[NTU] [ARC-06-WAR] Chapter : 86 (Patreon)

The drizzle continued to fall as if a hole had opened in the sky, endless and unrelenting. Although it was not yet six in the evening, the dark clouds had already dimmed the light across the land. This was the border area between the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain, the front line of small-scale skirmishes between Konoha and Iwa Ninja. Here, ninjas from both sides were almost constantly engaged in combat.

The losers were either wiped out or flee in panic, while the victors fared a little better. Even if you gain the upper hand in a fight, your opponent’s desperate final attacks or bursts of energy could still cause you significant trouble.

In a dense forest filled with giant trees resembling open umbrellas, blocking most of the drizzle, a clearing lay littered with bodies and the aftermath of a recent battle. The leaf-patterned forehead protectors on the figures cleaning up the scene identified the winners as Konoha ninja.

A figure, squatting on the ground and covering a companion with green light, stood up. This man, around 170 centimeters tall, had long, loose hair tied into a neat ponytail. Rain-soaked bangs clung to his cheeks, giving him a messy and dirty appearance. His green vest fit him well, looking anything but bulky. If not for the cold expression on his face, his handsome features might have made him the dream lover for many girls.

“We've cleaned up enough. If we delay any longer, those Iwa ninjas will probably catch up like crazed dogs again!”

“Yes, Captain!”

Without hesitation, everyone—whether standing guard, cleaning up, or resting—immediately stood up and followed the captain deeper into the forest. They instinctively formed several teams: two scouts at the front, three at the rear, and six on the sides, all in groups of three to protect the wounded in the middle.

Leading this team was the fourteen-year-old Toshiro Uchiha. Nearly two years had passed since his last encounter with Orochimaru. During this time, he had been engaged in infiltration and counter-infiltration missions, constantly battling Iwa ninjas.

Sometimes he returned to camp to recuperate due to injuries or other reasons, but as soon as he recovered, another mission awaited him, keeping him and his team perpetually exhausted. His temperament had grown cold and unfeeling. In the past two years, not only had Iwa ninjas fallen by his hand, but his own comrades had also been killed by them. Though his strength had greatly increased, he was far from invincible. In this harsh land, he could only protect himself and do his best to safeguard most of his comrades. Yet, some young clan members inevitably lost their lives due to battlefield inexperience.

The companions he now led were all young Uchihas, around ten years old. Over time, new clan members were added to his team to fill vacancies. Currently, three of his team members are only eight years old. The oldest were himself, Kirishima, and Asuka. Together, they led five three-man teams, struggling to survive on this brutal battlefield.

After nearly an hour of traveling in the rain, they finally arrived near a cave before dark. Closing his eyes for a moment, Toshiro confirmed the cave was empty and felt relieved.

“It seems this stronghold hasn’t been discovered by the enemy yet.”

Even so, Toshiro did not act rashly. He sent a shadow clone into the cave to check. After seeing the safety signal from his clone, Toshiro finally relaxed. It seemed they could have a good rest tonight. Leading his team into the hidden and spacious cave, he quickly took out a seal scroll and set up natural gas heating equipment to warm his shivering comrades.

The shadow clone, instead of dispersing, took out another scroll from Toshiro’s belongings and began to draw. Soon, dozens of sparrows, moths, snakes, and rats emerged from the scroll, scattering outside the cave to serve as early warnings. These super beast imitations would alert them if anyone approached, ensuring they could sleep undisturbed. The shadow clone had to maintain the ninjutsu throughout the night; otherwise, the creations would be washed away by the rain.

Toshiro was extremely fortunate to have chosen this ninjutsu when he traded with Orochimaru. Though it didn’t enhance his combat abilities, it was invaluable for reconnaissance, warning, searching, and even escaping. Without this ninjutsu, he doubted he would have survived this long.

"You guys, go over and warm up first. I'll treat your wounds later!"

Several of the clansmen, weakened from long exposure to the rain and their injuries, were beginning to lose strength. Hearing Toshiro’s instructions, they brightened up and gathered around the heater to start a fire. The two eight-year-olds were the most seriously affected, their faces turning blue from the cold. Without proper rest, they could fall seriously ill by morning.

"Asuka, you prepare the food. I'll get some hot water ready. We can all wash up in a while."

"Got it, no problem." Uchiha Asuka responded without surprise, accustomed to Toshiro's routine of using natural gas for heating and preparing hot water. Even the dehydrated vegetables she handled were his provisions, something she had grown numb to.

Items like natural gas heating equipment and dehydrated vegetables were not uncommon among more resourceful ninja teams. However, preparing hot water for washing was a unique touch in their missions.

"Senpai, you have to treat Jigen and Nana with medical ninjutsu and maintain the shadow clones on watch duty at night. Can you really afford to use chakra like this?"

