Chapter 67 - 67 (1/2)
When he learned that the Sand were transporting puppets, Ryo immediately realized that it wasn't that they didn't want to fight, it was that they were waiting for a weapon that should prove really problematic for Konoha.
The Sand Puppet division has always been scary for others villages. A puppet when controlled by a masterful puppeteer can use several of its organs as weapons and can use several extremely poisonous drugs.
Even though Konoha had an excellent medical Ninja system, they still weren't able to stop the puppet division's damage.
”How many puppets are they transporting?” Asked Jiraya.
”I don't know how many are there in total, but we've detected about a 1000 already.” The Hyuga answered Jiraya after thinking.
”A 1000 puppets? Sakumo san, I'll go! The batch must be dealt with. I'm going to…” Jiraya volunteered.
”Jiraya san, Sakumo san, neither of you should go. If the Sand discover that one of you has left the camp they would certainly launch an all out attack. The Sand are transporting the puppets at this time to force you to make a compromise.” Ryo interrupted Jiraya.
”What Ryo is saying makes sense, since indeed neither of us can leave the camp.” Sakumo agreed with him.
”Who is the strongest on the carriage escort team?” Asked Ryo.
”My bug told me that it feared only one person, that should mean that there's only one Jonin there.”
”What he's saying is correct, I've only detected one with my Byakugan, and it was Pakura of the Scorch Release.” Said the Hyuga.
”Sakumo san, Jiraya san, I'll be the one to go!” Said Ryo.
”Kid, are you sure that you want to deal with Pakura? She can counter your Ice.”
”Don't worry Jiraya san, I'm well prepared. Right now, I'm a lot stronger than I used to be two months ago.” Looking at Ryo's confidence, Jiraya felt that he should not oppose his choice.
”Then Ryo, I'll leave this matter to you. If you're ever in danger, or if you happen to encounter an ambush, you're free to give up the task. How many people do you need?” Sakumo asked.
”I need three, who are proficient in Water Release.” Said Ryo after giving it some thought.
There weren't many of Konoha's Ninjas who were proficient with water release. More of them would just be able to use one or two small Jutsus. But still, only three Ninjas fitting Ryo's requirements were not that hard to find.
After the three of them reached Sakumo's tent, Ryo set off with them directly, following the Aburame's insects. They went straight to the recently discovered transport team.
After Ryo's departure, Sakumo ordered the Hyuga and Aburame clans to pay close attention to the Sand's movements and then report back to him whenever they detect any changes.
On his way to the Sand's transport team, Ryo explained the mission for the trio and asked for their names. He learned that they were Haname Uchiha, Taichi Tanaka and Shin Sarutobi.
Haname was Konoichi that masters well Fire, Water and Wind releases. She looked like she was 20 and was very beautiful. Well, the Uchiha's usually are not bad looking.
Taichi Tanaka had a temperament similar to that of Jiraya whenever he got drunk, and he kind of looked a bit like him. He mastered water release. The Tanaka clan gets along well with the Yamanaka's, and Ryo felt good about him.
(Translator note: I have no knowledge of the existence of a Tanaka clan in Konoha.)
Last was Shin Sarutobi, and he was the talkative type. That treat of his was the most difficult thing for Ryo to deal with. He masters Water and Fire Releases.
Let by the insects, they got close enough to see the Sand's transport team.
They weren't many, just over 50. There were 2 Chunins in front and behind the team, with Pakura in the middle.
”Captain, what should we do? We're massively outnumbered. This way, we have no shot at winning!” Said Taichi Tanaka.