Chapter 199: Wrath
Having dealt with Uchiha Fugaku's eye, Tonari refrained from performing excessive operations on Hyuga Hizashi.
As a branch member of the Hyuga clan, Hizashi bore the Caged Bird Seal. Any attempts to tamper with his Byakugan would trigger the seal, rendering such efforts futile.
Instead, Tonari focused on collecting information about the Caged Bird Seal. Studying a living example was far more valuable than analyzing remnants of the seal on deceased Hyuga clan members.
Summoning a small, blue snake, Tonari instructed it to leave some markings on Hizashi.
With these preparations complete, he recalled the Third Kazekage puppet and sat quietly, awaiting the two to regain consciousness.
---
Elsewhere.
In the Land of Rain, Orochimaru, upon receiving Tonari's intel, hesitated only briefly before mobilizing the Leaf army. His target: to uproot all Sand-controlled strongholds within the region.
The Sand's response, led by Chiyo, was to establish a defensive line at the Rain Country border. After suffering a crushing defeat in their first encounter with the Leaf forces, Chiyo was reluctant to engage head-on again.
At present, Konoha was simultaneously facing attacks from the Sand, Stone, and Cloud villages. Numerically, the Leaf was at a clear disadvantage. The Sand's most viable strategy was to slowly wear down the Leaf forces rather than risk a decisive battle.
While a swift victory would be ideal, the Sand lacked the resources for such a costly endeavor. Chiyo preferred to leave the heavy lifting to the Stone and Cloud forces.
The Sand's initial goal of alleviating internal strife had been achieved. With the village unified and outward-focused, there was little reason to engage Konoha directly in an all-out confrontation.
Thus, Chiyo's forces merely held the line, avoiding unnecessary conflict while guarding against flanking maneuvers. However, the lack of communication from Rasa had Chiyo and Ebizō on edge.
Orochimaru's Leaf forces, similarly, were not eager to engage in direct combat. His primary goal was to keep the Sand forces occupied, diverting attention away from Tonari's covert mission.
---
"Tonari, thank you," said Uchiha Fugaku, covering his bandaged right eye. Though his vision felt slightly off, he was grateful to be alive.
During the skirmish, when Shukaku had emerged, Fugaku recalled being buried under layers of sand. A thunderous explosion followed, and the world turned black as he lost consciousness.
Upon hearing Tonari's account, Fugaku learned the truth: the terrifying desert beast was none other than the Sand Village's infamous weapon, the One-Tailed Shukaku.
Though his right eye felt strange, Fugaku attributed the sensation to the injuries he'd sustained. Tonari's reassurances as one of Konoha's top medics put his mind at ease.
"Tonari-senpai, I'm sorry for being such a burden..." Hizashi, still recovering, scratched his head sheepishly.
Both men had been unconscious during the most critical moments of the mission. Instead of contributing, they had become liabilities.
Tonari waved off their concerns. "Don't say that. Without you both, this mission wouldn't have gone so smoothly. I'd probably still be running from the Sand shinobi."
He continued with a wry smile, "If anything, I should apologize for dragging you into danger."
Such remarks showcased Tonari's high emotional intelligence, instantly lifting the spirits of Fugaku and Hizashi while deepening their respect for him.
"The Sand's plan backfired spectacularly," Tonari added. "They unleashed Shukaku to deal with us but lost control of it. The resulting rampage destroyed their vital supply-line oasis. Our mission is a success."
Despite the chaotic circumstances, the mission's objectives had been achieved. And as shinobi, results were what mattered most.
Tonari's tone grew serious as he addressed their next challenge. "Now comes the hard part: crossing the Sand's defensive line to return to the Rain Country."
Both Fugaku and Hizashi exchanged grim looks, understanding the difficulty of the task.
While their initial infiltration had gone unnoticed, their escape would not be as simple.
"The Sand forces are likely stretched thin after our first encounter," Tonari continued. "I suggest we head south instead of returning to the Rain Country. That area will be heavily guarded. The safer option is to cross into the Land of Rivers."
