Chapter 68: Ambushing the Supply Convoy
A gentle spring breeze drifted through the air, carrying a refreshing floral fragrance.
In the northwestern region of the Land of Hot Water, not far from the border with the Land of Rice Fields, a supply convoy of several dozen people struggled forward along a narrow mountain path surrounded by dense forest.
Within the convoy, groups of four or five able-bodied civilians worked together to pull carts loaded with grain and other provisions.
At the front and rear of the convoy, two squads of Kumogakure shinobi provided escort.
The mountain path was rugged and uneven. Combined with the lingering effects of a prolonged spring rain a few days prior, the road had become even more treacherous.
"Captain, why did we suddenly change routes? This path is too difficult to traverse. At this speed, when will we even reach the frontline camp?"
At the head of the convoy, a young Kumogakure shinobi complained.
His name was Kenichi, just over twenty years old—a recently promoted Chūnin of Kumogakure.
To his left front was the squad leader, Zoi Mamoru, a Jōnin in his thirties.
Hearing Kenichi's complaint, Zoi Mamoru frowned slightly. After glancing at the struggling convoy behind them, he replied,
"Kenichi, this order came from above. We only need to carry it out."
He was deeply dissatisfied with this newly assigned subordinate.
Arrogant. Overconfident. Disobedient.
That was the shared impression Kenichi had left on the other three members of the squad.
As the war between Konoha and Kumogakure escalated, both sides had suffered mounting losses at the frontline. Kenichi had been transferred in to replace a fallen squad member.
Kenichi clicked his tongue, clearly displeased.
"Captain, even if the order came from above, we don't have to execute it blindly. This route is obviously unsuitable for a supply convoy. Why not choose a smoother path? If we delay the delivery and higher-ups blame us, what then?"
As one of the newly promoted young Chūnin in Kumogakure, Kenichi looked down on what he saw as the rigid conservatism of the older generation.
Seeing the unrest spreading through the convoy because of Kenichi's words, Zoi Mamoru felt the urge to hit someone. Suppressing a sigh, he ordered,
"Take a break here."
They found a relatively dry patch of ground and halted for rest.
Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—
From the dense forest on both sides of the valley came several sharp sounds cutting through the air. Four figures clad in Konoha ANBU attire appeared atop a hillside.
It was ANBU Team Eleven—Ryuya and the others.
From the slope, they immediately spotted the resting convoy below.
Beside Ryuya, Shisui had already activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, scanning the surroundings carefully.
"Not good—it's Konoha ANBU!"
In the valley below, Zoi Mamoru's face turned ashen as he shouted orders to Kenichi, the other squad members, and the convoy behind them.
Kenichi stood frozen for a moment.
He had just complained—and now a Konoha ANBU squad had appeared.
Talk about instant karma.
Still, there was no time for resentment.
"Send a signal for reinforcements!" he shouted.
Though arrogant, he wasn't incompetent.
As he spoke, the civilian workers began fleeing toward the other side of the valley, while the rear Kumogakure squad rushed forward to regroup with Zoi Mamoru's team.
"There's no ambush nearby," Shisui said after fully scanning the area, nodding toward Kakashi.
"Finish them quickly," Kakashi ordered decisively.
With that, the four leapt into the air and descended upon the two Kumogakure squads below.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Partial Expansion Technique!
While still airborne, Shisui and Ryuya launched their attacks. A massive fireball and two enormous enlarged arms crashed down toward the enemy.
On both flanks, Kakashi and Guy moved like assassins, striking from the sides.
"Great Fireball and Expansion Technique—be careful! There are members of the Uchiha and Akimichi clans!"
Zoi Mamoru's expression turned grave as he warned his team.
In Konoha, the Great Fireball Technique was a signature jutsu of the Uchiha clan. Those proficient in it were often Uchiha.
Against the Uchiha, the Sharingan was a threat that demanded special caution.
As for the Expansion Technique—Ryuya's technique was unmistakable. Unique across the entire shinobi world.
Both the Uchiha and Akimichi clans were long-renowned. The Sharingan, in particular, was synonymous with power. Any Uchiha who awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan was formidable.
Boom—!
Dust billowed as thunderous explosions shook the valley.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Figures flickered across the battlefield as blades collided with sharp metallic screeches. ANBU Team Eleven clashed fiercely with the two Kumogakure squads.
Among the eight Kumogakure shinobi, Jōnin Zoi Mamoru was the most troublesome. Experienced in battle, he was highly skilled in Kumogakure's distinctive kenjutsu and taijutsu. Even Kakashi couldn't quickly subdue him.
The leader of the second squad was a Special Jōnin—clearly weaker than Zoi Mamoru.
He faced Might Guy.
The remaining six Kumogakure shinobi were left to Ryuya and Shisui.
With the Akimichi clan's secret techniques and the Sharingan, the battle against a few Chūnin and Genin was overwhelmingly one-sided.
Within just a few minutes, the situation shifted dramatically.
"Gate of View… Open!"
To end the fight swiftly, Guy opened the Sixth Gate of the Eight Gates. A massive surge of green energy erupted around him like blazing flames, enveloping his body.
Whoosh—
Under the Sixth Gate's enhancement, Guy's speed skyrocketed.
The Kumogakure Special Jōnin's eyes and reflexes couldn't keep up. He was completely overwhelmed.
Seconds later, Guy's kick struck directly at his chest.
Pfft!
Blood sprayed into the air as the Special Jōnin was sent flying dozens of meters, crashing to the ground motionless.
Without slowing down, Guy immediately rushed toward Zoi Mamoru, who was battling Kakashi.
Feeling the violent gust of wind approaching, Zoi Mamoru's expression changed drastically.
In that instant, he understood—
They were finished.
A flash of resolve crossed his eyes.
Ignoring the incoming attacks from Kakashi and Guy, he dashed toward Kenichi.
Among the remaining squad members, only the newcomer was still in decent condition.
Even if it cost him his life, he would ensure that intelligence about this Konoha ANBU unit targeting supply convoys was sent back to the village.
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