CHAPTER 106
One month later, at Konoha's forward base in the Land of Waves.
Outside the largest command tent in the center of the base, a temporary wooden platform had been erected.
Homura Mitokado stood steadily atop it.
Below the platform, more than four hundred Konoha shinobi stood in orderly ranks.
The sea breeze carried the snapping of countless banners, while a dense killing intent filled the air.
Might Guy, Ebisu, and Shiranui Genma stood within Team 9's formation.
Standing at the front was their captain, Hyuga Yukian.
He still wore the standard Konoha combat uniform.
The thick bandages over his right eye had been replaced by a thinner white eyepatch.
His remaining left eye calmly gazed ahead.
"Everyone."
Homura Mitokado's voice, amplified by Chakra, clearly reached every shinobi present.
"For the past month, the Hidden Mist Village has been withdrawing its forces from the Land of Waves in small groups."
His gaze swept across the assembled shinobi.
His tone was calm yet decisive.
"But they have not truly abandoned this battlefield."
"Instead, they seek to preserve their hold over the strategic position of the Land of Waves while simultaneously exhausting Konoha's patience and manpower."
"Those schemes end today."
Homura Mitokado's voice suddenly sharpened.
"Today, all available combat forces under my command, totaling four hundred shinobi, will launch a full-scale assault!"
"The target is the main island of the Land of Waves!"
"We will completely expel the Hidden Mist forces from this battlefield!"
A wave of low murmurs spread through the formation before being replaced by an even stronger surge of battle intent.
According to the latest intelligence reports, the Hidden Mist garrison stationed on the main island numbered approximately three hundred shinobi.
Konoha possessed the numerical advantage.
Furthermore, months of fighting had already proven one thing repeatedly.
The Hidden Mist's determination to continue fighting was steadily weakening.
"The Hidden Mist will most likely avoid confronting our main force directly."
Homura Mitokado continued his briefing.
"Their most likely choice is to rely upon their island fortifications or seek opportunities to evacuate once our forces land."
"However."
He paused briefly.
His gaze became razor sharp.
"The battlefield changes every moment."
"No one can predict with absolute certainty what choice the enemy will make."
"Therefore, every squad must strictly follow the established operational plan."
"Maintain formation."
"Support one another."
"And do not advance recklessly."
"Now, all squad captains step forward and receive your assigned landing and assault objectives."
Hyuga Yukian immediately stepped forward and walked toward the tactical map area beside the platform.
Homura Mitokado's eyes lingered on him briefly.
Within them was a trace of gravity hidden beneath his usual composure.
Soon afterward, Hyuga Yukian received Team 9's assignment and returned.
"Our mission."
His voice was lowered so that only Team 9 could hear.
"We are assigned as one of the first assault squads to land on the island."
"Our designated landing area is Reef Bay on the western coast."
"The terrain there is complex. It allows for concealed approach."
He paused slightly.
"But it is also very easy to become separated from the main force's field of vision."
Without elaborating further, he motioned for the three of them to follow.
The group quickly returned to Team 9's tent.
The moment they entered, Hyuga Yukian immediately established a simple soundproof barrier.
Then he turned around.
His remaining eye swept across the three teammates before him.
His expression was more serious than ever.
"The landing mission is real."
He paused.
"But it is also a trap."
"A trap?"
Ebisu blinked in surprise.
"For the Hidden Mist?"
"No."
Hyuga Yukian slowly shook his head.
His next words shocked everyone present.
"It is a trap prepared by Konoha."
"The targets are Ao of the Hidden Mist... and the young girl possessing a Bloodline Limit."
"What?!"
Ebisu and Genma both froze.
Even Guy felt his heart skip a beat, though he maintained a calm expression.
Hyuga Yukian continued.
"This offensive is occurring on a massive scale."
"The Hidden Mist will inevitably dispatch elite units to intercept or harass our advance at critical points."
"Ao's squad is highly likely to be among those units."
"On the surface, our Reef Bay assignment exists because the terrain is suitable for a surprise landing."
"In reality, it is a deliberate deviation from the main assault route."
"We are creating the appearance of an isolated squad separated from support."
His gaze sharpened.
"Based on previous encounters and intelligence analysis, Ao's desire to obtain the Byakugan has never disappeared."
"If our squad appears isolated, it will become an irresistible temptation."
"He will most likely come."
"And once he attacks, believing we are cut off from support..."
"The elite Konoha forces already hidden nearby will immediately launch a counter-encirclement."
Hyuga Yukian's tone remained cold and clear.
"Our primary elimination target is the girl."
"According to Headquarters' assessment, her threat level and future growth potential exceed even Ao's."
"Her name is Mei Terumī."
Silence filled the tent.
Ebisu and Genma's faces were filled with shock.
