NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: Chapter 12: The Ambush
Inside the cramped, crowded carriage, twelve figures were crammed together. Each of them wore the attire of rogue ninja, devoid of any features that would mark them as shinobi.
The leader of the group surveyed his surroundings, his face breaking into a faint smile.
This mission brought together a formidable force: he himself was one of four elite jōnin from Kumogakure, joined by an equal number from Iwagakure. Adding to the mix were three unidentified individuals of suspicious origin and a twenty-man squad disguised as guards, all specially trained jōnin. In total, the assembly comprised twelve jōnin and twenty tokubetsu jōnin—a force powerful enough to obliterate a small shinobi village.
Even against a Kage-level opponent, their chances of success were exceedingly high.
Yagyu Tetsu, tasked with leading this mission by his village, initially aimed only to gauge the remaining strength of the revived Second Hokage. Killing him outright hadn't been part of the plan. However, an unexpected alliance during the mission changed the equation. Now, it seemed even killing the Hokage was within reach.
The Second Hokage? He wasn't the God of Shinobi. Yagyu Tetsu refused to believe that a dead man could pose any real threat.
If their combined forces struck together, the Hokage's death would be all but certain.
This outcome would leave Konohagakure leaderless. Even if the Third Hokage reclaimed the mantle, it would undoubtedly spark internal discord. Such an opportunity would allow Kumogakure to launch a war and carve a sizable piece from Konoha's territory.
Fired up by the thought, Yagyu Tetsu's gaze shifted to one of the black-clad individuals seated in the carriage.
This person was the linchpin who had brought together all these conspirators and ensured their plans remained undiscovered.
Impressive as they were, Yagyu Tetsu didn't trust them.
The ability to locate and gather them within the Land of Fire suggested this individual had significant influence there—likely tied to Konoha's inner workings. It wouldn't be surprising if they were an operative of Konoha's upper echelon.
Konoha's internal power struggles, so rife with intrigue, disgusted him. Unlike Kumogakure, which thrived on unity and obedience. In Kumogakure, if the Raikage gave an order, it was carried out without question.
Scoffing inwardly, Yagyu Tetsu dismissed his disdain. The mission came first.
Turning to the black-clad figure, he asked, "The Hokage's escort must include his elite guard. What kind of defensive strength are we up against?"
The man cast him a cold glance and replied in an equally icy tone, "Relax. The Hokage is accompanied by only three others—tokubetsu jōnin. Hardly a threat."
Yagyu Tetsu let out a breath of relief. Just three tokubetsu jōnin? That wasn't even worth considering.
However, it spoke volumes about the Second Hokage's confidence in his own strength, relying on such a meager escort to travel outside the village.
The overwhelming force they had assembled only strengthened Yagyu Tetsu's resolve to eliminate the Hokage.
Just then, a voice came from outside the carriage.
"Milords, we've spotted Senju Tobirama. He's half a mile away. Prepare yourselves."
The atmosphere in the carriage shifted instantly. Every pair of eyes gleamed with anticipation.
In the distance, Senju Tobirama strode along the road, his pace calm and unhurried.
"Hokage-sama," Genma said, his tone edged with caution. "The carriage ahead looks suspicious. Shall we prepare for combat?"
"Genma, you three hide yourselves for now," Tobirama replied with an air of authority. "They're here for me, not you. You're no match for them."
He had already sensed the chakra signatures of the approaching group. Their strength was far beyond what his escort could handle. To prevent unnecessary casualties, he decided to face them alone.
"But we—"
Genma started to protest, but the look in Tobirama's eyes stopped him.
It was a gaze that spoke of absolute confidence, an unshakable strength that silenced all doubts.
Reluctantly, Genma withdrew, leading the other two to conceal themselves.
As Tobirama watched them disappear into hiding, a faint smile played across his lips.
Shaking his head lightly, he continued walking down the road alone.
He was curious to see just who thought they could kill the creator of Impure World Reincarnation.
Impure World Reincarnation, the forbidden S-rank jutsu he had pioneered, had been sealed away by his brother, Hashirama, who deemed it inhumane and disrespectful to the dead.
Only a select few among Konoha's leadership even knew of its existence, and fewer still understood its true nature.
Impure World Reincarnation granted an immortal body. It could not be killed—only sealed. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the unpleasant surprise awaiting his would-be assassins.
As the carriage drew closer, Tobirama walked past it with deliberate nonchalance.
"Senju Tobirama, prepare to die!" shouted a voice, and the ambush began.
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Pls drop some Power Stones
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