Chapter 50: The Arrival of the Main Force
They returned to camp faster than they had left, with Kawakaze carrying Nawaki on his back. A Konoha ninja on duty approached to inquire, his demeanor noticeably warmer than when they first arrived. After a quick confirmation of their identities, he allowed them in.
Kawakaze headed straight for the small thatched hut, where Sakumo and Duy were still discussing the theory behind the Eight Inner Gates. Without the time to practice, the two had shifted their focus to refining their understanding of the technique.
"What happened to Nawaki?" Sakumo asked with concern, seeing Kawakaze carrying him. Being future relatives, his tone reflected genuine worry.
"He's a little injured," Kawakaze replied, placing Nawaki gently on a bed. "It's his first time seeing blood, but he'll be fine after some rest."
Minato quietly sat down on one side of the room, listening.
"How many did you deal with this time?" Sakumo asked, confident in Kawakaze's capabilities. For him, Kawakaze's involvement almost always guaranteed results.
"One Jōnin and two Chūnin. Overall, a standard team," Kawakaze responded calmly, as though it were routine. An ordinary Jōnin posed little challenge to him.
"Minato, good job," Duy said, giving Minato a thumbs-up and a warm smile.
"Haha," Minato chuckled, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"Since you're already back, stay and keep watch over the camp," Sakumo suggested. "Just one Jōnin—seems like the Amegakure ninja still don't understand pain. Duy and I will head out again. Let's show them the strength of Konoha."
Sakumo, ever eager for action, couldn't stay idle. Protecting the camp didn't suit someone with his assassin-like skills.