12dz Chapter 927 Method
Chapter 927 Method
"What exactly is he trying to do? Why is he doing it this way?" Tsunade's tone was full of confusion as she looked at the Third Hokage, her eyes filled with anxiety.
The Third Hokage stared down at the scroll on the table, his expression complex. He knew that while Zhang Hai's methods were extremely powerful, they were also extreme and unacceptable to the ninja world. He had once hoped that Zhang Hai could embark on a more righteous path, but reality was cruel. Zhang Hai was no longer the obedient student he once was; he had completely chosen his own path—a path filled with violence and sacrifice.
“You don’t understand, Tsunade.” The Third Hokage’s voice was low, with a hint of a sigh. “Zhang Hai’s plans far exceed what we can imagine. He is no longer the child who longed to protect Konoha, but a warrior who pursues power and freedom.”
"How could he be so cold-hearted? Can't you see the threat he poses to Konoha?" Tsunade's emotions began to surge, her fists clenched tightly, seemingly unable to accept what was happening before her.
“I can see it.” The Third Generation was silent for a moment, then sighed deeply, “But he no longer belongs to us.”
The conversation ended abruptly, a heavy silence hanging in the air. Tsunade didn't ask any further questions; the Third Hokage's gaze instilled in her an indescribable fear—Zhang Hai was no longer someone she could understand.
On the battlefield outside, Zhang Hai's blade continued to dance swiftly. Each strike was accompanied by a gushing of enemy blood, and the battlefield was filled with countless fallen figures. Zhang Hai's eyes showed no emotion; he was like a cold machine, solely focused on achieving his goal—absolute power and complete freedom.
"To die by my blade is your only fate," Zhang Hai murmured coldly, his blade slicing through the air once more, decapitating an enemy before him. Blood splattered everywhere, but his face remained expressionless, as if he were already accustomed to it all.
"What I want is not just victory, but the power to control everything." A cold glint flashed in Zhang Hai's eyes, and the next moment, his blade pierced the enemy's heart.
The smoke of battle filled the air, and the fate of Konoha hung by a thread. Zhang Hai, once considered an outcast, was now the only force capable of ensuring the village's survival. Although his methods were extreme, even taboo, the results proved that he had bought Konoha precious time.
"Do you really think his method is right?" Tsunade looked at Minato, who was recuperating, with mixed feelings.
The Third Hokage remained silent for a moment, his eyes deep. He had already heard about Zhang Hai's methods—the Poison Pot Technique, the summoning of Manda, and even his cooperation with Tobirama Senju—these methods were not merely war strategies; they carried bloodshed and cruelty, but also had irreplaceable effects. "What he did might be right, although we cannot completely accept it," the Third Hokage murmured, turning his gaze to the window. "He has shielded Konoha from a deadly threat."
Jiraiya remained silent for a while, then suddenly said, "No matter what we say, Zhang Hai's existence allowed Konoha to survive. Even if he betrayed the code of the ninja world, his actions were successful." He glanced at Minato beside him and added in a low voice, "We also cannot ignore what he did for Minato."
Tsunade nodded slightly, but the inner turmoil remained. She had never understood Zhang Hai's ruthless attitude of carving out his future with his sword. Although he had protected Konoha, she could never forgive his methods.
"But won't this lead Konoha into another abyss?" Tsunade pressed, looking at the Third Hokage as if expecting an answer.
The Third Hokage remained silent. He knew that Konoha's future would be affected by Zhang Hai's actions regardless. Even if his plan ultimately succeeded in the extreme circumstances, how many people could accept such a forceful approach in terms of the ninja world's morality and Konoha's spirit? He knew all too well that Zhang Hai's path had strayed far from the bottom line that anyone could cross.
"Perhaps, Konoha will never fully understand him," the Third Hokage sighed, his gaze complex.
Amidst the chaos in Konoha, Zhang Hai remained unconcerned. He cared only about one thing—Konoha's survival. And he had already ensured this through his own means, even if it meant paying a greater price.
However, amidst Konoha's relief and gratitude, another important story is quietly unfolding.
Jiraiya anxiously helped Minato to his feet; his body was so weak he could no longer support himself. Minato's strength was severely depleted, not only because of his injuries but also because of the pressure of battle—a combination of factors that had led to his current state. After handing Minato over to Tsunade, Jiraiya himself followed the Third Hokage to the battlefield at Kikyo Mountain.
"We can't delay any longer; we must find out the situation as soon as possible," the Third Hokage said in a low voice, his eyes filled with anxiety. Although he knew Zhang Hai had successfully protected Konoha, he still couldn't shake off his worries. The situation in Konoha remained precarious, and there was no accurate information about the battle at Kikyo Mountain. The Third Hokage's anxiety and sense of responsibility were not alleviated by Zhang Hai's intervention; on the contrary, they intensified.
Jiraiya glanced at the Third Hokage and nodded. "You're right, we need to act quickly." He had abandoned his usual ease, his face now displaying a calm and collected demeanor unlike anything he'd ever shown before.
They left Konoha and embarked on their journey to Mount Kikyo. Despite the arduous journey, the Third Hokage remained calm and his steps were firm. Jiraiya followed closely behind, his heart filled with complex emotions about the future of Konoha.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield far from Konoha, the Tsuchikage and Raikage's suspicions deepened. Through their ANBU scouts, they learned that the situation at Kikyo Mountain had drastically changed, and the prolonged lack of battle reports made them realize the gravity of the situation.
"Something's not right," the Tsuchikage said in a deep voice, his eyes sharp. "We need to send out more ANBU to make sure we understand the situation."
The Raikage nodded, his expression grave. "If the situation at Kikyo Mountain takes an unexpected turn, our plans will be affected. We must confirm this as soon as possible."
The reactions of the two Kage-level ninjas undoubtedly demonstrated the complexity and severity of the situation. They had once believed they held an absolute advantage, but as the battle unfolded, they began to realize that things had spiraled out of control. Every misstep could lead to the collapse of the entire situation.
The involvement of the Anbu has made the situation on Kikyo Mountain even more unpredictable. The Anbu's intelligence gathering has further exacerbated the concerns of the Tsuchikage and Raikage, and these concerns have undoubtedly increased their vigilance regarding the Zhanghai Plan.