Tsunade recalled that Shinichi indeed possessed perception abilities beyond those of ordinary people, something that had drawn attention during his academy days.
Moreover, she knew very well that in the Shinobi World, no ability was absolutely invincible. If the enemy possessed some method specifically designed to counter or interfere with the Byakugan…
"Orders!"
Tsunade no longer hesitated. Her voice suddenly rose, instantly breaking the silence of the camp: "All units, attention! Highest alert! Non-frontline personnel immediately move toward the central area! All combat personnel take positions according to the preset defensive formation! Barrier team, deploy defensive barriers immediately! Reconnaissance team, expand the alert range, focus on detecting abnormal chakra-suppressed zones!"
"Communications team! Immediately attempt to contact the forward reconnaissance team led by Kenichi Hyuga and the rear team led by Ryota Hyuga! Repeat the call!"
A series of orders was issued like a storm, and the entire camp instantly came alive!
The resting ninja sprang up at astonishing speed. Medical personnel quickly gathered important supplies and moved toward the center, while combat personnel rapidly occupied advantageous positions around the camp as if drilled countless times before. Kunai were drawn, tools readied, and a tense atmosphere replaced the previous calm.
Upon receiving the order, Yuto Hyuga's expression tightened. The veins around his Byakugan became even more pronounced as he carefully scanned the surroundings.
At the same time, Shinichi's figure flashed as he quickly retreated into his tent, seemingly preparing his equipment. A few seconds later, he walked out again.
However, if Yuto Hyuga could spare even a fraction of attention to carefully observe Shinichi with his fully activated Byakugan at this moment, he would be shocked to discover that Shinichi's physique and chakra had become extremely massive and condensed, even faintly emitting a completely different, more aggressive fluctuation.
But at this moment, all of Yuto Hyuga's focus was locked onto the potentially deadly threats in the darkness outside the camp. He had neither the time nor the capacity to discern the subtle anomaly of a single chakra source among hundreds within the camp.
Moreover, no matter how he observed, he would only conclude that Shinichi was himself, at most noticing that his physique and chakra seemed somewhat greater than before.
This was something Shinichi had only figured out last month when he coincidentally encountered Hizashi Hyuga and deliberately sparred with him under some pretext.
Shinichi quickly arrived at the position assigned to his medical squad, joining several equally tense Medical Ninjas. Under their astonished gazes, he rapidly formed hand seals for the Summoning Technique, then pressed one palm onto the ground.
"Bang!"
A burst of white smoke exploded. As it quickly dissipated, a towering and powerfully built figure appeared before everyone, its entire body packed with muscles like tempered steel.
Its face was resolute, its gaze sharp; it was none other than the third Hokage's summoning animal, Monkey King Enma!
Although the Adamantine Monkey Clan had long been the hereditary summoning animals of the Sarutobi Clan and maintained a close relationship with them, they were not entirely unwilling to contract with outsiders.
In fact, back then, the third Hokage had once intended to grant the contract to his student Jiraiya. However, before he could formally sign, that guy had recklessly tried the Summoning Technique.
By sheer coincidence, he ended up summoning himself to Mount Myoboku, thus forming an inseparable bond with the toads. This incident had become a humorous anecdote occasionally joked about between master and student.
"Oh?"
Enma had just appeared when his gaze swept across the tense crowd preparing for battle and the pervasive killing intent, and he immediately understood the situation. "Going to fight? The atmosphere is quite tense."
His eyes quickly landed on Tsunade in the distance. "Little Tsunade is here too."
Seeing that Shinichi could actually summon Enma, a trace of surprise flashed in Tsunade's eyes, and her estimation of how much the old man valued Shinichi rose even higher.
Not only had he sent Enma personally to guide his physical training, but he had also allowed him to sign a contract with him.
At the same time, the heavy weight in her heart eased somewhat.
She knew Enma's strength very well. With this powerful summoning animal anchoring the situation, the team's defensive depth and adaptability would greatly improve.
"Uncle Enma, I'll be counting on you later!"
Tsunade called out.
Enma nodded at her without saying much, then turned to look at Shinichi, who had summoned him, waiting for instructions.
"Senior Enma, please transform into the Adamantine Nyoi and lend me your strength!"
A trace of surprise flashed in Enma's golden eyes. He had thought Shinichi summoned him to directly join the battle, but did not expect him to request weapon form immediately.
In this form, most of his direct combat abilities would be restricted, and his effectiveness would largely depend on the user's strength. If the user was insufficiently strong, it would be better for him to fight in his original form.
"Kid, this form isn't so easy to wield."
Enma said in a deep voice. However, his movements did not hesitate. He let out a low roar.
In the next second, a flash of white smoke passed, and a long staff over two meters in length appeared in place.
The middle section of the staff was pitch black, as if absorbing light, while both ends were dark gold with faint, mysterious patterns flowing across them.
Just by standing there, it gave off an overwhelming sense of indestructibility and mountain-like weight.
It was the weapon transformation of the Adamantine Monkey Clan, the Adamantine Nyoi!
Shinichi stepped forward and firmly grasped the cold shaft with his right hand.
"Any findings?!"
Tsunade, while rapidly directing the team to form a defensive circle protecting weaker personnel in the center, shouted sharply toward Yuto Hyuga.
Sweat had already appeared on Yuto Hyuga's forehead, the veins around his eyes bulging as he scanned every direction with all his strength. Hearing this, he could only grit his teeth and shake his head. "No, Lady Tsunade."
His heart was filled with doubt and unease. The forward reconnaissance team led by his cousin Kenichi had remained completely silent; this itself was extremely abnormal. Yet within his vision, the area ahead was indeed unnaturally clean.
At this moment, a ninja ran over with a pale face and reported, "Lady Tsunade! The team led by Ryota Hyuga has sent a message: they are retreating! But the team led by Kenichi Hyuga still has no response! All communication and signals are cut off!"
"As expected, something happened!"
Tsunade's heart sank sharply; the last trace of hope was shattered.
She looked toward Yuto Hyuga, who also understood the severity of the situation. There was no time to ponder why his Byakugan had failed or why Kenichi had lost contact. He could only lock his gaze onto his field of vision, not letting go of even the slightest fluctuation.
At the same time that the Konoha camp was hastily fortifying defenses, about two kilometers away, behind what appeared to be an unremarkable rocky slope, the Village Hidden in the Sand's main assault force had already quietly reached the front line.