💎 WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
"What are the enemy numbers?" Shin Hagūgen inquired.
His earlier decoy operation hadn't been entirely fruitless—he had indeed managed to draw away a portion of the enemy forces. Now he could only hope the remaining pursuers weren't overwhelmingly numerous.
"The enemies still tracking us match our numbers—approximately fifteen," the same clansman responded.
Being pursued by an equal-sized force wasn't unreasonable. The enemy possessed superior average strength, maintained peak physical condition, and could receive reinforcements swiftly. Meanwhile... Shin Hagūgen shook his head imperceptibly as his gaze swept over his companions, noting the visible exhaustion and frailty etched into every face. In truth, they no longer possessed the capacity for sustained combat—calling them lambs awaiting slaughter wouldn't be hyperbolic.
Forget fighting—they could barely continue fleeing.
"Fortunately, I did manage to shake off some of their forces. Looking optimistically, at least we won't face a pincer attack... In several hours, we'll likely confront only these fifteen."
After brief consideration, Shin Hagūgen realized their available options were deplorably limited. He sighed deeply before continuing: "To maximize everyone's survival chances, we must continue employing diversionary tactics—using select individuals to draw away as many enemies as possible."
Despite his youth, the clan ninjas held unwavering faith in him. First, their survival thus far was directly attributable to his strategic guidance. Second, as clan leader, he had already undertaken the perilous decoy mission once—effectively dying for the clan—leaving his dedication beyond question.
He possessed both capability and willingness to lead by example. Even if it meant guiding everyone toward the abyss, none would voice complaints now... He had fulfilled every obligation—if only their collective strength hadn't proven so inadequate.
"Chief, my condition remains acceptable. Allow me to serve as decoy this time," the same ninja immediately volunteered.
"Include me as well, Chief," another ninja stepped forward almost simultaneously.
Two young men in their twenties volunteered in succession: Kansen Hagūgen and Ryūnosuke Hagūgen.
"Excellent. We three shall handle the enemy diversion," Shin Hagūgen agreed without hesitation, recognizing these two as among the clan's most capable fighters.
"Chief—"
"No further discussion. The decision is final."
The upcoming mission, euphemistically termed a 'decoy operation,' was essentially a suicide assignment. Shin Hagūgen had already undertaken such a task once—logically, he shouldn't risk himself again. Yet he firmly silenced his clansmen's protests.
This was no time for misplaced sentiment.
"Everyone, heed my instructions: Spend the next two hours recovering your chakra. After that period, we commence operations... Don't worry excessively—I possess considerable confidence in our upcoming battle plan."
Nobody believed that final statement; they interpreted it as meaningless consolation.
Regardless, everyone found positions and began desperately refining chakra.
Shin Hagūgen ascended to the upper reaches of a massive tree, positioning himself on a sturdy horizontal branch to survey the surroundings and maintain vigilance for the group.
For his current capabilities, facing fifteen opponents simultaneously was impossible, but confronting five remained within the realm of possibility. He wouldn't overestimate his abilities—until today, he had been merely an ordinary ninja, capable of employing only the Academy Three techniques plus two or three basic Fire Release jutsu. Such limited skills made multi-opponent combat a fool's dream.
However, circumstances had fundamentally changed.
Contemplating his upcoming combat approach, Shin Hagūgen transformed his right hand and arm into their "White Zetsu" state. He then gently swung his limb, and miraculously, his arm passed directly through the adjacent tree trunk as though it were mere illusion.
This wasn't spatial-temporal ninjutsu—this was White Zetsu's Mayfly Technique.
Most White Zetsus currently active throughout the Shinobi World weren't combat units but specialized reconnaissance and intelligence operatives. Their abilities were specifically tailored for such missions. Generally speaking, individual White Zetsus were relatively fragile, but this didn't negate their lethal potential.
In reality, White Zetsu's assassination capabilities were unparalleled—practically monstrous. Perfect concealment, flawless transformation, soundless movement—White Zetsu abilities represented every ninja's ultimate aspiration.
Shin Hagūgen was convinced that "White Zetsu-Man" would prove no empty title.
Two hours elapsed swiftly. Shin Hagūgen returned to the group and announced: "Everyone, please shake hands with me individually... Kansen and Ryūnosuke, remain for last... Then listen carefully."
Though puzzled by Shin Hagūgen's intentions, everyone complied with his request.
While shaking hands with each clansman, Shin Hagūgen explained:
"Based on our previous encounters, compared to initial engagements, I sense the enemy's combat attitude has grown less rigorous. When pursuing us—essentially defenseless remnants—they seem to have adopted a cat-and-mouse mentality, displaying cruel amusement.
Therefore, if we continue dividing our forces for diversionary purposes, they'll almost certainly split up in pursuit, seeking to eliminate us piecemeal and achieve total annihilation.
They possess reconnaissance specialists while knowing we lack such capabilities. We can exploit this asymmetry..."
Shin Hagūgen paused momentarily, but by now everyone's attention had shifted elsewhere. Each ninja who had shaken his hand bore peculiar expressions.
Soon, Kansen and Ryūnosuke's turns arrived.
Shin Hagūgen grasped both men's hands simultaneously with his left and right palms. The instant their skin made contact, both felt substantial chakra surging into their bodies.
"This... what is this?"
This was White Zetsu's Spore Technique. This jutsu enabled the user to absorb others' chakra for personal use or transfer it to third parties. Shin Hagūgen was currently absorbing his clansmen's chakra and redistributing it equally between the designated decoys, Kansen and Ryūnosuke.
However, this wasn't the appropriate moment to explain such abilities.
"Listen carefully—here's our battle plan: I, Kansen, and Ryūnosuke will abandon concealment, splitting into three directions to lure away our pursuers. Facing desperate prey like ourselves, the enemy will almost certainly divide their forces in pursuit—providing us opportunities for sequential elimination.
Kansen, proceed toward three o'clock; Ryūnosuke, take six o'clock; I'll handle nine o'clock... Freely expend your chakra, provoke them but avoid prolonged engagement. Run—run with everything you have. Understood?"
"Yes, Chief." Both men nodded without hesitation.
"Once I eliminate the enemies in my sector, I'll immediately provide support, so avoid reckless actions."
Concentrating the chakra of over a dozen ninjas into two individuals would sustain them for a considerable period. If Shin Hagūgen moved with sufficient speed and fortune favored them, survival remained possible.
"The remainder—conceal yourselves deeper within the forest. Don't emerge until combat concludes."
After Shin Hagūgen finished speaking, several individuals appeared ready to voice concerns, but ultimately remained silent.
At this juncture, what could they possibly say? Inquire how their Chief intended to defeat five fully-rested enemies single-handedly?
Such words remained unspoken.
This was a desperate gamble for survival—they could only exert maximum effort and entrust the remainder to fate... Such were the thoughts of most present.
Only Shin Hagūgen knew his diversionary operation wasn't intended as a suicide mission.
They couldn't simply choose death—after all, Shin Hagūgen had extracted the vast majority of his clansmen's chakra for this operation. Deprived of chakra, they would become utterly defenseless. Discovery by enemies would inevitably result in one-sided slaughter.
"Very well, any final questions?" Shin Hagūgen inquired.
Everyone shook their heads. Whatever the outcome, they had steeled themselves mentally.
"Excellent, then..."
"Operation commence."