After successfully ambushing two Suna-nin preparing to return to their village with a message, Sarutobi Hisashi's ten-man team received orders to retreat.
After everyone cleared away the traces left by the fighting, Sarutobi Hisashi led the others back the way they had come, not forgetting to erase their tracks along the way.
Just after the thunderous explosion came from Sandstorm Town, their squad received the order to withdraw.
Hyuga Mirai and the others all understood what had happened. This surprise assault had undoubtedly been highly successful. As for the gains and how many Suna-nin had been killed or wounded, they would have to ask about it after returning to camp.
Though they were not part of the main assault force, they had made considerable contributions by eliminating enemies, clearing out Suna-nin scouts, setting ambushes, and more. Once they returned, they would at least be credited with three team B-rank Missions. They might even earn an A-rank Mission.
Hyuga Mirai felt the gains were a little too meager. If he had been allowed to join the assault on Sandstorm Town, then with his hidden strength and Byakugan Kekkei Genkai, he was confident he could have made a huge profit without anyone discovering it.
As things stood, completing enemy-elimination missions would only earn him scraps. Thinking of the funds needed for his upcoming research and experiments gave Hyuga Mirai a headache.
Maybe I should persuade Orochimaru to cook the books a little. If I don't profit from the war, when will I ever save enough funding for my experiments?
As they headed back, Hyuga Mirai kept thinking about these matters.
"Captain, what are you thinking about? You seem distracted."
Yuhi Kurenai's voice interrupted Hyuga Mirai's thoughts. During missions, she properly addressed him as Captain, but in private, she was more casual. Hyuga