Chapter 233: Hoshikawa's Spy Identity Exposed
Screams rang out.
The two Kumogakure ninja standing guard at the outpost gate were engulfed by various jutsu, instantly turning to ash.
The entire Kumogakure outpost was instantly alerted.
The Fourth Raikage's body flashed, and he appeared at the gate.
All he could see was a surge of chaotic chakra signatures.
"Enemy attack!"
The Fourth Raikage roared, "Use Wind Release to dispel the heavy fog!"
Kumogakure's Wind Release users immediately created a fierce blast of wind.
The dense fog was largely scattered, revealing the Konohagakure ninja hidden within.
When the Fourth Raikage saw Tsunade and Hoshikawa, his gaze sharpened.
It seemed the intelligence he received last night wasn't false after all.
The sounds of battle erupted.
Ninja tools and jutsu flew through the air, and the entire outpost instantly dissolved into chaos.
The Fourth Raikage's body transformed into a bolt of lightning, instantly bringing him before Tsunade.
Monster Strength!
Tsunade clenched her fist and smashed it forward.
Lariat!
The Fourth Raikage raised his elbow to meet the attack.
Boom!
The ground cracked and dust flew up, centered on the two of them.
The Fourth Raikage instinctively took a few steps back.
He hadn't activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, so his raw strength was momentarily inferior.
Just as Hoshikawa prepared to help, a rush of wind sounded behind him.
He drew his Raijin Blade and blocked a short blade with a backhanded move.
Hoshikawa turned, seeing Samui—a ninja with a voluptuous figure but a cool, detached expression.
She raised her hand, lightly curling her fingers.
Hoshikawa immediately understood her intention.
The Fourth Raikage not only wanted to confirm the intelligence provided by the Root ninja but also wanted to speak with him.
Hoshikawa closed the distance, swinging the Raijin Blade toward Samui.
Clang!
Samui gripped her short blade with both hands, successfully blocking the Raijin Blade.
The immense force caused her body to tremble violently and then retreat backward.
Hoshikawa glanced down instinctively.
No wonder Samui's figure could rival Tsunade's in the future; the potential was already evident now.
"Hoshikawa."
Samui pushed off the ground with both feet, engaging Hoshikawa in close-quarters combat once more.
"What is it?"
Hoshikawa evaded her attack, spun around, and leaned close to her, asking.
A faint scent wafted out, entering his nostrils.
"You know perfectly well."
Samui held her blade horizontally, clashing with the Raijin Blade.
"I don't have any intelligence for you right now."
Hoshikawa said softly.
"You're lying."
Samui gritted her teeth and asked, "Aren't you afraid we'll expose your spy identity?"
"Exposing my identity won't do you any good."
Hoshikawa dodged her electrified blade and replied.
"It won't do us any good, but Kumogakure will never tolerate a spy with divided loyalties!"
Samui whispered, "I hope you think carefully."
"I will."
Hoshikawa knocked her back with a single sword strike.
"You still have time to think."
Samui didn't press the attack, speaking her final words before using the Body Flicker Technique to appear in front of the Fourth Raikage.
"You win this round. Everyone, retreat!"
The Fourth Raikage spared a glance at Samui, then abandoned the fight and turned to leave.
"Chase them!"
Tsunade naturally wouldn't let them escape.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!
Hoshikawa formed hand signs, and a water dragon roared as it shot out.
But in the next second, the Fourth Raikage smashed it apart with a single punch.
He exchanged one look with Hoshikawa, then continued to fight his way out while retreating.
Finally, after sacrificing half of their ninja force, the Fourth Raikage, Samui, and the others managed to escape.
"The Fourth Raikage is more cautious than I thought."
Tsunade pondered for a moment. "I estimate he'll probe us a few more times."
"Mm."
Hoshikawa nodded slightly.
First, to probe, and second, to make them lower their guard.
As for the intelligence, Hoshikawa had already made up his mind not to deal with Kumogakure anymore.
He didn't care even if they exposed his spy identity.
After all, he now had the safety net of Wood Release.
Another two weeks passed, and it was now September.
Just as Tsunade had predicted, the Fourth Raikage conducted six more probes, all simple outpost skirmishes.
Both sides suffered losses—not huge, but not small either—resulting in a stalemate.
Until a new Jonin meeting was convened.
"This morning, we discovered that Kumogakure has established a new camp here."
Orochimaru pointed to a mountain on the map.
"Why there?"
Fugaku Uchiha asked, puzzled.
"Are they trying to deploy a surprise attack force?"
