Chapter 45: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole
One week later, in the Land of Waterfalls.
At the northern seaport, Baishi arrived safely after a long and grueling journey. Standing on the pier, he watched fishermen in their small boats rowing back under the sunset, unsure how to feel.
Despite knowing that the Land of Waterfalls was one of the main battlegrounds between Iwagakure and Konoha, Baishi had thought his strength would allow him to secure this prosperous port without issue.
To his disappointment, Takigakure, even with the Seven Tails, couldn't hold onto a simple harbor. The once-bustling port was now desolate, with no sign of passenger or merchant ships—only a few fishing boats remained.
"Am I seriously expected to hitch a ride on a fishing boat?" Baishi muttered to himself. A fishing boat was far from ideal for his journey to the deep sea.
"Guess I'll have to try the Land of Iron."
The Land of Iron bordered the Land of Waterfalls to the east. As a neutral country, it had not been dragged into the chaos of the ninja war. In fact, it had become more prosperous as nobles fled there to escape the conflict, bringing wealth and demand.
Baishi was confident that the ports of the Land of Iron wouldn't be as barren as those here. Departing from there seemed like a reasonable alternative.
With his decision made, Baishi left the harbor, planning to head to the Land of Iron under the cover of night.
He couldn't shake the feeling of an invisible net closing in on him. Though nothing seemed amiss, Baishi trusted his instincts and resolved not to linger.
However, some things are unavoidable, no matter how much you try to escape.
---
That night.
The moon shone faintly as a biting wind swept through the forest.
While running through the woods, Baishi suddenly came to a halt, balancing on a tree branch. He gazed at a dead tree ahead and called out coldly, "Stop hiding. Show yourself."
"Not bad. Such vigilance at your age. I'm impressed," a deep voice responded.
From behind the tree stepped a cloaked figure wearing a mask. Spreading his hands in a gesture of goodwill, he said, "Jia, it's time to come home. Konoha is where you belong."
The masked man's voice was sincere, and his movements conveyed no hostility.
Baishi, however, ignored his words, focusing instead on analyzing the man's mask and physique while searching his memories from his past life and his time in Root.
Moments later, Baishi said, "Elephant?"
"Elephant," or Zō, was a member of the Third Hokage's Anbu unit, known for his expertise in secret techniques and intelligence analysis.
Elephant wasn't surprised that Baishi recognized him. He had anticipated this since learning of Baishi's codename, Jia. After all, Root was nominally a training division of the Anbu, and Danzo would undoubtedly have gathered extensive information on Anbu members.
"Yes, it's me," Elephant replied calmly before continuing. "Jia, the Third Hokage has ordered your transfer from Root. Come back. Konoha needs you."
Baishi chuckled coldly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, really?"
Just as he was about to say more, his body suddenly froze.
Looking down, Baishi saw a shadow creeping from his feet into the surrounding forest.
"So, this is your 'sincerity,'" Baishi sneered.
A puff of chakra smoke dispersed, and his transformation technique dissolved, revealing his true form.
The shadow binding him extended deep into the woods, linking to someone hidden. Before Baishi could act, a surge of spiritual energy invaded his mind.
"Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique, Yamanaka clan's Mind Transfer Jutsu. Quite the preparation," Baishi remarked with disdain.
"Unfortunately—"
With a snort, Baishi expelled the invading spiritual energy. His chakra surged, breaking free of the shadow's restraints with ease.
From the faint groans in the forest, Baishi could tell his counterattack had caused some discomfort. He muttered to himself, "You've underestimated me."
Against an ordinary ninja, such a combination of techniques would have been devastating. Even someone skilled in the Flying Thunder God Technique might have struggled to escape.
However, Baishi's Intelligence stat was at 40, granting him immense spiritual strength. Combined with his level V Mental Resistance, the Mind Transfer Jutsu was powerless against him.
Drawing a kunai, Baishi advanced toward Elephant. "Now, tell me—how did you find me?"
Elephant opened his mouth to respond, but the ground began to tremble.
Moments later, four massive statues with menacing faces and fangs rose from the surrounding area, exuding an oppressive energy.
Baishi felt as if he were being watched by some unseen force. A heavy weight settled on his mind, and his vision grew hazy.
Before he could understand what was happening, Elephant spoke. "Jia, this is Iwagakure's Four Beast Suppression Formation. It's designed to suppress spiritual energy and perception. They're clearly targeting you."
"The Four Beast Suppression Formation?" Baishi muttered in confusion. "Does that even exist in the ninja world?"
Though suspicious at first, Baishi quickly dismissed his doubts. After all, this was a living, breathing world. The knowledge from his past life could only scratch the surface.
Deciding not to dwell on it, he attempted to sense the Flying Thunder God markings he had placed. To his dismay, only the kunai he carried responded.
Baishi's expression darkened.
It was clear that Iwagakure's involvement had been crucial in tracking him. Over the past week, he had moved through contested territories between Konoha and Iwagakure. Neither side alone could have pinpointed him, but their combined efforts made it possible.
Whether Elephant had intended this outcome or not, his actions had ultimately played into Iwagakure's hands.
As more Iwagakure operatives emerged from the forest, Baishi's eyes narrowed.
"So, the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind," he murmured.
Realizing the precariousness of his situation, Baishi immediately began devising an escape plan. After all, with Iwagakure so clearly prepared, staying to fight was not an option.
(End of Chapter)
[Sorry I give you unedited version of it, here is the edited version]