LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 192: [192]
Aizen stood motionless for a moment, his eyes calm as he observed the river glistening under the moonlight. Without hesitation, he executed his plan.
"Secret Technique: Underwater Dive," he muttered softly.
Plunging into the river, Aizen activated the familiar jutsu, his body disappearing beneath the surface like a phantom. The river was his passage into the Sand Shinobi vanguard's heart, and he glided through its currents with practiced ease.
While Aizen could have relied entirely on Kyōka Suigetsu, his mastery of deception and subtlety dictated otherwise. He believed in maintaining appearances, even during covert operations, ensuring every aspect of his plan aligned seamlessly.
After a brief but calculated journey, Aizen emerged near the Sand Shinobi army's main water source.
The Sand Shinobi had fortified the area with meticulous care. Layers of security included perception barriers, countless hidden sentries, and specialized medical teams continuously analyzing the water to prevent sabotage. Their defenses were, in theory, impenetrable.
But Aizen's objective was not to poison their water supply—it would be an inefficient and predictable approach. Instead, he intended to bypass their fortifications entirely, infiltrating the Sand Shinobi ranks to strike at their core.
Relying on his spirit net perception, Aizen navigated past the traps, barriers, and sentries, moving with precision. Even without Kyōka Suigetsu, he was a master of infiltration, slipping through the layers of security as if they were mere formalities.
Reaching a Sand Shinobi tent, Aizen silently dispatched its occupants with chilling efficiency. He covered the mouths of several shinobi to stifle their screams before ending their lives with swift strikes of his kunai.
Once the area was secure, Aizen retrieved a specialized trident-shaped kunai, channeling chakra into it. His next move would signal the next phase of their plan.
Meanwhile, at the Kikyoyama fortress, the Western Front's headquarters was abuzz with anticipation. The room was packed with Konoha's elite, each ninja awaiting the signal that would confirm the plan's progression.
Every Special Jōnin and Jōnin assigned to the Western Front stood at attention, their eyes fixed on Minato. Despite his outward composure, some detected a hint of unease in their commander.
The ambitious plan crafted by Aizen and Minato had been met with skepticism when first introduced by Commander Yama. While the strategy inspired hope, its complexity and the individual feats it demanded seemed daunting.
Four critical obstacles stood between Konoha and the success of this plan, each testing the capabilities of Aizen and Minato.
The first and most immediate challenge was Aizen's infiltration of the Sand Shinobi army.
Though many were aware of Aizen's reputation, seeing his skill described and witnessing it firsthand were two different things. Could he truly succeed against the airtight defenses of Sand Shinobi's vanguard?
Their doubts lingered until Minato's expression changed. A subtle but unmistakable flicker of joy passed over his features.
"Aizen has already sent me the signal—the infiltration was successful. Now, who among you will accompany me first?" Minato asked with a confident smile, his gaze sweeping across the gathered shinobi.
The room fell silent.
The realization that Aizen had successfully penetrated the heavily guarded Sand Shinobi encampment left everyone in awe.
Infiltrating an enemy stronghold of that caliber was no small feat, especially given the extensive barriers and security measures. Still, while Aizen's achievement was remarkable, historical accounts of powerful shinobi performing similar feats existed.
What truly stunned the group wasn't Aizen's stealth capabilities—it was the next phase of the plan.
Minato's proposed use of the Flying Thunder God Technique to transport the team directly into the heart of the Sand Shinobi vanguard sounded almost fantastical.
Though Minato explained that his current skill level allowed him to take only two people per trip, the thought of being instantly transported through space was difficult for many to grasp.
"Minato-sama, let the two of us go first!"
Commander Yama and Hoshinohara exchanged determined glances and stepped forward.
"Very well," Minato replied with a nod.
In a flash, he disappeared from his position and reappeared beside the two volunteers. Without hesitation, he placed his hands on their shoulders.
A moment later, the three vanished entirely, leaving behind no trace of their chakra signatures.
For a moment, the remaining shinobi stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Did anyone sense Minato-sama's chakra?" someone finally asked.
"No... Not even a flicker. His speed was impossible to track, and the Flying Thunder God Technique—it's beyond comprehension!"
"It's incredible! To think space-time ninjutsu could be this effective..."
The room erupted into excited murmurs, the earlier skepticism giving way to amazement and hope.
"With this power, we might actually win! Lord Minato gives us a real chance!"
Meanwhile, Namikaze Minato materialized in the enemy territory with Commander Yama and Hoshinohara.
The two shinobi glanced around, momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift in their surroundings. Their shock deepened when they realized they were standing in the midst of the enemy camp, concealed only by the careful planning of Aizen.
Aizen greeted them calmly, his eyes sharp as he quickly assessed their state.
"The first infiltration phase is complete," Aizen said, his tone measured and resolute. "Minato, the rest is up to you. Bring the others in batches, and I'll ensure the next steps proceed seamlessly."
Minato nodded, his expression serious. "Understood."
Aizen nodded subtly before disappearing in a blur, heading towards the river with purpose and precision. His figure melted into the shadows, leaving no trace of his presence.
Watching him vanish, Minato turned to Yama Commander and Hoshinohara, a small, amused smile playing on his lips.
"Don't let it surprise you too much," Minato said reassuringly. "Just stick to the plan and infiltrate the Sand Shinobi army. Remember, your primary goal is to remain hidden and avoid exposing your position. Wait for Aizen to execute the next phase of the plan, and only then will we take action."
Minato's tone turned serious as he continued, "Also, take these."
He handed each of them a unique Flying Thunder God Kunai, its trident-like blade gleaming faintly under the light.
"These kunai will allow me to teleport you back to the fortress instantly once the mission is complete. Keep them close at all times."
With that, Minato gave them a nod and disappeared again, leaving only the faintest ripple of chakra in the air.
It took Yama Commander and Hoshinohara a moment to process what had just happened.
Hoshinohara finally broke the silence, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Yama… did you even notice when Minato-sama approached us or how he took us through space?"
Commander Yama shook his head, still looking at the spot where Minato had been moments before. His voice was low and filled with awe. "No… I didn't sense anything at all."
The two exchanged uneasy glances, a realization dawning on them both.
Despite being an Elite Jōnin—one of the fifty strongest shinobi in Konoha—they had failed to perceive Minato's movements entirely. The level of speed and precision he displayed was leagues beyond anything they'd ever witnessed.
"If Minato-sama had any intent to harm us," Yama Commander murmured, "we wouldn't have lasted a single second."
Hoshinohara let out a shaky breath and nodded. "It's astounding. Minato-sama's strength is beyond belief. To think someone could reach such a level… it's humbling."
Yama Commander's expression shifted into one of thoughtful admiration. "I have to admit, I originally harbored doubts about the strength of our commanders—Minato-sama and Aizen-sama. But after this display, I can confidently say that we have nothing to worry about. If Lord Aizen's abilities are even half as impressive, there's no doubt the third phase of our plan will succeed."