Chapter 342: A Clear Division of Labor in the Attack! Zero-Tails! [HN]

Konoha Village Gate.

The two teams were clearly distinct, yet their auras were connected.

Namikaze Minato wore standard battle gear, his golden hair shining brightly in the morning light.

Behind him stood three ANBU squad leaders with solemn auras.

They were the sharp blades of the village, responsible for delivering the decisive frontal strike.

On the other side was the new generation of Konoha.

Kakashi Hatake’s expression was calm.

He carried the short blade White Fang that Hatake Sakumo had once used and stood at the very front with a sharp presence.

Right behind him was Might Guy, whose eyes were filled with excitement.

Uchiha Obito stood beside him, rubbing his fists, along with Nohara Rin.

There were also Genma Shiranui, Yamashiro Aoba, Raidō Namiashi, Ebisu, Mitarashi Anko, and the others.

“The mission briefing provided by Root has been confirmed.”

Minato swept his gaze across everyone’s faces.

His clear voice reached everyone’s ears.

“The Sky nin base is located deep within the Broken Blade Mountain Range along the border. It was built around the complicated terrain and ruins of the mountains, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It also has buildings designed to provide an aerial advantage.”

“My squad will launch a frontal assault, draw their main forces out, and create chaos.”

His gaze turned toward Kakashi and the others.

“As for you, the support team, your mission is to infiltrate from the side through the dense forest. Use the terrain for cover and go directly into the core area of the base.”

“Enter the core aerial structures.”

“Your primary objective is to destroy their aircraft manufacturing workshop and energy core. Your secondary objective is to collect their research materials.”

“Remember, infiltration is the main objective of your mission. Avoid direct combat whenever possible. Make use of the mobility and coordination you developed through your training in the Taijutsu class.”

Minato paused, then spoke in a more serious tone.

“According to our intelligence, the Sky nin leader Shennong and his subordinates may also be inside the base.”

“Shennong is proficient in forbidden techniques and Medical Ninjutsu, and his disciples and subordinates are reportedly no ordinary people.”

“If you encounter them, be extremely careful.”

“Understood!”

The members of the support team answered together, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

“Then, begin the operation!”

Minato waved his hand.

His figure turned into a flash of golden light and disappeared first.

The three ANBU squad leaders followed closely behind, shooting toward the distance like four sharp arrows.

Kakashi took a deep breath and looked at his companions.

“According to the plan, divide into Groups A and B. Group A will consist of me, Obito, Rin, and Genma. We will be responsible for infiltration and destruction. Group B will consist of Guy, Aoba, Raidō, Anko, and Ebisu. You will be responsible for creating disturbances around the perimeter and providing support. Maintain contact through the communication tags. If you encounter a powerful enemy, do not become entangled with them.”

“Yo! Let the Sky nin witness the power of Konoha’s Noble Green Beast!”

Guy raised his thumb, his white teeth reflecting the sunlight.

“Guy, keep it under control. We’re providing support.”

Yamashiro Aoba reminded him helplessly.

“Don’t worry, Aoba! My youth knows what to do!”

…

Broken Blade Mountain Range, outer dense forest.

The four members of Group A moved silently through the forest.

Kakashi relied on his exceptional speed to lead the way.

His movements were agile, and he precisely avoided possible traps and sentry posts.

Obito’s Sharingan continuously scanned the surroundings, observing the subtle movements of Chakra.

“Three hundred meters ahead on the left. There’s a hidden Chakra reaction in the treetops. It looks like a warning tag.”

Obito spoke quietly.

Kakashi nodded and made a hand signal.

Genma Shiranui understood.

His fingers moved slightly, and several senbon as fine as hairs silently shot out.

They precisely destroyed several key points of the markings.

The entire process did not trigger any alarm.

“Nicely done, Genma.”

Nohara Rin praised him softly.

“Nothing special.”

Genma shrugged, though the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

The training in the Taijutsu class had brought their Chakra control and timing to a new level.

As they went deeper, they discovered more traces of artificial excavation and abandoned metal components.

The air gradually became filled with the faint smell of machine oil and Chakra metal.

“We’re close.”

Kakashi signaled for everyone to stop.

They hid behind a dense patch of bushes.

Ahead was a huge metal door hidden inside a crack in the mountainside.

The metal door was connected to the so called aerial structure.

Two Sky nin guards stood at the entrance, their expressions alert.

“Charging in would expose us.”

Obito’s expression became serious.

“Leave it to me.”

Rin smiled slightly.

She took a small spray device from her ninja tool pouch.

It contained a powerful tranquilizing agent that she had specially prepared.

She signaled for Genma to cooperate.

Genma understood.

He flicked two stones, precisely striking two rocks in the distance and producing clear sounds.

“What was that sound?”

The guards were immediately attracted by the noise.

The moment they turned their heads to look, Rin quickly used the Body Flicker Technique.

