Escape From Konoha

Chapter 149: 145: Root

The Land of Grass.

In a mountainous and forested terrain, silence reigns, and no signs of habitation can be found. The sun setted, casting a crimson hue across the forest, creating a strikingly beautiful scene.

Dressed in a ninja outfit that has been customized from a white kimono, she wore a moon-blue metal ring that snugly hugged her neck. As she moved through the woods, her long hair billowed in the breeze, and her pure white pupils remained fixed on her path. Suddenly, she arrived at a clearing and came to a stop.

Even though she gazed intensely ahead, Ayane, who possessed the Byakugan, has essentially transformed her eyes into an round monitoring radar, ensuring no blind spots in any direction.

What the Byakugan saw isn't just the human body but also the human body's pathways, which was crucial for using chakra. Unless one abandoned the use of chakra altogether, it was impossible for anyone to approach silently without being detected by the Byakugan.

Of course, there could be exceptions, such as special stealth jutsus capable of concealing one's presence, which might evade the scrutiny of her keen sight. However, up to this point, Ayane hadn't yet come across such a stealth jutsu.

But there might be similar special talents within Konoha's Anbu, for it is reasonable to assume that, given the myriad forms of jutsus, there could be secret jutsu and ninjutsu that exploit the unique abilities inherent in kekkei genkais, such as the Byakugan.

Regardless, Konoha stands as the most powerful of the five major ninja villages, boasting a diverse array of ninja talents among its thousands of ninjas. Thus, the existence of those with unique abilities wasn't surprising.

Therefore, during this operation, Ayane maintained an increased state of vigilance.

Special ninja units like Anbu and Root, which specialize in recruiting individuals with special abilities, consist of elite members who have mastered unique secret jutsus.

In Konoha, while not all elites necessarily end up in Anbu and Root, those who are drawn to these units are indeed elite individuals.

"A reward of five million ryo per head always feels somewhat lacking." Ayane said as she arrived at the clearing.

According to the standard head price in the underground black market, as well as the bounty offered by Jonin, it is true that prices typically start in the millions of ryo. However, the Root members were filled with special talents. Even if they were not Jonin, the abilities they possess were top-notch within their respective fields.

The selling price of a mere 30 million ryo left Ayane satisfied with Iwagakure's generosity.

"The movements of Konoha appear to have changed."

The standard observation distance for a regular 'Byakugan' extended from one to two kilometers. Those who have trained their 'Byakugan' to an advanced level can survey a radius of approximately five kilometers.

Ayane's 'Byakugan' has undergone extensive training, significantly expanding its scope. Currently, she can oversee a ten-kilometer radius around herself.

Calculating by area, her range of observation is over twice the distance that a Hyuga Clan Jonin can cover with their 'Byakugan.'

Thus, infiltrating Konoha's patrol system swiftly wasn't a difficult task for Ayane.

Within the ten-kilometer radius she surveyed, several patrol teams composed of a dozen or so Konoha ninja were not concealing their movements or destinations from her watchful eyes.

"Compared to previous patrol methods, while there have been some changes, many patterns remain the same." Ayane noted.

She ran her fingers along the bark of a tree, discovering discreet, peculiar symbols etched into it, resembling cryptic marks.

"The transmission method for the code has also changed." Ayane observed.

As a former member of White Fang's team, she was well-acquainted with such codes and understood precisely the handoff code used by Konoha's patrol.

"Could these changes be due to their efforts to prevent defected ninjas like me from intercepting their information within such a short time?"

Indeed, if the modified code isn't clear regarding the new system, misinterpretation of symbols could lead to inaccurate intelligence.

"Creating a new password system so quickly shows the formidable nature of the Sannin."

Even Tsunade, often maligned by some, couldn't be disregarded.

From the very start, Ayane never underestimated Konoha's elite combat abilities.

Ninjas who achieve the rank of Jonin have survived through fierce battles and are then bestowed with the title of Jonin. Nonetheless, such a method didn't hold much meaning for a ninja with he Byakugan like her.

Ayane was an original Konoha ninja who personally joined the Konoha "Pioneer Unit." The White Fang Team was at its peak when she joined, accumulating a wealth of combat experience that outsiders could scarcely fathom.

Outsiders only marvel at the White Fang Team's task completion efficiency and success rate, unaware of the team's missions execution method.

Guerrilla warfare is precisely the domain where she excels at.

...

"What? They've all disappeared? It's only been less than a day." Jiraiya exclaimed with disbelief.

