Naruto: The Teaching System - 248

Chapter 248: The Strike Team

"I agree." Sawada answered calmly.

Kakashi was stunned, not expecting Sawada to answer so readily.

"However, I have to go with you." Sawada ignored the gazes in the main tent and stated his next condition directly.

As soon as he said this, Asuma and Kakashi immediately interjected. "No way!"

Kakashi's expression was deadly serious. It wasn't that he didn't trust Sawada's strength, but he couldn't allow it. Any clear-headed jōnin knew Hiruzen Sarutobi's plan—he couldn't let Sawada penetrate deep into enemy territory.

"You're the deputy commander. There's no reason to risk your life," Asuma said, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke. He stated the reason for not letting Sawada participate from another angle.

"Nonsense. As long as Kakashi is still here, it's fine." Sawada rolled his eyes, exasperated.

Inside the main tent, even the two border officials sensed the underlying tension. Asuma's opposition was normal, but even Kakashi's refusal was highly unusual. Unless—

"Kakashi, don't overthink it." Sawada waved his hand. "Remember Iwagakure? We have to move now, or I'm worried something bad will happen."

Hearing Sawada say this, Kakashi also fell silent.

"Moreover, even without that reason, we can't delay any longer. With the snow falling, not only will Sunagakure be desperate, so will we. Although we're not short on supplies, fighting in icy conditions is also a challenge for us."

Sawada spoke slowly to everyone in the tent. Even Asuma, who'd originally opposed, fell silent.

The strike on Sunagakure's supplies had to succeed on the first attempt. If they failed, they would tip their hand—alerting the enemy. Trying again afterward wouldn't be something a single squad could accomplish.

"Report!" Just as everyone in the main tent was deliberating, a Chūnin rushed in, his voice panicked. "Sunagakure forces are moving, beginning to advance toward the border!"

Kakashi's expression darkened. His fears had been realized.

"Sawada, Asuma, you two lead the strike team. You must complete the mission!"

"Yes!"

"Everyone, to your positions!"

Sawada and Asuma walked out of the main tent. The wind and snow had grown even heavier.

No wonder Sunagakure couldn't wait any longer. Sawada looked at the falling snowflakes.

"Hey, kid, this kind of mission isn't something that can be completed casually," Asuma said with displeasure. The reason he'd taken on this mission was to prevent Sawada from going. After all, for such matters, sending people with high strength was the best outcome. However, at this stage, Sawada was that person.

"Alright, I don't want the old man to suffer the pain of outliving his own child." After Sawada spoke, he continued. "How's your team roster looking?"

Asuma was silent for a moment and slowly said, "Special Jōnin with reconnaissance abilities would be best, and the number shouldn't be too many. You and I, plus two more would be enough."

This was the optimal solution Asuma could think of. If successful, everyone would be happy. If they failed, Konoha's losses wouldn't be catastrophic either.

Did they really think Sunagakure wouldn't feel the pain of losing dozens of Chūnin and Genin?

"I have two candidates," Sawada said. Obviously, he meant the handler and Muta from the last mission. They were perfect for the job—one knew medical ninjutsu, and the other was an excellent scout. Together, they solved most of the mission's challenges.

Asuma immediately understood who Sawada was talking about. He nodded. "Good, go get ready."

"Alright." Sawada nodded and left first.

Asuma watched his retreating figure, taking deeper drags on his cigarette.

In the valley, four figures wearing white cloaks sped past. Sawada led the way in front, with Asuma, the handler, and Muta silently following behind.

Their mission this time was not easy. Sunagakure's provisions were originally in the rear. Now Sunagakure's main force had already departed, so Sawada and the others couldn't be careless either. They advanced directly along the Land of Rivers border, preparing to bypass Sunagakure's detection range.

After all, once discovered, any subsequent actions would be absolutely impossible.

"Sawada-sama, there's chakra movement one kilometer ahead!" Muta, running alongside them, suddenly spoke. As a member of the Aburame Clan, his insects' maximum range was two kilometers. Along the way, he'd already helped them avoid several waves of Sunagakure scouts.

Sawada's feet lightly touched the ground, and he shot directly to a concealed cave above the valley. Asuma and the others arrived one after another. As soon as Yusuke entered, he immediately began setting up at the cave entrance.

In just moments, a transparent barrier covered the cave entrance before merging seamlessly with the surrounding mountain walls.

"Done." Yusuke clapped his hands. Even Asuma couldn't help but express admiration.

"This technique of yours is impressive."

While there were other concealment methods, none were as efficient as Yusuke's.

Yusuke waved his hand. "Asuma, don't say that. This still requires solid sealing jutsu theory." Yusuke and Asuma were old acquaintances—they were the same age and had been Academy classmates.

Hearing this, Asuma nodded. Although sealing jutsu wasn't necessarily difficult, it was impossible for every team to have someone with this talent. To achieve this level of proficiency, the fundamentals had to be rock-solid. This reality eliminated any possibility of its widespread adoption in Konoha.

"Muta, how is it?" Sawada asked.

"They haven't gone far—in fact, they're getting closer," Muta said, his expression grave.

Hearing this, Asuma immediately stood up and took position at the cave entrance. Yusuke unrolled a huge scroll and positioned himself beside Asuma.

Sawada frowned, then formed a single-handed seal and slammed his hand on the ground. The sensory isolation technique, The Underworld, immediately activated.

They'd already traveled so far and avoided scout positions all along the way. Yet there were still people coming in their direction, indicating the team had a sensor-type shinobi. And their sensing range was considerable.

"Muta, sever your connection to the parasitic insects," Sawada said, thinking of another possibility.

Hearing this, Muta froze, then understood immediately. He was being tracked!

Muta felt deeply embarrassed as a member of the Aburame Clan. After all, his clan was renowned in this area. He hadn't expected to be outmaneuvered today.

Inside the cave, the team stood guard. One kilometer—even on a snowy day—was barely any distance at all for shinobi.