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The result of Orochimaru and Jiraiya''s discussion was that if the Third Kazekage joined the battle, the three of them would team up to hold him back.
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On a battlefield with thousands of Shinobi, a Kage-level fighter might seem insignificant, but their impact was still immense. They could create a breakthrough, potentially leading to a complete rout.
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Tsunade was worried. Even though Konoha was strong, facing two other Hidden Villages and Amegakure was a challenge.
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With the Third Kazekage joining the fray, Konoha might be defeated.
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Konoha''s strongest period was probably during the Third Shinobi World War, with the Sannin, the Yellow Flash Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Danzō Shimura.
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But now, during the Second War, the Sannin were still developing; they hadn''t earned their title yet.
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"Why the long face? It''s just the Third Kazekage."
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Shin said to Tsunade, who glared at him in response.
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Just the Third Kazekage? How could he underestimate him so much? He was known as the strongest Kazekage in history.
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A good reputation wasn''t easily earned.
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Tsunade rolled her eyes at Shin. "You three stay in camp for the next few days," she ordered.
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This was for their protection.
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"Want me to take out the Third Kazekage?" Shin offered.
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"No."
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Tsunade refused without hesitation. She knew Shin was strong, but she didn''t think he was stronger than a Kage.
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And the Third Kazekage wasn''t just any Kage; he was the strongest Kazekage, with a Kekkei Genkai.
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"I knew you''d say that."
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Shin shook his head and returned to their tent with Kushina, Mikoto, and Konan.
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He had been staying in camp for the past few days, training and teaching Konan the Chakra Refinement Technique.
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He hadn''t been on any missions, but he was well-informed. He knew Konoha had suffered several defeats. Even with Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade working together, they couldn''t turn the tide.
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It wasn''t that they couldn''t defeat the Third Kazekage. They could handle him together.
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But Suna had other powerful Shinobi, like Chiyo and her brother, Ebizo, both Kage-level.
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Against them, the Sannin were at a disadvantage.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
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"Tsunade, are you injured?"
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Shin noticed blood on Tsunade''s arm.
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"Tsunade-sensei is hurt!" Mikoto rushed over to examine the wound.
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There was a deep gash on Tsunade''s right arm.
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"It''s nothing. Just a scratch from that old hag Chiyo''s puppet."
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Tsunade''s eyes flashed with anger. She wouldn''t have been injured if Chiyo hadn''t used her puppets to attack while Tsunade was busy fending off the Third Kazekage.
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Shin examined the wound. It was deep, but not life-threatening. It hadn''t reached the bone. With Tsunade''s healing abilities and Medical Ninjutsu, she would recover in a few days.
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Shin channeled green Chakra into his hand and placed it on Tsunade''s arm.
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Tsunade was surprised. "You learned the Mystical Palm Jutsu?"
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The Mystical Palm Jutsu was an advanced Medical Ninjutsu. Tsunade had taught it to him just a few days ago. She hadn''t expected him to master it so quickly.
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"You know, I have thousands of Shadow Clones helping me train. It only took a few days."
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With thousands of clones practicing the Mystical Palm Jutsu, an hour was equivalent to months of training for others.
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But Shadow Clones could only assist with Ninjutsu training. Chakra refining, Taijutsu, and Kenjutsu still required him to train personally.
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"How are Orochimaru and Jiraiya?" Shin asked.
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Tsunade had recovered from her shock. Shin had surprised her so many times that she was becoming immune to it.
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"Orochimaru has some minor injuries. Jiraiya is worse; he won''t be able to fight for at least half a month," Tsunade sighed.
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"What''s the plan?" Shin asked.
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"Orochimaru wants to avoid further conflict and wait for reinforcements. It''s been a few days; they should arrive soon."
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Shin shook his head. "I don''t think reinforcements are coming. If the Third Kazekage is involved, he won''t let us send for help so easily. The messenger was probably intercepted."
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It was just a guess, but Shin was almost certain. Suna wouldn''t allow Konoha to call for reinforcements.
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"Avoiding conflict isn''t that easy. I''m going to the battlefield tomorrow," Shin said.
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"What? Why?" Tsunade was alarmed.
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"I''ve been on the front lines for so long, and I haven''t even seen the battlefield. That''s pathetic." Shin grinned.
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"This is not a joke, Shin! The battlefield is dangerous!" Tsunade scolded him.
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"I know you''re worried about me, but I can protect myself. Besides, I want to see how strong I am now."
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"And seeing you injured... it makes me want to avenge you and teach that old hag Chiyo some manners."
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Shin finally persuaded Tsunade. Or rather, she realized she couldn''t stop him.
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Even if she disagreed, Shin would still go.
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<><><><>
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The next day, on the battlefield, Orochimaru noticed Shin.
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"Shin-kun? What are you doing here?"
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"Orochimaru-sama, the Third Kazekage isn''t that much older than you, is he? I''m disappointed you can''t defeat him."
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Shin looked at Orochimaru''s injuries. They were minor, but he still looked a bit battered.
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Orochimaru frowned. "Shin-kun, you''re not here to help us defend against Suna, are you?"
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"Yeah, if we lose, we''re all doomed. I have to think about my own safety."
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Shin watched the approaching Suna forces, his eyes turned serious. It was clear that Suna wanted to crush Konoha before reinforcements arrived.
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If Konoha received reinforcements, and Hiruzen joined the battle, Suna wouldn''t stand a chance.
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"So, Shin-kun, how do you plan to help? Do you have a way to repel them?"
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Orochimaru looked at Shin. He didn''t believe Shin could turn the tide, but he was curious.
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Orochimaru''s senses were sharp. He could sense danger emanating from Shin.
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