At the junction of the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass, inside the meeting tent of Konoha camp, Jiraiya was shocked by the news. He couldn't fathom how the new patrol team mode, something he personally asked about, could fail so spectacularly.

Even if the enemy possessed Hyuga's Byakugan,' it was inconceivable that they could execute their actions with such incredible efficiency.

Jiraiya had hoped that by falling back to a familiar territory, they could regain the upper hand in patrolling, but they were now faced with a more challenging situation.

The patrol team had been completely wiped out, and it had all occurred in less than a day. No bodies were discovered, and the perpetrators seemed to have vanished mysteriously into the forest.

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama, it's hard to believe. Achieving such speed is a daunting task, even for Minato, who possesses the Flying Thunder God Jutsu." one of the Konoha ninja said, sharing Jiraiya's disbelief.

The Flying Thunder God Jutsu was known for its exceptional speed, but it didn't grant the user the ability to perceive. Speed alone wasn't the critical factor. What truly mattered was understanding the enemy's behavior, precise location, and making swift tactical judgments.

In this regard, even Minato fell short. Equipped with a sensory ninja, it would still take time to adapt to such skills.

"Damn it!" Jiraiya clenched his teeth. Despite his rich combat experience, he was at a loss when it came to countering the unknown enemy.

Even if he could gather forces to confront the enemy, they weren't fools. Furthermore, they had the added advantage of surveillance through the Byakugan.

"This was bound to happen."

A newcomer stepped into the tent, and it was Danzo.

Four Anbu Jonin followed him as they entered Jiraiya's tent.

"Danzo-sama."

One of the Konoha ninja, responsible for reporting to Jiraiya, greeted Danzo with a slight bow before stepping aside.

Jiraiya's frowned as he looked at Danzo. To be honest, he tried to avoid contact with this leader of the Root, who harbored ambitions of taking the Hokage position more than any other of the village's top advisers.

"Hyuga Ayane was once the 'eye' of the White Fang team. Back in the day, the White Fang team adopted a near-flawless combat strategy with exceptional timeliness, personally guided by Sakumo Hatake. They developed an understanding that outsiders can hardly understand. The current enemy is merely applying the efficient combat strategies used against other ninja villages to Konoha."

"But there's only one of her." Jiraiya pointed out.

Among the White Fang team, Ayane and her Byakugan were equivalent to the unit's 'eyes,' guaranteeing they could track the enemy's location and behavior in a timely manner. Her contribution played a significant role in the White Fang team's remarkable combat performance.

"She left the White Fang team when she was around sixteen or seventeen. With several years of improvement, she's now in the process of rising as a ninja. Her strength has improved by leaps and bounds, surpassing yours and maybe even the other Sannin."

Danzo's gaze bore into Jiraiya like a sharp blade.

"Powerful…" A ninja observed with astonishment through the communication.

"It's not surprising at all. Uchiha Ruri, who is the same age as Ayane, managed to face Hiruzen, one of the Five Kage, without losing in a short time. Can you do that, Jiraiya?" Danzo questioned.

"No." Jiraiya replied, letting out a sigh. He was well aware of the incredible power held by Hiruzen, his sensei. Even in a short timeframe, he would be at a distinct disadvantage. Only Orochimaru might have a chance.

"Miscalculations in terms of strength and the difference in combat experience of the leading soldiers explain why your unit was pinned down by a single opponent. During the Second Ninja World War, Suna's main force was also pinned down by the White Fang team. The team severed any extraneous operations. As a result, Konoha could successfully negotiate peace with Suna at that time. It was a forced outcome." Danzo explained, sparking deep contemplation from Jiraiya.

Indeed, Jiraiya and Sakumo adopted different approaches to command. While they favored strategic oversight, Sakumo charged into the frontline, becoming the 'sharp blade' that penetrated the enemy's heart, thus dissuading the enemy's main force from making rash moves. Now, his student Namikaze Minato followed the same pattern.

However, outsiders struggled to replicate the White Fang team's combat style. Otherwise, over the years in Konoha, only one White Fang team would have stood out, with the rest of the Jonin teams relegated to supporting roles.

Hyuga Ayane, with her eyes had accumulated rich combat experience in the "Pioneer Unit" during that time, mastering various forms of warfare: retreat, guerrilla, annihilation, and containment.

"What should we do then?" Jiraiya inquired.

"I don't know either."

Danzo replied, leaving Jiraiya even more troubled.

