Frontline Camp.
Command Center.
Seimei met with the overall commander of the battlefield.
He had never seen this person before, but based on the intelligence provided by Minato Namikaze, he knew that this man was a Jōnin from the Nara clan named Nara Shikaku.
Like other members of the Nara clan, he had inherited their high intelligence and possessed unique insights into battlefield command.
It was precisely because of this that he had been entrusted with such an important responsibility.
Upon seeing him, Seimei wasted no time on pleasantries and asked directly, "Captain Nara, what's the current situation? What do you need me to do?"
Nara Shikaku seemed momentarily surprised by his directness but quickly recovered and immediately briefed him on the state of the frontline.
After all, intelligence was just intelligence. While Seimei had already gained a general understanding of the battlefield from Minato Namikaze, nothing was as real and accurate as hearing it firsthand.
After listening to the explanation, Seimei pondered briefly and said, "So, in other words, we need to split into two groups to reinforce the defensive lines in the north and south?"
Hearing this, Nara Shikaku shook his head and replied, "Not two groups—three. In addition to reinforcing those two defensive lines, we also need to prevent the Hidden Cloud Village from infiltrating."
"Infiltration?"
Seimei raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"That's right."
Nara Shikaku nodded and stepped toward the sand table, pointing to a dense mountain forest. "According to our latest intelligence, the Hidden Cloud Village plans to send several elite squads through this area, bypassing us from behind. They intend to coordinate with their frontline troops from the inside and outside, breaking through our defenses completely."
Upon hearing this, Seimei furrowed his brows.
He didn't question the source of the intelligence.
After all, as the saying goes, each profession has its own expertise.
Since Nara Shikaku was stating it so confidently, that meant there was at least an 80% chance that the intelligence was accurate.
With that in mind, the only thing he needed to consider was how to respond.
Looking at the mountainous forest on the sand table, even without having been there before, Seimei knew it was anything but a peaceful place. It was likely a natural death trap, similar to the Forest of Death.
Otherwise, Nara Shikaku wouldn't have chosen it as a defensive barrier.
And as it turned out, he was right.
Seeing Seimei's focus on that area, Nara Shikaku immediately explained, "Just as you're thinking, this place is extremely dangerous. Not only does it have a large number of mutated beasts, but it's also riddled with poisonous insects and traps."
"Traps?"
Seimei was puzzled again.
He could understand the presence of mutated beasts.
After all, this was the Shinobi World—a world of extraordinary beings. If intelligent summoning beasts existed, then it was hardly surprising that there were some overpowered wild creatures as well.
But traps?
Could those creatures actually set up traps?
Seimei was confused and found it hard to believe.
Sensing his misunderstanding, Nara Shikaku quickly clarified.
After hearing the explanation, Seimei realized he had overthought it.
The so-called traps weren't set by animals but were remnants of past conflicts. Over the past two wars, ninjas had fought in this area, leaving behind countless hazards.
While many of those traps had likely been disabled over time, triggering even one could spell trouble.
After all, ninja traps weren't just composed of explosive tags and simple mechanisms—they also included advanced ninjutsu, sealing techniques, and even biological traps made with strange creatures.
Some of these traps didn't deteriorate over time. In fact, some became even more dangerous as the years passed.
Stepping on one by accident would be a serious problem.
Considering this along with the harsh natural environment, it was no wonder that Nara Shikaku viewed the area as a natural defensive barrier.
However, at this moment…
That barrier was about to be forcibly breached.
And judging by Nara Shikaku's words, he intended for Seimei to lead a team to intercept the enemy.
Seimei didn't mind.
Given his current strength, such a hazardous terrain was hardly a challenge for him.
After a brief pause, he looked at Nara Shikaku and asked, "How many enemies are we dealing with? What's their level of strength?"
Hearing the question, Nara Shikaku secretly sighed in relief.
To be honest, this mission wasn't easy, and he was worried that Seimei might refuse it.
Fortunately, Seimei didn't hesitate and accepted the mission without unnecessary discussion.
Looks like the clan's intelligence isn't entirely accurate—this Uchiha genius isn't that difficult to work with after all.
With that thought, Nara Shikaku immediately relayed the intelligence gathered by their spies.
He said, "The Hidden Cloud Village is sending twelve squads, divided into three groups. Each group consists of four squads, forming a unit that will advance along three different routes."
"As for their exact routes, we're still uncertain."
"Their strength?"
Seimei asked again.
Nara Shikaku responded, "All the squads consist of elite troops. Each of the twelve squads follows the standard Jōnin-led formation. The squad leaders and unit commanders are all Jōnin-level experts, while the team members are experienced Chūnin."
"No Genin?"
Seimei asked.
"None."
Nara Shikaku replied with a serious expression.
"I see…"
Seimei fell into deep thought again.
After a moment, he asked, "When did the enemy depart?"
Nara Shikaku checked the time and said, "If the intelligence is correct, they should have left about two hours ago."
"…Seriously?"
Seimei had expected time to be tight, but not this tight.
Taking a deep breath, he wasted no more words and said, "In that case, there's no time to lose. I'll gather my team and set off immediately. Keep me updated—if you receive any new intel, make sure I'm the first to know."
With that, Seimei turned to leave.
Seeing this, Nara Shikaku quickly called out, "Wait a moment!"
Seimei stopped and turned back. "What is it?"
"It's not that… I just need to know—how many people are you taking, and which route will you take?"
Nara Shikaku asked, somewhat exasperated.
Seimei replied, "Not too many—a single unit will be enough. As for the route…"
He pointed to the center of the mountainous forest on the sand table. "Since we don't know their exact paths, the best choice is to take the middle route."
"I'll scout their movements first. Once I confirm their positions, I'll lead my team to eliminate them. I'll leave the defense lines to you."
With that, Seimei wasted no more time. He left the command tent and went to gather his team.
Nara Shikaku raised his hand several times, wanting to call Seimei back and say something, but in the end, he let it go.
Although Seimei seemed a bit overconfident, considering his past battle records and his ability to fly,
After a brief mental calculation, Nara Shikaku realized that Seimei's plan might actually be the best course of action.
"…He really is a sharp one."
Nara Shikaku murmured as he watched Seimei's retreating figure.
If Seimei had heard that, he would have simply scoffed.
What others called "sharpness" was merely his absolute confidence in his own strength.
In truth, he hadn't put much thought into it at all.
It was just as they said—when you're strong enough, people will find meaning in every decision you make.
Just as the saying goes: When you are powerful, scholars will argue on your behalf.