She aimed the spray at the faces of the two guards and lightly sprayed them.

The colorless and odorless gas was instantly inhaled.

The two guards’ eyes became unfocused, and they collapsed limply.

“Done.”

Rin clapped her hands, her movements clean and efficient.

“Rin, you’re getting better and better.”

Obito sincerely praised her, pride filling his Sharingan.

“It’s all thanks to what we’ve achieved by training together.”

Rin’s face reddened slightly as she looked toward Kakashi.

“What do we do next?”

Kakashi examined the metal door.

“There’s a combination lock and Chakra authentication. Obito, can you copy it?”

Obito focused on the keyhole.

His Sharingan rapidly copied the operating pattern of the Chakra circuits inside.

“It’s a little complicated. I’ll need some time… Wait, someone’s coming!”

The four immediately hid themselves.

A man wearing a Sky nin uniform and about their age walked over.

He was carrying a tray filled with food and wore a troubled expression.

He had short dark blue hair and clear eyes with a trace of melancholy.

He was none other than Shennong’s disciple, Alu.

“Teacher has locked himself in the laboratory again… If this continues, his body will collapse…”

Alu muttered as he skillfully pressed several buttons on the door lock and injected Chakra.

The metal door slid open with a click.

Now!

Kakashi’s eyes sharpened.

He instantly activated the Body Flicker Technique and slipped inside like a shadow just before the door closed.

Obito, Rin, and Genma followed closely behind, moving quickly and silently.

Inside was a brightly lit metal passage.

Alu seemed to sense something unusual.

He turned around suspiciously and looked back, but only saw an empty passage.

“Was that just my imagination?”

He shook his head and continued walking forward with the food.

Kakashi made a hand signal.

The four followed far behind Alu, using the corners and shadows of the passage to conceal themselves perfectly.

At the same time, at the front of the base.

Boom!

A huge explosion rang out, filling the area with smoke and dust!

Minato’s figure flashed through the flames of the explosion.

The Rasengan in his hand directly blasted apart an aircraft that had just taken off.

“Enemy attack!”

“It’s Konoha’s ninjas!”

“…”

The Sky nin panicked, and alarms rang throughout the base.

Countless Sky nin piloted aircraft out from various exits.

Crossbows and Chakra beams shot toward Minato and his ANBU squad like a storm of rain.

“Maintain formation! Don’t let them separate us!”

An ANBU squad leader swung his ninja blade and deflected an incoming energy beam.

Minato remained calm.

The specially crafted kunai in his hand flew in every direction as though they were alive.

“Flying Thunder God Guiding Thunder!”

His figure flashed repeatedly as he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to redirect the dense attacks.

“Catch him! At all costs!”

The Sky nin commander roared through the communication channel.

More aircraft began taking off.

Several huge fortress class aircraft equipped with heavy weapons also rose into the sky.

Their overwhelming firepower instantly restricted the movement of Minato’s squad.

The frontal battlefield immediately entered a fierce struggle.

Minato relied on his incredible speed to maneuver around the battlefield, but the Sky nin’s firepower and numbers were far beyond expectations.

Inside the base, Group A followed Alu into a relatively spacious living area.

Alu placed the food on the table and called toward the tightly closed laboratory door.

“Teacher, it’s time to eat!”

A slightly tired yet fanatical voice came from inside.

“Leave it there, Alu! We’re only a little short of mastering the true power at this critical moment. Once we do, we can make the Sky nin soar to the peak of the heavens once again!”

Alu sighed, worry written all over his face.

He sat beside the table and did not leave immediately.

Kakashi and the other three, hidden inside a ventilation duct not far away, exchanged glances.

It seemed that Shennong was inside.

‘What should we do? Should we attack directly?’

Obito asked with his eyes.

Kakashi shook his head.

He pointed at Alu and then at the heavy laboratory door.

A direct assault was too risky.

Moreover, this Alu did not seem to be hostile like the other Sky nin.

At that moment, the explosions and tremors outside became even more intense.

Even the inside of the base began to shake noticeably.

Alu suddenly stood up and looked toward the end of the passage with concern.

“The fighting outside is so intense… Teacher…”

The laboratory door suddenly opened.

A man wearing a white coat stepped out.

His hair was disheveled, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp.

It was Shennong.

He looked at Alu and then sensed the vibrations outside.

Instead of showing fear, a trace of excitement appeared on his face.

“Konoha really has come… Perfect. I’ll use them to test my latest creation!”

Shennong quickly walked to a control panel and operated it rapidly.

“Activate the Zero-Tails awakening procedure!”

“Teacher! No! That technique isn’t stable yet! Zero-Tails’ will is too violent!”

Alu hurriedly tried to stop him.

“Shut up, Alu! What does this little risk matter if we want to revive the Sky nin!”

Shennong pushed him aside and pressed the final activation button.

