Chapter 52: Shicun of the Rock

The difference between wars fought by ninjas and wars fought by soldiers is significant, particularly in terms of supplies. Unlike soldiers, ninjas do not stockpile a lot of supplies at their rear bases. Burning supplies is not a difficult task for ninjas, while protecting them is relatively more challenging. Therefore, supply teams must travel long distances to deliver a set amount of food to the troops.

As a result, there are usually not many supplies at the Konoha's outposts. The focus is on preventing attacks on the supply routes, i.e., the supply teams.

The task of the ambush units is to guard the supply routes. They are to eliminate any enemy they encounter to reduce the enemy's strength. This guard area is quite extensive, so the units are spread out, with each squad covering a specific range.

Ye Zi looked down on the other three Chūnin in the squad, but had no choice but to team up with them. These three Chūnin were all adults, one of whom was nearing thirty. They had been Chūnin for a long time, and whether it was due to talent or lack of effort, they had stagnated at this rank.

Among the three Chūnin, the one nearing thirty was named Kanzaki Mura. He had a robust build and noticeable wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. The other two were younger: one was named Tori En and the other Kuroki. They were about ten years older than Ye Zi.

Mura seemed to have no hope of being promoted to Jōnin and thus planned to be a Chūnin for the rest of his life. He had settled into his role and, having a family, focused on avoiding danger rather than seeking advancement, even as a frontline soldier.

En and Kuroki were peers, having been promoted to Chūnin just a few years after becoming Genin. However, their inherent talent was lacking, and their chakra reserves did not improve significantly, so they remained at the Chūnin level.

Ye Zi looked down on these three because they seemed weak to him. Even if he faced all three of them alone, he believed he could win easily. Because of this disdain and his habit of working alone, he chose not to participate in their discussions and remained silent on the side.

As a Chūnin with limited strength who had managed to survive and avoid severe injuries, it was clear that these three must have some unique skills. However, Ye Zi's preconceived notions prevented him from realizing this.

As the most senior member, Mura had the most authority and experience. Therefore, when it came to traps, En and Kuroki followed his plans without objection. They also noticed Ye Zi's aloofness and disdain. Despite knowing he was a disciple of Orochimaru, they didn't show him much consideration or respect.

Located at the border, with dense trees and giant foliage, the area was ideal for concealment. Under Mura's lead, the team quickly set up numerous traps. The effectiveness of these traps depended on whether the approaching enemy was perceptive.

After a while, a team wearing Iwa Ninja attire finally appeared. They moved through the forest with a conspicuous and aggressive presence.

The leader of the team was a middle-aged man named Shicun. He had a solid build, with tight muscles stretching his vest. His crew cut and deep-set eyes gave him a formidable appearance, although his flat nose detracted from his overall look.

Ye Zi observed this man from afar, his eyes narrowing. Shicun's movements were smooth and powerful. He stomped on a tree trunk with a resounding crack, seemingly to attract the attention of the Leaf Ninja.

The three behind him were not to be underestimated either. Each had a powerful physique and their movements were precise. Most notable were the bloodstains on their clothes.

It was unclear whether the blood was human or from beasts, but it was unlikely they would have killed beasts just for fun.

As the enemy approached, Ye Zi shifted his gaze slightly, using his peripheral vision to monitor Shicun's team. He pondered the difference in strength between the two sides. Given his team's combat abilities, they would struggle to match up. The only chance to take down Shicun's team was if they blundered into the traps. Otherwise, he would let his teammates be the cannon fodder while he waited for the opportunity to strike down the strongest enemy.

For self-preservation, one had to be cold-hearted and selfish.

Realizing the enemy was so strong, Ye Zi's first reaction was not to join forces with Mura and the others but to consider them as expendable.

Soon, under Mura's watchful eye, Shicun's team approached the trap area. However, just a few steps away, Shicun suddenly raised his arm and stopped abruptly on a tree trunk. The three behind him also stopped immediately.

"Have we been spotted?" Mura's eyes shifted.

Shicun coldly glanced at a nearly invisible thin wire stretched across the tree trunk, a hint of derision appearing on his face. He whispered, "There's a trap. There must be Leaf Ninjas hiding nearby. Tuchi, flush them out."

One of his subordinates, Tuchi, nodded and began to gather chakra.

After giving the orders, Shicun pretended to scan the surroundings while a subtle, malicious smile appeared on his lips.

So far, they had only encountered a weak Leaf team relying on traps, and they had easily defeated them. This current team, also relying on traps, was likely just as weak.

"There are three of them: one directly ahead about a thousand meters away, and two at the ten o'clock position about twelve hundred meters away." Moments later, Tuchi relayed the information to Shicun.

Shicun's faint smile turned into a sinister grin as he coldly said, "Watch out for traps. You handle those two. I'll take care of the one in front."

With that, he stomped hard on the tree trunk, causing it to snap, and he shot off like a missile towards Mura's hiding spot.

"Caught!" Seeing Shicun's clear target, Mura's face changed. Without any hope of surviving, he immediately leaped from the foliage and ran away decisively.

"Trying to escape?" Seeing the Leaf Ninjas fleeing, Shicun's eyes glinted with disdain.

"Too naïve."

As soon as Shicun finished speaking, his speed surged dramatically, and within a few leaps, he closed in on Mura. With a swift motion, he drove a kunai into Mura's back. Mura screamed in agony and fell heavily into the forest.

Even though the kunai was driven into his heart, Shicun did not leave. He followed Mura to the ground and, as he prepared to confirm the kill, the corpse suddenly exploded into a cloud of white smoke, transforming into a piece of tree trunk.

"A substitution technique? When did he…" Shicun's eyes narrowed. With his keen eyesight, he had not seen Mura making hand signs during the chase. However, the substitution had indeed been used.

Mura, having narrowly avoided death, was now hiding in a concealed grass patch, sweating heavily. He had chosen this hiding spot in advance for critical moments. Though it had served its purpose, he was now deeply worried. The enemy seemed to have sensory ninjas capable of easily finding him. His only hope now was that En and Kuroki would attract Shicun's attention so he could escape. Unfortunately, the disparity in strength was too great.

However, was this really possible?

Observing Shicun's actions, Ye Zi had already sentenced Mura to death. The decision to flee even before the battle had begun rendered any potential for a fight meaningless.

Shicun was indeed powerful, but not to the extent that Ye Zi felt he was unbeatable. To date, the only person Ye Zi considered truly invincible was Orochimaru. Because of this, he was looking for an opportunity to eliminate Shicun, but this required Mura to create such an opportunity. Without it, he would retreat silently and decisively.

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