Mizukage's Pokémon Ninja Scroll

Chapter 76 Omens (One more chapter to follow)

"Teacher Qing, if you're in this state, why don't you put down what you're holding for a moment?"

Mei Terumi, who was peeling an apple for Ao, watched speechlessly as Ao continued to process intelligence.

Today, Ao needs a follow-up check-up and a change of dressing. As the only medical ninja in the team, this task is naturally handled by Tachibana Kanagawa.

The trio had just returned from a mission within the Land of Fire, but this time, it was unclear whether they were incredibly lucky or incredibly unlucky. They had spent two days traveling through the Land of Fire with another team of sensory ninjas without encountering any Konoha ninja squads.

Finally, they returned safely to the Whirlpool Island camp.

Since they were currently on break, Mei Terumi and Tachibana Kenkawa decided to come and visit Ao together.

None of them expected that Qing would be working with a scroll of intelligence while re-bandaging and changing the dressing for just over ten minutes.

"Some intelligence, if obtained even a second earlier, could directly determine the life or death of ninjas on the front lines."

The three of them rolled their eyes in unison. Qing Mingming was still quite young, but ever since she took over the work of the perception class, she had become increasingly rigid and meticulous.

In fact, Ao's job was mostly to assist Yagura Karatachi with the personnel deployment of the Perception Squad. If there was any important and urgent intelligence, it would definitely be sent to Yagura Karatachi immediately, so he wouldn't have the opportunity to lie here and check it.

"Although the previous pursuit mission ultimately failed, the achievement of killing a Jonin will not be ignored. I have already proposed to Jonin Karatachi that you be temporarily promoted to Chunin, but the formal promotion will have to wait until the village's appointment is made."

"Ah, she's already a Chunin?" Mei Terumi looked at her captain with some surprise.

"Are you alright, Mei? After all, it's been over a year since you graduated. Zabuza and I, on the other hand, have only been genin for a few months."

Tachibana Kanagawa complained to Mei Terumi.

Based on the speed of promotion, even though Nara Shikamaru lived during a peaceful era in the original work, he was promoted to Chunin only nine months after graduating.

Judging by age, Kakashi was promoted to Chunin a few years ago, at the age of 6.

I don't know what Mei Terumi is so surprised about.

"In short, all your future missions will be conducted according to the standards of a Chunin squad. As for the captain, I suggest that Tachibana take on the role."

Qing ignored the two disciples' quarrel and offered his own advice.

Mei Terumi and Zabuza, who were standing to the side, both pursed their lips, but neither of them objected. At present, they both respected Tachibana Kenkawa in terms of both strength and conduct.

"Teacher Qing, after you fully recover from your injuries, will you still lead our team on missions?"

This is what Jianchuan Tachibana is more concerned about. Although he said he killed an Uchiha Jonin, there were too many factors involved, such as a sneak attack and coincidence.

If Ao, a Jonin, could lead the team again, it would undoubtedly greatly improve the team's safety.

Furthermore, since he hadn't told Ao about the suggestion that Yagura had mentioned before, he was worried that Yagura might have said something to Ao, causing Ao to misunderstand.

Upon hearing Tachibana's question, Mei Terumi and Zabuza both looked towards Ao on the hospital bed.

"Yes, you will still be my subordinates, but most of the missions from now on will be carried out primarily by the three of you."

Okay, Qing put it rather tactfully, but it's likely that this powerful figure who also serves as a bodyguard won't be able to be taken out much longer.

Seemingly noticing that the group looked somewhat downcast, Qing offered words of comfort.

"You are still temporary Chunin for now. I will continue to guide your ninjutsu training from time to time, and you will need to work with me on some important missions later on."

After Ao reiterated that he was a temporary Chunin, Tachibana Kenkawa finally realized that although he had been promoted to Chunin, it seemed that the promotion system did not recognize this kind of promotion without a formal appointment.

There were no achievement notifications or system rewards.

"Don't worry, Teacher Qing, we're not as fragile as you think."

Although he was pleased to see his disciples' confidence, he still offered a word of advice.

"The situation on the front lines has been rather strange lately, so you should all be extra careful."

As a high-ranking member of the camp, Qing clearly has a better understanding of the overall battle situation.

Logically, both Konoha and Kirigakure should be eager for a head-on battle, but surprisingly neither has taken the lead in launching a large-scale offensive.

The situation with Kirigakure is somewhat understandable, given their advantageous geographical position. They're trying to hold back and lure Konoha into launching a preemptive strike. If Konoha were to cross the sea to attack the Uzushima camp, they would undoubtedly be intercepted at sea by Kirigakure, suffering heavy losses.

However, it is somewhat strange that Konoha has not launched an attack yet, after all, the Land of Fire has a very long coastline, which makes Konoha busy defending.

In the current small-scale clashes, although the average quality of Konoha ninjas is higher than that of Kirigakure ninjas, the number of casualties suffered by Konoha ninjas is much higher than that of Kirigakure ninjas.

Moreover, in terms of troop strength alone, Kirigakure still has the advantage.

"Is Ao-sensei worried that Konoha is about to make a big move?"

"That's right, Konoha can't keep dragging this out indefinitely, especially with Iwagakure and Kumogakure watching closely. They can't afford to lose." Ao paused slightly at this point.

"This is also the current consensus among the higher-ups in Mist Village. However, it is uncertain how they will launch their attack, so you must be vigilant whether you are on a mission or in the camp."

"Yes" x3

After Tachibana Kenkawa finished re-bandaging Ao's wound, Ao put down the scroll in his hand. He inquired about the three disciples' recent progress in ninjutsu training and gave them some pointers.

The coastline of the Land of Fire, Konoha camp.

"Lord Orochimaru, this is a message from the Third Hokage from the village."

Nara Suzaku respectfully handed a scroll to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru, who was organizing ninjutsu data, did not stop what he was doing. Instead, he casually spoke to Suzaku Nara.

"Put it on the table first. Suzaku, you've been working hard on the plan lately, so go home and get some rest today."

"But, Lord Orochimaru."

"It's alright, I guess the old folks are getting restless. I'll check on them in a bit."

"Yes, then I will take my leave."

Nara Suzaku then carefully placed the scroll in a prominent position on the table and respectfully withdrew.

After finishing his work, Orochimaru casually picked up the scroll and opened it to take a look.

"Heh, so even the Hidden Cloud Village can't sit still anymore? Why is this boring war so captivating? Let's end it as soon as possible."

Orochimaru quickly finished reading the scroll and a contemptuous smile appeared on his face.

Orochimaru then stepped out of his tent and waved to the ninja guarding the area.

"Thank you for your hard work. Go and invite Jonin Nono, the pharmacist from the medical team, over here."

The ninja immediately nodded excitedly in acceptance and hurried toward the medical team.

(End of this chapter)