The strength of puppets can reach the level of a jonin, but this is only an estimate based on the materials used to create them. It doesn't mean these puppets truly possess the abilities of a jonin.
Puppets, after all, are merely tools and cannot be compared to human capabilities.
For example, Orochimaru is a jonin. For him, hunting powerful creatures with jonin-level strength is relatively effortless. This highlights the significant gap between a puppet and a living shinobi.
"So, if one lacks enough strength, they must compensate with numbers. I came all this way to save you, so you'll need to help me hunt for more materials in the future."
"No problem."
Orochimaru smiled and nodded, agreeing to this condition.
"I'm on board too, ahem," Jiraiya said, feeling as though his body was about to fall apart.
Hatake Sakumo hesitated. "Shinki, your own strength isn't weak, so why do you need so many puppets?"
Given Orochimaru's earlier remarks, even if Shinki was primarily a medical ninja, he could be compared to someone like Tsunade in terms of skill, indicating he must have considerable strength himself.
In that case, why strive to accumulate so many puppets?
"Who said that? This is slander!" Shinki retorted with exaggerated excitement. "I'm just a humble medical ninja. As everyone knows, medical ninjas are the weakest and often lack means of self-defense. I have to prepare more puppets to ensure my safety."
"....."
You need more puppets to protect yourself? What about us?
Hatake Sakumo didn't want to continue this line of conversation.
"Count me in for hunting materials."
Since he had come so far to rescue them, they needed to repay that debt. He only asked for materials for his puppets, and that wasn't a difficult favor in the ninja world, where powerful creatures were abundant.
The giant eagle flew swiftly toward the camp. Along the way, Shinki spotted a small black dot on the ground.
He signaled for the giant eagle to slow down and descend, gliding at a low altitude.
"What a coincidence, it's someone from the village."
Since the person was from the village, Shinki had the eagle pick them up without stopping. They were close enough to the camp that there was no need to waste time.
The giant eagle sped on and soon reached the camp.
The sight of an unidentified flying creature approaching the camp put the guards on alert.
Orochimaru released a signal flare to inform the camp that they were allies and to prevent any defensive measures.
Recognizing the village's signal, the ninjas in the camp relaxed and cleared a space for the landing.
The giant eagle descended steadily, allowing everyone to disembark before Shinki stowed the puppet away.
"Master Shinki, Master Sakumo, please report to headquarters immediately."
"Alright, I'll head there now."
Sakumo, no doubt filled with questions, handed Jiraiya over to Orochimaru and made his way to the command center.
At headquarters, Nara Shikaku was playing a game of shogi alone. Hearing footsteps, he straightened and set aside the board.
"Is everyone alright?"
"It was close. If I had arrived any later, I'd be collecting their bodies instead. Iwagakure is trying to eliminate our next generation of strong shinobi to weaken us at the roots."
Shinki removed his coat and stepped into the adjacent room to change out of his damp clothes. Wearing wet clothes was uncomfortable.
Watching Shinki nonchalantly walk to the changing area, Shikaku's mouth twitched in mild disbelief. This kid really didn't treat himself like an outsider.
When Shinki returned, Shikaku continued, "That's typical of Iwagakure. I didn't expect them to set such an elaborate trap for us. An elite unit, and only three survived."
Konoha had suffered significant losses. The elite unit had been nearly wiped out by Iwagakure's trap. If not for Shinki's quick response, Orochimaru and the others might not have returned.
Orochimaru, with his exceptional escape skills, might have survived, but a severely injured Hatake Sakumo would have been in serious danger. Without timely rescue, both he and Jiraiya could have died.
"Will the village be in a tough spot if we lose the elite unit?"
"Yes, but it's not catastrophic."
Konoha would feel the loss, but it wouldn't drastically affect the war, especially since Hatake Sakumo, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were saved. Had they been lost, the damage would have been immense.
"By the way, how did you manage to contact them?"
"There wasn't any signal from the camp. Shinki just ran off to rescue them, and thank goodness he did, or else we'd be in serious trouble." Shikaku watched as Shinki sipped hot water, gradually warming up.
"Orochimaru had one of my puppets, and he used it to communicate with me."
"???"
What? If Shinki had said that Orochimaru used summoning or some other familiar method, Shukako wouldn't have been surprised. The ninja world was full of strange techniques. But puppets? Was this a joke?
"If you want the details, ask Orochimaru yourself. I'm tired and going to sleep."
Shinki had no intention of recounting the whole story to Shikaku. The rescue was complete, and he needed rest. It was incredible enough that Orochimaru had managed to use the puppet in such a way. Shinki couldn't help but admire his ingenuity.
Few would believe that one of Shinki's puppets could be repurposed as a communication tool.
"This kid has more secrets than I can count."
With Shinki heading off to rest, Shikaku decided to let it be for now, knowing Orochimaru could explain the situation later.
Orochimaru's injuries were minor, requiring only basic treatment before he could leave. Hatake Sakumo, however, needed a longer recovery period, while Jiraiya would be confined to the medical room for at least ten days.
As Orochimaru stepped out of the medical area, a messenger from Shikaku intercepted him.
The destruction of the elite unit weighed heavily, and neither Shikaku nor Hatake Sakumo could fully avoid responsibility. Shikaku was the unit's commander, and Sakumo was leading on the front lines. On the other hand, Orochimaru and Jiraiya wouldn't be held accountable.
"Sit down," Shikaku said, rubbing his temples as he looked over the report. Although he had spoken casually with Shinki, the loss of the elite unit was a serious blow to Konoha's battle strategy.
Orochimaru pulled up a chair and sat down.
>>>>>
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