Neither had imagined that such a precise hunting operation lay beneath what appeared to be a routine large-scale offensive.
The true target was an enemy genius.
Guy immediately understood the situation.
This was not merely a landing battle.
It was a carefully designed reverse bait operation.
Hyuga Yukian had undoubtedly reported every detail of their previous encounter with Mei Terumī.
Her terrifying Lava Release.
Her extraordinary combat potential.
Her dual Bloodline Limits.
All of it must have reached Homura Mitokado and perhaps even higher levels within Konoha.
Konoha clearly had no intention of allowing such a dangerous genius to mature unchecked.
They intended to eliminate her before she could fully develop.
Guy's pupils contracted slightly.
Whether the original timeline contained such a mission was irrelevant.
That held no importance to him.
His only connection to Mei Terumī was a brief but fierce clash.
Nothing more.
What mattered to him far more was the safety of Ebisu and Genma.
There was often only a single word separating a fake bait from a real one.
The enemy was not foolish.
Especially not someone as cautious and calculating as Ao.
If the illusion contained even the slightest flaw, he would never take the bait.
And to convince such an opponent completely...
The bait often had to pay a real price.
There could even be casualties.
"This mission is extremely dangerous."
Hyuga Yukian seemed to understand Guy's concerns.
His remaining eye looked directly at the three of them.
"As captain, I have the responsibility to inform you of every risk."
"If any of you wish to withdraw from this bait mission and request reassignment to a main assault unit, there is still time."
"But once we enter Reef Bay..."
"And step onto the stage prepared for Ao..."
"There will be no turning back."
Ebisu and Genma exchanged glances.
Both could clearly see the hesitation and struggle in each other's eyes.
Ao.
Hozuki Mangetsu.
And Mei Terumī.
They had personally experienced the terrifying strength of all three.
Even after training hard over the past month and improving their abilities, neither could confidently claim survival if they faced those monsters again.
Yet this was a battlefield.
This was a mission.
And it was not a suicidal mission.
A detailed support plan already existed.
As Konoha shinobi, the word retreat was difficult to say.
The atmosphere in the tent became heavy.
Then Guy suddenly stepped forward.
Breaking the silence.
"I will participate."
His voice was calm and unwavering.
Hyuga Yukian blinked slightly.
Guy continued.
"However, Captain."
"There is something I need to make clear in advance."
"If battle begins, my highest priority will be protection."
"I will prioritize protecting Ebisu and Genma."
"I will ensure they survive."
"As for eliminating enemies, that comes second."
"I hope you can accept this combat approach."
The moment those words left his mouth, not only Hyuga Yukian but also Ebisu and Genma stared at him in surprise.
Neither had expected Guy to make such a request at such a critical moment.
It was highly personal.
And in some ways, it even conflicted with conventional mission priorities.
Hyuga Yukian opened his mouth.
For a moment, he did not know how to respond.
The objective was to lure and eliminate the enemy.
A conflict undeniably existed between personal protective instincts and overall tactical requirements.
Just as the atmosphere became increasingly delicate, the tent flap suddenly lifted.
A steady voice entered.
"I agree."
Homura Mitokado stepped inside.
His expression remained unchanged.
Everyone immediately straightened and saluted.
"No need for formalities."
Homura Mitokado approached.
His gaze settled on Guy.
After a brief pause, he turned toward Hyuga Yukian and the others.
"Guy's request is completely reasonable."
"As comrades, protecting one another is a fundamental responsibility."
"While this bait operation is important, the lives of every team member are equally valuable."
His voice carried the authority unique to a frontline commander.
"As supreme commander of the Land of Waves front, I approve this request."
"Furthermore, the same principle applies to all members of Team 9."
"For this mission, survival comes first."
"Luring and eliminating the enemy comes second."
"Do your utmost to complete the operation while ensuring your own safety."
"Understood?"
"Yes, sir! Understood!"
Guy, Ebisu, and Genma answered in unison.
Each of them felt a subtle sense of relief.
Hyuga Yukian also bowed slightly.
"Yes, Lord Homura Mitokado."
"Prepare for departure."
"Proceed according to the original schedule."
Homura Mitokado said nothing further and turned to leave.
Inside the tent, the team immediately began their final equipment inspection.
Hyuga Yukian watched them quietly.
His gaze lingered on Guy as he carefully examined the chain of his alloy nunchaku.
A complicated expression flashed through his remaining eye.
Outside the tent, Homura Mitokado did not immediately leave.
He stood silently a short distance away.
Looking toward Team 9's tent, he seemed to recall Guy's words.
Protecting companions.
He murmured softly to himself.
"What a remarkable protective will."
The sea breeze swept through the camp.
In the distance, the horn announcing the beginning of the general offensive was about to sound.
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