Inside the command tent of the Konoha encampment.
"The Iwa Shinobi's probes have been getting more frequent lately," Shinku Yūhi said, his eyes fixed on the map spread out before him.
"Perhaps they're trying to sniff out our exact positions. After all, in terms of sheer numbers, the Iwa Shinobi currently hold the advantage," Tianyuan remarked.
"Which is why we must be extra cautious. If they discover our main camp, they might launch a massive, concentrated assault," another Konoha Jonin added.
"Exactly. We're still outnumbered on this battlefield, and that gap will only widen once Ōnoki arrives with his support troops," Shinku said.
"I hope Jonin Hizashi has some luck on his end," Kushina Uzumaki said in a low, serious voice.
"Mm. Using the Byakugan for reconnaissance is quite effective," Shinku replied with a slight smile. There were times when Hizashi spotted the Iwa ninjas without them ever realizing they had been discovered.
If the Konoha forces held the upper hand, Hizashi would lead his units to encircle and wipe them out; if the enemy was too strong, he would retreat immediately rather than force a confrontation.
"Sir! Urgent report!"
"Come in."
Two ninjas hurried into the tent. One of them looked visibly anxious.
"Sirs, our station is being surrounded by the Iwa Shinobi! we request immediate backup!" the ninja cried out.
"I recall your station is guarded by Jonin Tamura," Shinku said, observing the messenger.
"Yes, sir. We are currently holding off their attack, but barely. We are no match for their numbers," the ninja explained.
"If I remember correctly, there are dozens of ninjas stationed there," Shinku mused. "How many Iwa Shinobi are there?"
"There are about a hundred of them, and their leader is Rōshi," the messenger reported quickly.
"Rōshi?" Everyone in the tent exchanged looks. Rōshi hadn't appeared in any recent battles; they all knew he had been severely wounded by Tianyuan previously.
Had he already recovered?
"Fine, then. We will deploy reinforcements immediately," Shinku said.
Every second counted when ninjas were under siege; the longer it dragged on, the higher the risk of a catastrophe.
"Tianyuan, you've led the relief efforts so many times already. How about I go this time?" Shinku suggested.
"In which direction is your station?" Tianyuan suddenly asked the messenger.
"Over that way." The ninja pointed.
"That way..." A strange light flickered in Tianyuan's eyes. "Jonin Shinku, I think it's better if I lead the rescue. After all, with Rōshi's power, you would have a difficult time contending with him."
"Tianyuan, those words of yours sting a bit... but fine, I'll leave it to you," Shinku said with a wry smile.
"Kushina, gather the ninjas. We leave now," Tianyuan ordered.
"Understood, Lord Tianyuan," Kushina replied.
"Good. lead the way," Tianyuan said to the messenger.
"Yes, Lord Tianyuan!" the ninja replied.
Outside, Tianyuan looked in a specific direction with a peculiar expression. A signal had appeared on his system player—it was the Hokage Ultra-Clear signal.
"The signal is in that direction as well. Could it be a coincidence?" Tianyuan smiled.
A few minutes later, Tianyuan led the troops toward the Konoha station under the messenger's guidance.
Konoha forces usually operated in small squads and set up temporary outposts that Jonin were allowed to move at any time to avoid detection. Because of this, even Tianyuan didn't always know where every group was located. They only gathered everyone at specific intervals to coordinate.
As they drew closer, Tianyuan was almost certain: the Hokage Ultra-Clear signal was coming exactly from the area needing rescue.
It was too perfect to be a mere coincidence.
"Is this a trap set by Ōnoki?" Tianyuan smirked.
"We're here." Tianyuan saw the chaotic scene of Konoha and Iwa ninjas locked in fierce combat.
"Mm, Rōshi is there too." Tianyuan spotted the leader of the Iwa forces. His vibrant purple hair was unmistakable this was the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Rōshi.
Judging by his spirited appearance, his previous injuries were completely healed.
"Attack!" Tianyuan shouted, lunging forward. The Konoha ninjas followed suit, throwing themselves into the fray.
"Reinforcements are here!" Rōshi and the other Stone ninjas took notice.
The arrival of fresh troops immediately turned the tide, putting the previously dominant Iwa ninjas at a disadvantage.
"Lava Release Chakra Mode!" Rōshi wasted no time activating his transformation. He knew that with Tianyuan's Taijutsu prowess, taking him down would be child's play otherwise.
"Armament Haki." Tianyuan appeared directly in front of Rōshi. A burst of immense power erupted from his body, sending Rōshi flying with a single blow.
"Tianyuan! If you have the guts, follow me. Let's take this fight elsewhere," Rōshi challenged as he stabilized himself.
"A fight elsewhere, huh?" Tianyuan gave a soft laugh. The Hokage Ultra-Clear signal was still a bit further ahead, not right here.
"And why is that?" Tianyuan asked while casually cutting down the Iwa ninjas in front of him.
To Tianyuan, these Stone ninjas could hardly offer any resistance to his strength.
Seeing Tianyuan reaping through his men, Rōshi took a deep breath, his face darkening. He couldn't compete with Tianyuan Tianyuan had the speed to stop him, while he did not.
"If we unleash our full power here, the collateral damage will be too great. You wouldn't want to see the ninjas of your own village caught in the crossfire, would you?" Rōshi pointed toward the intense battle around them.
"That's a decent excuse," Tianyuan smiled. "Kushina, I'm leaving this battlefield to you."
"Tianyuan, be careful," Kushina urged.
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