To ensure the Hidden Cloud ninja wouldn't return for a surprise counterattack, Victor wasn't in any rush to abandon the position.
Instead, he remained stationed there with Alyssa, Erina, and Hisako for another two hours. Only after confirming the Cloud forces had truly retreated and weren't coming back did he lead the three women back to headquarters.
By that time, the battles at the other two positions had also concluded.
Naturally, Konoha emerged victorious.
Though Konoha didn't have a significant numerical advantage, they held the high ground and possessed shinobi far more skilled than their opponents. This allowed them to quickly repel the enemy's initial assault.
But everyone knew this was just the beginning.
When the first wave failed, there would be a second. Then a third. A fourth...
Despite the temporary victory, nobody dared to relax their guard.
Inside the command tent, Victor found Jiraiya looking considerably worse for wear compared to their last meeting. Gone was his usual carefree demeanor, replaced by visible exhaustion.
His white hair hung disheveled, and his clothes bore several tears with bloodstains scattered across the fabric.
Of course, that blood belonged to his enemies, not him.
"You're back. I heard about what happened at your position. Thanks for stepping in when you did." Jiraiya bowed slightly to Victor and the three women, expressing genuine gratitude.
Victor waved dismissively. "Tell me about the enemy's movements."
Jiraiya nodded and walked to the battlefield sand table. He pointed at various pieces as he explained. "The two enemy forces from the Land of Hot Springs have merged and retreated here. Looks like they're planning a combined assault on Position One."
"The troops from the Land of Sound have pulled back to the Hot Springs border, apparently trying to link up with their allies."
"And I just received intel that the Hidden Cloud Village has dispatched another force as reinforcements to the front lines."
Victor's eyes narrowed. "When will those reinforcements arrive?"
"At their current pace, early tomorrow morning."
"Perfect." Victor picked up the piece representing Konoha and slammed it down on the enemy pieces with decisive force. "Then tomorrow morning, we'll take the initiative. We'll destroy them all in one strike."
The enemy pieces scattered across the table.
"Excellent!"
Jiraiya's eyes lit up at Victor's bold plan. Rather than objecting, he fully supported it.
He knew Victor had the ability to pull it off.
"I'll notify all units to prepare for deployment!"
With those words, Jiraiya left the tent.
When he returned that evening, an enticing aroma immediately hit his senses the moment he entered. His already empty stomach growled in protest.
"What are you eating? That smells incredible!"
His eyes widened at the dazzling array of unfamiliar dishes spread across the table, and his mouth began to water.
So fragrant!
He'd never smelled such a tempting aroma from any meal before!
It had to taste amazing, right?
His stomach growled again.
Seeing Jiraiya's obvious desire, Victor gestured invitingly. "Want to join us?"
"May I?"
Jiraiya swallowed hard, drool threatening to escape the corner of his mouth.
"Of course."
Victor pointed to an empty bowl that had been prepared in advance.
"Help yourself to whatever you want."
"Then I won't hold back."
Jiraiya certainly didn't need to be asked twice.
Half an hour later, they leaned back in their chairs, thoroughly satisfied after the meal.
Jiraiya's previously flat stomach now bulged slightly, looking almost three months pregnant.
Most of the delicious food had gone into his stomach.
The main reason was that the three women had just experienced their first real battle and had lost their appetites.
To avoid wasting the food, Jiraiya had become an honorary member of the Clean Plate Club.
"Victor, I'll get some hot water ready for your bath," Erina said, standing up and leaving the tent.
Alyssa and Hisako also rose.
"I'll set up the tent."
"I'll make the bed."
Watching these three capable and beautiful women, Jiraiya's expression once again filled with envy.
"Victor, how did you get such virtuous and beautiful women to fall for you? Can you teach me?"
If he could learn even a few tricks from Victor, surely with his romantic and handsome appearance, he wouldn't need to worry about attracting women, right?
In that moment, he envisioned his future, surrounded by beautiful women on all sides, and a perverted smile spread across his face.
Victor glanced at Jiraiya's lecherous expression, shook his head gently, and said, "It's not that I don't want to teach you. You simply can't learn it."
Jiraiya refused to give up. He pulled a book from his coat and held it out.
"Please, just give me a few pointers! Consider this my tuition fee!"
Looking at the scantily clad woman on the cover, Victor's expression suddenly changed. He declared sternly, "You're trying to bribe me with this? I'm reading the classics here!"
After saying that, he snatched the book from Jiraiya's hands, stood up, and strode out of the tent.
Jiraiya sat there filled with regret.
He'd truly lost both the lady and his army.
Night fell.
After enjoying a refreshing bath and returning to his tent, Victor found both Erina and Hisako still there.
Seeing this, Victor couldn't help but ask, "It's getting late. Aren't you planning to go back to your own tent to rest?"
Before the two could answer, Alyssa took both their arms and said, "Erina and Hisako want to stay tonight. Is that okay?"
Erina and Hisako blushed deeply and lowered their heads, not daring to look at Victor.
Initially, they'd planned to return to their own tent, but Alyssa wouldn't let them leave.
The reason was simple, Alyssa couldn't handle it alone.
They'd stayed after being half-reluctantly persuaded.
Victor certainly wouldn't refuse such an arrangement. He laughed heartily. "Of course it's fine!"
After setting up a soundproof barrier around the tent, Victor pulled the three women onto the large bed.
Tonight was destined to be anything but restful.
The next morning, Victor woke from his sleep to find only Alyssa still by his side.
The girl was sleeping soundly in his arms, seemingly dreaming something pleasant. The corners of her mouth curved upward in a sweet smile.
Victor didn't wake her. He carefully extracted himself from her embrace, got dressed, and tiptoed out of the tent.
As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Erina and Hisako preparing breakfast.
When they noticed Victor, they couldn't help but recall the previous night's intensity. Their fair faces instantly flushed red.
"Why don't you two rest a bit longer?" Victor walked forward, embracing both women in his arms, and spoke softly.
"We wanted to prepare breakfast for you," Erina replied.
"It's okay to skip breakfast. You worked so hard yesterday, there's no need to get up this early today."
Yesterday had been their first time experiencing actual combat and seeing blood.
Last night had been their first time in a different kind of battle, and they'd bled then too.
To satisfy Victor, they'd given their all.
They hadn't rested until around three in the morning.
Erina's blush deepened. "It's fine. We've already recovered."
Hisako nodded in agreement. "Yes, we're good!"