Naruto: Becomes a Rebel Ninja After Annihilating the Hyuga Clan - Chapter 93

Under the puzzled gazes of others, Danzo revealed his suggestion.

“Using civilians as shields? Are you insane?!”

“Absolutely not!”

“I’d rather die in battle than betray the people of Konoha like that!”

“Don’t bring this up again. This is a war between ninjas and has nothing to do with the civilians. We are Konoha ninjas, not monsters like Neiki who use innocent villagers as leverage!”

Amidst the uproar of objections, Hiruzen Sarutobi firmly shook his head, resolutely rejecting Danzo’s proposal to use civilians as shields against Kumo.

Compared to the principles of ninjutsu, Konoha’s safety, the clans’ legacy, and personal lives all held less weight.

The original purpose of a ninja’s existence was to protect those they cared about using their strength. If they now used those very people as shields, what was the meaning of their existence?

Hiruzen was deeply disappointed, both internally and externally.

He was disappointed in his former friend and partner, Danzo Shimura, who had now completely succumbed to darkness. He was also disappointed that Danzo had the audacity to propose such a disgraceful idea in front of everyone.

Once the uproar subsided and the reprimands had died down, Danzo tapped his cane and calmly said, “This is for Konoha’s survival.”

“Konoha does not desire survival at the cost of dragging innocents to their deaths,” Hiruzen retorted.

Homura and Koharu also frowned in displeasure at Danzo.

How could such a matter be discussed openly?

Danzo glanced at Homura and Koharu. If this had been discussed privately, there was a chance they might have agreed with his plan.

He didn’t truly intend to act on it; he presented the extreme idea to force everyone to consider a lesser but still significant option.

“Since using the living is not an option, then let’s use the dead,” Danzo said calmly. He looked around at the representatives of the various ninja clans. “I need a small portion of the remains of your deceased clansmen. They might be crucial in defending against Kumo’s attack.”

With Konoha’s graveyard completely destroyed by Neiki, Danzo could only obtain these powerful remains from the ancestral shrines of the major clans.

In the current fragmented state of Konoha, maintained solely by the hope of attaining the Hokage position, many didn’t even acknowledge the authority of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Danzo, having been stripped of his position as the Hokage’s assistant, garnered even less respect.

Convincing these people required a more compelling reason.

“What use are the remains of the deceased?” many of the ninja clan representatives were puzzled.

However, compared to using civilians as shields, this was not a taboo topic.

“I have recently developed a new jutsu. By using these remains, I can summon the spirits of the deceased back from the Pure Land to continue fighting to protect Konoha,” Danzo explained.

Inuzuka Kou frowned, “This kind of jutsu desecrates the dead…”

“Do you consider it desecration?” Danzo coldly glanced at Inuzuka Kou. “I see it as the elders’ earnest protection of their descendants.”

Others didn’t react much. It was just a small piece of a deceased elder’s remains. How much desecration could that be?

Moreover, they didn’t truly believe Danzo could accomplish much with it.

However, one person present might not think so lightly.

Though Hiruzen Sarutobi’s expression remained unchanged, his mind was in turmoil. Many present were young representatives of the major clans who hadn’t experienced the era of forbidden jutsus. Their clan leaders might have discerned Danzo’s true intentions, but these younger members, even if Neiki hadn’t destroyed the records, would struggle to understand Danzo’s purpose in collecting the remains.

Hiruzen gave Danzo a deep look and softly said, “We’ll discuss this later. The priority now is to continue strategizing our response to Kumo’s attack.”

Danzo’s face immediately darkened. He glanced at Hiruzen with his one good eye, seemingly unable to comprehend that the strongest opposition came from the Third Hokage, who should be most concerned about Konoha’s situation.

He didn’t say anything further, merely curling his lips into a cold smile and resumed his meditative posture.

Danzo’s proposal was just a small episode in this meeting. After establishing the details of Jiraiya’s retreat and Tsunade’s return, the focus shifted to enhancing Konoha’s defenses, which required contributions from every clan.

