If nothing went wrong, that would naturally be best.
So Sasuke Uchiha's worries were not unfounded.
Naruto Uzumaki also knew Sasuke was concerned about him, so he offered a few words of reassurance.
Sasuke knew that what Naruto said made sense.
But for some reason, he still felt uneasy deep down.
He did not know why, either.
"Actually..."
Naruto suddenly changed tack, shifting his gaze from the fire to look straight at Sasuke. "I'm not worried about myself."
"Ever since we found this base, you guys have stayed here, digging through it over and over for intelligence."
"Ōtsutsuki Isshiki sent people to blow up so many bases to protect his secrets and intelligence. It goes without saying that he's furious."
"So he might very well attack you to vent his anger."
Sasuke paused. That possibility did exist.
But the odds were slim.
An enemy like Isshiki would not expose himself just to vent his anger.
"Once I leave tomorrow, you'll be the ones in the most danger." Naruto's voice grew a little louder.
"The remains will have been sent back, and we've already gathered most of the intelligence we need."
"If Isshiki wants to strike, that will be the perfect opportunity."
"He might very well wipe out both this base and you."
"Sasuke, you guys need to be careful."
Naruto's warnings exasperated Sasuke into a laugh.
I'm telling you to be careful, and you're telling me to be careful instead?
But Naruto was concerned about him, too, so he could only reply, at a loss for words.
"You're the one who needs to be careful."
Naruto grinned. "We'll both be careful."
"Childish."
"Heh heh."
The two fell silent for a brief moment.
The night wind passed through the woods, sweeping up fine dust and dead leaves. It made the campfire