Sakumo Hatake mused.
"Unlikely."
Shikaku Nara shook his head. "That mountain is over a thousand meters from our nearest outpost, making a surprise attack very difficult."
"How many ninja are on it?"
Tsunade asked after some thought.
"Roughly a thousand Kumogakure ninja."
Orochimaru said calmly. "The numbers aren't small. There must be some special deployment."
"Have you sent people to investigate?"
When Tsunade first entered the main tent, she noticed several Jonin from the Hyūga and Aburame clans were missing.
"Hiashi Hyūga and Shibi Aburame will be back shortly."
Orochimaru nodded slightly.
Half an hour later, the dust-covered Hiashi Hyūga and Shibi Aburame walked into the main tent.
"The defenses at Kumogakure's new camp are extremely tight. They've also set up a specialized barrier laced with chakra, making it difficult for the Byakugan to penetrate."
Hiashi paused. "But Shibi's Kikaichu managed to find something."
"The Kikaichu sensed a highly dangerous presence within the new camp."
Shibi Aburame took over, continuing the report.
"Could it be Tailed Beast chakra?"
Shikaku Nara couldn't help but ask after hearing this.
"It's not a Tailed Beast."
Shibi Aburame shook his head. "The Kikaichu couldn't sense any life signs."
"Then what is it?"
Everyone looked confused.
"Perhaps it's some kind of ninja tool."
Hoshikawa suddenly thought of Kumogakure's Chakra Cannon.
It was a secret weapon introduced by Kumogakure in the movies, powered by charging it with chakra—the more chakra, the greater the destructive force.
It was rumored to be powerful enough to shatter the moon.
However, since this was over a decade or two too early, it might not exist yet.
"Regardless of what it is, it must be destroyed."
Orochimaru immediately declared, "Tsunade, I'm entrusting this task to you."
Tsunade nodded with a serious expression.
She knew the Fourth Raikage's probing phase was over, and what followed would be a genuine fight to the death.
Aside from Kumogakure, she also had to guard against the actions of Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura.
This battle would be extremely dangerous.
She subconsciously looked toward Hoshikawa.
The key to victory didn't lie with her, but with her student.
Hoshikawa noticed her gaze and gave her a smile in return.
"Let's go."
Tsunade couldn't help but curve her lips slightly.
The Jonin meeting concluded, and everyone left, leaving only Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura.
"The Fourth Raikage has finally made a move!"
Danzō said excitedly.
Orochimaru was noncommittal.
"At a time like this, you cannot afford to be soft-hearted!"
Danzō looked at him, reminding him.
"I certainly won't be."
Orochimaru said coolly, "The rest of the arrangements are up to you."
"Don't worry!"
A smile couldn't help but appear on Danzō's face.
Orochimaru glanced at him, then turned and left the main tent.
In his excitement, Danzō failed to notice that Orochimaru hadn't personally involved himself in the plan from start to finish.
If things went wrong, Orochimaru could distance himself.
While he might not be able to completely clear his name, given his strength and status, he wouldn't face serious trouble.
Danzō, however, was another matter.
Orochimaru had worked with him multiple times, always treating him as a tool.
He had been forced to cooperate with Danzō again due to the threat of the Wood Release experiments, and he was naturally displeased.
Moreover, in Orochimaru's view, Danzō had lost his usefulness.
As for whether Danzō would expose the Wood Release experiments if something happened to him?
He wouldn't dare, because if he kept quiet, Orochimaru might save him.
Konohagakure's main camp started mobilizing.
The deployment of a thousand ninja required some time.
Hoshikawa and Tsunade waited in the tent.
Of course, they were waiting for more than just that.
"Lady Tsunade."
Hiashi Hyūga entered after receiving permission.
"What's the situation?"
Tsunade asked directly.
"First, the Sunagakure ninja were deployed to the west; second, Sakumo Hatake's squad was deployed to the east; and third, we were instructed to remain at the main camp."
Hiashi reported. "The orders aim to maximize defenses against a potential Kumogakure surprise attack from three directions."
"That sounds reasonable enough."
Tsunade chuckled.
"Whose orders were they?"
Hoshikawa asked curiously.
"They were orders given by Danzō Shimura in the name of Orochimaru."
Hiashi answered truthfully.
"Orochimaru still holds onto a thread of our past friendship, it seems."
Tsunade sighed.
Orochimaru was her teammate and Nawaki's teacher; she truly didn't want to come to blows with him.
Hoshikawa rubbed his chin.
