Naruto: Upending the Shinobi World with Science-VOL.2

Chapter 201 -202: Returning to the Village

The sky had finally cleared. Long-absent sunlight cut through the gloom that had hung over the border for weeks.

"Finally heading back."

Jiraiya stood on a ridge, watching the Leaf forces below snake out in a long, winding column. He stretched his arms wide and rolled his neck until his joints crackled satisfyingly.

"We've been out here a long time. I need to finish The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi when I get back. It's been dragging on way too long."

"Teacher, you still haven't finished that book? It's been years."

Nishikawa Che asked from beside him, hands still moving as he worked through the final supply manifest.

"Shut up! What do you know?" Jiraiya shot him a glare. "The longer a classic takes to write, the more it proves it has the potential to become one." His expression shifted, turning serious. "Are the garrison arrangements finalized?"

"Done." Che set down his clipboard. "Two battalions stay behind to hold the border fortress. Between the new Sensing Barrier and the Electromagnetic Artillery units, they can handle anything unexpected. Iwagakure has pulled back — they shouldn't make any major moves for a while."

"Hmm." Jiraiya nodded, his gaze drifting east toward the Land of Rice Fields. His expression darkened. "And Orochimaru's situation..."

"The village's orders are for Lord Orochimaru to remain stationed there."

Che put away the manifest and explained: "We captured the Third Raikage. That gives us leverage — Kumogakure can't afford to act recklessly while their Kage is in our hands. But that's exactly why their internal situation is a powder keg right now. They're cornered. If we don't keep someone there to hold the line, a cornered beast will bite."

"So we need someone who can actually hold down the fort," he finished.

Fugaku picked up from there, arms folded. "Lord Orochimaru is probably enjoying himself over there. There are quite a few Kumo prisoners available for him to... ahem. Do research."

"Then it's settled." Jiraiya swept his arm forward with a grin. "We take our spoils and march home in triumph. Destination: Konoha!"

---

The return trip was unhurried but not slow. The column carried wounded and supplies, yet the pace stayed steady. They had won. Spirits were light.

When they passed through a busy commercial town on the border of the Land of Fire, Che suddenly called out.

"Teacher Jiraiya, head on without me. I need to pick up some things. Don't wait — I'll catch up to the main column."

Jiraiya glanced at the busy market nearby and nodded, understanding immediately.

"Go ahead. You always know how to handle people."

Fugaku fell into step beside Che as he ducked into the market, looking mildly exasperated. "What are you doing? We don't need supplies."

"We don't need military supplies." Che turned back with a grin. "We need souvenirs."

"We've been gone a long time. There are a whole bunch of eagerly waiting little ones back in the village." He started weaving through the stalls. "I promised in my last letter I'd bring gifts. If I walk back empty-handed, I'll never hear the end of it. I'd like to actually enjoy the New Year."

Fugaku paused. He thought of Mikoto at home. The New Year was almost here, and he hadn't prepared anything. His expression shifted. A little stiff, a little self-conscious, he fell in quietly behind Che.