The friction between Sasori and Yubi was only a small interlude.
Soon, everyone in the outpost could do nothing but wait… waiting for intelligence from the battlefield.
Yubi no longer needed to treat the wounded. As time passed and the fighting intensified, those still battling with injuries no longer had any chance of being brought back. Once wounded again, death was almost certain.
Sunagakure's manpower had dwindled so badly that they no longer even had enough people to transport the injured.
If they retreated, it was uncertain how many of the few dozen survivors in the base would make it back alive.
"Prepare to withdraw."
An older Sand shinobi spoke.
"Yubi, Sasori… you two, the other medical ninja, and the younger ones—leave first."
"We likely won't make it back to the village alive. So we'll burn the last of our strength buying you time."
His voice carried calm resolve.
Yubi said nothing.
This was the best option.
The only option.
Even underground, they could sense the battle outside growing fiercer. Explosions echoed from time to time—meaning this last outpost could be exposed at any moment.
Better to leave before the enemy found them.
Intelligence had confirmed that the frontline defenses had been broken by Amegakure's main force. More enemies would soon flood the area.
Everyone exchanged looks and began gathering what little supplies remained.
Those staying behind discussed interception routes and battle plans to cover the escape.
Then—
Footsteps echoed from the tunnel entrance.
A familiar face appeared.
Lady Chiyo.
Behind her came an entire medical corps.
Reinforcements had arrived.
Relief spread through the room.
Yubi finally relaxed.
"Start treating the wounded!" a Sand shinobi ordered.
Medical ninja rushed forward to work.
Chiyo noticed Sasori, but walked straight to Yubi first. She gently patted his head with a pleased smile.
"Yubi, right? I remember you. You did well. This was thanks to you."
They had met before at the village hospital. Back then, Yubi's medical insight had impressed her, though she had only seen potential.
She hadn't expected him to perform so brilliantly on the battlefield.
Talent alone didn't make a great medical ninja—battlefield effectiveness did.
She already knew Yubi could use the Mystical Palm Technique, but asked no questions.
Only then did she examine Sasori's injuries, her expression complicated.
"Amegakure and Konoha have reached a ceasefire. That old man with the respirator, angry after losing—thought he could focus on us. But this time, he'll suffer another defeat."
She summarized the situation.
The "old man" was, of course, Hanzo of the Salamander.
Konoha had forced Amegakure into a stalemate—but Sunagakure was Hanzo's natural counter.
Chiyo had neutralized his poison gas.
Puppet masters were difficult for Rain ninja to fight.
And the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release had devastating battlefield power.
Hanzo couldn't beat Konoha.
And he still couldn't conquer the Land of Wind.
This time, the Third Kazekage had personally gone to the frontlines to crush Amegakure's offensive.
Their mission now was simple—restore the frontlines and seal the breach.
Chiyo had only stopped here to see Yubi and Sasori.
"It's over."
Yubi finally felt at ease.
The moment relief hit—
His exhaustion crashed down.
He collapsed unconscious.
"Lady Chiyo!"
A shinobi caught him.
"Let him rest," Chiyo sighed. "He's simply exhausted."
"…Heh."
Beside them, Sasori suddenly chuckled.
Chiyo froze in surprise.
Since his parents' death, she hadn't seen him smile in years.
Even if it was a mischievous one… it was genuine.
Her gaze shifted between Yubi and Sasori thoughtfully.
Then she departed for the frontlines.
There were reports that Hanzo himself had entered the battlefield.