Orochimaru seemed quite passive, acting almost like a hands-off manager.
Was it because of Tsunade and Nawaki?
"Thank you, Hiashi."
Tsunade waved her hand. "You may go."
"It's what the Hyūga clan ought to do."
Hiashi said, then turned and left.
"It's a good thing you promised to take Hiashi Hyūga's child as your student; otherwise, we might not have gotten such strong support from the Hyūga clan."
Tsunade said slowly, watching Hiashi's retreating figure.
"I'll go find Uncle Sakumo."
Hoshikawa said carelessly. "With their strength, tricking Orochimaru and Danzō shouldn't be difficult."
"You seem very confident in them."
Tsunade asked with some confusion. "Though Sakumo is strong, his fighting style is not suited to fighting Tailed Beasts."
"Have you forgotten how his squad gravely injured the Two-Tails Jinchūriki a long time ago?"
Hoshikawa offered a mysterious smile. "They've promised not to disappoint you."
"Then I shall look forward to it."
Tsunade grew intrigued.
Hoshikawa went to see Sakumo Hatake's team. When he returned, the thousand ninja were already fully assembled.
"Move out!"
Tsunade glanced at Danzō Shimura and the others sending them off, then turned and departed.
Kumogakure's New Camp.
"Raikage-sama."
Darui quickly walked into the main tent. "Tsunade has set out with a thousand ninja."
"What about the movements of Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura?"
The Fourth Raikage nodded slightly.
"Look here."
Darui pointed a line on the map. "Their remaining forces have formed a defensive posture here."
"It seems an opportunistic attack on their main base is unlikely."
The Fourth Raikage shook his head.
"No matter."
Mabui said with a smile. "Defeating Tsunade and Hoshikawa would be a huge victory for Kumogakure."
"That's true."
The Fourth Raikage sighed. "Kumogakure needs this great victory to stabilize morale."
The Third Great Shinobi War had already lasted four years, and so far, Kumogakure's record was only decent.
In contrast, Konohagakure's achievements—like annihilating the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, capturing the Four-Tails, and killing the Third Mizukage—had shocked the ninja world and greatly boosted their morale.
Kumogakure had not only lacked such victories but had also lost the Third Raikage.
"Have Yugito and Killer B hurry over."
The Fourth Raikage stood up. "Kumogakure will be victorious this time!"
To avoid detection by Konohagakure, he had previously kept Yugito Nii and Killer B off the mountain.
Now that Tsunade had set out, they could bring their people over.
With a three-sided pincer movement and the power of two Jinchūriki, Tsunade and Hoshikawa would be trapped with no way out.
Even if Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura went back on their word and sent reinforcements, it would be too late.
This was because the Fourth Raikage had deliberately chosen an easily defensible mountain top for the new camp.
Coupled with their prior preparations, they could maximally obstruct any relief efforts.
An hour later, the Konohagakure forces arrived at their destination.
Hoshikawa looked at the mountain in the distance. It was even taller than he had imagined.
And it wasn't just one peak; it was a continuous mountain range.
"This is going to be difficult."
Tsunade scanned the area, frowning slightly. "It's hard for us to launch an attack."
"If that's the case, we won't attack directly."
Hoshikawa thought for a moment and asked, "How about we use a joint summoning for Katsuyu?"
"Are you sure?"
Tsunade paused, hesitating. "That would consume a lot of chakra."
"I'll be fine."
Hoshikawa said uncaringly. "With the Strength of a Hundred Seal, it won't be an issue."
"Alright."
Tsunade considered it briefly and agreed.
While it would waste some chakra, it would undoubtedly minimize casualties.
Tsunade and Hoshikawa walked a few steps forward and simultaneously formed hand signs.
Summoning Jutsu!
An immense surge of chakra erupted from their bodies, heavy like a mountain.
The air warped, followed by a cloud of chaotic smoke.
Rumble!
The smoke vanished, and a gigantic white slug, Katsuyu, appeared.
"It's huge!"
Rin Nohara exclaimed in surprise.
"I think it's even bigger than the Four-Tails was."
Kurenai Yūhi's eyes were wide.
"That's Lady Tsunade's Summoning Beast?"
Hiashi Hyūga and the others also showed signs of astonishment.
They had seen Katsuyu before, but never one this massive.
"Katsuyu-sama!"
Tsunade pointed at the mountain in the distance. "Ram into it!"
Katsuyu immediately began to writhe its enormous body.
A deafening crash followed.
It slammed into the mountain.
The mountain's surface instantly fractured, kicking up countless rocks and dust.
