Dawn had barely broken, and the outpost's clamor had only recently subsided.
Last night's attack was like a stone cast into water, its ripples yet to settle.
The medical tent was brightly lit. Sakura and the outpost's medical ninja were rushed off their feet, treating several ninja who had suffered minor injuries in the battle.
Naruto had dark circles under both eyes, yet he was still bursting with energy as he helped carry equipment, endlessly muttering, "Pikachu was so cool last night."
Pikachu was curled up in the little nest Ling Yue had just made for it, sleeping soundly. The tip of its tail occasionally twitched, as though it were still unleashing electricity in its dreams.
Ling Yue carefully wiped down Senbonzakura Asauchi's blade, feeling the subtle changes after [Flash Step] had advanced to Mastery. Her body seemed to have grown a little lighter.
Sai sat not far away with a scroll spread open before him, apparently drawing and writing again, though his gaze occasionally drifted toward the medical tent.
Kakashi and the scarred jonin emerged from the temporary command center. Both looked somewhat exhausted, but their eyes remained sharp.
"The news has already been sent back to the village," Kakashi said to Team 7, who had gathered around.
"The Hokage has ordered us to remain at the outpost for another two days to assist with its defense and investigate the origins of these mutated ninja. Reinforcements and a more specialized barrier team will arrive before noon tomorrow."
He looked at Sai. "Sai, your ink birds have the widest reconnaissance range. Focus on searching the forests and ravines to the east and south today. Look for any suspicious camps, traces, or... residual energy."
"Understood." Sai closed his scroll, wearing his standard mission-ready smile.
"Naruto, Sakura," Kakashi continued, turning to them,