After tending to the wounded and resting for about an hour, Seimei and his group set off again.
Under the starlight, they advanced, taking down two more Iwagakure camps within the next few hours. Their relentless push brought the front line directly to the third line of Iwagakure's defenses.
By now, dawn had broken.
Though the team rested briefly after each major battle, the intermittent fighting throughout the night had taken its toll, leaving them visibly fatigued.
Fortunately, their initial objective was achieved. Reports arrived from other bases, confirming that Iwagakure had secretly withdrawn personnel from these positions during the night. What began as a feint attack was now poised to become a full-fledged offensive.
The time for action?
10:00 a.m.
Given this, the Nara clan Jonin commanding the operation issued orders for the group to rest in place. From this point forward, their role would shift—they were no longer the main focus but a supporting force for the other bases.
The sudden withdrawal of Iwagakure's troops from the front lines was undoubtedly due to their actions. Their next task was to keep these enemies occupied.
Seimei checked the time. Three hours remained before the coordinated general offensive. It was just enough time to recuperate.
However, while the Konoha forces sought rest, Iwagakure had other plans.
Within less than an hour, the camp ahead—part of Iwagakure's third line of defense and their next target—sent forces to harass them.
To call it an "attack" would be an overstatement; it was more akin to incessant harassment.
Small groups launched sneak attacks from the periphery, utilizing explosive tags and loud ninjutsu to disturb the Konoha forces' rest.
Annoyed by the disruptions, Seimei decided to act. He informed Nara Shikaku, the commander, and volunteered to handle the defense personally.
Leaving the main group, Seimei headed to the forested perimeter where he sensed prying eyes. Through the trees, he spotted faint silhouettes of Iwa-nin lurking.
After scanning the area carefully, he determined there was no immediate threat; the attackers were likely Chunin-level at best. Still, he remained vigilant. Summoning a few Konoha Chunin, Seimei led a sweep of the dense forest.
Within ten minutes, the Iwa-nin scattered throughout the area were neutralized. Though Seimei refrained from killing many, the effort was enough to deter further harassment—for now.
Yet, it was clear the attacks would persist. These Iwa-nin had likely received orders from their superiors to disrupt the Konoha forces at any cost.
Seimei used this time to replenish his chakra and practice various techniques. The gains were minimal, but better than nothing.
---
Time passed quickly.
By mid-morning, tension filled the air on both sides. Konoha prepared to support the general offensive, while Iwagakure seemed poised for reinforcements.
Sensing the situation, Nara Shikaku adjusted their strategy. Instead of advancing, he ordered a tactical retreat to draw the enemy out of their defensive position.
The plan worked.
The Iwa-nin, desperate to prevent Seimei's group from escaping, abandoned their fortified camp to give chase.
This reaction was unsurprising. Seimei and his team's overnight rampage had angered Iwagakure's high command, prompting them to issue strict orders: stop Seimei's unit at all costs.
Once the Iwa-nin left their camp, the battlefield evened out slightly, though it remained a daunting challenge.
The pursuing force numbered over 200, comprising mostly Chunin and Jonin, with only a third being Genin. This composition was far stronger than the forces encountered at previous camps.
The disparity arose because survivors from earlier battles had regrouped here, bolstered by reinforcements from nearby camps. The gathered force was both numerically and qualitatively superior to a typical third-line defense.
As such, even outside their camp, the Iwa-nin were formidable opponents.
Nara Shikaku had the Konoha forces halt, realign their formation, and brace for the enemy's attack.
The Iwa-nin wasted no time. Once within range, they launched their offensive.
"Earth Release: Rock Bullet Technique!"
Dozens of Iwa-nin simultaneously performed hand seals, spitting thumb-sized pebbles that spun and expanded mid-air into fist-sized projectiles.
The rocks hurtled toward Seimei's group.
In response, nearly a hundred Konoha ninjas unleashed a barrage of kunai, aiming for the enemy formation.
Despite the intensity, neither side panicked. These initial exchanges were meant to disrupt formations rather than inflict significant damage. The true battle would come in close combat.
"Charge!"
A deafening roar erupted from the Iwa-nin. Fueled by fury and desperation, they charged, and chaos consumed the battlefield.
Clanging steel, deafening explosions, and anguished cries filled the air as the two sides clashed.
Amidst the turmoil, Seimei found himself targeted by three Iwa-nin Jonin.
The ambush was no accident. The Iwa-nin clearly knew of his capabilities and had coordinated this assault in advance.
But Seimei, dodging their strikes with practiced ease, smirked inwardly. *Three Tokubetsu Jonin against me? Laughable.*
Through careful probing, Seimei confirmed that his attackers were not true Jonin but Tokubetsu Jonin—specialists with particular skills but lacking the overall prowess of a full Jonin.
Their strengths no longer mattered. Confident in his abilities, Seimei prepared to turn the tables.
*Let them come,* he thought, his resolve firm.
(End of Chapter)