In response, Konoha countered directly.
On one hand, Orochimaru remained at the center, coordinating the overall situation. The main frontline forces constructed a layered defensive network, increasing patrols and sentry density, compressing the operational space of the Village Hidden in the Cloud's infiltration units.
On the other hand, with Danzo Shimura, who was in charge of intelligence, infiltration, and counter-infiltration operations, personally overseeing the battle, an invisible and even more dangerous covert war was also fully unfolding in the front and rear of the battlefield and in the shadows.
The elite forces of Root and the Anbu were mobilized in full. Across hundreds of miles of depth along the border, they clashed repeatedly with the Village Hidden in the Cloud's infiltration units in silent battles across snowy plains, dense forests, and valleys.
At Konoha's northeastern main camp, the command headquarters.
Shinichi lifted the tent flap and walked in.
Under the lights, several staff officers were quietly discussing something in front of the map. At the sound of the tent flap being lifted, they instinctively looked toward the entrance. Upon recognizing who it was, a trace of admiration flashed in their eyes almost simultaneously.
These days, Shinichi's fourth independent battalion unit has been almost constantly on the move, like a sharp knife plunged into the heart of the Village Hidden in the Cloud, launching continuous attacks.
Today, they take down the Village Hidden in the Cloud's outpost, tomorrow, they wipe out the Village Hidden in the Cloud's patrol squad, and the day after tomorrow, they destroy the Village Hidden in the Cloud's supply depot.
They come and go like the wind, striking once and retreating immediately.
Battle reports were sent back to the command post one after another, and the credits marked on them grew thicker and thicker.
Orochimaru stood before the map. Hearing the footsteps, he turned around. His golden snake-like eyes fell on Shinichi while a faint smile curved at his lips.
"Shinichi-kun, you have arrived just in time."
"I heard before that during the southwestern battlefield, Pakura from the Village Hidden in the Sand caused a lot of trouble for Konoha, giving Jiraiya a real headache."
"Now I understand. I imagine the third Raikage of the Village Hidden in the Cloud is feeling the same way as Jiraiya did back then."
Shinichi's expression remained unchanged, and he bowed slightly: "Orochimaru-sama, you flatter me. My humble efforts are entirely due to the cooperation and support of my colleagues on the front lines. If it weren't for their efforts to prevent the Village Hidden in the Cloud from diverting their attention to the rear, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to penetrate so deeply."
"Speaking of which, if senior Minato didn't have more important tasks at hand, if he personally carried out these missions, he would surely do them better than I could."
This time, Orochimaru didn't laugh and tease him about his humility as he usually did. He was silent for a moment, then sighed softly: "After all, it's the Flying Thunder God Technique..."
"What a fascinating Ninjutsu! It's just a pity... Not everyone can learn this kind of Ninjutsu."
After Orochimaru sighed a few times, he looked at Shinichi, and that familiar, unfathomable smile reappeared in his snake-like eyes.
"However, if it is you, Shinichi-kun, you should be able to master the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"After all, many people in the village believe that your talent in developing Ninjutsu is no less than that of the second Hokage."
Orochimaru's smile deepened.
"Even Hiruzen-sensei has mentioned more than once that you possess the potential of the second Hokage."
"Hehe....."
Shinichi stood still, his expression unchanged as he calmly said: "Orochimaru-sama is too kind. How could I compare myself to the wisdom of the second Hokage? As for the Flying Thunder God Technique, if the opportunity arises, I will certainly do my utmost to learn it and live up to the Hokage's and the village's expectations and cultivation. But for now, I still need to continue working hard and would not dare overestimate myself in comparison to my predecessors."
Orochimaru didn't speak, but just looked at him for a while, then suddenly said, "Shinichi-kun, is today your birthday, isn't it?"
Shinichi paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, thank you for your concern, Orochimaru-sama."
"Happy birthday, Shinichi-kun."
Orochimaru's lips curled slightly as he spoke softly, then he reached into his waist and took out a scroll.
Bang!
A cloud of white smoke exploded, and a long, straight sword appeared in his hand.
The scabbard and hilt are both pure black, without any superfluous decorations or blade patterns. The design is simple to the point of being cold and hard, yet it exudes a solemn and murderous aura.
"Speaking of which, you have been running around tirelessly these days and contributing greatly to the village, Shinichi-kun. As the commander-in-chief, I haven't given you anything proper to show my appreciation. I recall your blade was destroyed during your last infiltration mission."
At this point, Orochimaru gently pushed the long, straight sword in his hand forward.
"Then take this sword as a birthday gift, Shinichi-kun."
Upon hearing this, Shinichi was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Orochimaru to make such a move.
"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama."
The next moment, Shinichi seemed to realize what was happening and solemnly took the sword with both hands.
"I will certainly make good use of this sword and live up to your gift, Orochimaru-sama."
"Hehe... Go and rest."
"Yes."
Shinichi bowed, turned around, lifted the tent flap, and went out.
"What a charming child, hehe..."
Orochimaru said in a low voice, then tilted his head slightly to look at his right sleeve.
A jet-black snake peeked out from the sleeve, its triangular head swaying slightly, its forked tongue flicking in and out while its gaze remained fixed in the direction Shinichi had left.
"Don't you think so?"
The black snake didn't speak, but its tail swayed slightly twice, and its vertical pupils remained fixed on the direction of the tent curtain for a long time without withdrawing.
Orochimaru's smile deepened as he watched its reaction.
From the first time he met Shinichi, besides sensing a sense of kinship and ambition beneath the mask of that child, there was something else he couldn't quite put his finger on.
A strange sense of familiarity and trust!
This feeling came out of nowhere, even somewhat absurdly.
Orochimaru had lived for so many years and met countless people, but no one had ever given him this feeling.
If he hadn't repeatedly checked his own chakra and confirmed that he hadn't been affected by any Genjutsu, he would have almost suspected that he had been influenced by some means.
Now, after several encounters over this period, Orochimaru has confirmed it.
Shinichi seems to possess a unique aura.
That aura is invisible and intangible, yet it exists so naturally that it can unconsciously generate goodwill and dispel wariness in people.
What intrigued Orochimaru even more was that this aura seemed to extend beyond just humans.
He glanced down at the black snake hidden in his sleeve.
This little thing is usually very quiet; it rarely shows itself except when it's eating or fighting.
But every time Shinichi appears, it eagerly peeks out like it does now and stares fixedly in the direction that Shinichi left.
It was as if something about that boy was attracting it.
Orochimaru reached out and gently stroked the black snake's head.
"You also find him interesting, right?"
The black snake flicked its tongue, whether in response or simply out of habit, it was unclear.
Orochimaru withdrew his gaze, licked his lips, and looked back at the map in front of him, his golden snake eyes showing even greater interest.
"Hehe...."
Interesting.
A truly increasingly interesting… kindred spirit.