After advancing ten kilometers, Senju and the other Konoha ninja temporarily set up camp on the spot.
Over the past few days,
Kumogakure ninja had continuously come to scout their situation.
However, thanks to the traps laid around the area and the patrolling ninja, no battles had broken out.
Senju had been quite relaxed these days, as he didn't need to handle trivial matters.
So, he spent his time training.
On the third day after the camp was set up, news arrived from the Hidden Hot Springs Village.
The Hidden Hot Springs Village had reverted to a neutral stance, declaring that it would no longer participate in the conflict between Kumogakure and Konoha, and would no longer host Kumogakure ninja within its borders.
This outcome was no surprise to Senju, Orochimaru, or Jiraiya.
After all, the battle that had erupted in the Hidden Hot Springs Village a few days earlier had severely weakened the village.
If Kuroiwa Tatsuji was smart, he would realize that in a war between Kumogakure and Konoha, a small village like the Hidden Hot Springs had no place taking sides.
He had no choice but to accept Orochimaru's suggestion and return to neutrality.
Only then could the Hidden Hot Springs Village survive in this war that had yet to fully erupt.
However, this period of ease lasted only four days.
On the fifth day,
Orochimaru summoned Senju to his tent.
Inside the tent were only Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and now Senju.
Once Senju arrived, Orochimaru said seriously, "About two kilometers from our camp, Kumogakure ninja have begun gathering."
Jiraiya asked gravely, "How many are there?"
Orochimaru replied, "Rough estimates suggest around fifty ninja. It seems they intend to thoroughly assess our situation this time. However, this timing is later than I expected. I thought they would have acted two days ago."
Jiraiya inquired, "Orochimaru, should we rely on the traps we've set and retreat while fighting?"
Orochimaru nodded. "Exactly. The traps we've laid over the past few days will be the primary means of slowing the Kumogakure ninja. But that alone won't be enough.
Since we don't yet know the composition of those fifty Kumogakure ninja, Jiraiya, you and I will guard the rear and do our best to hold them off."
Jiraiya frowned slightly. "You and I guarding the rear? But who will lead the team forward?"
He paused suddenly and looked at Senju.
Senju pointed at himself in confusion. "Are you saying I should lead the team forward?"
Orochimaru nodded and explained, "Exactly. Here, only you, Senju, have the leadership skills. Even as we retreat while fighting, we can't retreat too quickly.
Although we have traps, we can't rule out the possibility of them failing or being discovered. So, Jiraiya and I will guard the rear to ensure the Kumogakure ninja's pursuit is slowed.
Your task, Senju, is to guide the ninja in retreating. However, some Kumogakure ninja will likely find a way to flank us. When that happens, you'll need to organize the ninja to counterattack.
Senju, sooner or later in this war, you'll become a leader commanding troops. Consider this an early opportunity to adapt."
Senju's expression turned slightly complicated.
Given how highly Orochimaru regarded him, Senju knew he would eventually become a leader.
He had thought it would start with the five unlucky Uchiha, but he hadn't expected it to happen so soon—and with him directly commanding thirty-two ninja.
Jiraiya agreed, "Indeed, Senju is more suited here to lead the ninja and command their retreat."
Initially, when Orochimaru said, "Only Senju has the leadership skills," Jiraiya wanted to object.
He felt that Namikaze Minato's leadership skills were also quite good, as Minato had served as the commander in several previous missions.
But compared to Senju, Minato's leadership abilities fell short.
Leadership skills are directly tied to one's strategic vision. Minato's strategic vision could only be described as decent, and his creed prioritized his comrades. Having him as a leader wouldn't be ideal.
Senju felt a bit of pressure.
Leading and commanding over thirty people was a first for him.
Previously, he had agreed to lead the five Uchiha chunin only because he disliked the Uchiha clan and wanted to make things difficult for them.
Orochimaru said, "Senju, there's no need to feel pressured. Just perform as you normally would."
Senju nodded in agreement. "Understood, Orochimaru-sensei. I will command their retreat."
"Good. Then everything is settled. Jiraiya, go gather everyone!"
"Right, I'll go assemble everyone now!"
Jiraiya hurriedly left the tent to gather all the ninja.
Orochimaru stepped forward and patted Senju's shoulder encouragingly. "We're short on people right now. You have this talent—just use it as you normally would. Let's go."
Orochimaru led Senju out of the tent.
…
All the ninja had assembled.
Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Senju stood at the front of the formation.
Orochimaru announced, "Kumogakure has gathered nearly fifty ninja and is preparing to move. We will also begin our retreat. Jiraiya and I will guard the rear to withstand the pressure from Kumogakure.
All you need to do is retreat according to the plan. From now on, Senju will lead and command you. He will guide your retreat!"
Upon hearing that they would now follow Senju's orders to retreat, everyone exchanged glances and began whispering among themselves.
Senju stepped forward, his face cold. "I know you have reservations about me commanding you, but this is an order, so you have no choice but to accept it!
From now on, all of you will obey my commands. My orders are absolute! If you disobey my orders and die as a result, don't blame anyone else!
If anyone disobeys orders and drags others down, I'll kill that person myself before the enemy even gets the chance!
You should know very well that I'm fully capable of doing such a thing. After all, in your eyes, I'm that kind of cold-blooded person."
Among the ranks, Namikaze Minato's brow was tightly furrowed.
Jiraiya looked at Senju's back, his eyes momentarily dazed, as if he were seeing a smaller version of Orochimaru.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya moved to the rear of the formation.
Senju began issuing orders.
"Everyone, check your ninja tools. During the retreat, we'll also need to set traps!
The thirty-two of you will split into two teams of sixteen. One team will continue maintaining the formation with one shadow clone and five regular clones, while the other team sets traps. Afterward, we'll switch roles.
No matter what happens at the rear, unless I order you to join the fight, no one is to participate!
If you understand, then wait for the Kumogakure ninja to make their move and follow me!"