Under the steady supply of food, Umino Yoru created multiple Shadow Clones in quick succession.
The memory backlash from dispelling them was intense, but still within tolerable limits—especially with the constant replenishment of food energy speeding up his recovery.
"If I weren't keeping my main body in peak condition, I could easily make even more clones for training," he mused.
Food energy wasn't a stimulant, but its effects were far superior. Even under the moonlight, his stamina remained unbroken, fueling his relentless training.
Unwelcome Visitors
Suddenly, one of his shadow clones—using the Subsonic Radar Technique—detected four figures entering his patrol zone.
"If they're not Konoha intel operatives… then they're Sand elite."
Yoru immediately recalled his training clones and sent them racing toward the intruders.
At three kilometers out, Clone #1 activated Ultrasonic Radar for precise scanning—then dispelled itself.
Memory received.
Yoru 's eyes sharpened, a cold glint flashing within.
*"Confirmed. A full squad of Sand puppet masters—one Special Jonin and three Chūnin."*
Tactical Preparations
"Shukudō. Battle stations."
A flicked pebble smacked the back of Shukudō's head, snapping him out of his training.
"You've gotta be kidding me—Sand elites again?!"
The three Genin scrambled after Yoru , but Shukudō—ever the cautious one—hesitated.
"Captain, shouldn't we wait for backup? You said Aburame Shibi planted kikaichū in our zone. The patrol squad'll be here soon—"
"Advance. We ambush them at the riverside forest."
Yoru didn't slow down.
(Like hell I'm sharing this A-rank mission credit.)
A small puppet squad? Perfect prey.
Sure, a Special Jonin puppeteer's team rivaled a standard Jonin squad in combat power—but they had weaknesses. And weaknesses were fatal.
The Trap
They reached the riverbank—five kilometers downstream from their last engagement.
"Shukudō. Set the Heavenly Net traps."
This time, the traps weren't on the opposite shore but within the riverside forest.
Last battle, the river was a barrier against pursuit.
This time? A cage to prevent escape.
(Total annihilation.)
Shukudō worked swiftly. Meanwhile, Yoru sensed the kikaichū stirring—Aburame reinforcements were minutes away.
"No time to waste."
Fog of War
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique!"
Hand seals flashed. Thick fog swallowed the forest within a 200-meter radius.
Yoru devoured another batch of food, replenishing his chakra and stamina.
(Peak condition. Always.)
His eight shadow clones took positions around the perimeter, lying in wait.
Sand Squad's Arrival
Less than five minutes later, the Sand puppeteers crossed the river—only to freeze at the unnatural mist.
"Why's there fog?"
The leader—a scar-faced Special Jonin—raised a fist, halting his team. His eyes narrowed.
"Ambush! Fall back—!"
(Veteran instincts. Sharp.)
But it was too late.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique!"
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique!"
"Water Release—"
Five more layers of mist erupted from all sides, drowning the area in impenetrable haze.
A voice echoed through the fog:
*"Leaving so soon? How rude."*
Counterplay
"Ganryū! Clear a path!" barked the scarred puppeteer.
One Chūnin formed seals—Snake → Ram → Tiger—and exhaled violently.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A cyclone tore through the mist, carving a dozen-meter-wide escape route.
"Go—!"
They lunged for the opening—only for a barrage of kunai and shuriken to rain down, pinning them in place.
Another mist technique sealed the gap shut.
The Killing Blow
The scarred puppeteer's fingers twitched.
"Puppetry Technique: A Thousand Needles of Rain!"
A storm of senbon shredded the fog in a lethal spread—
POOF.
One shadow clone disintegrated under the onslaught.
please visit mypatreon
belamy20