Three days later, just before dawn, Qian Renxue and the others departed in staggered groups, slipping away one after another with practiced efficiency. By the time the pale morning light spread across the horizon, only Li Rong remained at the temporary assembly point.
Before him stood five neatly arranged squads of elite ninja, their posture disciplined, their expressions restrained. Each team was led by a figure whose name alone carried weight within Konoha.
The first squad was personally commanded by Lady Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin. Standing at her side were Minato Namikaze, Kakashi Hatake, and Kurenai Yuhi. The composition alone was enough to unsettle anyone familiar with Konoha's power structure.
From the Sarutobi clan, Li Rong recognized only the young Asuma. It was only after Tsunade's brief introduction that he learned the squad leader was Shinnosuke Sarutobi—the current head of Konoha's ANBU, and the Hokage's own brother. The man's presence was understated, but the quiet sharpness in his gaze spoke of authority forged through blood and silence.
The Uchiha were led by Uchiha Yatsushiro, a stern, middle-aged man with a rigid bearing. Tsunade described him succinctly as the clan leader's right-hand man—an enforcer with real power, not merely a symbolic figure.
The Hyuga squad was commanded by Hyuga Hizashi, the clan leader's brother. Every member behind him moved with the same disciplined precision, clearly elites raised under the strict oversight of the Main Family.
Finally came the familiar Ino–Shika–Chō formation. This generation's inheritors were all present: Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza—and Nara Suzaku, an old acquaintance.
Li Rong's gaze swept over them once. Qualified. Useful. More importantly, obedient.
"I'll be direct," he said calmly. "Since you've accepted this employment, you should understand your position."
"If anyone delays the mission or hinders progress, don't blame me for not warning you in advance. Understood?"
No one answered immediately.
Instead, every ninja's eyes drifted—almost involuntarily—toward the figure behind Li Rong.
Orochimaru stood there with an ancient tome in hand, eyes lowered, utterly absorbed. He neither acknowledged the attention nor reacted to the tension coiling around him.
That silence was far more unsettling than any threat.
Throats bobbed. Then, as if rehearsed, the squads responded in unison.
"We understand."
Satisfied, Li Rong abandoned any pretense of slow travel. With a flick of his wrist, a massive flying puppet unfolded into existence, its metallic frame humming faintly.
"Get on."
He stepped onto the puppet's back alongside the four women and added lazily, "Hold on tight. Anyone who falls can run to the Land of Whirlpools on their own."
Before the ninja could fully process the situation, Li activated the construct.
A violent gust erupted as the puppet surged upward. Trees bent. Dust and debris were swept away. In a blink, they tore through the cloud layer and vanished into the sky.
Far below, Uchiha Fugaku slowly deactivated his Sharingan, his tone measured as if steadying himself. "Truly… astonishing puppet craftsmanship."
"If we possessed even one such construct," Nara Shikaku murmured to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "logistics and evacuation efficiency would increase exponentially."
"That can wait," Hiruzen replied evenly. "Once the camp is established, if the Sacrificial Shop offers such items, Konoha will purchase them."
He paused, then added, "Tsunade already asked. Boss Li permits intelligence gathering through legitimate means—as long as it does not interfere with construction."
"The Sacrificial Shop is… unusual," he continued. "Any findings should be shared through the Hokage's office."
Hyuga Hiashi frowned. "You're serious?"
The Hokage's tone was consultative. That alone was abnormal.
The advisor elders remained silent.
Unease spread. After exchanging glances, the clan leaders nodded one by one.
Above the clouds, Orochimaru finally looked up, curiosity gleaming. "Such speed. What powers it?"
"Flight is basic," Li Rong replied, tapping the puppet beneath them. "It's also equipped with energy cannons. Ten-kilometer range. Enough firepower to erase Konoha."
Asuma recoiled instinctively.
Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely. "Fascinating."
Less than two hours later, the flying puppet descended over the former Uzumaki Tide Village.
Ruins no longer existed.
A ten-kilometer radius had been completely leveled—forests erased, stones pulverized, leaving nothing but bare yellow earth.
Snow Princess rose into the air, mental force spreading outward.
Tsunade and Minato reacted instantly.
A thunderous roar erupted behind them.
A colossal black ape emerged, over thirty meters tall, its crimson eyes burning.
"Tailed Beast?" Tsunade muttered—then shook her head. "No… no chakra tails."
The giant ignored the ninja entirely, shrinking step by step until it stood as a towering ape-man.
"Greetings," Er Ming said respectfully, bowing.
One by one, more figures arrived.
White steed. Flaming bird. Giant shark.
Twelve in total.
And every single one bowed.
Nara Shikaku swallowed. "Twelve… each rivaling Tsunade or Minato."
Minato's kunai spun slowly between his fingers. "My techniques wouldn't penetrate their defenses."
Tsunade folded her arms. "Then remember this. Konoha is not their enemy."
Her chakra flared.
"From this moment on—three rules."
Her voice left no room for doubt.
"Absolute obedience to Boss Li."
"No private contact with Orochimaru."
"No conflict with other villages."
"Violators," she concluded, "die."
Silence followed.
Then obedience.
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