Wok Shadow Ninja

Chapter 87: Opportunity?

After meeting Haku and Ranmaru, it was unclear what agreement elder had privately reached with Zabuza and Raiga, but in the end, these two rogue ninjas personally assigned a mission to Haku and Ranmaru, instructing them to cooperate with Chōjūrō and participate in the battle as shinobi of Kirigakure.

Zabuza even expressed his hope that Haku would one day inherit his Kubikiribōchō and the title of one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Haku's strength was comparable to Ino's, but even if Kirigakure agreed, Haku wouldn't be able to wield the Kubikiribōchō at this point.

Instead, Zabuza gifted Haku a katana he had once used, a weapon imbued with a fierce killing intent. He also ordered Haku to tie up his long hair, change out of his feminine attire, and wear a white suikan with black hakama and a pair of geta sandals.

After this transformation, Haku's appearance remained strikingly beautiful, but there was now a hint of masculinity, which was a significant improvement from before.

Haku's swordsmanship was mediocre, but after watching Zabuza cut down enemies day after day, he had gained some experience. There was no time for intensive training now, as the Konoha shinobi were waiting. Zabuza simplified some techniques for him, combining them with his Ice Release ninjutsu to enable close-quarters combat and disrupt the enemy's attack rhythm.

Their imaginary enemy? None other than Lady Ino.

On the other side, Raiga also gave Ranmaru some special training. Ranmaru was too young and physically weak, so Raiga didn't expect him to engage in prolonged battles with Ino using Water or Fire Release. Instead, Ranmaru's task was to use his Red Eye to locate the enemy in advance and relay the information to Chōjūrō and Haku. That would be enough for him to fulfill his role.

Chōjūrō, Ranmaru, and Haku formed a small team, representing Kirigakure in the upcoming battle.

The next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, Ao brought the news to the Konoha shinobi. His words were formal, emphasizing the importance of fostering goodwill and providing the younger generation with opportunities to grow. His tone was filled with enthusiasm.

However, at the end, he added, "The Second Mizukage used his summoning beast to create this illusionary maze, which contains a portion of his chakra. It can be considered as the Second Mizukage himself. The maze was originally designed to give young shinobi in the village a chance to grow, so there are age restrictions."

His meaning was clear: in these times, secret techniques and kekkei genkai were everywhere, and if a Konoha jōnin were to shamelessly sneak in using some method, it would be problematic.

The decision to open the illusionary maze was elder is alone, and no one knew about it beforehand. Ao believed that the Konoha shinobi were completely unprepared, giving Kirigakure a significant advantage in terms of intelligence. However, if an elite jōnin like Kakashi, with his Sharingan, were to sneak in, things could get complicated.

By stating this upfront, Ao was issuing a warning to Konoha.

Homura Mitokado whispered a few words to Kakashi and Asuma, then nodded on behalf of Konoha.

"Since there are no objections, let's gather the genin now. The illusionary maze is deep in the mountains and only opens at specific times each day. Our time is limited," Ao said, clearly not intending to give the Konoha shinobi any time to prepare.

Asuma chuckled. "Sir, allowing my subordinates to prepare some tools and taking a little extra time shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Ao's face remained expressionless, as if he hadn't noticed Asuma's sarcasm. "elder is waiting for everyone. I hope we can hurry."

The Konoha team had no choice but to call over Team 7 and Team 10. Time was tight, so they could only give a brief explanation.

Ino, Shikamaru, and Sasuke knew that Kirigakure was not their home in fact, it could be considered an enemy nation. Even when they slept, they were fully armed. Naruto and Sakura, however, were not as prepared. They had been hastily awakened and were still in their pajamas. Chōji, on the other hand, had a face full of soot he had been roasting fish in his room when he was called out.

Homura cleared his throat, while Ao stood nearby, showing no intention of leaving.

Homura had no choice but to give a "brief" speech: "This exchange is a gesture of goodwill from both sides. Kirigakure has agreed to open the illusionary maze for you. Inside, you will encounter an image left behind by the Second Mizukage. If you pass his test, you may gain access to some valuable ninjutsu. We hope you will give it your all and demonstrate your abilities, living up to the expectations and training both villages have invested in you."

As one of the Third Hokage's old comrades, Homura was a smooth talker. His words flowed effortlessly, and Ao couldn't find an opportunity to interrupt.

Homura's repetitive speech managed to buy them half an hour. During this time, Naruto and Sakura changed into their combat gear and prepared their tools. Chōji washed his face and hastily swallowed his slightly burnt fish, letting out a couple of burps. Ino and the others also had some breakfast, adjusting themselves to peak combat condition.

Asuma quietly briefed them on the Kirigakure team they would face. The list of participants had not been hidden it would be too obvious if they pretended not to know who they were up against.

Haku and Ranmaru were old opponents. The former had a powerful kekkei genkai, while the latter's reconnaissance and jamming abilities were a direct counter to Ino, making him a troublesome foe. Chōjūrō, however, was a complete mystery to the five genin aside from Ino. They had never heard of him and had no idea what his abilities were.

Ino was the most excited. This illusionary maze felt like it was made just for her! Who was the Second Mizukage again? The one with the mustache? What was his name?

She tried to recall his ninjutsu. Wait, wasn't he a Water Release user? The moment Water Release was mentioned, she felt a surge of confidence.

Sure, Chōjūrō would become the Sixth Mizukage in the future, but was Ino afraid of him? Did he have 9 points in "Ninjutsu," 8 points in "Chakra," and a level 3 "Water Release"? No! Her stats were already on par with an elite jōnin.

Unless the maze tested some obscure knowledge, as long as the challenges were related to ninjutsu, Ino feared no one in her age group!

Ino raised her hand and asked in a clear voice, "Asuma-sensei, if we learn Kirigakure's ninjutsu, will it cause trouble for our village?"

Asuma glanced at Ao, signaling him to explain.

Ao maintained his stoic expression. "How much you learn is up to you. To be honest, Kirigakure's secret techniques and ninjutsu are as vast as the ocean. We, the younger generation, haven't even mastered a fraction of them. If you can learn some powerful techniques, will you not use them in the future? By using them, you'll be promoting our village. We'd be delighted."

He then raised a finger. "However, there's one thing I must emphasize. According to the rules between villages, any ninjutsu you learn in the illusionary maze can only be used by you. Without Kirigakure's permission, you cannot teach it to others. Understood?"

Ino put on an innocent expression, as if her earlier question had been mere child's curiosity. "Oh, thank you, mister. That puts my mind at ease."

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