The Calm Before the Storm 17

Tetsuma's body was bruised and battered, and his chakra reserves were dangerously low. As he approached the border outpost, he could barely hold himself up anymore. His steps were heavy, and the weight of his mission weighed down on him like a thousand tons. He had to reach safety—he had to report the intel. But first, he needed medical attention.

The guards at the entrance of the outpost were immediately on alert as they saw the lone figure stumbling toward them. His torn and bloodied ANBU uniform was a clear indicator of who he was, but he was in no state to speak, and they had never seen this particular ANBU before.

"ANBU!" one of the guards shouted as he rushed to Tetsuma's side, his eyes scanning the wounded figure. "You're hurt badly. Come with me, quickly!"

Before Tetsuma could protest, the guards had already half-lifted him, supporting his weight as they hurried toward the medical tent. His vision was blurry, and he couldn't stop the groans of pain escaping his lips. Each step sent a wave of agony through his already broken body, but there was no time for rest. He couldn't afford to show weakness.

"Stay with us, ANBU," one of the guards urged. "We've got a medic inside."

Tetsuma tried to focus, just enough to let them lead him toward the tent. The world around him was spinning, and he struggled to stay conscious. His mind was filled with fragments of the last few days—attacks, ambushes, and the dangerous pursuit from the Land of Earth. He couldn't allow his focus to slip. The information he carried, the intel on the talks between Takigakure and Iwagakure, was critical. If he lost consciousness now, it would all be for nothing.

They reached the medical tent, and Tetsuma was gently laid down on a bed. He barely felt the touch of the medics as they began to assess his injuries, but his mind was still sharp, even as his body betrayed him.

"We need to stabilize him quickly," one of the medics muttered, hurriedly applying salves to his wounds and using chakra to tend to his injuries. "This man's been through hell."

The medic's words barely registered as Tetsuma's consciousness flickered. His breathing was labored, and every breath sent a wave of pain through his chest. Still, the words of the medic seemed to pierce through the fog in his mind.

He has information… He thought weakly. Must... report...

Despite everything, Tetsuma forced his eyes open and managed to speak in a hoarse voice. "Iwa... Takigakure… they're... collaborating..."

The medic paused for a moment, clearly confused, but then resumed working on his injuries. He couldn't afford to waste time on questions now. Tetsuma needed to rest, and they needed him alive.

"We'll get your report to the higher-ups as soon as possible, just rest now," the medic assured him.

Tetsuma closed his eyes, his thoughts becoming more and more distant, but one thing remained clear in his mind: he had made it. The information was safe. And when he woke, he would make sure the village knew everything.