Asuka looked at his heavily wounded team members and gave up the idea of continuing the pursuit.
Hōzuki Mangetsu and Mei Terumī also arrived to rendezvous with Asuka, and neither of them were in good condition.
Mei Terumī's clothes were torn in many places and covered in blood. Hōzuki Mangetsu's white hair had several scorched strands as well, burned while he dodged Fire Release ninjutsu from the Konoha ninja.
Asuka looked at the two somewhat disheveled individuals and said nothing. He simply patted Hōzuki Mangetsu on the shoulder and said softly, "You've worked hard."
He then led the two of them toward the ice wall created by Minazuki Murasaki. At this moment, Minazuki Murasaki's face was pale from excessive chakra consumption. When she saw Asuka and the others arrive, she finally couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed to the ground.
The ice wall slowly dissipated as well due to the lack of chakra supply, revealing the Hidden Mist ninja behind it. Their condition was even worse than Mangetsu's group. Some were completely scorched, some had lost an arm, and some had their bodies pierced through. Almost no one remained completely unharmed.
It could be said that this pursuit had caused the Fourth Squad, which had only just been replenished, to suffer heavy losses once again.
Muttering a curse under his breath, Asuka quickly stepped forward to help up the unconscious Minazuki Murasaki and gently leaned her against a nearby tree. After that, he stood up and began organizing the remaining able-bodied team members to care for the injured.
After simply bandaging the severely wounded, the rest of the team collapsed from exhaustion, resting in small groups.
Looking at everyone's miserable state, Asuka suddenly realized how correct the suggestion of Senju Tsunade in Konoha had been—to equip every squad with a medical ninja.
The presence of a medical ninja could allow the wounded to receive treatment immediately, greatly improving a squad's endurance and even extending the career of a ninja.
As the squad leader, Asuka stepped forward to boost morale.
"Everyone performed exceptionally well during this mission. We successfully intercepted Konoha's scout team—especially since it included a formidable opponent, that golden-haired Konoha ninja. I suspect he uses extremely rare space–time ninjutsu. If he had been allowed to infiltrate, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"
"Thanks to everyone's efforts, we prevented the leakage of intelligence. I believe the village will remember you all. I'm also deeply saddened by our fallen comrades, but rest assured—I will fight to ensure their families receive proper compensation!"
Hearing Asuka's encouragement, the squad members regained some spirit and thanked him one after another.
Asuka added, "Everyone, rest here for a while. Once you've recovered a bit, we'll move out as soon as possible and send the injured back to the camp for treatment."
After everyone responded in unison, Asuka walked over to the unconscious Minazuki Murasaki and carefully wiped the blood from her wounds.
---
On the other side, after rescuing the Konoha ninja from the battlefield, Minato Namikaze quickly led them across the Land of Water's border toward the Land of Fire outpost.
The Konoha ninja were in even worse condition than the Fourth Squad. Only about one in ten had survived, and their bodies were covered with wounds of varying depths.
At the front of the team, Minato Namikaze's expression was cold as his mind replayed his encounter with Asuka again and again. Although their clash had been brief, it left an extremely deep impression on him.
This encounter made Minato keenly aware of his shortcomings and shattered the small sense of pride he once held.
Minato Namikaze had always known that he lacked powerful offensive techniques. However, in a ninja world where offense usually far exceeded defense, he had never encountered someone like Asuka who could counter him so effectively.
In previous battles, he relied on the high mobility of the Flying Thunder God Technique to locate an enemy's weakness and end the fight with a single kunai strike.
But during the battle with Asuka, Minato discovered that his nearly foolproof strategy had met its perfect counter.
His brilliant mind replayed the battle over and over. After multiple mental simulations, Minato came to a conclusion—using his current abilities, he truly had no reliable way to deal a fatal blow to Asuka.
Although he could approach Asuka again and again using the Flying Thunder God Technique, and even believed he could slash his throat if given the chance, the result was still uncertain.
Judging by Asuka's defensive power and the terrifying recovery ability he displayed after taking the Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique head-on, such injuries were clearly not fatal. Even the sealing techniques Minato had learned from Uzumaki Kushina might not be effective.
Combined with the heavy casualties among the Konoha ninja, Minato ultimately chose to retreat.
As he reviewed the battle again and again, his determination grew stronger.
He would develop a high-damage ninjutsu capable of matching the combat rhythm of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Having made up his mind, Minato quickened his pace.
---
Back on Asuka's side, after the squad members had recovered some stamina, Asuka led them toward the border outpost.
The group moved quickly through the forest, leaping from branch to branch and sending leaves fluttering everywhere.
At that moment, Minazuki Murasaki, who was lying on Asuka's back, slowly woke up.
When she realized she was on Asuka's back, her face instantly turned bright red. In a panicked whisper, she said, "Lord Asuka… w-why am I on your back?! P-please… put me down…"
Hearing that she was awake, Asuka turned his head slightly and smiled.
"Murasaki, you're awake? You made a great contribution this time, you know. Your body hasn't recovered yet, so just stay still. I'm not putting you down."
Hearing his words, Minazuki Murasaki's face turned even redder. Her mind felt completely dizzy.
Just as she was immersed in the moment, a very annoying voice suddenly broke the atmosphere.
"Yo, yo, yo—look at you, sly girl. Why's your face so red? Got a fever or something? Hahaha."
Hearing the familiar irritating voice, Minazuki Murasaki's expression instantly darkened.
She turned her head and saw Hōzuki Mangetsu's teasing face.
Mangetsu looked at her with a mischievous grin. Following his gaze, Murasaki soon noticed Mei Terumī not far away staring at her with a murderous expression.
The dissatisfaction Murasaki felt from Mangetsu's interruption instantly disappeared.
She quietly resumed her calm expression, resting on Asuka's back with a faint smile in her eyes.
"This scheming woman…"
Seeing Murasaki's expression, Mei Terumī's vigilance toward her immediately increased.
The rest of the journey passed in silence as everyone rushed back to the outpost at full speed.
As they approached the outpost, the Hidden Mist ninja on duty quickly spotted them. By the time the group arrived, professional medical ninja were already waiting at the entrance.
After handing over the injured to the medical team, the squad members could no longer hold on. After eating something simple to restore their energy, they collapsed and fell asleep.
After a short rest, Asuka headed toward the main tent to report the situation to Terumi Kenshi.
However, when he entered the tent, he discovered that it was empty except for Suikazan Fuguki.
Suikazan Fuguki sat in the main seat, chewing on a piece of hot roasted meat. When he saw Asuka enter, he didn't even stop eating.
"Well, well. Isn't this Jōnin Asuka? Back from patrol already? Why do you look so miserable? Come, come—sit down and rest."
Looking at Fuguki's mocking expression, Asuka replied coldly, "Thank you for your concern, Jōnin Fuguki. But I came to report information to Senior Kenshi. Since he's not here, I'll take my leave."
He turned and began to walk out.
"Wait."
Suikazan Fuguki's voice suddenly rang out.
"Jōnin Asuka, I'm currently in charge of the border outpost. Why aren't you reporting to me?"
As he spoke, Fuguki suddenly released his full killing intent.
"As it happens, I didn't want to spoil your appetite, Jōnin Fuguki."
Asuka turned around and released his own killing intent as well.
The two powerful killing intents collided in the air.
For a moment, the surrounding atmosphere seemed to twist, as if something invisible was pulling at the very air itself, causing it to ripple visibly.