pertwk Chapter 78 Border War 1
Chapter 78 Border War 1
Northwestern border of the Land of Fire, a desolate area covered with red rocks.
More than 1,500 Iwagakure ninja were lined up here.
The scale of this raid on Iwagakure Village far exceeded that of previous small-team infiltrations.
The Konoha garrison here numbers only about five hundred men.
The disparity between us and the enemy is enormous.
More importantly, the Iwagakure team has the Four-Tails and Five-Tails Jinchuriki in command.
Before the Hidden Rock Formation, a tall red figure stood like a battle flag; it was none other than Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.
He was over 2.28 meters tall, with a robust physique. He wore a red straw hat, a red mask, and crimson armor. He stood quietly in front of the formation, his eyes sharp and his demeanor calm.
Beside Han was a short but equally composed figure.
That was the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, "Roshi," who was less than 1.5 meters tall and only reached Han's shoulder when standing on the rock.
He was dressed in purple robes and armor, with brownish-red beard and hair. A gray metal plate ran across his nose and cheekbone, adding to his resolute appearance.
Despite their vastly different statures, the real commander of this operation was Lao Zi.
They gazed into the distance, their expressions solemn.
In the distance, there was a towering expanse of reddish-brown rock.
It is over 500 meters high at one point and 300 meters low at another, and is entirely brownish-red, with no vegetation growing there.
Under the bright sunlight, this rocky land was so vividly colored it was almost blinding, as if it had been soaked in the blood of a thousand years of war.
In the center of the rocky land, a huge canyon runs through the landscape, 200 meters wide and 2 kilometers long, with towering rock walls on both sides stretching into the distance.
This place is called "Red Rock Canyon," a vital trade route connecting the Land of Fire to the Lands of Grass and Earth.
This place is ideal for Earth Release ninjutsu, and if it is occupied by Iwagakure, they can use this advantage to hold their ground.
Not only can they collect tolls, but they can also use this to undermine the Grass Country's position between the Fire and Earth Countries.
At this time, on the high ground on both sides of the Red Rock Canyon, the Konoha border troops had built defensive fortifications.
Although they were few in number, they occupied a high position.
Unfortunately, there aren't many ninjas in Konoha who are skilled in Earth Release, and this place happens to be the most advantageous for Earth Release.
Therefore, Iwagakure also has an advantage in terms of location.
Jiraiya gazed solemnly at the Iwagakure troops below the high ground.
His worst fears came true – Iwagakure deployed two Jinchūriki at the same time.
During World War II, he had fought against these two men many times and knew how formidable they were.
Jinchuriki can borrow the chakra of tailed beasts, making them not only powerful in attack but also unafraid of consuming energy. Under their relentless bombardment, ordinary ninjas are simply powerless to resist.
Over the years, their use of the tailed beast chakra has likely become even more skillful.
What worried Jiraiya even more was the Tailed Beast Ball.
That's the Jinchūriki's strongest killing move.
More than a decade ago, he witnessed Lord Mito unleash his earth-shattering power, a sight he still vividly remembers.
Jiraiya sighed inwardly, "It's a pity I haven't mastered Sage Mode yet, otherwise I wouldn't be in such a passive position today."
Currently, Konoha lacks a Jinchūriki for deterrence and needs to divide its forces to guard the borders of various regions.
Because it was anticipated that fighting was most likely to break out on the northwestern border, a relatively larger number of personnel were deployed, but there were still only about 1,800 people.
These troops need to be dispersed throughout the border area and guard against the enemy flanking them. It is already the limit that they can gather 500 elite troops on this high ground.
This place, however, must be defended.
Not only because Hongyan Canyon is a vital trade route in the northwest, but also because just 100 kilometers behind it lies Tamagawa City, the fourth largest city in the Land of Fire.
If the Hidden Rocks occupy this place and continue to harass the heartland of the Land of Fire, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Within the Hidden Rock Formation, Lao Zi pondered for a moment, then resolved to seize the opportunity and take this place in one fell swoop.
