Two days had passed since that incident, and the scouting teams Konoha sent out had combed every inch of the coastline but found no other Mist ninja harbors.
Tsunade changed her mind—despite Konoha only having discovered one half-constructed harbor, she decided it was still necessary to send a unit to destroy it!
"Yosh! Is everyone here?!" Tsunade stood with arms folded, facing the line of ninjas before her. Saitama was clearly among them.
"You all understand your mission? Want me to go over it again?"
She took a few steps forward, continuing her speech.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama!" Saitama stood at the front of all the ninjas, his voice crisp and clear.
He was leading this mission as squad leader, in charge of around twenty jonin and thirty chunin.
His unit was also the vanguard for this operation, assigned to pierce the enemy front line first. Knowing the stakes, Tsunade didn't take any chances. She'd already sent the main force to trail right behind the vanguard, determined to put an end to the Mist ninja and Bear Country's plot!
"Very well! Move out—and I hope to hear good news from you!"
"Hai!"
Saitama gripped his sword tightly, turned around, and looked at the orderly assembled squad behind him—all heavily armed and brimming with energy.
"Let's move out!" It was his first time leading a mission this big, and he couldn't help but feel a rush of pride.
"Roger that!"
All of them responded in unison, their voices echoing across the Konoha Ninja Camp.
"Swoosh!"
"Swoosh!"
The figures shot toward the camp gates, with Saitama leading the way at the front, charging forward with momentum!
...
After watching Saitama and the others leave, Tsunade's expression softened into something gentler.
"Come out now—they're gone!" Tsunade called toward the tent behind her.
"Zip!"
The tent flap lifted up, revealing Shizune peeking outside. After glancing around briefly, she finally stepped out fully and approached Tsunade.
"Everyone's gone—why didn't you at least go say goodbye to him?"
Looking at Shizune whose face hinted at slight excitement, Tsunade asked curiously.
"Eh? Why should I say goodbye to anyone?" Shizune glanced at Tsunade's chest and pretended not to understand.
"Oh-ho! Who's been whispering his praises into my ears these past few days, huh?"
Tsunade sneered, making Shizune shudder instinctively.
"I never said that! I just asked Saitama to show me some fighting moves a couple times. We're not even that close!"
She lowered her gaze.
"If it weren't for my long nights lately, I'd never have found out some people sneak out every night to hang out with their so-called *friends*!"
Tsunade emphasized the word "friends," her eyes staring intensely at Shizune.
"This isn't my fault! Daytime's too busy! And going out helps me learn new techniques!"
Shizune's cheeks flushed faintly pink as she muttered weakly.
"I'm done talking with Tsunade-sama—I need to organize things!"
Feeling unable to stay composed under Tsunade's unwavering stare, Shizune stomped her foot hard against the ground before dashing into the tent.
"Tch!" Arms once again crossed over her chest, Tsunade watched Shizune disappear inside, then redirected her gaze toward the exit of the camp.
She had recently noticed Shizune sneaking out every night, only returning hours later—either drenched in sweat or wearing a smile she couldn't hide. This made Tsunade, who had always treated Shizune like her own daughter, deeply curious. So one relatively free evening, Tsunade quietly tailed Shizune all the way to where she secretly trained with Saitama.
There, Tsunade saw Shizune and Saitama sparring together, chatting and laughing—it was clearly not their first time doing this.
At the time, Tsunade said nothing. She watched for a while before leaving without disturbing them. Later that night, when Shizune returned to the tent, Tsunade cleverly grilled her from all angles.
Shizune had no intention of hiding anything from Tsunade. She openly admitted she snuck out at night to train with Saitama—to extend her ninja career—but refused to say anything further.
In truth, Shizune believed there was nothing complicated between her and Saitama. After all, in such a huge camp, they just happened to be among the few closest in age, so it was natural for them to get along well.
That, of course, was only Shizune's own perspective. She didn't even realize when exactly she had started seeing Saitama as such a close friend.
An experienced woman like Tsunade naturally understood what kind of emotions were involved, but chose not to point it out directly.
Since Tsunade became aware of Shizune's bond with Saitama, Shizune had started going out more freely at night, no longer sneaking around the way she used to.
The more time she spent with Saitama, the clearer she saw his true strength—he was no average Chunin, but a Jonin-tier ninja like no other.
Saitama would sometimes show off his talent to Shizune—or even boast about his genius training methods. Though she always played it cool in front of him, she'd let slip her admiration when talking to Tsunade.