Thinking about it. If they could target her, during the Second Ninja World War, Sunagakure would have already devised a targeting strategy and eliminated the White Fang team in their territory.

"However, one thing is clear: the other party has come to the forefront. Eradicating this kind of rebel, who poses a significant potential threat to Konoha, is the duty of the Root."

"Can it be accomplished with just the Root?"

"You won't know unless you try. Sometimes, it's meaningful to engage in battles where the outcome is uncertain."

Danzo made his point.

"Hmph, is this the combat strategy of your extremists?"

Jiraiya snorted softly. With this method, more people will needlessly sacrifice their lives.

"Ninjas who join the Root are prepared to sacrifice themselves for the village at any time, and that's why they gather. If you give up the fight just because you can't guarantee victory, there's no need for the Root. War often demands the sacrifice of human lives for victory!"

Ignoring Jiraiya's discontent, Danzo left the tent with four of his subordinates after this statement.

"...It's truly a form of misplaced compassion. Both of them are Sannin, yet they pale in comparison to Orochimaru."

Danzo glanced back at the tent and muttered to himself.

This is why the Land of Grass remained suppressed by Yanyin and unable to make any advancements.

As for the direction of the Sunagakure, Orochimaru would go to great lengths to ensure that Suna ninjas wouldn't set foot beyond the Land of Rain, eliminating the need for high-level concern. If the territory continued to contract like this, it wasonly a matter of time before Iwagakure breaches their defense line.

"It seems that only Orochimaru-sama has the capacity of taking the position of the Fourth Hokage."

A nearby Root whispered.

"Hmph, becoming Hokage is no easy feat. I just hope that when the time comes, he won't follow Hiruzen's 'balanced' policy."

Danzo snorted disdainfully, subconsciously believing that the position of the Fourth Hokage was rightfully his.

With Sakumo's death, Tsunade's inability to serve as Hokage, and Jiraiya's perceived lack of decision, the Fourth Hokage role would naturally fall to Orochimaru.

His accomplishments in both the Second Ninja World War and this one left no room for competition within Konoha, securing him a place on the throne as the Fourth Hokage. This would provide him with a more solid foundation for collaboration with Orochimaru.

...

"In this way, it will continue to shrink, much like the Sunagakurr in the past."

Ayane, navigating the mountains and forests of the Land of Grass, had not encountered any Konoha ninjas on patrol for several days.

She was aware that Konoha was leaning towards adopting the 'turtle retreat' strategy again, relinquishing this defensive area and allowing Iwagakure to advance. This tactic closely resembled the strategy employed by the Suna during the Second Ninja World War.

She couldn't help but express her disappointment at Konoha's 'turtle' strategy.

It felt entirely different from the battle she had anticipated. She was ready to leave when multiple chakra signatures appeared within her Byakugans field of vision.

"They're here, the Root ninjas. Four of them, worth a total of 20 million ryo. Don't even think about running."

The moment she spotted the Root team, Ayane moved towards them without hesitation. For Ayane, who possessed high endurance, a ten-kilometer distance was merely a warm-up exercise.

"So fast!"

The Root ninja responsible for sensor couldn't help but comment on Ayane's astonishing speed.

"Has she appeared?"

"Yeah, about ten kilometers."

"Ten kilometers?"

Hearing this, the other three members let out a low exclamation.

"Isn't the farthest distance the Byakugan can observe only between five and six kilometers?"

"That's why Danzo-sama claims that these are her eyes surpassed the typical Hyuga, and they defied common sense."

"What a monstrous ability. If the village could harness these eyes, they would be a formidable war asset."

The group proceeded silently through the mountains and forests. The Root team was within striking distance, and Ayane unleashed her attack without hesitation.

Her Byakugan projected an invisible pressure that pierced the air. This caused the four Root ninjas to feel their shoulders and bodies grow heavy, and their movements slightly slowed. They were momentarily disoriented by a shocking force that even affected their brains.

"Be careful!"

The Root ninja who reacted quickest shouted.

"It's too late."

Ayane surged ahead, closing in on one of the Root ninja, took a deep breath, and launched a punch.

As her fist made contact with the human body, a terrifying explosion immediately resounded, echoing through the air. Accompanied by a shrill scream, blood sprayed in the air, staining the chest, and the ninja fell lifeless.

"Water Release - Water Dragon Jutsu!"

Ayane looked back to see another Root ninja retreating while forming a seal. A huge water dragon emerged from the ground, adorned with numerous exploding tags, and plummeted from the sky.

