Combat Unit

"A battle challenge?"

The crowd erupted in shocked cries. Hatake Sakumo shot to his feet, his eyes wide as he stared at Nara Shikamaru beside him in disbelief. He truly could not understand what Nara Shikamaru was thinking.

"Luzhen, our intelligence is completely useless now. We know nothing about the enemy's numbers, deployment, or logistics. Are you really sure you want to take such a huge risk? Besides, Tsunade is fully focused on deciphering Chiyo's newly developed poison and cannot participate in the battle at all." Hatake Sakumo's tone was full of doubt.

Nara Shikamaru gave a helpless, bitter smile and said softly, "I don't want to do this either, but it really is the best option at the moment. Rather than constantly worrying about when the enemy might launch an attack, we should take the initiative and seize control ourselves!"

Yūske silently watched them heatedly discuss strategies, deployments, and personnel assignments. Though they argued endlessly, he did not say a single word. He knew very well that he had not been invited to sit here in the first place.

"Yūske, do you have any thoughts?" Just as Yūske drifted off, Hatake Sakumo's voice suddenly rang beside his ear.

"(òωó?)!" Yūske jolted in surprise and abruptly came back to his senses, staring at Hatake Sakumo with a face full of astonishment.

"Ah! I'm just a member of a patrol squad. I really don't have any ideas."

Yūske truly was not skilled at strategic planning. Besides, he had not even learned everyone's names here yet, much less understood the current state of the battlefield.

"I plan to transfer you to the Combat Unit and have you participate in this operation with everyone."

Hatake Sakumo pondered for a while before finally making his decision. In his view, this battle had to make full use of high-level combat power. Yūske's strength was obvious to all; even among those present, few could defeat him.

"Alright, I'm in!" Yūske answered without hesitation. A determined light flashed in his eyes, and his heart brimmed with anticipation. The moment had finally arrived. He had long been eager to join the fight.

"Good!" Seeing how readily Yūske agreed, Hatake Sakumo smiled in satisfaction.

By then, the sky outside had gradually darkened. The candlelight in the tent swayed with the wind, flickering between brightness and shadow.

After confirming the details of their tactics, timing, and camp defenses, Hatake Sakumo signaled that everyone could return and prepare.

"This operation must be kept strictly confidential. Do not notify the members of each squad until the very last moment before the army departs."

Nara Shikamaru's expression was solemn. He understood the importance of this operation and silently prayed that everything would go smoothly.

"Yūske, stay behind." Hatake Sakumo considered that Yūske had only just joined and needed to be briefed on a few things.

At that moment, only Yūske and Hatake Sakumo remained in the tent.

Yūske straightened his back, curiosity showing in his eyes. He knew Hatake Sakumo must have something important to tell him.

Hatake Sakumo walked up to Yūske and patted him on the shoulder, his heart full of trust.

"Sit," Hatake Sakumo said gently.

"I don't intend to put you in any squad. I'm treating you as a Surprise Troop." Hatake Sakumo paused before continuing, "A Surprise Troop capable of taking on a hundred alone."

Yūske's heart could not help but tremble at those words. Hatake Mōsō actually thought so highly of him?

He steadied himself and asked, "Then what exactly is my mission?" Yūske did not care which squad he joined. He only wanted to know his responsibilities in this operation.

"Over this period, I've come to understand your bloodline limit somewhat, Yūske. I have to say, your abilities are extremely well-rounded. Long-range, mid-range, and close-range combat are all within your grasp. Your control techniques in particular are a lethal threat to the Puppet forces."

Hatake Sakumo's gaze turned stern as he looked seriously at Yūske. "I hope you can stop the Puppet forces. Better yet, wipe them out in one stroke."

Yūske looked at Hatake Sakumo in confusion. "Lord Sakumo, aren't you overestimating me?"

"No. I firmly believe you have that ability." Hatake Sakumo's eyes revealed unwavering conviction.

When Yūske walked out of the tent, the conversation still replayed in his mind. He did not even know how he had made it outside.

Outside the tent, a ninja was waiting for him.

"Lord Yūske, Lady Tsunade has been waiting to have dinner with you."

"Alright." Yūske looked up at the sky. The night was as black as ink, with only a few stars glimmering faintly. Rubbing his stomach, he realized that he was indeed a little hungry.

Inside the tent, Nara Shikamaru had entered at some point. Looking at Hatake Sakumo, he asked doubtfully, "Are you really going to make such heavy use of him?"

"I told you, I trust him." Hatake Sakumo's expression was serious as he spoke solemnly.

"I understand." Nara Shikamaru's face showed conflict. Though he did not entirely believe his own speculation either, he could never fully convince himself to trust Yūske, whose true background he could not fathom.

Hatake Sakumo crossed his arms and said with a firm gaze, "I am the commander of a camp. What I value is combat strength, tactics, and strategy. As long as Yūske possesses those things, he should become my right-hand man.

Having him stop the Puppet forces this time is also a test for him. If he succeeds, he will certainly receive a share of the greatest credit; if he fails, I still have the Second Line of Defense."

After saying that, he walked up to Nara Shikamaru and fixed him with a sharp gaze. Slowly, he said, "As for whether he has ulterior motives, that has nothing to do with me. I am only the overall commander of this front. Repelling Sunagakure and ending this war are what I should be doing. Leave everything else to Lord Hokage and the others."

After pondering for a moment, Nara Shikamaru said seriously, "If he sincerely carries out this mission, then I can also firmly believe that he is an inheritor of the Will of Fire. Though he does not know about it, I will still apologize to him and compensate him."

"Will you keep your word?"

"I will!"