The uninjured eight-year-old from the recent fight asked in confusion. Despite Toshiro's reputation as a genius, the strain from fighting and the added tasks seemed excessive.

"Relax, Shisui. Worry more about your comrades than this freak. I've been teaming up with him for a long time, and he hardly ever exhausts his chakra." Asuka said with a smile, adding dehydrated vegetables, dried meat, and seasonings to a military pot.

"Is Toshiro-senpai really that strong? He’s amazing." Uchiha Shisui, only eight years old, looked at Toshiro with admiration.

In their brief interaction, Toshiro left a deep impression. He was not only powerful but skilled in almost all ninja aspects. While many ninjas dabble in various skills without mastering any, Toshiro excelled in everything he touched. His chakra reserves were particularly impressive.

While preparing hot water in the deepest part of the cave, Toshiro overheard the conversation between Asuka and Shisui but didn't react. Though he was surprised by Shisui joining his team, he didn’t pay it much mind. Shisui might become powerful in the future, but for now, he was just an eight-year-old kid.

Toshiro’s chakra reserves had significantly increased, partly due to his constant use of sage chakra to enhance his body. Since turning twelve, his chakra growth has astonished even him. He no longer needed to conserve chakra as strictly as before.

"Earth Release: Earth and Stone Wall," he performed the jutsu, creating a 2x2 meter stone wall about sixty to seventy centimeters high.

"Water Release: Water Bullet jutsu," he then filled the makeshift bath with water and heated it with his hands, soon creating a pool of hot water.

Toshiro’s efforts weren’t just for comfort. Constant high-risk missions had left his teammates tense and exhausted. He believed that providing small comforts, like a hot bath, could help them relax and maintain their morale.

Of course, he understood moderation. Such luxuries were reserved for safe locations. The water temperature was also kept moderate to avoid weakening his team if they needed to fight.

As for why he could use water and earth, ninjutsu? He had discovered, to his surprise, that he could smoothly utilize these two elements. Over time, he felt his control over fire, lightning, wind, water, and earth becoming increasingly adept. His affinity for all five chakra natures had greatly improved, enhancing the power and effectiveness of his jutsu.

Toshiro formed a seal again, controlling the water to create a ball with a diameter of less than a meter. Adding some toiletries he had prepared, he maneuvered the water ball to slowly rotate over his head, giving himself a quick rinse.

This jutsu, which he called the ‘Water Release Shampoo jutsu,’ was his way of staying clean during missions. After washing, he used his chakra to partially dry his clothes before sitting next to the fire to warm up.

"Having plenty of chakra sure is convenient!" Kirishima remarked enviously, watching Toshiro. Unlike Toshiro, they couldn't afford to use ninjutsu so freely. Even simple D-rank jutsu consumed their physical energy, making such usage impractical.

"Okay, enough talking. Kirishima, Asuka, take Nana and the others to wash up first. After dinner, I'll look at her injuries," Toshiro instructed. It was Nana's first time on such a dangerous mission behind enemy lines, and despite her battlefield experience, she had gotten injured.

"Alright, let's go. Ignore the guys for now," Asuka said, leading the girls to the washing area. She cast a warning glance at the boys, making it clear they were not to peek. Though the washing area was secluded, sounds still traveled.

With a sigh, Toshiro got up and led the boys out of the cave, giving the girls some privacy. Fortunately, the wash wouldn't take long—only about ten minutes.

'The dehydrated vegetables are not good, and the jerky is overcooked this time,' Toshiro thought as he ate, considering finding a new supply source. His thoughts were interrupted by Shisui's question.

"Toshiro-senpai, I heard that Kumogakure joined the war?" Shisui asked.

"Yes," Toshiro replied, noticing Shisui's deep interest in the war.

"I'm just concerned about the war and hope it ends soon," Shisui explained, lost in thought, even forgetting to eat.

The war between the Fire Country and the Earth Country had been ongoing for two years, with neither side able to claim victory. This stalemate had drawn the attention of other Shinobi villages. The Land of Lightning had recently entered the fray, and Toshiro knew that Kirigakure was also gathering intelligence in the area.

The Land of Lightning had strategically waited for nearly two years before making their move, landing forces using the Land of Frost and the Land of Birds to engage both Konoha and Iwa Ninja. The battlefield had become chaotic, with frequent three-way clashes between Konoha, Iwa Ninja, and Kumo Ninja.

"Don’t worry so much. Eat your food before it gets cold. These are not issues for a kid like you to fret over," Toshiro said, looking at the young Shisui, who was already thinking deeply about these matters, unlike his peers.

"Senpai, why do you think there is a war? Why do we keep fighting each other? Can't we live in peace?" Shisui asked earnestly.

"Um…" Toshiro hesitated, pondering how to answer the question.