What Do We Do? Don't Look at Me

Shuichi threw his knife on the ground, looked at the stiff figures of the Tomoyoshi Squad, and grinned calmly. "What are you guys standing there for? Aren't you going to analyze the enemy's intelligence?"

Tomoyoshi and the others were suddenly awakened. Fortunately, there were Konoha experts with them, otherwise they would probably be doomed this time.

After putting away their weapons, they didn't rush to treat their own injuries, but instead examined the corpses of the attacking Waterfall Ninja one by one.

After all, the two sides have clashed many times, and if there are familiar faces, a lot of information can be deduced, as well as whether the road ahead is safe.

"These people are all unfamiliar faces; they're not on the hostile list or targets we need to be wary of." Fat Tomoyoshi frowned after checking, somewhat puzzled as to how such a large group of Waterfall Ninja had managed to infiltrate this place.

Looking up, he saw that Shuichi's fair face was spotless, and while he felt a chill, he also felt much more at ease.

"Lord Yemoku, we're not far from the nearest rendezvous point. However, due to the ambush by the Waterfall Ninja here, I'm worried that several main battlefields are facing dangerous situations. Do you agree to follow the original route and get there as soon as possible?"

"Why are you asking me that? We're just temporary hired thugs; we won't be involved in commanding operations," Shuichi said, sounding puzzled.

"And you must remember, although this was a reactive counterattack, such a victory must be recorded as participation in a battle."

"We have two more chances to attack, you need to keep that in mind."

Tomoyoshi gritted his teeth and said, "Yes... that's right! So I implore you, if we are ambushed again, please don't intervene. Let our team handle it ourselves..."

His actions resembled those of a loyal servant devoted to the village, wanting to dedicate the precious fighting strength of Shuichi and his companion to the main battlefield in order to turn the tide, even at the cost of casualties for himself and the others.

"Oh? That's commendable courage!"

Shuichi moment, he casually asked, "What if you all accidentally die? We won't be able to find anyone else to guide us halfway through."

"We won't call for reinforcements unless only one of us is left." Tomoyoshi's face showed a fearless expression. "If that happens, then we'll have to ask you to intervene in time."

"I'm fine."

After the two sides finished communicating, the multi-person team continued to traverse the rainforest as originally planned.

In truth, Zhiyi was quite Tomoyoshi. Having already encountered a large-scale force from the Dragonfall Village, it was unlikely that the enemy would have deployed any extra personnel.

Next, you'll either encounter a few scouts gathering intelligence, or you won't encounter any obstacles at all.

Since ninjas are primarily mobile and agile, they wouldn't be capable of breaking through multiple lines of defense; this isn't an era without chakra.

The situation was roughly as he had expected. After breaking out of the rainforest, the team walked along mountain paths. Although there was a possibility of encountering an ambush, the field of vision was at least much wider than before.

There were no traces of enemies along the way, so Tomoyoshi had no need to worry about Shuichi going back on his word.

After traveling a considerable distance, a clear fork in the road came into view not far ahead, roughly forming a "Y" shape with the main road.

Shuichi clearly sensed that there were two people crouching in the bushes by the roadside at the intersection, and they seemed to be using spying tools.

Of course, Tomoyoshi and the others didn't have such sharp eyesight, so they probably wouldn't notice it right away.

The other side made no attempt to hide, darting out before they could get close. "Is this reinforcements from the village? Please give the signal."

Tomoyoshi immediately responded verbally, "**^0^@%...!"

"That's right, you've arrived just in time!" The young man in black, Kusanagi Ninja, relaxed for a moment, then said with some anxiety:

"The situation on the battlefield thirty miles to the northwest is dire. The number of Takigakure ninjas outnumbers ours by more than 30%, making it extremely difficult to hold them off. They are about to launch a large-scale offensive."

"Are the two behind you skilled fighters from Konoha? Could you perhaps..."

Crackling sound --

Before the words were finished, a series of hurried footsteps came from another side road, instantly attracting everyone's attention. They all drew their weapons and went on high alert.

Thud... The newcomer was a Grass Village Kusagakure in blood, who staggered towards them as if he had exhausted all his strength.

