Chapter 118: The Capital of the Land of Rivers
Nara Shikaku, Hatake Sakumo, and Tsunade—along with two thousand Konoha ninja—set out for the Land of Rivers.
There was no grand send-off, no formal ceremony.
In heavy silence, the ninja moved out in their respective units, following their captains away from the village.
The Yellow Dog Brigade would act as the Hokage's eyes on the battlefield, serving as his direct representatives in the Land of Rivers.
Shinmei had stayed hidden inside his cave for days. Only after his wounds had finally knitted together did he seek out the forward encampment slowly taking shape at the front.
The camp sat in the very heart of the Land of Rivers, heavily fortified to guard the rich grain-producing region in the east.
The outer perimeter walls and watchtowers were already up, and squads were busy pitching rows of canvas tents across the compound.
Shinmei waited a long time, watching carefully until Hatake Sakumo stepped out of the central command tent.
"Shinmei!" Sakumo's stern features suddenly softened into pure relief. "I worried something went wrong with your mission. It's good to see you back alive."