Haseo's tactical formation was generally quite weak. In fact, even without facing a large-scale enemy force, an attack focused on key points by adversaries of similar strength could very likely crush his forces instantly—assuming we ignore unconventional combatants such as Sakumo Hatake.
Moreover, the very nature of Haseo's current mission required flexibility. He had every reason to avoid direct confrontation with the enemy.
After an entire afternoon of exhausting effort, the most critical detection jutsu pattern had already been set up: a transparent chakra sphere about one meter in diameter floated above a massive base structure for the technique. It looked fragile as a soap bubble, ready to burst at the slightest contact.
Once the technique was activated, it began to function.
However, this wasn't really a fully integrated "device" like radar that could detect, image, and then directly relay information. In reality, the data gathered by the technique was highly abstract. For instance, even if Haseo stood beside it constantly watching, he wouldn't be able to extract any useful intelligence merely from the "soap bubble."
Only after Sensor Ninjas processed and interpreted the information gathered by the detection jutsu could regular ninja obtain clear and understandable intelligence—such details as location, distance, number of targets, or strength of chakra signatures. If you tried to figure those out just by looking at the sphere itself, good luck seeing anything meaningful.
Several Uzumaki Shinobi and other Sensor Ninjas dispatched from the village sat at specific marked spots surrounding the jutsu structure, beginning tests to confirm its operation.
"Is it working normally yet?" Haseo asked the Sensor Ninjas.
He was deeply invested in how effective this technique would prove to be—it had the potential to make their mission far more manageable.
"Yes, Lord Haseo," one participating Uzumaki Ninja replied. "However, this is the first time this technique has ever been used practically. There might still be a few bugs, but so far, everything's been running smoothly.
Thanks to the jutsu's detection and recording abilities, we can now clearly sense groups of four chakra signatures evenly spaced around the command headquarters. Those are the reconnaissance units we previously deployed."
"Our own ninja… will they need to be identified individually?"
Haseo thought this was an important question. If Konoha ninjas also required manual identification, then the efficiency of the technique would be questionable. Worse still, intruders might even hide among Konoha shinobi unnoticed by the detection jutsu.
"No, Lord Haseo," explained the Uzumaki Ninja. "Soon, the unique chakra signatures of our ninja will be recorded by the technique. After a few days, only those whose chakra signatures have been recorded will be allowed free movement within the jutsu's effective range. Otherwise, the system will sound the alarm instantly."
[Identification Module] was an essential component for any early warning or detection system, otherwise its efficiency would be seriously compromised. Therefore, the Detection Jutsu Pattern currently in use had naturally accounted for this aspect during its design.
As a result, once ordinary intruders entered the detection range, the command headquarters could instantly detect them. However, exceptions existed—those enemies skilled in chakra-based disguises and especially adept at infiltration missions were another story entirely... After all, the Detection Jutsu Pattern was merely a technique; no one could expect it to be intelligent and comprehensive enough to cover every possible scenario.
If just one single technique could achieve complete reconnaissance effectiveness, then what need would there be for ninja like Haseo?
"It's done now. Report any abnormalities immediately."
Haseo couldn't help but nod slightly—he was quite satisfied with this detection technique.
The detection field was already active, and some Uzumaki ninja had also set up defensive barriers around the area based on the terrain advantages. That part of the work was completed efficiently as well… after all, the camp's maximum capacity was only 150 people, so the scale of the defensive barrier remained moderate to relatively small, making it easier to establish.
The remaining free ninja began constructing the camp—some set up tents, others used Earth Release to build temporary shelters, dug for water sources, and placed supplies. Ninjas were known for their discipline, so despite the bustle, everything remained organized.
By evening, most of the foundational construction was completed.
Haseo first jotted down a note summarizing the current situation here, then used a hawk to report back to the village… such scheduled communications would continue daily from now on.
After sending off the routine message, Haseo took a few steps forward and sat down on a fallen log. Not far in front of him, a bonfire was burning.
Several familiar figures, just like Haseo, settled themselves around this fire.
"Lord Haseo…"
Upon hearing Uzumaki Shikou's voice, Haseo nodded slightly and reached out to accept the flatbread she offered him. Like many others, he hadn't stopped working since last night and finally got a chance to eat now.
Taking a bite, Haseo discovered that inside this soft bread were pieces of dried meat and something similar to pickled plums—its flavor was layered and complex, hence making the food actually quite delicious… At this stage, Konoha still had sufficient supplies, so obviously there was no reason for everyone to be chewing on military rations pills yet.
Only if the war dragged on for too long would the frontline ninja's resource supplies gradually become scarcer.
This was how things developed at different stages.
While eating, Haseo let his gaze sweep across the crowd before locking onto one particular person and speaking directly, "Nagisa Nara—Haseo's former teammate from years ago—and now they were reunited again."
You had to admit—war had a strange kind of magic to it.
"Just a Tokubetsu Jonin, huh, Captain?" Nagisa Nara said, shaking her head.
"Oh, thank goodness. For a second there, I was worried—thought maybe the war had lowered standards and flooded Konoha with too many Jonin."
It had been years since they last saw each other, but Haseo made it feel just like old times in no time.
"Haseo... you're still the same as always."
Nagisa was momentarily speechless but certainly not angry. That's what makes habits so terrifying—especially for intelligent beings like humans. Habits from decades ago can resurface in an instant.
Haseo stuffed some food into his mouth in a few quick bites, then extended his hand toward Nagisa.
The two old teammates clasped hands tightly, and in that moment, the years that had kept them apart seemed to vanish completely.
What real difference is there between the Forests of the Eastern Front in the Land of Fire and those deep in the Land of Rivers?
"No matter what, it's good that we're both still alive," Haseo finally said, managing something almost human.
What real difference is there between a Tokubetsu Jonin and a regular Jonin anyway? It's nothing compared to the gap between the living and the dead.
Then Haseo opened his mouth again, though ultimately he didn't voice the next question.
They were already people from completely different worlds now; what would be the point of asking one more question? Besides, it might not even be something Nagisa could clearly answer herself.
Haseo was, after all, a man of quiet emotions, and his deepest thoughts would forever remain his alone.
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