The Uneasy Command Room
After Uchiha Mingjing, Inuzuka Rui, and Aburame Nami eliminated two Amegakure chūnin, they rejoined the battle.
It could be said that the strength of their team was outstanding on the battlefield.
Uchiha Mingjing's current strength was considered to be quite formidable, even among chūnin. Inuzuka Rui and Aburame Nami were not to be underestimated either. Together, they were more than a match for one or two chūnin. After joining forces, they took down another Amegakure chūnin.
As for what happened next, no further kills would be recorded.
It wasn't because they were incapable of fighting, but because their impressive performance had drawn the attention of other Amegakure chūnin. Three chūnin were assigned specifically to intercept them, preventing Mingjing and his team from continuing their momentum.
However, Mingjing wasn't in a rush. The current situation on the battlefield was in Konoha's favor.
Though a small portion of the supplies had been destroyed, they had successfully suppressed and isolated Yugakure, ensuring that no further attempts could be made to disrupt the supplies.
Takeda Hiroshi had noticed this development as well.
His strength was on par with Baiyun Tokishin's, but slightly superior. As a result, he could afford to focus on the broader situation. He realized that Yugakure's objectives were no longer achievable, and continuing the fight would only lead to unnecessary losses. After exchanging blows with Baiyun Tokishin, he quickly distanced himself.
"Amegakure ninja, retreat!" Takeda called out.
Without assigning a replacement, he began pulling back. He knew that Konoha's forces would not pursue them too far to protect the supplies. It didn't matter whether they stayed or not.
At this point, Mingjing and the others seized the opportunity to kill a genin during the retreat but were soon ordered by Shiroun Tokishin to halt the pursuit.
Their priority was to secure the supplies and deliver them to the front lines.
"Everyone, rest for twenty minutes, replenish your chakra, then check the supplies. We move out immediately after. Our position and the supplies are exposed, so we must leave as soon as possible!" Baiyun Tokishin said, maintaining his calm demeanor while issuing clear, decisive orders.
During this brief respite, Mingjing asked Aburame Nami to examine some of the Amegakure ninja corpses on the ground using parasitic insects. Once it was confirmed that they were safe, Mingjing scoured a few more corpses.
Unfortunately, these Amegakure ninja were poorly equipped, and the trio couldn't gain much from the bodies.
Though their progress had stalled, it seemed that Baiyun Tokishin's decisive relocation helped avoid any further ambushes. Konoha's logistics team was able to move most of the remaining supplies without encountering enemy resistance and delivered them to the front lines.
Konoha's camp in the Land of Rain was located entirely within the country's borders.
The air here was more humid, and the sky was perpetually overcast, with raindrops constantly falling. To aid with drainage, the camp was situated on flat land at a slightly higher elevation, with a slope nearby and a small river at its base. Even in the heaviest rainfall, the water was able to drain effectively.
The elevated terrain also made the camp more defensible.
"Phew, I'm exhausted. Finally, a chance to rest." Inuzuka Rui sighed as he collapsed onto the mat inside their tent, while Tetsumaru shook himself off at the door, trying to get rid of the moisture in his fur.
"I just spoke with the Jonin handling the logistics. Mr. Dan is out on a mission and won't be back for a few days. Looks like we won't see him again for a while," Mingjing said, tossing some damp firewood onto the ground. He planned to use Fire Release to dry it out and start a fire—not only to warm up but to boil some water and cook something to eat.
"We're only staying here for one night, so we probably won't see Mr. Dan or the others," Aburame Nami added, adjusting her sunglasses.
Her cloak seemed to be entirely waterproof, unlike Mingjing and Inuzuka, who were drenched through. Nami didn't seem affected at all.
While speaking, Mingjing began setting up the fire.
"Forget it, let's just make something hot to eat. I've been living off Bingliang Pills for the past two days, and my tongue is practically numb," Mingjing complained.
Though Bingliang Pills helped replenish chakra and provided satiety, their taste left much to be desired.
"Eh? But... it seems we don't have anything to cook with?" Inuzuka Rui pointed out.
Mingjing pulled out a can of beef and a bundle of wild vegetable roots from his supplies.
"Well, I brought some food along just in case. I learned to identify these wild vegetables at the ninja academy. I picked a few on the way, and I brought this canned food along too. Add some water, and it won't taste bad."
"Great!" Inuzuka Rui beamed with joy as Tetsumaru eagerly trotted over, wagging his tail and eyeing the can of beef in Mingjing's hand.
Once the firewood was sufficiently dry, Mingjing used Fire Release to conjure a small flame and set the beef can on a stone shelf he'd set up.
"Ah, I miscalculated. I forgot to bring a pot. This isn't very convenient. I'll just cook the meat while boiling the wild vegetables and eat them as they're ready."
Mingjing sighed, then grabbed a few wooden sticks and quickly fashioned skewers with his wakizashi. He tossed the wild vegetables into the can and took them out once they were cooked.
As the broth bubbled, some white foam rose to the surface, and Mingjing scooped out the meat and vegetables, putting them in his mouth.
It was a simple pleasure to eat a hot meal on such a rainy day.
The canned food, preserved to last as long as possible, was packed with salt and butter, which helped give it a decent flavor, even without any additional seasoning.
Although the food was limited, it was enough to satisfy the three of them and Tetsumaru.
The first meal at Konoha's front camp in the Land of Rain was simple but comforting.
Meanwhile, in the high-level command room at Konoha's front camp, things were far from peaceful.
"Master Yan, the supplies that have just been delivered have been counted," a ninja reported to Mizutomon Yan, who sat in the main seat.
"I know. Let's distribute these supplies as soon as possible along with the previous stock," Mizutomon Yan replied, rubbing his forehead in frustration.
After the ninja departed, only four people remained in the command room.
Mitomon En, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.
These four held the highest positions and the greatest strength within the camp.