Chapter 147: Repair the Trail Openly, Slip Through Chen Cang Secretly

"So these are the Cloud Hidden's ninjas? In front of these eyes, they're nothing special."

On the battlefield, Yang Zhe wielded a blood‑stained katana, three jade talismans whirling in his eyes; with her great martial power, her squad had already cut down three Cloud Hidden Chunin squads, forcing nearby Jonin commanders to send troops to reinforce the defense.

Tuta knew that Konoha's ninja clans were powerful, so the ninjas sent to oppose them were at least Chunin, with many Jonin mixed in; even these clans alone drew a large number of Cloud Hidden Elite Forces.

"Woman, don't be so arrogant!"

A roar rang out as a hulking man over eight feet tall, brandishing a heavy blade, sprinted forward and swung a slash.

Thunder cracked, arcs of electricity flickered on the heavy blade, its power and speed combined, instantly cleaving Yang Zhe, and without losing momentum it charged at the rest of his squad.

The three immediately scattered, throwing several shuriken, but the Cloud Hidden hulker blocked them with his heavy blade.

Though delayed, the actions were swift, all completed within a few breaths; when the Cloud Hidden's movement slowed, the split Yang Zhe fell like a wooden stake.

"A substitution technique? No good!"

The Cloud Hidden hulker's complexion changed; turning his head, he saw Yang Zhe darting at incredible speed toward several Chunin behind him.

The Cloud Hidden troops were startled, but years of teamwork gave them tacit understanding; they did not panic and immediately formed a triangular formation to meet the enemy.

The leader let out a roar and then swung a slash.

Yang Zhe let out a light hum, his eyes flickering; the two locked gazes, and the opponent froze mid‑blade, stunned.

The two behind him were taken aback, then the Cloud Hidden hulker bellowed, "Don't stare into her eyes."

But it was too late; before those eyes, the three moved like freshly graduated ninja‑academy children—slow and feeble.

Yang Zhe raised his hand and easily slit the first man's throat, then adjusted his body to dodge the remaining two's attacks.

A flash of blade followed, and the three fell one after another.

"Uchiha!"

They rarely fought Uchiha; the mid‑rank Chunin lacked experience, yet a single encounter with the opponent wiped them all out.

Yang Zhe turned to evade his pursuit, while the Cloud Hidden hulker immediately averted his gaze.

Those Uchiha eyes are truly hard to face; even he dares not look directly.

But this is a large‑scale battle; he is not alone with a single squad. After breaking out of Yang Zhe's encirclement, he quickly slipped away to regroup with others.

The war still raged on; every skirmish bore partings and hatred, and that hatred, watered by blood, took root and sprouted, perhaps growing into towering trees that will one day block the sun.

It was winter now, and this place lay in the north; because the Konoha ninja forces delayed for a while, after only two hours of fighting the sky grew dim.

In the darkness, both sides grew increasingly alert and weary; even Jonin had to stay vigilant, for a stray shuriken could topple a village pillar into a pool of blood.

Seeing the rapid depletion of both sides' stamina, Tuta couldn't help but furrow his brow.

"Konoha is truly lucky; how can there be so many powerful ninja clans? If we Cloud Hidden had such bloodlines, we wouldn't be fighting Konoha in this state."

Especially the Uchiha, the Hyuga and other bloodline families—ordinary ninjas can't match them; on the battlefield they can outnumber us, tying up many of our troops. If the Raikage hadn't sent reinforcements after breaching Konoha's first line, they'd have been exhausted long ago.

"Tuta, commander, it's already dark. Why hasn't Konoha withdrawn? Are they planning to decide the war in a single battle?"

Tuta also worried about this; both sides still had reserve forces uncommitted, but the enemy's reconnaissance was superior, giving them command advantage after nightfall.

"What about reconnaissance ninjas—can they bypass the battlefield?"

"The Konoha rear army is surrounded by many anti‑recon squads; even if they get through, they can't conduct effective scouting."

"."

Tuta sighed; fundamentally he was outmatched and had no choice but to keep commanding and hold the line.

"Watch those Konoha ninja clans, stay alert for reinforcement, and don't let them break through the line."

"Yes."

Then Tuta glanced at the reports from the western front; everything was normal.

An hour later, the sky was completely dark.

On the dark front line, occasional flashes of fire lit up, thunder cracked, and some squads retreated under cover of night to rest.

Among them was Jiraiya; although he had battled You Murin for several hours, both sides' stamina and chakra consumption were minimal.

You Murin was backed by many Cloud Hidden Elite Forces; Jiraiya knew he couldn't defeat the opponent, so he spent the whole time merely stalling.

And You Murin also knew he couldn't kill Jiraiya; both sides were essentially treading water.

