NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: 22. Return To The Battlefield
The Void of Time was quiet, almost serene, as Ryusei awoke from his rest. The ethereal energies around him shifted and pulsed gently, like the gentle heartbeat of a world that transcended the usual boundaries of reality. He sat up slowly, feeling a deep calm within him, as if the rest had not only renewed his body but also aligned his spirit with the vast, boundless energy of this realm.
Ryusei glanced around and saw his friends still asleep, scattered in various positions across their camp. Naruto was sprawled out on his back, snoring loudly, while Sasuke lay with one arm over his face, his expression as stoic as ever even in sleep. Sakura was curled up peacefully, and Anon sat off to the side, resting against a swirling tendril of Void energy, his breathing steady and deep.
Rising to his feet, Ryusei stretched, feeling the strength of his Saiyan blood coursing through him, invigorated by the night's rest. With a smile, he decided to prepare a meal for the team—something to ground them before they reentered the chaos of the battlefield. Even in the Void of Time, the fundamentals were still important: food, warmth, and camaraderie.
Ryusei set to work, using a flat stone as a makeshift grill. He summoned small flames with his chakra, infusing them with a hint of Time energy to maintain a steady heat. He had stored some ingredients from their previous travels, and though they were simple, he knew they'd be enough to make something nourishing.
As he worked, the smell of cooking food began to drift through the camp, and one by one, his teammates stirred. Naruto was the first to wake, drawn in by the aroma. He sat up, rubbing his eyes and grinning as he realized what Ryusei was doing.
"Man, Ryusei, you're a lifesaver," Naruto said, scrambling over to join him. "I'm starving!"
Ryusei chuckled, handing Naruto a piece of bread he'd toasted over the flame. "Figured you'd appreciate a hot meal before we jump back into things. This place might be a realm beyond time, but even here, food helps."
Sasuke and Sakura joined them next, their faces lighting up as they saw the spread Ryusei had prepared. Anon followed quietly, his usual stoic expression softening as he took a seat with the rest of the group.
They ate together, the quiet of the Void of Time filling with their laughter and conversation. It was a moment of peace, a shared pause in the midst of their journey, reminding them of the bonds they'd formed and the strength they drew from one another.
As they finished, Ryusei stood, wiping his hands and looking at each of them with a renewed sense of purpose. "Alright, everyone. It's time. We've trained, we've rested, and we know what we're up against. Let's head back and face this war together."
The others nodded, each of them rising to their feet and preparing themselves mentally for the return. Anon took a step forward, raising a hand, and the Void around them began to shimmer, shifting as he prepared to guide them out.
"Leaving this realm is a bit like stepping back into the flow of a river," Anon explained. "The Void of Time has been a place for us to grow, but the battlefield awaits, and it won't wait for us. Ready?"
Ryusei gave a final glance around the realm, feeling a sense of gratitude for the power and insight they had gained here. "Ready," he replied, his voice steady and full of conviction. "Let's do this."
With that, Anon released the energy, and the Void of Time around them rippled, dissolving as reality began to reshape itself. The infinite expanse was replaced by a rush of colors and sensations, like slipping between dreams, until finally, they emerged on solid ground.
They stood on the edge of the battlefield, the familiar sight of the ninja world spreading out before them, but with an unmistakable air of tension. The sky was dark, and the distant sounds of clashing metal and explosive jutsus filled the air, a stark contrast to the silence of the Void of Time.
Ryusei took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. "We're back," he said, his voice carrying the gravity of their mission. "Let's make this count."
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Anon stepped up beside him, their faces set with determination as they prepared to face the war that awaited them. Together, they walked forward, leaving the tranquility of the Void behind and stepping into the heart of the conflict, ready to use everything they had learned to change the course of the battle.
As they took their first steps onto the battlefield, Ryusei scanned the horizon, taking in the chaos that stretched before them. He turned to Anon, his expression serious and focused. "Anon, we need a quick rundown. Where are the enemy forces coming from? If we can get a sense of their positions, we might be able to thin their numbers before they reach the villages."
Anon nodded, quickly assessing the scene and drawing on his knowledge of the conflict. "The largest concentration of enemy forces is coming from the east. They've set up a series of camps just beyond the river, about two miles from here. It looks like they're staging a full-scale assault on the Leaf Village, but they've been moving tactically, hitting smaller settlements along the way to weaken our defenses."
He pointed to a distant ridge, where a thin line of smoke curled into the sky. "That's the direction they're advancing from. They're using Edo Tensei to reanimate powerful shinobi, so their numbers are deceptive—they can raise any fallen soldier to fight again."
Ryusei clenched his fists, nodding as he took in the information. "So, they're using the undead to overwhelm us. If we can get to that ridge and disrupt their operations, we might be able to lower their numbers before they reach the village." He turned to the others, his expression resolute. "We'll need to hit them hard and fast. If we can break their lines and take out their reanimation sources, we'll give the Leaf Village a better chance to regroup."
Naruto stepped up, his face determined. "Let's do it. I'll take the front and make a path. We can push through and hit their camps before they know what's happening."
Sasuke nodded, sharing Naruto's resolve. "I'll cover our flanks. If they're using reanimation jutsu, we need to destroy the summoners first. Without them, the Edo Tensei won't hold."
Sakura looked at Anon. "You know this battlefield better than any of us. Which village are we closest to? If we need reinforcements, I can send a signal for backup."
Anon looked to the west, his gaze fixed on the distant peaks of the mountains. "The nearest village is the Hidden Cloud. They've been wary of alliances, but they're skilled, and they have some formidable shinobi stationed there. If we can reach them, they might be willing to provide support—especially if they see the situation firsthand."
Ryusei considered their options, his mind racing as he weighed the risks and potential outcomes. "Alright, here's the plan. We'll move toward the ridge and launch a surprise attack on their camps. Sakura, be ready to send a signal to the Hidden Cloud if things get tight—we may need them to hold off any reinforcements while we handle the summoners. Anon, lead us through the safest path. We need to get close enough to strike without alerting them."
Anon nodded, his expression steely as he glanced around, surveying the terrain. "There's a hidden path that follows the river. It'll keep us out of sight until we're right on top of them. But once we're there, it'll be chaos. They'll retaliate fast, and they won't hesitate to bring everything they have."
Ryusei's eyes gleamed with determination. "That's fine by me. The sooner we hit them, the better. If we move quickly, we can create enough confusion to split their forces and weaken their position."
Naruto cracked his knuckles, a grin spreading across his face. "Let's give 'em everything we've got. They won't know what hit them."
With their plan set, the team moved out, following Anon along the river's edge, keeping low as they made their way toward the enemy's position. The quiet murmur of the water masked their footsteps, and the trees provided cover as they advanced. They moved as one, their focus sharp, each of them ready to unleash the full extent of their powers when the time came.
As they neared the ridge, the distant sounds of enemy forces grew louder. Ryusei's senses heightened, the energy around him crackling with anticipation. They were on the edge of a battle that would test everything they had learned, but together, they were ready to face whatever awaited them beyond the next bend.