Chapter 779 : The Second Shocking News!

[A/N: Still haven't completely recovered, but could write today. Anyway, it ended up being one of the longer chapters. Enjoy :)]

‘Water Release: Vapor Gale jutsu!’

Kagero exhaled mist, which quickly surrounded him and his students, concealing them from the Konoha ninjas. The mist expanded towards Illumi and his subordinates. Without a moment's hesitation, the Konoha Jounins retreated.

One of them muttered, “The intel was accurate. The mist is not only hiding them but is also hiding sharp wind currents. If it reaches us, we'll be diced up.”
Another added, “It is a bit similar to Commander's technique. Of course, it isn't comparable since he can't control the winds like Commander can.”
Illumi completed his hand seals and said, “Don't underestimate him. He spent decades trying to recreate two Kekkei Genkai. Even though he failed, he has several combination jutsus. So, pay careful attention to every jutsu he uses.”
‘Phantom Mist jutsu’

It was the turn of Kagero and his students to raise their guards. The thick mist around them suddenly turned purplish giving an eerie feeling. They heard several echoes and saw shadows of the Konoha ninjas flickering in the dense fog.

Kagero immediately disrupted his chakra and said, “It's a Genjutsu. Disrupt your chakra.”

Shizuma and Ganku didn't need to be told. They disrupted their chakra flow at the same time as their sensei. As soon as they snapped out, their eyes were filled with a bright orange light. They immediately flickered away as flames ravaged through the windy mist Kagero had created.

Kagero began weaving hand signs once again when trees suddenly sprouted from the ground. In the blink of an eye, they coiled around him and his students, trapping them. Kagero cursed, ‘This Genjutsu… Do these fools think that the First Hokage is still alive for this Genjutsu to scare us?’

Illumi's figure appeared in front of them as he casually asked, “Why don't you just surrender? I'm sure our Commander will be merciful and let you live. Perhaps you can enter a deal with Kusagakure and ensure the survival of most of your subordinates. Perhaps you could negotiate your life too. Why fight a lost battle?”

Needless to say, neither Kagero nor his students paid any attention to Illumi's words. They could see that he was just buying some time and focused entirely on breaking out of the Genjutsu. As soon as they did, they were once again greeted by hot flames. This time, they were even closer!

Kageo immediately raised a water wall while Ganku raised an earth dome to protect themselves. The flames easily broke through the hastily erected wall of water but failed to penetrate the dome.

Kagero frowned and thought, ‘As expected, it won't be easy. Though not as dangerous as the Uchiha clan, the Kurama clan's Genjutsu is difficult to deal with as well. If he keeps trapping us in Genjutsu while others try to blow us up, we'll eventually lose…’

Kagero whispered, “Shizuma, Ganku stall the others. I'll deal with Illumi first and then assist you.”

“Yes, Sensei.” Both answered and moved towards Konoha's Veteran Jounins from under the ground. The two unleashed all their might to keep the three Veteran Jounins occupied. In addition, they also kept an eye on the other Veteran Jounins making their way towards them.

Illumi and Kagero finally faced off against each other without external disturbances. Illumi asked with a smirk, “Do you want to take on a Genjutsu specialist by yourself?”
Kagero answered, “If you had the Sharingan, I wouldn't have dared to. Unfortunately for you, the Kurama clan can't compare with the Uchiha clan.”

Illumi understood that Kagero was trying to get under his skin. He laughed and said, “Good, let me see how long you can maintain this attitude.”

The two engaged in an intense battle as Illumi tried to trap Kagero under Genjutsu while Kagero tried to hit Illumi with his complex Ninjutsus before that happened. The armies clashed as well.

However, unlike. Tsuchiro's division, which made some inroads into Hoka's division, Kagero's army failed to gain an upper hand. Even though they ambushed Illumi's division, their attack was from the front, where the stronger Konoha ninjas were. In addition, Illumi's division not only enjoyed numerical superiority but also had far stronger ninjas.


While Fujin's army and the rebels clashed, the Konoha council gathered once again for another meeting. They discussed several miscellaneous topics before coming on to the crucial points.

Hiashi asked, “Has there been any update on Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame? Also, have you figured out the reason for their infiltration?”

Everyone's gaze turned towards Shikaku, who answered, “We have some idea. Both of them are in a rogue mercenary group called the Akatsuki. Though they have been doing only some normal missions, Lord Third had intel that their real targets are the Tailed Beasts. They likely wanted to take advantage of the recent attack and make a move against Naruto.”

A frown appeared on the faces of several council members. They didn't like what they were hearing. Tsume muttered, “Naruto isn't in the village right now. Should we be worried?”

Shikaku answered, “He is with Jiraiya-sama. So, I wouldn't be too worried. If they dare to make a move, then it could be a good chance for Jiraiya-sama to eliminate them.”

Everyone nodded. If Naruto wasn't safe with Jiraiya, then there wasn't much point in them being concerned. They had some doubts about the Akatsuki, but before they could voice them, Koharu asked, “How is Kakashi?”

