Naruto: The Scientific Ninja

Chapter 54: Secret Operation

After walking a few kilometers, Sasuke created a shadow clone so that, along with Tekudo and the other two, he could continue slowly advancing towards the base. The main body, meanwhile, went to the laboratory, picked up a large bottle of poison, and rapidly advanced towards the military trading post. In the past, the high frequency of the Body Flicker Technique would have exhausted him in minutes. Now, nourished by the food energy, he could maintain it for more than half an hour without issues.

He completed his errands and bought 500 kilograms of maltose and other supplies. On his way back, he didn't rush to rejoin the clone, but instead moved stealthily, activating his infrasonic radar technique to investigate the situation. And luck, unstoppable, smiled on him once again.

Under the large-scale scan, he discovered a group of Suna ninjas who had infiltrated. They were obviously not in good condition; two of them were injured, and their wounds were infected. Still, they remained hidden in the mud, waiting for nightfall to withdraw.

Sasuke immediately ate a large quantity of food and released eight shadow clones. A lion uses its full strength even to hunt a rabbit; although there were only four Suna ninjas, it was better to be cautious.

Soon, he surrounded the enemies. Hidden in the mud, their perception was greatly reduced. They were surrounded and did not notice the impending danger. Being in the mud has advantages, but it also turns you into a turtle in a jar.

The siege proceeded smoothly. Nine ninjas launched projectiles in unison. The rain of kunai and shuriken was so dense that the air itself seemed to tear, directly annihilating three of the chunin. The survivor was not saved by his strength, but because his three companions acted as human shields. A second wave annihilated him on the spot. The battle was easily resolved.

After quickly clearing the battlefield and earning credit for another B-rank mission, he continued on his way. Less than an hour later, the Umino patrol squad finally returned to base.

The supposed base was actually a considerable city west of the Land of Rivers, Shinano Castle. It had over ten thousand inhabitants, most of whom were now players, adventurers, and merchants looking to profit from the war.

"Ah, I'm finally back! I can finally take a hot bath!" exclaimed Chomi, happy even before entering. Tekudo was also pleased; he could finally spend some of the money his family had sent him.

"Hello, Sasuke, you're back already," greeted one of the gate guards, Kamatsuki Hayabusa. Over the past six months, Sasuke had befriended the guards, chatting with them and letting them vent. He knew they were the best source of information.

After a while of conversation, he learned that the front commander, the elder Mitokado Homura, was about to be replaced by Shimura Danzo.

With enough information, he led his team to the logistics department. As soon as they entered, the department head, Nara Shikaku, approached them. It was evident that he had already ordered his subordinates to inform him of their arrival.

"Sasuke, I wasn't wrong about you," Shikaku said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It seems I did well to assign you to the Torifune patrol. You thrive under good leadership." His words were full of a political appeal that subtly reminded who had granted him the initial favor.

"It's all thanks to Lord Shikaku's good leadership," Sasuke replied, bowing his head. He had to play the game.

"Sasuke, you completed an S-rank mission a few days ago, and now an A-rank one. It seems you'll soon become a jonin," Shikaku continued, encouraging him with a clear intention of winning him over to his cause.

After another round of compliments, Sasuke finally reported on the mission and handed over the forehead protectors and the corpses of the Suna ninjas he had annihilated along the way.

"What? On your way back to renew your post, you encountered a group of Suna ninjas and annihilated them?" Shikaku asked, reviewing the evidence.

After a moment's thought, he said seriously: "Sasuke, it's a good thing you annihilated them. Otherwise, our military logistics would have been in danger."

"Huh?" Sasuke looked at him with feigned perplexity.

"No," Shikaku said, his voice acquiring a tone of absolute certainty. "This was not a casual encounter. This squad was hiding in the mud, avoiding patrols. Clearly, their objective was to infiltrate our rear and attack our supply routes. Your discovery and elimination of this threat, Sasuke, is a vitally important contribution. This will be recorded as a high-level mission."

Sasuke was stunned. As expected of such an intelligent ninja from the Nara clan, his ability to lie with a straight face was extraordinary. He felt a strange sensation. He hadn't even become a jonin yet, but he was already starting to enjoy preferential treatment.

- - - - 

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