From Danmachi to God of Ninja

Chapter 86: Chapter 86

With Kiriya’s arrival, the situation on the battlefield along the border between the Lands of Wind and Fire rapidly began to change.

Konoha’s casualties dropped sharply, and large numbers of elite shinobi who had taken part in battles survived.

Correspondingly, Sunagakure’s casualties continued to climb, reaching a point that gave both their forward command and upper leadership a serious headache.

To reduce losses and stabilize their battle lines, Sunagakure had no choice but to quickly adjust its deployment.

"What? You’re saying Sunagakure is retreating across the entire line?"

Orochimaru abruptly stood up, both hands pressing against the desk as he stared closely at the shinobi in front of him.

"Yes."

Being stared at like that by Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, put enormous pressure on the shinobi. Sweat had already appeared on his forehead, but he did not dare wipe it away.

He quickly continued his report.

"Many of Sunagakure’s strongholds have already been abandoned. Our people have checked them, and there don’t seem to be any traps or mechanisms left behind."

"They really retreated?"

The other jōnin inside the tent looked at one another, unable to understand what Sunagakure was trying to pull.

"It should be a plan to lure us deeper."

Shinku Yūhi gave his judgment.

"They must have gathered their forces somewhere behind the line and are waiting for us to run headfirst into them."

"If this really is bait, then the price is far too high."

Another jōnin from the Inuzuka clan shook his head.

"So many towns and strongholds, and all of them are valuable positions."

"If the bait isn’t heavy enough, how can they catch a big fish?" Shinku Yūhi still insisted on his view.

"Hehe, Shinku, you’re worrying too much."

A jōnin from the Uchiha clan smiled and shook his head.

"So what if it’s bait? With our current strength, even if we eat it, can those Sunagakure bastards make us spit it back out?"

His words were full of confidence.

Unexpectedly, many of the jōnin agreed with him, making Kiriya click his tongue in surprise.

Wasn’t it always said that the Uchiha had bad relationships with people in Konoha?

Didn’t this look pretty good?

What he did not know was that these people were agreeing not because this Uchiha had great popularity or a lot of face.

It was because of Kiriya himself.

A powerful shinobi capable of standing against Orochimaru was no different from a tactical nuclear weapon on this battlefield.

Not to mention his powerful medical ninjutsu and the frighteningly fast Flying Thunder God Technique.

He could fight, heal, and teleport.

Konoha’s strength on the front line already held an overwhelming advantage, and their recent smooth advances on the battlefield were proof of that.

Now, a great piece of fatty meat was sitting right beside their mouths.

Asking them not to eat it and throw it aside instead?

Wouldn’t that be a sin?

Most of the people present held that view.

Only a small number of cautious types, such as Shinku Yūhi, continued arguing their points, trying hard to remind everyone of the possible risks hidden within.

For a time, the debate became intense.

"Kiriya-kun, what do you think?"

Orochimaru looked at Kiriya, who sat there looking completely calm and uninvolved, and could not help asking.

’What do I think? I’m looking at it while sitting down.’

Kiriya muttered inwardly, but on the surface, he humbly shook his head.

"I’m just an ordinary medical-nin. I don’t really understand military strategy, so I won’t embarrass myself."

"Hehe. Kiriya-kun, you really are modest."

Orochimaru waved his hand, looking very much like a senior saying, ’Young man, I think highly of you.’

"Everyone has seen your performance during this period. Whether it’s grasping battle opportunities or adapting on the spot, you have done remarkably well. To be honest, with such an outstanding talent, even I’m a little jealous of Jiraiya."

Anyone who did not know better might really think Orochimaru was sincerely supporting and cherishing this boy.

Orochimaru’s words immediately drew a wave of agreement.

After all, during this period, whether it was these shinobi themselves, their clan members, relatives, or friends, many of them had received Kiriya’s help.

Without that young man’s miraculous medical ninjutsu, no one knew how great their losses would have been.

And that was not even mentioning the terrifying destructive power Kiriya had shown on the battlefield, which had won him the respect of every shinobi present.

As long as you had enough strength, you could earn respect.

The world of shinobi was that simple.

Feeling everyone’s expectant gazes, Kiriya coughed lightly and slowly spoke.

"I once heard a saying. If people are preserved while land is lost, both people and land can eventually be preserved. If land is preserved while people are lost, both people and land will be lost. No matter what Sunagakure is planning, our first priority should be destroying the enemy’s living forces."

"Otherwise, even if we occupy some territory, it will only be temporary. In the end, it may all be taken back."

Kiriya’s view made everyone’s eyes light up, and they immediately began praising him.

"To have such foresight at such a young age. The younger generation truly is frightening."

"Given time, he will definitely become a pillar of the village."

"More than that. I think Kiriya-sama has the makings of a Hokage."

"As expected of Lord Jiraiya’s disciple. He really is extraordinary."

Kiriya had been enjoying the earlier praise, but when he heard the later part, he became unhappy.

What was that supposed to mean?

How did this become Jiraiya’s credit?

This insight of his came from nine years of compulsory education.

What did it have to do with that ridiculous Pervy Sage?

"Destroy the enemy’s living forces, hm? Not a bad idea."

Orochimaru also showed appreciation and was just about to say something when an ANBU member walked in from outside and handed him a scroll.

Orochimaru opened it and glanced through the contents. First, he froze slightly, then a look of realization appeared on his face.

"I see. So this is your plan?"

"Lord Orochimaru, this is...?" Hyūga Hizashi asked.

"According to reliable intelligence, Sunagakure is currently gathering its forces. They intend to have a decisive battle with Konoha, one aimed at annihilation."

"What?"

At first, everyone was extremely shocked to hear this.

But after Orochimaru explained, they began to understand Sunagakure’s plan.

After all, with Kiriya joining the battlefield, Konoha’s advantage in each smaller battle zone had grown larger and larger.

If things continued dragging on, Konoha would likely accumulate small victories into a major victory, eventually gaining absolute superiority over Sunagakure.

By then, anything Sunagakure wanted to do would be too late.

Rather than remain passive like that, they might as well take advantage of the fact that they still had the strength to fight and risk everything in one battle.

If they won, they could turn a bicycle into a motorcycle overnight.

Even if they lost, they could still make Konoha suffer serious damage, preventing Konoha from having the strength to strike Sunagakure afterward.

"I see. A desperate gamble, then?"

The jōnin felt a heavy pressure settle over them.

The coming battle would be a key battle involving the entire western front, and even the direction of the Shinobi World War itself.

There could not be the slightest mistake.

"Since the enemy has already issued the challenge, we can’t back down."

The Uchiha jōnin grinned.

The other jōnin did not speak, but their firm gazes expressed their will clearly enough.

"Lord Orochimaru, please give the order."

One pair of eyes after another turned toward Orochimaru.