After Sora and the other Konoha shinobi advanced ten kilometres, they temporarily set up camp on the spot.
Recently, Kumogakure shinobi has been sending frequent reconnaissance teams to investigate their situation. However, thanks to the traps set around the perimeter and the constant patrols by Konoha ninjas, no direct fighting had occurred.
During these peaceful days, Sora found himself with plenty of downtime, as he wasn't assigned any menial tasks. He used this time to focus on training and improving his skills.
On the third day after the camp was established, news arrived from Yugakure.
The message stated that Yugakure had officially resumed its neutral stance, declaring that it would no longer involve itself in the conflict between Kumogakure and Konoha. Furthermore, Yugakure announced it would no longer permit Kumogakure forces to maintain a garrison within its borders.
Neither Sora, Orochimaru, nor Jiraiya was surprised by this development. The intense fighting that had erupted in Yugakure just days earlier had left the village in shambles, critically damaging its resources and morale.
"If Kuroiwa Tatsuji had been wiser," Orochimaru had remarked, "he would have realized from the beginning that Yugakure is in no position to take sides in this war. Accepting my advice and returning to neutrality was his only path to survival."
With this decision, Yugakure's safety in the face of the impending conflict was, at least for the moment, assured.
However, this brief period of peace lasted only four days.
Day Five
On the morning of the fifth day, Orochimaru summoned Sora to his tent. As before, Jiraiya was present, along with Orochimaru, when Sora entered.
Seeing Sora arrive, Orochimaru spoke with a serious expression. "Two kilometres from our camp, Kumogakure has begun assembling their forces."
Jiraiya's face darkened. "How many are we talking about?" he asked.
"It's estimated to be around fifty ninjas," Orochimaru replied. "It appears they're planning a more deliberate investigation into our situation. What's strange is how delayed this action is—I expected them to move two days ago."
Jiraiya furrowed his brow. "Orochimaru, are you planning to rely on the traps we've set and engage in a fight-and-retreat strategy?"
Orochimaru nodded. "Yes. The traps we've prepared over the past few days will be our primary means of stalling the Kumogakure shinobi. However, that alone won't be sufficient."
He continued, "We don't yet know the composition of those fifty shinobi, so Jiraiya, you and I will hold the rear and block their advance as much as possible."
Jiraiya hesitated. "You and I are guarding the rear? But who's going to lead the front to direct the retreat?"
As he spoke, Jiraiya glanced at Sora. Realizing what Jiraiya meant, Sora pointed to himself in confusion. "Wait—me? You want me to lead the team forward?"
Orochimaru nodded, his tone firm but calm. "Yes. Among us, you're the only one capable of taking on the leadership role here. Even though this is a retreat, it's critical that it's handled strategically—we can't afford to retreat too quickly and lose cohesion."
Orochimaru went on to explain, "Although we've set traps, there's always a chance some may fail or be detected. Jiraiya and I will remain at the rear to slow Kumogakure's pursuit. Your task will be to guide the team during the retreat."
He paused briefly, then added, "However, it's almost certain that some of the Kumogakure shinobi will attempt to bypass us and move to the front. When that happens, it will be up to you to organize the shinobi under your command to counterattack and keep the team moving."
Orochimaru's expression softened slightly as he concluded, "Sora, in the next war, you will undoubtedly find yourself leading others and commanding operations. Consider this an opportunity to adapt to that role in advance."
Sora took a deep breath, letting the weight of the assignment sink in. After a moment, he nodded. "Understood, Orochimaru-sensei. I'll do my best."
Sora's expression was subtle.
He understood that Orochimaru had high expectations of him—so much so that he was confident Sora would eventually take on leadership responsibilities. But even so, Sora hadn't expected this moment to come so soon, nor that he'd be leading 32 shinobi all at once.
Originally, he thought his leadership would start small—perhaps with the five troublesome Uchiha he had reluctantly agreed to oversee. But now, he was being thrust into a much larger role far sooner than anticipated.
Jiraiya, after some thought, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Sora is the most suitable choice to lead the retreat."