Tsunade appointing Saitama as captain of the vanguard wasn't because Shizune kept nagging her about it. Rather, it was a decision made after considering multiple factors.
Saitama's power spoke for itself. Young as he was, he had vast experience and handled things with maturity—Tsunade wouldn't possibly overlook a talent like this, even though Homura Mitokado, the advisor, opposed the decision.
"This might just be a test," Tsunade murmured under her breath, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as if speaking to the wind itself.
After standing still for several minutes, Tsunade turned and walked toward another section of the main camp, where an even larger force had gathered.
Now, she had to give the signal to move out—making sure everything went off without a hitch in this mission against the Mist ninja!
...
"Did you see that?" Saitama crouched in the bushes. Having learned from last time, he reminded everyone on the team beforehand. Plus, there was a Jonin from the Hyuga clan providing visual support, so the squad approached the enemy base undetected.
The ninja beside Saitama nodded—they had clearly seen the situation near the bay ahead.
"The defenses have definitely been beefed up—the number of enemy ninja has spiked big-time!"
Saitama glanced toward the distant camp and construction site. The increase in the number of ninjas was obvious—it could literally be described as guards every three steps and sentries every five.
"How's the preparation going at the back?"
Saitama looked up at an Aburame ninja responsible for communication between the vanguard and the main force.
"They're already in position. It just depends on when the main force decides to act!"
The Aburame ninja, wearing his signature sunglasses, nodded. His expression remained neutral, and the other ninjas around him instinctively kept some distance, as if he were a dangerous individual.
This Aburame ninja appeared to be known as Shibi Aburame. Saitama always felt the name sounded familiar, but looking at this man's completely ordinary face, he couldn't recall ever meeting him.
"Alright then. The Hyuga clan will provide visual support. First, the Aburame clan should release their insects to determine the enemy's positioning. We'll launch our attack shortly afterward!"
Saitama thought for a moment. Although he had the urge to charge in headfirst, he decided to play it cautious—for once.
"Understood!"
Several ninjas behind him responded affirmatively. Instantly, countless insects began crawling toward the enemy side, while the Hyuga ninjas started scanning the surroundings carefully using their Byakugan eyes to detect any ambushes or traps.
Time dragged as Konoha's ninjas held their hidden positions, waiting for intel from Aburame's insects.
"They're coming!"
Saitama watched as many insects flew and landed on Shibi Aburame's hand beside him, beginning to communicate with him.
"My insects say there are almost twenty enemies at the main camp—probably jonin level, judging by their chakra. Plus, no fewer than fifty other regular shinobi."
Shibi stared at the bug on his finger for quite some time before finally speaking to Saitama.
"Excellent! The enemy's strength has exceeded expectations slightly, but certainly not enough to give us pause!"
Saitama gave a slight smile and turned his gaze to the Hyuga ninja behind him.
"These maps show where the enemy set up traps around their camp. We've drafted a few rough sketches—they've concentrated most of them along the side facing us."
A Hyuga ninja handed Saitama several sheets of paper. He took a quick glance, memorizing the trap locations immediately.
"Pass them around to look at. Once everyone's done, someone bring them to the rear units."
"Yes!"
...
"Aniki, this place will be completed tomorrow. Though we fell behind by a few days earlier, Konoha's ninjas don't seem too interested in us right now. Plus, with enhanced defenses now, they won't easily break through either."
On the harbor platform, one ninja spoke to another standing on a wooden board.
"The news about this location leaked out long ago. Since Konoha hasn't launched any attacks against us yet, perhaps they don't think this harbor plays a significant role in the entire war effort."
The ninja addressed as Aniki, hands behind his back, gazed out across the sea.
"However, Konoha will soon pay dearly for their arrogance—and not too far off into the future! In the meantime, tell everyone to stay alert. The more calm things appear, the more focused we must be!"
His voice carried firm confidence, as though victory were already in his grasp.
[Hsss!]
A strange sound echoed in from the distance. Both ninja turned their heads toward the source at the same time, their expressions instantly changing.
"Enemy attack!"
"There's an enemy!"
Saitama led the charge, bolting forward first. He appeared at the enemy camp in an instant. The enemy ninja were completely unprepared for the sudden arrival of so many Konoha ninja and froze in shock for several seconds.
"Shua!"
With a single swing of his blade, Saitama cut down several enemies and charged straight into the enemy camp!
The Konoha ninja followed behind him, surging forward with unstoppable momentum!
