Infiltrating the Enemy Camp

[Ten Attributes Nature Transformation Lv0(52/100)]

Looking at the Earth Style Nature Transformation on the panel, which was already more than halfway through, Taiichi little reluctant, but wasn't the Skill Points saved up for this moment? It was time to use them.

As each Skill Points disappears, the character panel changes accordingly.

[Earth Style Nature Transformation Lv1 (52/100)]

His skill level increased by one level, and a surge of earth attribute insights flooded Taiichi's mind. He felt as if he were in a vast land, comprehending everything within it. Amidst this chaotic understanding, Taiichi tried his best to grasp the part he wanted.

I've said a lot, but it all happened in the blink of an eye.

As the Earth Style Nature Transformation increased, the accumulated experience from previous Earth Style techniques also erupted at this moment, and Taiichi formed the earth-escape seal of Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage.

The first attempt failed, but I gained a lot of experience points.

The second attempt failed, but the panel showed that it was just one step away from success.

[You have practiced Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage, and your related understanding has improved!]

[Your skill Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage has been upgraded, experience points +2]

[Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage Lv0 (99/100)]

Yohei, watching Taiichi repeatedly attempt to Hand Seals without making any progress, asked in confusion, "Taiichi, what are you doing?"

Touching his head, Yohei suddenly realized something, and stared wide-eyed at Taiichi: "You're not practicing a new Ninjutsu, are you?"

As soon as Yohei finished speaking, Taiichi completed the third hand Hand Seals, and this time—

[Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage Lv1 (1/100)]

Seeing Taiichi half-buried in the ground, Yohei was so shocked he couldn't even close his mouth. "You~you~me~me~" He pointed at Taiichi, then at himself. Yohei felt like he had no will to live. Was the difference in their lives really that big?

Ignoring Yohei's completely devastated expression, Taiichi directly ordered, "I'll sneak in and Scout. You stay outside and provide backup. In case I'm discovered—"

Watching Taiichi slowly disappear into the ground, Yohei regained his focus, keeping a close eye on everything at the cave entrance, his fingers constantly moving to ensure he could quickly Hand Seals and release his Ninjutsu at the first moment.

Taiichi, who had disappeared into the earth, was now moving through the soil like a fish. Because it was the first time he had used this technique, he was worried that the enemy would notice him, Taiichi deliberately swam deeper into the earth.

Thanks to Taiichi's high mental attributes, even when he dived deep enough, his perception could still blend into the surrounding land in a unique way, allowing him to maintain his Scout of the ground.

Slowly, Taiichi passed through the cave entrance. At this moment, Taiyi slowed down his movements Taiichi possible, afraid of making too much noise and being discovered by the enemy.

As Taiichi sensed it, the cave was quite deep; the entrance passage alone was over ten meters long—truly a well-hidden place.

After passing through this passage, you arrive at a huge cave, which has clearly been modified and expanded by humans.

At this moment, a considerable number of people had gathered in the cave, roughly more than 30, including many skilled individuals with the Jonin.

"Qiantai, why are you so late? Did they capture you and turn you to their side?" The green-haired ninja asked bluntly, clearly wanting to vent his anger over his brother's death.

"I'm innocent, boss!" Qiantai quickly protested, "You know me, I'm the most timid person. After escaping, I was worried about being followed, so I deliberately took a long detour before coming back, which is why I'm so late."

Clearly, the green-haired ninja knew his subordinate's character well, and after hearing his explanation, he suppressed his anger and chose to believe him.

"Alright, you lot," a boastful voice rang out, "What a mess! It's just a small outpost. So many of you went there, and now only a Little Cat are left. Hahaha!"

"What are you saying? Damn it, if you've got the guts, let's go outside and fight one-on-one. I'll beat the shit out of you!" The green-haired ninja, who was already frustrated and hadn't had a chance to vent his anger, immediately flew into a rage and challenged the arrogant voice.

"Takagi, calm down. This isn't the time to argue." The red-haired ninja stepped in front of the green-haired ninja, standing between the two who were already on the verge of Yakumi.

