Chapter 29: Ch-29: yuyin's Attack
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Unlike Haruto, who stayed obediently in the middle of the team, Inuzuka and Aburame Nami, due to their excellent reconnaissance abilities, were positioned on the outskirts of the formation to sense potential attacks. They were also guarded by at least two chunin to protect their abilities to detect enemy ninja.
"Everyone, stay alert. The valley ahead is prime for an ambush. Last month, a squad was ambushed here by Yugakure. Be cautious! If any sensing ninja detects suspicious activity, report immediately!"
Leading the team, a special jounin around twenty with a scar at the corner of his eye spoke firmly. This was Baiyun Tokishin, one of the three elite jounin stationed at the rear stronghold. Although his combat skills were exceptional, even by Konoha's standards, he had been unable to rise past the rank of special jounin due to lack of connections. Thus, he needed to accumulate more military achievements to advance further.
Haruto gathered his focus and trailed the team, scanning the valley with wary eyes. The steep, forested slopes on both sides provided high ground, making it an ideal spot for an ambush.
Other routes had been considered, but they were more treacherous, so this area was chosen as a relatively safer option despite the risk.
"Baiyun Jounin, we have a situation!"
Inuzuka Retsu's voice suddenly echoed from the perimeter.
Baiyun Tokishin immediately moved toward Retsu's location.
"What's going on? What did you find?"
Retsu nodded toward Aburame Nami, who was concentrating with her eyes closed, directing her flying insects.
Recognizing Nami's distinctive Aburame attire—hooded with sunglasses—Tokishin held back his anxiety and waited patiently, giving precise instructions for the team to pause.
A few minutes later, Nami's insects returned, nestling into her wide sleeves.
"Genin Nami, what's the situation?"
Baiyun Tokishin asked with a serious expression.
"Near the entrance of the valley, approximately a hundred Amegakure ninjas are lying in ambush. From their attire, there seem to be jounin-level ninjas among them."
Nami adjusted her sunglasses, her usual calm voice showing a trace of tension.
"A jounin-level opponent..."
Tokishin frowned and glanced at a nearby chunin.
Their group consisted of over eighty ninja, with Tokishin as their strongest, followed by over thirty chunin. The rest were genin, many of them rookies lacking battle experience. In a clash, heavy losses were possible, and securing the supplies would be uncertain.
With these thoughts racing through his mind, Tokishin quickly devised a strategy.
"All Konoha ninjas, follow orders! Sensing ninjas and genin, move to the center. Chunin skilled in defensive techniques, guard both flanks. Other chunin, form up with me, set traps, build fortifications with ninjutsu, and carry supplies. We'll feign a retreat along our previous route and prepare to counterattack!"
At the command, the Konoha ninjas moved swiftly, with Haruto taking the chance to regroup with Inuzuka Retsu and Aburame Nami.
Standing beside familiar teammates helped ease the tension and allowed them to coordinate their strengths more effectively.
The eighty-strong Konoha escort unit reorganized and slowly moved backward, leaving a series of traps along the way.
---
At the valley entrance, a thin, middle-aged man in a gas mask formed hand seals and focused, sensing the surroundings.
"Lord Takeda! The Konoha ninja unit is turning back, seemingly retracing their route!"
The man opened his eyes and reported to Takeda Hiro, a jounin from Amegakure.
"Are you certain?"
The middle-aged man rechecked, using perception ninjutsu to confirm.
"Positive! They've regrouped and are retreating."
Takeda's eyes gleamed with a hint of ferocity, and he gave the order decisively.
"Then we'll attack without delay. Full advance to intercept Konoha's logistics team!"
"Yes, sir!"
In an instant, hundreds of Amegakure ninjas in gas masks emerged and moved forward as one.
---
"They're coming! Everyone, stay alert!"
A sensing ninja shouted, drawing the attention of all Konoha ninjas toward the valley entrance. There, a large contingent of Amegakure ninja were charging, weapons drawn.
"Everyone, form up and prepare for engagement! Water and Earth Release ninjas, get ready!"
Tokishin, standing on a cart, directed the formation.
Takeda Hiro observed Konoha's defensive stance and quickly realized there might be a trap. He called for several rain ninjas proficient in large-scale Water Release.
"Water Release: Waterfall Technique!"
"Water Release: Water Cyclone!"
"Water Release: Wave Surge!"
Within moments, a powerful torrent surged from the valley mouth, aimed at the Konoha positions, destroying their traps as it advanced.
"Earth Release ninjas, prepare!"
Tokishin gave a swift command, unperturbed.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
"Earth Release: Earthen Shield!"
"Earth Release: Terra Firma Technique!"
Rows of earth walls of various shapes and textures rose to block the flood, halting it and any ensuing shuriken.
Just as they finished fortifying, Amegakure ninjas, yelling, ran across the soaked ground toward them.
"Clang!"
The clash of blades rang out as Tokishin engaged an enemy jounin.
Seeing the intensity of the confrontation, Haruto knew that the jounin-level battle was beyond his reach. But…
He quietly activated his scarlet Sharingan, his gaze settling on the advancing Amegakure forces.
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