Chapter 110: Big Trouble!

Chapter 110: Big Trouble!

"What's the current situation at the third outpost?" Tsunade asked with urgency.

"Lady Tsunade, the Sand Village has completely surrounded the outpost. Our intelligence personnel can't get close. The only thing we're certain of is that the ninja trapped in the outpost are still holding on. The Sand ninja haven't managed to breach their defenses yet." A plainly dressed man knelt before her, delivering the grim report.

"What about the situation in the Land of Rain? Has Hanzo made any moves?" Tsunade pressed further.

"We tried contacting Hanzo, the Salamander, but it seems he's occupied with other matters and can't spare the effort," the informant replied.

Tsunade furrowed her brow. Was Hanzo genuinely preoccupied, or was he choosing to turn a blind eye? Or was there another agenda at play?

Didn't he realize that from the end of the Second Great Ninja War, the Land of Rain was effectively tied to Konoha's fate? If Konoha fell back, the first casualty would undoubtedly be the Land of Rain.

Hanzo wasn't so foolish as to miss this point—so why the inaction?

---

"What about Jiraiya? According to reports, he should be in the Land of Rain. If we had his assistance, our odds of success would increase significantly," Tonari spoke up from behind Tsunade.

The intelligence officer, without glancing up, responded respectfully, "Lord Jiraiya's whereabouts are not within our monitoring scope. Other than occasional sightings in local marketplaces, he's virtually untraceable. If he doesn't wish to be found, our resources aren't enough to locate him. Additionally, due to the Sand Village's secrecy regarding this operation, the situation at the third outpost hasn't leaked beyond the Sand, Konoha, and Rain Villages."

Tonari sighed inwardly. Jiraiya was notoriously elusive. If he didn't want to be found, the intelligence team stood no chance. Worse, given his limited access to information, Jiraiya might not even know what was happening.

"I've already sent word to him," Tsunade interjected. "But I don't know when he'll receive it. Time is tight, and the comrades at the third outpost can't wait. Hand me the local maps and leave the rest to us."

"Yes, ma'am!" The intelligence officer handed Tsunade a stack of documents before departing quickly.

---

Mugime Kodachi, who had been listening silently, finally spoke. "Tsunade, I understand your concern, but you need to stay level-headed. These children are relying on you to lead them. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment."

As one of Tsunade's peers, Kodachi was perhaps the only one who could admonish her this directly. Hiruzen Sarutobi had likely chosen him as vice-captain for this very reason.

Tsunade exhaled deeply, visibly calming herself. "You're right, Kodachi. Thank you."

Tonari, observing her demeanor, couldn't help but wonder: Why is Tsunade so agitated? She's been on countless S-rank missions. Even with the 'Puppet Scroll' at stake, it doesn't explain this level of anxiety.

---

"Rest here for an hour and recover your strength," Tsunade commanded. "Afterward, we'll attempt our first infiltration."

With that, she leaned against a tree, closing her eyes to conserve energy. Kodachi and the others also prepared to rest. Only Uchiha Yoshinari and Nara Yoshino stayed back, staring pointedly at Tonari with expressions that practically screamed: Hurry up already!

---

Tonari sighed. "Fine. Just this once." He rummaged through his bag, producing several earthy-yellow pills. He handed two to Yoshinari and Yoshino before distributing the rest to Mugime Kodachi, Minato, and their group.

"This is my custom-made ration pill," Tonari explained. "It's far more effective than standard ones, though the taste leaves much to be desired. Still, it'll help you maintain peak condition."

The team's eyes lit up. Something like this could be a game-changer in life-or-death battles. They accepted the pills without hesitation.

Tonari then approached Tsunade with the final pill. "Here, Tsunade-nee."

Tsunade opened one eye, gazing at Tonari's earnest expression.

"Tsunade-nee, are you... okay? You've been unusually emotional today. Is something bothering you, or—wait—did your 'visitor' arrive?!"

Tonari froze mid-sentence, a cold shiver running down his spine. That could explain everything... right?

"Why you—!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said that!" Tonari stammered, scrambling backward. "I'll just—uh—stop breathing now! Don't waste your air on me!"

Tsunade's forehead vein twitched. For a moment, she sat frozen, hand extended to take the pill. Then, something inside her snapped.

---

With a resounding THUD, Tonari found himself embedded in a nearby tree, leaving a perfect impression of his body on the trunk.

He blinked, dazed. One moment, he'd been standing, and the next... he was a wall ornament.

"Get over here!" Tsunade barked.

Tonari pried himself from the tree and shuffled back, handing her the pill like a scolded puppy.

Tsunade popped the pill into her mouth, chewing it with unnecessary force. Her expression softened slightly. She knew Tonari was just trying to lighten the mood.

"Thank you, Tonari."

The boy scratched his head awkwardly. After a moment's hesitation, he finally asked, "Tsunade-nee, what's really bothering you? You've always prided yourself on staying calm under pressure."

Tsunade let out a deep sigh. "There's someone very important to me trapped at the third outpost."

Tonari's eyes widened. "!!"

His gaze instinctively dropped to her chest—specifically, the absence of her necklace.

---

Suddenly, everything clicked. His heart sank as realization dawned.

Oh no. We're in big trouble.

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(Chapter End)

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