Chapter 145: Deep Behind Enemy Lines
The next day, before dawn, Minato led the group northwest, deeper into the Land of Earth. They slept under the open sky, eating whatever they could scavenge along the way. After several days, they finally arrived near the supply route.
Stretching out before them was an endless plain with a broad field of vision that extended for miles in every direction. Finding a suitable hiding place here was nearly impossible.
"We'll have to attack head-on," Minato said, noting the complete lack of even a small hillock for cover. It was clear the Iwa Ninjas had carefully chosen this supply route.
"We need to finish this quickly," Fugaku added, expressing concern. "If we drag this out, Iwa Ninjas might call for reinforcements. We're deep in the Land of Earth, and we have no backup."
"I'll keep an eye out. Wait for my signal," Nawaki said confidently. He quickly formed a hand seal, and his body began to sink into the ground.
"That's a pretty good technique," Minato remarked as he and the others watched Nawaki disappear. Once he was completely out of sight, they cautiously stepped on the ground to test it, finding it as hard as concrete.
"Seriously? You're stepping on my head?" Nawaki's muffled voice came from below, sounding slightly distorted.
"I was just checking if it would give us away," Minato explained sheepishly, scratching his head. He truly hadn't meant any harm.
"Just get lost and wait for my signal," Nawaki snapped, clearly annoyed. He didn't want any mistakes that might reveal their presence.
"Okay, be careful," Minato said before signaling the group to retreat. Within moments, it was as if no one had ever been there.
Nawaki remained underground, his senses sharp as he waited for the Iwa Ninjas' supply force to arrive. To ensure his strength wouldn't waver, he chewed on several Military Ration Pills.