Chapter Twenty-Two: Staying Behind and Misunderstandings

With the last ninja of the Cloud Shinobi transport squad taken care of, the sabotage mission proceeded smoothly.

“Burn these supplies and head to the next outpost immediately!” Uchiha Li flicked the blood-soaked kunai in his hand, his eyes cold as the three tomoe of the Sharingan slowly rotated in his pupils. He issued his command with an icy tone.

“Yes, Lord Li!” The five members of the squad responded instinctively, without a trace of hesitation.

Though in name, Uchiha Li wasn’t truly their captain—only appointed temporarily—and he hadn’t even participated in the jonin exams yet, so his ninja certificate still marked him as a chunin. But in this world of the ninja, where the strong prey on the weak, titles meant little.

In these two battles, Uchiha Li had already displayed strength far exceeding that of ordinary jonin. He had almost single-handedly taken down a transport squad composed of over ten Cloud Shinobi. He had, without question, won the respect of all.

Soon, the Cloud Shinobi’s supplies were burned to ashes, and Uchiha Li led his team deeper into enemy territory, quickly encountering a second transport squad. The outcome was the same: swift and decisive, Uchiha Li dealt with his foes and began searching the battlefield for any other Cloud Shinobi convoys.

Yet, after nearly an hour of searching, he found only some charred supplies along the way—no sign of any other transport teams.

“So quick to respond?” Although it was expected, the speed of the Cloud Shinobi’s retreat surprised Uchiha Li.

“Lord Li, the Cloud Shinobi must have noticed our actions. Should we continue the mission?” Asami Keiji, a chunin in the squad, ran over respectfully to ask.

“No need to continue.” Uchiha Li smiled and shook his head. “Let’s return at once and rendezvous with Captain Suzaku!”

The main objective of this raid was to sabotage the Cloud Shinobi’s rear outposts; disrupting their supply lines was merely a bonus. Now that the enemy was alerted, supplies would not be sent anytime soon. Searching further would only waste time.

So, it was better to return and join Nara Suzaku and Akimichi Suto.

“Yes!” Upon hearing Uchiha Li’s order, Asami Keiji and the other three members responded in unison.

Forming up, they began their rapid withdrawal.

But as they passed through a mountain valley, everyone’s steps halted as they looked up at the scene before them.

For the once-empty valley now swarmed with dozens of Cloud Shinobi who appeared as they approached.

“This is bad—we’re surrounded!”

“Damn it! If not for the Hyuga clan needing to follow the main force to attack the outpost, we wouldn’t be trapped like this.”

“Lord Li, what should we do?” Asami Keiji and the others instinctively looked to Uchiha Li, their composure wavering.

There was no help for it. Just a glance revealed at least three jonin-level chakra signatures among the ambushing Cloud Shinobi. Not to mention the leader—a distinctly marked Cloud Shinobi: short purple hair, a scroll clenched in his teeth.

He was Troy, the elite jonin and bearer of the Magnet Release bloodline limit from the Hidden Cloud!

Troy barely appeared in the original story; perhaps his only moment in the spotlight was when Kabuto resurrected him with the Impure World Reincarnation.

But Uchiha Li knew more. During the Third Shinobi World War, he’d heard of Troy’s exploits.

All thanks to Troy’s unique bloodline: Magnet Release.

With it, Troy could manipulate opponents’ weapons using magnetic force. Any iron weapon, be it kunai or shuriken, could not escape his control. On the battlefield, such a bloodline was devastating beyond imagination!

Uchiha Li glanced at his trembling companions and made his decision: “Scatter and seek support from the main force. I’ll cover the retreat.”

“Lord Li, you should be the one to break out. In this situation, only you have a chance to escape.” The squad members were moved by his decision.

They knew Uchiha Li’s strength well. If he abandoned them now, his chances of breaking through were not small. Yet he chose to cover them—a choice they hadn’t expected.

Even though they wished to survive, they understood what was right. If Uchiha Li tried to break out, he might survive, but if they went first, it was unlikely they’d reach the main force in time.

Carrying the Will of Fire, they had already resolved to die, hoping to buy Uchiha Li a few precious moments.

But Uchiha Li spoke coldly: “Shut up. Scatter and break out at once. I am your captain. That’s an order!”

“Lord Li, we won’t leave. If we go, we go together!” Asami Keiji and the others exchanged glances, tears glimmering in their eyes.

“Get moving! Are you planning to disobey orders?” Uchiha Li’s expression was resolute, his voice stern. “Or must I beg you?”

“No, Lord Li, we wouldn’t dare…” Asami Keiji and the rest were in tears, gazing at Uchiha Li with deep respect, wishing they could stay in his place.

But in the end, under Uchiha Li’s unwavering command, they turned and fled quickly.

Uchiha Li was risking his life for their sake; they could not betray that trust.

“Lord Li, you must survive!”

“We’ll find Captain Suzaku and the others and bring reinforcements right away.”

With regretful glances, the four vanished into the distance.

The Cloud Shinobi made no attempt to pursue, instead encircling Uchiha Li, their target clearly defined.

“How touching,” Troy stepped forward, sneering. “I had thought you’d abandon those worthless teammates and escape alone. Didn’t expect you’d stay behind.”

“You know me?” Uchiha Li seemed oblivious to the encirclement, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

From Troy’s actions, he sensed something was off.

The Cloud Shinobi were clearly here for him—otherwise, they wouldn’t ignore the fleeing squad members.

It must be something about him that drew their attention—perhaps his Sharingan!

“Looks like you’ve figured it out.” Troy, confident and unhurried, continued, “But if you know, and still stay to cover the retreat, do you really think your eyes can hold out until reinforcements arrive?”

He paused, then added, “Since you’re courting death, I won’t hold back!”

Speaking, Troy raised his hand, signaling his men to prepare for attack.

“Wait,” Uchiha Li quickly interrupted.

“Now you’re begging for mercy? Too late!” Troy replied. “Your eyes are to compensate for our village’s losses, so you’d best not resist—it’ll make your death easier.”

Uchiha Li tilted his head, a calm smile blossoming on his face.

“Perhaps you’ve misunderstood something. When did I ever say I stayed behind to cover the retreat?”