The next day.
Sunagakure.
Kazekage's Office.
"Lord Kazekage, Elder Kazuo's people have already set out."
"They concealed themselves well. We couldn't determine which team Elder Kazuo was hiding in."
Under the surveillance of Sunagakure's Anbu, Elder Kazuo had still set out.
However, Elder Kazuo had made corresponding arrangements as well, mixing truth with falsehood until they could not tell exactly which team he was in.
Pakura glanced at the report in her hand. "It's fine. Konoha can't possibly penetrate deep into our territory to receive them."
"Have the scouting squad follow them from the greatest possible distance."
"If there is any news about Konoha or Black Zetsu, inform me first."
"Without my permission, no one is allowed to make a move."
"Yes!"
Not long after the Anbu left.
Maki knocked on the door and entered. She was fully equipped and carrying a Sealing cloth scroll. "Teacher, I'm ready."
Pakura fastened her cloak and hood. "Then let's go."
"Yes!"
The Land of Wind's daytime sun still blazed overhead.
In other countries, it was already winter by this time.
But in the desert, there was no winter during the day. Temperatures still remained above thirty degrees Celsius.
Though that temperature was hardly low, comparatively speaking, it was already bearable for the desert.
At this time, a team was rapidly crossing the desert.
Every one of them wore scarves around their heads and cloaks over their bodies. They were fully armed.
The man in the lead was powerfully built, nearly two meters tall, with arms thicker than an ordinary person's head.
A small basket was strapped to his back, and seated inside was a shriveled old man with a head full of white hair.
"Akane, where are we?"
Though the shriveled old man was thin, he was in fairly good spirits. Even