Returning to the western mountain outpost, Qing Ming surveyed the altered landscape of the mountain, immediately grasping the intensity of last night's fierce battle. Now, nearly all the trees on the mountain were gone, replaced by strange, crystalized formations of hardened lava.
Additionally, significant cracks and debris from powerful Earth Release techniques had reshaped much of the terrain. It was, in essence, an entirely new location. Guarding such a place required a solid understanding of the surroundings, so Qing Ming turned to Yamanaka Kiku, who stood behind him.
"Kiku, take a team and scout the area. We need a new defensive strategy," he instructed.
"Yes, Captain!" Yamanaka Kiku replied, though his voice sounded weak, as though he had recovered from an illness. Indeed, the previous day's fierce battle had taken its toll. Even though they'd retreated early from the main battlefield and missed the intense fight for the Four-Tails, they hadn't been able to avoid the skirmishes in the surrounding areas. Yamanaka Kiku had sustained internal injuries that Qing Ming had treated with medical ninjutsu, but the recovery was still ongoing.
In normal circumstances, a few days would be allowed for recuperation. However, this time, it was impossible. The heavy losses from yesterday's fight left each area critically undermanned, and so even those with mild injuries were quickly sent back out.
As he watched his men depart, Qing Ming flickered through a few hand signs and arrived at his previous dwelling, only to find the place unrecognizable. His old, simple wooden cabin had burned to ashes. Qing Ming, unbothered by this loss, casually found a large stone hardened by lava and took a seat.
He formed hand seals and performed the "Mystical Palm Technique," creating a pure form of Yang Release chakra to begin strengthening his body. As he meditated, he reflected on his upcoming tasks.
First and foremost, he needed to continue strengthening his body. This brief lull in fighting was too valuable to waste. Secondly, he intended to gather knowledge about Water Release chakra control techniques and some suitable Water Release jutsu. Although he wouldn't have time to train in Water Release immediately, it would be beneficial to gather information now rather than later.
Lastly, he required a suitable replacement weapon. His current short sword, which couldn't conduct chakra, now hindered his abilities, given his growing power. If he didn't want to be disadvantaged in future battles, he needed to replace it soon. He had already set his sights on a Kusanagi Sword, one of the rare weapons of the shinobi world.
Obtaining the necessary jutsu and weapon could be easily facilitated by the Uchiha clan. For knowledge, they were a clan with ancient roots and could provide such scrolls effortlessly. As for the sword, the Uchiha clan's intelligence network would vastly expedite the search process. Both conservative and aggressive factions of the Uchiha clan, eager to win him over, would likely be happy to assist him.
After three minutes, Qing Ming opened his eyes, pausing before resuming another cycle of the "Mystical Palm Technique." Instead, he took out paper and ink, carefully drafting a letter. Once satisfied, he put it away. The next convoy bringing supplies from the main camp would arrive in two days, and he could have them deliver this letter.
A week passed swiftly, bringing the calendar to early March. Qing Ming could sense that his body was on the verge of a breakthrough. Within a week, his physical transformation would be complete.
"Almost there," Qing Ming whispered to himself as he opened his eyes on a mountain ledge. Not far off, he spotted several Konoha Chunin emerging from behind strange lava formations—his team members patrolling this sector.
Upon their approach, he asked, "Any sign of activity?"
"None," one Chunin replied curtly.
Qing Ming was unsurprised. As he predicted, the Iwagakure forces had slowed down significantly since the intense battle a week prior. Large-scale attacks had ceased, and even small skirmishes were few and far between. In the past week, his team had encountered the enemy only a handful of times, and even then, they had withdrawn almost immediately, avoiding direct confrontation.
Nonetheless, Qing Ming remained vigilant. "Stay alert; the enemy could resume hostilities anytime. Be careful while patrolling."
"Yes, Captain!" The Chunin responded, his tone filled with tension. Qing Ming nodded and then said, "Alright, let's move to the next sector!"
With that, he headed toward the next checkpoint, his team following close behind. Reaching the new area, the Chunin instinctively spread out to begin their routine checks and surveillance, while Qing Ming found a secluded spot to meditate and continued to channel Yang Release chakra to fortify his body. Thus, time passed steadily.
Three days later, in the evening, Qing Ming had just returned to his residence at the mountaintop base after finishing his patrols when he heard a knock on the door.
Knock, knock, knock~
Irritated by the interruption, he opened his eyes and called out, "Come in!"
The door creaked open, and a Konoha Chunin entered. "What is it?" Qing Ming asked, his tone indifferent.
"Captain Daikumaru has summoned all Jonin for a meeting. Here is the written order," the Chunin replied respectfully, handing him a summoning letter.
After verifying its authenticity, Qing Ming nodded. "When is it?"
"In thirty minutes," the Chunin answered.
"Understood. You're dismissed," Qing Ming replied. The Chunin nodded, left the hut, and vanished in a flash, performing the Body Flicker Technique to relay orders to the other Jonin.
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