That evening, Minato Namikaze finally returned from Wildfire Outpost.
As usual, Kakashi exchanged the countersign with him and confirmed his identity using the Flying Thunder God kunai.
Only after the verification was complete did Minato gather the team and explain the latest situation.
"The Ryūgetsu Outpost has indeed fallen."
The atmosphere immediately grew heavier.
"We've received new orders. Our squad is to proceed to the Ryūgetsu Outpost region, rendezvous with Inuzuka Tsume's team, gather any remaining Konoha forces, and coordinate an operation to reclaim the outpost."
"As for patrol sectors Seven through Ten, another squad will be taking over. Once they arrive, we'll depart immediately."
Kakashi frowned.
"Reclaim the outpost?"
This was no longer a simple reconnaissance mission.
Although the Ryūgetsu Outpost wasn't as large as Wildfire Outpost, Konoha still maintained a considerable military presence there. If Sunagakure had managed to capture it without warning, they must have committed a significant force.
Trying to take it back would be far more dangerous than anything Team Minato had faced so far.
Obito clenched his fists.
"So the real battle is finally starting."
His voice carried both excitement and nervous anticipation.
Ren and Rin exchanged a brief glance but remained silent.
Both understood the meaning behind Minato's words.
The upcoming mission would be far more dangerous than their previous patrols.
Seeing the tension on their faces, Minato smiled reassuringly.
"The relief squad has already completed its preparations and should arrive tomorrow afternoon at the latest."
"Until then, get some rest and recover your strength."
Then he suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right."
A smile appeared on his face.
"Jiraiya-sensei asked me to bring a few gifts for all of you."
As he spoke, Minato unsealed a storage scroll.
Several items appeared in a puff of smoke.
A ninjutsu scroll.
Two books.
Several specialized ninja tools.
And a neatly folded set of black protective gear.
Ren's gaze immediately locked onto the scroll.
"What is that?"
Minato picked it up.
"This is a defensive ninjutsu developed by Jiraiya-sensei—Needle Jizo."
"It hardens and controls the user's hair, allowing it to form an incredibly durable defensive barrier."
"It's simple, practical, and extremely effective."
The moment Ren heard those words, the familiar system notification appeared.
[Ding! Giftable Item Detected: Limited Skin — Transformation Technique: Needle Jizo!]
A smile instantly appeared on Ren's face.
Another skin.
And this one seemed particularly useful.
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