Chapter 72: Chapter 72 : The Land of Demons
I observed Rena Hyuga, donned in a Chunin vest, standing gracefully on the far right. In the middle, a spot seemed reserved for Uchiha Natsu. Renowned as a medical ninja, Hyuga Rena displayed remarkable proficiency in corpse handling and medical ninjutsu. Notably, her medical ninjutsu surpassed that of many in the Medical Class, despite her Corpse Disposal Class background.
However, in combat scenarios, Hyuga Rena's abilities were deemed inadequate. This sentiment was expressed by both Hyuga Rena and Uchiha Natsu during their time in the medical department. It was emphasized that if she were to enter the battlefield, she would heavily rely on Uchiha Natsu for protection. Ironically, during that time, Uchiha Natsu was considered almost useless. This dependency highlighted the disparity in their combat skills.
Considering the team structure, it was evident that Shisui and Uchiha Natsu, both Jonin, surpassed Chunin in strength. This team was assigned crucial tasks, making Hyuga Rena's presence seem incongruous. Uchiha Natsu glanced at the situation, exchanged greetings, entered the room with a salute, and stood in the vacated position. Kakashi exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, observing everyone's arrival, set aside the documents in his hand and spoke solemnly: "Today, I received a message that our ally, the Land of Demons, is under attack by a ghost army composed of monsters and spirits." Upon hearing this, Uchiha Natsu's heart stirred.
The mention of the Ghosts, monsters, and spirits triggered memories of certain events for Uchiha Natsu. Ghosts, monstrous beings from another world, were said to have nearly destroyed the world during their initial eruption.
Uchiha Natsu contemplated the power of Ghosts, comparing them to tailed beasts and wondering if they were at least at the Kage level. The revelation about the sprite's corpse brought him back to the present as Sarutobi Hiruzen continued narrating the story.
The Kingdom of Ghosts, the largest trading partner of the Kingdom of Fire, played a crucial role in benefiting the latter through trade. However, the Kingdom of Ghosts lacked ninjas, only possessing secret techniques. Although comparable to the Land of Iron, the Land of Demons had weaker military strength.
In the Land of Demons, the most powerful individual was the country's lord—the witch. However, the witches were skilled in sealing techniques and had the special ability to "predict life and death" but could not solve complex problems independently. Therefore, seeking Konoha's help became imperative when the sprites erupted, similar to events ten years later. In contrast, other countries and ninja villages did not request aid from witches.
Reflecting on the timeline since the unsealing of the seeds, Uchiha Natsu considered Tsunade's statement about sprites almost destroying the world. Sarutobi Hiruzen revealed that this time, four teams would be dispatched, with the four individuals, including Uchiha Natsu, assigned as the maiden's guards. Additionally, three Anbu teams would be sent to deal with the ghost army.
Expressing concern, Uchiha Natsu suggested sending fewer Anbu against the undead army, hinting at reducing potential "unstable factors" for the impending coup. However, Sarutobi Hiruzen disagreed, asserting that the ghost army comprised puppets and that three Anbu teams were sufficient. He mentioned that the Anbu he sent had already departed. Shisui was appointed as the captain, emphasizing the urgency of reaching the Palace of the Ghost Kingdom to protect the witches.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, underestimating the ghost army's power, explained that the soldiers of the ghost country, being ordinary people, were helpless against the puppets. He believed that Anbu teams led by Jonin would make a significant difference. He mentioned that the operation had already commenced, indicating that Kakashi's team did not participate.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Uchiha Natsu said no more. Shisui accepted the order solemnly, and there was a moment of hesitation as if he wanted to say something. However, he chose to remain silent. Although he initially wanted Natsu Uchiha to be the captain, Shisui realized that his current level surpassed Natsu Uchiha's, prompting him to abandon that plan.
Post-war, Uchiha Natsu, despite leading the Uchiha clan effectively, was not promoted to Jonin. Instead, Sarutobi Hiruzen assigned him a special Jonin role, citing his failure to open his eyes. This was attributed to the absence of a precedent in the Uchiha clan for mentioning someone as Jonin without unlocking the Sharingan. Despite recognizing these as excuses, Uchiha Natsu no longer prioritized ninja levels, focusing on long-term goals and vision.
Upon leaving the office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared expressionlessly at the closed door for a while. In a low voice, he murmured, "Rena and Uchiha Natsu got too close; to break the bond between Uchiha and Hyuga, this is the only way to go." These four individuals were carefully chosen by Sarutobi Hiruzen, identifying Shisui and Uchiha Natsu as the primary threats. Uzuki Yugao, though a rising star, was considered too dependent on Uchiha Natsu. Rena Hyuga's close connection with Natsu Uchiha, especially after being transferred to his team, raised suspicions. Even after the war, Hyuga Hiashi's recommendation for her seemed unusual. Combining these factors, Sarutobi Hiruzen made the team arrangement. After a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed her eyes, retracted her gaze, and continued to check the files with an expressionless demeanor.
Outside Hokage's office, Uchiha Natsu and the team closed the door and proceeded along the corridor. Uchiha Natsu walked along the far-left wall, and Hyuga Rena, taking the lead, joined him. As they walked, Hyuga Rena, with a smile on her face, kept her gaze forward. However, her body tilted increasingly to the left, and the corners of her mouth rose. Subconsciously, Uchiha Natsu accelerated forward, inadvertently taking the wrong position.
Suddenly, Hyuga Rena, expecting to lean on Natsu Uchiha, found herself leaning into thin air. With an exclamation, she collided with the wall on the left. Uchiha Natsu, seemingly unresponsive, turned around slowly, looking at Hyuga Rena suspiciously. The other two also looked over, and Uzuki Yugao reacted quickly, grabbing Hyuga Rena's hand.
Concerned, Uchiha Natsu asked suspiciously, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Stabilizing herself without assistance, Hyuga Rena blinked her big eyes twice, pouted her rosy mouth, and responded, "Hmph, nothing. Just brushed off by a cute guy." With that, Hyuga Rena returned to her place as if nothing had happened. Uzuki Yugao, however, sensed that things might not be that simple.
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