Shōta Nara frowned. Although they had won both battles, he couldn't think of a good solution for the current predicament.
No matter which side they fought on, splitting their forces was unavoidable, and Konoha's limited number of ninjas couldn't endure this kind of strain. Defending the camp had been far simpler, but now the Iwa Ninjas' positions were unclear. No one could predict what tricks the cunning Ōnoki might have in store.
"By remaining unchanged in the face of change, we will win both battles. We should not be the ones to panic," the Uchiha Clan Head said slowly. His words, like those of an old fox, suddenly made perfect sense. Kawakaze realized he had been too eager to achieve quick results. If anyone should feel the pressure, it ought to be Ōnoki.
"Your insight is appreciated," Shōta Nara said, poking his head out. He glanced at the Uchiha Clan Head, a flicker of respect in his eyes. He was still young, lacking the composure of this seasoned strategist.
"This is not a bad idea."
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "Hayato, monitor the intelligence from both villages and report to me daily."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Yamanaka Hayato replied. Switching from occasional updates to daily reports wouldn't make much difference, but it formalized the process.
"Does anyone else have opinions to share?" Kawakaze asked, noticing that Tsunade seemed ready to conclude the discussion.
The room buzzed with debate, as everyone voiced their thoughts. Kawakaze, however, remained patient, waiting for the crowd to finish before speaking again.
Suggestions were plentiful but lacked reliability. Kawakaze rejected them one by one, carefully explaining his reasoning to ensure everyone understood.
...
Eventually, the meeting ended, and most participants agreed on the current strategy of taking a break. They would wait for news from the two villages before deciding on their next move. A small number of individuals still voiced opposition, but Tsunade and Kawakaze ignored them, and they didn't dare to press further.
What followed was a period of waiting. The injured Konoha ninjas gradually recovered, while those with severe injuries were sent back to the village for continued treatment. The atmosphere in the camp became less tense, almost as if they had entered a period of peace.
During this time, Kawakaze trained Minato and Nawaki daily, and their strength improved after each battle. Blood and fire proved to be the best teachers, offering invaluable experience and knowledge that couldn't be acquired in the village.
Meanwhile, Tsunade trained with Sakumo in mastering the Eight Inner Gates. Both of them still had significant room for improvement, and Duy worked diligently alongside them.
However, the calm didn't last long. Intelligence officers soon discovered a surprise attack force dispatched by Iwagakure. A battle erupted in the middle of the Land of Rain, where the Iwa ninjas' Explosion Release techniques inflicted heavy losses on the Konoha ninjas.
When this intelligence reached the camp, it became clear that Ōnoki had made his move.
"What is Ōnoki planning?" Tsunade asked, frowning as she examined the report on the table.
The raid force, composed primarily of the Explosion Corps, had the ability to travel underground for short distances, making them a formidable threat.
In Sakumo's room, Kawakaze sat next to Tsunade, studying the map.
"It seems they're targeting our supplies," Kawakaze said, pointing to a location on the map along Konoha's supply route. "I didn't expect the Hyūga to uncover this in time."
"We have to eliminate this force. We can't afford to watch them every second, besides, our supplies are about to arrive."
Sakumo clenched his fists. "If the supplies are lost, we'll have no way to continue the fight."
"Leave it to Minato and Nawaki," Kawakaze suggested after a moment's thought. Drawing out too many forces would be counterproductive, but this mission was a good opportunity for the two. They were strong enough now to lead, and this would provide valuable experience.
"Can they handle it?" Tsunade asked, doubt creeping into her voice. She wasn't entirely confident about Nawaki—he was too laid back.
"Minato is there," Kawakaze replied, sensing Tsunade's concerns. Truthfully, if Nawaki were alone, he wouldn't feel entirely at ease either.
"It's about time they took on something serious," Sakumo added, acknowledging the growing strength of the two. Young eagles need to learn to fly on their own.
If they were careless, with their abilities, only an average Kage-level opponent could cause trouble.
Without warning, Kawakaze disappeared and reappeared moments later, holding both Minato and Nawaki by the back of their collars. The two, still groggy, looked utterly confused.
"How did we get here?" Nawaki mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Minato blinked in equal bewilderment.
"I have a mission for you," Kawakaze said, releasing them so they could stand properly.
"What's the mission?" they asked in unison, their synchronization hinting at the time they'd spent together.
"Iwagakure has dispatched a raiding force. You will lead a group to eliminate them."
"Do you dare to accept?" Tsunade's gaze bore into them, her intensity making the question even more pressing.
"Yes!" Nawaki said immediately, his enthusiasm spilling over. "I've always wanted to take on a mission by myself!"
"Be careful when you're out there," Kawakaze warned. "I'll have the Hyūga Clan assist you to track the enemy. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"Okay, Sensei—Brother-in-law," they replied in unison again, excitement lighting up their faces.
"Okay, go back on your own. You leave tomorrow," Kawakaze said, waving them off dismissively, clearly uninterested in offering them a free ride.
After Minato and Nawaki left, Kawakaze, Tsunade, and Sakumo lingered in conversation for a long while before parting ways.
The next day, Minato and Nawaki set out with a team of 40 ninjas, matching the estimated number of Iwa ninjas in the raiding force. According to the intelligence provided, the Iwa squad was operating in the eastern part of the Land of Rain, near the border with the Land of Fire. This proximity confirmed their objective: targeting Konoha's supply lines.
"This is our first time leading a team. We can't let Sensei down," Minato said as they navigated the dense forest.
"Don't worry, I'll follow your lead," Nawaki replied, fully aware of Minato's superior tactical acumen.
"Together, we won't fail."
The two exchanged determined smiles, their bond strengthened by the trust they had in one another.
The squad moved swiftly, covering a significant distance. By the end of the day, they reached the eastern part of the Land of Rain.
"Be on your guard," Minato instructed, slowing his pace. Kanami, one of the team's trackers, began scanning the surroundings.
Minato and Nawaki's status as Kawakaze's disciples and Tsunade's younger brother gave them an air of authority, bolstered by their evident skills. Despite their youth, none of the team doubted their leadership.
After some time, Minato raised a hand, signaling the group to stop. He gestured for the ninjas to spread out and widen their search radius. The accuracy of the intelligence would need to be verified carefully, though no new information had surfaced yet.
Moving cautiously, the squad remained on high alert, their progress slower but measured.
Their vigilance paid off. Even underground, Byakugan's sharp perception proved unmatched.
"500 meters ahead to the right, about 15 meters underground. Three people," Kanami reported calmly, detailing the distance and number of hidden enemies.
Minato signaled discreetly, and Nawaki nodded. The team accelerated silently toward the identified location.
Upon arrival, Nawaki subtly placed one foot on the ground. The surrounding earth seemed to grow denser, pressing down with increasing intensity.
Underground, the Iwa ninjas felt the soil constricting, the pressure mounting unbearably as though they were about to be crushed. Forced to act, they gritted their teeth and surged upward, breaking through to the surface.