After dinner, Sakumo affectionately patted his son's head, smiling as he said, "Takuya is right. Compared to the Uchiha, our Hatake clan's swordsmanship is more refined and rooted in samurai traditions, focusing on precision and quick-draw techniques. Since you've received guidance, keep working hard and grow stronger."
What he didn't tell Kakashi was that, unlike the Senju or Uchiha clans with their long ninja histories, the Hatake clan's swordsmanship was a demanding art, requiring significant time and effort to master.
However, he couldn't help but wonder if Kakashi would manage in school at this rate. Sakumo's initial plan had been to enroll him in the ninja academy this year, but considering Kakashi's abilities, he was already at a level where even regular Genin wouldn't be a match for him. Would Kakashi fit in? He just hoped Kakashi wouldn't get into too many fights.
A chuckle escaped as he recalled Takuya's time in school, notorious for his bold ways. The once little troublemaker was truly growing up.
Of course, Takuya was oblivious to Sakumo's musings. After two days of rest in the village, he returned to the front-line camp under Kushina's reluctant gaze.
The war had now fully ignited. Following orders from the village, Yagura was forced to abandon his initial plans, rallying his forces to launch a direct attack on the Whirlpool Country camp. Konoha responded quickly, dispatching reinforcements to prevent the camp from being overwhelmed, forcing Yagura to redirect his attention to the coastal camp and leaving the Whirlpool Country camp as a thorn embedded deep in the front lines—impossible to ignore and challenging to uproot.
"Looks like we're in full-on war mode now," Takuya observed.
The once clear, open sea had become shrouded in a thick fog blanketing the entire area as though something concealed itself in the mist. On the sea, even Cloud Village, known for its seafaring prowess, avoided engaging the Hidden Mist on open waters.
The Hidden Mist would obscure the battlefield with fog, limiting visibility and dulling sensory abilities—even sensors found their skills diminished. Hidden Mist ninja, however, moved freely through the mist, while their foes struggled.
Dispelling the fog was possible, but it came at a high cost.
"Fighting the Hidden Mist on the open sea isn't exactly ideal," Nawaki muttered as he stared into the murky waters. "Fighting at sea is tricky enough, but in these conditions, we can't see a thing. And they all have water-type chakra, making them right at home out there."
"Why else do you think Orochimaru wants Yagura to engage us on land?" Takuya clapped Nawaki on the shoulder, smirking. "Once you fight them in the mist, you'll see—your vision and senses are dulled, and it's anything but pleasant."
Without the mist's advantage, Cloud Village's hot-headed nature would have long brought them into open conflict with the Hidden Mist. But on the ocean, they were cautious.
"Let's get our mission checked in," Takuya suggested. "The Hidden Mist's technique may be formidable, but it has weaknesses. As long as we don't fight them at sea, we won't be too restricted."
Unlike other villages, Konoha's diversity of ninjas meant they could adapt to the Hidden Mist's tactics, avoiding the restraint felt by Cloud Village. Orochimaru, however, seemed intent on wrapping this war up quickly, securing prestige and military accolades. Dragging it out would've been in Konoha's favor since Konoha could endure a prolonged conflict, whereas the Mist Village could not.
The Hidden Mist, like a seaside version of the Sand Village, lacked Konoha's stamina. Surrounded by water on all sides, they struggled to procure supplies if the conflict dragged on.
As the team neared the camp, the patrol spotted them. Each patrol squad included at least one member of the Hyuga clan to maintain security.
"Thank you all for your hard work," Takuya greeted the guards.
After a brief inspection, the team entered the camp. The tension of an impending battle filled the air, a stark contrast to the atmosphere when they had last left.
Inside the command center, only Orochimaru was present; even his assistant, Nara Shikaku, was absent.
"You've returned," Orochimaru greeted with a calm smile, though to Nawaki and Minato, there was a subtle chill in his otherwise warm expression.
Not wasting any time, Takuya placed the scroll on the desk. "No traces found. The remaining members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen likely fled the Land of Fire. Once they left, we ended the pursuit."
"Thank you for your efforts." Orochimaru took the scroll, applying his seal to signify mission completion. "Considering the severity of the Blood Mist's methods, I doubt those who escaped will dare return. With their swords lost, they've become a mere drain on the Hidden Mist's strength."
Orochimaru anticipated Yagura's reaction when he learned that Konoha's "little Genin" had brought down several members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Unfortunately, Might Duy had sacrificed his life for the victory.
Without Duy's guidance, could Guy still achieve the strength he had in the original timeline?
"I'll have Shikaku log your mission details. For now, rest up. Tomorrow, I'll have new assignments for you three, though you may need to split up."
Orochimaru had decided it was time to divide Takuya's team, each member assigned to different tasks to reduce the camp's operational load.
Takuya, Minato, and Nawaki had no objections. They had always known this day would come—Konoha wouldn't keep them as a single unit forever. The war had merely accelerated their separation.
Back in their tent, Nawaki couldn't contain his curiosity. "What do you think they'll have us doing separately?"
"You'd have to ask your teacher about that," Takuya replied, nudging him. "Now, go get our supplies from the Logistics Department, or are you not hungry?"
"On it!" Nawaki shot off.
As the night wore on, the camp grew lively with the return of other squads from their missions.
The following day, the three of them reported back to the command center.
_____________Offer_____________
I will give you 3 chapters if you give me 900 power stones within a day; otherwise, I will provide you with 2 chapters if you give me 500 power stones.
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 380+ at Patreon com/ Emik01.
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