Rumble!
Tobitake Tonbo was in the middle of reading a memory when he suddenly sensed a sharp vibration. The tremor was faint, but distinct.
"What was that noise?"
As a sensory ninja who had integrated a wealth of experience from enemy memories, he analyzed the vibration and concluded that a fierce battle was taking place near the village.
Tiger!
Ceasing his current task, Tonbo refined his chakra and activated his sensory ability. Movements within a three-kilometer radius slowly filtered into his mind. He focused specifically on the vibrations; as he neared the source, the perception became clearer.
Southeast of the village.
It was beyond his normal sensory range, but through his months of study—combining geographical location, air density, and mathematical formulas—he deduced the battle was not far from the village borders. Combining this with the scope of the tremors, it was a clash involving at least Jonin-level ninjutsu.
Normally, he would assume this was a fight involving giant summoned beasts or Tailed Beasts. However, based on the original story he remembered, the timeline, and the location, there was a high probability that his classmates were in trouble and Might Duy had ignited his "Red Steam."
"Behind me... live on with passion, youth, and a smile."
Recalling the scene from his past life—though the exact words were hazy—Duy must have said something like that to Guy and the others. Back then, Tonbo had actually teared up watching it.
"Assemble!"
Just then, a command rang out. Tonbo pushed his thoughts aside and hurried to the assembly hall. The members of the Analysis Team were emerging one by one.
"Emergency mission. Proceed to the main gate immediately to coordinate scouting with the Anbu dispatched by the Hokage. Tobitake Tonbo, Dokuraku Mawashi..."
Before everyone had even arrived, Yamanaka Inoichi was shouting orders. "Now! Those whose names were called, move out!"
"Yes, sir!"
Tonbo and the others vanished in a swoosh of Body Flicker.
"I hope this isn't the war starting back up," Inoichi sighed. He hadn't expected such a massive combat signature so close to the village.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Leaping across the rooftops of Konoha via Body Flicker, Tonbo's expression was grim. He hoped there wouldn't be any unforeseen accidents. With himself as a transmigrator in the mix, he couldn't guarantee the plot was following the original script to the letter; the original story could only serve as a reference now.
"Once we meet the Anbu, follow their lead in everything. Understood?" Mawashi said to the team. He was acting as the squad leader.
"Yes, sir!"
They soon arrived at the main gate. Mawashi gave a hand signal. Two squads of Anbu were already waiting. Seeing Mawashi's signal, the masked shinobi immediately recognized them as the support sent by the village. The blonde Anbu captain returned a signal.
"Move out."
Without a hint of wasted motion, the Anbu captain gave the order.
So efficient. As expected of the Anbu! Tonbo thought. The existence of hand signals truly boosted efficiency—no wonder there were specialized classes for signals and codes. Fortunately, Tonbo had studied them well and kept up with the village's periodic updates. The signals just now confirmed their identities, numbers, and indicated that details would be discussed on the move.
They sped through the trees.
Mawashi asked, "What are the Hokage's instructions?"
The Anbu captain replied, "A battle with massive energy signatures has occurred near the village. It's possible another village is unwilling to accept defeat and is attempting a pincer move on Konoha's rear. To ensure the village's safety, we are to scout for intelligence. You are responsible for sensing enemy movements."
"Understood."
The Analysis Team ninja activated their sensory jutsu, scanning for any sign of hostiles. After several minutes of travel, three chakra signatures appeared in Tonbo's perception. Judging by the volume, they were at a Genin level. He glanced at his colleagues and realized they hadn't sensed them yet; it seemed not everyone's sensory range was as vast as his.
"Eleven o'clock direction, approximately three kilometers. Three chakra signatures detected. Levels are roughly Genin, though I can't rule out a disguise."
Tonbo didn't hide his ability. He was a sensory ninja—a treasure of Konoha. Aside from enemy villages, no one would want to harm him for being talented. The others looked at him with surprise.
Such a powerful sensory range.
The Anbu captain prepared for combat. "Set traps within one kilometer. The rest of you, prepare for an ambush. Continue tracking their movements."
"Yes, sir," Tonbo complied.
He suspected those three signatures were Might Guy, Ebisu, and Genma Shiranui. But he still maintained a combat-ready posture, ready to fire his tools at a moment's notice. Soon after, the others picked up the signatures as well.
"Father..."
In the dim forest, three small figures were sprinting frantically. They were in a wretched state, especially the boy in the green jumpsuit, who was covered in tears and snot. Ebisu and Genma were in equally low spirits.
Just moments ago, they thought they were dead. They had encountered seven terrifying enemies. If it hadn't been for Guy's dad showing up, they wouldn't have even had a chance to run. Looking at the sobbing Guy, they couldn't believe his "eternal Genin" father was actually strong enough to take on all seven at once.
Pant, pant!
After running for a while, the three were exhausted. They leaned against a massive tree.
"Father..."
Guy wiped his tears, but his eyes were like springs; the more he wiped, the more they flowed.
"Guy, it's okay. Your dad is so strong, he'll definitely beat the enemies," Genma comforted him.
Ebisu added, "That's right! Your dad is amazing, he'll definitely win."
Hearing this, Guy cried even harder. "You don't understand... Father taught me... that move can only be used when your most precious friends and family are in danger. After using it... sob..."
Ebisu and Genma looked at each other, finally understanding what Guy meant. A technique that allowed a Genin to fight seven Jonin couldn't be simple; they had only been holding onto a sliver of false hope.
"But your father said not to waste your youth. Crying won't help. We have to get stronger so our comrades don't get hurt again," Ebisu said, it was all he could offer.
"Right... I can't cry. I have to get stronger, inherit my father's path, and protect my comrades." Ebisu's words were like a ray of light piercing Guy's heart. "I can't fail my youth! I will get stronger and protect those I cherish!"
Guy finally stopped his tears, a look of resolve filling his eyes.
"Yo, isn't that Guy? Why the long face?"
Just as they were about to continue their flight toward Konoha to report the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, a familiar voice rang out. Looking up, they saw a figure with bandages wrapped around his head, leaving only his mouth visible, standing on a branch and looking down at them. Several Anbu were surrounding him.
"Tobitake Tonbo?"
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