Meanwhile, in the mountain forest along the shortcut leading to Konoha.
"Mr. Shikaku, all the units have caught up. We can proceed at maximum speed now."
As the scenery on both sides rushed past, Shinoda Ichiro slowly lowered his hand from its seal and spoke to Nara Shikaku, who was leading the way ahead.
At this moment, the three of them were already at the forefront of the twenty rescue squads, guiding all the rescue forces that had received the Hokage's order to return to the village.
The one in charge was Nara Shikaku, Konoha's foremost strategist, who had made outstanding contributions during the Third Great Ninja War and was as famous as Chiba. Beside Nara Shikaku was the reliable head of the Akimichi Clan, Akimichi Choza, whom Shinoda Ichiro had been fortunate enough to work with on missions.
Although he still did not understand why they had suddenly withdrawn, or why they were returning to the village to stand guard, Shinoda Ichiro knew this was not the time to ask. Along the way, he had dutifully handled communications.
"Good!"
Hearing this, Nara Shikaku glanced at Akimichi Choza behind and to the side of him, then nodded.
The kid Choza recommended was truly excellent.
That thought flashed through his mind.
In such a short time, the boy had managed to methodically contact the sensory ninja of all twenty squads and relay his orders in an orderly fashion. Whether in sensory ability or communication talent, he was outstanding.
With Inoichi returning to the village at top speed, he had truly lived up to Inoichi and Choza's recommendation.
He could even be given focused training in the future. He had the potential to become a pillar of the sensory unit.
"From here on, we only need to head straight ahead. Shikaku, you