Ayane leaped backward, crossing her arms to shield herself, evading the water dragon's assault. The explosive flash from the exploding tags shattered the earth. The impact was considerable, and although Ayane's clothing was now dusty and she appeared somewhat disheveled, her body remained unharmed.

"Is she... a human dragin?" The Root ninja who witnessed this spectacle showed surprise.

Aya e effortlessly endured the impact from the detonating symbols, landing securely on the ground.

"Making such a judgment about a lady, is that really wise?"

Ayane's voice sounded as she swiftly closed the distance between them. Her right hand extended, her index and middle fingers were like a knife's tip.

Using her exceptional physical abilities, she swiftly dodged, leaping into the air. Her flowing sleeves released a barrage of shurikens embedded with explosive tagd.

"Shuriken explosion array!"

Another series of explosions ensued. Emerging from the smoke, Ayane dipped slightly, her ninja knife arcing across.

Observing the Root ninja's unsuccessful attack, he swiftly retrieved his sword and withdrew without hesitation.

"One escaped."

Having initially killed one ninja, only two remained out of the original four-man team. The fourth had left the battlefield, likely intending to return and report the news.

Two Root ninja obstructed Ayane's path, using their bodies to establish a human barrier and prevent her passage.

"This is quite troublesome. If information leaks, it will create a headache."

Ayane took a deep breath, her veins beside her Byakugan throbbing even more vigorously.

Meanwhile, the escaping Root ninja continued his journey through the forest. The battle taking place behind him was irrelevant. He was only focused on completing his mission.

For Root members, death was just a regular part of life. They had long forsaken everything, prepared to endure life-threatening situations for the village.

As a result, he felt no remorse for abandoning his comrades and fleeing. They were simply following the orders given to them by the higher-ups. These orders were closely tied to Konoha's interests. Because they recognized the significance of these sacrifices, the four of them appeared here without hesitation.

"In this way, the range exceeds five kilometers, which goes beyond the normal expectations for a Byakugan..."

"Sorry, but your information can't be relayed back."

A sudden voice emerged from the side, startling the Root ninja. When he turned to look, his body experienced a tremendous impact.

It was a gentle fist attack.

His body was sent hurtling like a cannonball, colliding with a massive tree. It smashed through the tree, creating a crater in the ground.

Coughing up blood, he writhed in pain. His internal organs had sustained irreparable damage, and he knew he was facing certain death. Not even Tsunade could heal such a severe injury.

Ayane approached his side, watching as he writhed in pain on the ground. He appeared to make an effort to retrieve a weapon from his pouch to fight back, but his internal injuries were too severe to allow him to lift a weapon. He was left to die in pain.

Had he died instantly from the initial blow, he might have avoided this suffering. However, it also demonstrated the resilience of these Root ninjas. Most ordinary ninjas would have perished instantly upon being sent flying, rather than enduring a period of pain.

...

Konoha Camp, inside an inconspicuous tent.

Danzo and other Root ninjas convened here. A masked Root ninja sat in the center of the tent, hands weaving intricate hand signs. Chakra surged through his body at a terrifying pace, causing sweat to bead on his forehead.

He was performing a kind of ninjutsu.

After an indeterminate period, he suddenly opened his eyes, signaling the completion of the ninjutsu.

"How did it go?" Danzo stepped forward and asked of the Root ninja.

In response to Danzo's question, the ninja carefully recounted all the details he observed with remarkable precision.

"The entire battle lasted for two minutes and twenty-seven seconds. The Byakugan's observation range extends to a radius of ten kilometers, and it can unleash a pupil jutsu like a mental shock, though its power is slightly inferior to that of Tsunade-sama. Furthermore, its speed far surpasses that of most Taijutsu Jōnin. The Gentle Fist is highly destructive, and being hit would be fatal. Close combat isn't recommended if you can't match the opponent's speed and strength."

The Root ninja relayed these words with unwavering precision, as though he had participated in the battle himself.

"It's indeed a secret jutsu of the Hyuga clan. This information will allow us to formulate targeted tactics."

Another Root ninja chimed in, considering the valuable data.

"Observing a radius of ten kilometers with the Byakugan is unprecedented."

"That's precisely why it's important to eliminate this threat as quickly as possible."

The Root ninjas were already brimming with a desire to eliminate this formidable foe.

Danzo nodded indifferently, remarking, "If there are no issues, we will leave in an hour."

With that brief statement, Danzo exited the tent, his gaze tinged with a chill.

"Understood, Danzo-sama."

-----

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