Chapter 49: Hanzo of the Salamander Is My Prey

Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Hanzo of the Salamander Is My Prey

The next day, when Uchiha Xuan followed Tsunade into the command room, it was already filled with people.

Among them were Jiraiya and Orochimaru from the "Three Legendary Sannin," as well as familiar faces from the Land of Wind battlefield, including Nara Shikanin, and several ninja Uchiha Xuan did not recognize.

After the situation on the Land of Wind battlefield stabilized, he had been brought along by Tsunade.

After all, although Orochimaru was the commander on the Land of Rain battlefield, everyone knew that while Orochimaru was intelligent, his tactical command abilities were certainly inferior to those of the Nara clan ninja.

Having a Nara serve as the strategist was the consensus among all Konohagakure ninja.

As Uchiha Xuan entered the tent, he instantly drew the attention of everyone inside.

To them, Uchiha Xuan’s combat achievements were truly astonishing.

For a genius, especially one who had already matured, it was only natural to extend goodwill. Thus, everyone in the tent nodded in acknowledgment.

"Now, aside from those specially assigned to organize the logistical retreat, everyone else is here. Let us begin the final battle deployment.

Everyone, look here. According to intelligence reports, we have a clear understanding of the current state of the Hidden Rain Village. Given the instigator’s motives for starting this war, at this point, he will inevitably choose one of the three sides to launch a suicidal assault to end the conflict.

Based on Inoichi’s psychological profile and deductions, his target is highly likely to be our Konohagakure. As for the reason... there’s no need to elaborate.

Therefore, to counter the Hidden Rain Village’s final offensive and prevent other ninja villages from interfering during our decisive battle with them, we have made some preparations.

Everyone, look here. This area borders the territory of the Land of Fire and consists almost entirely of various-sized limestone caves, making it ideal for concealment or ambushes. Remember this location.

This is where all our logistical forces will retreat and hold their position. At the same time, it is our final line of defense and safeguard in the worst-case scenario."

After giving Uchiha Xuan a slight nod, Nara Shikanin tapped the map behind him and spoke solemnly, drawing everyone’s attention back to himself.

As soon as Nara Shikanin finished speaking, the command center erupted in commotion. After all, not everyone could accept a strategy involving retreat.

With the logistical forces retreating early, all the burdens of combat would fall on the frontline ninja. In case of injuries or other emergencies, they would have to rely on their own emergency measures.

Moreover, not everyone was immediately aware of the discussions from yesterday’s meeting, so some found it difficult to understand Nara Shikanin’s decision.

However, despite their confusion, no one openly opposed it. After all, he was the head of the Nara clan and, in a sense, one of the wisest among them.

Boom!

A terrifying killing intent mixed with chakra suddenly erupted, instantly silencing the noisy command room.

"Quiet! Just listen. All you need to do is follow orders."

Beside Nara Shikanin, Orochimaru stood with his arms crossed, speaking coldly. Clearly, the killing intent just now was the result of his actions.

(Note: Erupting with killing intent and chakra is an existing concept in Naruto. For example, when Orochimaru defected and confronted Kakashi, when Hashirama and Tobirama faced Sasuke, and even when Zabuza first appeared, this setting immobilized Team 7.)

"Hmm? Orochimaru, this guy... has indeed reached the old man’s level of strength."

Tsunade watched Orochimaru suddenly erupt with chakra, a flicker of understanding in her eyes.

She wasn’t surprised that Orochimaru had reached Kage-level strength. After all, even she had to admit that among the three of them, Orochimaru was undoubtedly the most talented.

"Ahem, everyone, please calm down. I understand your concerns, but rest assured, Orochimaru and I have already taken measures in advance... well, countermeasures."

Nara Shikanin cleared his throat, pulling the tense atmosphere of the command room back under control before speaking.

"What about Hanzo of the Salamander? With his strength, once he appears on the battlefield, he will cause significant damage to Konohagakure. On the battlefield, his poison is difficult for us to handle. Once poisoned, we can only rely on Lady Tsunade for treatment, but that would also tie her down with the wounded. Senior Shikanin, do you have a strategy to deal with Hanzo of the Salamander?"

At that moment, a ninja with light blue hair in the command room suddenly spoke up.

"It’s Dan. I’ve thought about that too..."

"Leave Hanzo of the Salamander to me to intercept."

Nara Shikanin turned to look at the ninja who had spoken, about to explain, when Orochimaru’s icy voice rang out.

"Ahahaha, I won’t let you steal all the spotlight alone. How could something like this be without me, the great Jiraiya?"

"I’ll ask the Slug Sage to help care for the wounded on the battlefield. I’ll join in dealing with Hanzo of the Salamander too."

As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, Tsunade and Jiraiya’s voices echoed simultaneously, as if something called fate was quietly tugging at the threads of destiny.

Watching quietly from the side, Uchiha Xuan’s lips curled into a faint smile.

"Hanzo of the Salamander is my prey."

The next moment, Uchiha Xuan’s voice, filled with excitement and fighting spirit, followed closely.

No one in the command room looked down on the words of this ten-year-old boy. Geniuses are proud, especially when they are Uchiha geniuses.

"Xuan-kun, facing a strong opponent like Hanzo of the Salamander, if you’re not careful, you could die."

Looking at the boy with fighting spirit on his face, Orochimaru, with his arms crossed, spoke mockingly.

"Is that so? Unfortunately, even if you die, Senior Orochimaru, I probably won’t. What do you... think?"

Uchiha Xuan’s voice came from behind, causing Orochimaru’s body to stiffen. Several black snakes slid from his sleeves, coiling toward his back, but they found nothing.

Looking up, he saw Uchiha Xuan had already returned to Tsunade’s side, calmly playing with a kunai.

"The Flying Thunder God Technique... But when did he place the mark behind me? Uchiha Xuan... interesting..."

Watching the kunai in Uchiha Xuan’s hand, Orochimaru’s serpentine pupils contracted. With a flick of his wrist, he retracted all the black snakes and licked his lips.

"I think Xuan-kun is quite right."

A smile rose on Orochimaru’s face, but it was the kind of smile that sent chills down one’s spine.