When Orochimaru first declared, "Only Sora has the ability to lead," Jiraiya instinctively wanted to argue. After all, Namikaze Minato was also an excellent leader. Minato had already commanded several missions successfully and had demonstrated exceptional tactical skills.
However, upon deeper reflection, Jiraiya had to admit that while Minato's leadership abilities were commendable, they didn't quite measure up to Sora's. Leadership wasn't just about tactical skill—it required a sharp understanding of the overall situation and the ability to make tough, sometimes cold, decisions.
Minato's leadership style, rooted in compassion and prioritizing his comrades, made him less suited for situations requiring decisive ruthlessness.
In contrast, Sora's strategic thinking and unflinching decisiveness made him the better choice for this mission.
Still, Sora felt the weight of responsibility. This would be his first time commanding such a large group of shinobi. When he had agreed to lead the five Uchiha earlier, it had been more out of spite toward the Uchiha clan than genuine desire to lead. Now, the stakes were much higher.
Sensing Sora's hesitation, Orochimaru stepped in. "Sora, there's no need to feel pressured. You don't have to do anything extraordinary—perform as you normally would."
Sora nodded, steeling himself. "I understand, Orochimaru-sensei. I'll command them to retreat as planned."
"Good," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile. "Then this will be simple. Jiraiya, gather everyone."
"On it," Jiraiya said, leaving the tent to assemble the team.
Orochimaru placed a hand on Sora's shoulder, speaking with quiet encouragement. "We're short on capable leaders, and you have the talent for this. Trust in yourself. Let's go."
With that, Orochimaru and Sora exited the tent.
All Shinobi Assembled
The Konoha shinobi gathered as instructed, with Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Sora standing at the front. Orochimaru addressed the group.
"Kumogakure has gathered nearly fifty shinobi nearby and is preparing to act. We will begin retreating shortly. Jiraiya and I will remain at the rear to hold off any pressure from their forces."
He paused, scanning the crowd before continuing. "The retreat will proceed according to plan. Leading this operation will be Sora. He will command you during the retreat."
The announcement was met with a wave of murmurs and exchanged glances among the shinobi. Many appeared sceptical, their unease evident.
Sora stepped forward, his expression cold and commanding. He raised his voice, silencing the whispers. "I know some of you have complaints about me leading this retreat. But this is an order, and orders are absolute."
His sharp gaze swept over the group. "From this point forward, you will obey my commands. My orders are not up for debate. If anyone disobeys and endangers the mission—or worse, endangers your comrades—I'll deal with them myself, and you can consider that a promise."
Sora's voice grew icier as he continued. "You all know me well enough to understand that I'll do exactly as I say. In your eyes, I might seem cold-blooded—and maybe I am. But I will ensure this retreat succeeds, no matter the cost. Don't test me."
Among the shinobi, Namikaze Minato furrowed his brows, visibly uneasy with Sora's harsh demeanour.
Jiraiya, watching from the rear, stared at Sora's back with a thoughtful, almost dazed expression. At that moment, Sora reminded him of a younger Orochimaru—ruthless, calculated, and decisive.
With their roles assigned, Orochimaru and Jiraiya moved to the back of the formation, preparing to hold off any pursuit. Meanwhile, Sora turned his attention to the assembled shinobi and began issuing commands.
Orders from Sora
"Check your ninja tools," Sora ordered sharply. "We'll be setting traps during the retreat, so make sure everything is ready."
He continued, breaking the group into teams. "We'll divide into two groups of 16. One team will maintain formation with a single Shadow Clone and five basic clones per shinobi. The other team will focus on laying traps. After completing their task, the two teams will rotate."
Sora's tone grew firm as he emphasized the next point. "No matter what happens in the rear, you will not join the battle. Your sole focus is the retreat. I'll handle any complications up front, and Orochimaru-sensei and Jiraiya-sensei will deal with the rear."
His piercing gaze locked onto the group. "Do you understand? If so, prepare yourselves. Once Kumogakure makes their move, follow my lead!"
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