met someone like the Fourth Raikage, a super Jonin.
"Medical Ninjas won't participate in the battle until the very end," Tsunade continued, saying. "But Shizune and Kabuto are different. They have combat abilities. When we encounter enemies, Natsume will take the lead, and the other two will provide support depending on the situation."
"Sure."
Natsume and the other two replied in unison.
"One more thing," Tsunade looked at Natsume again, her eyes filled with a bit of worry. "You three, especially Natsume, this might be your first time on the battlefield and your first time killing someone. If you feel uncomfortable, don't push yourself."
Killing someone often creates certain psychological hurdles.
Some people may feel nauseous and want to vomit, some may show no reaction, and some may even be traumatized by it.
As Medical Ninjas, Shizune and Kabuto were used to the bloodshed in the hospital.
But Natsume wasn't.
Tsunade was most concerned about him.
If he had an adverse reaction, it would be very dangerous on the battlefield.
"I get it," Natsume gave her a reassuring look.
Tsunade nodded.
She would step in when the time came.
In fact, if it were someone else, she wouldn't even pay attention.
As a ninja, if one can't overcome such psychological hurdles, they might as well go home and raise pigs. What's the point of being a ninja?
However, when it came to Natsume, Tsunade was worried.
It can only be said that everyone has a bit of double - standard behavior.
But Natsume liked it. He even wished he could throw himself into her arms right away and give her a good thank - you.
After more than ten minutes, the four of them entered a small forest.
Tsunade stopped and said, "The supply convoy from the Land of Fire often passes by here on its way to our main base in Konoha. So, there are quite a few secret outposts of Kumogakure around. We'll keep going north until we reach the place where Akimichi Shito went missing."
These so - called secret outposts are actually small and fixed strongholds.
Usually, there are anywhere from three to ten ninjas stationed there, and their locations are extremely well - hidden.
On a daily basis, they are responsible for surveillance. Once a battle breaks out, they can provide timely support.
Konoha destroys the outposts established by Kumogakure, and Kumogakure then sets up new ones.
This has been the norm for over two years.
Of course, in many areas, it's the other way around: Kumogakure destroys the outposts established by Konoha, and Konoha then sets up new ones.
Konoha is wealthier and uses various Sealing Techniques and Barrier Ninjutsu. As a result, the secret outposts are built quite solidly, and Konoha often has a slight edge in terms of time.
"Kabuto, you conduct the reconnaissance," Tsunade ordered. "Natsume and Shizune, you're in charge of protection."
Among the three of them, there isn't a dedicated reconnaissance ninja.
But Kabuto Yakushi has learned quite a few reconnaissance Ninjutsu.
It was actually at Natsume's suggestion that Tsunade taught him.
In the original story, Kabuto Yakushi was an excellent spy and was naturally proficient in stealth and reconnaissance Ninjutsu.
Although it can't compare to the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan, it's more than enough for use.
Tsunade wouldn't just let him do the reconnaissance alone. This was to train Kabuto.
To avoid missing any enemies, she would also conduct reconnaissance.
"There are four Chakra signatures at the three - o'clock position ahead, and they're not moving," Kabuto said, opening his eyes after a moment.
The Sensor Ninjutsu he used required him to close his eyes to conduct the reconnaissance.
Although it was dangerous, it allowed him to get a detailed understanding of the enemy's situation.
Natsume nodded and took the lead, walking forward.
Soon, he saw an outpost.
In appearance, it was quite like a fort.
It would take some effort for an ordinary ninja to eliminate it.
"Kabuto, help me disguise my Chakra fluctuations," Natsume said and then began to form Hand Seals.
Kabuto mainly studied Medical Ninjutsu, but his secondary studies were quite diverse.
He was a jack - of - all - trades.
He quickly set up a temporary Barrier Technique.
Although it only lasted three seconds, it was enough.
Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique! An A - rank Water Release Ninjutsu!
However, with various enhancements, Natsume's Chakra had reached the level of a Jonin in terms of Chakra.
A huge amount of Chakra gathered in his throat and in an instant, it turned into a waterfall that swept towards the outpost.
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The Kumogakure ninja on duty suddenly perked up.
What the heck was that noise?
He turned his head and immediately felt a chill run down his spine.
"Enem..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he was submerged by the water.
He was just a Chunin and didn't put up much of a struggle before falling into a deep sleep.
The waterfall then covered the outpost.
The outpost was built fairly solidly, but it wasn't airtight.
The water immediately rushed in.
The three Kumogakure ninjas sleeping inside were awakened. Seeing the flood, they panicked and fled outside.
Natsume was waiting for them.
As the three of them emerged, numerous thorns suddenly extended from the trees on both sides.
How did the trees come alive?
Can you also fight people?
Why can't you talk properly?
The Cloud Ninjas never expected such an attack and were skewered one by one.
Natsume then made the trees return to their original state.
"Good job."
Tsunade appeared beside him. She scanned his face. After making sure he had no abnormal reaction, she let out a sigh of relief.
"Kabuto, collect the spoils. If there is any useful intelligence, hand it over to me."
She turned to look at the dead Cloud Ninjas and gave another order.
Kabuto Yakushi immediately entered the outpost and began to search.
"I'll go too."
Natsume always felt that Tsunade favored him too much, which was not good.
At least it seemed inappropriate in front of Shizune and Kabuto Yakushi.
Tsunade was slightly startled and then laughed.
Natsume was really different to her.
Unconsciously, her favoritism seemed natural.
But this kid was really sensible.
After the search was over, there was nothing of value.
The four of them set off again.
Meanwhile, at the main base of Kumogakure.
The fact that Tsunade and Hiashi Hyuga had joined the war couldn't be hidden.
They didn't even intend to hide it.
The Fourth Raikage looked at the intelligence report in front of him and said with emotion, "Konoha is really blessed with unique advantages."
Even after the Nine - Tails Incident and the death of a Hokage, its strength hadn't declined much.
It's really absurd!
Kumogakure had been accumulating strength.
The Third Raikage was even willing to fight against ten thousand enemies alone. He died of exhaustion just to preserve the vital forces.
Yet, with all kinds of tricky maneuvers, Konoha Village could still maintain a balance of power with Kumogakure.
It was natural for the Fourth Raikage to have such feelings.
"If we keep fighting, we may have to send the Jinchuriki into battle to have a chance of winning."
The one - eyed Jonin, Tsuchiyo, said beside him.
He was the reviewer of the Lightning Release: Double Lariat and was deeply trusted by the Raikage.
"There's no need. After fighting for so long, it's time to stop."
The Fourth Raikage's deep voice sounded. "Let's leave some time for our geniuses to grow. Kirabi, Yugito Nii, Tarui, Mabo and the others are only in their teens. In a few years, they will be the pillars of our Kumogakure."
But how to stop the war was a problem.
Suing for peace actively would be too disgraceful, and it would easily make Konoha Village push its luck.
A look of contemplation flashed across the Fourth Raikage's eyes.
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