Chapter 41: An Unexpected Discovery
"Do you all know where you went wrong just now?"
White Cloud Noma stepped forward ahead of Yuji, his expression stern as he faced the group.
"We were careless. We weren't decisive enough," Ebisu admitted, his face darkening with realization. He finally understood that he had allowed himself to be distracted several times during the mission. If they'd been on a real battlefield, those moments of inattention could have cost lives. As the temporary team leader, he felt he had failed to set an example.
But before Ebisu could fully sink into self-reproach, his teammates stepped forward to shoulder the blame. Straightforward as ever, Raido and Might Guy spoke up first.
"Sensei, it's our fault too. We didn't take the Onba seriously at first. If not for Ebisu's reminder, we wouldn't have been more vigilant," Might Guy said, bowing his head in embarrassment.
Raido stepped forward, equally contrite. "Sensei, we were the first to mess up. It's not just Ebisu's fault."
Their words sparked a chain reaction. With the bonds they had forged over years of training and missions, the entire group felt the weight of responsibility. One by one, all six of them stepped forward, bowing as they spoke in unison.
"Sensei, we were wrong."
This collective admission softened Noma's anger. He kept his expression stern but his tone shifted. "At least you're not trying to shirk responsibility. But don't think this lets you off the hook. When we return, Yuji and I will assign you extra training. Prepare yourselves."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. There was no mistaking the ominous promise in Noma's tone. They knew that "extra training" meant grueling challenges that would push them to their limits.
But instead of dread, Might Guy's eyes lit up like blazing torches. He thrust his fist into the air, his voice booming with excitement.
"Yes, Sensei! Please train us as hard as you can. Whether it's a day, a week, or even longer, we're ready! Youth blooms brightest in the fires of rigorous training. I can't wait!"
Silence fell. The chirping of distant birds was the only sound that followed Guy's enthusiastic declaration. His fiery energy seemed to have sucked the life out of the surrounding forest.
The others stared at him, slack-jawed and stone-faced, while Noma's expression darkened.
Ebisu and Washi were drenched in cold sweat, while Raido covered his mouth, struggling to suppress his laughter.
Noma's face twitched. He had just threatened to punish them, and now one of them had turned it into a motivational speech. His authority was slipping away before his very eyes.
After a long pause, Noma exhaled sharply, his voice cold. "This area still isn't safe. Let's move out."
He turned and marched away, leaving the group to exchange nervous glances before following.
Yuji trailed after Noma, clearly amused. He cast a curious glance back at the group and smirked.
---
As they left the area, Guy sidled up to Raido, his expression earnest. "Raido, did I say something wrong? Why did everyone look so surprised?"
Raido nearly burst out laughing. He quickly composed himself, clapping Guy on the shoulder. "Not at all, Guy. You're a shining example of youthful energy. In fact, I think we could all learn from your spirit. Keep it up!"
Guy beamed, completely oblivious to the sarcasm. "Thanks, Raido! You've got a fiery spirit too. I can feel it. How about we have a friendly spar to stoke the flames of our youth?"
Raido's face went pale. His mind flashed back to countless stories of Guy's relentless challenges, even during mundane moments like bathroom breaks. He wasn't about to fall into the same trap as Kakashi.
"Uh, I think Genma said he wanted to spar with you first!" Raido blurted, sprinting toward Genma before Guy could respond.
Watching Raido flee, Guy nodded to himself, determination shining in his eyes. "Raido's right. Genma must share my passion for youth. I'll challenge him next!"
---
The group continued their search for more Onba over the next few days but found nothing. The forest seemed eerily devoid of life, and the air grew heavy with unease.
Eventually, they stumbled upon a shocking sight at the base of a cliff—a vast pile of bones.
"Are those... Onba?" Ebisu muttered, his voice trembling.
The skeletal remains were scattered chaotically, making it difficult to piece together a single intact Onba. Among the remains, they found fragments of bone within the decomposing body of a massive snake, likely a predator.
"It looks like the snake digested some of the Onba," Washi observed grimly, noting the partially dissolved bones in its stomach.
"But if they were fighting, how did the snake have time to digest anything?" Kurenai wondered aloud, her face pale.
Ebisu frowned, scanning the area. "It doesn't add up. Some of these bones look like they were broken before they were eaten. And these aren't fresh kills. It's as if someone dumped these remains here."
The implications were chilling.
Genma knelt by the pile, examining the bones with a heavy heart. "What if the Onba we've encountered are the last ones left?" he said softly.
His words hung in the air, weighing heavily on the group. The possibility that the Onba were nearly extinct in the area was a sobering thought.
"If we only have one cub... it won't make much difference financially," Genma added, glancing at Kurenai.
Understanding his intent, Ebisu looked to Noma for approval.
Noma crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "If you're willing to forgo the reward, it's your decision. But remember, being soft-hearted on the battlefield can cost lives."
His words carried a hint of disapproval, but he didn't object outright.
Yuji chuckled softly, clearly entertained by the exchange. "Looks like your team has some idealists, Noma. Better watch out—they might start influencing your other students."
Noma glared at him, but Yuji only grinned wider.
---
In the end, the group agreed to return the cub to its parents.
Tracking the two adult Onba took time, but they eventually found them near their nest. The cub's cries echoed through the forest as the group approached cautiously.
The reunion was both heartwarming and bittersweet. The adult Onba growled lowly, but they didn't attack, as if sensing the group's intent.
As they retreated, Genma glanced back, a small smile on his face. "Sometimes, the right decision isn't the easy one."
End of Chapter 41