The border outpost was far busier than expected. Reinforced fortifications, grim expressions on the patrol squads' faces—the air was thick with tension.
The arrival of Team 7 and the supply convoy made the outpost commander, a jonin with a scar across his face, breathe a sigh of relief.
"Kakashi, you finally made it!" The scarred jonin was clearly an old acquaintance of Kakashi's. He gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "Things haven't been peaceful lately. Guys contaminated by strange things keep coming to harass us. We were desperately short on medicine and Explosive Tags!"
The handover proceeded smoothly.
The outpost ninja checked the supplies, while Sakura proactively helped examine the wounded and treat them with medical ninjutsu.
Her superb skills quickly earned the praise of the outpost ninja.
Naruto could not stay still. He ran all around the outpost, curiously inspecting the heavy crossbows and the barrier squad's work. Every now and then, he wanted to try his hand at something, only to be helplessly talked down by the patrolling ninja.
Ling Yue leaned against a wall, seemingly resting while secretly observing the outpost's layout and personnel condition. At the same time, she sensed the information fed back by [Beast Instinct].
Pikachu crouched on her shoulder, occasionally sniffing with its tiny nose, seemingly sensitive to the mixed scents here.
Sai took out paper and brush, seemingly sketching the scenery of the outpost, but Ling Yue could sense his subtle gaze of observation. It was directed not only at her and Naruto, but also swept across every defensive detail and personnel arrangement in the outpost.
Is reconnaissance just this guy's instinct? Ling Yue muttered inwardly.
Once the handover was complete, Kakashi and the scarred jonin spoke in low voices nearby.
"The situation is worse than what was reported?" Kakashi