Inside Konoha's camp tent, Yūhi Kurenai studied a map. "Iwagakure's probes are getting more frequent."
"They're likely trying to pinpoint our exact positions." Tengen said. "They have the numerical advantage."
"We need to be extra cautious." Another Konoha Jonin added. "If they locate our camp, they might launch a large-scale assault."
"Exactly." Kurenai agreed. "Our numbers are fewer, especially now that Onoki's brought reinforcements."
"Let's hope Hyuga Hizashi's reconnaissance yields something." Uzumaki Kushina said gravely.
"The Byakugan's reliable for scouting." Kurenai said with a faint smile. Sometimes, Hizashi spotted Iwagakure ninjas before they noticed him. If Konoha held the advantage, he'd lead an attack; if not, he'd retreat without risking engagement.
"Sir, urgent report!" A voice called.
"Enter." Kurenai said.
Two ninjas entered, one from Konoha, his face etched with urgency.
"Commanders, our camp is under attack by Iwagakure. We need reinforcements." The Konoha ninja said hurriedly.
"Isn't your camp led by Tamura?" Kurenai asked.
"Yes, sir. We're holding them off, but we're no match for Iwagakure's forces." The ninja replied.
"Your camp has about a few dozen ninjas, right?" Kurenai mused. "How many Iwagakure ninjas are there?"
"Over a hundred, led by Rōshi." The ninja said quickly.
"Rōshi?" The commanders exchanged glances. Rōshi hadn't appeared since Tengen gravely wounded him. Had he recovered?
"We'll provide support immediately." Kurenai said. A prolonged siege could spell disaster for the trapped ninjas.
"Tengen, you've led most of the rescues. Should I take this one?" Kurenai offered.
"Where's your camp?" Tengen asked the ninja.
"That way." The ninja pointed.
Tengen's eyes flickered with an odd glint. "Kurenai, I'll handle it. Rōshi's power would be tough for you to counter."
"That stings, but fine, it's yours." Kurenai said with a wry smile.
"Kushina, gather the ninjas. We move now." Tengen ordered.
"Yes, Tengen-sama." Kushina replied.
"It's in your hands, Tengen." Kurenai said.
"Alright, lead the way." Tengen told the Konoha ninja.
"Yes, Tengen-sama." The ninja responded eagerly.
Outside, Tengen glanced in a direction, his expression peculiar. His system had picked up an ultra-clear signal from that area. "A signal from there? Coincidence?" He murmured, a smile tugging at his lips.
Minutes later, Tengen led his team, guided by the Konoha ninja, toward the besieged camp.
Konoha's forces were split into small squads, often using temporary camps that Jonin could relocate if discovered by Iwagakure. Even Tengen didn't always know every camp's location, but they'd regroup when necessary for coordinated actions.
As they neared, Tengen confirmed the ultra-clear signal originated from the camp in need. Too precise to be chance, he thought, smiling. "Onoki's trap?"
They arrived to find Konoha ninjas locked in fierce combat with Iwagakure's forces.
"There's Rōshi." Tengen noted, spotting the purple-haired Jinchuriki leading the enemy, his confident demeanor signaling full recovery.
"Attack!" Tengen shouted, charging forward. His Konoha ninjas followed, diving into the fray.
"Reinforcements!" Rōshi and the Iwagakure ninjas noticed, their advantage slipping as Konoha's support turned the tide.
"Lava Release: Chakra Mode!" Rōshi activated his molten cloak, knowing Tengen's taijutsu could easily overpower him without it.
"Armament Haki!" Tengen appeared before Rōshi, his unleashed power sending the Jinchuriki flying.
"Tengen, if you've got the guts, follow me to fight elsewhere." Rōshi challenged.
"Elsewhere?" Tengen chuckled, noting the ultra-clear signal lay further ahead. "Why?"
With a casual sweep, he cut down nearby Iwagakure ninjas. Their resistance crumbled against his strength.
Watching Tengen carve through his forces, Rōshi's face darkened. He lacked the speed to counter Tengen's attacks. "Our full power causes too much collateral damage." Rōshi said, gesturing to the battling ninjas. "You don't want your village's shinobi hurt, do you?"
"A fine excuse." Tengen said, grinning. "Kushina, the battlefield's yours."
"Be careful, Tengen." Kushina urged.
***
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