Due to his significant speed increase, Seimei managed to return in less than ten minutes, a trip he originally estimated would take twenty.
**Outside the Black Stone Outpost**
On a small base, Mori Tetsu immediately approached upon seeing Seimei's safe return.
**In the Sky**
Seimei also spotted Mori but didn't land. Instead, he used the "Heart Link Technique" to briefly recount what had happened over the ocean, explaining that it was highly unlikely the Mist's main forces would arrive before Sano Nobuhisa returned.
However, he cautioned Mori to remain vigilant. Though unlikely, Oze Yuki might take the risk of sending a small force, even at the cost of chakra, to launch a surprise attack on the Black Stone Outpost across the sea.
Though the possibility was slim, a lack of caution in warfare could prove fatal, so Seimei emphasized this point.
Mori Tetsu immediately assured him, "Don't worry; we won't let our guard down."
"Good," Seimei nodded, saying nothing more.
After cutting off the "Heart Link Technique," he flew toward the south, where Ayada Akiju and her team were making their way to the outpost.
Watching him leave, Mori didn't waste time and immediately began preparing to handle any potential small Mist units.
---
**Meanwhile**
**South of the Black Stone Outpost**
Ayada Akiju and her group, still some distance from the outpost, received new intelligence from Oze Yuki.
After reading the message, Ayada's face darkened. Things were worse than he had expected. Frustrated, he muttered through clenched teeth, "Damn Uchiha Seimei…"
According to Captain Oze's report, due to Seimei's interference, they wouldn't be able to reach the Black Stone Outpost before the Leaf's main forces.
Oze Yuki ordered him to avoid the outpost for now, regroup with them first, and then proceed with the attack.
Reluctantly, Ayada Akiju prepared to change course, abandoning the hope of a surprise attack on the outpost. Though he hadn't fully committed to the idea, he had hoped for a miracle, which now seemed impossible.
After a moment, he turned to Yokoyama Yukio and, with a weary tone, said, "Yukio, notify all units to adjust our route."
Learning from previous mistakes, Yokoyama immediately set about preparing with no questions asked.
Soon, the Mist forces subtly adjusted their course, still moving toward the outpost but now slightly off target. They would eventually reach the coast east of the Black Stone Outpost.
**Behind Them**
Aoi Yamanaka and her group observed the Mist's sudden change in direction. Puzzled, they continued to follow, no longer just two units but now reinforced by Sano Nobuhisa's rapid-response team. Confident in their numbers, they weren't worried about any Mist tricks.
---
**Time Tick By**
About five minutes later, Seimei appeared above the Mist forces.
"Hm!" He raised an eyebrow, curious about their route, but quickly pieced together their likely plan and reasoning.
After circling a few times, Seimei flew onward and soon located Aoi Yamanaka and her group.
From them, Seimei learned that, as expected, Sano Nobuhisa's main forces were en route. Although they couldn't reach the outpost before Ayada Akiju, they would definitely arrive before Oze Yuki's team.
That was all he needed to know.
**Below**
After sharing the latest updates, Aoi asked about the situation at the outpost and the enemy's status. Seimei quickly briefed her on the outpost and recounted his recent engagement with Oze Yuki's team to reassure them.
Hearing that the other Mist forces couldn't reach the outpost ahead of them, Aoi's team collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
After a bit more discussion, Seimei left to report to Sano Nobuhisa's main unit.
He had done so much already; it only made sense to report to the outpost's chief commander. Beyond recognition, timely communication was critical in avoiding uninformed decisions that could waste his efforts later.
Additionally, he needed a secure place to restore his chakra. What could be safer than staying with the main forces?
Thanks to the precise intel and his "Wind Release: Wings of Wind" at Level 5, Seimei quickly located the main force.
Upon meeting, he delivered the relevant updates to Sano Nobuhisa, then joined them, citing low chakra.
---
**Half an Hour Later**
Seimei and the main forces finally returned to the Black Stone Outpost.
To his relief, Oze Yuki hadn't sent a small force to launch a surprise attack, and the outpost was as he had left it.
Now, with the main forces on site, Mori Tetsu and his team felt less pressure defending the outpost.
Meanwhile, Ayada Akiju's forces were reported to be east of the outpost, near the coastline, apparently waiting for Oze Yuki's arrival.
Learning of this, Sano Nobuhisa briefly considered taking the opportunity to eliminate or drive them away. However, after considering their recent battle and the exhausting journey, he decided against it. Most of the Leaf ninjas were worn out, and an impromptu assault would carry too much risk.
Additionally, Oze Yuki's fleet was fast approaching, leaving them little time to engage.
With this in mind, he decided they would use the time to regain their strength and prepare for the battles ahead.
(End of Chapter)