Traveling Through Multiple Realms: The Supporting Character's Counterattack

Chapter 39 Departure to the Land of Rain

The attack from Iwagakure gradually subsided, like the receding tide.

The successive severe injuries to the two Jinchūriki, especially the backlash suffered by the Four-Tails Jinchūriki Roshi after his Tailed Beast Ball was blocked, clearly shook the resolve of the Iwagakure leadership.

Large-scale decisive battles ceased, replaced by sporadic, small-scale skirmishes filled with probing and retaliatory tactics.

After a brutal and bloody battle, the Grass Country front unexpectedly fell into a fragile and precarious balance.

The atmosphere of surviving the disaster permeated the Konoha camp, but there was also a deep sense of exhaustion and sorrow.

The list of the dead was circulated silently, and the wounded soldiers' camp remained busy.

However, amidst this somber atmosphere, two names, like sunlight piercing through the gloom, were repeatedly sung by all the survivors, carrying with them gratitude for surviving the ordeal and heartfelt respect—Minato Namikaze and Genma Shiranui.

Together they defeated Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, and with astonishing power they intercepted and detonated the Tailed Beast Ball, severely injuring Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki.

This glorious, almost legendary achievement served as a powerful stimulant, greatly boosting morale after a period of low spirits.

The reputation of "Yellow Flash" grew ever stronger, while "Black Lightning" Genma Shiranui truly transformed from a "talented newcomer" into a symbol of strength that enemies feared and allies trusted.

At the post-war debriefing meeting, Jiraiya did not hold back in praising Genma and personally recommended him for credit.

A few days later, the Hokage's promotion order was delivered to the front lines via the communication ninja hawk.

"Genma Shiranui, a genin, has distinguished himself on the front lines in the Land of Grass, demonstrating exceptional strength and unwavering resolve to protect Konoha. Therefore, in accordance with precedent, he is promoted to chunin!"

The order was brief. When Shirakumo Hayama read it aloud to Team 10, even the usually hot-blooded Guy fell silent. Together with Ebisu, they looked at their young teammates with a mixture of excitement, envy, and immense pride.

Genma calmly accepted the green vest that represented his Chunin status and the brand-new headband, without much emotional turmoil.

His promotion to Chunin was expected; for him, this uniform represented more of a responsibility than an honor.

What he cares more about is the real improvement in his strength, and whether he can protect everything he wants to protect in the coming storm.

The brief respite lasted only a few days before new orders were issued, and this time, they stirred something within Genji.

"Chunin Genma Shiranui!"

The ANBU messenger's voice was cold. "Assign them to a special escort team, led by Jonin Minato Namikaze. Members include Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, and Inoichi Yamanaka. Mission: Escort Lady Tsunade and some key medical personnel to the border of the Land of Rain immediately to establish a forward medical position!"

The land of rain!

Upon hearing the place name, Genma's eyes narrowed slightly.

That country, shrouded in rain year-round, was one of the main battlefields of the Second Shinobi World War, and is now the place with the most treacherous and complex situation.

The attitude of Amegakure under Hanzo's rule is ambiguous, and according to his memories from his previous life, the future Akatsuki organization may already be taking shape at this moment.

Going there means stepping into a more dangerous and complex vortex.

But an order is an order.

An hour later, at the entrance to the Konoha camp.

A well-trained squad has assembled, with Minato Namikaze standing at the front. His blond hair flutters in the breeze, and his face still bears that reassuring, gentle smile, but his eyes are sharp, indicating that he is ready for the mission.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio—Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi—are a veteran elite group with a calm demeanor and eyes that convey the composure and tacit understanding of seasoned veterans.

Tsunade changed into a combat suit that allowed for easy movement. Her expression was stern, but her brows showed more determination and resolve than when she was in the village.

Shizune followed behind her, carrying a huge scroll on her back. Her gaze toward Genma was filled with worry, but also a hint of pride and joy.

"Everyone is here."

Minato scanned the room, his voice clear and forceful, "Everyone is already aware of the mission details. The situation in the Land of Rain is complex, and the journey is fraught with danger. Everyone must be on high alert. Our primary task is to ensure the safe arrival of Lady Tsunade and the medical team, and to enable them to begin their work smoothly. Let's go!"

