Mū, the Second Tsuchikage, and Gengetsu, the Second Mizukage, had been entangled in a rivalry since the Warring States period. While they respected each other, they were also relentless adversaries.
The reason Mū was now constantly wrapped in bandages was precisely because, in his youth, he had fought a great battle with that bastard Gengetsu. He had been severely burned by Gengetsu Hozuki's signature technique, Vapor Clone Jutsu, resulting in extensive burns and scars all over his body, utterly destroying his handsome and distinguished appearance.
It would be strange if Mū didn't hold a grudge against Gengetsu for disfiguring him. However, after the establishment of the Five Great Nations' hidden villages, the great sage Hashirama suppressed everyone, leading to a period of 'peace.'
Consequently, Mū had no good way to seek revenge against Gengetsu. Later, after both assumed the title of Kage, neither was idle. Every now and then, they would stir up trouble for the other, leading to a long history of blood debts between Iwagakure and Kirigakure.
Now, it was perfect.
Mū was sitting at home, and the blame landed on him out of nowhere. War was inevitable. While he was somewhat irritated at being used by someone and inexplicably bearing the title of the Land of Water Daimyō's killer, this turn of events actually pleased Mū.
He could once again genuinely confront that bastard Gengetsu. This time, it wouldn't just be settled easily; he wouldn't stop until that bastard was dead!
Thinking this, Mū said, "Ōnoki, go back and prepare. I'm declaring the village in a state of war preparedness!"
Upon hearing his master's words, Ōnoki was already prepared. He quickly replied, "Yes, Second Tsuchikage-sama!"
Meanwhile, within the Land of Water, Hibari and his group had been hiding for several days. Although the Land of Water was on the brink of a major war, it seemed they hadn't relaxed their pursuit of the culprits who killed the Daimyō at all.
Even though Kirigakure was already mobilizing combat forces, large numbers of shinobi were still searching the entire Land of Water for Hibari and their 'Iwagakure' associates.
Of course, during this time, Hibari and the others conducted some reverse intelligence gathering. They basically confirmed that their operation was a complete success. The Daimyō's Manor had strongly condemned the Land of Earth's actions, which had damaged relations between the two countries, and had unilaterally declared war.
They were just waiting for the Daimyō's family to return from abroad, arrange the funeral on an auspicious day, and then the entire army would launch its attack.
In a dense forest, Hibari and the others were gathered together, mostly covered in dirt. After all, they had been constantly dodging pursuers these past few days. It was impossible for them to openly do anything, let alone stay in an inn, take a bath, or rest. They had been constantly fleeing through mountains and wildlands.
"I'm desperate to get to the Land of Hot Water front line. Honestly, it's not even about participating in the war, but I just want to soak in a hot spring and rest. My nerves are too frayed; my head's been a bit hazy lately..." Hibari said weakly, leaning against a tree.
Kagami wasn't in much better shape. He sat on the ground, leaning against a large rock, covered in dust. Hearing Hibari's words, he nodded in agreement. "You're right... I used to think about finishing the mission and rushing back to join the war. Now, I just hope we can get out of the Land of Water alive, and that the Hokage-sama will be understanding and give us some time off... I just want to sleep in..."
Hitenn, sitting cross-legged on the ground, rummaged through his ninja tool pouch and pulled out a small bottle. He opened it, looked at it, and said somewhat helplessly, "Six months' worth of eye drops... I've only been away from the village for about a month, and I'm already almost out..."
Muttering this with some emotion, Hitenn looked up and began dripping the medicine into his eyes, preparing to alleviate his fatigue.
Actually, who was the most exhausted and tired person these past few days? It wasn't Hibari, nor Kagami or Sakumo or the other squad members, but Hitenn.
The shinobi of the Land of Water were like hunting dogs, searching for them everywhere. They naturally couldn't just run around like headless chickens. Hitenn was needed to 'clear the path with his Byakugan,' circumventing various searches and pursuits, and finding the correct direction towards the coast to leave the Land of Water.
This required Hitenn to use his Byakugan frequently, even constantly, and each time for a long duration. Although it was an organ that grew naturally in his body, it still consumed a lot of stamina, chakra, and mental energy. So much so that Hitenn, the perpetually serious one, sometimes thought about giving up running and fighting to the death with these bastards. Why? Because running was too exhausting!
Seeing Hitenn's normally pure white eyes now reddened at the corners and covered in bloodshot veins, Hibari and the others felt pity for him.
Just then, Sakumo's figure approached from not far away, carrying several plump wild rabbits. They looked like they had already been skinned and gutted.
