It had been five days since Zhou Duan joined the supply squad. Sitting on the supply cart and looking at Nawaki, who was bruised and battered and moaning in pain, Zhou Duan calmly spoke to the system in his mind:
"System, the clinical trial of the Masochistic Potion is complete. Begin recording!"
"Beep!"
The familiar voice sounded in Zhou Duan's mind, delivering a righteous condemnation of the villain Zhou Duan:
"You were clearly testing a new potion with unknown effects, yet you had the nerve to claim it was for Nawaki's own good. Researcher, I have to say, you're a real scumbag!"
"Heh!"
Zhou Duan smiled unconcernedly:
"But Nawaki's fine, isn't he? In fact, his basic abilities really have improved. Yes, I admit the potion has some side effects, but it's not like there's anything seriously wrong with him!"
"Beep. Researcher, after doing something like this, doesn't your conscience hurt?"
"My conscience is completely at ease. I'm even a little happy that I'm about to receive a reward from the system!"
"...Beep!"
Unable to stand Zhou Duan's shamelessness, the system decided to stop discussing the matter with him:
"Researcher, please describe the clinical results of the Masochistic Potion. The system will begin recording!"
"Masochistic Potion
Potion ingredients: Blood-Burning Grass, elderberry, ivy, Blackberry Lily Leaf...
Suitable users: Male Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninjas of the Senju Clan, under the age of eleven;
First, the Masochistic Potion takes effect five seconds after it is consumed;
Second, after the Masochistic Potion is consumed, it stimulates the user's Chakra and highly active cells to rapidly repair bodily injuries. It can repair muscle strains, tears, lacerations no longer than five centimeters, and minor bone fractures;
Third, as long as the user still has Chakra remaining and their injuries aren't severe, the potion can be used repeatedly over a short period!
Side effects: After taking the potion, the user will experience an intense desire to fight and a masochistic urge, craving any attacks that strike their body. Long-term use may lead to self-harm!"
"Beep. Masochistic Potion successfully recorded. Researcher—Zhou Duan.
System reward—one set of Soluble Internal Capsules, with an instruction manual!"
"One set of Soluble Internal Capsules contains twelve capsules. A potion can be placed inside a capsule and the capsule implanted in the body. The capsule dissolves rapidly when stimulated by Chakra, and also enhances the potion's dispersal. Furthermore, no one other than the researcher and the capsule's user can detect its presence!"
"Now that's useful!"
Looking at the box of capsules that had just appeared in his hand, Zhou Duan was quite pleased:
"No extra movements needed, and the enemy won't be able to detect them. They're practically tailor-made for the battlefield. And there are even instructions on how to make them. Great deal!"
Zhou Duan's excitement didn't last long. When he spotted the faint outline of a village ahead, he put the capsules away and sobered up. It was wartime, and a supply hub like Bee Village needed to be kept under especially tight security. The inspection they were about to undergo would certainly be thorough. Zhou Duan knew he had nothing to hide, but he still didn't want to cause trouble by being careless.
"Wait!"
Karui, who was leading the group, suddenly stopped:
"It's past the appointed time, and Noda's third patrol squad still hasn't returned. Hyuga Clan!"
"Byakugan!"
At Karui's command, Hyuga Hyakusho activated his Byakugan at once:
"We're surrounded. The enemy is closing in from four directions, about five hundred meters away. Judging by their Chakra, there are three jonin and at least ten chunin. The southeast is the only direction without a jonin for now. That's our weakest point!"
"Abandon all the supplies! Everyone, break through to the southeast immediately. Once we're through, split up and retreat. Meet at the defensive point we agreed on earlier! Summoning Bees Technique!"
Karui cursed their bad luck. He formed Hand Seals, took a deep breath, and exhaled a huge cloud of smoke. It blanketed the entire area, then drifted on the wind, rousing countless bees around Bee Village!
"That won't hold them for long. Move!"
"Wind Release—Great Breakthrough!"
"Fire Release—Flame Star Technique!"
"Fire Release—Fire Dragon Tornado!"
Karui had judged correctly. In just a moment, the Sand Ninja from the Land of Wind had reached the supply squad's former location. After several C-rank jutsu, the smoke and bees were completely dispersed!
"They're pretty alert!"
Watching the Konoha shinobi flee, a jonin with a long scar across his face wore the bloodthirsty look of a hunter chasing his prey:
"It hasn't been long since we took care of that small squad of shinobi, and they already noticed us!"
"They won't get away!"
The one-eyed jonin beside him spat disdainfully:
"Most of our people this time are Wind Release ninja who specialize in speed. They're dead once we catch up!"
"Enough talking!"
The last jonin spoke up:
"The jutsu we just used will soon draw Konoha's attention. We're still closer to Konoha, after all. Finish this quickly. We're not here to play!"
With a wave of his hand, the jonin hurled a Kunai into the throat of a supply transport prisoner who was trying to escape. His voice was icy:
"The three of us jonin will go after the only jonin in that squad. The rest of you choose your own targets. Finish the fight as quickly as possible!"
"Yes!"
As blades sliced through flesh and the supplies went up in flames, the Sand Ninja of the Land of Wind turned into streaks of shadow and raced toward the squad!
The trees blurred past as Zhou Duan led Nawaki and the other two in a frantic sprint. Every so often, they heard Hyuga Hyakusho report the enemy's position, followed by Zhou Duan's orders to change course!
"I refuse to accept this!"
Nawaki let out an angry roar as he ran:
"Zhou Duan, let's fight! I won't accept fleeing in such a sorry state, chased by the enemy like a stray dog!"
"Shut up, idiot!"
With the situation so urgent, Zhou Duan didn't hold back:
"I don't know what got into the Sand Ninja, but they split into four squads to chase us. They outnumber us four to one, and there are four chunin. You still want to fight? What makes you think you can?"
"Of course it's our belief that we can defeat any enemy, no matter how powerful!"
"Holy crap!"
At Nawaki's words, Hyuga Hyakusho stumbled and nearly fell out of the tree:
"Four squads, and we can defeat them? Nawaki, your faith is way over the top! Did the potion fry your brain?"
They had been together long enough for Water Gate to know exactly what Nawaki was like. His attention was clearly elsewhere:
"Captain, the Sand Ninja pursuing us are steadily closing the distance. What should we do?"
"Do I really have to ask?"
Nawaki was still shouting indignantly:
"Keep fighting, of course!"
"Shut up. Only an idiot would keep fighting!"
Zhou Duan pulled out a bottle of potion, and Nawaki, scarred by his past experience, promptly fell silent:
"But..."
A strange smile appeared at the corner of Zhou Duan's mouth. He smashed the bottle against a tree, and the resulting cloud of smoke spread in every direction, clinging to the Sand Ninja who were caught off guard as they pursued them:
"I don't plan on letting them keep chasing us like this!"
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