Without further ado, the team shot off like arrows into the vast forest, speeding towards the Land of Rain.

As we left the hilly areas of the Grass Country, the humidity in the air increased significantly.

The sky grew increasingly gloomy, with leaden-gray clouds hanging low as if they might unleash a downpour at any moment.

The ground beneath our feet gradually became muddy, and the vegetation showed signs of wilting from excessive rain.

The group moved forward in silence at an extremely fast pace.

Minato, acting as the vanguard, appeared and disappeared intermittently, using the Flying Thunder God Kunai for long-range reconnaissance and route confirmation.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio formed a triangular formation around Tsunade and the medical ninja. Shikaku's mind raced, constantly analyzing potential enemy situations and countermeasures.

The massive size of Dingza provided a strong sense of security, while Haiyi constantly sensed the chakra fluctuations around him.

Genma, as a newly promoted Chunin, was assigned by Minato to the flank of the team, where he was responsible for both reconnaissance and support.

He did not become complacent because of his promotion; on the contrary, he became even more vigilant.

Chakra perception ability was activated silently, like an invisible radar, covering a range of nearly a kilometer around the team.

The scent of rain, the fragrance of earth, and the occasional subtle sounds from afar all flowed into his mind as a stream of information.

"Three kilometers ahead, there is a slight chakra reaction, number three, suspected to be a Rain Village patrol team."

Haiyi suddenly warned in a low voice, his telepathic abilities giving him a unique advantage in reconnaissance.

"bypass."

Shikaku immediately made a decision: "Avoid unnecessary conflict."

Minato's figure appeared instantly at the front of the group, nodded in acknowledgment, and led the group to silently change direction, blending into the denser forest like a group of ghosts.

This efficient evasion and movement made Genma deeply realize the difference between cooperating with an elite squad.

Everyone performs their duties and works together seamlessly to minimize the risks of exposure.

This is completely different from the fighting style of Team 10 in the Land of Grass, which focuses more on stealth, efficiency, and mission-first.

After two days of rapid marching, they were getting closer and closer to the border of the Land of Rain.

The moisture in the air almost condensed into water droplets, and a light drizzle began to fall, pattering on the leaves.

As evening fell, the group rested in a secluded cave.

The rain outside the cave grew heavier, pattering against the rocks and playing a monotonous and oppressive melody.

Tsunade was checking the medical supplies, with Shizune helping her.

The three members of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio sat together, discussing their plans for action after entering the Land of Rain.

Minato stood at the cave entrance, gazing at the continuous rain outside, his golden brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, as if deep in thought.

Genma sat near the cave entrance, wiping the chakra metal kunai.

The cool touch calmed his mind.

He could feel that the closer he got to the Land of Rain, the more obvious the invisible pressure became.

This is not just from potential enemies, but also seems to stem from a sadness and oppression that permeates this land itself.

"How are you feeling?"

Minato's voice rang out beside me; he had walked over at some point.

"It's alright, Minato-senpai."

Genma looked up. "I just feel like this rain is making it hard to breathe."

Minato nodded, his gaze deep: "The Land of Rain is a country soaked in tears. Years of war, caught between powerful nations, have left even the rain here with a bitter taste. When we go in, we will not only face the enemy, but also be wary of the local power—Hanzo the Salamander is not someone to be trifled with."

There was a hint of seriousness in his tone.

Clearly, even for "Yellow Flash," this mission was far from a simple escort.

"I've heard that Hanzo is called a 'demigod'."

Genma continued the conversation.

"Yes, 'demigod'."

Minato repeated the title, his tone calm yet exuding arrogance, "But even if it is a god, if it blocks Konoha's path, we will try to put up a fight."

He looked at Genji, a encouraging smile returning to his face: "However, with you here, our chances of winning have increased even more. That attack that intercepted the Tailed Beast Ball was truly beautiful. Your growth rate is beyond everyone's imagination."

Genma smiled, neither modest nor arrogant.