"Hunter and Bomber, each lead five hundred men to attack the high ground on the left and right flanks."
"Yes, sir!" The two men accepted the order.
"Xuanyan, Moyan, you lead the remaining troops, fully equipped and ready to provide support at any time."
"yes!"
Once the order was given, the group quickly formed a team.
On the high ground, Jiraiya, seeing Iwagakure begin to move, immediately gave a deep order:
"Qinglan, I'll deal with the Jinchuriki later. You'll be in charge of this side."
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya!" Shirokumo Seiran replied solemnly.
Konoha's defenses were divided into two sides of the canyon. One side was commanded by Shirokumo Seiran, while the other side was overseen by Akimichi Kenki, with Namikaze Minato providing support from the center.
The fortifications are divided into three layers, and they are currently at the bottom layer, 150 meters above the ground.
If the enemy's offensive is too fierce, they will fight and retreat, eventually holding their ground on the rocky summit.
Minutes later, a thousand Rock Ninja surged toward the highlands on both sides like a dark red tide.
They quickly dispersed, climbing along different slopes, advancing in multiple directions, attempting to break through Konoha's defenses.
"All personnel, prepare!" Jiraiya's voice echoed across the high ground. "Proceed with the planned tactics!"
The Konoha ninja acted swiftly.
The front row threw out shuriken and kunai, and the hidden weapons fell like rain, forcing the Iwa ninja to either dodge or block, and the attack slowed down slightly.
However, the Iwa ninja were numerous, and when the front line was blocked, the back line immediately circled around and launched a continuous offensive.
"Now!" shouted a Konoha Jonin.
The ninjas lying in ambush among the rocks immediately formed hand seals, and the pre-set explosive tags detonated one after another!
With a deafening roar, rocks tumbled down, creating a man-made rockfall.
The dozens of Iwa ninjas at the forefront were unable to dodge in time and were instantly swallowed up.
But this did not stop Iwagakure's offensive.
Several Jonin from Iwagakure quickly formed hand seals:
"Earth Release·Earth Style Wall!"
Earthen walls rose from the ground, blocking falling rocks and providing cover for the charge.
"Earth Release: Rock Pillar Spear!"
Several Iwa ninja joined forces, and more than a dozen sharp stone pillars suddenly rose from the high ground, piercing straight into Konoha's defense line!
Several Konoha ninjas were unable to dodge in time and were impaled by the stone pillar, their screams echoing through the valley.
Not to be outdone, the Konoha Earth Release ninjas, under Jiraiya's command, formed a joint hand seal:
"Earth Release: Rock Collapse Technique!"
The highland rock mass trembled violently, and boulders rolled down the mountain, crashing towards the Rock Hermit team.
The Iwa ninja scattered, and their formation became chaotic for a moment.
Kari, who was at the forefront, used a "landmine fist" to blast the boulder that rolled in front of him into dust!
Amidst the rising dust, he quickly formed hand seals:
"Earth Release: Earth Rising Spear!"
boom--!
Large shards of rock spears suddenly rose from the Konoha formation, catching more than a dozen ninjas off guard and severely injuring them, rendering them unable to fight.
Although Konoha's defenses were effective, Iwagakure's numerical advantage gradually became apparent.
Just as Konoha was focusing all its efforts on the frontal assault, several Iwagakure squads had quietly climbed up a flank hill and launched a surprise attack!
"Earth Release: Rock Gun Technique!"
They either spat pebbles or slapped the ground with their hands, launching rapid stone projectiles.
The stone projectiles suddenly grew larger in the air and continued to bombard the Leaf Village's positions.
The Rock Iron Cannon Technique uses locally sourced materials, consumes relatively little chakra, and can create sustained firepower suppression.
As this group of Iwa ninjas gained a foothold, more and more people joined them, unleashing their Iron Cannons with frenzied speed and relentlessly pushing upwards.