"This is terrible! The defense line in the Tieling direction has been breached, and many teams are being hunted down. Can you send reinforcements as soon as possible?!"

What should we do?

Tomoyoshi and the others' expressions changed drastically. The situation was so dire; why had it suddenly turned sour at this crucial moment? The main force from the rear would take some time to arrive, and both sides needed expert support...

He immediately turned to look at Shuichi, who returned a strange smile.

What the hell are you looking at me for? Do you think I have "I'm an idiot" written on my face?

Not to mention encountering a future Preta Path, you even want to separate the two of you. If it weren't for Ghost Shuichi twisting off his own head and using it as a ball, you would have been in trouble.

"Sir, our situation is critical..." Tomoyoshi asked anxiously, "If you can provide full support, we can pay triple the hire fee afterwards."

Shuichi grinned, revealing her pearly white teeth. "I think you've misunderstood something. I don't care about money at all; I just love the bloody scenes of war."

"Here's a good suggestion: let's just wait here for the enemy to attack. If I launch a series of attacks then, it might only count as one chance!"

"By then, all the Kusanagi Ninja will probably be dead..." Kurenai thought to herself, suppressing a laugh.

After spending more time with Shuichi, she became even more lively. At this time, she remained outwardly calm but inwardly extremely vigilant, ready to take action at any moment.

Even if Shuichi didn't say anything, after their relationship became closer, she knew she would encounter trouble.

The Purple Aurora after the Third Shinobi War was definitely a thorn in the side of other ninja villages, not to mention that her boyfriend had repeatedly mentioned that there were many powerful schemers in the Shinobi World.

Regardless of their true purpose, Konoha is undoubtedly the biggest obstacle. Since they can't deal with Shuichi, they will inevitably try to find a breakthrough by targeting those close to them.

Tomoyoshi had no choice but to suggest that two top experts from Konoha each provide support on one side. Even a child could sense that something was amiss.

Considering the more critical situation after the Northeast Defense Line was breached, the members of Kusagakure discussed the matter and decided to go and provide support there first.

The six-person team set off again, turning onto the right-hand road and accelerating towards the battlefield.

"Are there any White Zetsu in this group...?" As he ran, Shuichi scanned the Kusanagi Ninja ahead, wondering how he and Kurenai had been targeted.

He didn't sense any White Zetsu chakra, nor did he believe that the group of dark rats would carry out large-scale mass modification, so the problem... was most likely with this future Preta Path.

"Interesting. I haven't even come looking for you yet, but you've come to my door on your own initiative. Well then, let's have some fun!"

The mountain paths varied in width, posing no obstacle to a team of ninjas; however, danger usually came from lurking enemies.

A dozen or so dark figures were silently hidden in the woods on the hillside. The group in front occasionally glanced at one of their teammates in the middle.

Most people wore Takigakure Forehead Protector, except for the last three mysterious figures wearing black robes and straw hats.

"They're here! There are six of them approaching, about 600 meters away." Waterfall Ninja had been holding Hand Seals, suddenly released his grip, opened his eyes, and reported to his guide in a somewhat comical tone.

The man with the ponytail at the front slapped him hard on the shoulder, chuckled, and said, "How come your perception has improved so much lately? I never noticed before. How about transferring you to my team?"

"This..."

"Oniji." The ancient-looking Waterfall Ninja from Takigakure Jonin his subordinate's rescue. "Such a small force daring to serve as support must include some highly skilled individuals."

"Tch, I know." Oniji turned his head away indifferently.

They didn't have to wait long. Footsteps were heard from within the thin mist, followed by several figures slowly emerging.

Perhaps not expecting the enemy to choose to ambush them in an open area, they did not slow down.

As they drew closer, when the opponent reached the shortest distance diagonally below, Oniji and his Jonin companions quickly Hand Seals.

Fire Release: Searing Migraine!

Wind Release: Pressure Damage!

Boom--

The flames, more than ten meters wide, surged with power under the strong wind pressure, and the sea of fire suddenly rushed in front of the opponents, engulfing several tiny figures in the blink of an eye.