Yuyin's Attack
Unlike Ming Jing, who stayed in the middle of the team as an obedient escort, Inuzuka Rui and Aburame Nami, due to their excellent reconnaissance abilities, were placed on the outside of the team to sense any possible attacks at any time. At the same time, because of their ability to sense enemy movement, they were protected by at least two Chūnin.
"Everyone, stay alert. The terrain ahead is perfect for an ambush. Last month, a group of Konoha ninjas was raided here by Yugakure. Stay cautious! Once the sensing ninjas detect anything suspicious, they will report immediately!"
A Special Jōnin, around twenty years old with half-long hair and a scar near his right eye, stood at the front of the team and addressed the others.
He was one of the three Special Jōnin stationed at the rear stronghold camp, second only to Inuzuka Rui in rank. His name was Baiyun Tokishin, a highly experienced fighter. According to reports from Inuzuka, his strength within Konoha's Special Jōnin ranks was exceptional—on par with many regular Jōnin. However, lacking the necessary background, he had remained a Special Jōnin for years. He still needed more qualifications and military achievements before he could be promoted.
Ming Jing gathered his focus and followed the team carefully through the valley, keeping his eyes open for any signs of danger.
The mountains on both sides of the valley were steep and densely forested, making it an ideal location for setting up an ambush. The terrain provided a commanding view of the surrounding area, which was perfect for an enemy to lie in wait.
It wasn't that they hadn't considered other routes, but the terrain of other paths was even more dangerous. This route, though risky, was the least dangerous of the available options.
"Hakuun Jōnin, there's something!"
In the distance, the voice of Inuzuka Rui came from the sensory ninjas' team.
Upon hearing this, Baiyun Tokishin quickly rushed toward the source of the report.
"What happened? What did you find?"
Baiyun Tokishin's voice was serious as he turned to Inuzuka Rui.
"It's not me—it's Nami," Inuzuka Rui pointed toward Aburame Nami, who was quietly closing her eyes and controlling her insects.
Seeing Nami's hood and sunglasses, Baiyun Tokishin immediately recognized her as a member of the Aburame clan. He calmed his anxious thoughts and stood by, waiting for her report while giving instructions to the team. The group paused, waiting for Nami's findings.
A few moments later, insects flew in from a distance and landed in the wide sleeves of Aburame Nami.
"Genin Nami, what did you find?" Baiyun Tokishin asked with a solemn expression.
"Outside the valley entrance, about a hundred Amegakure ninjas are lying in wait. From their attire, I can tell there are at least a few Jōnin among them."
Aburame Nami pushed her sunglasses up and spoke, her voice no longer as calm as before.
"A Jōnin-level opponent..."
Baiyun Tokishin's expression darkened as he turned to a nearby Chūnin.
Their team numbered over eighty people, the strongest being himself, a Special Jōnin, followed by more than thirty Chūnin. The rest were mostly Genin, including many who had only graduated in the past two years. They lacked the combat experience needed for a prolonged fight.
If a battle broke out, there was a real possibility of serious casualties, and it might be impossible to protect the supply convoy.
With countless thoughts racing through his mind, Baiyun Tokishin quickly devised a plan.
"All Konoha ninjas, listen up! Sensory ninjas and Genin, move to the center. All Chūnin skilled in defensive ninjutsu, position yourselves on the wings to protect the flanks. The rest of the Chūnin will stay with me, form up, and prepare defensive positions. Set traps, use ninjutsu to build fortifications, and prepare to pretend to retreat along the same route. Be ready to launch a counterattack at any moment!"
After issuing the order, the Konoha ninjas moved quickly. Ming Jing seized this opportunity to position himself beside Inuzuka Rui and Aburame Nami.
In situations like these, standing alongside teammates with whom one shares the most understanding is the best way to minimize tension and maximize effectiveness.
The Konoha logistics team of over eighty ninjas swiftly changed formations, slowly moving in the direction they had originally come from, setting traps as they went.
---
At the mouth of the valley, a thin, middle-aged man wearing a gas mask was performing hand seals, closing his eyes to perceive the surrounding area.
"Lord Takeda! Konoha's ninja team is retreating. It looks like they're trying to retrace their steps!" the middle-aged man suddenly shouted to an Amegakure Jōnin standing nearby.
Upon hearing this, Takeda Hiro's brow furrowed.
"Are you sure?"
The middle-aged man closed his eyes again, using his perception ninjutsu to confirm the situation in the valley.
"Yes, it's true! They've reorganized and are retreating!"
A trace of ferocity flickered in Takeda Hiro's eyes as he decisively ordered, "In that case, there's no need to hesitate. The entire army will intercept Konoha's logistics team!"
"Yes!" came the unified response from his troops.
In an instant, hundreds of Amegakure ninjas wearing gas masks emerged from the shadows.
---
"It's coming! Everyone, be ready!" a sensory ninja suddenly shouted, drawing the attention of all Konoha ninjas to the mouth of the valley.
There, a large number of Amegakure ninjas were charging toward them, weapons drawn.
"Form up! Prepare for battle! Be ready for Water Release and Earth Release ninjutsu!" Baiyun Tokishin shouted, standing on a cart and addressing the Konoha ninjas.
In the distance, Takeda Hiro observed the Konoha ninjas standing their ground. As an experienced Jōnin, he quickly deduced that there might be a trap, so he ordered several Amegakure ninjas skilled in large-scale Water Release techniques to move forward.
"Water Release: Waterfall Technique!"
"Water Release: Water Jet Barrage!"
"Water Release: Wave!"
In a matter of seconds, a powerful torrent surged toward Konoha's position, destroying the traps set by the Konoha ninjas.
"Earth Release ninjas, prepare!" Baiyun Tokishin immediately called out, giving urgent instructions to the Earth Release ninjas.
"Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"
"Earth Release: Earth Wall Return!"
"Earth Release: Layered Tile Technique!"
Rows of earth walls, varying in shape and texture, rose up in front of the Konoha ninja's positions, blocking the oncoming flood and subsequent attacks, like flying shurikens.
The ninjas moved fast. Just after they had blocked the flood, Amegakure ninjas stepped onto the wet ground and charged forward with a roar.
"Clang!"
The sound of metal clashing rang out as Baiyun Tokishin, already holding a ninja sword, engaged with an Amegakure Jōnin.
At a glance, Ming Jing understood that this was a level of combat that he could not interfere with.
But...
Ming Jing silently activated his Sharingan, his scarlet eyes focusing on the Amegakure ninjas charging forward.