CHAPTER 63

Building Momentum

Chi Yu lay motionless in his tent for nearly a day before finally stirring.

Rubbing his throbbing temples, he rose and stepped outside, intending to find Orochimaru before grabbing something to eat.

On the way, he encountered several Konoha shinobi.

Their gazes were a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

News of Chi Yu's actions in Takigakure had already spread throughout the ranks.

No one could believe that the once-disgraced "two-faced traitor" had managed to severely wound Kuroiwa Tatsuji, the leader of Takigakure.

Now, that same Chi Yu had become someone to fear.

What truly unsettled them was the cold efficiency with which he had handed a detonating tag to the ninja named Daigo—an act witnessed by many, including Minato Namikaze. The implications of that moment still lingered in their minds.

How could they not fear such ruthlessness?

Some among them had even mocked or insulted Chi Yu in the past, back when he had been the camp's pariah. Now, they silently feared that if they were injured in battle, he might hand them a detonating tag and send them to die as cannon fodder.

Chi Yu ignored their stares, expression unreadable, and proceeded straight toward Orochimaru's tent.

But Orochimaru wasn't there.

Frowning slightly, Chi Yu turned around. He guessed Orochimaru was most likely in the central command tent.

Sure enough, upon entering, he found both Orochimaru and Jiraiya inside.

"Orochimaru-sensei. Jiraiya-sama," he greeted respectfully.

Orochimaru gave him a silent nod.

Jiraiya smiled. "Chi Yu, how are you holding up? Rested enough?"

Chi Yu nodded. "Yes. I've recovered."

Orochimaru cut straight to the point. "Prepare yourself. We'll be pushing the front line forward by ten kilometers tomorrow."

Chi Yu furrowed his brows slightly, then relaxed. He hazarded a guess:

"You've already requested reinforcements from Konoha, haven't you? The plan is to advance the front line by ten kilometers and then hold out until we rendezvous with the arriving forces. Once we regroup, we stabilize and defend the new line. Is that correct, Orochimaru-sensei?"

Jiraiya blinked in astonishment. "Seriously? Orochimaru only mentioned the advance. You figured all that out just from that?"

Chi Yu replied calmly, "It wasn't difficult to deduce. Our strike on Takigakure was a precursor to pushing the front line. Now that the operation succeeded, we have to act quickly. If the Cloud shinobi regroup or counterattack, we'll lose the initiative.

Besides, advancing ten kilometers is no small feat with our current numbers. We can't hold that distance with our depleted manpower. Therefore, if Orochimaru-sensei still chose to proceed, he must've arranged for reinforcements.

And given the scale of this operation and the strategic threat posed by Kumogakure through Takigakure, the Hokage would almost certainly approve a request for support."

Jiraiya let out a low whistle, then glanced at Orochimaru. "Your student's sharper than I expected."

Orochimaru nodded without hesitation. "Chi Yu has always been good at strategic thinking."

Still skeptical, Jiraiya pressed further. "But the Takigakure strike was meant to drive out the Kumo forces. They're still there. How can you say the plan succeeded?"

Chi Yu allowed himself a small smile. "Jiraiya-sama, the goal was never to fully expel the Cloud shinobi from Takigakure. That would've been too ambitious with our current strength.

The real aim was psychological: to destabilize their position and make them wary. By striking hard, inflicting heavy casualties, and retreating quickly, we sent a message. Whether Takigakure regains its neutrality or not is secondary. What matters is that Kumo now hesitates—and that hesitation gives us the opening to push forward."

Jiraiya's tone softened with reluctant admiration. "Orochimaru… your disciple's brain really is something."

Orochimaru turned to Chi Yu. "Then tell me—when we advance, do you believe the Cloud shinobi will engage?"

Chi Yu thought for a moment. "They'll definitely move, but I suspect only probing attacks and harassment at first. They won't risk a full-scale engagement until they understand our numbers."

Orochimaru pressed further. "And how do we counter that? How can we advance without incurring high casualties?"

Chi Yu answered immediately, already having worked through the possibilities. "We manufacture momentum. We appear stronger than we are.

That means using Clone Jutsu and Shadow Clones in tandem. Every shinobi creates clones, and those clones are surrounded by shadow clones as decoys. Then, real shinobi move at the periphery to guard them. Sensory types will detect high activity, but won't be able to confirm the number of real bodies. To them, we'll look like an overwhelming force."

Orochimaru's snake-like grin emerged. "Excellent. The sensory deception alone will buy us hours. And if they hesitate… we gain territory."

Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Wait a second… isn't this exactly the plan you just outlined earlier, Orochimaru?"

Chi Yu blinked, a little surprised himself.

Orochimaru responded coolly, "Jiraiya, it's no surprise. Given our limitations, it's the most efficient strategy available. A capable student should reach the same conclusions."

He turned to Chi Yu. "I've already reported your achievements in the Takigakure operation to Hiruzen-sama. You've only recently become a Chūnin, so it's unlikely you'll be promoted to Jōnin just yet, but there's a strong chance you'll be awarded the rank of Tokubetsu Jōnin."

Chi Yu bowed slightly. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei."

Orochimaru waved him off. "You've earned it. One more thing—the support force from Konoha. I wanted to speak to you specifically about it."

Chi Yu's expression sharpened slightly. If Orochimaru was telling him this directly, it meant there was something unusual about the reinforcement detail.

He asked, "Are the reinforcements composed of shinobi from the major clans?"

Jiraiya muttered under his breath. "This kid again…"

Once more, Chi Yu had anticipated the next piece of information before Orochimaru could even confirm it.

Jiraiya was starting to worry. Minato Namikaze was brilliant—but he was honest, kind, and straightforward. He began to wonder if he should warn Minato to be cautious around Chi Yu.

Chi Yu wasn't just smart.

He was dangerous.

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