Fortunately, Konoha’s reconstruction, after being ravaged by Neiki, had considered the impending Fourth Great Ninja War. Thus, the defensive infrastructure was relatively advanced, ready for a defensive battle at any time.

“One last point, regarding the Fourth Raikage A. During the Third Great Ninja War, several battle reports detailed his abilities. However, many key pieces of information were destroyed by Neiki. This is the intelligence I’ve gathered from people who have fought against or witnessed him in battle.”

“This person is very dangerous, extremely fast, and has immense defense. He even fought to a draw with Minato during the Third Great Ninja War. Although Minato is no longer with us, we have others who can match him. If Tsunade and Jiraiya can’t return in time…”

All eyes in the room turned to Hiruzen, who adjusted his Hokage hat and calmly said, “Then I will take the field myself.”

Many frowned but ultimately exchanged glances without voicing any pessimistic remarks.

Hiruzen offered no further explanation, only smiling and assuring everyone to rest easy before adjourning the meeting.

The conference room emptied, leaving Hiruzen and Danzo alone.

“Edo Tensei, right?” Hiruzen interrupted before Danzo could speak, asking bluntly.

“Has it reached the stage where it can be used in battle?”

Danzo frowned, nodded, and said indifferently, “Although the time has been short, I found a talented individual who has greatly improved the jutsu.”

“How effective is it?” Hiruzen asked curiously.

“As a surprise force, it can undoubtedly cause significant casualties to Kumo.”

Hiruzen assessed him and then thoughtfully nodded, “If conditions are right, using it in conjunction with explosive tags could indeed cause Kumo considerable trouble. I know how to utilize this jutsu. I’ll ensure the armory allocates more explosive tags to you.”

### Chapter 96

“Using the bodies of the dead as human bombs is extremely disrespectful to the deceased. You shouldn’t have brought that up in the meeting,” Hiruzen gently reprimanded.

It was then that Danzo realized the extent of the misunderstanding between them.

He opened his mouth slightly but ultimately said nothing.

Anyone familiar with the original Edo Tensei would share Hiruzen’s view. The jutsu was designed by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, to be paired with explosive tags as a tactical measure.

Explosive tags were integral to this combination jutsu.

The improved Edo Tensei had completely abandoned the use of explosive tags, functioning independently for a shorter duration but effectively as a standalone jutsu.

If Hiruzen considered using the bodies of the dead as human bombs disrespectful, what would his reaction be to the improved Edo Tensei?

A subtle smile appeared on Danzo’s lips. “I understand.”

Before leaving, he turned back, asking a strange question, “Hiruzen, if we not only survive this crisis but also have the chance to avenge the humiliation brought upon us by these villages, would you agree to it?”

Hiruzen was momentarily stunned but then smiled, smoke swirling around his face. “If we survive this crisis, the new Hokage will probably be in place. Whether I agree or not, what does it matter?”

“I thought so too,” Danzo nodded, replying with a meaningful phrase, “A proper departure means acting like it.”

“Are you complaining that I disbanded your Root?”

“Root hasn’t disappeared; it has just merged into the darkness. I told you all this today so that you’d remember what you said.”

Under Hiruzen’s puzzled gaze, Danzo opened the door. The sound of his cane tapping the ground echoed as the sunlight and wind blew in, and he disappeared into the dawn light and wind.

—

Shirakawa Village, located on the eastern border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, was a medium-sized village known for its Shirakawa tea.

Every August, the hot weather coincided with the tea harvesting season, making it an ideal time for people to enjoy a cup of Shirakawa tea to cool down.

At noon, with the scorching sun and incessant cicadas, the air shimmered with heat waves, creating a blurred vision.

In a teahouse, an old lady served tea. Mitsuo Neiki took a sip, feeling the refreshing coolness permeate his lungs, making him exclaim in delight.

The teacup clinked on the table.

“If it weren’t for the mission, this weather would be perfect for a nap…” he muttered, casually sending out a breeze.

