After tending to the wounded and resting for about an hour, Seii and his group set off again.
Under the starlight, they advanced, taking down two more Iwagakure camps within the next few hours. Their relentless push brought the front line directly to the third line of Iwagakure's defenses.
By now, dawn had broken.
Though the team rested briefly after each major battle, the intermittent fighting throughout the night had taken its toll, leaving them visibly fatigued.
Fortunately, their initial objective was achieved. Reports arrived from other bases, confirming that Iwagakure had secretly withdrawn personnel from these positions during the night. What began as a feint attack was now poised to beco a full-fledged offensive.
The ti for action?
10:00 a.m.
Given this, the Nara clan Jonin commanding the operation issued orders for the group to rest in place. From this point forward, their role would shift—they were no longer the main focus but a supporting force for the other bases.
The sudden withdrawal of Iwagakure's troops from the front lines was undoubtedly due to their actions. Their next task was to keep these enemies occupied.
Seii checked the ti. Three hours remained before the coordinated general offensive. It was just enough ti to recuperate.
However, while the Konoha forces sought rest, Iwagakure had other plans.
Within less than an hour, the camp ahead—part of Iwagakure's third line of defense and their next target—sent forces to harass them.
To call it an "attack" would be an overstatent; it was more akin to incessant harassnt.
Small groups launched sneak attacks from the periphery, utilizing explosive tags and loud ninjutsu to disturb the Konoha forces' rest.
Annoyed by the disruptions, Seii decided to act. He inford Nara Shikaku, the commander, and volunteered to handle the defense personally.
Leaving the main group, Seii headed to the forested periter where he sensed prying eyes. Through the trees, he spotted faint silhouettes of Iwa-nin lurking.
After scanning the area carefully, he determined there was no imdiate threat; the attackers were likely Chunin-level at best. Still, he remained vigilant. Summoning a few Konoha Chunin, Seii led a sweep of the dense forest.
Within ten minutes, the Iwa-nin scattered throughout the area were neutralized. Though Seii refrained from killing many, the effort was enough to deter further harassnt—for now.
Yet, it was clear the attacks would persist. These Iwa-nin had likely received orders from their superiors to disrupt the Konoha forces at any cost.
Seii used this ti to replenish his chakra and practice various techniques. The gains were minimal, but better than nothing.
---
Ti passed quickly.
By mid-morning, tension filled the air on both sides. Konoha prepared to support the general offensive, while Iwagakure seed poised for reinforcents.
Sensing the situation, Nara Shikaku adjusted their strategy. Instead of advancing, he ordered a tactical retreat to draw the enemy out of their defensive position.
The plan worked.
The Iwa-nin, desperate to prevent Seii's group from escaping, abandoned their fortified camp to give chase.
This reaction was unsurprising. Seii and his team's overnight rampage had angered Iwagakure's high command, prompting them to issue strict orders: stop Seii's unit at all costs.
Once the Iwa-nin left their camp, the battlefield evened out slightly, though it remained a daunting challenge.
The pursuing force numbered over 200, comprising mostly Chunin and Jonin, with only a third being Genin. This composition was far stronger than the forces encountered at previous camps.
The disparity arose because survivors from earlier battles had regrouped here, bolstered by reinforcents from nearby camps. The gathered force was both nurically and qualitatively superior to a typical third-line defense.
As such, even outside their camp, the Iwa-nin were formidable opponents.
Nara Shikaku had the Konoha forces halt, realign their formation, and brace for the enemy's attack.
The Iwa-nin wasted no ti. Once within range, they launched their offensive.
"Earth Release: Rock Bullet Technique!"
Dozens of Iwa-nin simultaneously perford hand seals, spitting thumb-sized pebbles that spun and expanded mid-air into fist-sized projectiles.
The rocks hurtled toward Seii's group.
In response, nearly a hundred Konoha ninjas unleashed a barrage of kunai, aiming for the enemy formation.
Despite the intensity, neither side panicked. These initial exchanges were ant to disrupt formations rather than inflict significant damage. The true battle would co in close combat.
"Charge!"
A deafening roar erupted from the Iwa-nin. Fueled by fury and desperation, they charged, and chaos consud the battlefield.
Clanging steel, deafening explosions, and anguished cries filled the air as the two sides clashed.
Amidst the turmoil, Seii found himself targeted by three Iwa-nin Jonin.
The ambush was no accident. The Iwa-nin clearly knew of his capabilities and had coordinated this assault in advance.
But Seii, dodging their strikes with practiced ease, smirked inwardly. *Three Tokubetsu Jonin against ? Laughable.*
Through careful probing, Seii confird that his attackers were not true Jonin but Tokubetsu Jonin—specialists with particular skills but lacking the overall prowess of a full Jonin.
Their strengths no longer mattered. Confident in his abilities, Seii prepared to turn the tables.
*Let them co,* he thought, his resolve firm.
(End of Chapter)
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