Ren, who was still unaware of the arrangements made for him, stood outside the tent, quietly listening to Hayama's narration.
"That's how it is, so Ryufeng still needs you to guide him more. This can't go on like this."
After Hayama finished speaking, he admonished Ren. After all, he and Sarutobi Shinnosuke were much older than Ren and Ryufeng, so there was a generation gap. At this time, it was most suitable for Ren to guide him.
"Okay, I understand, don't worry, Big Brother Hayama."
Ren said in a low voice, then turned around and looked at the inside of the tent with a complicated expression. For a moment, he was filled with mixed emotions.
Ever since Ren left the Sand village Battlefield, the remaining members of the Shinnosuke Squad were either performing tedious patrol missions or fighting Sunagakure on the front lines.
Although the number of casualties was increasing, the few strong members were capable of protecting themselves on the battlefield.
But during a routine patrol mission, the Shinnosuke Squad was ambushed by three Sunagakure combat squads at the border. Besides the three Jonin leading the teams, the rest were all Chunin. Shinnosuke was firmly held back by two Jonin, while the remaining Jonin was blocked by Ryufeng. Hayama was then surrounded by nine Chunin. Although his strength had already reached Jonin level, he was outnumbered.
As time went on, three Chunin from Sunagakure were killed, and Hayama's Chakra was greatly depleted, his stamina gradually failing. Soon, the enemy left a small wound on him, but as time passed, Hayama's wounds increased, and he was on the verge of collapsing.
Ryufeng, who was in a fierce battle with his enemy, became anxious and accelerated his attacks, wanting to quickly defeat his opponent and support Hayama.
Unexpectedly, he inadvertently revealed a flaw, which was seized by the opposing Sunagakure Jonin, who flicked a poisoned needle from his wrist at Ryufeng. It silently pierced into Ryufeng's body.
By the time Ryufeng noticed, the poison had already taken effect. In a moment of mental daze, the Sunagakure Jonin parried his weapon, and a Kunai stabbed directly into Ryufeng's chest!
At the critical moment, a figure flashed in front of Ryufeng, blocking the fatal attack for him.
Ryufeng, who had regained his senses, quickly swung his sword to force back the Sunagakure Jonin. Just then, more than a dozen figures appeared from all directions and began to encircle these Sunagakure Ninja.
It was reinforcements.
But before Ryufeng could recover, the figure swayed twice while standing, then collapsed to the ground.
Ryufeng, seeing who it was, was stunned. The person was Ken Uchiha, one of the two Uchiha Clan members sent to protect Ryufeng, and also Ryufeng's cousin.
His name was Ken Uchiha!
Ryufeng, who had reacted, carried Ken Uchiha on his back and ran frantically towards the Konoha Camp. But unfortunately, Ken Uchiha lost his life midway due to severe injuries.
In the end, although the invading Sunagakure squad was wiped out, the price was the loss of a young Uchiha.
The next day, Ken Uchiha's body was taken back by the Uchiha Clan. And Ryufeng, ever since that incident, became depressed, stubbornly believing that if it weren't for him, everyone would have been safely rescued, and Ken Uchiha would not have died. Shinnosuke and Hayama were helpless in this situation.
Not long after, they received orders to transfer to the battlefield and came here with the main army.
Hayama had noticed that Ryufeng's mood had improved after Ren arrived, but an unintentional remark made Ryufeng fall into self-blame again. Now, Hayama only hoped that Ren would guide Ryufeng well and help him get out of the shadow soon.
"Huh? Ren!"
Just then, an exclamation came from afar. The two turned their heads and saw Sarutobi Shinnosuke striding over from a distance, followed by the Ino–Shika–Chō trio.
"Captain Shinnosuke, long time no see."
A smile appeared on Ren's face. Seeing his teammates and captain safe and sound, this feeling was truly good.
"It's good that you're fine. Looking at you, your strength has improved a lot, hasn't it?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke came closer, stretched out his hand, and patted Ren's shoulder, a smile on his face.
"Hahaha, of course."
As Ren responded, he turned his head and waved to the Ino–Shika–Chō trio who were walking over.
"Senior Nara, Senior Choza, Senior Inoichi, it's been a while."
"We just saw each other two days ago."
Nara Shikaku rubbed his forehead with one hand, somewhat helplessly, while Akimichi Choza and Inoichi Yamanaka smiled and responded to Ren. After all, as members of the Hokage lineage, their relationships were all quite good.
After some pleasantries, the Ino–Shika–Chō took their leave. After all, there was another fierce battle tomorrow, and there would always be time to chat. Now, going back to rest and recharge was the best option.
After the Ino–Shika–Chō left, Ren, realising it was late, was about to go back to rest when he was suddenly called by Shinnosuke.
"Wait, Ren, about Ryufeng..."
"I know, Captain Shinnosuke."
Before Shinnosuke could finish speaking, Ren said in a deep voice.
"That guy isn't that fragile. Getting over it is just a matter of time, but we don't have that time now. Tomorrow's battle, leave him to me."
"Good."
Shinnosuke nodded, said nothing more, turned around, and walked into the tent with Hayama, a distant voice carrying over.
"Get some rest early. Tomorrow, your opponent won't be easy to deal with."
"Huh?"
Ren looked at the tent, now shrouded in darkness, feeling utterly confused.
What's going on? My opponent?
Ren was still thinking about Shinnosuke's last words even after returning to his tent and lying on his bed.
"Tomorrow, your opponent won't be easy to deal with."
The captain must be joking, right? How could they arrange an opponent for me before the battle even started? It's not like a bunch of big shots picked their opponents one by one at a pre-battle meeting, and then just threw the last one at me, right?
Ren tossed and turned, unable to figure it out. Finally, he simply closed his eyes. If he couldn't figure it out, he wouldn't think about it. He'd sleep through it and know nothing. Tomorrow's matters will be dealt with tomorrow.
...
The next day, the entire Konoha Camp operated like a giant machine. Thousands of Ninja were already assembled at the gathering point, ready to go, awaiting orders.
Various units were neatly arranged, with the medical unit at the rear, guarded by a team of elite Ninja.
Although the sealing unit was small in number, only a few, less than a hundred. Their task was to constantly monitor the Four-Tails Jinchuriki's situation and intervene at critical moments to prevent it from suddenly going berserk and unleashing a Tailed Beast Ball on the Konoha Ninja.
The combat units had more classifications: long-range combat units, close-quarters combat units, rapid support units, special combat units, surprise attack units, and so on.
However, on the battlefield, they had only one mission: to kill the enemy.