However, both suffered severe energy drain; Jiraiya had to watch You Murin's erratic use of the Bijuu Orb, while You Murin had to stay on guard for Jiraiya while seeking an opening.

After several hours, fatigue was inevitable.

"How's it going?"

Jiraiya swallowed a ration pill and asked in a deep voice.

"Everything is ready; we can order the main army to withdraw for a brief rest before advancing again."

Jiraiya exhaled, nodded in agreement, and the orders were issued: the rear army moved out to prepare a response, and the Jonin of each front‑line unit, having received the command, also prepared to withdraw.

Because of the darkness, Tuta's side couldn't obtain visual intelligence directly, so reports were delayed, but they quickly noticed Konoha's movements.

Nearby, You Murin, having just taken a ration pill, rubbed his forehead and said impatiently, "Konoha finally can't hold on. Damn Jiraiya, if this goes on they'll tire themselves out; we might as well lure Jiraiya in and kill him!"

Tuta simply exhaled, "Jiraiya's battle‑hardened, he won't fall for a trap. Besides, the western front held well; Konoha shouldn't launch another major assault soon. We should use this chance to reinforce the line so we won't have to fight them in the field next time."

"How could they possibly give us a chance to build a fortification?"

"Never mind, not to mention that, I really don't know what they're thinking; what's the benefit of fighting like this? Aren't they afraid of taking too much damage and provoking the Stone Hidden and Sand Hidden to besiege them?"

Tuta also couldn't understand why Konoha's tactics changed so drastically, just for that line inside the Soup Country.

"Tuta, commander, Lord You Murin, Konoha's ninja forces are gradually leaving the battlefield; should we pursue?"

"Did we take all Konoha's corpses?"

"Both the wounded and the dead were taken away under the cover of the Konoha rear army."

"No need to pursue; send some squads to follow at a distance, let the rest return to camp to rest, and have the reserves patrol, watching for Konoha's turnabout."

"Yes!"

While the Cloud Hidden were clearing the battlefield, Konoha's front‑line units gradually arrived at the rear side; Sima Yi had already ordered everyone to prepare ninja tools, food, and water beneath the earthen wall.

Each squad, after receiving the supplies, began to regroup, and the medical ninja had already prepared, swiftly treating the injured.

At the same time, the anti‑recon squad started to widen its scope, blocking the Cloud Hidden agents sent to scout intelligence at a distance.

The Cloud Hidden ninja, seeing this, thought it was ominous and hurried back to the camp to inform Tu Tai.

Bang~ "What are they up to? They really want to fight through the night; if they don't defeat us, they don't intend to go back?"

In both the earlier and later battles, she was held back, fighting left her body sore and drained a lot of energy, making her increasingly irritable.

Tu Tai frowned, a trace of unease rising in his heart.

"Go check the situation over on the western front!"

"Yes!" "Notify the Jonin of each division, tighten adjustments, stay ready for combat at all times."

"Yes!"

"How many ninjas have we left on the original Leaf Village first front line?"

"Fewer than five hundred."

"Send someone to inform them to strengthen vigilance tonight; if any changes occur, report immediately."

"Yes!"

You Muren frowned and hurriedly asked, "Do you think Leaf Village can defeat us tonight? Or is there some way to launch a surprise attack on the rear?"

"Caution comes first, especially you; overconfidence is dangerous. Tonight, no matter what happens, do not separate from the guarding unit beside you."

You Muren, upon hearing that, fell silent, and after a moment finally nodded.

"Understood."

Half an hour later, Leaf Village finished its regrouping, removed the severely wounded ninjas, partially swapped the front and rear forces, and deployed again.

However this time, they only began to disperse when near the Cloud Hidden defensive line, and each ninja clan formation formed squads that interleaved and spread into the larger army.

"Their ninja clans have scattered; we must also make some adjustments."

Tonight is overcast, the moonlight hidden; unless Leaf Village is near to change formation, Cloud Hidden would find it hard to detect.

"We can't even detect their deployment, making precise adjustments impossible; we can only let the reserve units supplement at any time."

Tu Tai sighed helplessly; fortunately he was cautious enough to have prepared in advance, and now the reserve unit has become the front army. After filling the ranks, You Muren led them out.

Both sides made cautious contact, then quickly merged into a single battle; because the sky was dim, the battlefield gradually grew chaotic.

"Die!"

The Cloud Hidden brute from earlier daylight soon set his sights on a ninja bearing the Pu clan emblem, but this time the opponent lasted only ten or so rounds in his grasp before being slain.

"No Byakugan? Hmph, seems the Uchiha also have weaklings."

In the Leaf Village rear army, the only one now standing beside Sima Yi was Hinata Hisa.

In front of the two, a stone table appeared, with black and white pieces interlaced upon it.

