Northern Frontline Temporary Base of the Land of Fire.

After enduring a brutal ambush, this unit was left with only a handful of survivors.

It was only thanks to Minato's timely arrival that they managed to break through the encirclement; otherwise, everyone would have perished at the hands of the enemy.

Inside the main tent, Minato sat together with the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

"Are you saying that we have an internal problem?" Minato asked thoughtfully.

"It's just a suspicion," Shikaku replied.

"Do you have any evidence?"

"Our marching route was carefully scouted by the reconnaissance unit and is highly confidential.

If the enemy had reconnaissance capabilities far superior to ours, they would have already gained the upper hand in this war," Shikaku explained.

Minato furrowed his brows but remained silent.

Shikaku continued, "I know this may sound far-fetched, so it's only a suspicion for now."

Minato asked, "What do you plan to do?"

"I need to confirm my suspicion.

If there truly is an enemy spy among us, it would be a devastating blow to our upcoming operations."

As Shikaku spoke, he took out three small scrolls he had just drawn.

"These are three different retreat routes.

They need to be delivered to the other camps.

I've already sent a reconnaissance ninja ahead to monitor each of these routes."

"Kakashi!" Shikaku called out toward the tent entrance.

Shortly after, a white-haired youth with a mask walked in.

Shikaku handed one of the scrolls to Kakashi.

"Take this to Lord Jiraiya's camp to the east. Go quickly and return immediately."

"Understood," Kakashi replied briefly, taking the scroll and leaving the main tent.

Shikaku handed the other two scrolls to Minato.

"Minato, I'll need you to take care of these two.

Deliver them to Fugaku's camp to the west and the forward outpost to the northwest."

Minato nodded slightly and asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

Shikaku glanced at the clock on the table. "We'll depart at 3 p.m."

"There's enough time. I'll make it back," Minato replied.

The distance between the different camps wasn't short.

Before any action, messengers would be sent to inform one another to ensure everyone stayed updated on each other's movements.

As Minato stepped out of the main tent, he was greeted by the sight of the remaining soldiers gathered around.

A mere few hundred people remained, their morale low.

Many were injured, leaning against tree trunks or lying on the ground to rest.

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Seeing Minato emerge, some still mustered the strength to stand and greet him with a respectful, "Lord Minato."

Minato felt a heavy weight in his heart as he looked at these familiar faces.

Just two days ago, there had been so many more.

He didn't say much.

Without hesitation, he vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

At that moment, Shikaku also stepped out of the camp.

"Everyone, get ready. We'll depart in an hour, heading to Mt. Seiun for evacuation."

The hour passed quickly, and as promised, Minato returned on time.

After the troops finished their preparations, they set off once again.

Mt. Seiun spanned the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass.

Its terrain wasn't particularly rugged, and the scenery was serene and picturesque.

Leading the troops along the mountainside trail, Shikaku observed the lush vegetation surrounding them.

He couldn't help but think that if a bloody battle were to take place here, it would likely cause significant damage to the environment.

He hoped his worries were unfounded.

"How long have we been walking?" Minato asked.

"Over 40 minutes," Shikaku replied.

Minato said, "It's been this long without any news, so it should be fine."

Shikaku nodded. "Let's hope so."

Considering there were injured people in the group, their pace was slow.

Minato walked at the front of the formation, frequently glancing back at his remaining comrades.

Resolute, he was determined to ensure that every one of them made it back safely.

"Minato," Choza called, tossing him a water pouch.

Minato caught it, opened it, and took a sip.

As he looked into the distance, the sky appeared as clear and blue as jade, with a few scattered white clouds.

He thought to himself that the view would likely be even more breathtaking from the mountaintop.

Just as Minato finished drinking, the reconnaissance ninja Shikaku had sent ahead returned.

His arrival made Minato and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio feel a heavy weight in their hearts.

"What's the situation?" Shikaku asked, frowning.

"I discovered a group of Iwagakure shinobi at my location, numbering about five to six hundred!"

The scout took the water pouch Minato handed him, drank a sip, and spoke while slightly panting.

"I see," Shikaku replied expressionlessly.

The location this scout had been sent to was along the evacuation route intended for Lord Jiraiya's camp.

"You should rest for now," Shikaku told him.

It seemed the enemy had infiltrated Lord Jiraiya's camp.

"Shikaku, it seems your guess was correct," Inoichi remarked.

"We need to warn Jiraiya-sensei," Minato said.

Shikaku nodded and was just about to say something when another reconnaissance ninja returned.

This scout had been sent to the evacuation route leading to Fugaku's camp.

Everyone felt their hearts sink.

Moments later, the last reconnaissance ninja returned as well.

All of them brought back the same message: there was a group of Iwagakure shinobi discovered at their respective locations.

Shikaku felt a chill run down his spine.

He turned to look at Minato, whose solemn expression now carried a hint of shock.

Every camp had a spy!

How could they possibly fight a battle like this?

Suddenly, something clicked in Shikaku's mind.

He abruptly stood up and shouted, "Stop moving forward!"

He scanned their surroundings, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.

"Inoichi!" Shikaku's voice was already hoarse, and as soon as he shouted, Inoichi had already begun performing his sensory ninjutsu.

The unit came to a halt, their eyes wary of their surroundings.

The once lush and dense forest now seemed fraught with hidden dangers.

After a moment, Inoichi said, "I don't sense anything unusual... If they've prepared an ambush in advance, they might have used methods to block detection."

Shikaku said, "This is aimed at our unit. They are determined to wipe us out!"

At this moment, Minato stepped forward, his expression calm.

"Leave it to me," he said.

Shikaku hesitated. "Just you?"

He knew Minato was incredibly strong—far beyond the capabilities of an average ninja, someone even Shikaku himself couldn't compare to—but the enemy numbered five to six hundred!

"It might be tricky. I'll need Inoichi's help," Minato replied.

"When the enemy reveals themselves, relay the positions of all of them to me."

"Understood!" Inoichi responded firmly.

"We'll go too!" At that moment, voices rose from within the unit.

Several ninja stepped forward voluntarily, their faces resolute as they looked at Shikaku and Minato.

"And me!"

"And us!"

More people came forward, even the injured among them. Not a single one showed any hint of fear.

"We can't keep relying on Lord Minato to protect us."

"We refuse to be burdens. To die for the village is an honor."

"That's right! We'll fight too!"

Shikaku was deeply moved but couldn't help letting out a wry smile.

"What kind of strategy involves knowingly walking into a trap?"

He turned to Minato again, a sigh in his heart.

This was the power of Minato's charisma.

Shikaku immediately gave the order.

"Change the route. Everyone, head down the mountain.

Minato and Inoichi will stay at the rear to prevent the enemy from noticing and pursuing us."

The group exchanged uncertain glances but ultimately chose to follow Shikaku's orders.

The unit proceeded down the mountain.

Not far into their journey, Shikaku couldn't help but glance back at Minato and Inoichi.

Iwagakure shinobi aren't the real threat.

The real danger lies in the unseen people within our own ranks.