The next morning.
After breakfast, Natsuki held an impromptu jonin meeting in the main tent at headquarters.
He timed it just before they headed out on their missions.
"Last night, eight ninja from Iwagakure's Explosion Corps attempted to raid our headquarters, but I spotted them and dealt with them."
Natsuki spoke.
The jonin all froze for a moment.
None of them had known about this.
The ninja of the Reconnaissance Squad, in particular, felt some pressure.
Under normal circumstances, they should have been the first to detect the enemy.
This was undoubtedly a failure on their part.
"These are their bodies."
Natsuki took out a Summoning Storage Scroll and said, "Reconnaissance Squad, take this and extract their memories. See if there's any important intelligence."
After all, he knew exactly what they were capable of.
"Yes, Lord Natsuki."
Shibi Aburame stepped forward and took the Summoning Storage Scroll.
"The Explosion Corps is Iwagakure's elite unit. They can cause tremendous destruction on the battlefield."
Natsuki cautioned them, "Pay close attention to their movements while carrying out your missions."
"Yes, Lord Natsuki."
The jonin answered in unison.
"Meeting adjourned."
Natsuki waved his hand and said, "Get moving on your missions."
The jonin turned and left. Soon, only Uchiha Mikoto remained.
"Natsuki."
Uchiha Mikoto said guiltily, "I slept too deeply last night and didn't notice the enemy intrusion."
She had not even noticed Natsuki going out.
"That wasn't your fault. It was mine."
Natsuki reached out and rested his hand on her buttocks as he spoke.
Uchiha Mikoto blushed slightly at his words.
She had slept so deeply because she was exhausted.
Why had she been so exhausted?
That really was Natsuki's fault.
She genuinely feared that one day, the enemy would attack headquarters and she would not even have the strength to fight