After flying several kilometers south, Qingming finally spotted the Mist Ninjas.
At this point, they had just emerged from a forest and were heading toward the forest where Hinata Kaede and the others were hiding.
Once they crossed a valley, they would reach the outer perimeter of the Black Stone Base.
"A valley?" Qingming muttered to himself, feeling that it was a great place for an ambush.
However, that would only work if Sano Nobuhisa and the others could arrive early. Otherwise, it wouldn't matter.
For now, Qingming suppressed this thought and lightly flapped the chakra wings on his back, getting closer to the Mist Ninja team.
It wasn't long before some Mist Ninjas noticed his presence.
Using his Sharingan, Qingming could clearly see some of the Mist Ninjas glancing in his direction.
However, Qingming wasn't concerned.
It was broad daylight, and unless he had a skill to conceal his form, it was inevitable that he would be spotted.
Besides, he frequently carried out reconnaissance missions alone, and even if the Mist Ninjas saw him, they wouldn't immediately think that an ambush was ahead.
Even if they guessed, they probably wouldn't retreat easily.
The Mist Ninja had mobilized so many people, clearly not intending to hide or having no way to hide their movements.
This also suggested that they weren't afraid of their position being exposed.
At this point, both sides were essentially showing their hands—whoever had the better strategy would prevail.
Of course, the Mist Ninjas also had their scouts.
Qingming scanned the Mist Ninja team and saw several reconnaissance squads, circling around and scouting outward from the main group.
After observing for a moment, Qingming suddenly changed direction and flew toward the forest ahead.
He landed on a tree branch, deactivated his 'Wind Style: Wind Wings,' and formed a few hand signs, casting 'Shadow Clone Jutsu.'
Bang~ With the sound of chakra dispersing, six shadow clones appeared around him.
Qingming directed one of them to replace him and continue the reconnaissance task.
Since he wasn't planning to harass the Mist Ninjas this time, and as long as he flew higher, they wouldn't be able to catch him, one clone was enough. There was no need to expend unnecessary energy here.
For the rest of the time, Qingming planned to train his 'Earth Style: Hardened Technique' to level 4 with the five clones.
This wasn't impossible—after all, with 300 proficiency points and five times the training speed, it was relatively easy to gather.
Although level 4 of the 'Earth Style: Hardened Technique' wouldn't bring about a qualitative change and couldn't handle overly complex situations, it was already useful.
If he succeeded, he would have more safety in future battles, although he didn't think these Mist Ninjas could pose a threat to him.
But improving his defenses was serious business.
With that thought in mind, Qingming didn't waste any time and quickly left the area with his five clones.
Meanwhile, the Mist Ninjas had initially been happy to see Qingming leave, but it didn't take long before he returned.
This made them tense once more.
They knew that just the day before, Qingming had harassed the reinforcements.
Although they were more numerous and well-prepared this time, they still didn't want to waste time dealing with him.
Fortunately, Qingming only hovered above them, without showing any intention of getting closer.
They decided to ignore him.
With the lead Mist Ninja giving the command to proceed, the team quickly maintained their formation and advanced forward.
Time passed by quickly.
About twenty minutes later, they reached the forest ahead.
At this point, it would be difficult for Qingming to see them clearly, and he didn't dare to lower his altitude recklessly.
The trees provided cover, so if he descended, he might be ambushed.
However, this also meant he couldn't keep them in sight for too long.
With that in mind, Qingming decided to use 'Mind Transfer Technique' to contact Hinata Kaede and the others, telling them about the general movements of the Mist Ninjas.
From now on, the main task of reconnaissance would be theirs, while he would provide support and oversee the situation.
Upon receiving Qingming's orders, Hinata Kaede and the others wasted no time and began their actions.
They used their respective abilities—some employed the Byakugan's vision, others relied on the concealment of bugs—to monitor the Mist Ninjas' every move, sending the information back to Qingming as needed.
With their reports, Qingming was able to track the Mist Ninjas and keep them under constant surveillance.
This created a perfect coordination between them.
More than an hour later.
On the other side of the forest, Qingming suddenly received a message from his shadow clone, telling him that the Mist Ninjas were about to arrive at the valley and that he should hurry over.
Yes, after communicating with Sano Nobuhisa, the valley had officially been chosen as their ambush location.
Sano Nobuhisa and the others had hurriedly arrived ahead of the Mist Ninjas.
Now, since the Mist Ninjas were about to reach the valley, it meant that the battle was about to begin, and Qingming needed to head over.
With this in mind, Qingming dismissed the 'Shadow Clone Jutsu.'
In an instant, the five clones disbanded, and the chakra, along with over an hour of training experience and memories, returned to his body.
Qingming immediately closed his eyes and began to absorb the training experience and memories, converting them into proficiency points on his panel.
Time passed.
A few minutes later, Qingming opened his eyes.
Then, a trace of joy flashed in his eyes.
The reason was simple: after more than an hour of training, his 'Earth Style: Hardened Technique' successfully accumulated 300 proficiency points and advanced to level 4.
He didn't rush to depart but instead made hand signs and cast 'Earth Style: Hardened Technique.'
In an instant, his pale skin turned black, ultimately taking on a stone-like grey-black color.
Qingming tapped his arm, feeling an unusual toughness.
He then took a kunai from his ninja tool pouch and forcefully scratched his arm.
The sharp sound of scraping filled the air, but only a white mark remained, no other injury left behind.
With that amount of force, Qingming felt that normal ninja tools would no longer be able to harm him.
He thought for a moment and deactivated the 'Earth Style: Hardened Technique.'
Feeling his body return to its more flexible state, Qingming frowned slightly.
Although level 4 of 'Earth Style: Hardened Technique' greatly enhanced his defense, it inevitably reduced his flexibility.
Moreover, at his current proficiency, casting the technique took 2 to 3 seconds.
In other words, unless he could predict the situation, it would be difficult to use it in the heat of battle.
This made Qingming somewhat disappointed.
However, he quickly cheered himself up, thinking, "An upgrade is better than no upgrade," and activated 'Wind Style: Wind Wings,' flying toward the valley.
plz support me if you can.
patreon.com/Mano99
all the fanfic is 30 chapter a had and you will get 1 chapter everyday.