Sima Yi then adjusted the board according to the information conveyed by the person beside him, taking out, adding, or moving pieces.

"How is it?"

Sima Yi looked at the young man beside him and asked softly.

"Sir Yi, rest assured; there will be no mistakes or oversights."

Hinata Hisa glared with Byakugan, relaying the frontline reports to Sima Yi, apparently not wanting to be looked down upon by the Uchiha; his tone was calm, showing composure.

Sima Yi smiled; the young man indeed had drive.

"Whether this battle can be a complete success depends on the Hinata clan."

Hinata Hisa gave no reply, but inwardly he marveled that this Uchiha actually valued them.

However, despite his outward calm, the pressure inside him grew ever larger.

"Heh, no need to be nervous; this battle only has a great victory or a medium victory. Just do your best."

If it were a previous life, Sima Yi, even with confidence, would not say such a thing; but now, to gain support and steady the troops, he has no choice.

As if his thoughts were laid bare, Hinata Hisa's face flushed, he gave a light cough and, without looking at Sima Yi, continued to focus on the incoming reports.

The fighting on the eastern front continued, and at the same time, Hinata Dongyan on the western front launched another strong offensive.

Both sides fought a massive battle at the border of Field Country; although their numbers were fewer than on the eastern front, the intensity and danger were no less.

As time went on, casualties on both sides rose; some injured ninjas luckily escaped the battlefield to receive rear‑line treatment and recuperation, while more were dragged by the enemy, meeting a disastrous end.

Rear‑line ninjas kept pouring in, and with Byakugan's aid, Hinata Dongyan constantly maintained control of the situation.

But Teluoyi of the Cloud Hidden western front possessed Magnetic Teleportation, his combat power extraordinary, far from ordinary; even a two‑day assault might not break through the line.

Watching ninja fall one by one, both sides felt blood boil in their hearts, yet they had to command calmly.

"Lord Dongyan, they have arrived."

Finally, after an hour of fierce fighting, the Leaf Village's reinforcements arrived.

Everyone turned to look, and saw five hundred ninjas wearing Leaf Village headbands steadily approaching.

Upon closer inspection, each of these ninjas bore various clan emblems on their bodies; they were indeed ninjas of the Leaf Village ninja clan.

"Uchiha, and also Hinata reinforcements!"

"Over there are Nara, members of the Mountain Within and Autumn Path clans—great, our reinforcements have arrived."

Cheering erupted behind the Leaf Village western front, and such a massive movement was quickly relayed forward deliberately.

Leaf Village ninjas' morale surged, while Cloud Hidden grew uneasy.

"Impossible—Tu Tai's earlier command report said most of Leaf Village's ninja clans were over there; how did they suddenly arrive here?"

Teluoyi's face darkened; if the enemy's reinforcement news were true, he could not endure it. Leaf Village would replicate the previous Cloud Hidden action, pierce the Field Country defensive line, then swing around to the eastern front's rear for a pincer attack.

"Immediately send someone to inform Commander Tu Tai, ask him to make a decision."

"Yes!"

After his subordinates set out, Teluoyi's suspicion remained, but before he could guess what, someone came with a report.

The Woodleaf rear army reinforced with five hundred troops, of which twenty percent bore the clan emblem, and formed squads with other ninjas interleaving like the front army; our forces' pressure surged dramatically, and casualties accelerated.

Damn, it's really them; this is trouble now, push the entire reserve force forward to reinforce the defense. Also, send someone to inform Commander Tu Tai to request reinforcements.

Yes!

Teluoyi, looking at the casualties, had to admit that these were indeed Woodleaf ninjas; they could only pull some ninjas still recovering from wounds and send them into the battlefield early to relieve the pressure, then move about. Although, unless absolutely necessary, they cannot leave this place, they must also be prepared.

On the eastern front, Tu Tai quickly received Teluoyi's report and couldn't help but feel doubtful.

The ninjas over there might be fake; Woodleaf wants to trick us into sending reinforcements.

Commander Tu Tai, the situation seems off.

Just as Tu Tai voiced the speculation, the assistant beside him broke out in cold sweat, his face paling as he said, "Earlier we already noticed Woodleaf's strength had waned, the pressure they gave us was insufficient during the day; could it be that we are the ones who are fake?"

Tu Tai's eyes widened suddenly, recalling this very matter; after both sides had fought for a long time, the consumption was huge, and not only Woodleaf, their own strength had also declined. He had thought it was a normal phenomenon, but now it seemed otherwise.

Let You Mu Ren return!

Yes!

Now it's trouble.

Every Friday and Saturday is unbearably painful, the whole day's lessons from dawn to dusk, from day to night, from your heart to my heart, stringing your heart and my heart together, ahahaha~ I love class (End of chapter).