Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra

The ninja from these small villages, recruited to raid Konoha's resources, would certainly avoid carrying anything that could expose their identities.

After all, if their identities were discovered, it would bring disaster upon their villages.

"Since we can't uncover anything from them, sever their heads and seal them in a storage scroll. Once we return to the village, we'll hand them over to the Anbu for further investigation," Hatake Sakumo ordered.

"Understood, Captain."

Sarutobi Juro swiftly carried out the order, decapitating the enemies and sealing their heads into a scroll.

"The jutsu they used were all very basic—nothing that would indicate they were from the major villages," Juro reported after completing his task.

"Exactly. Their chakra reserves may be larger than ours, but in combat, they were no match for us," another Konoha ninja commented.

"Small villages wouldn't dare to provoke us on their own. There's no doubt a major village is behind this," someone added.

"The jonin I fought against didn't seem like someone a small village could train," Sakumo said, shaking his head. He then glanced at Jiraiya, as if to say, I was a step slower than you only because my opponent was stronger.

Jiraiya caught the meaning behind Sakumo's gaze and couldn't help but feel exasperated.

You're a full-fledged jonin, and you're seriously competing with me over this? Really?

"These ninjas are audacious. Once we trace their backers, we'll make sure they pay a heavy price," Juro declared angrily.

"We owe it to Jiraiya for spotting them early. Otherwise, we would've suffered some losses," Sakumo said, complimenting him.

"All the medicinal herbs have matured now. From here on out, we need to be even more vigilant. We can't allow anything to happen to them," Sakumo said seriously as he began outlining a new patrol plan.

The surprise attack served as a wake-up call. Konoha was regarded as the strongest ninja village, and its ninjas stationed here had grown complacent, believing no one would dare to raid their herbs.

Today's events proved otherwise.

After assigning the tasks, Jiraiya and his team returned to the camp with Sakumo. Meanwhile, four Konoha ninjas remained at the border, with patrols doubled in number.

Back at camp, Sakumo called Jiraiya into his tent.

"Jiraiya, your blade is exceptional. If you use it in front of others, make sure no one lives to tell the tale. If news of its abilities spreads, it'll bring you endless trouble," Sakumo said the moment they were inside.

During the battle, Sakumo had noticed Jiraiya's sword. Its sharpness and unique properties even made him envious—it surpassed his own White Fang blade.

"I understand," Jiraiya nodded. A weapon like the Lightning Flame Blade would tempt many ninjas. If its powers became widely known, it would attract no shortage of covetous eyes, particularly from those proficient in Lightning or Fire Release.

"If you're willing, I can omit any mention of your blade's abilities in my battle report," Sakumo offered. "Even though we trust our comrades in the village, we can't guarantee that there aren't any with darker intentions."

This gesture was clearly a show of goodwill. Jiraiya understood that Sakumo recognized his potential and strength, seeing him as someone worth befriending.

After a brief moment of thought, Jiraiya replied, "This blade was left to me by my parents. Its origin is legitimate, and I trust the village. Write the report as it is."

Jiraiya had no intention of hiding the Lightning Flame Blade. Even if Sakumo omitted it now, the blade would eventually draw attention. The only way to avoid that would be to seal it away permanently, which was not an option.

Whether the blade's abilities were exposed sooner or later made little difference.

"I believe no one short of an elite jonin or Kage-level ninja could take this blade from me," Jiraiya said confidently. The elite jonin and Kage-level ninjas in Konoha were all prominent figures who wouldn't tarnish their reputations by targeting their own. At most, they might send subordinates to steal it.

"Jiraiya, what does Konoha mean to you?" Sakumo asked abruptly.

"I like the environment of Konoha. It's worth protecting with my life—but not everyone in the village deserves that protection," Jiraiya replied.

Sakumo chuckled. "That's an interesting perspective," he said, then fixed Jiraiya with a serious gaze. "You're asking me to report honestly. Is that because you trust the village, or because you trust your own strength?"

"Both."

"And if someone from the village does try to take your blade, what will you do?" Sakumo pressed.

"If someone from the village tries to steal it, they're no longer a comrade—they're an enemy. I'll eliminate them without hesitation," Jiraiya said decisively.

"Would you give them a chance to repent if they begged for mercy?" Sakumo asked, frowning.

"Once they decide to act against me, they're already my enemy. Showing mercy to an enemy is foolish—I won't do it," Jiraiya answered, thinking of Sakumo's eventual tragedy. He hoped to subtly influence Sakumo's outlook, making him realize that not everyone in the village was a true comrade.

"Jiraiya, you're always welcome at my house," Sakumo said with a smile. Though Jiraiya's views differed from his own, he found him intriguing and worth befriending.

Sakumo then turned his attention to the battle report. With so many enemies daring to attack this outpost, he intended to provide the village with a detailed account.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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