Chapter 111: First Encounter with the Sand Ninjas

Chapter 111: First Encounter with the Sand Ninjas

Could it really be him?

Tonari couldn't help but wonder. Because of his intervention, the events surrounding Nawaki's death hadn't unfolded as tragically as in the original timeline. While it didn't fully heal the emotional void within Tsunade, it provided her with some solace—however small it might be.

Tonari hoped that this time, the individual in question wouldn't meet the same fate as before. With his potential and the Spirit Transformation Technique, he could grow to rival Minato Namikaze in strength and become one of Konoha's central pillars.

---

Tsunade's mood, lightened somewhat by Tonari's antics, returned to focus after a short hour of rest.

"All right, everyone double-check your equipment. Once we set out, we may face a grueling battle. Remember this above all else: while the mission is important, your lives are even more so. Prioritize your own safety before anything else," Tsunade addressed the group with her commanding presence restored.

"Yes, ma'am!" everyone responded.

Having a formidable leader like Tsunade leading them instilled a sense of security and confidence in the team.

"Move out!"

The eight-person squad swiftly leaped onto the trees and raced toward the third outpost.

---

The Land of Rain lived up to its name, a country perpetually shrouded in drizzle due to its unique geography. The unrelenting rain dampened both the ground and spirits, making travel more challenging. Slippery branches forced the team to channel chakra to their feet for stability, increasing their chakra consumption.

In this environment, visibility was also greatly reduced, making ambushes more likely. Fortunately for them, the Sand ninja's position as the defending force put them at a disadvantage.

Moreover, the rain posed a particular handicap to the Sand ninjas, as their sand manipulation techniques became significantly less effective under such conditions.

Under Tsunade's lead, with Mugime Kodachi bringing up the rear, the team advanced cautiously without any encounters.

"Hold!"

Tsunade raised her right hand, signaling the team to stop.

Everyone immediately came to a halt, perched silently on branches.

"From this point onward, we could run into Sand ninja at any moment. Stay alert. Combat could erupt at any time. Aburame, send out your insects," Tsunade ordered.

From the shadows stepped Aburame Shibi, his entire body shrouded in a gray cloak with only his face partially visible beneath a pair of dark sunglasses. Without a word, he extended his arm, and swarms of tiny black insects began pouring out from the sleeves and neckline of his cloak.

Shibi's brow furrowed slightly before he spoke for the first time. "The rain disrupts my kikaichū. In these conditions, their chakra-sensing abilities are less accurate, and their range is significantly reduced."

---

The kikaichū were the bread and butter of the Aburame clan, versatile insects that adapted to various environments and needs. However, rain was one of their few natural weaknesses, limiting their effectiveness in this mission.

"I'll help," Tonari volunteered, his hands swiftly forming seals as his chakra flared.

"Summoning Technique: Snake Swarm!"

A massive summoning array formed beneath Tonari's feet as countless snakes, each about the thickness of a thumb, slithered into existence. These snakes, summoned from Ryūchi Cave, were not particularly strong or chakra-intensive, making them nearly undetectable.

"Go on, do your thing," Tonari said, addressing the serpentine swarm.

The snakes dispersed immediately, vanishing into the damp forest with fluid precision. Perched on Tonari's shoulder, Matatabi gave an exasperated sigh, her ears twitching in irritation.

"You know, I'm way more capable than these slimy reptiles," she muttered.

Tonari chuckled. "But these slimy guys are perfect for stealth work in a wet environment like this."

Snakes thrived in the shadows of the forest, and their presence would arouse little suspicion. Even Tsunade nodded in approval.

"Let's proceed."

The squad resumed their cautious advance, their pace deliberately slower. Every movement was calculated, ensuring minimal noise and visibility.

---

"Stop!"

"Wait a moment!"

Aburame Shibi and Tonari spoke simultaneously, halting the group.

Ahead of them, thin, almost imperceptible chakra threads crisscrossed between the trees, forming an intricate web.

"Chakra strings? Sand ninja..." someone muttered.

The Sand Village was renowned for its puppet masters, whose techniques relied on these chakra threads to manipulate their creations. Spotting such strings confirmed their proximity to the enemy.

"This is the Sand ninja's perimeter defense. Everyone, be extremely careful from here on," Tsunade instructed.

The group moved with even greater caution, seeking cover as they progressed, prepared for any sudden skirmishes.

---

Finally, they encountered their first enemy—a Sand ninja patrol team. The squad moved through the forest with practiced precision, weaving chakra strings as they went to expand their detection range.

Leading the Sand team was a middle-aged man named Senjuuro, a tokubetsu jōnin known for his exceptional chakra control. On his back, he carried a massive puppet concealed beneath a black cloth.

---

"We'll strike swiftly and prevent them from raising the alarm," Tsunade ordered, her voice low but firm. "I'll handle the leader. Kodachi, take two of them. The rest of you, pair up and engage the others. Delay them if necessary, but don't push yourselves. Once Kodachi and I finish, we'll assist you."

Straightforward and efficient—Tsunade's trademark approach.

"Go!" she commanded, launching herself toward the Sand ninja leader.

The battle had begun.

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(Chapter End)

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