Chapter 86: Dark Assault

While speaking, she kept staring at Zhe with her big, unblinking eyes.

This was Yan's most effective tactic for dealing with Zhe, one she had summarized herself. In the past, whenever she had any requests, all she had to do was stare at Zhe like this, and the "fool" would always meet her demands.

Of course, this time was no exception. Being stared at by Yan for less than three breaths, Zhe gave in and agreed to her "reasonable" request.

Seeing this, Toshiro, who was watching from the side, couldn't help but want to make a comment.

How "spineless"! If it's like this now, what will happen if they ever get married?

Would he become utterly servile, never seeing the light of day?

"Toshiro! After Zhe takes care of the sentries at the gate, the two of us will infiltrate the stronghold and use the secret weapon you provided to deal with the people inside!"

Having settled things with Uchiha Zhe, Yan turned back to Toshiro.

Compared to the unreliable Zhe, Toshiro was undoubtedly more dependable. Unfortunately, this guy was too clever to be easily deceived!

Worse still, he might even turn the tables and get her in trouble. How annoying!

"Yes, yes! Everything will proceed according to Yan's plan. I have no issues on my end."

"You, take things seriously! This isn't one of those old D-rank missions! I shouldn't need to stress the importance of this!"

Apparently dissatisfied with Toshiro's attitude, or perhaps unable to vent her nervousness and anxiety before the mission, Uchiha Yan lashed out at her "good" teammate.

"Well, calm down! They're just ordinary people without chakra!"

"With our strength, we can complete this task with ease."

"What if something unexpected happens? Like encountering a Chunin or even a Jonin among the enemies?"

The little girl's mood did not improve with Toshiro's reassurance. Instead, more unexpected concerns she hadn't previously considered came rushing out, making her appear even more anxious.

Toshiro had no better solution to offer. 

Every ninja undergoes this experience; leading a mission for the first time allows some boasting in front of teammates, but the accompanying pressure makes this eight-year-old boy particularly jittery.

"Don't worry, Yan! Don't forget that Teacher Shigemasa is nearby. If anything happens, he will handle it."

Helpless, Toshiro could only bring up their teacher, hoping it would calm Yan's nerves.

"Teacher Shigemasa? Are you sure he's still around?" The little girl looked around uncertainly. Finding nothing, she turned back to Toshiro and asked, "I haven't seen the teacher since this afternoon. Could he have left already?"

This was one reason for her anxiety; had Teacher Shigemasa been around, she wouldn't be so unsettled.

"He's definitely nearby!"

"He's just watching us from somewhere we can't see, observing our every move!"

"If anything unexpected happens, he'll be the first to jump out!"

Although Toshiro hadn't spotted the teacher either, based on his life experience, he judged that Teacher Shigemasa must be nearby, watching their every move.

No doubt about it!

"It's about time! Let's begin!"

Seeing her teammate's emotions settle a bit, and looking up at the sky that was slowly getting brighter, Toshiro reminded her that they should start. Further delay would compromise their planned actions.

He led the way, charging toward the back of the stronghold and leaving the gate to Uchiha Zhe.

Without much talking, Toshiro proceeded to the side of the stronghold.

The next step was to follow the pre-discussed plan; there shouldn't be any surprises.

Under the glow of the setting crescent moon and stars, three small figures bent low and carefully crept toward the small stronghold atop the hill.

Using leg strength, he nimbly leaped and reached the top of the wooden fence, less than three meters high.

The whole process didn't involve chakra; pure physical prowess was enough for Toshiro to silently clear this minor obstacle.

Not just Toshiro; any academy student proficient in using chakra could practically ignore its presence.

Infiltrating the stronghold, he scanned the gate and the back; everything was silent.

Especially at the gate, the guard on duty was nowhere to be seen.

[It seems Zhe and Yan are making good progress! In that case, I need to speed up too!]

He was more confident about Yan; it was Zhe messing up that he feared, which could ruin their entire plan.

Composing himself, he headed toward the assigned straw huts, making no noise.

[Five heartbeats, all breathing steadily, they appear to be in a deep sleep!]

This was why Toshiro suggested attacking at this hour, around four or five in the morning, when people slept the deepest. As acting team leader, Yan readily accepted the idea, and it worked as expected!

Reaching behind him, he retrieved a small glass bottle from his ninja tool pouch.

Carefully unscrewing it, he placed it on an open, ventilated window.

A faint herbal fragrance began to spread.

These substances were something Toshiro obtained from Uchiha Mikasa's pharmaceutical center.

Made from common herbs, their simple effect was inducing deep sleep in ordinary people.

For ninjas with chakra, the effect was minimal.

A ninja, upon smelling something strange, would instantly hold their breath. Even if a bit was inhaled, their strong physique would render them immune.

Only prolonged exposure in an environment with high drug concentration would affect them, otherwise, it was generally ineffective.

The sole advantage was that with the herb's evaporation, the more inhaled, the longer the sleep duration.

And there were no side effects. As for the antidote, it was simple—a splash of cold water sufficed.

Toshiro specifically brought it over, and it proved useful in this mission.

End of Chapter.