Even though they managed to hide their emotions very well, both Koharu and Homura were very worried. Itachi's sudden move had them raise their guards to the highest level. While they believed in Itachi's loyalty to the village, it had been several years since Itachi left Konoha. There was a chance that he had changed and that posed a grave risk, especially to them.

Shikaku answered, “His life isn't in danger. He was put under a very strong Genjutsu which completely exhausted him. Unfortunately, no one in the village is able to heal them. Fortunately, the issue should be solved once Lady Tsunade returns to the village.”

Several Clan Leaders breathed a sigh of relief. While Fujin had taken the limelight in recent times, Kakashi was still a very important ninja for Konoha. If he met an unfortunate end or was crippled, it would be a huge blow to Konoha's military might. Since several sighed, no one found the relief on Homura's and Koharu's faces strange.

Homura asked, “How is the war in the Land of Grass proceeding?”
Shikaku answered, “The rebels were good enough to keep hiding from us. However, they were located today. They are engaged in a battle as we speak. Perhaps, the war would be over by the time the meeting ends.”

Hiromasa quickly asked, “What of the Iwagakure forces on the border? The rebels aren't a threat to us. The only thing that could cause us losses is if the Iwagakure army moves. I thought you'd send more ninjas to deter them, but you refrained from doing it.”

Before Shikaku could answer, Koharu said, “As annoying as that kid is, he makes a great deterrent by himself. With his capabilities, he could kill their commanders or slaughter their weaker ninjas depending on the circumstances. Knowing the Third Tsuchikage's nature, I wouldn't be too worried about it.”

Hiromasa thoughtfully countered, “Actually, that in itself is a risk. Since he has such a reputation, we'll be caught off guard when he eventually orders the opposite. However, you are right. As long as Fujin is there, we don't need to be worried. The fact that Iwagakure still hasn't made a move should prove that. Is that correct, Shikaku…?”

The entire council was slightly puzzled as there was a strange expression on Shikaku's face. He muttered, “Well, about that…”

Before he could answer, an Anbu ninja entered the room and hurriedly reported, “Shikaku-sama, we just received this news.”

His sudden intrusion surprised the Council Members. Homura asked, “What's this about?”

Shikaku glanced at the scroll before passing it along. As soon as the Elders and other Clan Leaders read the message, their eyes widened in disbelief. Homura's breathing became rough as he muttered in disbelief, “This…”

A similar scroll reached Sunagakure, where the council was convened instantly. None of them could believe what the report said and the entire council stayed silent in shock.

In Amegakure, Zetsu, Obito, Nagato and Konan stood in silence. They were digesting the news Zetsu passed on. Finally, Obito muttered, “This could be troublesome…”

In Kumogakure, Ay's expression went pale as he read the report. He ordered, “Recall Darui and the rest immediately. Call back all our forces without any delay!”

Mabui nodded and immediately got to work. The two factions in the Land of Water were shocked as well, but neither cared much about the information as their battles were becoming more intense. However, there was one person who cared deeply about it.

In Iwagakure, Onoki read the report with widened eyes. For a moment, he couldn't believe what he was reading and he read the report once again. As he confirmed the information, his anger soured through the roof. The scroll in his hands was obliterated into dust as he cursed loudly, “Those bastards dare to look down on me so much!”

His subordinates stayed frozen in his office. Not a single one of them had ever seen their leader this angry.

In Kusagakure, a Council Meeting was ongoing just like in Konoha. While they were careful, the meeting was a joyous one. Hiroshi said, “According to Ryoichi's reports, the Konoha army will finally engage the remaining rebels today. Iwagakure's forces haven't made any moves.”

A smile appeared on his face as he announced, “The war will finally be over.”

Relief spread through the Council room. Though it had cost them a lot, their internal war would finally end. However, before they could celebrate, an Anbu ninja broke into the room, attracting everyone's attention. His breathing was very rough and even though he was wearing a mask, everyone could sense that he seemed afraid.

The Council immediately raised their guard. Hiroshi asked, “What's the matter?”

The Anbu ninja reported, “Hi… Hiroshi-sama. We've… We have just… received information.”

Seeing how terrified the Anbu ninja seemed, Hiroshi frowned. He asked with an ugly face, “Did Iwagakure make a move?”

The Anbu ninja took deep breaths as he answered, “No… Iwagakure isn't involved. The news is from the Land of Rice!”

His words confused the council. Before they could guess, the Anbu ninja exclaimed loudly, “Konoha has set fire to the Land of Rice! Otogakure is completely destroyed! Orochimaru is believed to be on the run!”

Without an exception, the pupils of every council member dilated and their eyes widened. Konoha had just been attacked by the combined forces of Sunagakure and Otogakure. Kusagakure had successfully diverted the army Konoha raised into the Land of Grass and kept them occupied. They couldn't believe that Konoha had the manpower to do something so ridiculous.

One of the council members asked in disbelief, “Do you mean that Konoha sent another army to the Land of Grass secretly while fighting a war here?”

To the council's surprise, the Anbu ninja shook his head and answered loudly, “No, it wasn't another army. It was none other than Suzuki Fujin, the Spectral Swordsman!”

[A/N: I'm aware that Otogakure wasn't a village. I'll cover it in the next chapter.]