Camp cafeteria.
"So, when will these people arrive?"
Kakashi let out a long breath as he looked at the somewhat travel-worn Chiba before him and asked.
Yukina also paused with her chopsticks and looked at Chiba.
"They should arrive this afternoon, within two or three hours."
Hearing Kakashi's question, Chiba's hand paused slightly as he reached for his chopsticks. Only after saying that did he continue picking them up.
Before leaving, he had already posted a half-year long-term mission, "Support the Ninja Engineering Corps," for those ten ninja through the mission assignment office's procedures. Based on Chiba's estimate, with the office's current efficiency, they should be able to report in within two or three hours.
"Within two or three hours..."
Hearing Chiba's words, Kakashi frowned slightly and looked at Yukina beside him.
"Yes, two or three hours should be enough. The warning system can be completed today. As for the tunnels, though, I hope we can start construction as soon as possible."
As if sensing Kakashi's gaze, Yukina spoke after he looked over. However, her face was turned toward Chiba.
"For the tunnels, I hired a group of workers. They can begin today. I plan to have them pose as the ninja assigned to the warning system and station them at the central warning post and medical post. Under the cover of the buildings, they can dig the tunnels. Later, arrange them among the ten ninja."
Chiba shoveled a mouthful of rice into his mouth before speaking.
Before returning to camp, he had gone to organizations like Konoha's Craftsmen's Association to hire a group of workers. The matter had gone surprisingly smoothly. At first, he had wondered whether he should explain the dangers to them.
After all, the Ninja Engineering Corps was still in considerable danger. Although they had taken