Chapter 133 High-Strength Sniper Team!

After receiving the Third Hokage's latest orders, Uzumaki Raiden parted ways with Namikaze Minato and Kakashi at the Land of Fire's border. He then led Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hizashi, and Might Duy to the Land of Rivers.

By the time they reached Konoha's temporary headquarters in the Land of Rivers, several days had passed, and dawn was breaking.

The Land of Rivers, a small and narrow country situated between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, had become the battleground for the conflict between Konoha and the Sand Village. Without its own ninja village, the Land of Rivers was powerless to intervene in the military operations conducted by these two major powers.

Konoha had established its base camp in a dense jungle within the Land of Rivers. The frontline headquarters, previously led by Hatake Sakumo, was now under the command of Mitokadu Homura. Following a mission failure, Sakumo had been recalled to Konoha for confinement.

Although Mitokadu Homura's combat skills were unremarkable, his expertise in war strategy had helped stabilize the morale of the troops. However, Sand Ninja had recently launched a bold assault on Konoha forces within the Land of Rivers, devastating reconnaissance teams and severely disrupting Konoha's intelligence network.

As Raiden and his team approached the frontline base, four vigilant ninjas stopped them before they could enter the camp.

"Who are you?" one of the guards demanded.

"Allies," Raiden replied calmly.

The team had concealed their identities by wearing masks and hiding their forehead protectors. Raiden produced a scroll from his robe and tossed it toward the guards.

One of the ninjas, wary of potential traps, deflected the scroll with a kunai before cautiously approaching it. He opened the scroll with a short blade, scrutinizing its contents.

"Why such heavy security at the camp?" Uchiha Fugaku muttered to Hizashi. The two exchanged knowing glances, sensing that something unusual was happening.

Raiden remained patient, standing with his arms crossed as the guards completed their inspection. Finally, one of them approached and bowed slightly.

"Apologies for the delay. We've confirmed your identities. Please follow me."

The guards stepped aside, allowing Raiden and his team to enter.

"The security here seems excessive, even for wartime," Raiden remarked, sensing dozens of ninjas stationed around the camp through Kagura's Mind Eye. "Has something happened?"

The guard hesitated before answering. "It's no secret, so I'll explain. A few days ago, Sand Ninjas disguised themselves as Konoha operatives and infiltrated the camp. Once inside, they launched a surprise attack.

"If it weren't for a dying guard who raised the alarm in time, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Since then, we've fortified our defenses. Additionally, many of our reconnaissance teams have gone missing, likely ambushed by Sand Ninjas. Morale is low."

As they approached the camp, Raiden noted the numerous wooden barricades and bustling activity. Despite the early hour, the camp was alive with messengers and ninjas relaying information to the central command tent.

Guided by the guard, Raiden and his team were led to the tent. Two guards at the entrance confirmed their identities before allowing them inside.

"Request reinforcements from the Third Hokage! Send a highly skilled Jonin!"Mitokadu Homura's angry voice carried through the tent even before Raiden opened the flap. The seasoned strategist was clearly frustrated.

Inside, several individuals surrounded a long table, deep in discussion about their precarious situation. When Raiden and his masked team entered, all eyes turned toward them.

"We've come to support you, following Hokage-sama's orders," Raiden announced, tossing a scroll toward Mitokadu Homura.

"Reinforcements?" Mitokadu Homura caught the scroll, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied Raiden's weapons. The sight of the Totsuka Blade and Thor's Sword at Raiden's waist made recognition immediate.

"It's you," Mitokadu Homura muttered, the tension in his face easing slightly. Turning to the others in the room, he waved them out. "Leave us. I need to speak with them privately."

The other leaders hesitated but complied, exiting the tent while suppressing their curiosity. Once alone, Mitokadu Homura addressed Raiden and his team directly.

"Uzumaki Raiden, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hizashi, Might Duy. I've been waiting for you!"

He was careful not to disclose their identities publicly. Both Fugaku and Hizashi were members of prominent bloodline clans, and Raiden was Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Keeping their presence confidential was critical to maintaining morale and avoiding potential leaks.

"I'll keep this brief," Mitokadu Homura continued.

"The Hokage has placed you under my command, and your mission is straightforward: eliminate a team of Sand Ninjas."

"But these aren't ordinary enemies—they're an elite unit."

Before Raiden and his team had arrived, Mitokadu Homura had faced a dire predicament. Sand Ninja's assassination squad was wreaking havoc, and Mitokadu Homura lacked the resources to counter them. While Konoha was home to many skilled ninjas, its top-tier combatants were stretched thin.

The Third Hokage remained in Konoha to oversee village defenses. Shimura Danzo had been deployed to the Land of Rain. The Third Hokage's apprentices were stationed at other borders, and trusted generals like Uchiha Shikaku were handling different battlefronts.

Hatake Sakumo's recall further compounded the issue, leaving Konoha's forces in the Land of Rivers without a capable commander. While Mitokadu Homura's strategic acumen was invaluable, strategy alone couldn't compensate for the lack of high-level combat power.

Several teams had already been sent to neutralize the Sand Ninja squad, but none had returned. Each failure demoralized the troops further.

Now, with Raiden's arrival, Mitokadu Homura saw a glimmer of hope.

(End of this chapter)