CHAPTER 98
Three hours later.
Team 9's boat quietly entered the waters surrounding Mist Island.
Might Guy stood silently by the railing.
This time, he did not choose to voice all of his suspicions.
The Battle of Mount Kikyo had taught him a lesson.
The decisions made by higher-ups would not change because of a few words from him.
Moreover, this matter was far more "groundless" than the warning about Sunagakure's surprise attack.
The Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan was coveted by countless people.
The Hyuga Clan itself had always maintained the highest level of vigilance regarding their dōjutsu.
Would his warning really make any difference?
At the same time, the current situation was fundamentally different from Mount Kikyo.
Kirigakure genuinely lacked the strength to defeat Konoha on the Land of Waves battlefield.
Ao's plan was most likely a personal scheme.
The scale could never be too large.
If the commotion became excessive, Hyuga Yukian was not a fool.
There was no way he would fail to notice.
The enemy's only opportunity would be to construct a trap that appeared completely safe to Hyuga Yukian.
A trap designed precisely for him.
A trap capable of luring him inside willingly.
What Might Guy needed to do was detect anything suspicious at the very first moment.
Then warn the Hyuga captain.
If necessary, he would ensure an emergency retreat and guarantee the safety of his teammates.
The moment their boat entered the outer region of Mist Island, Might Guy immediately sensed something unusual.
The sobriety stone wedged between his back molars began releasing a distinct and continuous bitter taste.
This was a habit he had developed during nearly a year of fighting on the battlefield.
As long as he was carrying out a mission, the sobriety stone would always remain in his mouth.
The Shinobi World contained countless bizarre Ninjutsu.
One moment of carelessness could be fatal.
This habit had already saved him numerous times.
However, this time, it was not the sharp and sudden impact of Genjutsu.
Instead, it felt as though something was slowly infiltrating his body.
A subtle, persistent influence.
Almost like a chronic poison that gradually eroded a person's judgment and made them increasingly impulsive.
"Captain."
Might Guy immediately spoke up.
"There may be an ambush here."
"I have a Ninja tool specifically used to resist Genjutsu, and it is continuously reacting."
"There is something wrong with this fog."
Hearing this, veins slightly bulged around Hyuga Yukian's temples as he activated his Byakugan.
His pale eyes immediately swept across the surrounding sea.
After a detailed examination, however, he discovered nothing abnormal.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he slowly shook his head.
"Our mission is to verify the enemy's intentions."
"It would be unreasonable to withdraw without discovering anything."
"Kirigakure specializes in Water Release and environmental warfare."
"This may simply be Chakra-infused mist designed to interfere with perception and induce mild confusion."
"It does not necessarily mean a deliberate ambush is targeting us."
"Remain alert and continue the mission."
After considering the matter, Hyuga Yukian ultimately ordered the boat to continue deeper into the area.
Seeing that he could not convince the captain, Might Guy immediately turned toward Ebisu and Genma.
Lowering his voice, he warned them:
"Stay extremely vigilant."
"My sobriety stone has been bitter the entire time."
"This fog is definitely abnormal."
"It may not be Genjutsu, but it's affecting us somehow."
Ebisu pushed up his sunglasses.
Genma shifted the senbon in his mouth.
Both wore solemn expressions as they nodded.
Neither of them believed Guy would joke during a mission.
He had already explained the function of the sobriety stone to them long ago.
During the repeated battles at Mount Kikyo, it had proven its value many times.
The boat continued forward cautiously.
Along the way, Might Guy removed the sobriety stone and soaked it in a bowl of water.
He then gave the water to Ebisu, Genma, and Hyuga Yukian to drink.
Hyuga Yukian accepted it without objection.
As the boat entered a region filled with dense reefs, the surrounding mist seemed to grow thicker.
The air became damp and sticky.
Suddenly, Hyuga Yukian's eyes narrowed.
"There are Chakra signatures ahead."
"The number is very small."
Through the gaps between the reefs and layers of sea mist, his Byakugan clearly detected something in the distance.
A small boat sat quietly anchored among the reefs.
Three figures stood upon its bow.
"It's them."
A subtle change appeared in Hyuga Yukian's expression.
The three figures were the same people they had encountered before.
Ao.
The Hozuki Clan youth.
And the mysterious girl.
Inside the cabin stood another figure wrapped tightly in cloth.
The Chakra fluctuation coming from that person was weak and strange.
Ao seemed to have detected their presence through some sensory ability.
His expression immediately changed.
Without hesitation, he waved his hand and signaled for the boat to retreat.
The movement appeared rushed and somewhat panicked.
The Hozuki youth and the girl also looked visibly tense.
A sharp glint flashed through Hyuga Yukian's pale eyes.
He instantly arrived at a conclusion.
"The enemy is secretly transporting an important person or item."
"Pursue them!"
"Captain, wait!"
Might Guy immediately stepped forward to stop him.
His words came out rapidly.
"Our mission is only to verify whether the enemy is withdrawing."
"Once that information is confirmed, we should immediately return and report."
"Chasing them deeper exceeds the mission requirements."
"What if this is bait intentionally exposed by the enemy?"
"This reef region is the perfect place for an ambush."
Hyuga Yukian paused.
Mission first.
Those words had long been engraved into his very bones.
Might Guy's reminder instantly brought him back to clarity.
The mission objective was reconnaissance.
Not interception.
Not annihilation.
Ao was a cautious and meticulous Jonin.
Would someone like that expose his position so carelessly?
If they were lured into a trap and failed the mission...
Or worse, lost the entire team...
That would be the greatest dereliction of duty.
After only a brief hesitation, he made his decision.
"Turn around."
"Withdraw."
"Return to base and report immediately."
Hyuga Yukian's voice returned to its usual calmness as he issued the order.
Might Guy secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Ebisu and Genma immediately assisted in controlling the boat.
They carefully maneuvered through the complicated reef formations and began turning around.
However, just as their vessel completed its turn and prepared to accelerate away from the area...
Something happened behind them.
The Kirigakure boat that had been desperately "fleeing" moments earlier suddenly changed direction.
It carved a sharp arc through the water.
Then turned back.
Its speed was far faster than before.
It charged directly toward Team 9's vessel.
Hyuga Yukian's pale eyes suddenly contracted.
The veins around his temples bulged violently.
For the first time, intense emotion appeared on the usually calm captain's face.
"It really was an ambush!!"
{🥳 Loving the story so far? Craving more chapters? 🥰
If you're enjoying the journey, don't forget to vote with your Power Stones! Every Power Stone helps the novel reach more readers and motivates me to keep the updates coming. 💙
Support me on Patreon and unlock 60+ advance chapters right now, plus 3 fresh chapters every two days to keep you hooked! 🎉
✨ Subscribe or grab lifetime access with a one-time purchase... your choice, no pressure!
👉 /mythborne }