Jiraiya surveyed the battlefield, then looked at Aoyama, who was fighting against a Jonin from Iwagakure, his brows furrowed.
The situation is deteriorating.
With their numerical advantage, Iwagakure launched a multi-pronged attack, and Konoha's defenses could be breached at any moment.
What worries him even more is that Lao Zi and Han are still holding the line at the front and have not yet made a real move.
"We must change our tactics." Jiraiya's mind raced, and he formed hand seals:
"Earth Release: Great River of Earth!"
Whoosh—!
A massive mudflow formed from the high rocks, rushing downwards and crashing into the group of rock ninjas wielding the Iron Cannon!
The mudflow, carrying rubble, crashed down, and many rock ninjas were caught in it and swept away.
Seeing this, Lao Zi turned to look at Han:
"Han, let's join forces and take down Jiraiya."
The tall man nodded, his gaze as sharp as ever.
Whoosh!Whoosh!
The two of them unleashed a burst of chakra and vanished in an instant!
When it reappeared, it had already bravely charged up the steep rock face to the high ground!
In just a few breaths, the two had closed in on Jiraiya.
"Lava Release: Scorching River Rock Technique!"
Before Lao Zi even arrived, the attack came first!
He opened his mouth and spewed out several scorching magma balls, which whistled and shot towards Jiraiya and the Konoha ninja around him in a fan shape.
"Don't even think about it! Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"
Jiraiya reacted extremely quickly, slapping the ground with both palms, and a thick earthen wall rose up with a roar!
The lava ball crashed into the earthen wall, exploding with a deafening roar and splashing lava everywhere!
Several Konoha ninjas who were slower to dodge were burned and screamed in agony.
"Scatter!" Jiraiya shouted, retreating swiftly.
At the critical moment, a golden flash suddenly appeared beside Jiraiya.
"Flying Thunder God Technique!"
Minato Namikaze has arrived!
He was originally stationed on the other side of the canyon, but when he saw the two Jinchūriki rushing up the high ground, he immediately used the Flying Thunder God Kunai he had left on his teacher to teleport there.
"Wind Release: Wind Cutter!"
Minato formed hand seals with lightning speed, unleashing a barrage of invisible wind blades that pierced the air, heading straight for Old Purple and Han!
Lao Zi dodged in an instant, but Han only raised his hand to protect his eyes, his body remaining still as he took the wind blade head-on!
"Minato, you deal with Han! I'll handle Rōshi!" Jiraiya quickly gave the order, his eyes fixed on Rōshi, who was forming hand seals once again.
"Understood, teacher." Minato had already disappeared before he finished speaking.
The next moment, he appeared behind Han's side, and his sword thrust straight into the gap in Han's neck armor!
He had already laid out specially made kunai (a type of magical weapon) in various parts of the battlefield, and there happened to be one at Han's location.
However, Han's reaction was astonishingly fast—his arm, covered in steam armor, suddenly swept back, the sound of it tearing through the air as muffled as thunder!
"Boil Release: Unparalleled Strength!"
Minato dared not take the hit head-on and instantly disappeared again.
Han's punch missed, but the force of the punch shattered the rocky ground on one side!
"Earth Release·Yellow Spring Marsh!"
Minato's teammate, Dekayi, who had been following Jiraiya, quickly formed hand seals.
A vast swamp formed at Han's feet, threatening to engulf him.
At the same time, another teammate, Maki Kida, moved her hands in a blur, and kunai with explosive tags attached shot towards Han like a swarm of bees, hissing and burning.
Han snorted coldly, and steam erupted from his legs!
With a sudden increase in speed, he instantly escaped the mud, and the bombardment of the explosive tags all missed.
"Be careful, don't get close to him!" Minato warned urgently.
He constantly changed positions using the Flying Thunder God Technique, shooting out kunai to probe, like golden dragons entwining around the red giant, searching for weaknesses in its defenses.