His face also showed some fatigue. He walked over, smiled, and said, "Good luck today. There are many wild rabbits nearby. We can properly replenish ourselves. Leader Hitenn, eat more later to nourish your eyes..."
Hitenn put away his eye drops and said, "Okay, thank you very much, Sakumo."
"No need for thanks, we're all comrades. You've given us so much help, so we naturally have to take care of you," Sakumo said with a smile.
Then, letting Hitenn continue to rest with his eyes closed, Hibari and the others began 'cooking' the rabbits.
Kagami lit a bonfire, chuckling as he said, "Your Hatake clan truly lives up to its reputation as top hunters. Without you, we'd just be eating soldier pills in these barren mountains, who knows for how long. We'd probably have thrown up long ago..."
To prevent the smoke from spreading, Hibari casually set up some small barriers around them. When the smoke drifted near the barriers, it would be absorbed, preventing any outward detection.
"That's why I say, our Anbu squad truly harbors hidden talents..." Hibari said with a smile.
Sakumo chuckled as he skewered the rabbits onto wooden sticks. "Too many skills are never a burden. If you want to learn, I can teach you these hunting techniques another day."
"Then you'd better teach well, don't hold back. I'm actually planning to learn when I get back..." Kagami said, jokingly.
After some lighthearted chatter, it wasn't long before Hibari and the others had processed the plump wild rabbits. They then divided them, with each person receiving half a rabbit to eat. Paired with some dry rations, it offered a unique flavor, easily filling their stomachs.
Taking a bite of the wild rabbit meat, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a hint of grease, Hibari chewed a few times, then relaxed abruptly, leaning against the tree. "Ah... feeling a bit revived... These past few days, what I've looked forward to most every day is Sakumo bringing back some wild game."
"Finding joy in suffering, it's truly not easy..." Hitenn said with great emotion as he ate the rabbit meat.
Then, the few of them started talking about various random things to relieve their tense nerves and stress.
Seeing everyone slightly relaxed and rested, Hibari ate the last bit of rabbit meat in his hand, then casually stuffed half a cracker into his mouth, before speaking indistinctly, "Stretching film, all gates are also..."
Before he could finish, Kagami waved his hand. "Hibari, stop testing our hearing. We're tired enough. Finish eating what's in your mouth before you speak..."
Hibari chuckled awkwardly, then quickly twisted open his water bottle and gulped down some water, swallowing everything in his mouth. Then he spoke, "Alright, we've been on the run for several days now. Although there have been many troubles that delayed us significantly, overall, once we cross this mountain, we'll reach the coast. When we arrived, we arranged for Retsu and the others to prepare boats along this coastline, ready to pick us up from the Land of Water at any time. I'm sure they're ready..."
Hearing Hibari's words, the others showed signs of hope. Sakumo said with some excitement, "Finally, we can leave this damned place. When I get back, I hope I can get some vacation time..."
Hearing this, Hibari smiled, then said, "Me too. Kagami was just talking about this. I was indeed inconsiderate before, thinking of rushing back to join the front line after finishing this mission. But now it's clear everyone is utterly exhausted. We're not robots, after all; we can't keep going non-stop. Therefore, I announce that as soon as we return to the Land of Fire, I'll personally give you a full month off. Without a special order from the Hokage-sama, we won't participate in any missions! Even if Hiruzen gives an order, I'll block it for you!"
Upon hearing Hibari's words, the others cheered. Indeed, while executing this mission, they had initially thought about quickly finishing it to return to war. But now, they all just wanted to hurry back and rest. Going to the battlefield in this state wouldn't be to kill enemies; it would be to offer themselves as casualties.
"Alright, alright, let me finish talking..." Hibari motioned with his hand for everyone to quiet down. Then he spoke again, "The Land of Water is an island nation, so they're well aware that we 'Iwagakure' types, if we want to leave, will inevitably head towards the coast. So, the coastline will definitely have a large number of people searching. However, thankfully, this coastline is long enough that they can't possibly cover it all. Therefore, I'm announcing our next course of action here..."
The others listened intently to Hibari, waiting for his next command.
"Once we cross this mountain and everyone can see the sea, we'll break into smaller units. Our collective action will switch to individual action mode. We'll infiltrate the coastline separately. This will reduce our chances of being discovered and exposed. Also, I believe this is the safest method. Think about it, they're currently looking for 'Iwagakure' people, and we... are from the Land of Fire. As long as everyone acts naturally and doesn't reveal any major tells, we can completely blend in. Understand?" Hibari said very seriously.
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