Yechen's slaughter eased the pressure on the Konoha ninjas in the surrounding area, but it also drew the attention of a Sunagakure Jonin.
What was more, his opponent seemed even stronger than Shajiu.
The two launched into a fierce battle.
Over ten minutes later, a resounding clash sent Yechen and the Rock Ninja springing apart.
"Yechen, Flame Demon Sharingan. You certainly live up to your reputation."
Immediately afterward, a shrill whistle rang out. The Sand ninjas on the battlefield abandoned their opponents and formed up as quickly as possible.
Then, led by a group of Jonin, they broke through the encirclement and made their escape.
"Yechen, our fight isn't over. Next time, I'll take your head!"
Even as he left, the Sand Ninja did not forget to throw out a threat.
Yechen ignored him. Battles were not won with words, and he had no intention of giving chase. Clearly, the enemy had prepared thoroughly. Pursuing them now would likely lead straight into an ambush.
The Konoha leaders had evidently realized this as well. After pursuing them for a short distance and leaving several Sand ninja corpses behind, they gave up the chase.
An hour soon passed, and Konoha's relief force arrived. They did not linger, instead continuing toward the western front, where Konoha and Sunagakure were fighting.
After they left, Yechen's squad received new orders. All leave was canceled for the next month, and every squad was to intensify its patrols, guard against surprise attacks by Sand ninjas, and ensure the main camp's safety.
Yechen also learned the latest news from the front from his unit commander, Uchida Yuta.
The fighting at the front was intense. The Sand ninjas had already overrun two strongholds, and the other strongholds were now working to recapture them.
The force that had just passed