Two years had passed since the outbreak of the Third Great Ninja War. In that time, countless ninja had fallen and sacrificed their lives, but many others had risen in strength, forging their own legends across the ninja world.
Among these rising stars, none shone brighter than the so-called Twin Stars of Konoha: the Golden Flash and the Light of Konoha.
Of course, Seiki Shimaseki earned this title not because he killed more enemies than Minato Namikaze, but because more Leaf ninja—and even allied forces—survived thanks to him!
The appearance of medical scrolls nearly changed the battlefield forever. Many ninja who would have died without timely treatment could now recover quickly and rejoin the fight.
It didn't just shift the odds completely—it also widened the psychological gap between the two sides dramatically.
When both sides suffered serious injuries, one could only rely on blood-increasing pills to prolong life, while the other had an on-site medic ninja providing instant healing. The difference was just too great!
Because of this, Hidden Cloud and Iwagakure made repeated attempts to infiltrate Konoha's Medical Logistics Team with spies. Unfortunately for them, Konoha maintained extremely tight secrecy around these matters. Personal seals guarded even the simplest C-rank sealing techniques, ensuring none of their secrets would leak out.
...
In the Land of Rivers, outside Tayuya Village:
A group of Hidden Cloud ninja stood facing their enemy, slowly backing away.
"Those markings under his eyes... Could he be that 'Light of Konoha,' Seiki Shimaseki?"
"Run! Our village specifically ordered us to abandon missions immediately if we encounter him!"
"No wonder our shinobi keep disappearing near Tayuya—this must be Konoha's conspiracy!"
At his words, the opposing ninja frowned. "Are you kidding? With Seiki Shimaseki's power, would someone like him really need to use Sage Mode against trash like you?"
However, the Hidden Cloud ninjas grew even more terrified.
"Not Seiki? Then is this the devil known as Mizuki?"
"Damn it! We actually ran into this madman!"
Indeed, Mizuki's expression darkened. "You think I'm just some subordinate of Seiki Shimaseki? Are you saying I'm not good enough to be mistaken for him?"
The Hidden Cloud ninja couldn't follow his twisted logic at all. Shouldn't he feel honored being confused with his idol?
"I'm very unhappy now… So, all of you—just die!"
Aaaaaah!!!
Horrified and desperate screams echoed through the forest, causing nearby birds to flap their wings in panic and flee.
Soon afterward, Mizuki resumed his original disguise and returned to Tayuya Village.
Tayuya Village was particularly prosperous. Even during wartime, its generous offerings ensured that both Konoha and Hidden Cloud forces conveniently avoided battling here—almost as if by mutual agreement.
After all, a place like this—a goldmine for easy profit—would be a real shame to destroy.
However, the people of Tayuya turned out to be way too pushy for Mizuki's taste.
As soon as he entered the village, four or five elderly men and women surrounded him excitedly.
"Young man, want to join a religion?"
"Join the Divine Church and get 10% off everything in our shops!"
"We can even set you up on dates with beautiful girls!"
"How about giving it a thought? Handsome young guys are available too!"
Mizuki twitched his lips in silence. Ever since he started mastering the Sage Arts at Ryuchi Cave, his presence turned darker and colder — villagers barely dared come near him anymore. Yet these middle-aged men and women weren't scared at all.
Helplessly, he could only take out a Tamaki ring and hang it around his neck. It was a Tamaki ring with a triangular emblem in the center.
Upon seeing it, the previously enthusiastic crowd immediately scattered.
"Tsk, he's already joined the cult!"
"What a bore."
"Come on, let's go scam... cough cough, find another lucky tourist!"
Shaking his head, Mizuki thought how this village's style truly clashed with the current wartime atmosphere.
Returning to the church where they were staying, a group of ninja warmly greeted him.
Most were ninja who'd graduated with him and were now part of Seiki's special ops team.
But to Mizuki, the only familiar faces were Asuma, Kurenai, Ibiki, and Might Guy.
"Hah, Mizuki's back!"
"Did you get any information?"
Mizuki simply nodded coldly. The surrounding ninja were already used to his reactions and showed no signs of discomfort.
"The missing ninjas in Tayuya Village are unlikely to be the work of the Cloud Village. In fact, the Cloud Village has also experienced ninja disappearances similar to ours!"
Upon hearing Mizuki's report, everyone's expressions turned serious.
"If Cloud Village also had missing ninja, this definitely isn't a coincidence!"
"Could it be Tayuya's ninja?"
"That's impossible, right? How could such a small village dare scheme against both Cloud and Leaf simultaneously?"
"Let's hear what Jonin Seiki has to say first!"
At this point, everyone couldn't help but cast admiring glances at the young ninja sitting at the head.
Seiki had been promoted to Jonin half a year ago due to remarkable achievements in battle, setting a new record across all great ninja villages.
Not a single person objected to his promotion.
In terms of achievements and reputation, he had reached an unprecedented peak!
"As for..."
Knock knock!
Just as Seiki was about to speak, sudden knocking came from the door.
"Please come in."
A kindly old man with a gentle smile entered, carrying dishes and carefully setting them before everyone. "Honorable ninja masters, if you're hungry, please try some of our Tayuya Village's specialty delicacies. Especially this clear soup — it's just as famous as our hot springs!"
"Thank you, elder."
"No, no, the honored ninja masters are the ones who've worked hard."
With that, he conscientiously exited the room.
They all exchanged uneasy glances before lowering their voices to discuss.
"Is there anything wrong with this food?"
"Do you think he poisoned it?"
"This old guy looks too saintly — that's what makes me instantly suspicious!"
"Uh, I think the Hokage might want to say something..."
The Inuzuka clan ninja leaned closer to sniff. "It doesn't seem poisoned, though there is a strange odor."
"Eh? This time things aren't going according to the usual pattern!"
"Haha, looks like we misunderstood him this time!"
Seiki shook his head just a little, "No poison doesn't always mean it's safe. Some jutsu can be activated simply through specific mediums."
Hearing Seiki's words, everyone immediately became alert. "Seiki, have you discovered something?"
Seiki picked up the clear broth, his expression serious. "It's the trace of blood—in fact, human blood."
The broth appeared crystal clear, without even a trace of red visible.
If it weren't for his exceptionally sharp sensor abilities, he probably wouldn't have noticed anything unusual either.
"What? Human blood?!"
Everyone's expressions changed rapidly. If it had been animal blood, it wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but using human blood usually signaled something sinister.
"Seiki, what should we do next?"
"Should we split up and investigate separately?"
Seiki replied calmly, "We're not here for a vacation. We don't have time to drag this out anymore. Since we've got a lead, let's just push forward full force!"
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>