Chapter 45: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind It

Here's the corrected version of Chapter 45: "The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware

**One week later.**

**The Land of Water, Taki.**

**Northern seaport.**

After a long journey, Bai Shi arrived here safely.

Standing on the deep-water dock, he gazed at the fishermen rowing their small wooden boats back in the sunset, momentarily at a loss for words.

He had originally thought that even though the Land of Taki was one of the main battlefields between Iwagakure Village and Konohagakure Village, it would be able to protect its prosperous seaport without issue.

He never imagined that Takigakure Village would be so weak. Even with the Seven-Tails in their possession, they couldn't even safeguard a mere seaport.

At this moment, aside from a few fishing boats, there were no traces of passenger ships or cargo vessels. The prosperity of the past seemed to have evaporated like a passing cloud of smoke.

"You can't expect me to take a fishing boat, right?"

He wasn't just wandering around; he intended to head to the deep sea. How could a fishing boat possibly accommodate that?

"Hey! If that doesn't work, let's check out the Iron Country next door!"

The Iron Country lay adjacent to the Land of Taki, just east of it.

Because of its unique status as a neutral country, the Ninja World War had not only spared it any direct effects but had made it even more prosperous.

The reason was simple: the peaceful environment of the country had indeed attracted many nobles seeking refuge from the chaos of war. This influx of people had naturally contributed to the prosperity of the Iron Country.

Based on this, Bai Shi concluded that the port of the Iron Country would definitely not be as desolate as that of the Land of Taki.

Thus, heading there to enter the sea seemed like a good choice.

Having made the decision, Bai Shi wasted no more time and turned around to leave the dock. He planned to reach the Iron Country overnight.

The reason for his urgency lay in a feeling he couldn't shake—an unsettling sense that an invisible net was slowly closing in around him.

Although he had no concrete evidence, Bai Shi trusted his instincts and resolved not to linger in the area.

However, some things cannot be avoided, no matter how hard you try.

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**That night.**

The moon was dim, the stars sparse, and the wind bit cold.

As Bai Shi was running through the forest, he suddenly stopped and perched on a tree branch. Looking at a dead tree in front of him, he said coldly, "Don't hide; come out!"

"Yes, you are quite alert for your age. Very impressive!" came a deep voice.

A ninja wearing a cape and mask stepped out from behind the tree, spreading his hands in a gesture of peace. "Bai Shi, it's time to go back. Konoha is your home."

His voice seemed genuine, and his demeanor sincere, devoid of malice.

However, Bai Shi paid no attention to the words. Instead, he scrutinized the ninja's mask and figure, searching through his memories and the information he had on the Root organization from his previous life.

After a moment, he said, "Xiang?"

Xiang, a member of the Anbu under Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, was well-versed in various esoteric ninjutsu, skilled in intelligence analysis, and a natural leader.

Xiang did not appear surprised at being recognized; he seemed to have anticipated this after revealing his code name, "A."

After all, Xiang had come from the Root organization.

In Konoha, the Root organization was nominally the 'ANBU training department.'

Given what Bai Shi knew about Elder Danzo, he surmised that the basic information on these Anbu ninjas would be compiled by the other party.

In this case, it was not surprising that Xiang could recognize Bai Shi's identity.

"Yes, it's me." Xiang confirmed. "The Third Hokage has ordered you to be transferred from the Root. Come back; Konoha needs you!"

"Hehe~"

Bai Shi sneered and was about to respond when his body suddenly froze in place.

Lowering his gaze, he studied the shadows under his feet and sneered, "This is your idea of sincerity, huh? Hehe~"

Bang!

A cloud of chakra smoke dissipated, and Bai Shi could no longer maintain the transformation technique; his true form was revealed.

A shadow line extended from beneath his feet, penetrated into the dense forest, and connected to an unseen presence.

This, however, was not the end. Before he could take further action, a surge of spiritual energy intruded into his body.

Sensing the energy, Bai Shi sneered, "The Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique and the Yamanaka clan's Mind-Reading Technique—very well prepared!"

"Too bad," he added.

"Humph!"

Bai Shi snorted coldly, instantly forcing the spiritual energy out of his body. At the same time, chakra burst forth from him as he raised his limbs to break free from the shadows.

His ears perked up slightly, catching a barely perceptible humming sound in the forest. Bai Shi murmured to himself, "What a pity; you underestimated me!"

Indeed, if an ordinary ninja fell victim to this combination of traps, they would likely find it impossible to escape—even with the aid of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

However, with an Intelligence attribute of 40 points, Bai Shi possessed formidable mental power. Combined with his Level V Mental Resistance, how could he be easily controlled by a mere "Mind-Reading Technique"?

Drawing a kunai, Bai Shi began to advance toward Xiang, asking, "Now, tell me, how did you find me?"

Just as Xiang was about to respond, the ground suddenly shook.

In the next moment, four massive stone sculptures with green faces and fangs emerged from all directions, followed by an invisible pressure that weighed heavily on Bai Shi's heart.

At that instant, it felt as though something was staring at him. His heart sank, and a slight dizziness settled over his head.

Before he could process what was happening, Xiang explained, "Bai Shi, this is the 'Four Beasts Spiritual Shock Formation' from the Hidden Rock Village. It is designed specifically to suppress the target's spirit and perception. They are likely coming for you."

"The Four Beasts' Spiritual Shock Formation? Suppressing the spirit and perception? Does the Hidden Rock Village—no, does the Ninja World—really have such a thing?"

After hearing Xiang's explanation, Bai Shi felt a mixture of confusion and relief.

This was a real world, and the knowledge he had from his past life was always just the tip of the iceberg.

Much like Konoha's secret rooms, he only knew about the "Impure World Reincarnation" and "8-gates" but had no idea what other hidden techniques existed.

No longer dwelling on this, Bai Shi attempted to sense his Flying Thunder God marks but found nothing apart from the kunai he carried.

In an instant, his expression darkened.

It was evident that Xiang's group had been able to locate him this time with the unwitting assistance of Iwagakure Village.

In the past week, Bai Shi had traversed areas that were essentially battlefields between Konoha and Iwagakure. While it might have been hard for either side alone to track his whereabouts, if they collaborated, it would not be surprising.

Although Xiang's group might not have intended this, they were certainly mired in a web of manipulation.

Watching as the Iwagakure Anbu gradually closed in on the surrounding woods, Bai Shi whispered to himself, "What a mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind it!"

As he spoke, he was already plotting his escape.

It was clear that Iwagakure Village had come well-prepared this time. If he didn't run away now, when would he? Bai Shi had no intention of remaining passive in this situation.

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