Blockade
"How many enemies are still following us?" Yu Gongyuan asked.
His earlier attempt at baiting had at least achieved something—it had drawn a portion of the enemy away. Now all he could hope for was that the remaining pursuers weren't too many to handle.
"Around the same number as us," a clansman reported. "Roughly fifteen."
Being chased by an enemy of equal size wasn't unreasonable. The problem lay elsewhere. On average, the enemy shinobi were stronger, better-rested, and closer to reinforcements.
Yu Gongyuan cast a glance at his own men. Every one of them looked drained—faces pale, movements sluggish, chakra nearly depleted. They didn't have the strength for sustained combat. At this point, they could hardly keep running.
Forget fighting—they couldn't even flee properly anymore.
At least I managed to shake off a few of them, Yu Gongyuan thought. The only ones we'll face now are those fifteen.
He exhaled slowly. Their options were painfully limited.
"To maximize our chances of survival," he said, "we'll have to continue using bait. A few of us will separate and draw the enemy away."
Though Yu Gongyuan was young, his clan trusted him completely. His strategies had kept them alive until now, and after personally taking on one suicidal decoy mission to save them, no one doubted his loyalty or judgment.
"I'm still in good condition," one shinobi said immediately. "Let me be the bait this time."
"Count me in as well, clan leader," another added without hesitation.
Two young men stepped forward—Hagami Isakawa and Hagami Ryunosuke, both among the clan's stronger fighters.
"Then the three of us will handle the luring," Yu Gongyuan said. He didn't bother refusing; these two were their best candidates.
"Clan leader—"
"No need to argue. It's decided."
Calling this a "bait mission" was generous. More accurately, it was a suicide run. Yu Gongyuan had already risked his life once doing the same. There was no reason for him to take the risk again—yet he refused to let sentiment distract them now.
"For the next two hours," he ordered, "focus on recovering as much chakra as you can. When the time is up, we move. And don't worry… I have confidence in the plan."
No one believed the last line, but they appreciated the effort. One by one, the clan found places to sit and began concentrating on chakra refinement.
Yu Gongyuan leapt to the top of a tall tree, standing on a thick branch as he surveyed the forest for threats.
Under normal circumstances, he couldn't hope to fight five enemy shinobi alone. Until today, he had been an ordinary ninja—capable only of a few beginner-level Fire Release techniques and the basic Three Body Techniques. Fighting multiple opponents was out of the question.
But now… things were different.
Yu Gongyuan looked at his right arm as it transformed into a pale, plantlike limb—the arm of a White Zetsu. He lightly waved it, letting it drift into the tree trunk beside him, passing through effortlessly.
This wasn't space-time ninjutsu. It was the White Zetsu clan's signature ability—the Mayfly Technique, which allowed the user to merge with the earth and travel undetected through roots, soil, and vegetation.
Most White Zetsu in the Fourth Shinobi World War were reconnaissance-focused clones—not built for direct combat—but that didn't make them harmless. Their infiltration abilities were perfect: silent movement, flawless transformation, complete sensory concealment. For assassination and reconnaissance, they were unparalleled.
Being called a "White Zetsu" might not be flattering to most, Yu Gongyuan thought, but right now… it's saving lives.
Two hours passed.
Yu Gongyuan returned to the group. "Everyone, come shake hands with me one at a time. Isakawa and Ryunosuke, stay for last."
Though confused, the clansmen obeyed. As Yu Gongyuan shook their hands, each suddenly wore a strange expression.
By the time Isakawa and Ryunosuke stepped forward, they understood why.
As soon as Yu Gongyuan clasped their hands, both men felt a surge of chakra flooding into them.
"This… what is this?"
"This is the Spore Technique," Yu Gongyuan explained. "A White Zetsu ability. I've absorbed your chakra and redistributed it into these two."
He didn't have time for a full explanation.
"Listen carefully," he continued. "The enemy's attitude has changed. They're relaxed—treating us like prey in a game. If we split up again, they'll almost certainly divide their forces to chase us separately."
He pointed in three directions.
"Isakawa, go toward three o'clock. Ryunosuke, six o'clock. I'll head toward nine. Release your chakra openly—make yourselves obvious targets. Provoke them, but do not engage in close combat. Just run. Run as far and as fast as you can."
"Yes, clan leader!"
"Once I defeat the enemies in my direction, I'll reinforce you both. Don't make reckless moves before then."
Gathering the chakra of more than ten ninjas into two individuals gave them a real chance at survival. If Yu Gongyuan moved quickly and their luck held, they could live.
"The rest of you, hide deeper in the forest. Don't reveal yourselves until everything is over."
A few clansmen hesitated, wanting to object—How can the clan leader defeat five fully restored enemy shinobi alone?—but none voiced it. What good were doubts now?
Yu Gongyuan clapped his hands together softly.
"Any other questions?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Good," he said. "Then…"
He turned toward the forest—toward danger.
"…The operation begins."
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