Buzz!

The entire base shook violently.

A huge, dark energy filled with negative emotions erupted from deep within the base.

A suffocating pressure spread through the air.

“Not good!”

Kakashi’s expression changed.

That energy made his heart tremble.

“We have to stop him!”

Obito was about to rush out.

“Wait!”

Rin grabbed him.

She had keenly sensed that Alu did not possess that kind of dark energy.

Shennong had pushed Alu aside, causing him to fall to the ground.

He looked at his fanatical teacher, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Teacher… You weren’t like this before… You said that Medical Ninjutsu was meant to save lives, and that the Sky nin’s aircraft were meant to connect people, not to be used for war…”

Shennong’s movements stopped.

A complicated expression flashed across his face, but it was quickly replaced by obsession.

“Naive! Without power, what can we use to save anyone? What can we use to connect anyone? Konoha destroyed everything we had!”

“Now we have Zero-Tails! We will take back everything that belongs to us!”

At that moment, the lights inside the base suddenly flickered.

Some areas even fell into darkness.

The alarms became even more piercing.

“Group B has started!”

Genma said quietly.

Outside the base, Group B was causing chaos everywhere.

Might Guy directly activated the Eight Gates Formation.

His speed and strength surged.

He became like a green whirlwind, destroying sentry posts and defensive structures wherever he passed.

“Konoha Great Whirlwind!”

He kicked out, directly twisting a small artillery tower out of shape and rendering it useless.

Yamashiro Aoba and Raidō Namiashi moved their blades in flashes, working together perfectly as they cut down the Sky nin who tried to surround Guy.

Mitarashi Anko appeared and disappeared like a ghost, specifically destroying energy lines and communication equipment.

Ebisu used his knowledge to quickly locate several secondary warehouses and archives, directing the attacks toward them.

“Guy-sensei! Three o’clock direction! That large antenna is their communication hub!”

Ebisu shouted.

“Got it! Leave it to me! Dynamic Prelude!”

Guy turned into a streak of green light and charged straight toward it.

Group B’s fierce attack successfully attracted a large number of defenders inside the base and created an excellent opportunity for Group A.

Core area of the base.

With the eruption of Zero-Tails’ energy and the chaos caused by Group B, a weakness appeared in the base’s defensive system.

Kakashi made his decision immediately.

“Now! Obito and Genma, hold Shennong back and destroy the control panel! Rin, watch that girl and try to communicate with her! I’ll find the energy core and the research materials!”

“Understood!”

The four instantly rushed out from their hiding place.

“Who are you?!”

Shennong was shocked.

He had not expected enemies to have infiltrated the inside of the base.

“Konoha ninjas!”

Obito immediately activated his Sharingan and charged toward Shennong with a kunai in hand.

“Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!”

A huge fireball roared forward, forcing Shennong to retreat repeatedly.

Genma rapidly flicked both hands.

Countless senbon shot toward the control panel, sparks flying everywhere as he tried to stop Zero-Tails from awakening further.

Rin ran toward Alu.

She did not attack.

Instead, she extended her hand with a sincere expression.

“You’re Alu, right? We’re not here to hurt you. Your teacher has gone down the wrong path. This dark power will only bring destruction! Help us stop him!”

Alu looked into Rin’s clear eyes.

Then he looked at Shennong, who appeared almost insane as he fought Obito and Genma.

His heart struggled violently.

He remembered his teacher’s teachings from the past.

He remembered the dream of freely soaring through the sky.

It was not supposed to be this feeling of being surrounded by darkness…

“I… What should I do?”

Alu’s voice was filled with tears.

“Tell us how to shut down the energy supply, or tell us Zero-Tails’ weakness!”

Rin spoke quickly.

Meanwhile, Kakashi had already relied on his exceptional skills and the sharpness of Lightning Cutter to break through a defensive door weakened by the unstable energy.

He charged toward the depths where the energy reaction was strongest.

On the frontal battlefield.

The eruption of Zero-Tails’ energy seemed to strengthen the Sky nin’s aircraft.

Their speed and attack power suddenly increased.

Even the wreckage of the aircraft that had been shot down was drawn toward the dark energy and reassembled into twisted monsters that joined the battle.

Minato’s pressure increased greatly.

The consumption of the Flying Thunder God Technique rose sharply.

He noticed the abnormal energy fluctuations and chaos coming from inside the base.

“It’s Kakashi and the others… They’ve succeeded to some extent, but they’ve also caused an even bigger problem.”

Minato’s thoughts raced.

‘I have to resolve the frontal battle as quickly as possible and go support them!’

He took a deep breath.

The eye markings of Sage Mode appeared faintly.

His speed and perception surged once again.

“Sage Art: Flying Thunder God Flash!”

His figure almost became true light.

He moved through the aircraft filling the sky and the dark monsters.

Every time he appeared, he delivered a fatal strike.