Raindrops pattered against the oilcloth, splashing in tiny droplets. Sitting on a tree branch while keeping watch, Xin lifted his gaze toward the front lines.
"I wonder if the battle's over. I wonder if the title of 'Sannin' will still stick with Tsunade and the others."
With no enemies in sight and no orders to retreat, those who remained could only rest and recover. This left Xin feeling a bit idle.
The Hidden Sand's movements were somewhat suspicious, but whatever schemes they had weren't Xin's concern. That was for the village leaders to worry about.
"Xin-sama, there's news from the camp!"
A ninja with an injured left arm excitedly jumped up to the branch, carrying a messenger hawk, completely ignoring the rain soaking his wounded arm.
"Let's head back first," Xin replied, taking the small scroll from the hawk's leg before releasing it.
"News from the camp."
Back inside the makeshift shelter, Xin sat by the fire and relayed the message to the other ninjas who, like him, were idle and waiting. All eyes turned to him as he unrolled the scroll.
"Huh..."
He had expected orders to either retreat or hold their position, perhaps with reinforcements and the wounded sent back to safety.
But as he read the contents, Xin was stunned.
Could it be that they lost?
Seeing Xin's reaction, the others felt a sinking feeling in their chests.
"You've got to be kidding me..." Xin muttered, rubbing his face, a strange urge to laugh bubbling up.
Danzo, that old schemer, had finally messed up.
He had been taken down by Chiyo, losing an eye and an arm in the process.
But the worst part was the severe damage to the camp-the medical unit had been nearly wiped out.
This kind of loss would have the Third Hokage and others seething.
Seeing Xin's reaction, no one dared to speak. After a tense silence, Nawaki forced a shaky smile and asked, "Xin, please don't tell me we lost the battle. What happened to my sister?"
"Whew..."
Taking a deep breath, Xin looked at the scroll again and announced, "Your sister is fine. The front line secured a victory, and the Hidden Rain has been defeated. Hanzō is requesting peace talks. But..."
"But what?"
Nawaki asked, clearly relieved but still on edge.
"Did something happen to our sensei?"
Now it was Minato's turn to worry, fearing the worst for Jiraiya.
"It's just that..."
....
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