Chapter 56: Wilderness Survival

Ding-ling-ling.

As the bell echoed through the hall, Iruka entered the classroom and announced, "Today, Ninja School will be organizing a wilderness survival training!"

"Wilderness survival...?" Shinji, lost in thought, frowned at the unexpected news.

From the podium, Iruka noticed the attentive silence among the students and continued, "This survival training will take place in the Death Forest near the village. You'll be accompanied by teachers the entire time, so there's no need to worry too much."

A student promptly raised their hand and asked, "Teacher Iruka, can we bring food?"

"Yes," Iruka nodded.

"And can we bring barbecue grills?"

"Are pets allowed?"

"I want to wear new clothes!"

The questions quickly turned the audience lively.

With teachers present for safety, most students began to view this survival training as more of a wilderness camping trip.

Iruka rubbed his forehead and knocked on the table to regain attention, "Other classes will be participating this time. There will be competitive events, and the losers will face penalties!"

Tenten grinned, "Teacher Iruka, do you think our class will lose?" She glanced teasingly at Shinji and Neji.

Iruka shook his head, "The outdoor environment is vastly different from what you're used to. If you approach this survival training casually, you'll definitely struggle! Alright, class dismissed. Prepare yourselves and gather at school by noon!"

Students rushed out of the classroom.

Shinji returned to his apartment and inventoried his ninja tools. Despite the seemingly mundane nature of the training, he couldn't shake the feeling that something about this outdoor survival exercise was off. Sticking to his principle of readiness, he meticulously prepared various ninja tools.

Simultaneously, he strategized on how to retrieve all the Sharingan from Danzo's possession. As his understanding of the 'Susanoo's Lantern' deepened, he had a growing suspicion that if his Mangekyō Sharingan could evolve into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan successfully, the power of the 'Susanoo's Lantern' might also amplify.

"How can I divert Danzo's attention away from the Sharingan and onto something else? What does Danzo desire most right now?"

The answer seemed straightforward.

Danzo likely coveted Sasuke the most, bringing the focus back to the Sharingan.

Shinji stroked his chin thoughtfully.

From Danzo's clandestine study of Uchiha clan forbidden techniques to his extensive body modifications and the transplantation of numerous Sharingan, Danzo's obsession with the Sharingan surpassed all others. Diverting his attention from it now would prove challenging.

"Should I attempt another direct approach?"

He quickly dismissed the idea.

Reflecting on the events of the original timeline, during Sasuke's confrontation with Danzo, armed with his awakened Mangekyō Sharingan and under Obito's threat, Danzo had demonstrated formidable strength. Without Obito's intervention, Sasuke might not have emerged victorious.

Considering this, Shinji acknowledged his current inability to match Sasuke's prowess. Moreover, within Danzo's Root base, Danzo wasn't alone. Apart from his subordinates, other village factions would support him if things escalated.

This was a matter of risk and consequence.

If Shinji persisted in confronting Danzo head-on, the outcome would undoubtedly be unfavorable.

Suppressing his restlessness, Shinji forced himself to calm down.

If possible, he'd exert every effort to seize what he sought. However, if success proved clearly unattainable, he wouldn't act foolishly.

At noon, the two classes assembled at Ninja School and departed for the Death Forest for their outdoor survival training.

Shinji glanced over the group and noticed that aside from his class, Sasuke and Naruto's class also participated—a surprise, considering Naruto had just been discharged from the hospital after recovering from injury.

"Why are only our two classes participating?" Shinji sensed something amiss.

Perhaps due to the previous day's schoolyard scuffle, many students from both classes were acquainted. They chatted and laughed along the journey, not taking the survival training seriously.

Some even shared snacks, treating it like a group outing.

Under the guidance of Iruka and Mizuki, everyone entered the Death Forest.

"Wow!"

"Look at that huge tree!"

"I think I saw a snake over there."

Excited exclamations filled the air as many students encountered the Death Forest for the first time.

Shinji, having previously ventured here incognito, felt detached from the awe.

Sasuke, initially surprised, swiftly masked his reaction upon seeing Shinji's composed demeanor.

Neji activated his Byakugan, scanning the surroundings.

After covering a kilometer or two, Iruka announced, "Alright, let's set up camp here!"

Instantly, everyone got to work.

Some pitched tents, others assembled barbecue grills, and a few scoured the area for firewood.

While directing the tasks, Iruka reminded loudly, "Stay close and don't wander off into the forest alone!"

"Got it!" Everyone responded in unison.

Shinji approached Neji, asking quietly, "Any observations?"

Taken aback by Shinji's initiative, Neji hesitated momentarily before shaking his head, "It seems the wildlife is steering clear due to our numbers."

"Stay vigilant," Shinji cautioned.

Neji, puzzled by Shinji's caution despite teacher supervision, nodded, "Understood."

Sasuke, observing Shinji and Neji converse, feigned disinterest but subtly leaned in to eavesdrop.

Haku and Karin capitalized on the opportunity to work together, setting up their tent.

Naruto, Kiba, and Lee noisily gathered firewood.

Shikamaru and Choji coordinated on the barbecue setup.

Sakura, Hinata, and Ino worked together to handle a wild rabbit.

Observing the scenes, Iruka smiled. He then turned to Mizuki, stationed on guard in a tree, and sighed, "Looks like this survival training might turn into a camping trip."

Mizuki grinned, "A little relaxation for the kids isn't a bad thing."

Iruka remained concerned, "But this is the Death Forest. I worry about potential accidents."

"Don't worry. We're here," Mizuki reassured him. "And the Anbu safeguarding Sasuke are here too."

Bang.

Before Iruka could respond, a muffled noise reached their ears.

All heads turned towards the source—a falling Anbu crashing to the ground, their condition uncertain.

End of this chapter.