The Kumogakure forces atop the mountain staggered, and many were instantly killed.
"Damn it!"
Seeing this, the Fourth Raikage roared, "Everyone, get down the mountain!"
Though the mountain was massive, it wouldn't withstand many such impacts.
The Fourth Raikage leaped down from the summit toward the base.
The rest of the ninja followed suit.
"Katsuyu-sama, fall back."
Tsunade saw that their goal had been achieved and called out.
Katsuyu was a support-type Summoning Beast, unsuited for direct combat.
And even if they had to fight, they needed her to deal with Kumogakure's two Tailed Beasts.
"Hoshikawa!"
The Fourth Raikage landed, his face dark, and he called out, "If you capture Tsunade now, I'll still consider you a Kumogakure ninja!"
Hoshikawa's action of summoning Katsuyu had clearly enraged him.
It was no exaggeration to say that he had utterly ruined Kumogakure's perfect plan.
Furthermore, Hoshikawa's actions made it clear he was unwilling to return to Kumogakure.
Since that was the case, the Fourth Raikage saw no need to save face anymore and directly exposed Hoshikawa's identity.
The Konohagakure ninja froze where they stood.
What did that mean?
How could Hoshikawa be a Kumogakure ninja?
"Are you going senile?"
Tsunade was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "Hoshikawa is my student, and a Konohagakure ninja!"
"Hahaha!"
The Fourth Raikage laughed loudly. "How ridiculous! My spy from Kumogakure has been leading all of Konohagakure around by the nose!"
Tsunade instinctively looked at Hoshikawa.
"Master, do you believe him?"
Hoshikawa asked, his expression calm.
"Of course I don't!"
Tsunade glared at the Fourth Raikage, saying coldly, "To try and drive a wedge between us on the battlefield—your plan is far too impractical!"
"Drive a wedge?"
The Fourth Raikage scoffed. "I'm not that stupid!"
"Enough talk!"
Tsunade frowned, annoyed. "If you want to fight, then fight!"
The suggestion that Hoshikawa was a spy was utterly preposterous, immediately igniting her fury.
"I can prove it!"
Mabui's voice suddenly rang out from the left.
A group of Kumogakure ninja came into view, forming a pincer movement with the Fourth Raikage and his forces.
Tsunade's face tightened.
It was the Two-Tails Jinchūriki.
Damn it!
Did Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura really fail to notify her in advance?
If the Two-Tails Jinchūriki was here, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki was likely on the way.
Tsunade's heart sank, a sense of dread rising within her.
Could she, Hoshikawa, and Sakumo Hatake's squad truly defeat them?
Tsunade had previously thought the worst-case scenario was the Fourth Raikage plus Killer B, but she hadn't expected Kumogakure to be this bold.
If Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura were to attack Kumogakure's main base right now, they would surely win.
Unfortunately, those two wouldn't go, and would likely delay reinforcements.
"Princess Tsunade."
Mabui stepped forward. "This dossier clearly records Hoshikawa's background before coming to Konohagakure. You'll understand once you see it."
She tossed it lightly, and the dossier flew toward Tsunade.
Hoshikawa remained composed, neither rushing to grab it nor reaching out to catch it.
Tsunade caught the document effortlessly.
But she didn't open it. Instead, she tore it to shreds right in front of Mabui.
"You!"
Mabui's expression froze.
Hoshikawa was also slightly surprised.
"Such tactics are meaningless to me."
Tsunade said slowly. "You simply don't understand Hoshikawa."
"I think it's you who doesn't understand him."
Mabui shook her head. "Whether you believe it or not, Hoshikawa is a Kumogakure ninja."
"There's one more way."
Another group of Kumogakure ninja arrived, led by Darui.
Tsunade glanced over, her heart sinking further.
Sure enough, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B, was also here.
In addition to the two Jinchūriki, the number of Kumogakure ninja had surged to three thousand.
Their position was now precarious.
"Hoshikawa learned quite a few unique Kumogakure jutsu."
Darui smiled faintly. "Princess Tsunade, you'll soon witness them, and then you won't be able to deny it."
Tsunade completely ignored him.
In her eyes, this was nothing more than a divide-and-conquer ploy by Kumogakure.
The reason was simple.
If Hoshikawa was removed from the equation, Konohagakure's thousand ninja would be completely trapped, with no chance of survival.
"Is that so?"
Hoshikawa stepped forward, smiling. "I'd like to show everyone Konohagakure's unique jutsu instead."
(End of Chapter)