C128 Do You dare to Fight in Konoha?

After he finished speaking, he thrust Hinata into Yang Ming's arms and urged him to make a quick getaway.

"Okay!"

Hinata murmured shyly, too nervous to meet Yang Ming's gaze.

"Why run? This is Konoha, not the territory of the Cloud Ninja. What's there to fear?"

Yet Yang Ming stood his ground, questioning in return.

"They're formidable enemies. We need to get moving!"

Despite her shyness, Hinata understood the urgency of their predicament and whispered urgently.

"Relax, as long as I'm here, no one in the Ninja World can lay a finger on you!"

Yang Ming reassured her with a smile, giving her shoulder a comforting pat.

"Okay."

Hinata nodded meekly, somehow finding herself trusting his words.

"Damn it, big brother, I've entrusted the young miss to a fool. Had I known, I'd have taken her back to our clan by now!"

Hyūga was beside himself with frustration upon hearing Yang Ming's bold claim.

If not for the looming danger, he would've snapped the neck of this brash youth without a second thought.

These were Cloud Ninja they were dealing with—were they so easily handled?

"Damn, to think I've encountered a fool!"

Hyūga was seething with anger, but it was too late for regrets. Tuoba Yi had caught up, and soon, dozens of Cloud Ninja emerged, encircling them.

"You Cloud Ninja are truly despicable, daring to strike on Konoha soil. Are you itching for war between our nations?"

Hyūga spat out the words, his anger palpable.

"War? The Cloud Ninja are mighty and fearless. Why should we cower before Konoha? Since the fourth generation's passing, no one but the Earth Country can check the power of the Thunder Country in today's Ninja World. If it's a fight you want, we'll give you one. The Cloud Ninja fear no one!"

"Konoha has been weakened by one misfortune after another: Orochimaru's defection, Tsunade's departure, Jiraiya's wanderings, and the Uchiha clan's downfall. All these events have brought Konoha to its knees. Do you really think you're in any position to challenge the Cloud Ninja?"

Tuoba Yi let out a series of sneers as he faced Hinata, recounting one incident after another that had recently befallen Konoha.

Every power has its rise and fall, and Konoha was no exception. Its ranks of experts were dwindling, leaving behind only a few ineffectual remnants.

It was a shadow of its former glory.

"Fine, it looks like the Cloud Ninja have been scheming against our Konoha for years. I've recorded everything you said with a ninja technique. I'll be presenting it to Lord Hokage, and I'm eager to hear the Raikage's response. Do you all think we're pushovers, ripe for the picking, gearing up for war?"

Upon hearing this, Hinata let out a cold laugh and used a ninja technique to capture Tuoba Yi's words verbatim. Whether presented to the Hokage or laid before the Raikage, these words were bound to send shockwaves throughout the Ninja World.

He doubted this mere Elite Ninja could withstand the fallout.

"Heh, suit yourself. The Raikage is a formidable figure; why would he concern himself with Konoha? Had the Tsuchikage not been agreeable, the Mizukage indecisive, and the Kazekage hesitant, we, the Cloud Ninja, would have already initiated the fourth Ninja World War. With warriors aplenty, why should we fear Konoha? Go ahead, report to the Hokage and see if they dare face the might of my Cloud Ninja army."

Yet, the other party was unfazed by his threats, scoffing as if to say, 'Go on, make your report, or you'll be the scorn of your entire clan.'

The Hyūga felt a twinge of embarrassment. Reflecting on Konoha's current instability, so starkly contrasted with the robust Cloud Ninja, he realized the Hokage might not be ready to wage war at all.