Brute Strength Alone Won't Make You a Leader

Kurenai smiled too. "We won this time thanks to Aoba's sensory abilities and precise attacks, Asuma's courage, and our teacher's leadership."

Slightly out of breath, Aoba said, "It was a team effort.

But we can't let our guard down. They might come back."

Yuhi Shinku stood and brushed the dust off himself. "That's right. We should leave as soon as possible.

Treat your wounds, then we'll get moving."

The three of them rose and began tending to their wounds.

Although Aoba couldn't see, his keen sense of touch let him locate his injuries accurately and bandage them.

Once they had treated their wounds, they resumed escorting the supplies.

They remained on high alert along the way, watching for further danger.

The stream was crystal clear, its waters glittering gold in the sunlight.

"Sensei, let's rest here. Everyone's tired."

Asuma spoke up.

Yuhi Shinku looked at his exhausted students and nodded. "All right. Rest here for a while and get some water."

They approached the stream, crouched down, and cupped water in their hands to drink.

Aoba felt his way to the bank as well. Setting his wooden staff aside, he carefully crouched down, felt for the water, and gently scooped up a handful to drink.

"Aoba, your sensory abilities are really impressive. With you around, our missions are bound to go much more smoothly."

Kurenai smiled as she spoke.

Aoba smiled. "It's the only thing I can do for everyone.

Besides, there's still a lot I need to improve."

Asuma patted Aoba's shoulder. "Don't be so modest. Without you today, we might have ended up in much bigger trouble."

As they rested and chatted, a sudden commotion came from upstream.

Everyone immediately went on alert, rising to their feet and tightening their grips on their weapons.

"Sensei, it sounds like