Chapter 22: Reconnaissance and Planning
Yagura's sensory ability was weaker than Kiyoshi's. While Kiyoshi continued to sense carefully, Yagura had already lowered his hands from forming the hand seals, completing his sensing.
Just as Yagura was about to make a hand gesture to Kazama to convey the results of his investigation, Kiyoshi also finished his investigation.
Kiyoshi's Chakra Sensing Technique originated from the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju's Chakra Sensing Technique and incorporated Kiyoshi's own sensory abilities. It was the most powerful type of sensory ninjutsu in Isshiki Otsutsuki's memories.
Although it couldn't match the sensing range of Tobirama Senju, which could perceive the life force and Chakra intensity of any target within a vast area, Kiyoshi's sensing ninjutsu had its own advantages.
Not only could he perceive the life force and Chakra intensity of all nearby targets through his sensing ninjutsu, but even the current state and movements of the targets could be clearly presented one by one in Kiyoshi's mind. It was simply the best ability for stealth assassination and intelligence gathering.
Having finished sensing, Kiyoshi signaled the two to retreat. He had already thoroughly investigated the detailed situation of the entire general's mansion.
Despite being surprised by the range and accuracy of Kiyoshi's sensing, Yagura and Kazama immediately reacted. The three used Body Flicker Technique and successively disappeared into the night, quickly returning to their lodging.
Arriving in Kazama's room, they called for Senno, who was resting at the inn, and the group began to formulate a plan.
"Kotsu, this is the terrain distribution of the general's mansion that I scouted during the day. Take a look and see if there's anything wrong," Kazama said to Kiyoshi, taking out a scroll.
"Kagami, you first tell us the intelligence you sensed. Kotsu will supplement the rest," Kazama then said to Yagura.
"My sensing range is limited, only covering the front courtyard of the general's mansion. In my perception, there are a total of ten people stationed in the front courtyard. Among them, two have strong Chakra reactions, with Chakra intensity above mine. Five of them are openly patrolling each other in a crisscross pattern, while two others are resting in the rooms in the courtyard, and the remaining three are hidden sentries, concealed in the corners," Yagura unrolled a scroll, detailing what he had sensed on the scroll.
"Two ninjas and eight samurai. The ninjas are in the house, and the remaining hidden sentries and patrols are all samurai. One of the ninjas is an Elite Chūnin, and the other is a Chūnin. The remaining samurai also have Chakra in their bodies, but the intensity is not very high, about the level of a Genin," Kiyoshi added, having already checked the map drawn by Kazama.
"After passing through the front courtyard and entering the main courtyard, there are five people protecting the third house on the left at very close range. This is likely the target's location. Among the five, there are two Jōnin, and the rest are Elite Chūnin. One of the Jōnin has an extremely strong life force, likely a Taijutsu ninja or a Kekkei Genkai ninja. The other houses also have people protecting them, but the number and strength are far weaker than that one. Two small squads of soldiers are stationed in the backyard, with ten people in each squad," Kiyoshi finished speaking about all the information he had sensed in one breath and marked it all on the scroll.
"This is not going to be easy. It's almost impossible to take out the target without alerting the others!" Kazama's face showed a serious expression.
"Hana, do you have any ideas?" Kazama asked, turning his gaze to Hōzuki Senno.
"Captain, is it possible to use the Hidden Mist Technique to release mist mixed with sleeping pills, use Wind Release to blow the mist over, knock out all the guards, and then directly eliminate the target?" Senno suggested with an open mind.
"That's not very feasible. The mist released by the Hidden Mist Technique will have a relatively strong Chakra signature. Even if those ninjas don't have sensory abilities, when the mist spreads over, the fluctuating Chakra will definitely make them wary or even raise an alarm," Yagura retorted.
"It's unlikely that we can enter the target's location without a fight with just our abilities. But if a fight breaks out, even if we successfully complete the mission, the Hidden Mist will definitely be suspected, which will affect the relationship between the village and the Land of Water," Kazama said with a slight frown.
"Hōzuki clan... right, I remember the Hōzuki clan is proficient in a secret technique called the Hydrification Technique that can turn the entire body into liquid, right?" Kiyoshi, who had been thinking for a long time, suddenly asked.
"Yes, this is a secret ninjutsu passed down through generations in the Hōzuki clan," Yagura said抢先 before Senno could answer.
"So, Hana, can you use this move?" Kiyoshi confirmed with Hōzuki Senno.
"Yes, every member of the Hōzuki clan who becomes a ninja must learn to master the Hydrification Technique," Senno replied, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
"Very good, then I have a bold idea!" Kiyoshi got the answer he wanted.
"We need to choose a rainy night to act. We'll use the Hidden Mist Technique to attract their attention. Senno will use a combination of a Water Clone and the Hydrification Technique to approach them from the ground, and then launch an attack at the same time. With the mist attracting their attention, they won't pay much attention to the ground. Moreover, on a rainy day, there will naturally be accumulated water on the ground, and the flow of rainwater won't attract attention. Yagura and I both have sensory abilities and will provide support from the side, eliminating any survivors who aren't killed in the first strike, making sure they don't make any noise," Kiyoshi explained his plan to the three.
The eyes of the three lit up, feeling that although Kiyoshi's plan relied on the weather, it was highly feasible.
"I can also use my Water Mirror Technique to replicate Hana's attack pattern, which will make it even more foolproof!" Yagura added excitedly.
"In this way, after silently taking out the guards, Captain Kazama can enter the house and quickly eliminate the target, and then we can retreat. If all goes well, it's unlikely that we'll alarm the people in the front and back courtyards," Kiyoshi concluded.
"A meticulous plan. Let's do it this way. We'll refine the details further and wait for a rainy night to act!" Kazama praised.
---
If we can get our spot in top 50 on the power stone ranking I'll drop 5 bonus chapters!
You can also support me on patreon and can read upto 20 chapter ahead on patreon.com/Devmaya