Naruto: Cherry Blossoms in the Snow

Chapter 30: Forbidden Jutsu — The Technique of Mental Contamination (Part 1)

While the group was still discussing matters inside the tent, a chorus of shouting and cursing erupted outside. Some voices came from the Konoha side, others from across the border.

"What's going on out there?" Sakura asked, puzzled. Is hurling insults part of modern ninja warfare now?

Nara Shikaku chuckled. "These past days, the stress has been immense for the border patrol units. This kind of… activity naturally emerged. Every day, both sides gather along the dividing line and hurl insults at each other. It helps ease the tension before war breaks out."

Indeed, the stress for those stationed along the border was overwhelming. Constant vigilance was required to prevent enemy infiltration and stop their own rogue ninjas from fleeing. This daily ritual of mutual insults had become a strangely acceptable coping mechanism. Shikaku had long stopped being surprised by it.

"I've gotta check this out!" Sakura said, clearly intrigued. Back in her previous life, she'd single-handedly roasted multiple internet trolls into silence. Those heated verbal sparring matches were unforgettable. Seeing such a familiar scene again ignited her fighting spirit.

The group made their way to the front lines. At the camp's edge, several Konoha shinobi stood with hands on their hips, cursing loudly. Across the border, the Cloud Village ninja mirrored them—barking insults in return.

The sight almost made Sakura believe she'd wandered into a domestic feud scene. On the Cloud side stood burly, dark-skinned men with rippling muscles… all standing akimbo, yelling with exaggerated hand gestures and dramatic flair. The contrast between their hulking builds and their theatrical poses was too much.

"Pfft… hahaha!"

Sakura's laughter echoed far across the vast open land separating the two camps. Her outburst abruptly killed the mood, as both sides halted mid-insult, their rhythm completely broken.

"Hey! What the hell are you laughing at, damn Konoha brat!?" someone from the Cloud side shouted.

Though surprised by Sakura's age, the Cloud ninjas weren't unaccustomed to young warriors on the battlefield. But seeing her laugh so hard she was clutching her stomach enraged them.

"Oh, nothing," Sakura replied, her smile lingering. "It's just… watching a bunch of huge, muscular guys bickering like schoolgirls is kind of hilarious. Don't you think it's a little… off-brand for the tough ninja image?"

"You calling us girls!?" the Cloud ninjas roared in unison.

The insult stung. They were elite warriors of the Hidden Cloud, yet here they were being compared to women—it felt like a blatant mockery.

"I am calling you that," Sakura said bluntly. "Look at yourselves—arguing with your hands on your hips, throwing sassy finger gestures. Honestly, with that kind of energy, you'd be better off cross-dressing and competing in a beauty pageant."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she turned to Shikaku and whispered a few quick instructions.

"…Are you sure about this?" Shikaku asked hesitantly. "They may be our enemies, but they're still fellow shinobi. If we go through with this, the Cloud Village might never forgive us."

"They're the enemy right now, aren't they?" Sakura replied coolly. "Why show mercy? Besides, it'll lift morale for our side. Let's give them something to remember."

As she spoke, she handed over a few photographs. "Follow these exactly. And move fast."

"…Alright." Shikaku glanced sympathetically at the Cloud camp, then turned and got to work.

It didn't take long. Soon, the items Sakura requested were ready. Shikaku handed them to her with a conflicted expression. Behind him, curious Konoha shinobi had gathered, drawn in by the mysterious spectacle. Sakura had specifically arranged this—she wanted everyone to witness what was about to unfold.

The Cloud side also grew tense, seeing so many from Konoha assembling. They quickly called in reinforcements. The two sides stood face to face, separated only by a thin border line—like a spark could set everything off.

"Uncle Shikaku, are the people in position?" Sakura asked.

With a flick of her wrist, she placed several small speakers at the front. Then she pulled out a music player and connected it, testing the volume to ensure it could reach the enemy camp.

"Ready," Shikaku replied grimly. He'd tested the plan earlier, and even now his eyes still hurt from the results.

A few shinobi stepped forward, their expressions stiff and unnatural. Just thinking about what they were about to do in front of so many people made them feel like dying of embarrassment.

"This task may be… difficult," Sakura said with a solemn expression, "but it's all for the sake of striking a psychological blow against the enemy. It's all for the village. Your sacrifice won't go unnoticed—I'll personally report this to the Third Hokage. You'll all be hailed as heroes of Konoha!"

Standing off to the side, Shikaku facepalmed. If these are what Konoha's 'heroes' look like now, the First Hokage would probably rise from the grave just to beat us all to death.

"We're… heroes?" one of the shinobi asked hesitantly.

"For the sake of the village…"

"All for Konoha…"

Their faces quickly hardened with resolve. So what if we're sacrificing our dignity? It's not like we're bleeding. Back in the Academy, their teachers had taught them that true shinobi must be willing to make sacrifices for the village. So what if it was their image and reputation this time? What were they afraid of?

"Transform!"

The group simultaneously cast the Transformation Jutsu, changing into the likenesses of the Cloud ninja they'd just been arguing with. Two among them took it even further—transforming into pitch-perfect copies of the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee.

"Hah! You think just turning into the Fourth Raikage will fool us, you idiotic Konoha shinobi?"

The Cloud ninjas burst out laughing in derision. When they saw the transformed group slip into the nearby forest, they became even more smug.

"Look at them, running off into the woods—they're actually scared!"

"Konoha's nothing but a bunch of cowards compared to us Cloud shinobi!"

"They don't even deserve to be called ninja…"

"Seriously? These are the so-called Konoha shinobi? They've got prime territory and still act like frightened little kids…"

"That whole 'First Great Ninja Village' title must be complete hype!"

Shikaku didn't respond, nor did he look angry. He just stood there calmly, casting a gaze full of sympathy toward the other side.

Enjoy yourselves while you can, he thought. Let's see if you're still laughing in a few moments.