Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 195: Rewards for Chaos

A four-man Sand Ninja patrol moved swiftly through the sandstorm.

Beneath the swirling sands, threads of faint blue chakra lines extended from their fingers, sinking into the sands below.

The group advanced rapidly, covering a limited route. Upon reaching a specific coordinate, they would return to the starting point, moving back and forth between two locations.

Their path was divided into four segments, each member responsible for laying down a portion of the chakra threads.

While some focused on spreading the threads, others rested and restored their chakra. This rotation created a sustainable and efficient system.

This was just a snapshot of Sunagakure's defense system. Along the entirety of the Wind Country's border, similar tactics were being employed.

Furthermore, at regular intervals, these patrol squads reported back to the nearby Sunagakure base camp. If a report was missed, elite reinforcements would be dispatched immediately.

Crossing the Wind Country's heavily fortified border without alerting the enemy was no small feat.

Fortunately, what was hidden to most eyes could not escape the gaze of the Byakugan.

With Hyūga Hizashi using his Byakugan to track patrol patterns and intervals, Tonari's team could pinpoint gaps in the patrol schedule and cross the border undetected.

They were also careful to avoid the most heavily guarded areas, even if it meant taking longer routes.

Meanwhile, to support Tonari's team, Orochimaru had assigned several squads to create diversions along the border, drawing Sunagakure's attention elsewhere.

---

Successful Infiltration

Tonari's team successfully infiltrated the Wind Country.

Navigating the endless deserts, where every direction looked the same, was challenging.

"Hizashi, I'm afraid you'll have to take on an even heavier burden. Your Byakugan is indispensable for this mission," Tonari said apologetically.

Though the Byakugan didn't share the mythical status of the Sharingan or Rinnegan, its utility in field operations was unmatched.

"It's no trouble at all," Hizashi replied calmly.

Veins bulged around his temples as he activated his Byakugan, scanning the surrounding terrain.

Satisfied, Tonari nodded and began forming hand seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Poof!

A dense cloud of smoke erupted, and countless snakes of varying sizes slithered forth, dispersing rapidly across the desert.

"Sunagakure ninjas conduct periodic sweeps even within their borders. We have three days to locate their supply lines. Once we identify the target, we strike swiftly and retreat immediately. Prolonged engagement will only increase the risk," Tonari instructed.

"Yes!"

The three figures vanished into the sands.

---

Sunagakure Camp

Inside Sunagakure's command tent, an elderly man with a head wrapped in white cloth and an air of authority sat in deep thought.

"I suspect Konoha ninjas have infiltrated our rear lines to sabotage our supply routes," the elder declared.

This was Ebizō, known as the wisest strategist in Sunagakure and the younger brother of Chiyo. Many of Sunagakure's key strategies came from him.

Chiyo's expression grew serious. She knew her brother's insight was rarely wrong.

"Ebizō-sama, what evidence do you have?"

Across from Ebizō sat Rasa, the rising star of Sunagakure and leader of the Magnet Release clan. Despite his recent loss to Tonari, Rasa's reputation remained intact due to the council's explanations that Tonari's victory had relied on the weather.

Ebizō adjusted his long white eyebrows with a confident smile.

"If we've thought of attacking Konoha's supply lines, it stands to reason they've thought of doing the same. And they have even more reason to act urgently."

Ebizō elaborated: "Recently, Iwagakure and Kumogakure launched simultaneous attacks on Konoha. While Konoha was somewhat prepared, they are now facing three major villages at once.

"Konoha's best move in this situation would be to stall. But even with their abundant resources, they can't sustain a prolonged war against three villages.

"So, their best course of action would be to disrupt our supply lines. Also, haven't there been frequent reports of Konoha ninjas harassing our border recently?

"We initially thought it was desperation. But looking closer, it's likely a distraction to cover for an infiltration team.

"I'm 80% certain they're already behind our lines, targeting our supply routes."

Rasa's eyes narrowed. The logic was sound, and from Konoha's perspective, this strategy made sense.

"If that's the case, whoever took this mission must be highly skilled. We should prepare a trap to ensure they don't return alive!"

Unconsciously, Rasa thought of Tonari's smirking face.

He stood abruptly. "If the battle will take place in the desert, then let me handle this!"

Chiyo and Ebizō exchanged glances before nodding. Rasa was the most suitable candidate for such an operation.

However, Chiyo suggested one additional precaution.

"Bring him out."

Her words startled both Rasa and Ebizō.

"Are you certain?" Ebizō asked cautiously.

Chiyo nodded firmly. "We can't afford to take risks. If we want to topple Konoha, we must give them no chance to recover. Their resilience is legendary."

After a moment's hesitation, Ebizō agreed. "Very well."

---

Three Days Later

Three days passed as Tonari's team worked tirelessly.

Finally, they located Sunagakure's supply route and identified a critical chokepoint—a lush oasis.

Destroying this oasis and the supplies stored there would set Sunagakure's logistics back by months, giving Konoha much-needed breathing room.

However, the increased patrols suggested that Sunagakure had grown aware of their presence.

"We must act now. The longer we wait, the better prepared they'll be," Tonari said gravely.

"I agree," Uchiha Fugaku replied. "If we delay any longer, we'll lose the element of surprise."

"I'll start the preparations. We can't let them trap us," Tonari said, forming hand seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

A small green snake with a bell around its neck appeared.

"What now?" the snake asked impatiently.

Tonari handed it a scroll. "Deliver this to Orochimaru-sensei."

Grumbling, the snake swallowed the scroll and vanished.

With preparations made, Tonari turned to Fugaku.

"You're skilled with Fire Release, right?"

"Yes," Fugaku replied, unsure of Tonari's intent.

Tonari's grin widened. "Can you burn down the entire oasis?"

Fugaku's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious."

Taking a deep breath, Fugaku formed seals. "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"

A torrent of flames erupted from Fugaku's mouth, spreading out in a massive arc. The sheer scale of the inferno stunned both Tonari and Hizashi.

"Impressive," Hizashi murmured.

As the flames roared toward the oasis, Sunagakure ninjas scrambled to respond.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" dozens of voices shouted in unison, countering the fire with powerful gusts.

Tonari chuckled. "Looks like we'll need a bit more fuel."

Blue chakra surged around him, coalescing into visible waves.

"Cat Style: Wildfire Incineration!"

With that, the real battle began.

(End of Chapter)

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