Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 56: The Wandering Ninja

"The condition of the main camp directly impacts the morale of the army. If it's destroyed, not only will Iwashi lose his life, but we might also get caught in the blast and won't escape unscathed. The plan isn't perfect, so Guy, make sure to listen to Iwashi and my shadow clones for guidance. Kurenai and I will adapt as needed."

"We'll move as two teams, progressing parallel toward the main tent to rescue Raido first. After that, we retreat immediately. We might get split up or face ambushes, so everyone stay alert and prioritize safety."

"But… are we only going in to save Raido? Isn't the camp's destruction a bigger issue?" Kurenai asked softly, her voice hesitant but filled with doubt.

"Maybe Genma thinks that since there are already explosive tags underground, entering might provoke an attack from below. Even if we defeat those on the surface, the enemy underground could still detonate the tags. And if the soldiers see the camp destroyed, even as a coincidence, their morale could plummet," Iwashi said, his expression serious as he stroked his chin.

Although he didn't spell it out, Kurenai understood that the camp's destruction was unavoidable. Watching the group fall into silent contemplation while the clashing of blades and cries of battle echoed around them, Guy finally broke the tense silence.

"Uh… so, we're just going in to save Raido, right? Shouldn't we hurry up?" he asked impatiently.

"Guy's right," Genma said firmly. "Raido is injured. Whatever else happens, he must be our first priority. As for everything else, we'll do what we can."

Genma's decisive tone and the chaos surrounding them weighed heavily on the group. Yet, his determination to push forward was clear.

Kurenai felt her chest tighten as she caught the glint of resolve in Genma's eyes. After a moment, she nodded. "I understand."

The rest of the group, drawn by Genma's conviction, fixed their attention on him.

"Move out!" Genma commanded.

The two teams formed a swastika formation and moved together toward the camp, progressing steadily yet quickly.

A sudden explosion boomed behind them, sending vibrations through the air. Though the blast didn't physically harm them, the sound heightened their tension. The enemy had clearly missed their mark but used the explosion as a scare tactic, hoping to rattle the young shinobi into faltering.

But the group pressed on, their resolve intact. They were well aware that they were treading a dangerous path. Genma and Iwashi worked together to lay groundwork with their Earth Release techniques.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!" they called out simultaneously.

The two shinobi erected a layer of earth that paved a stable path for their teams. Unlike the usual single-wall formation, these earth walls extended horizontally, creating a broad, solid platform.

"These brats aren't half bad," muttered one of the enemy ninja underground.

"Don't sweat it. They can't have enough chakra to keep this up for long. At most, they'll manage four or five uses before they're drained. Let them waste their efforts," another ninja scoffed.

The group halted as Genma signaled Iwashi to stop casting. His clones began to devise the next steps, quickly strategizing their movements.

"Iwashi, can you extend your Earth Flow Wave further and deeper?" Genma asked.

"Yeah, I can do that. Should I start now?"

"Yes. Cast it in front of us so I can assess the situation."

Iwashi formed a series of hand seals, and a long, narrow path of sand and earth stretched out before them.

Earth Release techniques proved invaluable in filtering out explosive tags, as chakra infused into the earth could manipulate soil composition without disturbing hidden tags. Genma's clones followed up with Earth Release: Earth Spears, using the altered terrain as a foundation to create a durable road.

"Let's keep moving!" Genma ordered.

As the group advanced along the makeshift path, Genma strategically dismissed two of his clones to conserve chakra while leaving two others to act as a vanguard and rear guard. Their pace quickened as they neared the main tent, tension building with each step.

The enemy ninja underground, observing their progress, began to feel uneasy.

"Damn, they're covering the ground with sand and hard earth. Even if we detonate the tags, the shock won't penetrate deeply enough to destroy the path. These kids are sharper than I thought. Hey, Grayrock, how's it going up top? Is that kid dealt with yet?" the larger ninja growled.

"Not yet," came a nervous reply. "That brat's swordsmanship is trickier than we thought. Carbon Gate can't seem to pin him down."

The larger ninja scowled and barked, "Then get up there and finish the job! If you don't, I'll blow the whole camp sky-high and leave you behind!"

Grayrock hesitated, his face pale. The prospect of heading to the surface was akin to a death sentence, given how close the Leaf shinobi were to reaching the main tent. However, the alternative was equally grim.

Flowing rogue ninja lived by one rule: survival at any cost. For Grayrock, the stakes were higher than most. He had someone waiting for him—a simple woman he had met during his travels, who now carried his child. The thought of losing them gave him the strength to act.

But before Grayrock could move, the larger ninja seized him by the throat. "You're useless! If you can't follow orders, I'll kill you and finish the job myself!"

Grayrock's vision blurred as the grip tightened, cutting off his air. His struggles grew weaker until he slumped, seemingly lifeless.

"Pathetic waste of time," the larger ninja spat, throwing Grayrock's limp body aside.

A sharp glint flashed through the air, followed by the sickening sound of steel piercing flesh. The larger ninja froze, looking down at the weapon protruding from his chest. His hands trembled as he touched the warm blood pooling beneath his armor.

"You thought I'd die so easily?" Grayrock sneered, his face twisted in a mixture of triumph and madness.

The larger ninja collapsed as Grayrock pulled the blade free, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"I may be a failure," Grayrock muttered, "but even failures have their own way of surviving. You tried to kill me… so don't blame me for doing the same."

As the body hit the ground, Grayrock wiped the blood from his weapon and looked toward the Leaf shinobi advancing on the camp. His thoughts turned to the woman and child waiting for him. For their sake, he would survive this day—no matter the cost.

End of chapter 56