Naruto Shadow Mage - Chapter 55
“Lone soldiers?”
“How much of our supplies do we have left in the camp? How long can we hold out?”
Koshino may be a rookie on the battlefield, but as a transmigrator, he understands the crucial importance of war supplies. Simply put, if the soldiers don’t have enough to eat, they can’t fight. War supplies include the food for the ninja troops. If those supplies are compromised, the army loses its rations, which would be a death sentence in the enemy’s encirclement.
The medical unit captain nodded in agreement with Koshino’s question. He knew of Koshino’s background and was aware of his abilities. Seeing Koshino’s thoughtful inquiry reinforced his belief that Koshino wasn’t just an ordinary kid.
“Shadow, during the previous ambush, our war supplies were untouched. So, we have enough to last at least ten days,” the captain explained. “But you have to remember, our medical unit is different from a regular ninja unit. We have a lot of injured here, and the daily consumption is three times that of a normal unit. Medicine and medical supplies need constant replenishment.”
The captain held up three fingers and continued, “Three days, at most. After three days, our injured will start suffering due to lack of supplies. If we don’t get reinforcements by then, many of our injured, even those with minor injuries, could die within the enemy’s encirclement.”
“The enemy’s strategy is truly vicious. They’re targeting our medical unit to slow down our front-line troops and buy themselves more time.”
“So, Shadow, do you understand why I called you here?”
“Yes, Captain!” Koshino replied. After hearing the captain’s detailed explanation, he understood the gravity of the situation. It was clear that the most suitable person for breaking through and delivering information was Koshino, the ANBU member.
Everyone knows that ANBU receives different training from regular ninjas. In situations requiring a breakthrough, if a Jonin has a 30% chance of success, an ANBU would have a 50% chance, with a higher likelihood of successfully delivering the message.
Even though the captain knew Koshino’s identity, he was unaware that He had yet to complete his ANBU training. However, faced with a dire situation, the captain had to trust the young ANBU and place this critical responsibility on Koshino’s shoulders.
The captain knew the importance of not putting all his eggs in one basket. While Koshino was one of those “eggs,” the captain would also send out other, more reliable individuals to relay the information. This was not Koshino’s concern.
As Koshino left the captain’s tent, his demeanor changed drastically.
Having endured and suppressed his potential for so long, Koshino finally had a chance to show his worth on the battlefield. He wouldn’t waste the opportunity. He first visited his good friend, the sensory ninja Itagaki Iwashi.
Whether breaking through or locating the main force to deliver the message, Koshino needed a sensory ninja. When Koshino explained the situation, Iwashi satisfied him. He smiled and said, “Shadow, congratulations! While sensory ninjas like me might not feel it, you must be itching for action after being stuck here. This is a great chance. If you complete the mission, the Fourth Hokage won’t overlook your contributions.”
“But if we’re talking about a breakthrough, Shadow, how about I introduce you to two partners? With their help, our success rate could increase by at least 20%.”
“Really? Who are they?”
Iwashi was always careful, considering every word he said. Knowing he was recommending reliable allies, Koshino agreed to meet them.
However, when Iwashi formally introduced the two new allies, Koshino was taken aback. He had expected Jonin-level assistance but found himself looking at familiar faces from the original series.
“Shadow, this is Sarutobi Asuma, the son of the Third Hokage. He’s very strong.”
“And this is Kurenai Yuhi, an expert in genjutsu aiming to match Lady Tsunade.”
“Shadow, nice to meet you.”
“Kurenai, Asuma, pleased to meet you,” Koshino replied, hiding his surprise behind his ANBU mask.
Inside, Koshino was mortified. He hadn’t expected Iwashi to recommend two more youngsters! Including himself and Iwashi, their breakout team seemed like a group of kids.
Of course, Koshino didn’t underestimate Kurenai and Asuma. They would become renowned Jonin in the future. But at this point, Kurenai was a newly minted Chunin, and even Asuma, despite his confident demeanor and unruly hair, struggled against average Chunin.
With two potential liabilities, Koshino needed more hope for a successful breakout.
Still, since Iwashi recommended them, Koshino needed to consider them. He swallowed his frustration and warned, “Kurenai, Asuma, since ‘Sensor’ recommended you, I trust your abilities. But let me be clear: this mission is extremely dangerous. There’s a high chance we won’t make it out alive. If you’re not confident, you can back out now.”
Koshino intended to scare them off, hoping they would withdraw voluntarily.
Unexpectedly, Asuma responded calmly, “Shadow, cut the crap. Just tell us when we’re moving out!”
“Heh, I’ve been ready for ages, just waiting for your order.”
“Uh…”
“We’re leaving soon,” Koshino managed to say.
Asuma’s brash attitude left Koshino speechless. But what Kurenai said next made Koshino and Iwashi feel like coughing up blood.
“Shadow, is ‘Sensor’ Iwashi’s codename? It’s terrible and kind of girly!”
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