On the other side, the battle between Jiraiya and Rōshi was even more intense.
"Ninjutsu: Needle Jizo!"
Jiraiya's silver hair suddenly hardened and stretched out, like a giant white snake biting at Rōshi!
"Lava Release Chakra Mode!"
Lao Zi neither dodged nor evaded, his entire body was covered in dark red lava, and a red tail suddenly appeared behind him!
Sizzle sizzle sizzle—!
The hardened long hair touched the lava armor, and the front end instantly turned charred and curled!
Old Purple took the attack head-on and instantly charged straight at Jiraiya!
The scorching heat rushed towards him, forcing Jiraiya to retreat hastily.
"Water Release: Water Chaos Waves!"
Faced with Lava Release mode, Jiraiya had no choice but to use Water Release, which he wasn't particularly good at.
A torrent rushed toward Lao Zi, but it failed to extinguish the lava surrounding him, only slightly slowing down his attack.
Seeing that Water Release was ineffective, Jiraiya bit his thumb and formed hand seals:
"Spiritual communication!"
A flash of white smoke appeared, and the gigantic Gamabunta appeared, pipe in mouth, staring ahead:
"Jiraiya, this opponent is formidable."
"No time for nonsense, Bunta! Use the Gundam!"
Gonta quickly formed hand seals and spat out a giant water ball!
The scale and impact of the iron cannonball are far beyond what water ripples can achieve.
"Molten Core: Granite!"
The water ball slammed into Lao Zi, sending him crashing into a distant rock wall and shattering several giant rocks in succession!
However, Old Purple's defense was greatly enhanced, and he did not suffer much damage, especially since the Lava Release mode was not extinguished.
"It's no use, Jiraiya! My Lava Release mode is invincible!"
Old Purple roared, his tail swaying behind him, and the oppressive feeling of the tailed beast chakra grew stronger.
He slapped the ground with both hands:
"Lava Release: Great Fireball!"
A large amount of fire-style chakra poured into the ground, spreading along the earth's veins to the area where Jiraiya and Gamabunta were located.
boom!
Blazing flames erupted from the ground and shot straight upwards!
They dodged alertly, but still suffered minor burns.
"Shall we continue using the Iron Gun Ball, Jiraiya?" Bunta asked.
"Since water can't extinguish him right away, let's add fuel to the fire and heat him up!"
"Alright!" Bunta understood, took a deep breath, and puffed out his cheeks.
Jiraiya, standing atop his head, simultaneously formed hand seals and unleashed his attack—
"Fire Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet!"
The viscous toad oil mixed with the raging flames, turning into an overwhelming wave of fire and oil that swept towards Lao Zi!
Old Zi's eyes narrowed; he sensed a threat.
His Lava Release Chakra Mode was not yet fully mastered, so he dared not take it head-on at this moment.
The lava around him boiled even more, and he formed a hand seal:
"Lava Release: Lava Wall!"
A colossal wall flowing with scorching magma rose from the ground, not only blocking the oil-fire bombs but also using its intense heat to retaliate against the approaching enemy.
boom---!!!
The shockwave from the collision of flames spread outwards, even affecting Minato, Han, and others who were fighting in the distance.
The Konoha and Iwa ninja fighting around them had to pause their offensive and focus on defense.
"No, we can't fight freely here!" Jiraiya shouted to Bunta, while looking at Minato.
Shuimen immediately understood—the battle with Han must not affect his comrades who were holding the defensive line.
He bit his thumb and formed a hand seal:
"Spiritual communication!"
Bang!
White smoke rose, and a conversation could be heard coming from within it:
"It's the Watergate."
"Yes, thank you for your help, Gamaken. The enemy is very fast and very strong."
"It's okay. Although I'm clumsy, I'll try my best to help you."
As the white smoke dissipated, Minato stood firmly on the back of a giant toad.