Though this detour would double their travel time, the Land of Rivers was far less fortified than the Rain Country.
Orochimaru and his Leaf forces were currently engaged in a standoff with the Sand. Attempting to cross the border into the Rain Country would risk entrapment, especially if the Sand reinforced their patrols.
Fugaku furrowed his brow. "The terrain in the Land of Rivers is treacherous, filled with mountains. Traversing it will take significant time and effort."
Tonari nodded. "True, but it's a safer bet. The risk of being intercepted on this route is much lower."
With no objections, the group prepared to execute Tonari's plan.
---
Two days later, night.
Tonari's team finally reached the border of the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire.
There, they encountered Leaf shinobi stationed under Orochimaru's orders.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru and the Leaf forces had already withdrawn from the Rain Country, avoiding further clashes with the Sand.
Tonari, Fugaku, and Hizashi reported their mission's success.
However, Orochimaru's grim expression told another story.
"Did the Sand cut our supply lines as well?" Tonari asked.
Orochimaru remained silent, but Nara Shikaku spoke up.
"The Sand deployed three squads to target our supply lines. We lost three jōnin, five chūnin, and numerous genin in the attack," Shikaku explained gravely.
The atmosphere grew heavy as the severity of the losses sank in.
Shikaku continued, "They struck while our forces were fully mobilized. The Sand capitalized on the opportunity to cripple our rear supply lines."
Tonari clenched his fists, realizing that his request for Orochimaru to advance their forces had inadvertently created this opening.
Orochimaru's subtle nod confirmed Tonari's suspicions.
The Sand's maneuver had been a masterstroke, orchestrated by none other than Ebizō, the tactical genius behind their operations.
"I see..." Tonari muttered, his voice tinged with frustration.
It became clear that their infiltration had been part of the Sand's broader strategy. The green light given to Tonari's mission had not been a lapse in vigilance but a calculated risk on Ebizō's part.
Sand's use of Shukaku as bait had been deliberate, drawing Orochimaru's attention forward while their squads attacked Konoha's supply lines from the rear.
"That old fox..." Tonari couldn't help but admire Ebizō's cunning, despite his growing anger.
Orochimaru's cold expression mirrored Tonari's frustration. Despite the mission's partial success, Konoha's position remained precarious.
"We've inflicted significant damage on the Sand's operations," Shikaku said, attempting to highlight the positives. "Their supply network in the Rain Country is crippled. Rebuilding it will take at least two weeks, during which they'll struggle to mount effective offensives."
But Shikaku's analysis also highlighted their grim reality: Konoha couldn't sustain a prolonged engagement against three Great Nations.
"Infuriating," Tonari murmured, his gaze fixed on a casualty report.
Among the names listed, one stood out: Uchiha Yoshinari.
Tonari's hands balled into fists, his nails digging into his palms.
Without a word, he rose abruptly and left the tent.
The other shinobi exchanged confused glances, turning to Orochimaru for an explanation.
Orochimaru, however, wore a cryptic smile. "It seems Tonari is genuinely angry."
If they had examined the report more closely, they would have seen the name of a fallen comrade who had once been part of Tonari's first genin team.
---
Outside the camp, Tonari stormed into the rain-soaked terrain of the Land of Rain.
Anger and grief clouded his mind, yet he maintained his composure. Charging blindly into the Sand encampment would be suicide.
Instead, a calculated plan began to form.
Despite the downpour, his thoughts turned to revenge. The cunning and ruthlessness of Ebizō deserved an equally brutal response.
Tonari's destination became clear: the heart of the Rain Country.
Under the guise of the "Face Disguise Technique," he infiltrated Amegakure, blending seamlessly into the rain-drenched streets.
His anger simmered as he scanned the city. This time, he wasn't here to admire its architecture or marvel at its unique structures.
No, this time he was here for something far darker.
With determination, he pushed open the door to a bustling tavern.
(End of Chapter)
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