The next day, a forty-man unit continued heading toward the Land of Rivers under Kurama Hachizo's lead.
Last night's experience with the genjutsu had also made Soji put aside his tendency to underestimate others.
Despite possessing Kage-level strength, he had been controlled by Kurama Hachizo, who was only an Elite Jonin, for roughly a minute. That was absolutely unacceptable on the battlefield.
If something like that truly happened on the battlefield, getting injured would be the least of his worries. Losing his life would be the real danger!
After another day of travel, the unit finally arrived at Konoha's base within the Land of Rivers at noon on the third day.
The commander of this base was Hatake Sakumo!
"Lord Sakumo, by the Hokage's orders, I have led a unit here as reinforcements." Kurama Hachizo respectfully addressed Hatake Sakumo, accompanied by Soji and the other two squad leaders.
He then handed over the scroll the Third Hokage had entrusted to him.
This was Soji's first time meeting Hatake Sakumo.
His white hair was tied into a ponytail behind his head. He wore Konoha's distinctive jonin uniform and carried a Short Sword on his back.
His first impression was one of competence, tempered with a sharp edge.
After reading the scroll Kurama Hachizo had handed him, Hatake Sakumo arranged for them to rest and eat.
After lunch, Soji came to find Hatake Sakumo, who was still reading intelligence reports.
"Lord Sakumo." Soji respectfully bowed.
"Oh? You're Hyuga Soji, aren't you? Senior Hyuga Kumokawa mentioned you to me several times. What is it? Did you need something?" Hatake Sakumo set down the document in his hand and smiled at Soji.
"Lord Sakumo, this is our first meeting, but I've always wanted to find an opportunity to thank you. If it hadn't been