It wasn’t an ordinary jutsu; he spread his chakra through the wind to detect any potential enemies.

As a member of the Hokage’s personal Anbu unit, Neiki usually didn’t have to work so hard on field missions. However, with Konoha’s critical situation and the shortage of sensory ninjas after the Hyuga clan’s massacre by Neiki, his status had risen, and he was dispatched here to monitor Kumo’s movements.

Yes, monitoring Kumo’s movements from the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. Initially, Neiki thought it was a mistake by Konoha HQ, but after receiving a stern warning from the Anbu captain, he quickly realized the seriousness of the situation.

“Kumo plans to attack Konoha through another country? How cunning!!”

Originally, many Konoha scouts stationed at the border of the Land of Lightning had been reassigned to other borders. Due to the proximity and the severe shortage of personnel, Neiki was the first Konoha scout to arrive here.

“Isn’t Sunagakure our ally? Would they really allow Kumo to pass through? And aren’t they afraid that Kumo might use the opportunity to destroy them?” Neiki looked at the distant mountain peaks, feeling that an attack from Kumo was unlikely.

The distant peaks marked the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. Shirakawa Village’s tea fields were on those mountains. Despite the heat of the afternoon, local tea farmers were diligently picking tea leaves.

After finishing his tea, Neiki sent out another breeze, savoring the sweetness of the tea. Suddenly, he felt something and wrinkled his nose.

In the wind… was the scent of blood.

And… the sound of blood being spilled.

It sounded like a conversation between executioners after a wail of despair.

“Why kill this tea farmer…”

“Fool, he saw too many of us. If he reported to Konoha, our meticulously planned attack would be exposed. Besides, this is the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. Who would suspect it was Kumo?”

Following the direction of the wind, Neiki looked up.

On the distant hillside, first one, then a second, and then nearly a hundred figures appeared one after another. They wore straw hats, moved in unison, and swiftly headed towards a secluded forest.

Neiki’s mouth opened slightly.

They’re here…

They’re here.

Kumo.

They’re here!

—

In the dense forest outside Konoha, a rustling sound could be heard. Danzo glanced sideways and saw a slender white snake slithering out of the bushes, its red eyes quietly watching him.

“Danzo-sama, long time no see,” came a leisurely voice. Danzo looked up to see a pale man with long hair lying horizontally on a nearby tree branch, purple eye makeup extending to his nose, and brown vertical pupils exuding a sinister and dangerous aura.

“Orochimaru,” Danzo called out his name. He raised the package in his hand, “I brought what you asked for.”

Orochimaru descended from the tree, took the package from Danzo, and opened it. After a glance, he shook his head slightly.

Danzo frowned, “What’s wrong? These are the remains of various strong Konoha ninjas you requested, aren’t they?”

“They’re correct, but it’s a pity…” Orochimaru rasped, “If Neiki hadn’t destroyed Konoha’s graveyard, I could have built an entire Edo Tensei army to repel Kumo’s attack.”

“There’s no point in talking about that now.” Danzo shook his head.

Orochimaru smiled faintly and was about to say something when a screech suddenly echoed from the sky.

Danzo’s expression changed sharply. “They’re here…”

“Who?” asked Orochimaru, who hadn’t been to the village in a long time and was unfamiliar with the signal.

“Kumo… You better hurry…” Danzo’s face turned grim. The Kumo forces were incredibly fast.

“The more critical the moment, the more impactful your entrance will be. These Konoha strongmen’s remains will help you ascend to the position of Hokage…” Orochimaru said nonchalantly, his smile barely restrained. “Ah, letting the spirits of Konoha’s heroes return to defend the village is the best embodiment of the Will of Fire.”

Listening to Orochimaru’s slightly mocking tone, Danzo shook his head, uninterested in further conversation. As he turned to head back to the village, Orochimaru’s voice suddenly rang out:

“Don’t forget our deal, Fifth Hokage, Danzo-sama.”

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