Sand Ninja Attack

Under the supply of a large amount of food, Umino Sasuke released several rounds of Shadow Clones in succession.

The after-effects of memory shock from dispelling the Shadow Clones were indeed significant, but still within a tolerable range. Moreover, with the recovery from the abundant food energy, these after-effects were quickly eliminated.

If it weren't for the need to maintain his main body's optimal state, he could have created several more Shadow Clones for training without any issues.

While food energy wasn't a stimulant, its effects were far greater. The moon hung high, yet he remained energetic, continuing his training.

At this moment, one of Umino Sasuke's Shadow Clones, having just released the Infrasonic Radar Technique, detected four figures entering its defense zone.

Although he couldn't be certain of their identities, judging by their direction of approach, they were either Konoha intelligence operatives or elite Sand Ninjas.

Upon receiving the news, Umino Sasuke immediately ordered the Shadow Clones currently training to advance rapidly.

Soon, these Shadow Clones approached within three kilometers of the approaching group. Shadow Clone #1 immediately released an Ultrasonic Radar Technique for precise sensing, then dispelled the Shadow Clone Technique.

"Hmm." Umino Sasuke instantly received the memories brought back by Shadow Clone #1, his gaze sharpening, a killing intent flashing in his eyes. "As expected, elite Sand Ninjas, and an entire squad of Puppeteers at that."

Under the precise sensing of the Ultrasonic Radar Technique, they were revealed clearly: only four elite Sand Ninjas, all Puppeteers. One was a Special Jonin, and the other three were Chunin.

"Tejudo, prepare for battle."

Umino Sasuke flicked a pebble, hitting Tejudo, who was still training in the distance, on the head.

"We can't be this unlucky, elite Sand Ninjas in our defense zone again."

Tejudo, facing a formidable enemy, quickly called out to Inuzuka Ryo and Xiao Xiao to follow closely behind Umino Sasuke.

"Captain, why don't we wait for reinforcements from the Mobile Patrol Unit? Didn't you say Aburame Shibi released a lot of Kikaichū in our defense zone? They should be here quickly to support us."

Having successfully cultivated the Secret Art of the Survivalist Path, Tejudo immediately proposed a relatively safe tactical plan.

"Continue forward. We'll set up an ambush in the forest by the riverbank ahead."

Umino Sasuke's feet didn't stop; he continued to sprint, his mind already made up. How could he possibly wait for Aburame Shibi and the others to arrive? This was an A-Rank Mission's merit.

When Aburame Shibi and the others arrived, wouldn't the hard-earned A-Rank Mission merit have to be shared?

Just a small squad of Puppeteers, they were merely supporting characters sent to deliver mission merit.

Although a squad of Puppeteers led by a Special Jonin was not inferior in combat power to a regular Jonin squad, with proper tactics, they might not be that strong. If the ambush was successful and they were all captured, it would count as an A-Rank Mission.

If a Sand Hidden Jonin were leading the team, he would definitely avoid their sharp edge and wait for Aburame Shibi and the others' support. But with just a Special Jonin leading the Puppeteer squad, it was a different matter.

The combat power of a Special Jonin Puppeteer was not weaker than a regular Jonin, but they were not Jonin after all, and in many aspects, they had shortcomings. These shortcomings and flaws were fatal breakthroughs.

Soon, Umino Sasuke, along with the other three, arrived at the river where they had ambushed Sand Ninjas last time, this time five kilometers downstream.

"Tejudo, set up traps to impede the enemy."

Umino Sasuke immediately ordered Tejudo to set up the Heavenly Net traps. This time, the traps were not set on the opposite bank of the river, but in the forest near the river.

Last time, setting traps on the opposite bank was to impede the enemy and use the river as a barrier to buy himself more time to escape.

This time, it also relied on the river as a barrier, but the tactical objective was the complete opposite.

Last time, the river served as a barrier to prevent the Sand Ninjas from pursuing; this time, using the river as a barrier was to prevent the Sand Ninjas from escaping.

Clearly, Umino Sasuke's tactical deployment this time was to annihilate this group of Sand Ninjas.

Soon, Tejudo finished setting up the Heavenly Net traps.

"No, we must kill all these Sand Ninjas before Aburame Shibi and the others arrive."

Umino Sasuke had already sensed the movement of the Kikaichū, and it was likely that Aburame Shibi and the others would arrive in a few minutes.

If they were locked in a stalemate with these Sand Ninjas, it would be difficult to capture them all in a short period, especially since they were Sand Ninja Puppeteers and their strength was considerable.

"Water Release: Mist Technique!"

Umino Sasuke quickly formed hand seals and released a Mist Technique.

Instantly, the forest within a radius of two hundred meters was shrouded in mist.

At the same time, to maintain his optimal state, Umino Sasuke consumed a large amount of food on the spot, rapidly restoring his stamina and chakra, ensuring he remained in peak condition.

The eight Shadow Clones were positioned in the four cardinal directions, hidden, and ready at any moment.

Less than five minutes later, the Sand Ninja Puppeteer squad crossed the river and stealthily entered the misty forest.

The leader was a Scar-faced Special Jonin Puppeteer. The other three Chunin Puppeteers were young, only just having reached adulthood.

"Why is there fog?"

The Scar-faced Special Jonin immediately raised his hand, stopping the squad from advancing. After a moment of thought, he decisively gave the order to retreat. "Bad, it's an ambush!"

As expected of a Special Jonin, his combat experience was rich, and he immediately detected the abnormality in the forest.

Before the Sand Ninjas could retreat, movement occurred simultaneously in all four directions.

"Water Release: Mist Technique!"

"Water Release: Mist Technique!"

"Water Release: Mist Technique..."

Umino Sasuke directed the Shadow Clones to consecutively release five Mist Techniques, shrouding the entire area in mist.

"Everyone, do you think it's too late to leave now?"

In the haze, Umino Sasuke's voice could be heard.

Under the shroud of six Mist Techniques, a large amount of fog quickly enveloped the entire Sand Ninja squad.

"Qing Lan, you lead the way."

The scarred Special Jonin immediately ordered his subordinates to make a tactical response.

The Chunin named Qing Lan quickly formed hand seals, forming the Snake-Rat-Tiger signs: "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Instantly, a massive tornado of wind blew away the fog behind them, creating a vacuum channel tens of meters wide.

"Quick, retreat!"

As the Sand Ninja attempted to seize the opportunity to retreat, a large number of kunai and shuriken flew from all four directions, interrupting their rapid withdrawal.

"Water Release: Mist Technique!"

Umino Sasuke was prepared. One of his Shadow Clones immediately unleashed a Mist Technique, resealing the gap.

A single Mist Technique covered a diameter of four hundred meters, and soon, the vacuum channel was once again shrouded in fog.

"Puppet Mechanism Technique: Rain of Senbon!"

The scarred Special Jonin, rich in combat experience, unleashed a killing move right from the start. A large number of senbon rained down, covering a wide area.

With a poof.

The exposed Shadow Clone was instantly blown apart by the Rain of Senbon.