Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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After several days of reconnaissance, Kumogakure had a clear understanding of Konoha's front line situation.

"The new reinforcements at Konoha's camp are the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. They are formidable."

Dodai examined the intel in his hands, fully aware of the power wielded by Konoha's prominent clans. The combined strength of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio was comparable to that of a Kage-level shinobi. Their many secret techniques could create unpredictable outcomes in battle.

"If it's just the Ino-Shika-Cho, we don't need to worry."

Although Killer Bee had never faced them directly, he was confident that even against elite jōnin like the Ino-Shika-Cho, his tailed beast transformation would prevail.

Moreover, his brother's injuries had stabilized, leaving the outcome of the next battle uncertain.

As for traps, Kumogakure, being the aggressor, was prepared for them. Killer Bee felt assured there was no real threat.

"We've gathered all the necessary intel."

A untied the bandage on his body, revealing a faint white scar that stood out against his dark skin. The wound had healed, and he was ready for battle.

His clenched fist radiated power. All he wanted now was to face Konoha's shinobi, especially the White Fang, and settle the score!

"Let's crush those Konoha shinobi now!"

Seeing A's impatience, Dodai, as the commander, tacitly approved. However, given Konoha's current strength, while they could fight, they would likely incur significant losses.

"Boom!"

With a powerful step, A dashed out of the camp. As his brother, Killer Bee naturally followed closely behind.

"Brother is really fired up..."

The Kumo shinobi, who had been waiting for this moment, quickly gathered and charged toward the front lines.

After several days of preparation, the battlefield was laden with traps, waiting for the Kumo shinobi to arrive.

Many Konoha shinobi sensed something amiss as a large number of Kumo shinobi suddenly disappeared.

"They must have retreated."

Anko observed the battle remnants nearby. A group of Kumo shinobi had just hurriedly withdrawn, moving quickly without engaging Konoha forces.

"Do you know what happens before a tsunami?"

Muzan's words drew Anko's attention. Not just his team, but even the newly arrived reinforcements on the battlefield were eager to hear his insight.

"Before a tsunami, the water recedes. Similarly, the next attack from the Kumo shinobi will be even fiercer."

"They're regrouping for a decisive battle. Get ready, the war is imminent."

His calm tone struck like a heavy hammer in everyone's hearts.

Even though they were mentally prepared, the thought of facing such a large-scale battle was daunting. For most ordinary shinobi, charging into the fray meant certain death.

"Boom!"

A loud noise echoed from a distance, like a signal. All the shinobi in the area immediately drew their weapons and rushed toward the source.

"War is coming!"

Muzan, clad in a black robe, watched a mushroom cloud rise in the distance, a result of high-intensity ninjutsu clashes. He noticed the slight trembling in Anko and Mari's hands and gave them firm instructions:

"Remember, do not venture deep into the battlefield!"

"Stick with me and target the enemies on the outskirts first!"

"Yes, Captain!"

Following Muzan's orders, Anko and Mari, being genin, were to avoid the front lines.

The higher-ups had decided that this battle would involve retreating and luring the enemy into traps. They weren't sending more troops to the front line.

A row of elite jōnin blocked the main force of Kumogakure's ninja army. Of course, some slipped through the net, and Muzan's squad was responsible for eliminating those stragglers.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Two massive fireballs detonated the stone forest ahead, and Muzan immediately rushed in with a kunai. The dust from the explosion clouded the vision of the Kumo shinobi in the area, and before they could react, they felt the cold sting of steel at their throats.

"Thud!"

Several bodies collapsed to the ground. In their final moments, they glimpsed a shadow, like the Grim Reaper, harvesting lives in the stone forest.

"Not good! Someone strong from Konoha is here!"

"Don't panic! Regroup quickly! Don't let him pick us off one by one!"

"Help! Yamanaka-kun is injured! We can't hold this position!"

With the strength of an oni, Muzan's reflexes were faster than any ordinary human's. His Body Flicker Technique was more effective, allowing him to strike before his opponents could react, slicing through their necks with precision.

"Damn it!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

The Kumo shinobi quickly regrouped to fend off Muzan's assassination attempts. Several Wind Release users combined their efforts to disperse the dust. Only then did they see Muzan, his black robe stained with blood.

"Ha!"

Muzan casually dusted off his clothes, the kunai in his hand still dripping with blood. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp.

His arrival had drawn the attention of a larger group of shinobi. Some recognized his attire and couldn't help but think of the legendary name, "Scarlet Eyes."

Could it be that this man in black was Scarlet Eyes?

They quickly decided to eliminate Muzan first, knowing he was a serious threat.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!"

Blue arcs of electricity danced across the ground, homing in on Muzan with deadly precision.

"Water Release: Water Whip!"

One jutsu alone posed little threat to Muzan, but in combination, they were quite troublesome.

The stone forest around Muzan was soon flooded with water, and the Lightning Release ninjutsu intensified. This was how battles were fought in wars.

Unless one's personal strength was overwhelming, it was essential to avoid direct confrontation with combined ninjutsu.

"Crackle!"

Electricity surged through the water, following its flow, attempting to trap Muzan.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

Four dog-headed earth walls erupted from the ground, blocking the advancing water. Muzan stood atop the walls, looking down at his enemies.

"Why does his Earth-Style Wall have dog heads? His chakra reserves are incredible!"

"I refuse to believe his chakra is limitless! Use Fire Release to bombard the earth walls!"

"This reminds me of Konoha's White Fang's dog-headed earth walls. That dog head might be a traditional symbol of the Hatake clan."

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