With a large supply of food, Umino Sasuke released several successive rounds of Shadow Clones.
The backlash from dispelling the Shadow Clones and receiving their memories was indeed severe, but still within his tolerance. Besides, with the energy restored by all that food, the aftereffects quickly faded.
If he had not needed to keep his original body in peak condition, he could have created several more Shadow Clones to train without any issue.
Food energy was not a stimulant, but it was far more effective than one. The bright moon hung high overhead, yet he remained full of energy and trained without pause.
At that moment, one of Umino Sasuke's Shadow Clones had just cast the Infrasonic Radar Technique when it discovered four figures entering his patrol zone.
Though he could not determine who they were, judging by the direction they had come from, they were either Konoha intelligence personnel or Sand Ninja elites.
Upon receiving the information, Umino Sasuke immediately directed the Shadow Clones that were training to rush forward.
Very soon, those Shadow Clones came within three kilometers of the group. Shadow Clone No. 1 immediately cast the Ultrasonic Radar Technique for precise detection, then dispelled itself.
"Hmm." Umino Sasuke immediately received the memories Shadow Clone No. 1 had brought back. His gaze sharpened, killing intent flashing in his eyes. "They really are Sand Ninja elites—and an entire squad of Puppet Masters."
Under the Ultrasonic Radar Technique's precise detection, everything was clear. There were only four Sand Ninja elites, all Puppet Masters: one Special Jonin and three Chunin.
"Hall, prepare for battle."
Umino Sasuke flicked out a pebble, which struck Tejudo on the head as he continued training in the distance.
"Could we really be this unlucky? Sand Ninja elites came to our patrol zone again?"
Tejudo looked as if he were facing a formidable enemy. He hurriedly called for Inuzuka Ryo and Xiao Xiao to keep close behind Umino Sasuke.
"Captain, how about we wait for the Mobile Patrol Unit's support? Didn't you say Aburame Shibi had placed plenty of Kikaichū in our patrol zone? They will definitely come to support us quickly."
Having mastered the Secret Art of the Survivalist Path, Tejudo immediately proposed a comparatively safe tactical plan.
"Keep moving forward. We will set an ambush in the forest by the riverbank ahead."
Umino Sasuke did not slow his pace in the slightest and continued sprinting ahead. He had already made up his mind. How could he possibly wait for Aburame Shibi and the others to support him? This was A-Rank Mission merit.
Once Aburame Shibi and the others arrived, would he not have to share the hard-earned A-Rank Mission merit?
It was only a small Puppet Master squad, mere supporting characters sent to deliver mission merit.
Though a puppet squad led by a Special Jonin Puppet Master possessed combat power no weaker than that of a conventional Jonin squad, with proper tactics, they might not be all that formidable. If he successfully ambushed and captured them all, it should count as an A-Rank Mission no matter what.
If a Sand Hidden Jonin had led them, he would certainly have avoided their edge and waited for Aburame Shibi's support. But if it was only a Special Jonin Puppet Master leading them, that was another matter entirely.
A Special Jonin Puppet Master's combat power was no weaker than that of a conventional Jonin, but he was not a true Jonin after all. He had shortcomings in many areas, and those flaws were fatal openings.
Very soon, Umino Sasuke led the three of them to the river where they had ambushed the Sand Ninja last time, though this time they were five kilometers downstream.
"Hall, set up traps to stop the enemy."
Umino Sasuke immediately ordered Tejudo to set up the heavenly net trap. This time, the trap was not placed across the river, but in the forest beside it.
The last time he had set traps on the opposite bank to block the enemy, intending to use the river as a barrier to buy himself more time to escape.
This time, he was still relying on the river as a barrier, but the tactical purpose was exactly the opposite.
Last time, the river barrier had prevented the Sand Ninja from pursuing them. This time, it would prevent the Sand Ninja from escaping.
Clearly, Umino Sasuke's tactical arrangement this time was intended to wipe out this group of Sand Ninja completely.
Before long, Tejudo finished setting up the heavenly net trap.
"No, we must kill all these Sand Ninja before Aburame Shibi and the others arrive."
Umino Sasuke had already sensed unusual movement from the Kikaichū. Aburame Shibi and the others would likely arrive in only a few minutes.
If they became locked in a drawn-out battle with these Sand Ninja, it would be difficult to take them all down in a short time. After all, they were Sand Ninja Puppet Masters, and their strength was considerable.
"Water Release: Mist Technique!"
Umino Sasuke rapidly formed hand seals and cast the Mist Technique.
At once, the forest within a two-hundred-meter radius was shrouded in mist.
At the same time, to maintain his peak condition, Umino Sasuke consumed a large amount of food on the spot, quickly restoring his stamina and chakra so that he remained at full strength.
The eight Shadow Clones were stationed in all directions, concealing themselves and waiting on standby.
Less than five minutes later, the Sand Ninja Puppet Master squad crossed the river and stealthily approached the mist-covered forest.
Leading them was a scar-faced Special Jonin Puppet Master. The other three Chunin Puppet Masters were all young, having only recently reached adulthood.
"Why is there fog?"
The scar-faced Special Jonin immediately raised a hand, halting the squad's advance. After a brief thought, he decisively gave the order to retreat. "Not good, it is an ambush!"
As expected of a Special Jonin, his combat experience was extensive. He immediately noticed the forest's abnormality.
Before the Sand Ninja could begin retreating, disturbances erupted from all directions at once.
"Water Release: Mist Technique!"
"Water Release: Mist Technique!"
"Water Release: Mist Technique..."
Umino Sasuke directed the Shadow Clones to cast five consecutive Mist Techniques, shrouding the entire area in mist.
"Everyone, don't you think it is already too late to leave now?"
Umino Sasuke's voice came from within the haze.
Under the cover of six Mist Techniques, the thick fog quickly engulfed the entire Sand Ninja squad.
"Qing Lan, clear a path."
The scar-faced Special Jonin immediately ordered his subordinate to respond tactically.
The Chunin named Qing Lan rapidly formed hand seals, making the Snake-Rat-Tiger sequence. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
At once, an enormous tornado blast scattered the mist behind them, creating a vacuum passage dozens of meters wide.
"Retreat!"
The Sand Ninja tried to seize the chance to withdraw, but a large number of Kunai and shuriken suddenly flew at them from all directions, interrupting their rapid retreat.
"Water Release: Mist Technique!"
Umino Sasuke had been prepared. One of the Shadow Clones immediately cast the Mist Technique, sealing the gap once more.
A single Mist Technique covered an area four hundred meters in diameter. Before long, the vacuum passage was once again shrouded in haze.
"Puppet Mechanism Technique: Rain of Senbon!"
The scar-faced Special Jonin was rich in combat experience and opened with a killing move. A massive barrage of Rain of Senbon erupted, directly covering a wide area.
With a puff.
The exposed Shadow Clone was instantly blown apart by the Rain of Senbon.
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