Chapter 195: Fortress

Before dawn broke in full, Hitsugaya reunited with his companions.

Handing over the detonating tags obtained from this trade to Uchiha Asahi, Hitsugaya then looked towards Inari. The latter understood his intent, immediately bit his finger, and performed the summoning technique, bringing forth a contract-bound ninja cat.

"Yoko, is everything ready at Cat Granny's place?"

Holding his summoning beast in his arms and giving it a good rub, Uchiha Inari finally asked.

"Of course, it's ready, meow! As long as you pay, the transaction can proceed immediately!"

Seeing the white-furred cat enjoying itself in Uchiha Inari's embrace, Hitsugaya couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache upon hearing the mention of payment. Their mission had genuinely cost them a fortune this time. Without this transaction, given their team's capability, not to mention completing the task, the likelihood of anyone besides him making it back to the camp alive was slim!

"This is the agreed amount, and these are some materials we've collected, please hand them over to Cat Granny."

Handing over the prepared money and another sealing scroll to the white cat, Hitsugaya inwardly winced. Inside the scroll were iron materials they had collected after various battles—paying in kind at Cat Granny's to offset some costs.

"The amount is correct, and I've received the items, meow! In a while, have Inari summon my sister, she'll bring the goods!"

"Alright! Thank you!"

"Goodbye!"

With a nod to Uchiha Inari, the summoned white cat turned into a puff of smoke and returned to the void, taking with it the iron materials and most of the remaining transaction money. Hitsugaya, now empty-pocketed, felt deep heartache.

The arms trade was scorching hot; for instance, detonating tags that used to cost one or two thousand ryo now soared to six thousand ryo apiece. Shuriken, kunai, ninja swords, and any war-related items had their prices multiply several times over. Sometimes, he couldn't help but wonder, why be a ninja? Wouldn't doing arms business like Cat Granny be better?

But reality didn't allow him that luxury. Most frustrating of all, Cat Granny refused to allow credit, insisting on cash transactions, otherwise no delivery. The reason was strong— if he died, whom would she collect from? He couldn't argue against that.

You had to buy, otherwise, in a few battles, your ninja tools and detonation tags would be consumed, let alone other gear. The cost was alarming. For instance, the 600 detonating tags split among them resulted in only 40 per person and including collected and village-issued, barely 60 per person. The 600 tags cost him 3.6 million ryo, plus other tools and medical supplies, leaving little profit post-mission.

Most of their earnings went into the arms dealers' pockets! Village supplies once in a while, a dozen or so tags, and some military rations were insufficient, especially in prolonged behind-enemy-lines operations. But with enough money, Cat Granny's deliveries were prompt.

"Let's go!"

Distributing the supplies, Hitsugaya led his clan members into the surrounding bushes, heading towards their mission target.

...

A day later.

In an open plain in the Country of Grass stood a yellowish-brown earthen fortress, contrasting sharply with the surrounding green grasslands. This was an outpost built by Iwa-nin for their scouting teams to facilitate reconnaissance missions. Additionally, it was a critical node supporting the main Iwa-nin camp, aiding command in monitoring Konoha's movements.

"Is our mission target this fortress?"

Five or six kilometers from the fortress, a dozen figures lay concealed in thick grass, observing their target with binoculars. Even from a distance, they were cautious to avoid detection by the enemy watchmen.

Iwa-nin's strategies were frustratingly tough. For instance, this fortress was solidly built with their earth-release jutsu, making it impenetrable. Konoha ninjas facing such strongholds often felt all their efforts were futile.

"No wonder you bought so many detonating tags this time. Without them, completing this mission would have been nearly impossible for us!"

Uchiha Tetsu said seriously, observing the building. Years of battlefield experience had transformed the once reckless boy into a cautious fighter, avoiding rash actions after having been in dire situations multiple times.

"Even with these measures, Hitsugaya, how confident are you?"

"Confidence? I'm not sure, we'll have to see."

If it were the old Uchiha Tetsu, he wouldn't have asked such a question. Instead, he'd excitedly ask, 'When do we attack?' Now, every team member wore a serious expression, focusing on the distant building.

"Inari! You and Tetsu find a foothold first and scout the area. Be careful not to leave any traces."

Though he was the team leader, Hitsugaya didn't need to handle everything personally. Otherwise, why have a team? He casually instructed Inari and Tetsu while internally planning the task's completion.

End of Chapter