"It's over!"
The ninja standing on the dock muttered under his breath, his limbs starting to tremble violently.
"We were about to finish this... why did the Konoha ninja have to show up now!"
He saw a number of Konoha ninja roughly matching his own forces, so naturally he didn't assume this was all of Konoha's attacking force.
"Ahh!" "No!"
Wherever Saitama went, it became a one-sided slaughter—no one could withstand even a few blows from him.
Seeing that there were still two enemies left at the dock, Saitama strode forward rapidly. His blade glowed faintly, and tiny arcs of lightning crackled across its surface.
"Aniki, what should we do?" One panicking ninja spoke, his legs visibly shaking. He had already seen that killing machine cutting through them like a scythe through wheat—and now it was charging straight at them.
"You run! I'll hold him off!" The clearly higher-ranked ninja ordered his subordinate, then drew out his personal weapon—a double-edged greatsword lined with peculiar barbs.
"Aniki?!"
"Don't hesitate—run!"
"Shua!"
Saitama arrived. He stepped onto a wooden board, suddenly accelerating again, instantly appearing before the nearest enemy.
"Peng!"
The lead ninja blocked Saitama's strike, simultaneously kicking another enemy ninja into the water.
"Oh?"
Saitama looked at the opponent before him—it was this guy who had stopped his attack and prevented him from killing that ninja.
"Konoha ninja!" The lead ninja gritted his teeth, his blade chopping downward fiercely, forcing Saitama back a few steps.
"Aniki!"
The drowning ninja hadn't escaped yet, holding a kunai shakily while his voice trembled.
"Run!"
The lead ninja kept staring fixedly at Saitama—he didn't dare let his focus waver even slightly because he'd seen those eerie tomoe markings within Saitama's eyes. He knew that was the Uchiha Clan's unique kekkei genkai—the Sharingan. At this moment, he couldn't risk distraction.
"Zizi!" Lightning began spreading along the blade, the current intensifying until the color deepened significantly.
"Shua!"
Saitama pushed off with his feet, and his figure vanished from the enemy's sight.
"What!"
"Pilaa!" His blade slashed across the enemy's shoulder. Saitama frowned slightly—in that moment, he aimed directly for the throat, but the enemy barely twisted his body away at the last second.
"Aniki!" The ninja's eyes turned red as he ran further away, shouting loudly. What he had just seen—his Aniki, thought to be invincible—being wounded in a single exchange made his heart tighten.
"He won't get far. Don't forget, I also have comrades."
Slowly lifting his sword, Saitama's eyes exuded murder intent, his face remaining cold and ruthless.
"Hmph!"
The Mist ninja didn't speak further, keeping his eyes locked on Saitama while slowly shifting his stance, seemingly searching for an opening.
"Ah!"
With a shout, the enemy charged forward at high speed. Saitama could clearly see the fierce determination etched across his face.
"Shwip!" Chakra surged around his lower body, propelling Saitama's speed to an even more terrifying level. Before the enemy could shift his murderous gaze, Saitama's blade had already sliced across his throat—so fast, there was no time to react.
Blood sprayed from the wound as Saitama stood behind the fallen enemy, slowly sheathing his blade at his waist.
In his field of vision, the fleeing opponent was now caught by Konoha ninjas and being surrounded and killed by several of them.
Konoha's main force surged forth several minutes after the vanguard, steamrolling everything in their path as they crushed through the entire enemy camp.
By this point, Saitama had already completed his mission. Truthfully, it had been a sure thing from the start; he hadn't needed to do much since many tasks were handled by other Konoha ninjas.
Standing still, gazing out over the sea breeze, Saitama listened to the fading sounds of enemy resistance disappear.
"It's just across from here, huh?!" Saitama smirked slightly, staring toward the farthest edge of his sight.
Konoha had already learned through various means that the Mist ninja were indeed using the ancient ruins of Whirlpool as a staging ground to launch attacks against the Land of Fire.
"Captain!"
Uchiha Huo's voice echoed from behind. During this mission, he'd also been assigned to the vanguard as a chunin. At this moment, half his body was covered in blood, his bangs singed in battle, leaving him with a charred and uneven hairstyle.
"Mm, how's it going?" Saitama nodded.
"The enemies have been completely eradicated, and the workers have all been detained!"
"Good. Issue orders—once the battlefield is cleaned up, we can return and report mission completion."
"Oh right, make sure to scuttle this base before we leave!"
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