12dz Chapter 554 Steps
Chapter 554 Steps
"Senior Hatake, you just mentioned gathering intelligence on the Five Great Nations," Zhang Hai said respectfully as he approached White Fang. "But I noticed you didn't mention Kirigakure?"
Bai Ya paused, turned his head, and looked at Zhang Hai. In the night, his eyes appeared exceptionally deep.
"The Hidden Mist Village..." White Fang's voice carried a complex meaning, "Their situation is different from the other four great ninja villages. The Hidden Mist Village is currently in a highly closed state and killing is rampant. Their 'Village of Blood Mist' policy has shrouded the entire village in a bloody and eerie atmosphere. The killing between ninjas, using any means to gain power, has become the norm."
He shook his head, his tone grave: "That kind of place is extremely xenophobic internally and heavily guarded externally. It's almost impossible for outsiders to infiltrate and obtain useful intelligence. Even if you succeed in infiltrating, you're likely to expose your identity and fall into a hopeless situation. Therefore, for now, Kirigakure is not within your intelligence-gathering scope. Entering rashly will only increase the risks."
Zhang Hai nodded thoughtfully. He knew of the existence of the "Village of Blood Mist" and understood the special nature of Kirigakure. It seemed that White Fang hadn't included this most dangerous place on the mission list out of concern for his safety.
After a night of rapid travel, they finally returned to their familiar home as the first rays of dawn shone upon Konoha Village. Minato and Kushina, having received instructions from the Hokage, were assigned to rest and care for the wounded. White Fang, however, led Zhang Hai and Kakashi directly to the Ninja Academy.
"Kakashi, today is your first day of school, you can't be late." White Fang patted Kakashi's head, his tone filled with affection.
Kakashi still wore a lazy expression, but a hint of anticipation flickered in his eyes. Although he was precocious, he was still a little excited about the school life that was about to begin.
The three arrived at the entrance of the ninja academy, where a large number of parents and incoming freshmen had already gathered, creating a lively atmosphere. Just then, a man wearing a green bodysuit, with a bowl haircut, thick eyebrows, and big eyes, was gesturing wildly and talking to a little boy who was also wearing a green bodysuit and had a hairstyle almost identical to his own.
"Kai! You have to do your best! Even if you don't get into the Ninja Academy, you have to strive to become a man stronger than anyone else!" The man's voice was loud and passionate; he was none other than Might Dai, the perennial genin of Konoha. And the little boy beside him was his equally enthusiastic son, Might Guy.
Kakashi's gaze was drawn to the peculiar father and son, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Hey, isn't this White Fang-senpai!" Might Guy spotted White Fang with his sharp eyes and immediately ran over with Might Guy, his face beaming with his signature bright smile.
“Matt Dai, it’s been a long time,” White Fang replied with a smile.
Might Guy scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Sigh, Guy, although he trained very hard, he still fell short in the written exam. He didn't get into the Ninja Academy."
Hearing this, Zhang Hai and Kakashi were both somewhat surprised. Failing to get into the Ninja Academy? In Konoha, that wasn't something to be proud of.
However, despite failing the exam, Matt Kai showed no sign of disappointment. His large eyes shone with an indomitable spirit. His fists clenched, his youthful face etched with determination.
“It’s okay, Dad!” Might Guy shouted, his voice clear and powerful. “Even if I don’t get into the Ninja Academy, I will keep trying! I will become a man stronger than anyone else! I will prove my ninja way with my taijutsu!”
Although his words were somewhat naive, the powerful conviction they contained made Zhang Hai and Kakashi, who were present, turn their heads in surprise.
White Fang looked at Might Guy's energetic appearance and a meaningful smile appeared on his face. He walked to Kakashi's side, gently patted his head, and whispered, "Kakashi, did you hear that? This little guy named Might Guy may not seem as talented as you right now, but his perseverance and belief far surpass ordinary people."
He pointed at Might Guy, then looked at Kakashi, a hint of warning in his eyes: "Remember my words, Kakashi. You may be a genius now, but if you can't maintain that ultimate pursuit of ninja way, then this Might Guy could very well become your strongest opponent in the future. Or even surpass you."
Kakashi frowned slightly upon hearing this. He thought he had already tried his best, but he never expected his father to say such a thing. He turned to look at Might Guy, the little guy who was a year or two younger than him, with an innocent smile on his face, yet he had proclaimed such a grand dream.
White Fang's words caused a subtle shift in Kakashi's mind. For the first time, he realized that besides Zhang Hai, who was always stronger and more mysterious than him, there might be others who would become his future challenges.
However, Kakashi's gaze eventually returned to Zhang Hai. He looked at Zhang Hai's thoughtful expression, his eyes flashing with determination.
"No," Kakashi said silently to himself, his small fist clenching. "My only goal is to surpass Zhang Hai. Whether it's ninjutsu or swordsmanship, I must be stronger than him. I will graduate from the Ninja Academy as quickly as possible, and then, I will surpass him myself!"
After sending Kakashi to the Ninja Academy, White Fang went to report to the Hokage on the follow-up work, while Zhang Hai returned home and, after only one day of rest, embarked on a new journey. White Fang's task for him was to gather intelligence on the Five Great Nations and other smaller ninja villages—a long and arduous mission. Zhang Hai's first target was a small ninja village located on the border of the Land of Fire, bordering the Land of Earth—Kagerou Village. This village was famous for its unique Fire Release ninjutsu and metallurgical techniques; although small in size, it was quite well-known in the ninja world.
Using his exceptional infiltration skills, Zhang Hai evaded various scouts and guards, finally reaching the border of Yangyan Village. However, the scene that greeted him when he actually stepped into the village sent a shiver down his spine, even though he was usually calm and collected.
The village of Yangyan before them was now a ruin. The once sturdy buildings were reduced to rubble, charred remains scattered everywhere, and the air thick with the lingering smell of burning and blood. Embers from the flames still smoldered in some corners, a stark reminder of the devastating catastrophe that had recently befallen the village. The ground was littered with the marks of battle: deep craters, cracks, broken weapons, and… rows of cold corpses.
This place has clearly suffered a devastating blow.