"Don't underestimate the ninjas of Konoha. We suffered because of this, and then they sent new reinforcements, which is why we were defeated so badly," Shanks explained to the group.

"Also, our intelligence is flawed. Didn't the employer say that reinforcements would arrive at least three days later? How come they're here so early? Hijikata, you were the one who contacted the employer. Aren't you going to give us an explanation?" Shanks questioned the mission initiator.

Of course, he exaggerated a lot here, calling the Resupply team reinforcements, although in reality they were not much different from reinforcements. Upon hearing this, everyone in the cave turned their attention to Hijikata. Battles between ninjas require a great deal of intelligence; the slightest mistake could mean death.

Even the arrogant man who had just been provoking them turned his gaze toward Hijikata, for this matter concerned his own life.

Facing more than thirty questioning gazes, Hijikata was sweating profusely, clearly not expecting such a thing to happen.

"I will report this to the employer, but don't worry, the employer is a major ninja village, and they have a good reputation. If any of you suffer losses due to incorrect information, the employer will compensate you." Hijikata said sincerely.

As Hijikata finished speaking, everyone in the cave began to discuss among themselves.

"If we gather so many of us together and this first operation goes wrong, can we still continue?"

"They call themselves a major ninja village, but looking at their 'rustic' appearance, they're clearly the black glove of Iwagakure."

"Are you out of your mind? How dare you say that?"

"With so many ninjas, why don't we just push them all out in one go? What sentry can stop us?"

"Don't be fooled by the number of people. We only Jonin. Now that Konoha has received the news, their defenses will definitely be strengthened. The next step will probably be testing their strength."

"What if Konoha retaliates?"

"What's there to be afraid of? After this job, we'll move on to another country, and I'll be a hero again."

Amidst the cacophony, Taiichi perceived a multitude of messages, some useful and some useless.

"Alright, everyone. Since you've all accepted this bounty mission, I'll get straight to the task. Because the first probe failed, we'll abandon probing the outpost itself and instead focus on eliminating the outpost's patrol personnel and Resupply personnel."

"The primary objective of our next operation is to inflict casualties on Konoha's remaining forces."

Upon hearing the operation plan, Taiichi's heart tightened. With so many ninjas scattered to ambush unprepared lone Konoha Ninja, they would basically be killed if discovered, especially Resupply teams, which weren't all Jonin like them.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" A sudden shout came from Hijikata, who quickly Hand Seals and Earth Style Splitting Earth Needle.

When that loud shout rang out, Taiichi knew he was in trouble. It must have been caused by his emotional outburst and the resulting Chakra fluctuations. There was also a Jonin Earth Style at the scene, so it's no wonder he was discovered.

Taiichi quickly rose to the surface, leaping off the ground just as the opponent released their Ninjutsu. The place where he had been hiding was now riddled with countless Earth Spike from the inside out.

A bead of cold sweat slid down Taiichi's forehead. If he had been any later, turning into a candied hawthorn would have been the best possible outcome.

"You bastard, it's you brat, die!" Green-haired Takagi was furious when he saw who jumped out. This brat who killed his brother had actually followed him here. It was time to settle all old scores and new grudges.

"You bunch of rats! The ninjas from Konoha have arrived as reinforcements. You're all going to die!" Taiichi was small in stature, but his tone was anything but. He launched into a tirade of insults, leaving the ninjas in the cave completely bewildered.

After saying that, he turned and ran. Luckily, he had stopped at the entrance of the passage when he came in, so it was easy for him to escape now.

"That kid's bluffing! Grab him, don't let him get away!" Hijikata shouted from behind, reminding the group.

Everyone then realized that they had been fooled by the kid; he hadn't had time to deliver the message.

A large group of people chased after Taiichi, their momentum suggesting they were about to chop the eavesdropping brat into mincemeat.

Taiichi, who was running ahead, heard the commotion behind him and felt like he wanted to die. He had stirred up a hornet's nest!

Just as the exit was in sight, a figure suddenly appeared at the cave entrance. He quickly Hand Seals and spat out a Fireball, which shot straight towards Taiichi.