Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 57: The Collapse of the Main Camp

By the time Genma and the others reached the main camp, it was still shaking, though the tremors had lessened.

Genma had been thinking of countermeasures while running, so the moment they arrived, he signaled the group to surround the camp.

Following the cues from his shadow clones, Iwashi quickly formed hand seals and slammed his palm onto the ground.

"Earth Release: Earth Flow Wave!"

The main tent suddenly began to collapse.

"Wahhh!" x2

Two screams echoed from inside—one younger and more frantic, the other deeper and more enraged. Moments later, the tent was ripped open, revealing a flood of sand.

Everyone tensed. Raido stood there with one arm limp, a blade gripped in his other hand, his lower body buried in the sand.

Across from him was a burly, dark-skinned ninja with rage burning in his eyes, also trapped waist-deep in the shifting earth.

Just as the burly ninja attempted to form hand seals to counterattack, his eyes suddenly lost focus, his face going blank as if his soul had been snatched away.

It was Kurenai's genjutsu.

Tears welled up in Raido's eyes as he struggled to raise a thumb toward Kurenai. "I thought I was done for… I can't believe you all actually came to save me!"

"Ahem… You held your own, Raido. To last this long against this guy is impressive."

Genma spoke as he launched two kunai—one aimed at the enemy's forehead, the other at his heart.

"Thud!"

The kunai struck true. Blood trickled from the man's mouth as his body slumped forward.

Guy dashed to Raido's side, extending his hand. "As expected of a man as hardworking as myself! You endured! You're amazing!"

His grin gleamed in the fading sunlight, his teeth flashing brightly. Raido, however, only scowled. "Yeah, well… This guy was too heavy and slow. His shuriken were shorter than my sword, so I managed to hold out. Also… I think he had a sick habit of toying with his victims, which is probably why I'm still alive."

The group's mood lightened a little, but Genma remained cautious, his eyes scanning their surroundings for an escape route.

Suddenly, a series of explosions erupted around them.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Genma's pupils shrank.

"Everyone, gather around me! Iwashi, prepare to raise the ground with me!"

"Got it!"

The moment Guy, Raido, Kurenai, and Iwashi reached his side, Genma had already formed seals and pressed his hand to the ground.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

"Phew… Iwashi, your turn!"

As soon as Genma finished, Iwashi followed suit, slamming his palm onto Genma's earth wall.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

With two thick layers of earth beneath them, they were lifted high above the explosions, avoiding any direct damage.

With a brief moment of reprieve, Genma pulled out a telescope to scan the battlefield.

The destruction of the main camp meant their stronghold had been compromised. While the loss of tents was insignificant, the potential loss of food supplies could spell disaster.

As expected, the banners of their allied forces began retreating slightly.

However, Genma didn't believe the battle was lost yet—both Yuji and Nomura had successfully slain two enemy ninja.

Despite being wounded, their commanders were still operational, giving orders.

Even with their home base in ruins, a leader who could rally his forces with conviction could turn the tide. A last stand could forge desperate soldiers into fearless warriors.

Genma shifted his gaze, spotting the royal strategist, Chushi. His usually pristine purple robes were tattered, and soot stained his pale face. Yet, despite his disheveled appearance, he raised his sword high, his expression resolute.

The battlefield erupted with a thunderous chant.

"Protect our home! Protect our home! Protect our home!"

The roar echoed across the war-torn plains.

With a decisive gesture from Chushi, Iwajima, the burly commander, brandished his massive blade and led the charge.

Just as Genma felt his blood begin to boil with excitement, an all-too-familiar voice snapped him out of it.

"Cough! Cough! Genma! The smoke is getting worse—what do we do?"

"—Gah! Cough! Cough!" Genma recoiled, nearly dropping his telescope as thick, acrid smoke flooded his lungs.

He hurriedly packed the telescope away, his eyes darting around. Kurenai, Guy, and Iwashi had already crouched down, covering their mouths with their hands.

Seeing Genma struggle, Raido sidled up to him, grumbling through a cough. "Pfft… And here I thought you had some magic trick to avoid the smoke."

Genma's expression darkened. He had been too absorbed in the battle, breathing steadily. Though he had smelled the smoke, he hadn't realized how rapidly it had thickened.

Even Raido's face was already smeared with soot.

"Cough! Anyone know Water Release?"

Genma's gaze swept over the group. The only response was a collective shake of heads.

With no alternative, he pulled out a scroll, summoning a large water pouch, a bowl, and several white cloths.

"Here. Soak the cloth in water and cover your nose and mouth. It'll help for now while I figure something out."

As they soaked and tied the cloths around their faces, Genma racked his brain.

Without Water Release, they had no way to douse the flames. Fire techniques would only worsen the smoke, and even Earth Release could only redirect it at best.

He needed a way to funnel the smoke away.

An idea formed.

Genma created four shadow clones.

"Earth Release: Earth Spears!" x4

Four towering stone pillars emerged—hollow in the center.

"Everyone, help me move these!"

Genma hoisted one onto his shoulder.

Raido frowned. "Wait… That's your big idea? These are just empty pillars!"

Genma flicked him on the forehead. "Shut it. If you've got a better idea, say it. Otherwise, get to work."

Muttering under his breath, Raido grabbed a pillar and followed suit.

The group arranged the pillars around their elevated earth platform, forming a crude funnel.

Genma's clones immediately began shaping the next set of pillars, slightly shorter and capped at both ends.

This time, it was Iwashi who examined the design. "You're building a barrier?"

Before Genma could answer, a gust of black smoke seeped through the gaps between the first pillars, making Iwashi cough.

"Yes. The first layer splits the smoke into sections, but it'll still drift inward. We need to enclose ourselves."

"Will that really work?" Iwashi asked doubtfully.

Raido, for once, defended Genma. "It's better than nothing. Even if it only buys us time, we don't have a choice."

With newfound determination, the group hurried to stack the second layer.

Minutes later, they had erected towering stone walls. Though some smoke still filtered through, the worst had been contained.

But Genma wasn't satisfied. He dismissed his clones and formed new hand seals.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

Thick walls rose around them, sealing them inside.

"Phew! Genma, you're a genius!"

Raido ripped off his damp cloth, breathing deeply.

Seeing him relax, the others followed suit, slumping against the ground.

But Genma remained on edge. He silently sipped some water and nibbled on dried rations.

This solution wouldn't last forever. If the smoke continued to thicken, they'd be trapped.

For now, though, he said nothing.

It was better to let them rest while they could.

As time passed, the smoke began pooling at the top of their enclosure before slowly drifting down.

Raido's eyes widened in horror. "Uh… Genma? Got any more tricks?"

Genma smirked, adjusting his cloth mask.

"Yeah. Try putting your wet cloth back on."

Raido: "…"

End of Chapter 57